ANCIENT INDIA + ART AND CULTURE ANAND BATHIA Vedic Period (1500 to 600 B.C.E.)
Two phases
EVP(1500 to 1000 BCE)
Later(1000 to 600 BCE)
Earliest literature in the world – Vedas also called Shruti
Difference between Shruti Vs Smriti
Shruti = Vedas = like Code of Ethics and rituals
Smriti = e.g. Manusmriti = Laws
Puran(4th to 5th A.D)
Stories + Some history Vedic period
Myths about Aryans
Invasion ?
Race ?
Dravidians thrown out ?
No consensus on origin of Aryans
Different Theories
Theory What it says???? Supported by European Theory Europe is the home land Sir William Jones Central Asian Theory Central Asia is the homeland Max Muller • comparative study of the ‘Avesta’ and the ‘Vedas’
Artic Region Theory Homeland is the Northern Tilak Arctic region Tibet Theory Tibet is the original home Swami Dayanand Saraswati EVP
Rig veda
Family books
Indra
Agni, Varuna, Mitra
Samhita – core text -10 mandals
Brahmana – rules
Satapatha Brahmana - agriculture
Aranyaka – philosophy behind rituals
Upanishad – Philosophy
108 Upanishads, of which 13 are the most prominent
Mandukyopanishad “Satyamev jayate”
Chhandogya Upanishad – Clearly refers to the first three ashrams
4 pillars – karma, soul, transmigration and moksha
Which Books describe early vedic perid??? Upnishad
Upanishad criticized the rituals and emphised on knowledge of atman and its relation with brahman
Brahman = root birth, ultimate reality pervading universe
Atman = imperishable essential self or ultimate reality within us
Brihadaranyaka defines atman as knowing subject within us
Provided stability for rising states Practice
Vedic literature Deals with Philosophical knowledge and spiritual 1. Brahmanas learning 2. Aryankas Mysticism and symbolism 3. Upanishads Sacrifices and rituals
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution (b) Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding Upanishads 1. The Upanishadic age was characterized by a pluralism of world views. 2. All Upanishads are associated with one of the four Vedas 3. Upanishads as philosophical texts are known as Vedanta. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) All of the above
ANS = D PYQ
The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from? (a)Katha Upanishad (b)Chandogra Upanishad (c)Aitareya Upanishad (d)Mundaka Upanishad
ANS = D) Vedas
SAM VED Music Contains the famous Dhrupada raga YAJUR VED Procedure for the performance of sacrifices ATHARVA VED Medicine and chants Vedanga Nirukta Chhanda
VEDANG Shiksha Jyotisha
Vedanga Kalpa Vyakaran 1. Shiksha (Phonetics)- correct pronunciation of the Vedic hymns and mantras
2. Kalpa (Ritual Canon)- It contains the sacrificial practice and systematic sutras
Shulva Sutra - geometry
3. Vyakaran (Grammar) Vyakaran includes the Aṣṭādhyāyī, of Panini
4. Nirukta (explanation) – etymology
5. Chhanda (Vedic meter) It measures and divides Vedic Mantras by number of padas in a verse
6. Jyotisha (Astrology) It describes rules for tracking the motions of the sun and the moo Practice_Que_4
Who among the following was the author of books 'Shrimadh Bhagavad Gita Rahasya' and 'The Arctic Home in the Vedas'? a) Aurobindo Ghosh b) Swami Dayanand Saraswati c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak d) Annie Besant
ANS = C EVP and LVP By Anand Bathia Practice_5
Veda Description 1. Rig Veda i. Book on music 2. Sam Veda ii. Earliest written Veda 3.Yajur Veda iii. Book on rituals 4. Atharva Veda iv. Book on charms and magic spells
Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow. a) 1-i, 2, ii, 3-iii, 4-iv b) 1-ii, 2-i, 3-iii, 4-iv c) 1-i, 2-iii, 3-iv, 4-ii d) 1-ii, 2-i, 3-iv, 4-iii
ANS = B Vedic period
Geography
EVP – Pb
Sindhu and Sarasvati
Ayas
LVP – doab
Shyam
From copper to iron: early iron age
Political
Tribes and war
Tribal – Rajana but no authority
Sabha and Samiti
Bali in EVP Early Vedic Period
Pastoralism, agri and other occupations
Many animals but cattle mentioned more
Words derived from cattle
Chief = jansya Gopa
Measure of time = Godhuli
Wealthy = Gomat
Measure of Area = gocharman
Epithet of Indra = gopati(lord of cattle)
Cattle rearing was imp than agri activity
Trade minimal and in maximum in barter => cattle imp unit value
Clan as whole enjoyed right over property
Cows referred as “Aghnya” which means prohibition of indiscriminate killing Practice_6
With reference to Sabha and Samiti, two popular political organisations during Vedic Culture, consider the following statements: 1. The Sabha was a council of elders while Samiti was a general assembly of the entire people. 2. The Sabha and Samiti lost their importance during the later Vedic period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER :C Early Vedic Period
Varna in EVP
Varna appeared many places and usually referred as light colour
Word Brahman and Khatriya but varna is not attached to it
Vaishya and Shudra are completely absent
Four fold division in Purush-Sukta Women and Men
“go back to vedas” ????
