Matrimonial Alliances and Ancient Indian Polity (C. 600 BCE to C. CE 650) (Reconstructing Indian History and Culture, No. 32)

FREE Delivery
$23.20
$29
(20% off)
Quantity
Delivery Ships in 1-3 days
Item Code: IDK133
Publisher: D. K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Author: Preeti Prabhat
Language: English
Edition: 2007
ISBN: 8124603995
Pages: 342
Cover: Hardcover
Other Details 8.8." X 5.8"
Weight 630 gm
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
100% Made in India
100% Made in India
23 years in business
23 years in business
Book Description

Foreword

In ancient India, the process of political integration and disintegration is seen simultaneously. The powerful states were subjugating weaker domains while others were trying to protect themselves by adopting various measures. They were implementing all means, fair and foul, at their disposal to enlarge their kingdoms and strengthen their states. Besides conquest and aggression, the rulers were also following the policy of marriage alliances to expand and defend their territories. Marriage relations, with different princely families, provided them enormous diplomatic power and paved the way for the stability and expansion of their empires. The main objective of the kings was to integrate the ruling groups within the imperial system, on the one hand, and by defeating independent kingdoms, on the other hand, by a policy of "give and take," link the interest of the chiefs with the central power and create a strong bond at a higher level by establishing matrimonial alliances with royal families which increased their power and prestige by turning them into a part of an imperial ruling class.

During the sixth century BC"E, there were a large number of states, both big and small kingdoms and republics in north India, which were struggling for supremacy and survival. Ultimately, the kingdom of Magadha emerged as the most powerful state and succeeded in founding an empire. Later on, the Mauryas, the Sungas, the Satavahanas, the Indo-Greeks, the Sakas, the Pahlavas, the Kusanas, the Guptas, the Vakatakas, the Maukharis and the Vardhanas ruled over the territories of India up to mid-seventh century CE by establishing their powerful empires and states. Besides various means and methods adopted by these rulers, the policy of matrimonial alliances also played an important role in achieving their political objectives.

I am happy that Dr. (Smt.) Preeti Prabhat has successfully presented this book on Matrimonial Alliances and Ancient Indian Polity (c. 600 BCE to c. CE 650). Though in the past many scholars have touched briefly on the subject while dealing with the chapters of political history of those times, no adequate attention has been paid specially to the historical and political aspects of matrimonial alliances. For the first time, she has made a comprehensive study of the matrimonial alliances and their by utilizing all the available sources. The book is mainly a research work which documents all important facts and throws fresh light on several points. The subject matter, however, the been presented in such a manner that it may also attract the general reader as well. I hope the book will be useful and appreciated by the scholars and the students alike I wish all success to the author and the book.

From the Jacket

Matrimonial alliances between royal families to further the power, prestige and influence were a prominent feature of politics in ancient India. This volume examines the matrimonial alliances among the ruling dynasties of ancient India from the sixth century BCE to the seventh century CE.

Beginning with matrimonial relations among the sodas-mahajanapadas that flourished before the time to the Buddha, the book traces alliances formed by the Nandas, Mauryas, Sungas, Satavahanas, Cedis, Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Pahlavas and Kusanas, the Imperial Guptas, Vakatakas, the Later Guptas, Maukharis and Varadhanas. Dr. Preeti Prabhat studies the important places accorded to such alliances by rulers in their foreign policies. She views their beneficial and adverse impact for royalty. They led to expansion as in the case of the Mauryan kingdom, opened new avenues for economic growth, and helped powers retain their independence as for the Satavahanas (from the Sakas). But they also created jealousies and rivalries between family members and neighbouring kingdoms. She relies on a host of historical accounts from Ceylonese Chronicles and Greek writings to Hindu religious literature and secular writings as well as archaeological evidence including epigraphic and numismatical sources to produce a comprehensive research.

The book will interest scholars of Indian history focused on ancient Indian polity as well as general readers interested in knowing about politics of mighty kings and kingdoms of ancient India.

Dr. Preeti Prabhat, with an exceptional academic background, is at present Lecture in Shashi Bhushan Girls Degree College, Lucknow. She has published numerous research articles and presented papers in national seminars.

 

Contents

 

  Foreword v
  Abbreviations ix
  Acknowledgement xiii
  Key to Transliteration xv
  Introduction 1
1 Monarchical and Republican States 7 during 6th – 5th century BCE 7
2 Nandas and Mauryas 45
  (4th – 2nd century BCE)  
3 Sungas, Kanvas, Satavahanas, 81
  Cedis and others  
4 Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Pahlavas, 117
  Kusanas and Others  
5 Imperial Guptas and Vakatakas 153
6 Later Guptas and Maukharis 209
7 Vardhanas and their Contemporaries 237
  Conclusion 283
  Bibliography 293
  Index 303

Sample Pages

















Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. What locations do you deliver to ?
    A. Exotic India delivers orders to all countries having diplomatic relations with India.
  • Q. Do you offer free shipping ?
    A. Exotic India offers free shipping on all orders of value of $30 USD or more.
  • Q. Can I return the book?
    A. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) days of the delivery date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more please view our return policy
  • Q. Do you offer express shipping ?
    A. Yes, we do have a chargeable express shipping facility available. You can select express shipping while checking out on the website.
  • Q. I accidentally entered wrong delivery address, can I change the address ?
    A. Delivery addresses can only be changed only incase the order has not been shipped yet. Incase of an address change, you can reach us at help@exoticindia.com
  • Q. How do I track my order ?
    A. You can track your orders simply entering your order number through here or through your past orders if you are signed in on the website.
  • Q. How can I cancel an order ?
    A. An order can only be cancelled if it has not been shipped. To cancel an order, kindly reach out to us through help@exoticindia.com.
Add a review
Have A Question

For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy

Book Categories