Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the standard periodization used by historians and social scientists to structure the history of India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The conventional and most widely accepted academic division of Indian history is into three periods:
1. Ancient Period: From pre-history (Indus Valley Civilization) up to approximately the 7th-8th century CE (post-Harsha period).
2. Medieval Period: From the 8th century CE to the 18th century CE, covering the Sultanates and the Mughal Empire.
3. Modern Period: From the mid-18th century onwards, covering the establishment of British rule, the independence struggle, and post-independence India.
This three-fold division is standard in historical scholarship, replacing the older colonial-era periodization of Hindu, Muslim, and British periods.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The history of Indian society is conventionally divided into three periods: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.