Polygamy as well as polyandry
Unmarried woman Religion
Sacrifices less and in the house of Yajmana
Simple, domestic affairs and performed by house holders
No temples and image worship
Polytheism = indra, agni, surya Usha(goddess of dawn)
Rita = order of universe or moral order Practice_7
With reference to socio-economic life during Rig Vedic period, consider the following statements: 1. The society was clearly divided into four varnas - Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. 2. Agriculture was the dominant economic activity. 3. The unit of currency was nishka, which was made of gold.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
ANSWER :C PYQ_8 The 'dharma' and 'rita' depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilisation of India. In this context, consider the following statements. 1. 'Dharma' was a conception of obligations and of the discharge or one's duties to oneself and to others, 2. 'Rita' was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither 1 nor 2 ANS = C Later Vedic Period(1000BCE to 600BCE)
Economic life
Agriculture – Shatapatha Brahamana
Wooden plough
King Janaka
Krishna and Balrama
Crops – rice(Vrihi) and wheat(godhuma)
Diverse art and crafts – glass hoards and bangle hoards
Jewel workers upper doab – PGW sites Vrihi many branches of learning = chandhogya upnishad
Godhuma LATER VEDIC PERIOD
Gods, rituals and philosophy
Prajapati, Rudra, Vishnu
Prayers less more sacrifices – domestic character to public
Agnihotra sacrifice to Rajsuya, Vajapea
Ritual specialist became imp => Brahamana monopoly
Sacrifices involved animals – guest called ‘goghna’ PYQ 2012
The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of (a) Bhakti (b) Image worship and yajnas (c) Worship of nature and yajnas (d) Worship of nature and Bhakti
ANS - C EVP Vs LVP
LVP
State + Monarchy
Political map changing = diff systems => Rajyas, Ganas/Sanghas
Kurus became first state in India
Wars for land not only for cattle e.g. Mahabharat
Ashvamedh
Pottery
EVP = Ochre Colour Pottery
Badly fired
No colour LVP = Painted Grey ware Ochre Colour Painted Grey Pottery Ware LVP
Land as gift = Dakshina e.g. Shatapatha Brahamana
Varna divided society
Innate capacities by birth
Defined role, status, and social boundaries
Organic linkage
Flexible and fluid Women
Grihapati had stricter control
Polygamy more prevalent
Excluded from study of vedas Practice_10
Arrange the following pottery culture in chronological sequence: 1. Painted Grey Ware (PGW) 2. Black and Red Ware (BRW) 3. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1-2-3 b) 2-3-1 c) 2-1-3 d) 3-2-1
Ans= c)
Jainism and Buddhism Jainism and Buddhism
Varna by birth 2 higher Varna – Privileges Graded punishment Shudras – serving for other Varna's Reaction of Kshatriyas Agriculture economy Fertile region Rise of cities Coins = punch marked first time Trade flourished Supported by vaishyas Difficult Language Common people wanted go back to simple life Buddhism
Born at Lumbini (Rummindei) Mother Maya and king Sudhodhana Shakya kingdom Mahaprjapati Gautami Arada Kalam – 1st scholar Buddha met Enlightenment (Nirvana) – Gaya (Uruvela) 1st sermon – Sarnath Bimbisar and Ajatshatru contemporary Mahaparinirvana – Kushinagar Symbols associated with each place
Practice Question
He is said to have met Gautama Buddha. According to the Mahavamsa, he constructed several chaityas and viharas. He was also instrumental in convening the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha soon after the death of the Buddha. Identify the ruler. a) Kalasoka b) Ashoka c) Ajatasatru d) Chandragupta Maurya PYQ 2014 and 2015
Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1,2, 3 and 4 only ANS = c) Buddha Mudras
Abhay Mudra: Fearlessness Open palm of right hand Dharmachakra : Continuous energy of the cosmic order Vitaraka Mundra : Teaching and discussion Dhyan Mudra: Meditation, concentration Karana Mudra: Hand gestures called warding off the evil. It expels demons and remove obstacles such as sickness or negative thoughts Mudra’s
Bhumisparsha: Calling the Earth to witness the Truth i.e. Enlightnement
Vajra Mudra: Mostly used in Japan and Korea Stress on the importance of knowledge in spiritual world PYQ_13
Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation. b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara. c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory. d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context.
