INDIAN HISTORY

PRE-HISTORIC as a part of a larger area called Pleistocene to the end of the PERIOD Jambu-dvipa (The continent of third Riss, glaciation. Jambu tree)  The Palaeolithic culture had a  The pre-historic period in the  The stages in mans progress from duration of about 3,00,000 yrs. history of mankind can roughly Nomadic to settled life are  The art of hunting and stalking be dated from 2,00,000 BC to 1. Primitive Food collecting wild animals individually and about 3500 – 2500 BC, when the stage or early and middle stone later in groups led to these first civilization began to take ages or Palaeolithic people making stone weapons shape. 2 . Advanced Food collecting and tools.  The first modern human beings stage or late stone age or  The principal tools are hand or Homo Sapiens set foot on the Mesolithic axes, cleavers and chopping Indian Subcontinent some- tools. The majority of tools where between 2,00,000 BC and 3. Transition to incipient food- found were made of quartzite. 40,000 BC and they soon spread production or early Neolithic They are found in all parts of through a large part of the sub- 4. settled village communities or India except the Central and continent including peninsular advanced neolithic/Chalco eastern mountain and the allu- India. lithic and vial plain of the ganges.  They continuously flooded the 5. Urbanisation or Bronze age.  People began to make ‘special- Indian subcontinent in waves of Paleolithic Age ized tools’ by flaking stones, migration from what is present which were pointed on one end. day Iran. The period before 10,000 BC belongs to the Palaeolithic Age These kind of tools were gener-  The primitive people moved in (old stone age) . Man was no ally used to kill small animals and groups of few families and lived more than a hunter and food for tearing flesh from the carcass mainly on hunting and gathering. gatherer. This period falls into of the hunted animals.  The age when the pre-historic the geological period called the man began to use stone for utili- tarian purpose is called as the stone age. The broken skull specimen of Homo erectus is first & only of its kind  Wheat and barley were the first in India. This skull was discovered on 5th December, 1982 in the cereals grown by Indians. middle of the Narmada valley in Hathnora, Madhya Pradesh. It is the  The name India was derived most ancient human remnant so far discovered in Indian subconti- from the rivername Sindhu nent. Skull belongs to Middle Pleistocene (around 500,000 years which is also known as Indus. ago) age in the geological time scale. Recent finds include a middle palaeolithic quarry in the Kaladgi Basin, southern India. A tradition  India was originally considered of Indian rock art dates to 40 or 50,000 years ago. Mesolithic Age  The Mesolithic period roughly Copper was known to some of the oldest civilizations Copperon record, was and ranges between 10,000 and 6000 has a history of use that is at least 10,000 years old. B.C. probably the first metal to come into use. There exist copper and bronze  Apart from hand axes, they also artifacts from Sumerian cities that date to 3000 BC and Egyptian artifacts produced crude, stone-tipped, of copper and copper-tin alloys. In one pyramid, a copper plumbing wooden spears, borers and system was found that is 5000 years old. burins. Ever since 1822 hoards of copper implements have been collected  The stone implements are of from the Ganges-Jamuna Doab, and in central India and Deccan. The minute size and hence are called raw material copper had been found in the copper ore deposits in Microliths. The Microliths Rajasthan, Chottanagpur and Singhbhum in Bihar and Orissa. found at Brahmagiri in Mysore, in the Vindhyan, Narmada river Chalcolithic Age was heterogenaus mainly four and in Gujarat can be assigned racial types. to Late Stone Age.  Chalcolithic Age period ranges i. Mediterranean  This period also saw the domes- between 1800 BC to 1000 BC. ii. Proto-Australoids tication of animals and cultiva-  Towards the end of Neolithic iii. Mongoloids and tion of wild varieties of crops. period metals like bronze and iv. Alpines  The famous Bhimbetka caves copper began to be used. But the majority consisted of near Bhopal belong to the  Chalcolithic cultures extended the former two. Mesolithic age and are famous from the Chotanagpur Plateau to  The Harappan culture spread for their cave paintings. the upper Gangetic basin. over the whole of Sind, Neolithic Age  Some of the sites of this era are Baluchistan, almost the whole Brahmagiri (near Mysore), of Punjab, northern Rajasthan,  The Neolithic Age or New Stone Navada toli on River Narmada, Kathiawar and Gujarat. Age ranges between 6000 to Mahishadal in West Bengal and  Harappa the first Indus site, was 4000 BC. Chirand on the Ganga. discovered by Dayaram Sahni  An important invention of this  The chalcolithic culture was fol- in 1921. It is situated in the prov- time was the wheel. lowed by the Iron phase. ince of West Punjab, Montgom-  It was characterised by settled  Pre-Harappan phase is found at ery district in Pakistan. life, animal husbandry and same Kalibhangan in Rajasthan,  Harappa is located on the bank form of cultivation depended Banawali in Hariyana and Kot of river Ravi. upon the use of stone. Diji in Sind in Pakistan. The  Mohenjodaro was excavated in  The most striking feature of the Kayathan Culture (2000 to 1800 1922 by R.D. Banerjee. It is situ- culture of the neolithic- BC) is a semi-contemporary of ated in the Larkhana district in Sind on the right bank of river chalcolithic sites of the Deccan the Harappan culture. is their independent ancestry. Indus (Now in Pakistan)  The important neolithic sites Indus Valley Civilisation  The famous excavators and Ar- excavated include; Maski,  Indus Valley civilisation belongs chaeologists were Sir John Brahmagiri, Hallur, Kodekal, to the Chalcolithic period dated Marshall, Mortimer Wheeler, Sangana Kaller, Takkala Kota between 3000 BC and 1500 BC. R.D. Banerje, Dales and Sahni. in Karnataka and Paiyampalli in It is a Bronze Age civilisation or  The Great Granery, the Great Tamilnadu and Utnur in Andhra a proto Historic civilisation. Bath a piece of woven cotton, a Pradesh.  The Indus Valley population beared man in steatite and a bronze dancing girl are found from Mohenjodaro. The Negroids or Negritos of Pre-historic  An assembly hall was also dis- India were the first human inhabitants, covered from Mohenjodaro. who were food gatherers. The Nagas of  The most important feature of Assam and some Andamanese today Harappan civilisation was town belong to this group or race. They were planning and urbanism. acquainted with the bow and arrow.  The word Mohanjodaro in Sindi language means ‘the mound of They speak everywhere debased the dead’. dialects of their neighbours. form the basic  Mohenjodaro was believed to The Proto Australoids Proto Australoids have been destructed by flood. elements in the population of India.  Harappans knew the art of grow- They underwent transformation ow- ing cereals, wheat and barley. ing to admixture with Negritos and Mongoloids. The best examples  Banwali is situated in Haryana. of this admixture are the kol or Munda type, the Mon-khemer type in  Like Kalibangan, Amri, Kot Diji Assam-Burma and the Nicobarese in the Nicobar islands. and Harappa, Banwali also saw two cultural phases – Pre- the inhabitants of Chanhudaro the world and dockyard made of Harappan and Harappan were artist. burnt bricks, was discovered in – Banwali situated on the bank  Kalibangan, another famous 1957 by S.R. Rao is situated in of lost river Saraswathi. Here we Indus city discovered in 1953 by Gujarat on Bhogava river near find a large quantity of barley, A. Ghosh, is situated in Gulf of Cambay. Sesamum and Mustard. Rajasthan on the banks of River  Lothal has evidence of the earli-  Chanhudaro, discovered by Ghaggar. Kalibangan stands for est cultivation of rice. N. Gopal Majumdar and Mackey black bangles.  Fire altars, indicating the prob- in 1931, is situated in Sind on  Early phase here shows the ear- able existence of a fire cult have the bank of river Indus. liest evidence of ploughed field been found.  This site is related to Pre- in the world.  Here, a house had front en- Harappan culture known as – Fire-altars have been found. trance. ‘Jhangar Culture’ and ‘Jhukar – This is known as third capital  Ropar is the site situated in Culture’. of Indus Empire. Punjab on the banks of river - The only site without a citadel. – Houses built mostly of sun Sutlej. It was discovered in 1955- - It was an important bead-mak- dried bricks. 56 by Y.D.Sharma. ing centre.  Lothal, first man made port in  The evidence of burying a dog - It was discovered that most of below the human burial is very interesting. The Main Centers of Indus Valley Excavation  Dholvira situated in Gujarat (Kuchch dist) was discovered Harappa - Montgomery district of Punjab in Pakistan by J.P. Joshi, excavation carried Mohenjodaro - Larkana district of Sind out by Rabindra Singh Bisht in Lothal - Gujarat on Bhogava river near Gulf of Cambay 1990-91. Chanhudaro - 125 km south of Mohanjodaro in Sind.  Wheat, Rice, barley, milk, dates, fish, egg and animal flesh Kalibangan - Rajasthan on the banks of River Ghaggar formed their staple food. Ropar - Punjab on the banks of river Sutlej  Agriculture, hunting, fishing Banwali - Hissar district of Haryana and rearing of animals/birds was their main source of livelihood.  Harappans used a system of Indus, aridity of the area or dry- The main fea- weights and measures based on ing up of river Ghaggar, the in- tures of the Indus 16 and its multiples. vasion of Aryans are the sup- Civilization includes  The Indus valley people did not posed reasons for the decline of the use of fire burned construct temples. the civilisation towards 1500 bricks, storied buildings  The chief male deity of the BC. with stairways and ventila- Indus people was Pasupati  The houses of Harappa and tors, separate bath - room and Mahadeva (Proto Siva). Mohanjadaro were almost in- drainage system, the construc-  Their Chief female deity was the variably made of klin-burnt tion of roads with varied width; Mother Goddess. the town planning, the Great bricks. Bath, the granary, the hindu  They also worshipped fire, pi-  In Kalibangan many houses had religious practices, the Pic- pal trees and Unicorn. their wells. tographic script, the un-  Harappan script was Picto-  The streets originated north- awareness of the horse, graphic in nature, which has not south and east-west produced the caste system, been deciphered so far. a grid system. iron etc.  Boustrophedan was their style  Wheat and Barley were staple of writing which follows the di- food. rection of writing from right to  Garments of cotton and wool left then from left to right in the were used.  