Time period: Around 2500 BCE - 1900 BCE.
Also considered part of the later Neolithic period.
Spread: Covered parts of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Key features:
Urban civilization: Well-planned cities, drainage systems.
Trade and economy: Used a standard measurement system (multiples of 16).
Crafts: Bronze was widely used, but iron was unknown.
Seals: Artistic and significant in trade (e.g., Pashupati seal).
Pottery: Used terracotta (fired earthen clay) for making utensils.
Divided into Early Vedic (1500-1000 BCE) and Later Vedic (1000-600 BCE).
Early Vedic Period:
Society: Patriarchal, pastoral lifestyle.
Religion: Worship of nature gods (Indra, Agni, Varuna).
Economy: Cattle-based; wealth measured in terms of cows.
Later Vedic Period:
Rise of Varna System: Birth-based caste hierarchy.
Start of nepotism: Only Brahmin sons could become priests.
Child marriages (Bal Vivah) became common.
Agriculture: Mixed farming was widely practiced.
Taxation: Introduced a voluntary tribute system.
Buddhism:
Founded by Gautam Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) in the 6th century BCE.
Core principles: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Ahimsa (non-violence).
Buddhist texts: Tripitaka – Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Four Buddhist Councils:
1st Council: Rajgir (483 BCE), Ajatashatru.
2nd Council: Vaishali (383 BCE), Kalashoka.
3rd Council: Pataliputra (250 BCE), Ashoka.
4th Council: Kashmir (78 CE), Kanishka.
Jainism:
Founded by Mahavira (24th Tirthankara).
Five Vows: Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession.
Sacred texts: Agamas.
Haryanka Dynasty (544-413 BCE):
Founded by Bimbisara, capital Rajgir.
Bimbisara was contemporary to Buddha and Mahavira.
Ajatashatru: Introduced fortification of Pataliputra.
Shishunaga Dynasty (413-345 BCE):
Defeated the Avanti Kingdom.
Capital shifted from Rajgir to Pataliputra.
Nanda Dynasty (345-321 BCE):
Ruled by Dhana Nanda.
Overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya.
Founded by Chandragupta Maurya (321 BCE).
Bindusara (son) ruled after him.
Ashoka (268-232 BCE):
Fought the Kalinga War (261 BCE) and later embraced Buddhism.
Famous for Rock Edicts and Dhamma Policy.
Administration:
Revenue Department Head: Samharta.
Treasurer: Sannidhata.
Important rulers:
Shungas (Pushyamitra Shunga).
Kanvas (Vasudeva).
Kushanas (Kanishka, who promoted Mahayana Buddhism).
Satavahanas (Gautamiputra Satakarni).