Archaeological, literary and foreign accounts; importance of epigraphy, numismatics

Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic; Harappan culture — town planning, trade, decline

Early & Later Vedic period, Vedas, Upanishads, society, economy and religion

16 Mahajanapadas, rise of Magadha; teachings of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha

Chandragupta, Bindusara, Ashoka — administration, Dhamma, Arthashastra, decline

Kushanas, Satavahanas, Gupta golden age — art, science, literature, Harsha’s rule

Rise of Rajput kingdoms, Arab invasion of Sindh, Tripartite struggle

Five dynasties, administration, architecture, Alauddin Khalji’s reforms, Ibn Battuta

Krishnadevaraya, administration, Hampi monuments, Deccan Sultanates

Babur to Aurangzeb — administration, Mansabdari, art, architecture, revenue system

Saints — Kabir, Mirabai, Tukaram; Sufi orders; impact on society and communal harmony

Portuguese, Dutch, French, British; Battles of Plassey & Buxar; Subsidiary Alliance

Drain of wealth, deindustrialisation; Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj

1857 Revolt, formation of INC, Moderate & Extremist phases, Partition of Bengal, Lucknow Pact

Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India; Subhash Bose; Partition & Independence