Ans) b Buddhism
Early Buddhist schools At 2nd council 1. Sthavir Nikaya/ sthavir Vada The Sthaviras later divided into other schools such as Sarvāstivāda Mahāvibhāṣa Vatsīputrīya Vibhajyavāda 2. Mahasanghikas Also called as Sakya Muni / Tathagata Predecessor called as Kassapa and successor called as Maitreya Buddhism
Four Nobel truths Dukkha Samudaya Nirodha Magga Eightfold path Middle path Rejected authority of vedas Practice
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Buddhism? 1. Both Bimbisara and Ajatasatru of Magadha accepted his doctrines and became his disciples 2. Buddha rejects the existence of God. 3. Buddha taught that a person should avoid excess of luxury but should commit to an excess of austerity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 2 and 3 only d) None of the above
ANS = a) PYQ 2018
Which reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (a) Avalokiteshvara (b) Lokesvara (c) Maityera (d) Padmapani
ANS = C) Literature
3 Pitaks Vinay Pitaka – conduct => recited by Upali Sutta Pitaka – sermons => recited by Ananda Abhidham Pitaka – Philosophy = Mogalipata Tissa Jataka, Buddha-charita by Ashvaghosha Practice
The right hand is held at chest level with the palm facing outwards. The left hand is turned inward and the index finger and thumb of this hand join to touch the right hand’s circle. This gesture was exhibited by Lord Buddha while he preached the first sermon to a companion after his enlightenment in the Deer Park of Sarnath. Identify Mudra???
a) Karana Mudra b) Vitarka Mudra c) Dharma Chakra Mudra d) Vajrapradama Mudra
ANS = C) Practice_16
Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
Buddhist Councils Place
1. First Buddhist Council - Rajgriha 2. Second Buddhist Council - Pataliputra
3. Third Buddhist Council - Vaishali
4. Fourth Buddhist Council - Kashmir
Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 4 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 3 and 4 only
Ans) b SECTS IN BUDDHISM
Hinayana Original preaching and orthodox No idol Self discipline and meditation for nirvana Pali language Ashoka patronised Sthavir Vada => Theravada
Sthavir- Hinayana Theravada Vada Mahayana
Historical context
Bodhisatva => also called as Bodhisatva-Yana
Has Bodhi-citta
Aim – spiritual upliftment
Universal liberation
Idols
Bodhisatva who achieved goal => Samyaksam-budha
Mahayana => Vajrayana
Sanskrit
Largest number of follower 53% PYQ 2016
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 2 only d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS = b) PYQ 2019
Consider the following : 1. The deification of the Buddha 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the above is/ are the features/ features of Mahayana Buddhism? a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS = d) Mahayana and Theravada spread Practice
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Buddhism? 1. Mahayana is the old puritan school of Buddhism, in which certain things associated with Buddha were worshipped as his symbols. 2. Kanishka was a great patron of the Mahayana school of Buddhism. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS = d) Bodhisatva
One who has Bodhi-citta for universal liberation a person whose aim is to become fully enlightened is still subject human life Bodhisatva passes through 10 bhumis Prominent Bodhisatva Avalokiteshvara One 3 protective deties around Buddha Lotus Compassion Depicted – female Incarnate – Dalai Lama Bodhisatva
Vajrapani
Powers
Manjusri
Wisdom of Buddha
Maitreya
Laughing Buddha
Tara
Only Vajrayana
Virtue of success
Vasudhara -
Skanda – guardian of viharas
Sitapatra – protector against supernatural danger \
Both in Vajrayana and Mahayana PYQ 2017
