Synopsis The present work is not a purely dynastic history providing a chronological framework. Te essential thrust of the book is its focus on some cross-currents, including outstanding rulers, events, thinkers, artistic achievements, religious reforms, philosophic ideas and social formations. The Volume, the first in the series Cross-currents of Indian History and Culture portrays a survey of early Indian history from the Indus Valley Civilization to the founding of the Gupta Dynasty in A.D.320. The Study has been divided into three sections: (1) Pre-historic Era; (2) Vedic Era; and (3) Post-Vedic Era. The Section on pre-hisotric Era deals wit the background and genesis of Indian history. It includes topics like –Nature and Scope of Indian History, Sources of Ancient Indian History, Archaeological Excavations, Physical Features of India, Impact of geography Upon Indian History, The Indus Valley Civilization, Indo-Iranian Relations and Original Home of the Aryans. Section two attempts to present a survey of the Vedic Age. The first chapter of the section gives a general view of the Vedic literature and is followed by a discussion of certain important aspects, polity, mythology, sacrifice, philosophy, social life, the caste system and economic conditions. The Section also contains a chapter on the recalls the philosophic contribution of the Upanishads. The Third and the final section discusses the major developments of the final section discusses the major developments f the post-Vedic Era. There are chapters on the two epics, political organization of North India in 6th century B.C. society at the time of the Buddha, the life and religion of the Buddha, an evaluation of the Buddhist literature, the rise of Jainism, the Greek invasion, achievements of rulers like Chandragupta maurya, Asoka, and Kanishka. The section has separate chapters o Manu, Kautilya, nature of polity in post-Vedic era, secular and religious architecture, sculpture and painting, social and economic life including some glimpses of Greater India.