Early Historic to Medieval Occupation in the Lower Ganga–Yamuna Doab: New Evidence from Field Surveys

The Lower Ganga–Yamuna Doab has long been recognized as a pivotal region in the historical and cultural development of North India, serving as a fertile corridor that linked diverse ecological zones and political centers. This study investigates patterns of occupation from the Early Historic period (ca. 600 BCE) to the Medieval era (ca. 1200 CE), drawing upon fresh evidence generated through systematic archaeological field surveys. By documenting settlement distributions, pottery assemblages, architectural remains, and associated material culture, the research reconstructs the long-term dynamics of habitation in the Doab. The results reveal a complex sequence of settlement expansion, transformation, and continuity, with the Early Historic period marked by nucleated village sites and early urban centers, while the Kushana and Gupta phases witnessed intensified trade, craft production, and religious patronage. The transition to the Medieval period demonstrates both persistence of older settlement nodes and the emergence of fortified towns, temples, and pilgrimage centers under regional polities such as the Gurjara-Pratiharas and Gahadavalas. The Doab’s strategic location along major riverine and overland trade routes played a critical role in sustaining its significance as a cultural and political heartland. This dissertation contributes to ongoing debates on settlement archaeology and socio-political transformations in North India by offering new empirical data and comparative analysis. It highlights the resilience of riverine landscapes, the adaptability of communities, and the enduring importance of the Lower Ganga–Yamuna Doab in shaping the historical trajectory of the subcontinent.