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Home , 4th century BC, Agnimitra, Ajatashatru, Allahabad Pillar, Anga, Aryavarta

Indian HISTORY

Ancient

PRE-HISTORICPERIOD G The Mesolithic people lived on hunting, fishing and food-gathering. At a later G The recent reported artefacts from stage, they also domesticated animals. Bori in suggest the appearance of human beings in India G The people of the Palaeolithic and around 1.4 million ago. The early Mesolithic ages practised painting. man in India used tools of stone, G Bhimbetka in , is a roughly dressed by crude clipping. striking site of pre-historic painting. G This period is therefore, known as the Stone Age, which has been divided into The Neolithic Age The Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age (4000-1000 BC) The Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age G The people of this age used tools and The Neolithic or New Stone Age implements of polished stone. They particularly used stone axes. The Palaeolithic Age G It is interesting that in Burzahom, (500000-9000 BC) domestic dogs were buried with their masters in their graves. G Palaeolithic men were hunters and food G First use of hand made pottery and gatherers. potter wheel appears during the G They had no knowledge of agriculture, Neolithic age. Neolithic men lived in fire or pottery; they used tools of caves and decorated their walls with unpolished, rough stones and lived in hunting and dancing scenes. cave rock shelters. G They are also called Quartzite men. The Age G Homo Sapiens first appeared in the (4500-3500 BC) last phase of this period. The metal implements made by them G This age is divided into three phases were mostly the imitations of the stone according to the nature of the stone forms. Copper was the first metal used by tools used by the people and the men and the culture based on the use of change in the climate. stone and copper tools is called the The Mesolithic Age Chalcolithic Culture. (9000-4000 BC)

G It intervened as a transitional phase Maharashtra Dead body in North-South between the Palaeolithic Age and the position Neolithic Age. Dead body in East-West G In this age, the climate became warm position and dry which brought about changes West India Complex, Extended burial in fauna and flora and made it possible Fractionalburial for human beings to move to new areas. 2 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History IndusValleyCivilisation

G Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the TOWN-PLANNING four earliest civilisations of the world along with the civilisations of G Town-planning was not uniform. A Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates), common feature was the grid system Egypt (Nile) and (Hwang Ho). .., streets cutting across one another at right angles, dividing the G The Civilisation forms a part of the town into large rectangular blocks. proto- and belongs to the . G The towns were divided into two parts: the Upper part or Citadel and G The most accepted period is 2500- 1700 the Lower part. BC (derived by Carbon-14 dating). G Underground drainage system G Dayaram Sahni first discovered connected all houses to the street in 1921. RD Bannerjee drains, made of mortar, lime and discovered Mohenjodaro or ‘Mound of gypsum. They were covered with the Dead’ in 1922. either brick or stone slabs and It can be divided into the following sub-parts equipped with manholes. This shows a developed sense of health and ■ EarlyPhase –2900-2500BC sanitation. ■ Middle(mature)Phase – 2500-2000BC G The Great Bath (Mohenjodaro) It ■ LaterPhase –2000-1750BC was used for religious bathing. Steps at either end lead to the surface. With NOMENCLATURE inlet to the tank and outlet for drain water. There were changing rooms Indus Valley Civilisation as it flourished alongside. along the . G The Granaries (Harappa) Harappan Civilisation named by John 6 granaries in a row were found in the Marshall, after the first discovered site, Citadel at Harappa. Harappa. G Houses were made up of burnt bricks. -Sindhu Civilisation, as most G Lamp-posts were erected at regular of the sites have been found at the intervals. It indicates the existence of Hakra-Ghaggar river. street lighting.

City Province RiverBank Yearof Archaeologist Discovery Harappa PakistaniPunjab Ravi 1921 DRSahni Mohenjodaro Sind Indus 1922 RDBannerjee Chanhudaro Sind Indus 1931 MGMajumdar Sutkagandor Balochistan Dasht 1931 AurelStein Rangpur Bhadur 1931 MSVats Ropar IndianPunjab 1953 YDSharma Lothal Gujarat Bhogava 1957 SRRao Kalibangan Kutchh Ghaggar 1961 BB Lal Dholavira (Gujarat) Luni 1967 JP Joshi Banawali Ghaggar 1973 RSBisht Alamgirpur UttarPradesh Hindon 1974 YDSharma GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 3

