This book presents a lucid survey of major developments inthe ancient and early medieval periods of Indian history. It discusses issues like the antiquity and authorship of the Harappan civilization, the emergence of caste systems and the process of state formation culminating in theestablishment of the Maurya empire. The book not only underlines the changes in its social structure over centuries but also devotes much space to India's contact with the outside world leading to the enrichment of its culture. Moreover, it pays adequate attention to the transformation of India from pre-feudal to feudal society and to the discussion of the contours of feudal culture. D.N. Jha is Professor of History at the University of Deli.