The archaeological sources are the most certain and dependable source to know about ancient India. Archaeology means the study of the remains excavated from a place and to find out the activities performed by human beings in the period. 

Archaeological sources can be divided in the following ways :

(1) Archaeological remains obtained through excavation : (Clay-pots, tools and instruments). The knowledge about the Sindhu and Saraswati civilization is based on the remains found during excavation.

(2) The records: On account of being dated and written (documentation), they are very dependable source. We get the order of dates and the achievements of a particular ruler from these records.

(3) Coins and currency: Coins, currency and stamps are very significant to tell us about the ancient history of India. We get from them the knowledge about names of the rulers, dates, their faces, dynastic traditions religion, their glorious deeds, daily life, their likes and dislikes etc.

(4) Epitomes and buildings : The archaeological sources of hisotry include all the remains of on-ground and under-ground structures likes stupas, chaityas, ashrams, mathas, temples, palaces, forts and tombs. From all such remains, we know about the art, architecture, culture and political life of that period.

(5) Idols, sculpture and other arts : During excavation, variey of idols and the designs of terracota has been found, which tell us about the social, religious and cultural life of those days. Besides this, drawing and painting is the natural means of expression of human beings. For example, different aspects of life have been expressed through the medium of rock-art.