G Terracotta Figurines Fire baked clay AGRICULTURE was used to make toys, objects of G Agriculture was the backbone of the worship, animals (monkey, dogs, sheep, civilisation. The soil was fertile due to cattle, humped and humpless bulls), inundation in the river Indus. cattle toys with movable head, toy-carts, G They used wooden plough share whistles shaped like birds, and both (ploughed field from Kalibangan) and male and female figurines. stone sickles for harvesting. G They played dice games. Gambling G Crops produced were wheat, barley, seems to be their favourite time pass. dates, peas, sesamum, mustard, millet, ragi, bajra and jowar. At Lothal and TRADE Rangpur, rice husks were found. G Agriculture, industry and forest G They were first to produce cotton in provided the basis for internal and the world, which called as external trade. Sindon derived from Sind. A fragment G Trade was based on barter system. of woven cotton cloth was found at are not evident. Bullock carts and Mohenjodaro. boats were used for transportation. G Well- is evident from the, dams and irrigation canals found at Towns and Trade Dholavira. Sugarcane was not known to the Indus people. Daimabad Bronze industry. Lothal Factory for stone tools and Domestication of Animals metallic finished goods.

G Animal rearing was practiced. They Balakot finished goods, domesticated buffaloes, oxens, sheep, bangle and shell industry. asses, goats, pigs, elephants, dogs, cats Chanhudaro Beads and Bangles factory. etc. G Camel bones are reported at G Weights and measures were made of Kalibangan and remains of horse are limestone, steatite etc. Generally in discovered from Surkotada. cubical shape and in multiples of 16. G Foreign trade flourished with ARTANDCRAFTS Mesopotamia or Sumeria (Iraq), Central , Persia, and Bahrain. G Harappans used stone tools and implements and were well acquainted with bronze. Bronze was made by mixing copper (from Khetri) with tin. Imports From G Boat making, jewellery of gold, silver Gold Kolar (), precious stone and bead making was Afghanistan, Persia () practiced. Cotton fabrics were used in Silver Afghanistan,Persia(Iran), summer and woollens in winter. South India G Pottery Both plain (red) or painted Copper Khetri(Rajasthan) (red and black) pottery was made. Balochistan, Arabia Pots were decorated with human Tin Afghanistan,Hazaribagh figures, plants, animals and () geometrical patterns. Lapis Lazuli Badak-Shan (Afghanistan) G Metal Images Bronze image of a and Sapphire nude woman dancer (identified as Jade CentralAsia devdasi) and stone steatite image of a bearded man (were both obtained Steatite Shahr-i-Sokhta,KirtharHills from Mohenjodaro). Amethyst Maharashtra 4 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

RELIGIOUS DECLINEOFTHE PRACTICES CIVILISATION

G Chief Female Diety A terracotta The Harappan culture flourished upto 1800 BC, figurine, where a plant is shown then it began to decline. There is no unanimity growing out of the embryo of a among historians regarding the reason for woman and represents the decline of this urban civilisation. There are mother Goddess (Goddess of many different theories by the thinkers, that Earth). shows the decline of the Indus culture. G Chief Male Diety (Proto-Siva), represented in seals, sitting in a yogic posture on a throne and Views Thinkers having three faces and two horns. He is surrounded by an elephant, External Aggression Wheeler, Piggot and a tiger, a rhino and a buffalo, and Gordon-Childe two deers appear at his feet. Inundation MRSahni G Indus people believed in ghosts Epidemic KVRKennedy and evil forces and used amulets Tectonic Disturbances Marshall and Raikes for protection against them. Fire (e.g., Dholavira) altars are found at Lothal and Kalibangan. SuddenDecline Wheeler ClimaticChange RLSteinandANGhosh SCRIPT Deforestation, Scarcity Fairservis of Resources, Ecological G It was pictographic in nature. Imbalances Fish symbol is the most Flood (e.g., Marshall, SR Rao, represented. Overlapping of the Mohenjodaro) Maickey letters show that it was written from right to left in the first line. The Destruction due to GF Holes Change in course of The style is called River Ghaggar Boustrophedon.

