Social and Economic History of Early Deccan : Some Interpretations

The Deccan formed a crucial area for the development of early Indian civilization. The various ‘regions’ of India have hitherto been described only when ‘empires’ emerged in history. They have also been seen as gaining significance only when they came under the hegemonizing influence of either Brahmanism or Buddhism. The present work recognizes that it is important not to impose a rigid historical definition to the region under study, or, essentialize it only in terms of political and religious monumentality. Instead the focus is on the changing aspects of the social, cultural and economic history of the region from the earliest beginnings to about the twelfth century ad. This collection of five essays highlights some of the salient features involved in the processes of historical change in a society that was spatially and culturally always in contact with external forces. The internal forces of change in this society have not been ignored. The contributions primarily focus on them in terms of the different sub-regions of the Deccan (Illustrated in six maps) by taking an intrinsic look at the archaeological and inscriptional sources and documenting them in fifteen charts accompanying these essays. These essays have emerged out of a collective endeavour and are the direct result of an interactive relationship between teaching and research at the University of Hyderabad during 1987-91.