The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft- illustrated paintings at (a) Ajanta (b) Badami (c) Bagh (d) Ellora
ANS = a) Practice
In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara was also known as a) Vajrapani b) Manjusri c) Padmapani d) Maitreya Therveda
School of elder monks Pali Aim = cession of kleshas and attainment of Nirvana Samatha and Vipassana Belief in concept of Vibhajjavada(doctrine of Analysis) Treatise – Visudhi-magga in 5th century AD by Budhghosha SL, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar Vajrayana
Tribal and primitive people Influence of Shaivism Tārā – lady Veda – rituals Tantra = mantra Thangka Painting Cotton canvas Colours has significance Also on silk Other scholars
Nagasena Nāgārjuna Mahayan Buddhism Sunya vada Bodhidharma – Buddhism to china Buddhaghosa – Visudhimagga Padmasambhava - “second Buddha” Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan CAUSES OF DECLINE
Rituals Language Corrupt practices Conflict PS Reforms within Hinduism Stupas :- Semi-spherical solid dome like structure containing Relics of Buddha like Hair, Teeth or Bones Vihars Chaitya
Monasteries for the monks to live in Rectangular halls with a semi circular roof supported by a number of columns
• Halls meant for worship Jainism and Buddhism Practice
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks c) Vihar is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Chaitya is the big axial hall. d) There is no material difference between the two. Jainism
Jina/jaina No single founder Believes in soul Important pilgrimages e.g. 24 tirthankar Mahavira At kundalgram in Vaishali Trishala and Siddhartha Jnatrika clan Anekantavad Three jewels and five contarins With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: (2014)
Famous work of sculpture Site 1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous Ajanta celestial musicians above 2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as Mount Abu he rescues 3. “Arjuna’s Penance” /”Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface Mamllapuram of huge boulders
Which of the pairs given above is/ are correctly matched? a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 only, c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Practice
With reference to Jainism and Buddhism, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Both Buddhism and Jainism believed in the philosophy of Ahimsa. 2. Both believed in the existence of the soul but denied the existence of god. 3. Both allowed women monks from the very beginning. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 1, 2 and 3 d) None of the above
ANS = a) Digambara
Sub = Mula Sangha, Tera-panthi, Bispanthi No clothes Bhadrabahu- moved Karnataka Female monks = aryikas Kalpa Sūtra Women can’t be tirthankar Regid Bispanthis – worship yaksha and Yakshini Worship - Bhattarakas as dharmaguru Svetambara
Subsects – Sthanakvasi , Murtipuja(Deravasi) and Terapanthi Sthulabhadra – at Magadha Simple white clothings Tirthankaras can both men and women Hence Mallinath(19th) Sthanakvasi – pray saints rather than idols Wear Muhapatti Murtipujaka – idols of tirthankar No Muhpatti Sallekana/Santhara Voluntary fasting up to death No passion attached hence not suicide Pratikram Repent of sins Paryushan Parva PYQ 2018
With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to a) Buddhism b) Jainism c) Vaishnavism d) Shaivism
ANS = b) Practiceo
Which of the following was referred to as KEVALIN in ancient India? a) An upper Caste born member of the Vedic society. b) One who has attained Nirvana in Buddhism. c) One who had attained Brahma Gyaan as per Shankaracharya Advaita Philosophy. d) One who had attained supreme knowledge in Jainism.
