The Best PDF Resource for Ancient Indian History by Upinder Singh
H3: The Vedic Period and the Second Urbanization H3: The Age of Empires: Mauryas, Kushanas, Satavahanas, and Guptas H3: Regional Kingdoms and Cultural Diversity H3: The Rise of Islam and the Delhi Sultanate H2: How to download the PDF version of the book? H3: Legal and ethical issues H3: Online sources and links H3: Tips and tricks for downloading and reading H2: What are the benefits and drawbacks of reading the PDF version? H3: Advantages: Accessibility, affordability, portability, etc. H3: Disadvantages: Quality, authenticity, readability, etc. H2: Conclusion H2: FAQs Table 2: Article with HTML formatting Upinder Singh Ancient India PDF Download: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are interested in learning about the history of ancient and early medieval India, you might have heard of a book by Upinder Singh, a renowned historian and professor at the University of Delhi. The book, titled A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century, is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative works on the subject. It covers a vast span of time and space, from the prehistoric era to the advent of the Delhi Sultanate, and from Afghanistan to South India. It also incorporates a rich variety of sources, perspectives, and themes, such as archaeology, art, literature, religion, gender, ecology, and more.
upinder singh ancient india pdf download
But how can you get access to this book? Is there a PDF version available online that you can download for free? What are the pros and cons of reading the PDF version instead of the printed one? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will give you a brief introduction to Upinder Singh and her book, a summary of its content and structure, a guide on how to download the PDF version legally and ethically, and a comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of reading the PDF version. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether you should download Upinder Singh's ancient India PDF or not.
Who is Upinder Singh and why is her book important?
Upinder Singh is a distinguished historian and academic who specializes in ancient Indian history. She is currently a professor at the Department of History at the University of Delhi. She has also taught at St. Stephen's College, Delhi; McGill University, Canada; and Maison des Sciences de l'Homme, France. She has received several awards and honors for her scholarly contributions, such as the Infosys Prize for Humanities in 2009, the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2010, and the Padma Shri in 2014.
She is also the daughter of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but she has maintained a low profile and avoided any political involvement. She has said that she does not want to be identified by her father's name or position, but by her own work and achievements.
Her book A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India was first published in 2008 by Pearson Education India. It was later revised and updated in 2016. It is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and reliable textbooks on ancient Indian history for undergraduate students as well as general readers. It has received rave reviews from critics and scholars for its lucid style, balanced approach, rich illustrations, and extensive bibliography.
The book is important because it fills a gap in the existing literature on ancient Indian history, which is either too outdated, too specialized, or too biased. It provides a fresh and updated perspective on the diverse and complex aspects of ancient Indian society, culture, and polity. It also challenges some of the myths and stereotypes that have been perpetuated by colonial and nationalist historians. It presents a nuanced and critical analysis of the sources and evidence, and highlights the debates and controversies among historians. It also encourages the readers to think critically and independently about the past, and to appreciate its relevance for the present.
What is the content and structure of the book?
The book covers a period of about 3500 years, from the Paleolithic age to the 12th century CE. It is divided into nine chapters, each of which deals with a specific phase or aspect of ancient Indian history. The chapters are as follows:
The Stone Age and the Harappan Civilization
This chapter traces the origins and evolution of human life in India from the earliest times to the end of the Indus Valley Civilization. It discusses the archaeological evidence of the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic cultures, and their adaptation to different environments and climates. It also describes the features and achievements of the Harappan civilization, such as its urban planning, trade, writing, religion, art, and technology. It also examines the causes and consequences of its decline and disappearance.
The Vedic Period and the Second Urbanization
This chapter explores the emergence and development of the Vedic culture and society in northern India from the 2nd millennium BCE to the 6th century BCE. It analyzes the literary sources of the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and Sutras, and their reflections on various aspects of Vedic life, such as ritual, sacrifice, caste, gender, philosophy, and ethics. It also discusses the political and economic changes that led to the rise of new urban centers, such as Taxila, Ujjain, Vaishali, and Rajagriha. It also introduces the concepts of mahajanapadas, ganasanghas, shrenis, and nagaras.
