Sources to know about common people of ancient India
- Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological excavations have unearthed various artifacts like tools, pottery, coins, etc., which provide insights into the daily lives of common people.
- Historical Texts: Ancient texts like the Arthashastra, Manusmriti, and Buddhist Jataka tales mention the activities and occupations of common people.
- Epics and Puranas: The Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Puranas contain stories and descriptions of common people engaging in various activities.
- Inscriptions: Inscriptions on pillars, walls, and coins provide information about the social and economic life of common people in ancient India.
- Numismatic Evidence: Coins minted during ancient times often depict scenes of everyday life, providing valuable information about the common people.
- Art and Architecture: Sculptures, paintings, and structures like temples and stupas depict scenes from daily life, giving an insight into the lives of common people.
- Travel Accounts: Accounts of travelers like Megasthenes, Fa-Hien, and Hiuen Tsang provide descriptions of the society and economy of ancient India, including the lives of common people.
By studying these sources, historians and archaeologists can reconstruct the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the common people of ancient India.