In Indian history the decline of the Mauryan empire synchronized with large scale invasions leading to foreign occupation of northern India and parts of the Deccan. This also resulted in the infiltration of sizable foreign population in the sub-continent.

The political consequences of these invasions were indeed great and these have been adequately dealt with by scholars. The social consequences of foreign invasions have not, however, attracted the attention of scholars in the same measure.

This book is an attempt to analyse and interpret these political upheavals in cultural terms. Food and drinks, dress ornaments and toilet, cults and cult objects, social organization and the caste system and social entertainments are primary to a society where the influence, if any, is most fundamental. These are, therefore, the aspects which have been taken up for studying the social impact of foreign invasions.

About the Author

Dr. U. P. Thapliyal born in 1938 in Shrikot Khatsyum, District Garhwal, obtained his Master's Degree from Allahabad University in 1959. Subsequently he did his Ph. D. from the University of Delhi. Presently he is holding the post of Narrator, in the Ministry of Defence.

Dr. Thapliyal is the author of innumerable research papers contributed to learned journals on various aspects of social and military life in ancient India. He has also written some books involving extensive research in his official capacity. Presently he is writing a book on the use and display of military flags in ancient India.

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Preface

Chapter 1: Foreign Elements in the Indian Population

Chapter 2: Dress, Ornaments and Toilet

Chapter 3: Food and Drinks

Chapter 4: Society and the Caste System

Chatper 5: Cults and Cult Objects

Chatper 6: Entertainment and Funerary Customs

Chapter 7: Conclusion

Bibliography
Index