Harappan people were the earli- second line and so on.  Silver was more common than est people in the world to grow  Harappan seals were made of gold. cotton and rice. terra - cotta.  Seals were the greatest artistic  People cultivated rice at Lothal  Chess - like game of Harappans creation of the Harappan. and Rangpur and barley at was called Sent.  Seals were made up of steatite Banwali.  Great buildings, double-sto- with figurines and letters in  Harappan people domesticated reyed dwellings, and drainage Harappan scripts. oxen, buffaloes, goats, camels, system were in existence. sheeps, and pigs. Humped bulls  The Harappan scripts are picto-  Mortar and baked bricks were were given special importance. graphic and logo-syllabic. They used for construction of dwell- used to write right to left and Horses were unknown to the ings. Harappan people. left to right.  The largest number of Harappan  The Harappans were lacking in  Indus people had trade contacts sites in post independent India with Persian Gulf and weapons which show that they have been discovered from were peace loving. Mesopotamia. Gujarat.  The ancient name given to  The Harappan culture disap-  Harappan civilisation extended peared after 1900 BC. Indus region by Sumerians was from Jammu in the North to Meluha. Narmada in the South and from  Ornaments of silver, gold, ivory, Makran coast of Baluchistan in FAMOUS ERAS 58 BC copper and precious stones the West to Meerut in the East...... were used. Vikram Era  The Northern most point of 78 AD Saka Era......  Indus people used a gold - sil- Indus valley civilisation was 320 AD ver mixture called Electrum. Gupta Era...... Manda in Jammu and the South- 622 AD  They used bronze and copper ernmost was Daimabad in Hijra Era...... but iron was unknown to them. 825 AD Maharashtra. Kollam Era......  Indus people were the first to 1583 AD  Floods and Earthquakes, Illahi Era...... use copper in India. change in the course of river The word ‘Veda’ is derived from VEDIC AGE the word ‘vid’ which means  Vedic Age is the period of Ary- The Vedic Liter knowledge. ans in India from 1500 - 600 BC. ature consists of the  Vedic Period is mainly classi- Samhitas, (the Rig, Yajur,  Upanishads are known as the fied into two - Early Vedic Pe- Sama and Atharva veda). Jnanakantas of Vedas. riod (1500 B.C. - 1000 B.C.) and Brahmanas, Aranyakas, ‘  The words ‘Sathyameva Jayate’ Later Vedic Period (1000 B.C. Upanishads. It includes the have been taken from ‘Mundaka - 600 B.C.). Vedangas, Sutras, and Upanishad’ Upavedas.  The Aryans were semi-nomadic  Brahdaranya Upanishad was pastoral people who originally the first to give the doctrine of inhabited the area around the Transmigration of Soul and Caspian Sea in Central Asia.  Rigveda starts with the line Karma.  The word ‘Aryans’ comes from ‘Agnimeele Purohitam’  Puranas are the part of Smriti ‘ari’ which in the Vedic times  Famous Gayatri Mantra is con- literature. They are 18 in num- meant ‘foreigners’ or ‘strang- tained in the Rigveda (It is be- ber – 6 Vishnupuranas, 6 ers’. lieved to have composed by Sivapuranas and 6  Vedas are the oldest literary Vishwamitra) Brahmapuranas. works of mankind. Vedas are four  Yajurveda deals with sacrifices  Bhagavata purana is divided in number, they are Rig Veda, and rituals. into 18 skandas. The 10th Yajurveda, Samaveda and  Yajurvedic hymns are meant to skanda mentions about the Atharva Veda. be sung by priests called childhood of Sri Krishna. Rig veda is the oldest veda. ‘Adhavaryu’.  Skanda purana is considered as  Vedas are collectively known as  Yajurveda is derived into two: the largest purana. Sruti SuklaYajurveda (White  Brahmapurana is also known as  Vedangas are collectively Yajurveda) and Krishna Yajur Adipurana. known as Smriti Veda (Black Yajurveda)  Adhyatma Ramayana is in-  Inorder to understand the vedic  Sama Veda deals with Music. cluded in the Brahmanta literature it was necessary to  Sama Vedic hymns are meant to purana. learn ‘Vedangas’ or the limbs of be sung by priests called  Cattle was the chief measure of Vedas. Udgatri. wealth in the vedic period.  There are 1028 hymns in  Atharva veda is a collection of  Rigvedic tribe was referred to as Rigveda. It is divided into ten spells and charms. Ayurveda is Jana . Mandalas (Chapters). a part of Atharva Veda, which  Many clans (vis) formed a tribe.  Rig Vedic Hymns sung by deals with medicine.  The basic unit of society was priests were called Hotris.  The saying, ‘‘War begins in the kula or the family and Kulapa minds of men’’ is from Atharva was the head of the family.  ‘Vishah’ were members of Vedangas are six in number. They are, Veda. Samitit. Siksha - Phonetics  The 10th Mandala of Rigveda  Important tribal assemblies of Kalpa - Rituals contain the Purusha Sukta the Rig Vedic period were Sabha, Vyakarana - Grammar hymn which tells about the ori- Samiti, Vidhata and Gana. Nirukta - Etymology gin of caste system.  The term Aghanya (not to be Chhanda - Metrics  Upanishads are 108 in number. killed) has been used for cows to Jyotisha - Astronomy Upanishads are philosophical works. indicate its economic importance. The famous ‘Aitareya Brahmana’ classification of rulership... were semi-nomadic Nordic Whites, perhaps located origi- The Aryans Eastern king - Samrat nally on the steppes of southern Russia and Central Asia, who spoke Western king - Suvrat the parent language of the various Indo-European languages. Ary- Northern king - Virat ans, or more specifically Indo-Aryans, make their first notable ap- pearance in history around 2000-1500 BC as invaders of Northern Southern king - Bhoja India. The Aryans were remarkably expansionist, and almost every- King of middle country - Raja where they went they conquered and subjugated the indigenous peoples, imposing their languages and (to varying degrees) their  ‘Soma’ was an intoxicating drink religious beliefs on the natives, and receiving in turn“Aryan” contributions meant mentioned in the 9th Mandala from the peoples whom they conquered. The word of the Rig Veda. one who live in high family or who lives on agriculture.  Mention of the word Varna is Later Vedic Period found in Rigveda.  Indra was the greatest God of  The fourfold division of the so- Aryans and Agni occupied sec-  The period assigned to Later ciety is found in the 10th ond position. Vedic Phase is 1000 BC to 600 Mandala of the Rigveda.  The Vedic God in charge of BC.  Mention about the truth and moral order was  Later Vedic people used particu- Varnashramadharma is found Varuna. lar type of pottery called Painted in the Jabla Upanishad.  Indra who was known as Grey Ware (PGW)  The Doctrine of Trimurti is Purandara was the god of war  The Later Vedic Aryans were found in the Maitrayani and rain. familiar with two seas, the Ara- Upanishad.  Varuna was God of water and bian Sea and the Indian Ocean.  Mention about the origin of Yama was the Lord of dead.  Rice became the staple diet of Universe is found in the Rig Veda  Savitri was a solar diety to Indian people during the Later (10th Mandala). whom the famous Gayatri Man- Vedic Period.  Purohita, Senani and Vrajapati tra is attributed to.  In addition to agriculture and were the important functionar-  Prithvi was Earth Goddess. cattle rearing, trade and indus- ies who assisted the king in day-  The people called Panis, during try also gradually began. to-day administration.  The officer who enjoyed au- the Vedic period were cattle  Growth of big cities like thority over the pastoral land breeders. Ayodhya, Indraprastha and was called Vrajapati.  The two priests who were promi- Mathura were seen.  The king’s power increased dur- nent during the Rig Vedic period  The term ‘Rashtra’ which indi- ing the Later Vedic Period. were Vasishta and Viswamitra. cates territory first appeared in  Importance of assemblies de-  The battle of ten kings men- the later vedic period. tioned in the Rig Veda was clined  Women enjoyed freedom and fought on the division of water  A regular army was maintained respect but their status deterio- from river Ravi. It was fought on for the protection of the king- rated compared to the early the banks of River Ravi dom. (Parushni). vedic period.  First law giver of ancient India  Mention of the word ‘Sudras’ -  The term for war in Rigveda 7 is was Manu. He wrote Gavishthi or search for cows. Rigveda (10th Mandala) ‘Manusmrithi’.  The term Aghanya or not to be  Mention of the ‘Gotra’ is found  Manusmrithi was translated killed has been used for cow, in the Atharvaveda. into English by William Jones. This indicated cow’s economic  Origin of Kingship is found in  Shyama Shastri translated importance. Aitareya Brahmana. ‘Arthasastra’ into English.  Bali was a tax, which the king  The Vedic Education system re-  It describes the 18 days Battle used to collect from the people vealed through ‘Frog Hymn’ in of Kurukshetra. of the Vedic period. the Rigveda and ‘Wedding  The immortal Bhagavad Gita,  Aryans used iron for the first Hymn’ describe the oldest mar- one of the most profound and time in India. riage rituals. beautiful philosophical poems  Max Mullar was the first person  Horse, Iron, Sugarcane, Pulses in the world is included in to speak of ‘Aryans’ as a race. etc. reached India by the com- Mahabharata. ing of Aryans. Epics  Stories of Sakuntala, Prahladan,  The God who occupied supreme  Hinduism has two epics Ramcharitam, Rishyasringan, position in the Later Vedic Pe- Ramayana and Mahabharata. Satyavan and Savitri, Nala and riod was Prajapati.  Mahabharata was written by Damayanthi etc. are included in  Rudra was regarded as preserver ‘Vyasa’.Mahabharata is also the Mahabharata. and protector of the people. known as Jayasamhita,  Valmiki is the author of Satasahasri Samhita and the  The most important functionary Ramayana. fifth veda. who assisted the Vedic king was  Ramayana has 24000 hymns and  Mahabharata has 1,17,000 Purohita. is divided into Seven Skandas hymns in it.  Monarchy was the normal form (Kandas).  