From Indus to Independence - A Trek Through Indian History (Vol II The Classical Age)

This is the second volume of the Indian history series, From Indus to Independence. This volume covers the period considered the Classical Age to around 600 A.D. It was during this period that the Imperial Gupta dynasty created what can only be described as a Golden Age. The volume also investigates the developments in the fields of art, architecture, literature and philosophy while also examining the immense influence that the Indian kingdoms exercised over South-East Asia. It also examines the lesser known dynasties that ruled smaller kingdoms for brief periods of time, but exerted a great deal of influence on the flow of history. There is also direct reference to the events that were taking place in Peninsular India, a part of Indian history that is often neglected in the broader analysis. This volume stands out for its careful and consistent recounting of the lesser known parts of Indian history in a holistic manner.

Vij Books
  • Pages: 304 | Size: 6 * 9
  • 9789385563157 • HARDBACK • Feb 2016 • Rs.995
  • 9789385563355 • PAPERBACK • Nov 2016 • Rs.495
  • 9789385563164 • EBOOK • Mar 2016 • Rs.550
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  • From Indus to Independence - A Trek Through Indian History (Vol II The Classical Age)
author details

Dr Sanu Kainikara is an ex-fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force and currently a practising Military Strategist residing in Canberra, Australia. He holds a Master of Science degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras, and his PhD in International Politics was awarded by the University of Adelaide in Australia. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of New South Wales and the inaugural Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Institute for Regional Security.  

Dr Kainikara is the author of 11 books on national security and strategy, military forces and air power. He is a keen student of Indian history and is in the process of writing the history of India in a series of books titled From Indus to Independence: A Trek through Indian History. The first three volumes of the series have already been published and the fourth is nearing completion. He has also published a collection of political essays titled The Asian Crucible. He is a regular contributor to the Eurasia Review. 

Sanu is the author of numerous papers on international politics, national security issues, and security strategy that have been published in reputed international journals; and has presented papers, on invitation, in a number of International Conferences around the world.



Author’s Preface, Introduction to Volume II, Chapter 1 The Age of Diffusion and Disintegration (~ 200 B.C. To 300 A.D.), Chapter 2 The Kushans I. The Beginning II. Kanishka: The Conqueror, Chapter 3 Deccan and Peninsular India, Chapter 4 Through The Age of Sangam I. Three Kingdoms II. The Society and Government, Chapter 5 The Concept of State and Political Thought In Ancient India I. Statecraft And The Concept of Kingship II. Feudalism, Governance, and Justice, Chapter 6 Of Art and Architecture , Chapter 7 Of Ancient Language and Literature , Chapter 8 The Indian Approach to Philosophy , Chapter 9 Indian Cultural Influence Beyond The Borders, Chapter 10 The Golden Guptas (320 – 480 A.D.)  I. An Empire is Established  II. Samudra Gupta The Great  (Ruled 335-375 A.D.) III. Chandra Gupta Vikramaditya (375-415 A.D) IV. End of Empire V. The Empire and its Governance, Chapter 11 The White Huns, Chapter 12 The Contemporary Dynasties, Conclusion, Bibliography,Index