Indian history is like a huge collection of stories, which are very difficult to connect with each other. But when we read history in correct chronological order, period by period, civilization by civilization, dynasty by dynasty, geographical features , religion and caste, it flows effortlessly. That’s why Indian history has been classified into three broad timeline. So that everything seems so logical and absolutely clear, this further enhances the beauty of history.

Three broad timeline of Indian history are

 

Prehistoric period

Prehistoric period is called that period when humans existed but due to lack of invention of writing, there is no written description of that period. The branch of archaeology which deals with the study of the early stages of human history is called Prehistory. human past of Indian history has been divided into three major periods which are the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. These are not just technical sequences. This does not only mean that instruments and tools were made of stones in the Stone Age, of bronze in the Bronze Age and of iron in the Iron Age.

In this period of Indian history, the use of metal copper started and gradually people became familiar with other metals (bronze and iron), due to which the Metal Age started after the Stone Age. These are need-based subsistence economies or ways of obtaining food and various forms of social organization, such as care of the infirm, the sick, the elderly, and the dead; Shows settlement patterns, art and other aspects of life, etc.  This period is often studied through archaeology, anthropology, and paleontology. Agricultural life in this period was preceded by a long period of subsistence based on hunting and gathering.

In Indian history, the first human settlements near the Gangetic plains also developed during this period. This period is marked by the appearance of Microliths small bladed stone tools.The earliest discovery of microliths and other Mesolithic tools were discovered in the rock shelters of Mirzapur district of UP. Bhimbetka caves near Bhopal are an important site of the Lower Paleolithic age. Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh is also an important site from this age.The artifacts of this age are found at several places on the river Narmada, and also at several places, south of the Tungabhadra river.

In Indian history, Archaeological sources are the primary source of study about the prehistoric period as there is no written record of this period, rock paintings, stone tools used by these people, fossils and other excavated materials are the sources to know about the prehistoric period.

 

 

Proto-Historic period

Proto-history is the period between prehistory and history when societies began to develop writing systems but did not yet have comprehensive written records. According to Indian history, Proto-history extends from approximately 3000 BC to 600 BC. Proto-historic can also refer to the transition period between the advent of literacy in a society and the writings of the first historians because It often overlaps with the end of prehistory and the beginning of history. Proto-historic can also refer to the transition period between the advent of literacy in a society and the writings of the first historians.

 

The scripts of the Harappan civilization of Indian history have not yet been deciphered, although because its existence is recorded in Mesopotamian writings, it is considered part of Proto-history. It also includes the Bronze Age and Chalcolithic culture which is Characterized by settled rural life; Rearing of animals like cattle, sheep and goats; Along with the cultivation of crops like wheat, barley, rice and millet, various arts and crafts emerged.this is also known as the period of Buddha and Mahavira.

The Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures of Indian history and the Vedic civilization of 1500–600 BC are also considered part of Proto-history. We consider this period as Proto-historical because modern historians have discovered the scripts of that period but they have not been able to understand them.

 

Both archaeological sources and literary sources of Indian history have become the primary sources of study about the proto-historic period as during this period the society started developing writing system and the sites like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Kalibangan, Lothal, Dholavira, Places like Banawali, Rakhigarhi were developed. This information about Indian history has been obtained from the excavation of sites which contain the best samples of painted pottery. On the basis of metallurgical development it can be divided into three categories, first Chalcolithic Age, second Bronze Age and finally Iron Age.

 

Historical period

 

Historic period begins with the advent of history writing and recorded. It covers all time from the development of writing systems till today. The historical period refers to specific time periods in the past, characterized by documented state polities, urban centers, and agricultural villages, with the early historical period usually beginning around 250 BC. Historical period is used to focus the study on a particular event that occurred in a particular region of time . Written records allow a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of societies, events, and cultures .

 

These categories help historians and scholars organize and study the development of human societies through different types of evidence . The historical period is also divided into three basic parts which include the ancient ages (3600 BC – 500 AD), the Middle Ages (500 AD -1500 AD) and the modern age (1500 AD-present). Each period covers specific historical events and developments. According to this classification, eras last for hundreds of years, even thousands of years in the case of ancient times.

 

Emperor Ashoka’s conquest of parts of the peninsula and several inscriptions in the Brahmi script in parts of the Deccan are generally understood to mark the beginning of this period. These inscriptions include a pillar at Amaravati in the Godavari basin and several inscriptions in nearby Andhra Pradesh, such as Sannathi, Maski and Brahmagiri. North Indian sources mention areas to the south there the Pandya, Chola and Chera kingdoms were located, indicating the emergence of early polities. And it can be said that these states emerged around the first century BC. The Tamil-Brahmi script may have emerged with these early kingdoms, which also includes stylized poems in old Tamil which were written centuries later.

Historians use sources such as coins, inscriptions, architecture, and textual inscriptions to study historical periods. We can say that both archaeological sources and literary sources have become primary sources as the historical period begins with the advent of history writing and records.