Overview

The Deccan formed a crucial area for the development of early Indian civilization. The various ‘regions’ of India have hitherto been described only when ‘empires’ emerged in history. They have also been seen as gaining significance only when they came under the hegemonizing influence?of?either?Brahmanism?or?Buddhism. The present work recognizes that it is important not to impose a rigid historical definition to the region under study, or, essentialize it only in terms of political and religious monumentality. Instead the focus is on the changing aspects of the social, cultural and economic history of the region?from?the?earliest?beginnings?to?about?the?twelfth?century?ad. This collection of five essays highlights some of the salient features involved in the processes of historical change in a society that was spatially and culturally always in contact with external forces. The internal forces of change in this society have not been ignored. The contributions primarily focus on them in terms of the different sub-regions of the Deccan (Illustrated in six maps) by taking an intrinsic look at the archaeological and inscriptional sources and documenting them in?fifteen?charts?accompanying?these?essays. These essays have emerged out of a collective endeavour and are the direct result of an interactive relationship between teaching and research?at?the?University?of?Hyderabad?during?1987-91.

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Aloka Parasher Sen Ph.D. (London) has taught History at the University of Hyderabad, India since 1979 where, since 2018, she is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Sanskrit Studies. Her major publications are on the social history of early India and the socio-economic and cultural history and archaeology of the Deccan.

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