The Age of Empires: Mauryas, Kushanas, Satavahanas, and Guptas
This chapter covers the period from the 6th century BCE to the 6th century CE, when India witnessed the formation and expansion of some of the largest empires in its history. It focuses on four major dynasties: the Mauryas, who unified most of India under Ashoka; the Kushanas, who ruled over a vast territory from Central Asia to northern India; the Satavahanas, who dominated the Deccan region; and the Guptas, who ushered in a golden age of art, literature, science, and culture. It also discusses the impact of these empires on various aspects of Indian society, such as administration, law, religion, trade, education, and health.
Regional Kingdoms and Cultural Diversity
This chapter deals with the period from the 6th century CE to the 10th century CE, when India witnessed a proliferation of regional kingdoms and cultural diversity. It surveys some of the prominent kingdoms that emerged in different parts of India during this time, such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Pratiharas, Pala, Senas, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, and Hoysalas. It also examines some of the cultural developments that took place during this time, such as the spread of Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Islam; the growth of regional languages, literatures, and scripts; the flourishing of art, architecture, and sculpture; and the emergence of new forms of music, dance, and drama.
The Rise of Islam and the Delhi Sultanate
This chapter covers the period from the 10th century CE to the 12th century CE, when India witnessed the advent of Islam and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. It discusses the causes and consequences of the invasions of the Turks, Afghans, and Mongols; the challenges and achievements of the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate: the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi; and the impact of Islam on various aspects of Indian society, such as politics, economy, religion, culture, and art.
How to download the PDF version of the book?
you can choose. However, you should be aware of some legal and ethical issues before you do so. You should also know where to find the online sources and links that offer the PDF version, and how to download and read it effectively. Here are some tips and tricks for downloading and reading Upinder Singh's ancient India PDF:
Legal and ethical issues
Before you download any PDF version of a book, you should check whether it is legal or not. Some books are in the public domain, which means that they are free to use and distribute without any restrictions. However, most books are protected by copyright laws, which means that they are the intellectual property of the author or publisher. Downloading or sharing such books without their permission or payment is illegal and unethical.
Upinder Singh's book on ancient India is not in the public domain. It is published by Pearson Education India, which holds the exclusive rights to distribute and sell it. Therefore, downloading or sharing the PDF version of the book without their consent or payment is a violation of their rights and a crime. You could face legal action or penalties if you are caught doing so.
Therefore, you should respect the author's and publisher's rights and efforts, and buy the book from a legitimate source if you can afford it. If you cannot afford it, you can borrow it from a library or a friend, or look for other alternatives that are legal and ethical.
Online sources and links
If you still want to download the PDF version of the book, you should be careful about where you get it from. There are many websites that claim to offer free PDF downloads of various books, but not all of them are trustworthy or safe. Some of them may contain viruses, malware, spyware, or other harmful software that can damage your device or steal your personal information. Some of them may also have broken links, incomplete files, low-quality scans, or inaccurate translations.
Therefore, you should do some research before you click on any link or download any file. You should look for reputable and reliable websites that have good reviews and ratings from other users. You should also check the file size, format, quality, and language of the PDF version before you download it. You should also scan the file with an antivirus software before you open it.
One of the websites that offers a free PDF download of Upinder Singh's book on ancient India is archive.org. This is a non-profit digital library that provides access to millions of books, movies, music, and other media for free. It has a high-quality scan of the book in English that you can download or read online. However, you should still be careful about the legal and ethical issues mentioned above.
Tips and tricks for downloading and reading
If you have decided to download the PDF version of the book from a safe and legal source, you should follow some tips and tricks to make your reading experience more enjoyable and effective. Here are some of them:
Use a good PDF reader software that allows you to zoom in, highlight, annotate, bookmark, search, and navigate the file easily. Some examples are Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, Sumatra PDF, etc.