Site ArchaeologicalFinds Harappa Two rows of six granaries with brick platform, work men’s quarter, stone (Gateway city) symbol of lingam and yoni, virgin-Goddess (seal), clay figures of mother Goddess, wheat and barley in wooden mortar, copper scale and mirror, vanity box, dice. Dog chasing a deer (bronze) nude male and nude dancing female (stone), sand stone male torso. Mohenjodaro The Great bath, the great granary (largest building), multipillared assembly (Mound of the hall, college, proto- seal, clay figures of mother Goddess, Dice. Dead) Sculpture Bronze dancing girl, steatite image of bearded man. Kalibangan Decorated bricks, bangle factory, wheels of a toy cart, wells from every (Black Bangle) house.Remains of a massive brick wall around both the citadel and lower town (lower town of Lothal is also fortified), bones of camel, tiled floor. Mother Goddess figurines are absent here. Chanhudaro Inkpot, lipstick carts with seated driver, ikkas of bronze, imprint of dog’s (Lancashire of India) paw on a brick. Only city without citadel. Daimabad Bronze images of Charioteer with ox; elephants and rhinocerous. Amri Actual remains of rhinoceros. Alamgirpur Impression of cloth on a trough. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 5

Site ArchaeologicalFinds Lothal (Manchester Rice Husk, Fire altars, grinding machine, tusks of elephant, terracotta figure of Indus Valley of horse and seal, dying rat, painted jar (bird and fox), teracotta ship, houses Civilisation) with entrance on main streets, impressions of cloth on some seals, modern day chess, instrument for measuring 180°, 90° and 45° angles. Ropar Buildings made of stone and soil. Dog buried with human. One inscribed steatite seal with typical Indus pictographs; oval pit burials. Banawali Oval shaped settlement, only city with radial streets, lack of systematic drainage pattern. Toy plough, largest number of barley grains. Surkotada Both Citadel and Lower Town fortified with stone wall. First actual remains of horse bones. Cemetry with four pot burials. Dholavira Only site to be divided into 3 parts. Giant water reservoir; unique water harnessing system; dams and embankments; a stadium; rock-cut . Sutkagendor Two fold division of township-Citadel and Lower Town.

The and the Vedic Age

G The word literally means of G Cow was the standard unit of exchange. high birth. The location of the Gold coins like Nishka, and original homeland of the Aryans is Satmana were in use. Godhuli was used as still controversial, but the most a measure of time and Gavyuti as measure accepted theory is that they of distance. migrated from and settled in the place which is known as the land of seven rivers. RigvedicName ModernName RIGVEDIC PERIOD Sindhu Indus Vitasta (1500-1000BC) Askini Chenab Early Vedic people had knowledge of Parushni Ravi Rivers-, Saraswati, (Naditara) Vipas Beas and Ganga, Ocean, mentioned as Sutlej Sutudri Samudra (referred to collection of Gomati Gomal water and not sea), snow mountains (Himvat) and of desert lands (Dhawa). Krumu Kurram So, they lived in Sapta-Sindva region. Ghaggar Drishadvati Suvastu Swati Economy Kubha G Aryans possessed better Naditara Saraswati knowledge in agriculture. Plough Sadanira Gandak share is mentioned in the . It was made up of wood, and was drawn by the ox. They were Rigvedic Gods acquainted with sowing, Rigvedic people believed in nature worship, harvesting, threshing and knew and not in erecting temples or idol worship. about different seasons. They performed in open areas. 6 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

G was considered to be the God of plants and an intoxicating drink was named The Dasarajna War after him. The 9th of Rigveda, i.e., ■ This battle was fought on the banks of Soma Mandala is attributed to Soma. Parushni River (Ravi), , the son of G Some female divinities such as and Divodas and the king of Tritsu Usha represented the appearance of the family won over an alliance of ten tribes dawn. (5 Aryans and 5 non-Aryans) and killed their leader Purusukta. ■ The battle broke out due to a dispute God ConcernField(s) between Vasistha (priest of ) and Visvamitra (priest of alliance). FireGod Water God and upholder of natural order LATER God with 7 horses-driven chariot (1000-600 BC)

Savitri God of light to whom Gayatri is G Later Vedic texts refers to rivers addressed Narmada, Sadanira etc. Vindhya SolarGod mountains and territorial division Pushan God of marriage, also guarded roads of India into (Northern India), Madhyadesa () One who covered Earth in three steps-Upakrama and (Southern India). Rudra Godofanimals G Aryans expanded from over Dyaus Oldest God and Father of the World the whole Western UP, covered by Ashwin/ God of health, youth and immortality Ganga-Yamuna (Aryavrata). Nastya G The expansion towards the East is Sindhu RiverGoddess indicated in the legend of Godofdeath Satapatha i.e., how Videha Madhava migrated from the Marut Personified storm Saraswati region, crossed Sadanira and came to the land of Videha Polity (modern Tirhut).