ANS = d) Impact of Jainism Political Kshatriyas took new faith No war like feeling Language and literature Ardh-Magadhi Prakrit Mahapurana by Jinsena Kalpasutra by Bhadrabahu Udaygiri and Khandgiri caves,Odisha Practice
Which of the following texts is/are related to Buddhism? 1. Shantinatha Charitra 2. Visuddhimagga 3. Mahavamsa 4. Agamas Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 and 4 only b) 2 only c)1, 2, 3 and 4 d) 2 and 3 only Practice
Shatkhandagama’, a text in Prakrit, is animportant text of a) Jainas b) Buddhists c) Brahmans d) Marathas
ANS = a) Shramana Schools
The word Shramana means one who performs the act of austerity and ascetic. It refers to several Indian religious movements parallel to Vedic religion. The various Shramana schools include:
Jainism
Buddhism
Ajivikas
Charvakas
All four mentioned above belong to the Nastika or Heterodox school of philosophy. Practice
The doctrine of ‘Anekantavada’ is associated with a) Upanishads b) Buddhism c) Jainism d) Sankhya Philosophy
Ans = c) Shad – Darshan
62 schools
Simultaneous Devpt
Astika and Nastika
Cream of Indian culture
Pessimism at initial level not ending optimism hopes
Ignorance leads to suufering Shad – Darshan
Samkhya Yoga
Nyaya Veisheshika
Mimansa Vedant Shad – Darshan
Samakhya By Kapil Muni
Original New Origin – by nature Origin – spirit Scientific Spiritualistic Prakriti/Materialistic Nature + spirit
Salvation by knowledge knowledge by – Pratyaksha(perception), Anumana(Inference) and Shabda(Hearing) Yoga Union Yogasutra Nyaya Gautama Logic Focuses on systemic reasoning and thinking Vaisheshika Kanad/Uluka Material element Everything in universe is made of 5 elements Mimansa Jaimini Two greatest propounder – Sabar Swami and Kumarila Bhatta Vedas contains eternal truth Reasoning and interpretation = analysis of Samhita and Brahmana Reasons for Vedic rituals Limitation – legitimized Brahmins Vedanta Brahmasutra by Badrayana systematizes and summarizes the philosophical and spiritual ideas in the Upanishads Atma is equal to Brahma Advait No atributes Salvation by knowledge Popularised by Adi Shnakarcharya 4 matha’s 1. N- Badrinath 2. S- Shringeri 3. E – Jaganthpuri 4. W – Dwarka Ramanujana – 12th century - Vishisht -advaita Salvation – devotion and love Heterodox
Lokayata or Charavka Brihaspati Materialist view No belief in atma and parmatma
Ajivikas Gosala Niyati Ashoka donated Barabar hills Practice Question
Which of the following is/are associated with the Shramana tradition? 1. Bhakti cult 2. Buddhism 3. Jainism 4. Ajivika 5. Charvaka Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 2 and 3 only b) 4 and 5 only c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 d) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
Ans) d Practice
Schools of Indian Philosophy Founder 1. Lokayata Makkhali Gosala 2. Ajivikas Charvaka 3. Jainism Mahavira
Which of the pairs given above are incorrectly matched? a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS = d) Practice_1
Which of the following did not find its origin from Prakrit language? (a)Pali (b)Apabhramsa (c)Sanskrit (d)Ardha - Magadhi
ANS = c Practice_2
Which of the following were the causes of the rise of Jainism and Buddhism? 1. The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the Later Vedic period were not acceptable to the common people. 2. The teachings of Upanishads were highly philosophical in nature and could not be understood by common people. 3. Kshatriyas had resented the domination of the priestly class that led to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS = d) Practice_3
Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism? (2013) a) The extinction of the flame of desire b) The complete annihilation of self c) A state of bliss and rest d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
ANS = a) PYQ 1997_4
Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between the king Menander and the Buddhist monk a) Nagasena b) Nagarjuna c) Nagabhatta d) Kumaribhatta
ANS = a) Mauryan Empire
Expansion of Mauryan empire Practice_7
Arrange the following Mahajanapadas from East to West. 1. Magadha 2. Avanti 3. Anga 4. Gandhara Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1-2-3-4 b) 2-1-4-3 c) 3-1-2-4 d) 1-3-2-4
ANS = c) Mauryas
Literary Sources
Arthashastra of Kautilya i.e. Vishnugupta and Chanakya
Visakadatta’s Mudrarakshasa
Indica by Megasthenes
Archaeological Sources
