Prehistoric Period

• Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age):

  • Early humans lived in caves.

  • Tools made of stone and bones.

  • Example: Bhimbetka caves (Madhya Pradesh)

• Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age):

  • Domestication of animals started.

  • Semi-nomadic lifestyle.

• Neolithic Age (New Stone Age):

  • Use of polished tools.

  • Agriculture started.

  • Settlements like Mehrgarh (now in Pakistan)

Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1300 BCE)

• Major Cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Kalibangan

• Features:

  • Planned city structure

  • Drainage system

  • Granaries and warehouses

  • Seals and script (undeciphered)

• Economy: Agriculture, trade, handicrafts.

• Decline: Possibly due to floods, invasions, or climatic changes.

Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE)

• Early Vedic Period: Focus on Rig Veda, pastoral life.

• Later Vedic Period: Agriculture developed, caste system emerged.

• Political System:

  • Sabha and Samiti (popular assemblies)

  • Kingship established

Mahajanapadas & Rise of Kingdoms

• 16 Mahajanapadas like Magadha, Kashi, Kosala, and Avanti emerged.

• Magadha became the most powerful due to fertile land and iron tools.

Religious Movements:

• Jainism:

  • Founder: Mahavira

  • Principles: Non-violence (Ahimsa), Truth (Satya)

• Buddhism:

  • Founder: Gautama Buddha

  • Principles: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path

Maurya Empire (321–185 BCE)

• Founder: Chandragupta Maurya

• Greatest Ruler: Ashoka (Kalinga War, Dhamma Policy)

• Administration: Centralized, divided into provinces.

Gupta Empire (320–550 CE)

• Golden Age of India

• Contributions:

  • Aryabhata (Mathematics & Astronomy)

  • Kalidasa (Literature)

  • Development of art & architecture (Ajanta Caves)

Post-Gupta Period

• Rise of small kingdoms like Pallavas, Chalukyas.

• Frequent invasions by Huns.