Mahabharata is divided into 18  Bhagavat gita is included in the of Government in the vedic pe- Parvas, An appendix Harivamsa Bhishma Purva of Mahabharata. riod. is considered as 19th Parva. It is divided into 18 chapters and  Each Tribal republic was headed  12th Parva is the largest and 7th by Ganapati or Jyeshta. is the smallest. has about 700 hymns. Original Home of Aryans Upanishads Central Asia ------Max Muller Also called Vedanta, the Upanishads are commentaries ap- Tibet ------Dayanand Saraswati pended to the Brahmanas. Literally Upanishads mean, "to sit Bactria ------J.C. Rod down near someone" or 'a session'. There are 108 Upanishads Arctic Region ------B.G. Tilak altogether, but twelve of them are of great importance. The Russian Steppes ------Prof. Belfy language of Upanishads is classical Sanskrit. The famous saying "Satyameva Jayate" is taken from Mundakopanishad. Central India ------Rajbali Pandey Sapta Sindhu ------A.C. Das German Plain ------Prof.Penka Pamirs ------Mayor Kashmir ------L.D.Kala Turkistan ------Hurz Feld Rivers Mentioned in Rig Veda Old Name New Name Sindhu ------Indus Satudri ------Satluj Vipas ------Beas Parushni ------Ravi Asikni ------Chenab Vitasta ------Jhelum Gomati ------Gomal Krumi ------Kurram Kubha ------Kabul Suvastu ------Swat Drishadvati ------Ghaghar Script  Megasthanese described Pandya Kingdom as ‘Pearl’ as it  In the north, there are 'Sangam Age', was ruled by women. inscriptions dating from the which extends roughly  Nedujezhian is the Pandyan king early centuries B.C. in the between 300 B.C and 300 mentioned in Silappadikaram. Brahmi script, also used by the A.D. Three sangamas are  Another king was Madaranjeral king Ashoka in his famous supposed to have been Irumporai who sent embassies Prakrit pillar inscriptions. held - Chola, Pandya to Roman emperor Augustus  Roughly contemporary with and Chera. and performed Vedic sacrifices. the Brahmi, the Kharosthi  Uraiyur was the capital of script was used. of Ashoka, Kharavela of Kalinga Cholas, known for cotton trade.  Later (4th to 8th centuries AD) and in the Indica of  Karikala most prominent among the Gupta script, derived from Megasthenese. early Cholas is known as the Brahmi, became prevalent. In  The literature of the Sangam Age master of seven notes of music. the 8th century, the Sharada was written mostly in the form  The founder of later Cholas was script evolved out of the Gupta of Poetry. Rajaraja I The most important ruler of this dynasty was script, and was mostly displaced  In the Sangam Age, the most Rajendra Chola. in its turn by Devanagari from common form of government was hereditary monarchy. The  Rajendra Chola is also known as the 12th century, with village was the fundamental unit ‘Gangaikonda Chola’ He later intermediary stages such as the of administration. named his capital as Siddham script.  The Sangham literature talks ‘Gangaikonda Cholapuram’. Sangam Age about Chola, Chera and Pandya  RajaRaja I built ‘Brihadeswara dynasties. temple’ at Tanjore.  First five centuries of the Chris-  Small village Assemblies during  Cholas were well known for their tian Era are commonly known as the Sangam Age were known as naval supremacy and efficient Sangam Age. Arai. village administration.  The Sangam Age corresponds  Tradition refers to three  Vanchi was the capital of to the post - Maurya and Pre - sangham lasting for 9,900 years. Cheras. Gupta period of ancient India.  Language of the Sangam litera-  The greatest of the Chera rulers  Sangam was an Assembly of lit- ture was Tamil. was Senguttuvanchera known erature held at Madurai.  People of the Sangam Age as ‘Red Chera’.He built a temple  The Pandyas were the patrons mainly worshiped ‘Murugan’. for Kannagi. and in their capital the Sangams  The greatest work of the Tamil  The famous Chera port Muziris were held. literature of the Sangam Age is was a great centre of Indo-Ro-  Madhurai - presided by Sage Tholkappium written by man Trade. Agastya-the father of Tamil Lit- Tholkappiyar.  Nedumjeraladan is the first erature.  Tholkappium is considered as known Chera king. He had  Kapatupuram/Alvai - presided the earliest surviving Tamil lit- earned the title of 'Udiyanjiral'. over by Agastya and erary work. It is a book on Tamil He also bore the title of Tolkappiyar. grammar. 'Imayavaramban' .  Madurai-presided over by  The Capital of the Pandyas was  The Cheras owed its importance Nakkirar. at Madurai. to trade with the Romans. They  References to the Sangam Age  Korkai was the main seaport of also build a temple of Augustus can be found in the inscriptions the Pandyas. there.  They were mostly situated north Important Sangam Literature of the vindhyas and extended It is authorised by Tolkappiyar and is a work on Tamil Tolkappiyam: from the north-west frontier to grammar, literary tradition (poetics) and sociology. It is the fountain Bihar. of all literary conventionsIt is in written Tamil byliterature. Tiruvalluvar and is sometimes  Four prominent royal dynasties Tirukkural or Kural: stand out prominently out of called the Veda of the South or 'Fifth Veda'. It is a compouned of these Janapadas. They were dharma, artha, karmaLiterally and moksha. 'the Jewelled Anklet' is authored by Illango Haryankas of Magadha, the Silappadikaram: Ikshvakus of Kosala, the Adigal and is supposed to be the greatest epic of Sangam age. It Pauravas of Vatsa and the deals with the love story between Kovalan, a merchant of Puhar and Pradyotas of Avanti. a courtesan Kannagi. It is also one of the two greatest epics and is a sequal Magadha formed one of the Manimekhalai: to Silappadikaram. It is written by Sattanar of Madurai which deals sixteen Mahajanapadas (Great with the adventure of the daughter Manimekalai born of the union of Countries) or regions in ancient India. Kovalan and Kannagi. It is the third important Sangam epic and is Jeevaka Chintamani: States and Cities written by a Jaina Tiruttakkadevar. (6000 - 300 BC )  Silappadikaram, Manimekalai Bible compiled by Thiruvallu  In the 6th BC North India and Jeevakachintamani are the var. His statue is seen near witnessed the establishment of three epics of Sangam literature. Vivekanandappara in Kingdoms, oligarchies and  Silappadikaram is written by Kanyakumari. chiefdoms and rise of towns.  Ilango Adikal. It describes the Thirukkural of Thiruvalluvar is  The Gangetic plain became the love story of Kovalan and the Tamil work which is known political centre also as the fifth Veda. Kannagi  The identity of kingdoms  The largest single tax collected  Sattanar wrote ‘Manimekalai’ changes from the lineage of the during the Sanga period was the ruling family to identification which is also an epic and tells land tax called Karai. with territory with new political about the story of the daughter  The Utharameroor inscription authority. of Kannagi and Kovalan. tells about the local self govern-  The Gana - Sangha was a form  Manimekalai gives reference ment under the cholas. of Proto - state ; its power not about Buddhism.  The Sangam Age is also called formulated, social division was  II and XIII rock edicts of Ashoka the Golden Age or the Au- limited and coercive authority mention about the South Indian gustan Age in Tamil Literature. was less. kingdoms.  Senguttuvan, the Red or Good Chera, according to the Chera  Gradually Mahajanapadas with  Jivaka Chintamani – the third poets, was the great Chera king. the nature of modern states epic of the Tamil was written by originated. Tirukkadevar.  Nedumjelian was the most im- portant king of the Pandyas.  The Buddhist Texts give the  Kaveripumpatnam was the main name of 16 such Janapadas sea port of the Cholas. FIRST MAGADHAN  In the Middle Ganges - the  ‘Bharatam’ was Tamil version EMPIRE Anga, Magadha and the Vrijji of Mahabharata sung by confederacy and the Mallas. The Mahajanapadas Perundevanar.  To its West, Kassi, Kossala and  ‘Manimekhalai’ is looked upon  In the age of the Buddha we find Vatsa. as the Tamil Odyssey. 16 large states called Mahajana-  Further West - Kuru, Panchala,  Thirukkural is known as Tamil padas. Matsya and Shurasena a dynasty, succession became hereditary. King assisted by Six systems of Philosophy...... Sage Kapila Sankhya (Enumeration) Patanjali ministers, advisory Councils  ......  Yoga (Application) .... Kanada such as Sabha, Samithi,  Vaisheshika (Atom’s character) (Gautama) Parishad etc......  Clan loyalty weakened in the  Nyaya (Analysis) ...... Vyasa kingdom; caste loyalties and  Uttaramimamsa (Vedanta) Jaimini ...... loyalty to the king became  Mimamsa (Enquiry) prominent. Kshatriyas became  In the upper Doab region small the ruling family.  North - West - Kambhoja and settlements linked to Ochre  Kashi, Kossala and Magadha Gandhara Colour Pottery originated. were rival Kingdoms to get  Western and Central India-  Gradually, instead town, control over the Gangetic plain. Avanti and Chedi and metropolis began to originate  The battle for political  Deccan - Assaka in proto form in Kausambi and supremacy among Kasi, Kosala  The Vedic text described Anga Bhita. and Magadha and the Gana - and Magadha as impure lands.  Houses at Bhir mound Sangha of Vrijji finally made  Assaka stood as the gateway consisted of rooms built round Magadha the Victorious one. to South India a Courtyard, which was the  The Vrijjis formed a confe proto - type house plan for The Thripitakas deracy of eight clans many Indian towns . The first Buddhist Council at  The Vrishnis - the clan of Gana Sanghas Krishna - Vasudeva, was a Rajagraha codified the teachings Gana - Sangha.  Gana Sanghas - were Centres of the Buddha in Pali language  The Genesis of town ; some of various ideologies and belief called the Thripitakas i.e. grew out of Political and systems especially Buddhist 1. The Vinaya Pitaka - the administrative centres, example and Jina evolution of the Sanga the monas- Hastinapura, Rajagraha ,  The Gana - Sanghas or Gana - tic rules for the life, of the monks Champa and Ahichchathra. Rajya or Ganas originated and nuns. Some others grew out of around the Vicinity of kingdoms. 2. The Sutta- Pitaka - the Buddhist markets, example Ujjain. The main areas were the ethics, philosophy growth of Bud-  Some grew from being sacred Himalayan foot hills, Punjab and dhism and contemporary Socio- eco- Centres example Vaishali. Sind. The people here rejected nomic and political condition of  The work of Panini and the the vedic orthodoxy. North India of the time. Tripitaka give an idea about  The Gana-Sanghas consisted 3. Abhidhama - Pitaka - Meta- towns and cheifdoms. either of a single class like the physical principles underlying the Urban Culture and Centres Shakyas, Mallas etc., or a Buddhist doctrine. confederacy of class as the  The Western Gangetic plain Vrijjis and the Vrishnis The 2500th Anniversary and the doab became the home  The Gana - Sanghas had only  A Buddhist Council was held of cultures connected with the two strata i.e., the Kshatriya in Rangoon (Yangon) from May Painted Grey ware (PGW, 1200 rajakula and the dasa - Karma - 400 BC) Kara. 1954 to May 1956 to commemo-  rate the 2500th anniversary of East to the Gangetic plain Kingdoms cultures related with the Black the death of the Buddha. - and Red Ware (BRW) and  Kingdoms registered a The Five Buddhas luxury ware known as the centralised government with Krakucchanda, Kanakamuni, Northern - Black - Polished the King’s Sovereignty as its Ware ( NBPW 700 - 200 BC) basis. The ruling family became Kasyapa, Sakyamuni, Maitreya MAGADHA Important Court Scholars  The core of the kingdom was the Kalidasa ...... Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) area of Bihar south of the Banabhatta ...... Harshavardhana Ganges. Alberuni ...... Muhammed Ghazni  Its first capital was Rajagriha Firdausi ...... Muhammad Ghazni (modern Rajgir) then Pataliputra Amir Khusru...... Alauddin Khilji (modern Patna). Todarmal ...... Akbar  Brahadratha, Jarasandha and Tansen ...... Akbar Ripunjaya were referred as the Birbal ...... Akbar earliest rulers of Magadha. Mansingh ...... Akbar  By about 543 B.C. Bimbisara of Abul Fazal ...... Akbar the Haryanka Kula founded a Ashva Ghosha ...... Kanishka dynasty. Amara Simha ...... Chandragupta II Chand Bardai ...... Prithviraj Chauhan  He made matrimonial alliance Ravikirti...... Pulakeshin II with the Madra, Kossala and Dhanwantari ...... Chandragupta II Vaisali and defeated Harisena ...... Samudra Gupta Brahmadatta of Anga. Tenali Rama ...... Krishnadeva Raya  He devoted the Park ‘Veluvana’ to the Buddha and Patronised Weapons - Mahasilakantaka  Udayan was killed by an agent Buddhism. and Rathamusala. sent by Palaka of Avanti  His son Ajathasathru, after  He summoned the first  The People removed the last killing him, came to power. Buddhist Council at Rajagraha. Haryanka ruler Naga - dasaka  He married the daughter of  He fell in love with Amrapali of and made Sisunaga the minister Presenajith, Vajira. Vaissali who later became a to the throne.  He constructed a fort at Buddhist nun.  The Nanda dynasty was founded Pataliputra.  His son Udayan founded a city by Mahapadma Nanda  He introduced two war at Pataliputra.  The Jain works treated him as the son of a courtesan by a Literary Activities in Ancient India barbar  He is called “Second Parasu  Ashtadhyayi by Panini (5th Century BC) the earliest grammar rama” because he destroyed book also called Bhagavati Sutra. the Kshatriyas.  Mahabhashya was written by Patanjali.  The Hathigumpha Inscription  Manusmriti was a law book composed between 200 BC and of Kharavela of Kalinga reveals 200AD. Mahapadma’s supremacy over  Arthashastra by Kautilya deals with statecrafts is a major source Kalinga of Mauryan administration.  The City Nav Nand Dehra  Indica by ‘Megasthenese’ is a source of Mauryan society and establishes the Nanda administration. dominancy over Deccan.  Chandsutra was written by Pingala.  Next to him Eight Nandas ruled  Buddhacharita by Aswaghosha is the earliest biography of Bud- Magadha. dha. It was written in Pali language.  Raghuvamsa by Kalidasa is an epic based on Mahabharata. Bimbisara (544 B.C-492 B.C)  Naishadh Charita by Sri Harsha contains story of Nala and  He was a contemporary of Bud- Damayanti. dha and patronised Buddhism. Lyric Poetry UDAYAN (460-444 B.C)  Till 330 BC the regions west of Indus belonged to the Greeks.  Meghadut by Kalidasa.  He succeeded Ajathashatru,  In 518 BC Darius I grandson of  Srinagarashataka, Nitishataka shifted the capital to Pataliputra. Cyrus, captured the Indus and Vairagyasataka were writ- SISUNAGA DYNASTY Valley and made it 20th Satrapy ten by Bharruhari.  Haryankas were overthrown by  Darius III was defeated by  Gita Govinda was written by Sisunaga, a minister in the Alexander in the battle of Jayadeva. Haryanka dynasty and he Arbela. founded the Sisunaga dynasty   Haryanka is the name of a new The outstanding result of dynasty founded in Magadha there. Persian attack was the by Bimbisara. Bimbisara  He destroyed the Pradyota Kharoshti script. founded the dynasty by defeat- dynasty of Avanti  In 336 BC Alexander occupied ing the Brihadrathas.  Kalasoka or Kakavarnin was the the Macedonian Kingdom  Founded the city of Rajgriha, most important ruler. The sec-  By 327 BC he entered into north of Girivraj. He followed the ond Buddhist Council at North West India. Condition of policy of marriage alliance. Mar- Vaishali was held during his North India was as follows. ried Mahakosala, the sister of reign.  (1) Most of North India was Kosala king Prasenajit. Also  Kalasoka or Kakavarnin, the next occupied by the Nandas of married the Lichchavi princess ruler, shifted the capital to Magadha (2) West of Sutlej Chellana. He was succeeded by Pataliputra. He was killed by ruled by small republics and his son Ajatashatru. Maha-padmananda. tribes (3) North West of India Ajatashatru (492-460 B.C) NANDA DYNASTY was under Asvayana and Asvakayana tribes (4) between  Magadha became a supreme  The Nandas succeeded the Indus and Jhelum - power in North India under Sisunagas. Their greatest king Kingdom of Taxila or Ajatasatru. So Ajatasatru is con- was Mahapadmananda. He conquered Kalinga and brought Takshashila ruled by Ambhi sidered as the founder of an image of Jaina as a victor tro- (5) between the Jhelum and the Magadhan Supremacy. phy. He claimed to be Ekarnath Chenab, the kingdom of Puru  He killed his father and seized (the sole sovereign) or Porus. the throne. Battle between  Dhanananda: known as  Then the Malloi, Siboi and Kosala and Magadha started in Agrammes to the Greeks. Oxdrakia in Punjab etc. the time of Ajatashatru. Alexander invaded western In-  Both Mahavira and Buddha died dia during his reign. He had a large army. He was extremely un- in his reign. He pursued the Drama popular due to his greed for policy of aggressive expansion. wealth. The Nandas built the  Natyashastra by He took 16 years to destroy and first empire in India. They were Bharatamuni is the earliest annex Vaishali. He founded the the first of a number of non- known work in Sanskrit. Kshatriya ruling dynasties. famous city of Pataliputra.  Malavikagnimithram, Historical writing The Persians and Greeks Vikramorvashiyam and  A Little before 530 BC Cyrus, Abhinjana Sakuntalam are  Harshacharita - Written by the Achaeminid emperor of dramas written by Kalidasa. Banabhatta Persia received tributes from  Ratnavali, Nagananda and the tribes of Kamboja,  Vikramanakadeva charita - Priyadarshika are dramas written by Bilhana. Gandhara and the trans - Indus area. written by Harshavardhana. Alexander’s Invasion ALEXANDER  Alexander was born in 356 BC (356–323 BC), popularly known as as the son of King Philip II of Alexander III of Macedon was a Greek king of Macedon. He is created Mascedonia. Alexander the Great  Epirus or Olympias was one of the largest empires in ancient history. Alexander’s mother. He reached Taxila in 326 B.C. where he was welcomed by King Ambhi  Aristotle was Alexander ’s who was keen to defeat rival king Porus with help of Alexander. After teacher. crossing Jhelum river Alexander met Porus and defeated and cap- tured him. Later, Porus was forgiven and freed. Alexander remained in  He became the king in 336 BC. India for 19 months. In the field of trade and commerce theAlexander invasion of  He defeated the Persian ruler Alexander opened Indian trade with the western world. In the field of Darius III. art a new Indo Greek style called Gandhara Art developed.  Alexander founded the city of died in Babylon in 323 BC. Alexandria in Egypt.  In 326 BC, Alexander defeated  Alexander IV succeeded MAURYAN EMPIRE Porus (Purushothama) the ruler Alexander as the Masedonian (231-185 BC) King. of Punjab and captured Taxila The Source materials for the through the Battle of Hydaspass  Alexander’s teacher Aristotle is considered as the father of Poli- study of the Mauryans include, on the banks of river Jhelum. tics, Biology, Taxonomy and the the Arthasasthra of  Ambhi the ruler of Taxila invited Science of Logic. Chanakya or Kaudilya or Alexander to India.  Alexander’s invasion opened up Vishnugupta; the Indica of  Alexander died of Malaria at the free intercourse between India Megasthenes, the Puranas, age of 33 in 323 BC while he was and the west and strengthened the Buddhist and Jain works in Babylon. commercial ties. such as Divya Vadana,  Alexander was cremated at Al-  New trade routes were opened, Dipavamsa Jataka tales and exandria. establishment of trade cities Parisishta - Parva, the  Alexander was known as such as Alexandria, Begram, inscriptions such as the Shehansha in Persia and Cadrusi etc. the Greek Colony Sohgaura and Mahasthan, the Sikhandar-I-Asam in Indo-Pak Balhika or Bactria ; devel Junagadh and the Nagarjuna opment of Indian Coin age, region. hill Cave Inscription, the Gandhara school of Art, Indian  The Last general of Alexander Asokan Inscriptions such as Philosophy in Greek, idea of the Babru Edict the Maski and in India was Eudamas. political unification etc ; were Cave inscriptions in the  Alexander’s first General in In- the impact of Alexander’s Barabar Hills, the writings of dia was Selucus Nikator. invasion. Grecco - Romans like Strabo, Diodorus Plutarch and Justin EFFECTS OF PERSIAN INVASION and the Mudra Rakshasa of  The introduction of the Aramic form of writing in India, Visakadatta. which later developed into the Kharoshthi alphabet.  Promotions of Indo-Iranian trade.  Major sources for the study of Mauryan Empire are the  Geographical exploration of the Indus and the Arabian sea Arthasastra of Kautilya and In- which led to the opening of a new water route. dica of Megasthenes.  Fusion of Iranian /Persian features in the Mauryan art.  Chandragupta Maurya was the  Impact of Buddhism on the Zoroastrian religion. founder of Mauryan Empire. Important Mauryan Officers  Ashoka fought the Kalinga war Collector of Revenue in 261 BC. Kalinga is in modern Orissa. Samaharta...... Head of Treasury ...... Head of Police  Ashokan inscriptions were de- Sannidata ciphered by James Princep...... Head of Royal Fort Dandapala  After the battle of Kalinga ...... Durga Pala Head of District Administration Ashoka became a Buddhist, be- Pradeshikas ...... Head of Prisons ing shocked by the horrors of Prashasti ...... the war.  Bindusara was a follower of  Ashoka was initiated to Bud-  Details about his early life are Ajivika sect. dhism by Upagupta or Nigrodha not available.  Bindusara was known as – a disciple of Buddha. Amitragatha.  He is believed to have belonged  For the propagation of Bud- to Moriya Clan, hence got the  Ashoka ascended the throne in dhism, Ashoka started the in- 273BC and ruled upto 232 BC. name Maurya. stitution of Dharmamaha  He was known as ‘Devanam  It is also said that his mother was matras. priya, priyadassi – the beauti- Mura a woman of lower birth  The IV Major Rock Edict of ful one who was the beloved of Ashoka tells about the practice hence got the name Maurya. Gods.  In some texts he is referred to as of Dharmma  Maski and Gujara Edicts of  Ashoka held the third Buddhist Vrishala and Kulahina. Ashoka gave the name council at his capital Pataliputra  He conspired with Chanakya Devanampriya Priyadassi. in 250 BC under the president (Kautilya or Vishnugupta) the  Buddhist tradition says Ashoka minister of Nanda to overthrew killed 99 of his brothers to cap- ship of Moggaliputa Tissa. the last Nanda ruler Dhana- ture the throne.  He sent his son and daughter to Nanda.  