This subject book from Springboard Academy is an English medium (English language) volume on Ancient Indian History, written by Narendra Singh Ranawat as part of the RAS Foundation series, for candidates appearing in the RAS examination conducted by RPSC. Ancient history is where most aspirants begin their history preparation, and it rewards clarity about sources as much as about events — so the book opens with the literary, archaeological and foreign accounts on which the period rests, then moves chronologically. It covers the prehistoric period and the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Vedic age and its society and literature, Jainism and Buddhism with their doctrines and councils, the Mahajanapadas, the Mauryan empire and Ashoka's edicts and administration, the post-Mauryan Shunga, Kushan and Satavahana periods, the Sangam age and south Indian kingdoms, the Gupta empire and its achievements, and Harshavardhana's reign, closing with the art, architecture, literature and scientific contributions of ancient India. Dynasty tables and chronological summaries support revision. Key Features: English medium book — complete content, terminology and explanations in English Part of Springboard Academy's RAS Foundation series Written by Narendra Singh Ranawat of Springboard Academy New edition, revised as per the current RAS pattern Sources of ancient Indian history — literary, archaeological and foreign accounts Prehistoric period and Indus Valley Civilisation covered in detail Vedic age with its society, economy, polity and literature Jainism and Buddhism — doctrines, councils, patrons and spread Mahajanapadas and the rise of Magadha Mauryan empire, Ashoka's edicts, administration and Dhamma Shunga, Kushan and Satavahana dynasties of the post-Mauryan period Sangam age and the kingdoms of south India Gupta empire, its golden age achievements and decline Harshavardhana and the transition to early medieval India Ancient art, architecture, literature and scientific achievements Written for English-medium candidates preparing this section From Springboard Academy