Edicts of Ashoka(Priyadarshi)
Decree issued by Sovereign
Prakrit and Greek Language
Brahmi and Kharoshthi
Rock and Pillar PYQ Practice_6
The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutta has its subject as a) a conflict between Gods and demons of ancient Hindu lore b) a romantic story of an Aryan prince and a tribal woman c) the story of the power struggle between two Aryan tribes d) the court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya
ANS = d) Mauryas
Chandragupta Shudra or Kshatriya clan Sandrocottus North-west expansion Certain parts which not included in British raj Accepted Jainism Imperial Organization Elaborate system of administration Megasthenes and kautalya’s Arthashatra All powers in hand of king and high ideals Provincies Cities – Ujjain, Pataliputra, Taxila, Kaushambi Admin of Patliputra by 6 commities and 24 departments for areas near capital Mauryan Period
Maintenance of huge army and also navy Military strength 3 times of Nandas How maintained ???? Sound financial base Ashoka (273 to 232 B.C.E) Succeeded Bindusara Ashokan Inscription Major rock edicts, minor rock edicts, separate rock edicts, major pillar edicts and minor pillar edicts Devanam-piya priya-dasi Found in Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan ASHOKA
Major Rock Edicts 14 separate major Edicts Concerned with practical instructions in running the kingdom such as the design of irrigation systems Peaceful moral behavior Three languages - Prakrit, Greek and Aramaic Brahmi and Kharoshti scripts Ashoka
Minor Rock Edicts – 15 Religious affiliation Earliest They are very important to link king ‘piyadasi’ to Ashoka, as Ashoka used his name in four of these places namely, Maski, Brahmagiri (Karnataka), Gujjara (MP) and Nettur (AP)
Major Pillar Edicts Seven separate major Edicts inscribed on columns Most technically elegant Firoz shah Tughlak in 14 century to Delhi bull pillar of Rampurva, or the pillar of Vaishali do not have inscriptions Edicts
Ashoka
Minor Pillar Edicts refer to 5 separate minor Edicts inscribed on columns most sophisticated First king with direct communication with people by edicts IMP INSCRIPTIONS
Girnar Rock Inscription of Rudradaman (Kathiawar)
Mentions the Sudarshan Lake constructed by Pushyagupta, a rashtriya (means provincial governor) of Saurashtra during Chandragupta Maurya’s reign
Kandahar Inscription
Bilingual Greek, Aramaic inscription
Rummindei Inscription(Nepal)
To commemorate the birthplace of the Buddha, Ashoka visited Lumbini, worshipped here and gave tax concessions to the villagers. It records that the village of Lumbini was exempted from bali and was to pay only one-eighth of bhaga.
Kalinga Edict (Bhauli and Jaugada): Mentions “All men are my children”
Saugaura Copper Plate Inscription: Inscription of Chandragupta Maurya; mentions relief measures adopted during famine in Magadha
Inscriptions at Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra written in Kharosthi script PYQ
Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Ashoka? a) Kalsi b) Rummindei c) Special Kalinga edict d) Maski
ANS = d) Practice
Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilised during the crises in the country? a) Saugaura Copper Plate b) Rummindei Pillar edict of Ashoka c) Prayaga Prashati d) Mehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
ANS = a) ASHOKA
Kalinga war One lakh killed Moved by war Kalinga- Bherighosha Vs Dhammaghosha Ideological appeal to appeal to obey king as father Welfare of subjects Ambassadors to Greek Missionaries to SL and Central Asia e.g Bamyan Ashoka
Kalinga not made extreme pacifist rather practical
Not disbanded huge army
Asked tribal people to adopt dhamma
Rajukas – officers
Kandhahar inscription shows hunter adopted Dhamma Internal policy and Buddhism
After Kalinga => buddhism
3rd council (Sangiti)
Apointed Dhammachkra-mahamantras
Disapproved rituals
Forbidden slaughter
Broader dhamma
Unification of country
Tolerant policy Practice
Consider the following statements regarding foreign policy of Ashoka after the war of Kalinga: 1. He disbanded the policy of military conquest through warfare. 2. He sent missionaries for the propagation of Buddhism to Central Asia 3. He disbanded the huge army maintained from the time of Chandragupta Maurya.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 2 only d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS = b) Practice