Ashoka was the first king in In- Sri Lanka for the spread of Bud-  Chandragupta Maurya as- dian history who had left his dhism (Mahendra and cended the throne in BC 321. records engraved on stones. Sanghamitra)  He fought against Selucus in 305  Ashokan inscriptions were writ-  Ashoka spread Buddhism to BC. Selucus surrendered before ten in Kharoshti and Brahmi SriLanka and Nepal. him and sent an ambassador, scripts.  He is known as the Constantine Megasthanese to the court of of Buddhism. Chandragupta Maurya.  In his Kalinga Edict he mentions  Pushpagupta an official of The Mauryan Art ‘‘All man are as my children’’. Chandragupta got ‘Sudarshan was not purely Indian but Ceylone’s ruler Devanam lake’ constructed for irrigation. was a mixture of Grecco Persian priya Tissa was Ashoka’s  Chandra Gupta Maurya was and Indian The imperial palace at first convert to Buddhism. converted to Jainism, abdicated Pataliputra, the Pillard Hall, the  Ashoka ruled for 40 years the throne in favour of his son stupas of Sanchi and Saranath,. the and died in 232 BC. Bindusara, passed his last days rock cut chaitya halls in Barabar bills,  V.A. Smith described at Sravanabelagola (Near The Pillars at Basarh, Rampura, Asoka “ the Saint Paul of Mysore) where he died in about Rumindei and Saranath, the single Buddhism. 300 BC. elephant, the four lions capitals at  The emblem of the Indian  Chandra Gupta Maurya was re- Sankisa and Saranath etc., the Republic has been adopted sponsible for the political unifi- Yaksha and Yakshi status are from the four lion capital of one the best examples. cation of North India for the first of Ashokas pillars which is lo- time. cated in Saranath.  Rock-cut architecture in India The Fourteen Major Rock Edicts (MRE) of Asoka made a beginning during Ashoka’s reign. 1st MRE - Prohibition of animal slaughter  Brihadratha, the last Mauryan 2nd MRE - Mention of places of Cholas Satyaputras and ruler was killed by Pushyamitra Keralaputras Sunga who founded the Sunga 3rd MRE - Asoka’s directions to Pradeshikas, Yuktas and Dynasty in 185 BC. Rajukas for Propagation of Dharma (Dhamma)  Megasthenese, the first foreign 4th MRE - Impact of Dhamma an Society traveller to India mentions about 5th MRE - Appointments of Dhamma mahamathas the existence of seven castes in 6th MRE - Measures for the Welfare of the people. India during the Mauryan period. 7th MRE - Propagation of peace, faith and balance of  Head of the Mauryan city admin- mind. istration is known as Nagaraka. 8th MRE - Asoka’s visit to Bodhi tree.  Rakshi in Mauryan administra- 9th MRE - Stress on ceremony of Dhamma tion refers to police who looked 10th MRE - Gives a detailed account of Asoka’s desire to after the people’s security. gain popularity for Dhamma.  The dominant language of the 11th MRE - Appraisal of Dhamma. Mauryan Court was Magadhi. 12th MRE - Promotion to religion of different faith.  The Commander -in-chief was 13th MRE - The largest of all Rock Edicts. Victory over Senadhyaksha. Divisional Kalinga references about Greek rulers such as Commanders were Asvadhya Antiochus, Ptolemy Antigonus, Megas and Al- ksha, Rathadhyaksha, Hastyadh exander ; mentions of important castles Kamb- yaksha, Nanadhyakshya, hoja, Nabhkas, Pittinik Andhra and Parindas Padadhyaksha and Ayudha 14th MRE - Nature of all other Rock Edicts. garad-hyaksha. Queen’s Edict - Mentions the Queen Karuvaki and Asoka’s  Bhaga (King’s share , 1/6 of the Son Tivara Karuvaki produce) and Bali (an additional Quandhar Edict - The only bilingual edict which tells that the Cess) Vishti ( tax paid in labour) fishermen and hunters gave up hunting. and Senabhagam (tax by army) Taradaya (Ferry dues) were main Categories of Asoka's Inscription revenue sources.  Bhabru - Conversion to Buddhism.  Empire was divided into  Barabar Hills - Enjoins toleration. provinces such as Taxila, Tossali,  Tarai Pillars - Respect to Buddhism. Kaussambi and Ujjaini.  Minor Rock Edicts - Personal history of Asoka and summary of  The Mauryas introduced stone masonry on large scale. Dhamma.  Fragments of stone pillars and  7 Pillar Rock Edicts - Appendix to Rock Edicts. stumps indicating the existence of an 80 pillar hall have been Religion discovered at Kumrahar on outskirts of Patna. The cult of Vasudeva or Krishna (Heracles in Greek) and Arjuna were  The causes of decline the Empire worshiped. Religious tolerance was present. Asoka summoned the were ; the policy of Asoka, the third Budhist Council at Pataliputra, the Mauryan Age produced the scramble for power the contin Ramayana and the Mahabharatha and promoted the six systems of uous famine, the Bureaucracy Indian philosophy and finally the Mauryans helped to develop a and lack of authority. systematised Chronology of India. POST MAURYAN CHETA (CHETI) DYNASTY OF ‘Mahamatras’, Provincial KALINGA Governers were called PERIOD  The Cheti Dynasty was be- ‘Senapati’ The dynasties were. The lieved to have founded by Maha  Administration in rural areas Sunga, Kanvas or Kanava Meghavahana was in hands of gaulamika, head Yanas, then some minors such  The Hathigumbha inscription of military regiment. as Audumbaras, the Kunindas, of Kharavela, of the Kalinga  The official language of the Satavahanas was Prakrit the Trigartas, the Yaudheyas ruler gives details about the and Agatyas; Chetas of Chedis of Kalinga. INDO - GREEKS (BACTRIANS) Kalinga, the Sathavahanas of  Kharavela was a follower of Jainism.  First to invade India were the Andhra, Foreign rule of the Greeks who were called Indo- Bactrain Greeks - the Sakas, SATAVAHANAS (235 BC - 100BC) Greeks. the Parthians and the Kushans.  Satavahanas were the most  Indo-Greeks are also called powerful ruling dynasty after SUNGA DYNASTY (185-71 BC) Bactrians. the Mauryas.  The most famous Indo - Greek  Sunga Dynasty was founded by  Satavahanas were also known ruler was Menander with his Pushyamitra Sunga the com- as Andhras. capital at Sakala in Punjab (Mod- mander-in-chief of last Mauryan  Srikakulam was the Capital ern Sialkot). His discussion with king Brihadrath.  Satavahanas were the Indian the Budhist Scholar Nagasena  Patanjali lived in Pushyamitra’s rulers who prefixed their is described in the text ‘Milinda court. He wrote Mahabhashya, mother’s name along with their Panho’. a commentary on Panini’s names.  The Indo-Greeks were the first Asthadhyay and also evolved a  Most important Satavahana to issue gold coins in India. new school of philosophy - ruler was Gautamiputra  The introduction of Hellenistic Yoga. Satakarni. art features into India were also the  Kalidasa’s drama Malavikagni  Satavahanas were Brahmanas. contribution of Indo-Greek rule. mitram is about the love story  Menander was converted into a of Pushyamitra’s son Agnimitra  Nagarjuna Konda and Buddhist by Buddhist monk and Malavika. Amaravati in Andhrapradesh Nagasena (Nagarjuna).  Last King of sunga dynasty was became important seats of Bud- Devabhuti. dhist culture under the  Indo-Greeks were the first to is-  Manusmrithi was of the Sunga Satavahanas. sue coins bearing the figure of period  The two common structures of kings. Satavahanas were the temple  Demitrius, the king of Bactria KANVA DYNASTY(72 B C- 27 BC) called Chaitya and the monas- invaded India about 190BC. He  Kanva dynasty was founded by tery called Vihara. is considered as Second Vasudeva Kanva in 73 BC after  The last great ruler of Alexander (But the Indian ruler defeating the last Sunga ruler Satavahanas is Yajnashri who accepted the name second Devabhuti. Satakarni. Alexander (Sikandar-i-sani) was  This dynasty ruled for a period  Satavahanas mostly issued lead Alauddin Khilji). of 45 years. coins.  Indo-Greeks were the first to in-  Vasudeva, Bhumimitra,  The Satavahanas were the first troduce military governorship in Narayana and Susuman were rulers to make land grants to the India. the rulers of Kanva dynasty. Brahmins and Buddhist monks.  Ideas of astronomy and horo-  The last Kanva, Suserman was  In the Satavahana kingdom, dis- scope were inherited from them. killed by Simukha; the founder tricts were called ‘Ahara’, offic- Art of Drama was learnt from of the Sathavahana dynasty. ers were ‘Amatyas’ and them. THE PARTHIANS (19 - 45 AD)  Kanishka convened the fourth of Guilds, popularity of Budhism Buddhist council in Kashmir. and Jainism, the Bhakti cult of  Parthians also known as  Scholars like, Parsva, Vasumitra, Brahmanism, rise and Pahalavas were Iranian People. Ashvaghosha, Charaka and development of Gandhara Art,  Gondopharnes was the greatest Nagarjuna were the courtiers of Mathura and Amaravati Art etc., of the Parthian rulers. Kanishka. were the features of this period.  St. Thomas is said to have came  The Gandhara School of Art re- to India for the propagation of ceived royal patronage under GUPTA EMPIRE Christianity during the period of the Kushans. (320 - 540 AD) Gondopharnes.  Kanishka patronised Mahayana Source of the Gupta Period THE SAKAS (90 BC - IST AD) form of Buddhism. The Dharmasasthras, works of  Sakas were also known as  Kanishka is righty called the Scythians. ‘Second Ashoka’. Kalidasa, Dramas such as Kaumudi Mahotsava of Vajjika,  The first Saka king in India was  Kanishka was the first king who Maues or Moga who estab- inscribed the image of Lord Devichandraguptam of Visaka lished Saka power in Gandhara. Buddha on his coins. dutta and Mrichcha katika of  The most famous of the Saka  Kanishka started the Saka era Sudraka and Kathasarith rulers in Western India was in 78 AD. The first month of Sagara of Somadeva ; The Rudra Daman I. His achieve- Saka era is Chaithra and the last Puranas, writings of Fahien, ments are highlighted in his month is Phalguna. Hiuen - Tsang and I-tsing, Epi Junagarh inscription written in  Vasudeva was the last great king graphic and Numismatic 150 AD. of Kushana Dynasty. sources.  They controlled the famous silk  He ruled over Sindh, Gujarat,  Gupta Empire was founded by route-a great source of income Malva, Konkan, Kathiawar and Sri Gupta. for them. Trade with the Roman Narmada Valley.  Ghatotkacha was the second people was also carried out ruler.  He repaired the Sudarshana lake through the sea route. built by the Mauryas.  Chandra Gupta I was the real  Kushan school of art is also re- founder of the Gupta Empire. He  Junagarh inscription of ferred to as the Mathura school. came to the throne in 320 AD. Rudradaman was the first in-  The Discovery of the Monsoon  He was the first ruler to adopt scription in Sanskrit. Route to India from West Asia, the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’  Ujjayini was the capital of the Silk Route from China to  He laid the foundation of Gupta Rudradaman. Europe via India and Sea - route Era on 26 February 320 AD. KUSHANS to East Asia, ; increase in the  Samudra Gupta succeeded volume of trade with Rome, Chandragupta I in 335 AD.  