Adjust the brightness, contrast, font size, and orientation of your screen according to your preference and comfort. You can also use dark mode or night mode to reduce eye strain.
Divide the book into manageable sections or chapters and set a reading schedule or goal for yourself. You can also use timers or alarms to remind yourself to take breaks or stop reading.
Use online dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, images, videos, or other resources to supplement your reading and enhance your understanding of the topic. You can also use online tools such as Google Translate to translate any unfamiliar words or phrases into your language.
Take notes, summarize, review, or discuss what you have read with others to reinforce your learning and retention of the information. You can also use online quizzes, flashcards, or games to test your knowledge and recall of the facts and concepts.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of reading the PDF version?
Reading Upinder Singh's book on ancient India PDF download has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before you choose this option. Here are some of them:
Advantages
Accessibility: You can access the PDF version of the book anytime and anywhere, as long as you have a device and an internet connection. You don't have to worry about the availability, location, or condition of the physical book.
Affordability: You can download the PDF version of the book for free or for a low cost, compared to buying the printed book, which can be expensive or out of stock. You also save money on shipping, handling, or delivery fees.
Portability: You can store the PDF version of the book on your device or cloud storage, and carry it with you wherever you go. You don't have to carry a heavy or bulky book around.
Searchability: You can search for any word, phrase, or topic in the PDF version of the book using the search function of your PDF reader software. You don't have to flip through pages or use an index to find what you are looking for.
Editability: You can highlight, annotate, bookmark, or copy any part of the PDF version of the book using your PDF reader software. You don't have to worry about damaging or losing the original book.
Disadvantages
Quality: The PDF version of the book may not have the same quality as the printed book in terms of resolution, clarity, color, layout, or design. It may also have errors, omissions, or distortions that affect its accuracy or readability.
Authenticity: The PDF version of the book may not be the official or authorized version by the author or publisher. It may be an illegal or unethical copy that violates their rights and reputation. It may also be outdated or obsolete compared to the latest edition or revision of the book.
Readability: Reading the PDF version of the book on a screen may not be as comfortable or enjoyable as reading the printed book on paper. It may cause eye strain, headache, fatigue, or distraction. It may also affect your concentration, comprehension, or retention of the information.
Interactivity: Reading the PDF version of the book may not offer the same level of interactivity or engagement as reading the printed book. You may not be able to touch, feel, smell, or hear the book. You may also miss out on some features or elements that are only available in the printed book, such as maps, charts, diagrams, illustrations, photographs, etc.
Reliability: The PDF version of the book may not be as reliable or secure as the printed book. It may be corrupted, deleted, lost, or stolen by viruses, malware, spyware, or hackers. It may also be incompatible or inaccessible with some devices or software.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Upinder Singh's book on ancient India PDF download is an option that you can consider if you want to read one of the most comprehensive and authoritative works on the history of ancient and early medieval India. However, you should be aware of the legal and ethical issues, the online sources and links, and the benefits and drawbacks of reading the PDF version. You should also follow some tips and tricks to make your reading experience more enjoyable and effective. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but we hope that this article has helped you make an informed decision.
FAQs
What is Upinder Singh's book on ancient India called?
The full title of Upinder Singh's book on ancient India is A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century.
When was Upinder Singh's book on ancient India published?
The first edition of Upinder Singh's book on ancient India was published in 2008 by Pearson Education India. The revised and updated edition was published in 2016.
How many pages does Upinder Singh's book on ancient India have?
The printed version of Upinder Singh's book on ancient India has 704 pages. The PDF version may vary depending on the file size and format.
How many chapters does Upinder Singh's book on ancient India have?
Upinder Singh's book on ancient India has nine chapters that cover a period of about 3500 years from the Paleolithic age to the 12th century CE.
Where can I buy Upinder Singh's book on ancient India?
You can buy Upinder Singh's book on ancient India from various online or offline sources such as Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, , or Pearson India. You can also check your local bookstores or libraries for availability. 71b2f0854b