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An Overview of Pre-Islamic
Indo-Pak history: A bird’s eye
view

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 A land of ancient civilizations and
diverse cultures:
 Aryans, Greeks, Kushans, Huns,
Mongols, Arabs, Turco-Afghans,
invaded the land and settled here in
large numbers creating the cultural
mosaic that was India (175 languages
and 500 dialects).

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The Indus Valley Civilization (2500–1900 BC)
 Moenjo Daro and Harrappa:
 Urban civilization traces of town planning, civic
amenities, use of burnt brick, social classes,
crafts and career specilization, agriculture,
weights and measures, toys, jewellery, use of
metals, sophisticated art, writing (pictographs)
Peace loving people, links with Iran and
Mesopotamia

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 The Aryan Civilization (2000-1500 BC):
 Origin of Aryans is obscure, perhaps nomadic
tribes living in Central Asia.
 They attacked Northern Sub-continent, either
subjugated or pushed the original Dravadians to
the South.
 Thought very highly of themselves but as
compared to the civilized people they were
illiterate, rude, barbarous, and warlike.

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 The Ghandhara Culture
 Marked by the rise of Buddhism.
 It spread over a large area of Afghanistan,
present N.W.F.P. and Taxila.
 Gandhara culture, Stupas and statues of
Buddha (d. 484BC), Monistic orders. Great
seats of learning were established which
attracted scholars from all over the Sub-
Continent, Burma, Thailand and China.

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 Hinduism:
 The Indo-Aryan religion developed into
Hinduism.
 No fixed dogma or creed, Vedic rituals, idol
worship, a rigid caste system (Brahmans,
Khashtryas, Vaishas and Shudras).
 Hindus worshipped many gods and believed in
the incarnation of gods, transmigration of soul,
Karma and re-birth.

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 The Sub-Continent on the Eve of
Muslim conquest
 It was the period of Rajput ascendancy.
 No central political authority.
 Divided into small kingdoms and
principalities which were often at war
with one another.

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