Kushans are also known as Greek, Iran etc, the development Yuch-chis or Tocharians.  Kushans came to India from Books on Sciences Chandragomin North Central Asia...... Amar Singh  First great Kushana king was Chandra Vyakaran Kamandak Kujala Kadphises or Kadphises I...... Amar Kosh Vatsyayana  The most famous Kushana ruler Niti Shastra...... Varahamihira was Kanishka. Kamasutra...... Vaghbhatta  He became the ruler in 78 AD Panchasiddhantika ...... Pulkapya and started Saka Era in 78 AD. Ashtanga Hridaya ...... Iswarkrishna  The Capital of Kanishka was Hastyaurveda ...... Peshawar or Purushapura. Sankhyakarika  The Allahabad Pillar inscrip- Dhanvantari, Amarasimha, lar year as 365.358 days. tion composed by Harisena con- Sanku.  Panchsidhanta, Brihat Jataka, tains information about  He was the first Gupta ruler to Laghu Jataka and Brihat Samudragupta’s conquests. have issued silver coins. Samhita are the works of  Allahabad Pillar inscription is also  Chandragupta II was succeeded Varahamihira. known as ‘Prayagaprasasti’. by his son Kumaragupta I who  The best specimen of the Gupta  Samudra Gupta is also known as adopted the title of ‘Mahendra paintings are seen at Ajanta ‘Lichchavi Dauhitra’’. (son of ditya’ and founded the Nalanda caves and the Bhaga caves. the daughter Kumaradevi of University.  The beginning of Indian temple Lichchavis)  Skandagupta Vikramaditya architecture.  Samudra Gupta is described as was the last great ruler of Gupta  Guptas issued large number of ‘Indian Napoleon’ by V.A. Smith. Empire. gold coins in India.  Samudra Gupta composed  Skandagupta Vikramaditya was  Guptas largely patronised art ‘‘Vahukabita’’ and had the title the only hero in Asia and Eu- and architecture. ‘‘Kaviraja’’. rope who defeated the Hunas in  Guptas patronised the  Sanskrit was the court language their glorious period. Gandhara school of art, of the Guptas.  Vishnu Gupta was the last ruler Madhura School of Art and the  India became ‘‘Greater India’’ who died in 570 AD. Andhra School of Art. under Samudra Gupta.  Mantriparishad assisted the king  The Fresco paintings in the  Samudra Gupta was an accom- in administration. Ajanta caves are examples of the plished Veena player.  Most important Industry of the art of the Guptas.  He was a Vaishnava and a pa- Gupta period was textile.  The chief source of income was tron of the great Buddhist  Period of the Gupta is compared land revenue. Scholar Vasubandhu. to ‘Periclean Age of Greece’,  The position of women declined  Chandragupta II , the greatest ‘Augustan Age of Rome’ and during the Gupta period. Po- of Gupta rulers was popularly ‘Elizabethan Age of England’. lygamy was widely prevalent. Their education was discour- known as Vikramaditya.  Period of the Guptas is consid-  He adopted the title ‘Sakari’ ered as the Golden Age in the aged. after his victory over history of India.  Sati system was in existence and widow marriage was becoming Rudradaman II of Gujarat.  Earlier Guptas had their capital unpopular.  Fa hein, the Chinese traveller, at Prayag in Allahabad, later it  Famous ayurveda physician of the visited India during his period. was shifted to Ujjain by Gupta period was Dhanvantari.  The exploits of Chandragupta II Chandragupta II. are glorified in an iron pillar in-  Nalanda and Taxila were the two  The Kumaramatyas were the universities of this period. scription fixed near Qutub most important officers of the Minar.  Kalidasa is generally called ‘‘In- Gupta period.  Chandragupta II adopted the dian Shakespeare’ and the  The royal seal of the Guptas title Vikramaditya as a mark of ‘Prince of Indian Poets’. bore the emblem of Garuda. his victory over the  Patanjali founded ‘Yoga  Aryabhatta was the first to treat Sakakshatraps. Shastra’, a school of Hindu phi- Mathematics as a separate sub-  ‘Nine gems’ or ‘Navratnas’ was losophy during this period. ject. He wrote Aryabhattiyam. a famous Scholastic Assembly  Both internal and external trade He belonged to the Gupta pe- in the court of Chandragupta II. reached its peak. riod. Aryabhatta was the first to The members in the Ninegems  Sanskrit was the official language. use Decimal System. were - Kalidasa, Kadakarbhara,  The puranas were compiled dur-  Aryabhatta calculated Pi as Kshapanaka, Varahmihira, ing the Gupta age. 3.1416 and the length of the so- Vararuchi, Vethalabhatta,  Jayadeva wrote “Gita Govinda”. Important Literary works during“the Gupta period Author Works Kalidasa ...... Epics: Raghuvamsa, Ritusamhara, Meghaduta Dramas: Vikramorvashiyam, Malavikagnimitra, Abhinjanasakuntalam Sudraka ...... Drama: Mrichchakatika Bhasa ...... Drama: Swapnavasavadatta, Charudatta Bharavi ...... Kiratharjuniya (Epic poem) Bhatti ...... Ravana Vadha or Bhatt Kavya (A narration on the life of Rama) Visakhadatta ...... Drama: Mudrarakshasa, Devichandraguptam Harisena ...... Eulogy : Prayag-Prasasti Amarsimha ...... Grammar: Amarkosha Vishnu Sharma ...... Story: Panchatandra and Hitopadesha Aryabhatta ...... Mathematics & Astronomy: Aryabhattiya Varahamihira ...... Mathematics & Astronomy: Brihatsamhita & Panchasidhanta Vatsyayana ...... Kamasutra Dandin ...... Kavyadarsana (Grammar) Gunadhya ...... Brihat Katha Visakadetta ...... Mudra Rakshasa (Drama), Devi Chandra Guptam (Drama) Aryasura ...... -Jatakamala The Budhist Scholars such as Budha Ghosha, Budhadatta, Vasubandhu, Asanga and Dignaga belonged to the Gupta period. Science Aryabhatta ...... Aryabhattiyam He was the first to treat mathematics as a separate subject. His unique contribution was the Principle of the place value, the first nine numbers and the use of zero. Varahamihira ...... Panchsidhantha (Astronomy), Brihat Jataka, Laghu Jataka Brihat Samhita (An encyclopadia of technical Sciences). He divided Astronomy into three branches - Tantra, Hora and Samhita Vagbhata I ...... The Ashtanga - Samgraha Palakapya ...... Hastyayurveda Brahma Gupta ...... Brahma Sidhanta

The Navaratnas in the Court The Administration of Chandra Gupta II  Monarchy was the form of Government. Dhanvantari - Ayurveda  The Guptas believed in the Divine Right theory of Kingship. Kshapanaka - Jyothisasthra  The ruled followed the policy of benevolent despotism. Amarasimha - “Amarakosa”  There was a highly organised civil and military service.  “The Mantriparishad” assisted the King. Sanku - Shilpasasthra  The Empire was divided into Bhuktis under Uparikas, Vishayas under Vethalabhatta - Mantrasastra Vishayapathis and Gramas under Gramikas. Kalidasa - Dramas  There was town administration with Purapala or Mayor as head. Varahamihira- Brihadsamhita  Pushtapala was a notary and keeper of records. Vararuchi - Sanskrit Vyakarana  Kumaramatyas were the most important officers. Kadakarbhara -  The Government emblem was the Garuda. The Post Gupta Period onwords the later Guptas  Sialkot was Mihirakula’s capi-  The period between the second became vassals of the tal. quarter of the 6th Cent.AD and Vardhanas.  The Hunas were finally de- 7th Cent.AD was of struggle  Jivita Gupta was the last ruler. feated by Yashodharman, a for supremacy. THE HUNAS brave king from Malwa (Central  The leading figures were the  The Hunas were a nomadic and India). Later Guptas, The Muharis, barbaric race of Central Asia. Yasodharman of Mandasor, THE MAITRAKAS OF  They were defeated by Skanda Sasanka of Gauda, Pushya VALABHI Gupta. bhuthis of Thaneswar and  They were of Iranian origin ,  In the last quarter of the 5th cen- Varmans of Kamarupa. tury AD, the Hunas established ruled Gujarat  The Hunas came to North India an independent kingdom in the  Valabhi was the capital. during this period. Punjab.  Siladitya I (606 - 612 AD) was  Krishna Gupta I was the the first independent king. founder of the Later Guptas.  Toramana and Mihirakula were  Dhruvasena IV, the greatest  Kumara Gupta defeated important Huna leaders. Maitraka king, patronised Isnanavarman, the Maukhari  In 510 AD, Bhanu Gupta de- King. feated Toramana. Bhatti.   Devagupta of the Malwa  Narasimha Gupta defeated The Maukharis of Kanauj branch, supported Sasanka Mihirakula.  The Maukharis had three main Gauda in killing Grahavarman.  The Hunas gave rise to the branches. ie. the Kanauj branch  From Rajyavardhanan’s period Kshatriya Rajaputs. (most important)

Sculpture Features Place Caves Most ancient . Influenced by religious practices. Pillar Adornes Ashokan Edicts Rampurva, Sarnatha Stupa Buddhist religious architecture Sanchi, Amaravati, Barhut, Nagarjunakonda Carved Railings Adornes Stupas Amaravati Gandhara Art First statue of Buddha Peshawar region & — a mixture Indian & Greek method Afghanistan Mathura School Richly decorated deities of all religion Mathura Hindu Art Hindu temples of Nagara & Sikhara Styles Vidisa, Deogarh, Tigawa, Eran, Aihole, Rajgriha Pala School Fine Hindu & buddhist Statues Nalanda, Bodh Gaya Hoyasala Art Mature plan & general arrangement Mysore, Talakad, Halebid. Orissa School Development of Shikharas Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark. Chandela School Erotic sculpture Khajuraho Vijaya Nagar School Decorated pillared halls Hampi Nayak School Temple complex Madurai Rajasthan School High platforms & miniature towers Mt Abu Chalukyan School (Vesara) Mixture of Nagar & Dravida Styles, Chittor Aihole, Pattdakal Pallava School Monolithic temples Mahabalipuram Chola School (Dravid) Gopurams or Gates Tanjore Indo- Islamic Arch, domes, vaultes, gardens, marble Delhi, Agra, Jaunpur, use pietradura Bengal, Hyderabad. the Gaya region of Bihar and the Kota region of Rajasthan Last Hindu Emperor  The founder was Yajnavarman The last Hindu Emperor of North India was Harshavardhana His kingdom spanned (Last  First independent King of Hindu king of Delhi was Prithviraj Chauhan). Kanauj was Harivarman. the Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bengal, Orissa and the entire Indo-  Grahavarman married Rajya Gangetic plain North of the Narmada River. After the downfall of the sree, the daughter of Prabha Gupta Empire in the middle of the sixth century C.E., North India kara Vardhana of Taneswar. reverted to small republics and small monarchical states. Harsha united  Harsha Vardhana annexed the small republics from Punjab to Central India. Kanauj to Taneswar. Kashmir established their power.  Yasodharman of Mandasor  Mahendravarman I and (530 - 550 AD) errected “ Pillars founded by Pushyabhuti. Pulikeshin II were the contem- of Victory” to commemorate his  Harsha came to power in 606 AD poraries of Harsha Vardhana. conquests of the Hunas. (Harsha Era).  Matanaga, Divakara, Jayasena  He made Kanauj his new capital THE VAKATAKAS and Bhartri Hari were the fa- from Taneswar. (250 - 500 AD) mous scholars in the court of  Original name of Harsha was  Established power in Deccan. Harsha Vadhana. Siladitya.  Capital was Vidarbha.  