Ancient Towns

Ancient towns in India are those with a recorded history spanning over two thousand years. The textbook identifies them as settlements that have existed continuously since ancient times, with many originally flourishing as religious and cultural centres.

These towns are not merely old; they have been living settlements for millennia, preserving layers of history, architecture, and tradition. Their longevity is tied to their role as sacred sites, pilgrimage destinations, or seats of learning and administration in early kingdoms.

The book lists four key examples of such ancient towns:

• Varanasi (also known as Kashi or Banaras) — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, a major religious centre for Hindus.
• Prayag (Prayagraj) — the site of the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers; a sacred city for Hindus.
• Pataliputra (Patna) — the ancient capital of the Maurya and Gupta empires, a political and administrative hub.
• Madurai — a temple city in Tamil Nadu, known for the Meenakshi Temple and its continuous cultural importance. …