The study of ancient Indian history is a pursuit that brings together multiple forms of evidence — archaeological, literary, and foreign accounts. These sources, each offering its own lens into the past, together form the mosaic of India’s rich and complex history. Understanding the evolution of Indian civilization requires a careful analysis of these sources, which reveal not just the material and political conditions of ancient India, but also its philosophical, religious, and cultural ethos. Below, we explore in detail the major historical sources for studying ancient India: Archaeological Sources , Literary Sources , and Foreign Accounts and Travelogues . 1. Archaeological Sources: Unearthing the Past Archaeology has been a pivotal source in uncovering the tangible remnants of India’s ancient civilizations. From mounds of ruins to inscriptions on rocks, the evidence found through archaeological excavation provides insights that written records cannot always capture. The disco...