The position of women seems  Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang to have further declined during  The founder of the dynasty visited India during his reign. was Vidhyasakti. Harsha’s period. Remarriage of  He was a Shaiva in the begin- widows were not permitted.  They were brahmins. ning but embraced Buddhism  Harsha, the last great Hindu em-  Pravarasena I performed four under the influence of Buddhist peror died in 647 AD. Asvamedha and one Rajasuya sage - Divakara Mitra and Hieun scarifices. Strengthened his Tsang. Kingdom through marriage North India in the Post  Harsha summoned a religious alliances. Harsha Period assembly at Prayag.  Sarvasena son of Pravarasena  Hieun Tsang said, “ Indians were  The Post Harsha Period marked founded the Vatsagulma Truthful people although quick the transition from Ancient branch of the Vakatakas. tempered’’. Period to the Medieval Period.  Prithivisena I helped Chandra  Harsha’s biography ‘Harsha  This period witnessed the rise gupta II to defeat the Sakas of Charita’ was written by his of the Brahmanical Hinduism Malwa and Kathiawar. court poet Banabhatta. He also and the Rajputs.  Pravarasena II (Damodarasena) wrote ‘Kadambari’.  The Bhakti Cult began to founded a new capital at  Harsha Vardhana was a poet and develop under Ramanuja and Pravarapura. He was the last dramatist. Ratnavali, Priyadar Sankaracharya. prominent ruler of the main shika and Nagananda are the  The Tripartite Struggle - the branch of the Vakatakas. works of Harshavardhana. Gurjara - Parthiharas, Palas of  The Chalukyas of Badami  Harsha Vardhana was defeated Bengal and the Rashtrakudas dominated the Vakatakas. by the Chalukyan king of Manyaketa-to establish HARSHAVARDHAN Pulikesin II in AD 634. supremacy over Kanauj  Harshavardhana belonged to  Harsha Vardhanas empire was originated. the Pushyabhuti Dynasty, also the last Buddhist empire in In-  The Post- Harsha Period known as Vardhana Dynasty. dia. witnessed the coming of Islam  The Pushyabhuti dynasty was  After Harsha, the Karkotas of on Western India. ruler, defeated Pulakeshin II and Temples and Builders Krishna I adopted the title Vatapikonda.  Narasimhavarman I was called ...... Vishnuvardhana Kailas Temple at Ellora ...... Mahamalla which meants a Chunnakesava Temple, Belur Narashimhavarman I wrestler...... Raja Raja Chola Rathas at Mahabalipuram ......  The Ratha temples at Narasimha VarmanII Brihadeswara Temple, Tanjavur...... Mahabalipuram (Seven Pago- Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Eastern Gangarubs das) were created by ...... Chandellas Lingaraja Temple, Bhuvaneswar Narasimhavarman I...... Raja raja I Khajuraho Temples ......  Dandin the author of Dasa Nayaka Rulers Rajarajeshwara Temple, Tanjavur...... kumaracharitam, lived in the Raja Raja Chola court of Narasimhavarman II. Meenakshi Temple at Madurai...... Shiva Temple at Tanjavur  Narasimhavarman II was the structed during the Chalukyan most important ruler of the CHALUKYAS OF BADAMI period. Pallava dynasty.  Narasimhavarman II is also (VATAPI)  The Chalukyan developed the known as Rajsimha.  In 535 AD Pulikeshin I founded a Deccan or Vesara style in the building of structural temples.  He founded Kailasanatha small kingdom with the Capital Temple and the Shore Temple  From the Chronological point of at Vatapipura (Modern Badami) at Mahabalipuram. view, Chalukyas can be divided  He was succeeded by  The last Pallava King was de- into four Kirtivarman and Mangalesa. feated by Aditya Chola by the  Pulakeshin II was the most fa- The Chalukyas of Vatapi (535 - end of 9th century. 642 AD), The Later Chalukyas mous ruler of the Chalukya dy- RASHTRAKUTAS nasty. of Vatapi (655 - 753 AD), The Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (615  Rashtrakuta dynasty was  The greatest achievement of - 1076 AD), The Later Western founded by Dandidurga in 753 Pulakeshin II was the defeat he Chalukyas of Kalyani (973- AD. With the capital at inflicted on Harshavardhana. 1190 AD) Manyakhed or Malkhed.  The Pallava king Narasimha  Built the Dasavatara caves at varman captured Vatapi and PALLAVAS Ellora. adopted the title ‘Vatapikonda’.  Simhavishnu was the founder  Rashtrakuta ruler Amogha  Pulakeshin II defeated the of the Pallava dynasty. varsha I wrote ‘Kavirajamarga’ Pallavas and captured Kanchi.  His court poet was Bharavi, who which is the earliest Kannada He also defeated Cheras, Cholas wrote Kiratarjuniya. work on poetics. He also wrote and Pandyas.  His son Mahendra Varman I Prasnottarmalika.  Kubja Vishnuvardhana - the was great in war and peace. He  Amoghvarsha - transferred the brother of Pulakeshin II founded assumed littles like Mattavilasa, capital from Ellora to Manya the kingdom of Chalukya of Vichithrachitta, Gunabhara kheta (Malkhed). Vengi. etc. He was also a reputed au-  Harisena, Jinasena and  Kirtivarman, the last ruler of this thor who wrote Mattavilasa Gunabhadra lived at his court. dynasty was defeated by the Prahasana.  He offered his finger to goddess Rashtrakutas and the Chalukyan  Rock cut temples at to please her. rule came to an end in 757 AD. Bhairavkond (N.Arcot) and  The Kailasanath Temple at  The magnificient temples of Ananteshvara temple were built Ellora was founded by the Belur and Halebid and the by Mahendra Varman I. Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I. Elephanta caves were con-  Narasimhavarman , a Pallava  Krishna III (940 -968 AD) was the last great ruler of  The Bhats and Charans were  The Vikramsila and Sompur Rashtrakuta dynasty. the Court bards. Universities were founded by  Built the Krishneswara temple at  The Rajput women embraced the Pala king Dharmapala. Rameswaram and erected a pil- death by “Jauhar” to escape  In the court of king Rampala, the lar there. defilement and ‘Sati’ to avoid famous poet Sandhyakar Nandi  The Rashtrakuta power was over- widowhood. lived, who wrote Rampala thrown by Thiala II.  Raja Bhoja wrote “Ayurveda Charita. Sarvasva” and “Rajamriganka”. THE RAJPUTS  Atisha Dipankar, noted scholar  The best examples of Rajput of Tantric Buddhism, existed in  The advent of Islam architecture were the fortress of the time of the Pala Kings. He synchronised with the rise of Chittorgarh, Rathan bhore and translated many books of Tantric the Rajputs. the lake Palace at Udaipur.  The Rajputs produced mighty Buddhism into Tibetan. Kings like Gurjara Bhoja, PRATIHARAS  The Pala power was destroyed Chandella Dhanga, Kalachuri  The Pratiharas are also called by Vijayasena who founded the Karna, Paramara Bhoja, Solanki Gurjara - Pratiharas - belonging Sena dynasty. Jayasimha and Chauhana to the 36 clans of Rajputs. SENAS Prithivraja.  The dynasty was founded  The Sena dynasty was founded  The Rajputs represented a by Nagabhata I (725- 740) by Vijayasena towards to end large social, and occupational  Nagabhata II made Kanauj his of 11th century. (1093) group composed of various capital.  Senas had a capital in foreign, indigenous and mixed  Pratihara ruler Mihir Bhoja Vikrampura and another in races. adopted the title ‘Adivaraha’. Vijayapura.  The important Rajput dynasties  Mahendrapal I extended his were ; empire over Magadha and  About the middle of 13th cen- The Gurjara - Prathiharas of North Bengal. tury the senas were overthrown Mandor and Avanti  His court poet was Rajeshekaa. by the Deva dynasty. The Chauhans based in He wrote Kavyamimamsa,  Jayadeva, the author of Eastern Rajasthan Karpuramanjari (a drama in Gitagovinda was patronized by The Solankis based in prakrit) Harivilas, Bhavana Sena ruler Lakshmana Sena. Kathiawar kosh, Bal Bharat etc. CHAUHANS The Pawar or Paramars based  Sian temple (near Jodhpur) be-  The four Agnikula Rajputs were in Malwa. long to Pratihara dynasty. the Pratiharas, Chauhans the The Chandellas based in  The governor of the provinces Solankis and Paramaras. Bundhelkhand were called ‘uparika’ and the The Kalachuris based in Tripuri head of a district, Visayapati.  Chauhans had their capital at or Chedi and  Yashpal was the last ruler of this Ajmer and Delhi. The Tomaras based in the dynasty.  Ajayaraya established the city Haryana regions around Delhi  Sulthan Muhammed of Ghazni of Ajayameru or Ajmer. or Dhillika. entered Kanauj during the pe-  The most prominent ruler was (They founded the city of Delhi riod of the Pratiharas. (Dhillika) in 736 AD) Prithviraj III (1177-1192). He  The Rajputs rules for 300 years PALAS defeated Muhammed of Ghori in after the death of Harsha.  The Pala dynasty was founded by the First Battle of Tarain (1191).  The Rajput officials were mainly Gopala in 750 AD. But Ghori defeated and killed Brahmins known as  Famous Odandapuri University him in the Second Battle of “Kayasthas”. was founded by Gopala. Tarain (1192).  Prithviraj Chauhan III was the  The last Chola ruler was Rajaraja  The Kadambas -3rd to 6th C - last Hindu ruler of Delhi. II. of Banavasi came to  Prithvi Raj Raso is the histori-  The Cholas were famous for prominence under Mayura cal poem written by Chand Bronze statues of Nataraja. sarma. Bardai. THE DECCAN  Ravi Varma was the last great ruler. The Chandelas of Bundelkhand  In the second quarter of the 7th  The royal insignia of the  The Chandela dynasty was Cent. North India, the Deccan Kadambas were the lion crest, founded by Yasovarman with and South India developed into the monkey flag and the Mahobas as the Capital. three imperial zones under musical instrument ‘Permatti’  The Khajuraho temples are the Harshavardhana, Pulikesi II the  The Chalukyas (6th to 8th C best examples of the Chandela Chalukya, and Pallava Rulers and 10th to 12 C) belonged to art. Mahendra Varman I and various units. Narasimhavarman I.  From the chronological point of CHOLAS  The lands south of the view the Chalukyas can be  Vijayalaya was the founder of Narmada are known as Deccan divided into four ; the Chola empire. He was a or Dakshinapada. 1. The Chalukyas of Vatapi 535- feudatory of the Pallavas of  The Gangas of Talakad (2nd to 642 AD Kanchi. 11th Century AD) 2. The later Chalukyas of Vatapi  Raja Raja I (985 - 1014) adopted  Kolar was the early capital. 655 - 753 AD. the titles of Arumudivarman, Later Talakad became the 3. Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi Mammudicholadeva, Jaykonda, permanent capital. 615 - 1076 AD Marthanda Chola, Mamudi  Madhava I, the first king had the 4. Later Western Chalukyas of chola etc. title “Konguni Varma.” Kalyani 973 - 1190 AD  Durvinitha, the greatest king  He built the Brihadeshwara  Pulikesin I was the founder of temple at Tanjaore. which is (495 -535 AD) , issued 7 grants the Early Chalukyas of Vatapi called the RajaRajeswara temple. to Brahmins and patronised the or Badami. Jain scholar Pyiyapada.  