Another important feature of ancient Indian history is the inscriptions which were found in temples, palaces, pillars, and on stones, rocks and copper plates too. Earlier, these inscriptions were on stones but during first Christian era, copper plates were also inscribed. These inscriptions contain royal orders, instructions for people, religious beliefs, achievements of the rulers and glorification of their persona. When the rulers awarded properties and fiefs to their ministers, the orders were written on copper plates.

During the early period these inscriptions were written in Prakirt. Asoka's inscriptions were in local languages because he wanted the common man to understand his instructions and teachings. However, during second century AD, Sanskrit was used for inscriptions. During 9th and 10th centuries, these inscriptions were again written in the different local languages.

Inscriptions became the best tool for publicity, which is why besides rulers, well-to-do people also used inscriptions to publicise their achievements and acts. These inscriptions were written on pillars which were placed at public places in order to grab the attention of people. However, another significance of these inscriptions was their permanency as whatever was written could not be changed, thus insuring the accuracy of the information.

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When the writing system was invented, it became easy to write books on different topics. Paper was not invented yet, therefore palm leaves or animals' skins were used to write on. Most of the manuscripts which are now available were on religious beliefs, rituals and ceremonies. The significant writings are Veda, Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas. Later on the followers of Jainism and Buddhism composed a large number of books on their beliefs. Most of these Buddhist manuscripts belonged to fourth century AD. They were taken away by the followers of Buddhism to Central Asia and China, where they were preserved in monasteries.

The writing system not only preserved the religious beliefs of the ancient period, it also helped in recording the laws and legal systems implemented by the rulers. For example, in Dharmashastra the laws related to caste system, marriage and holding of property were described. It also provided details of crimes and their punishment and also the duties of a ruler. Similarly in Arthashastra rules and regulations to govern and control people were mentioned.

In addition to these books, literature is also an important source of history as it reflects the social, political and economic condition of its time. The best example is the dramas of Kalidas which portray the Gupta society and its culture.

Another important source to get to know about the ancient Indian history is travelogues written by foreigners who visited India. Those who left their account about India were Greeks, Romans and Chinese. Among Chinese travellers, Fa-hsien visited India during 5th century AD and Hsuan Tsang in 7th century AD. On their return to China they recorded their impressions about India which contain valuable material about the social and religious life of the people. During the rule of Harsha, his biography was written which sheds light on his reign. Similarly, biographies of other rulers were also written which provided historical information about their era.

Another important source of Indian history is Purana — a group of Hindu texts written in Sanskrit language. Although they describe mainly the stories of gods and goddesses, but they also give some information about rulers and royal dynasties. Puranas also mention those places where some important historical events took place.