India: The Ancient Past provides an accessible and comprehensive coverage of the political, spiritual, cultural and geographical history of India. Including, the Harappan Civilisation, the rise of Hindu culture, the influx of Islam from the eighth to the twelfth century and key empire, states and dynasties. This fully revised and updated new edition includes the significance of women in ancient India across all ranks and the respective authority they wielded. It also includes two new chapters exploring the northern and southern patterns of regional kingdoms. Featuring primary source extracts alongside the history, India: The Ancient Past is essential reading for all students of Indian history.