DOMODARAM SANJEEVAYYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

VISAKHAPATNAM
History Unitization
Name of the Teacher: Dr. Viswachandra Nath Madasu
Legal principles and legal institutions develop a particular socio-economic context in
history. Thus, in this course, the students are introduced to the study of history and its
methodology, followed by the socio-economic history of Indian from the Vedic period of the
end of the reign of the Mughals as the background for understanding the concept of justice,
the legal system and judicial administration in India prior of British rule. History, as
understood conventionally, it not merely a chronological account of political events or a study
of great men. History presents the progress of humankind through ages. The course includes a
discussion of different progress which the world went through from pre-history to the present.
In the evolution of historical processes, socio-economic and cultural factors play a dominant
role. A study of these factors, along with administrative apparatuses and laws that conditioned
and guided human societies, becomes crucial. The linkages between various facets of society
and legal systems and institutions are crucial to the study. Though a critical understanding of
cultural heritage, the relevance of present day democratic structures and their function is
explored.
Unit I
6 Classes
Sources of Ancient Indian History
1.1 Archaeological Sources-Inscriptions, Monuments and numismatics
1.2 Literature of Brahmins( Secular and Religious)
Secular: Contemporary writings
Religious: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Buddhist Literature, Jaina Literature,
Ramayana and Mahabharata
1.3 Accounts of foreign travelers
Megasthenes Indika,
An unknown Greek navigators The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea
Ptolemys Geography
Fahien and Hieum Tsang writings
1.4 Influence of Geography
How geography influenced the social, economic and religious life
Unit II
5 Classes
Indus Valley Civilization
2.1 Origin and Excavations
2.2 Town Planning and Great Bath
2.3 Social and Economic conditions
2.4 Art, Craft and Decline of Harappa Civilization
Unit III
6 Classes
Early Vedic Civilization

3.1. Original Home of Aryans (there are seven approaches regarding original home)
3.2 Duties of King, law and legal organizations
3.3 Social conditions
3.4 Economic and Religious conditions
Unit IV
5 Classes
Later Vedic Age
4.1Kingship-Imperialism, Sabha and Samithi
4.2 Judicial Administration
4.3 Social and Economic conditions
Unit V
6 Classes
The Political and Religious Condition 6th Century B.C
5.1 Rise of Magadha
5.2 Rise of Jainism
5.3 life history and preachings of Mahaveera
5.4 Rise of Buddhism
5.5 life history and preachings of Buddha
Unit VI
6 Classes
The Mauryan Empire-Administration and Judicial System
6.1 Establishment of Mauryan Empire6.2 Ashokas Dhamma and social conditions
6.3Religious and Economic Conditions
6.4 Judicial Administration-Downfall of the empire
Unit VII
4 Classes
Kushans and Andhra Satavahanas in Deccan
7.1 Kushans and their Administration
7.2 Satavahanas and administration
Unit VIII
5 Classes
The Gupta Empire
8.1 Administration system and judicial administration
8.2 Social and Economic conditions
8.3 Religious conditions, Art and Architecture
8.4 Fa-Heins Accounts Trade and Commerce.

Unit IX
5 Classes
Harsha Vardhana

9.1 Establishment of Empire and Administration

9.2 Crimes and punishments
9.3. Religious and Economic conditions.
Unit X
7 Classes
South Indian Dynasties
10.1 Chalukyas of Badami- administration and justice
10.2 The Pallas of Kanchi administration and Justice
10.3 The Rastrakutas
10.4 The Chola of Tanjore Village Assembly10.5 Cholas administration of Justice
Unit XI
2 Classes
Rajput Age
11.1 Administration of Rajputs
Reference Books
1. History of Ancient India, Majumdar. R.C.
2. History of Ancient India, Romilla Thapar
3. History of South India, Nilakanta Sastri. K.A.
4. The Wonder that was India, Basham. A.L
5. A History of India, Mahajan.V.D, Vol.I.
6. The Wonder that was India, Ravizi