Rice, Spice and Everything Nice: The Attractions of Early Urbanism in Ancient India

All over the world, the beginning of urbanism enticed people into crowded neighborhoods amidst challenging economic configurations. What benefits did people perceive in cities? How did cities feed themselves as more and more non-farmers moved into urban jobs and neighborhoods? What special types of consumption were only available in cities, providing opportunities for excitement and “bling”? This lecture will explore the ways in which urbanism began over two thousand years ago, utilizing excavation results from a UCLA-Deccan College joint archaeological project at the ancient Indian settlement of Sisupalgarh and its environs.

Dr. Monica L. Smith
Professor, Department of Anthropology
Professor, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
Navin and Pratima Doshi Chair in Indian Studies
UCLA

Time and Location
2pm, Concordia University, Grimm Hall South, DeNault Auditorium