Prarambhik Bharat ka Parichay is an introduction to ancient Indian history from prehistoric times to the seventh century. It deals with polity, economy, society, religion, philosophy and science and technology in ancient India and highlights the contributions of ancient India in these fields.

This edition is a revised, updated and upgraded version of Prachin Bharat (Ancient India), previously published by the NCERT. The book has been revised to suit the requirements of college and university students. Four new chapters (chapters 4, 5, 6 and 11) have been added, while several have been extensively revised in the light of new research; for example, Chapter 9 on the Neolithic Age, Chapter 10 on Harappan Culture, and Chapter 12 on the Rig Vedic Age include new evidence.

The book contains a detailed and updated bibliography.

A special feature is the chronology, provided at the end of each chapter, which enables students to understand historical events in the correct chronological sequence in which they occurred.

Professor R S Sharma (1919–2011) was Professor and Head, Department of History, Delhi University and Emeritus Professor of History, Patna University. Earlier, he taught at the University of Toronto. He was also the founding Chairperson of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi. He received the V K Rajwade Lifetime Award for his research and contribution to History.

Professor Sharma, who wrote in both Hindi and English, published about 80 books, several of which have been translated into different languages. His important works include: Sudras in Ancient India, Material Culture and Social Formations in Ancient India, Aspects of Political ideas and Institutions in Ancient India, Indian Feudalism, Looking for the Aryans, Advent of the Aryans in India, and Early Medieval Indian Society: A Study in Feudalisation.