Ancient IndianDynasties

An introduction to the historiographical frameworks, primary sources, and methodological approaches used in studying ancient Indian polities.

The sixteen great states, republican and monarchical systems, and Magadha's rise to dominance under the Haryanka, Shishunaga, and Nanda dynasties.

The establishment of the first pan-Indian empire, Chandragupta's conquests, Kautilya's Arthashastra, and the consolidation under Bindusara.

Ashoka's reign, the Kalinga war, Dhamma policy, rock and pillar edicts, and the administrative machinery of the Mauryan state.

Post-Mauryan Deccan, Satavahana origins, Gautamiputra Satakarni, trade networks, and the synthesis of northern and southern traditions.

Yuezhi migrations, Kanishka's empire, Gandharan art, Buddhist patronage, and the Silk Road connections.

Samudragupta's conquests, Chandragupta II, the Gupta-Vakataka alliance, cultural efflorescence, and the concept of a "Golden Age."

The three Chalukya lineages, Pulakeshin II's resistance to Harsha, temple architecture at Aihole and Pattadakal, and Deccan politics.

Thanesar to Kanauj, Harshavardhana's empire, Xuanzang's account, religious assemblies, and the post-Gupta north Indian polity.

Pallava origins, Mahendravarman and Narasimhavarman I, Mamallapuram rock-cut temples, and rivalry with the Chalukyas.

Dantidurga's rise, the Kailasa temple at Ellora, military campaigns, and the tripartite struggle for Kanauj.

Gurjara-Pratihara origins, Mihira Bhoja, resistance to Arab incursions, and the contest for north Indian hegemony.

Gopala and Dharmapala, Nalanda and Vikramashila universities, Pala art, and Buddhism's last flourishing in India.

Vijayalaya to Rajendra Chola, naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, the Brihadeshwara temple, and the sophisticated Chola administration.

Regional kingdoms before the Delhi Sultanate, Hoysala temple sculpture, Yadava patronage, Kakatiya irrigation systems, and the transition to medieval India.