Consider the following statements: 1. Ashoka brought about political unification of the country. 2. Bindusara was responsible for bringing peninsular India under Mauryan control. 3. Third Buddhist council convened by Ashoka was presided by Devaridhigani. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS= a) Mauryan Period State King – Dharm-Pravartak (Promulgator of social order) Royal absolutism due to military conquest Paternalistic authority Highest officers - Paid in cash Panas Elaborate system of espionage Provinces Region State/capital North Taxila South Suvarnagari East Tosali Central Ujjain Mauryan Period
Economic regulations 27 Adyakashas Irrigation Employment of SLAVES for agri - War captives But India not slave society is like Grece and Roman Connectivity for trade and military – water and road CHUNAR STONE transported Taxation More importance to assessment Samaharta and Sannidhata Tax in both cash and kind Imperial currency of Mauryan TRADING ROUTES AND PORTS Practice
Who among the following was chief of Revenue department and in charge of the collection of all revenues of the Empire in the Mauryan Administration? a) Sannidhata b) Samharta c) Rajukas d) Nikayas
ANS = b) Art and Architecture of Mauryan
Court art Palaces Pillars Stupas Caves Popular art Pottery Sculptures EVOLUTION OF ART
• Sculpture • Narrative • More become • Human Post- Mauryan Sunga art Kushan Gupta divine part of Symbolic Buddha Gupta Art Art • Jataka feature temple Art • Musculine Art Stories Art • Walls and Pillars ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF MAURYAN
Palaces At capital Pataliputra Megasthenes – greatest creation Ahoka palace at Kumrahar – 3 story structure Pillars Symbol or commemorate victories Avg 40 feet Chunar 4 parts E.g sarnath pillar Tapered Art and Architecture of Mauryan
Ashokan Achaemanian Monolithic Pieces Independently erected Attached to buildings Lotus at top of shaft Lotus at bottom of shaft dipi and lipi occur in the inscriptions of dipi and lipi occur in the inscriptions of Ashoka Darius polished stones and motifs such as the lotus same Art and Architecture of Mauryan
National emblem
Abacus and animal
Animals
equality and justice in all spheres of life
Lions = Strength, Courage and Confidence
24 spokes of the Chakra represent the number of hours in a day
moving forward in life and thus one avoids stagnation of the mind
Stupas
Burial mounds
84000
Core of stupa – unburnt bricks
Sanchi stupa
Earlist – Piprahwa and vaishali Practice
Consider the following statements regarding the Ashokan Pillars: 1. The Maski Rock Edict was the first discovered edict with the name ‘Asoka’ for its patron. 2. These pillars also inspired by the Persian tradition was raised on a platform with an inscribed shaft and Capital at the top. 3. They were raised only to propagate Buddhism and hence non-violence. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT CORRECT? a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 2 only d) 1 and 2 only
ANS = b) ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF MAURYAN
Caves and Rock cut Dhauli elephant Caves for viharas - Buddhist and Jain
Polished finish and decorative gateways Wooden hut Sculpture
For decoration of stupas, torana and vedica by wooden The stone portrait of Ashoka at Kanaganahalli
An inscription in Brahmi letters read ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (king Ashoka)
Famous sculpture – yaksha and yakshini Chauri bearing yakshini ‘Maurya polish’
Life into stone Pottery Ashoka at Kanaganahalli NBPW
Highest level of pottery Practice
Which among the following are examples of Mauryan sculptural tradition? 1. Lion Capital at Sarnath 2. Seated Buddha at Sarnath 3. Didarganj Yakshini
Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans = B) PYQ 2019
In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? (a) Kanganahalli (b) Sanchi (c) Shahbazgarhi (d) Sohgaura Practice
Consider the following statement regarding Ajivikas 1. Ajivikas believed in ‘Niyati’ and also the doctrine of Karma. 2. Ashoka patronized Ajivika sect saints. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) Only 1 b) Only 2 c) Both d) None
ANS = b)
Causes of fall of Mauryan empire
Brahmnical reaction
Prakrit favored
Sacrifices prohibited
Granted same code for all varnas
Financial crisis
Large army and admin
Oppressive rule
New knowledge to outside
Neglect of north-west and great wall of china
Shi Huang Ti = about 220 BC