Historical Dictionary of Ancient India - (Historical Dictionaries of Ancient Civilizations and Histori) by Kumkum Roy (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Historical Dictionary of Ancient India provides information ranging from the earliest Paleolithic cultures in the Indian subcontinent to 1000 CE. The ancient history of this country is related in this book through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hu...

Book Synopsis

India's history and culture is ancient and dynamic, spanning back to the beginning of human civilization. Beginning with a mysterious culture along the Indus River and in farming communities in the southern lands of India, the history of India is punctuated by constant integration with migrating peoples and with the diverse cultures that surround the country. Placed in the center of Asia, history in India is a crossroads of cultures from China to Europe, as well as the most significant Asian connection with the cultures of Africa.

The Historical Dictionary of Ancient India provides information ranging from the earliest Paleolithic cultures in the Indian subcontinent to 1000 CE. The ancient history of this country is related in this book through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on rulers, bureaucrats, ancient societies, religion, gods, and philosophical ideas.

Review Quotes

"An excellent reference book and is recommended highly for all collections." --American Reference Books Annual

"India, with its rich history, is a unique tapestry of myriad cultures. To encapsulate the magnitude of the history of ancient India from the Paleolithic age to 1000 CE in a concise dictionary is an amazing feat. Highly recommended." --Choice Reviews

"By any criterion it not only fulfills the aims of its creation within this series by bringing together so much material and presenting it in a readily assimilated form for audiences both within India and in the English-speaking world, but it is also a significant contribution to Indian historiography." --Reference Reviews

"A useful survey. ... Larger public libraries with strong Asian history collections will want to consider acquiring this title, as will academic libraries supporting Asian history and archaeology programs." --Booklist

A useful survey. ... Larger public libraries with strong Asian history collections will want to consider acquiring this title, as will academic libraries supporting Asian history and archaeology programs.

An excellent reference book and is recommended highly for all collections.

By any criterion it not only fulfills the aims of its creation within this series by bringing together so much material and presenting it in a readily assimilated form for audiences both within India and in the English-speaking world, but it is also a significant contribution to Indian historiography.

India, with its rich history, is a unique tapestry of myriad cultures. To encapsulate the magnitude of the history of ancient India from the Paleolithic age to 1000 CE in a concise dictionary is an amazing feat. Highly recommended.

About the Author

Kumkum Roy is professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in India.