URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN ANCIENT INDIA BY ADHIRE CHAKRAVARTI (THE ASIATIC SOCIETY) [PAPERBACK]

Urbanization is an important element of ancient history. The city life indicates the
growth and development of a particular civilization. Indus valley civilization is the first ever
civilization which has promoted city culture. Aryans are the villagers and they have carried
on their village life by accepting agriculture and cattle breeding as their own professions. The Mauryans have constructed four kinds of cities which are descriped by Kautilya in his
Arthasastra. The city Patliputra was described by Greek writer Magesthanese, Fa-hin, Huang Tsang. The Chinese travelers have also expressed their high opinions on Patliputra city. Several cities like Sravasthi, Vaishali, Karnavathi, Pataliputra, Taxil, Kunthalavanam,
Rajagriha and other cities have been founded by ancient rulers. All these cities have been
developed as trading centers from where the Indian traders have supplied goods to foreign
countries. The Capital cities of Ancient India have been served as religious, political and
social centers. Most of the cities have witnessed beautiful temples during the period of
Guptas. The city construction is coupled with temple construction in South India. All the
ancient dynasties right from Mauryans to Harsha and from Satavahanas to Cholas in South
have found great cities and provided all civic facilities with great care. All these issues are
highlighted in the present article.