Independent Study in South Asian Archaeology

1 Course Unit

This course provides a broad overview of the archaeology and early history of South Asia, a region that includes present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and the Maldives. Beginning with a brief overview of the Paleolithic, we will discuss the multiple origins of early agriculture, the development of early states in the Indus river basin and beyond, the second urbanization, the expansion of institutionalized forms of religion, long-distance trade, social differentiation, and the rise of states as empires. No background in archaeology is required. The class will produce a collaborate spatial database of archaeological sites for selected time periods and will produce a document describing some of the major historical changes in South Asia as illustrated by the archaeological database. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit