Ancient History of the Deccan

The book begins very briefly with Asoka and then Kharavela of Kalinga; the Sakas, Pallavas, dynasties of Central, eastern and western Deccan; and dynasties of the Kanarese districts.

A well-researched study of Deccan region during the years c.261 BCE, dating from the Kalinga War onwards, to approximately c.610 AD. There are almost no historical records documenting the period anterior to Asoka, while several historical documents are found covering the history of the Deccan, from 610 AD onwards, i.e. from the reign of Pulakesin II. Thus, this book attempts at filling the void caused by either inadequate information or complete lack of it, or even if available, these are sketchy and presented poorly, thereby posing a challenge for those interested in studying this period. The documents that do exist on these nine centuries, portray an era that was glorious, both historically and culturally, and therefore, warrant a comprehensive study.

The book has covered the areas in the Deccan that falls within the Narmada and Mahanadi in the north; Bay of Bengal in the east; the Arabian Sea in the west; and Nilgiri Hills and southern Pennar in the south. The book begins very briefly with Asoka and then Kharavela of Kalinga; the Sakas, Pallavas, dynasties of Central, eastern and western Deccan; and dynasties of the Kanarese districts. In this in-depth study, the author has referred to a wide range of sources, including Vincent Smith, Prof. Rapson, inscriptions on coins, in caves, plates, ''Epigraphica Indica'', Archaeological Survey of Western India, journals and many more.