A fascinating, concise and comprehensive description of ancient Indian civilization. To grasp the dynamic nature and volatile essence of ancient India, whose continuity and vitality are a constant source of wonder and fascination requires a familiarity with the history and culture of one of the world's oldest civilizations. This book presents a chronological picture of Indian history from 2500 BC to AD 1192 - from the dawn of Indian culture, represented by the Indus Valley Civilization, until the defeat of Prithviraj's Rajput army at Tarain by the Islamic warriors of Muhammad of Ghur. Tarain was one of the decisive battles in Indian history, marking the advent of Muslim rule over large areas of the subcontinent. The author places the most familiar - and sometimes also misunderstood - aspects of Indian culture in their historical and cultural context, making them easily understood by the average reader. Ancient India was the scene of the birth and development of some of the most distinctive features of Indian culture and identity, such as the three great native religious traditions of the ancient period (Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism), and the caste system, aspects which are discussed in detail. The rich array of photographs, combined with an analytical yet straightforward text, present a picture that restores the vital beauty of India, a country that never ceases to enchant our eyes, souls and minds. AUTHOR: Maria Angelillo graduated in Modern Arts from Milan University in 2001, with a dissertation in the field of Indology, focused on the study of mandalas and yantras. The following year she was awarded the Italian Institute for Africa and the Orient diploma in Hindi and in 2003 a certificate from the Landour Language School of Mussorie, Uttaranchal, India, after a period of study spent at the school. Since 2003 Angelillo has been an honorary fellow of Milan University's Faculty of Linguistic and Cultural Mediation. She taught Hindi as a contract lecturer at the Faculty of Diplomatic and International Science of Gorizia University and currently serves as a contract lecturer at Macerata University. In March 2006 she completed postgraduate studies in Anthropological and Ethnological Science at Milan-Bicocca University, with a dissertation on the identity of the so-called Indian gypsies, following a period of fieldwork in Rajasthan. Angelillo also collaborates with several yoga centres and cultural foundations for the study and diffusion of Indian culture. Colour illustrations