Rajendra I led an expedition to  Pulikesin II (610 - 642AD) is North India, defeated the Pala  Govinda III’s period witnessed regarded as the ‘Lord of the ruler Mahipala I and adopted the division of the kingdom. South’. He had titles such as the title, Gangaikondachola and  The last ruler Rajamalla IV was “Vallabha”, “Prithivi Vallabha”, established a new Capital, overthrown by the ‘Kalyani “Sri Prithivi Vallabha” and Gangai Konda Cholapuram. Chalukya’ ruler Taila with the “Parameswara - Paramabha  Cholas maintained a well estab- help of Rajamalla’s minister gavata”. Chavundarya. lished local - self government  He defeated the Pallava ruler system. Ur, Sabha or Mahasabha  Chavundarya composed the Mahendra Varman I but his end - and Nagaram were the assem- ‘Chavundarya Purana’ and he was at the hands of the Pallava blies for local administration. built the huge statue of King Narasimha Varman. Gomantesvara.  The Uttaramerur inscription of  Hiuen - Tsang visited Deccan Dantivarman Pallava gives details  The headman of the village was during his period. called Gounda or Gauda. about the local self government.  The Later Chalukyas rose to  Kulottunga I united the Vengi  The Gangas minted gold coins power under Vikramaditya I with the impression of kingdom with Chola empire. He  Vinayaditya I (681-696), got the land surveyed. Elephants and floral designs on Vijayaditya (696-733)  Kamban adorned his court. He each side. Vikramaditya II (734 - 745)- he wrote the Tamil Ramayana.  Bharavi was the Court poet of repulsed the Arabs from Durvinita. coming to Deccan - and  The Rashtrakutas of Malkhed 1343) was founded by Sala or Kirthivarman II (746 - 757) (750-982) was founded by Nripakama. were other rulers. Dantidurga by 750 AD  The first prominent king Ballala  The Rashtrakudas under  He got Maharashtra from I (1100 - 1106) transferred the Krishna I over powered the Kirthivarman. capital from Sosevur to Belur. Later Chalukyas.  Krishna I built the Kailasanatha  Vishnu Vardhana (1106 -1152)  The Kalyani Chalukyas temple at Ellora. conquered Talakad and had the came to power under title “Taladugonda”. He made  Govinda III, 794-814, defeated Tailapa II or Taila after the confederation of 12 rulers Dvarasamudra the main capital. defeating Amogha Varsha  formed by the Ganga Governor, Ramanuja influenced him to IV the Rashtrakuda King. become a Vaishanvite and reject the Chera Chola Pandya rulers  Somesvara I, 1042 -1068 AD, Jainism. and Danti Varman, the Pallava killed the Chola ruler  He built a Jaina temple for king. Rajadhiraja I. Vidyadeva, the Jaina logician.  Amoghavarsha I’s (814 - 878)  Rajendra Chola killed  Ballala II (1173 -1220) reign was famous for literary Somesvara I supported the Cholas against developments. He wrote  Vikramaditya IV Tribuvanamalla the Pandyas. “Kavirajamarga”. (1076 -1126) the greatest of the  Vira Ballala II’s (1291-1342) Western Chalukyas, started the Jinasena, under him, wrote period witnessed Malik Kafur’s Chalukya-Vikrama Kala or Era Adipurana and Mahavira Plunder of the kingdom in 1310. i.e ; 1076 AD. charya wrote “Ganitha Sara  The following minor states  The Hoysalas under Vira - Samgraha”. rules the Deccan. Ballala I destroyed the Chalu  Sulaiman, the Arab traveller, Western Deccan-The Abhiras - They kyas of Kalyani during the reign described Amoghavarsha as started an Era in 249 AD. of Jagadekamalla. one of the four great rulers of The Sakas of Mahishakas.  The Eastern Chalukya the world. The Bhojas and The Silaharas. (Vengi) was established  Krishna III (940-968) was the Eastern Deccan - South Kosala by Kubja Vishnu Vard last great ruler who became the hana (615 - 633) brother of lord of the Deccan. The Sarabha Puriyas Pulikesin II.  Taila II overthrew the The Pandu Vamsis  Vijayaditya I (746 - 764) and Rashtrakuta power. The Soma Vamsis and Vijayaditya III (844 -888) were  Rashtrakuta Princess partici The Nalas important rulers. pated in administration. Andhra - Ikshvakus  Rajendra Chola II united Vengi  They had two kinds of Admini to his kingdom. Brihatphalayanas stration ; i.e., one for the vassal  Bilhana and Vijnaneswara Anandas (author of Mithakshara) ador states and the other for directly Salankayanas ned the Court of Vikramaditya ruled areas. Vishnukundis II.  Land tax was called Udranga or Kalinga -The Pitribhaktas Bhogakara, It was ¼ of the  The Aiholi inscription of The Matharas Pulikesin I was written by produce. The Vasishthas Ravikirthi, the Jaina scholar.  They issued five kinds of coins- Orissa - The Manas  Aiholi temples, particularly the dramma, Suvarna, Gadhyanaka Virupaksha temple at Patta dakal, (gold), Kalanju (gold) and Kasu Sailodbhavas are the best examples of (gold) Karas and Chalukyan style of Archite cture.  The Hoysala dynasty (1027 - Bhojas EMINENT PERSONALITIES OF ANCIENT INDIA Alexander : He was the ruler of Macedonia in He wrote Arthasasthra, which is compared to ‘The Greece. He attacked India in 326 BC and captured prince’ of Machiavelli. upto river Bias. Kalidas: Famous Sanskrit poet who wrote, Ajatasatru : Son of Bimbisara. He established the Raghuvamsa, Kumara Sambhavam, Abhijnana city of Pataliputra. Shakuntalam, Vikramorvashiyam and Arien : Greek historian who wrote about Alexander’s Malavikagnimitram. He also wrote Meghadootam Indian invasion. and Ritusamharam. Ashwaghosh : Buddhist monk who initiated Kamban : A Tamil poet of 11th century who wrote Kanishka to Buddhism, wrote Buddha Charita, Ramayan in Tamil. Sutralankar and Saundrananda. Mihir Bhoja : Famous Prathihara ruler of 9th century. Amarsimha : Sanskrit scholar in the court of Kalhana - Famous Kashmiri poet and historian.He Chandragupta who wrote Amarakosha. wrote Raja Tarangini. Aryabhatta : He analysed the reasons for Solar and Marco Polo: Venitian Traveller to India in 13th cen- Lunar eclipses and declared that the Earth is round. tury. He Wrote Aryabhattiyam. Menander : He came to India as a foreign aggressor Bimbisara: Founded the Magadhan Empire or in II Century BC. MilindaPanho, a book written by Haryanka dynasty. He was the first influential king Nagasena, is about him. of ancient India. Nagarjuna: Famous Buddhist monk. He popounded Banabhatta : Court poet of Harshavardhana and the philosophy known as Madhyamika. author of Harsha Charita and Kadambari. Makkali Gosala : Philosopher of 6th Century BC. He was the founder of Ajivika sect. Charaka: He was an Ayurvedic expert who wrote Charaka Samhita and established the Aitereya Mihirkula: Huna conqueror defeated by branch of Ayurvedic medicines. Yashodharma. Amoghavarsha : He was a famous Rashtrakuta ruler. Skanda Gupta : Last mighty Gupta ruler. Dhanananda : He was a powerful king of Magadha. Shushrut : He was a doctor of Ayurvedic medicine. Alexander did not go forward to invade Magadha He started the Dhanwantri branch and was an ex- only after hearing his reputation. pert in plastic surgery. Darius I : The ruler of Iran (Persia) who invaded Pulikeshin II. Most powerful king of Chalukyas of India in 6th century BC. Vatapi who defeated Harshavardhana in the North and Mahendravarman in the South. Gautami Putra Shatakarni : He was the most fa- Pushyamitra Sunga: He killed the last Mauryan ruler mous Satavahana king in 2nd Century. and laid the foundation of Sunga dynasty in 185 Harisena : He was the writer of Prayaga Prashasti BC. or Allahabad Pillar Inscription. Pliny: He was a Roman historian who wrote the Kharavela : Ruler of Kalinga in I century AD. The Natural History. He wrote about the Mauryas of famous Hathigumbha inscription belonged to him. India. Kanishka : (I century AD) : Most powerful Kushan Panini : Sanskrit scholar specially of Grammar. He king. Started Saka Era. Organised fourth Buddhist wrote Ashtadyayi. council at Kundalvan near Kashmir. Varahamihira: He was famous astronomer who Karikala : Chola ruler who founded the city of wrote Brihat Samhita. Puhar (Kaveri patanam) in I century BC. Sankaracharya : He was born in Kaladi in Kerala. Kautilya : Also known as Vishnugupta or Chanakya. He propagated Advaita Philosophy. IMPORTANT POINTS

 The source of Swastika symbol - Indus Valley  Community which was considered as untouch-  The father of Indian archaeoloy able by the Buddhists - Chandalas Alexander Cunningham  The language used by the Jains to spread their  Meter scale has been discovered from Harappa religion - Prakrit  Weapon never used by the Indus people Sword  The St.John of Buddhism - Ananda  The major industry in Chanhudaro Bead making  Considered as Devil by the Buddhists - Mara  The word ‘Sindhan’ used by the Indus people  Three daughters of ‘Mara’ denoted Cotton lust, emotion and desire  Evidence of fractional burial has been excavated  The ruler who persecuted Buddhists from Harappa Pushyamitrasunga  The word ‘godhume’ used in the vedic period  Major philosophic school of Bhagvatism denote Wheat Vishishtadvaita  Earliest reference about Srikrishna can be found  ‘Yava’ denoted Barley in Chandoghya Upanishad  Term used to denote rice in the vedic text Vrihi  Hindu God who found place in Greek literature  Vedic term ‘sita’ denoted Ploughed field Sri Krishna  The veda that mentions about wheel Rigveda  Jain Thirthankara, who was related to Sri Krishna  Vedic terms ‘Urvara’ or ‘kshetra’ denoted Rishabhadeva (Ist Thirthankara) Cultivated field  Tamil god of the Sangham age for War and Victory  The famous frog hymn in Rig Veda throws light to Kottavai Vedic education  Saint who founded the Saivism  The god of the Vedas -Varuna Lakulisa  Method used to calculate the number of cows in  Tamil kingdom of the Sangham Age which sent the Vedic period - Ashtakarni an ambassador to the court of Roman Emperor  Part of which veda has prose part - Yajur Veda Augustus - Pandyas  Aryan religion in South India was spread by  First Sangham was founded by Saint Agasthya Agasthya  Famous poetess of the Sangham period  Vedic term ‘Aghanya’ denotes - Cows Avvaiyar  The term ‘Bharata’ and ‘Bharatavarsha’ were  Greeco-Roman traders who visited South India first used in - Rig Veda during the Sangham period were denoted with  Upanishad which mentions the four Ashramas of the term Yavanas Vedic period - Jabala Upanishad  Sangham work which describes about Buddhism  Largest number of hymns in Rigveda are in praise Manimekhalai of - Indra  The word used by Ashoka to denote Buddha  First town in the vedic period to use burnt bricks Bhagavati Kausambi  Ashokan inscriptions were deciphered by James  First reference about lending money for interest Princep in the year 1837 can be found in Satpatha Brahmana  Indo-Greek ruler who had his boundaries upto  Rigvedic paintings have been discovered from Pataliputra Menander Bhagvanpura of the state Haryana  Yuchi ruler who introduced gold coins for the first  Upanishad that mentions about police system time - Vima Kadphesus Brihadaranyaka Upanishads  Edict which mentions about the relation between  God considered as God of Gods -Varuna India and China - Nagarjunakonda