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  Ashoka Ashoka was the Governor of Avanti, before ascending the throne.  During his fathers' reign, he also went Taxila to supress the rebellion. According to the Buddhist traditions, Ashoka was extremely cruel in his early life and sat on the throne after killing his 99 brothers, however there is no historical authenticity of this. Dipavamsa states that in the year 273 BC, he captured the Magadha empire but crowned in 269 BC with the help of his abled minister Radhagupta. Ashoka was the first Indian king, who gave Royal public orders through his Edicts. Information about Ashoka's reign can be obtained from his inscriptions, which can be categorised in five types: 1.     Major rock inscriptions 2.      Minor rock inscriptions 3.      Separate inscriptions  4.     . Major pillar inscriptions 5.     . Minor pillar inscriptions Ashoka addressed his subjects as 'son' and called himse

 Phases of Indus Valley Civilisation The period of Harappan culture is divided into three phases which are as follows: Early Harappan Phase (3300 to 2600 BC) The Early Harappan Phase is related to the Hakra (a Phase, identified in the Ghaggar-Hakra River Valley . • This phase stands characterised by centralised  authority and an increasingly urban quality of life.  • Trade networks had been established and there are also evidences of the cultivation of crops. Peas, sesame seeds, dates, cotton, etc., were grown during that time. • Kot Diji represents the phase leading up to Mature Harappan Phase. Mature Harappan Phase (2600 to 1900 BC) By 2600 BC, the Indus Valley Civilisation had entered  into a mature stage.  The early Harappan communities were turning into large urban centers, like Harappa and Mohenjodaro  in Pakistan and Lothal in India. Sites of this phase were Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Chanhudaro, Lothal, Kalibangan, Banawali, Sutkagendor and Surkotda.       Extent of Indus Valley Civ

  The Chalcolithic Age The use of metal began towards the end of the Neolithic age and thus the Chalcolithic age. The first metal to be used was copper. Later, it was mixed with metals such as tin, zinc and lead to make new metal of alloy called bronze. The Chalcolithic man was fond of ornaments and decoration. The women wore ornaments of shell and bone. Man had invented the technique of spinning and weaving cloth. There were several cultures that were using stone implements along with the copper implements. Such cultures are called Chalcolithic cultures. As per scientific analysis, Chalcolithic cultures were not older than 1800 BC.  They seem to have continued in some areas till 1000 BC and in other areas till 800 BC. The Early Settlers The Chalcolithic communities founded the first villages in India (not in Indian sub-continent) and cultivated barley, wheat, lentil in Western India and rice in Southern and Eastern India. Except for the alluvial plains, Chalcolithic cultures have been

 DIVISION OF ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY The ancient Indian history is divided by historians in Three Phases which are as follows: Prehistoric period Proto history period Historical period                                      Prehistoric period: It is a period of human culture for which no written record are available. Humans of this period were not civilized. History of this period is studied by archeological evidences only. This period is divided into three parts:

OVERVIEW The sixth century BC witnessed series of conflicts. between Avanti, Kosala and Magadha Mahajanapadas for territorial expansion. Ultimately, it was won by Magadha.After Nandas, a powerful Mauryan dynasty established itself on the throne of Magadha. Later on, it became one of the most important dynasties in ancient Indian History. Sources of Mauryan Dynasty Both Indian and classical sources suggest that Alexander's retreat from India facilitated Chandragupta to carve out a kingdom for himself. Kautilya's " Arthashastra" is one of the greatest treatises on economical, socio-political condition of the contemporary period. It gives fair idea about foreign affairs, administration, military arts, war and religion of Mauryan Empire. Mudrarakshasa a historical play in Sanskrit by Vishakhadatta of fourth century AD narrated the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power in Northern India with the aid of Chanakya. It gives an account of socio-economic conditions o