UGC/NTA NET/ JRF ITIHAS 4TH EDITION| Drishti IAS | Government Exam Book

Drishti IAS: Your Gateway to Success in Competitive Exams.Prehistoric and Ancient Indian HistoryPrehistoric India: Early Stone Age Mesolithic and Neolithic cultures. Key sites: Bhimbetka Caves Mehrgarh and Harappan Civilizationdus Valley Civilization (IVC): Key features: Town planning drainage systems seals and writing.Decline theories: Natural disaster ecological changes or Aryan invasion.Vedic Period: Vedic literature: Rigveda Samaveda Yajurveda Atharvaveda.Society: Varna system early Aryan economy and political structure.Mahajanapadas: Early republics and monarchies. Rise of the Magadha kingdom.Buddhist and Jain movements: Impact on social and religious life.Maurya Empire: Chandragupta Maurya Ashoka’s Dhamma and the spread of Buddhism.Ashoka’s Edicts and their significance.Post-Maurya Period: Shunga Kushana and Satavahana dynasties.Important rulers: Kanishka and his role in spreading Buddhism.Gupta Period: Golden Age of India: Art literature science and mathematics.Key figures: Samudra Gupta Chandragupta II Kalidasa Aryabhata.2. Medieval Indian HistoryDelhi Sultanate: Key rulers: Qutb-ud-din Aibak Alauddin Khilji Muhammad Tughlaq.Administrative reforms military expansions and cultural impact.Mughal Empire: Major rulers: Akbar Jahangir Shah Jahan Aurangzeb.Administrative structure: Mansabdari system revenue system (Zabt Todar Mal).Mughal architecture: Taj Mahal Fatehpur Sikri Red Fort.Decline: Causes and key events leading to the fall of the Mughal Empire.