Introduction

The emergence of civilization in eastern India, particularly from the fourth to the seventh century CE, is marked by significant developments in social, economic, and political structures. These changes are instrumental in understanding the diffusion of advanced cultural elements across the region.

Criteria for Civilization

1.Writing and Record-Keeping: The presence of written records is a fundamental indicator of a society's transition towards civilization. In eastern India, such evidence appears sparse before the mid-fourth century AD.

2.Taxation and Order: Establishing systems for collecting taxes and maintaining order indicates the development of state mechanisms to manage resources and enforce societal norms.

3.Social Classes and Specialists: The formation of distinct social classes and the emergence of specialists in priestly, administrative, and production roles suggest a complex societal structure with diverse economic activities.

4.Economic Production: A key aspect of civilization is the ability to produce surplus goods, supporting not only the producers (artisans and peasants) but also consumers not involved in direct production.

The Fourth to Seventh Century Developments