Answer» - In the ancient period, stories of great deeds of ancestors, mythological lore, memories of social transitions were preserved through oral traditions.
- The art of writing was mastered by Indians as early as 3rd millennium B.C.E. But Harappan script is not deciphered yet.
- The earliest written documents found in India were in the form of inscriptions that are as old as 3rd century B.C.E. during the period of Emperor Ashok.
- His edicts are inscribed on natural rocks and stone pillars.
- Inscriptions started to occur on coins, metal images and sculptures and also on copper plates from the 1st century B.C.E.
- Epics like Ramayana, Mahabharat, Puranas, Jain and Buddhist texts are important sources of ancient Indian literature.
- Historical accounts by Indian authors and travelogues by foreign travellers are also important sources of history.
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