Cover -- Half Title -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Dedication -- Table of Contents -- Preface -- Introduction -- 1. The Nature of the State -- The Political Spectrum -- Political Terminology -- The King and his Palace -- The King and his Territory -- Horses, Chariots and Territorial Conquests -- The King and the People -- 2. The Form of Government -- Role of Corporate Bodies: Vidatha, Sabh?, Samiti -- The Rituals of Empowerment -- The A?vamedha Sacrifice -- The Incipient R?jas?ya -- 3. The City and the Citadel -- Vedic Gods and Walled Settlements -- Harappan Citadels and the ?gveda -- Defensive Architecture -- Construction Material -- Grid Plan -- Multi-pillared -- Numerous Gateways -- Fort as a Resource Centre -- 4. Merchants and Moneylenders -- Routes and Merchandise of the Bronze Age -- Commodity Exchange of the Middle Bronze Age -- Business Terminology -- Professional Traders: Va?ik and Pa?i -- Private Bankers -- 5. Cruising the Blue Water -- Rivers and the Sea -- Cloud Formation and the Water Cycle -- Vedic Gods and the High Seas -- Tidal Waves, Monsoon Winds and Gulfs -- Marine Fires -- Resources of the Deep Sea -- Seafaring Crafts -- Shipwreck and Rescue Operations -- Pirates and Loss of Direction -- Merchants, Crew Members and Escorts -- Nature of the Cargo -- River-borne Sea Trade -- Sea-borne Wealth and Fame -- 6. Caravans on Dusty Tracks -- Hazards of the Land Route -- Trade in Gem Stones -- Trade in Livestock -- Donkeys and Camels -- Trade in Textiles -- Gold, Gold-like Objects and OtherMerchandise -- From Priest to King -- 7. Crafts and Craft-working -- Metals and Metal-working -- Functional Objects -- Ayas-Copper or Just Metal? -- The Smelter (Dhm?t?) and the Smith(K?rm?r, Karm?r) -- Wood-working and Carpenters (Tak??) -- Functional Objects: Pots, Shafts, Carts, Boats -- Agricultural Tools