G The of the king was by the tribal assembly, called Samiti. Political Organisation G The Samiti was the National Assembly of G Formation of large kingdoms. For the people; while the Sabha was the all practical purposes, Kingship Council of Elders. became hereditary. Assembly lost G King was assisted by many functionaries. its importance, and royal power Most important is the Purohita, the increased at their cost. Vidhata religious advisor of the king, followed by totally disappeared. Women were the Senani, the head of the army. no longer permitted to attend assemblies. Society G The term Rashtra indicating territory, first appeared in this G Kinship was the basis of society’s period. structure. People gave their primary loyalty to the tribe, which was called Jana. G Taittariya Brahmana refers to the An other term stands for tribe in the theory of divine origin of kingship. Rigveda is Vis. Vis was divided into grama. G Satapatha Brahmana refers to When grama clashed with one another, it 12 Ratninas or civil functionaries of caused the Sangrama meaning war. the time. G The term for family was the Kula, but is G There was a development of the rarely mentioned in Rigveda. Patriarchial judiciary. Kings administered the family structure was prevalent. Criminal court. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 7

(Satapatha ) G New occupational groups emerged such as fishermen, washermen, dyers, Purohita ThePriest door-keepers and footmen. Mahishi TheQueen G Tin, silver and iron was now known to Yuvraj CrownPrince the people. Suta/Sarathi The Royal Herald/The G Merchants were organised into Guilds, as Charioteer indicated by the terms Ganas Bhagadugha Collector of Taxes (corporations) and Sresthins (eldermen). Akshavapa Courier Palagala FriendofKing THEVEDIC Govikarta HeadofForestDepartment Senani TheGeneral Gramani HeadoftheVillage G The word Veda comes from the word Vid meaning to know or knowledge. Kshata Gateman/Chamberlain G Vedic texts are divided between sruti Sangrahitri Treasurer (based on hearing) and smriti (based Social Organisation on memory). G are divided into . G The four-fold division of society become more clear, initially based on Rigveda occupation and later became Oldest religious text in the world. hereditary. Collection of hymns, composed around G Brahmin The growing cult of 1700 BC contains 1028 hymns, and is sacrifice enormously added to the divided into 10 . The last power of . mandala is part of Purushasukta. G They constituted the Saraswati is the deity river in the Rig warrior class. Veda. G They were the agriculturists, cattle rearers, traders, artisans and metal workers. Samaveda derives its roots from saman, G Lowest in the social which means melodies. It is a collection hierarchy and born to serve the upper of melodies. The hyms of the Samaveda three varnas. The Ashrama system were recited by Udgatri. It contains developed in this period and the Dhrupad . position of women comparatively declined as compared to what was in the Rigvedic age. Deals with the procedure for the Religion performance of sacrifice. The beliefs and rituals of non-Aryan are written in it. G Rituals became important in the cult of sacrifice. G became the supreme God. It is a book of magical formula. It contains Vishnu was conceived as the preserver charms and spells toward off evils and and protector of the people. diseases. G Pushan, responsible for well being of cattle, became the God of Shudras. The

G Towards the end of the Vedic age, a G The term Upanishada is knowledge, section of society began to resent acquired by sitting close to the teacher. priestly domination. Also called Vedarita, because they denote the last phase of the Vedic Economy period. G Agriculture became the chief G They are spiritual and philosophical in economic activity. Main crops were nature and reveal the aim of the Vedas. wheat, rice, barley and beans. They define the doctrine of Karma, 8 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

Atma (soul), Brahma (God), origin of Universe. There are 108 Upanishadas and, the period of 800 Six system of , given by six to 500 BC is known as Period of the philosophers of ancient India. Upanishadas. G Nyaya(analysis) Gautama G Vaisesika G Sankhya (enumeration) G These are the prose commentaries G (application) Patanjali on various Vedic hymns. They explain Vedas in an orthodox way. G Purva Mimansa (enquiry) Jaimini They explain the hidden meaning G Uttara Mimansa () Vyasa behind the hymns. They are ritualistic by nature. G The most important is the literature is divided into three Satapatha Brahmana attached to classes–Srauta Sutra (dealing with large Yajurveda. It recommends one public sacrifice), Griha Sutra (dealing with hundered sacred paths. rituals connected with birth, naming, marriage) and Sutra (explain The social and local customs). The sages dwelling is the forest explained the vedic scriptures to their pupils in the form of Aranyakas. This G These include mythology, cosmogeny, has magical power and they form the various legends, folk belief, law codes, concluding part of the Brahmanas. and miscellaneous topics. It refers to the change in the mode of worship (from sacrifice to idol worship) and visual They are the limbs of the Vedas. These appeal of deities as against the worship of are treatises on Science and Arts. ideas. 1. Shiksha (deals with pronunciation) 2. (deals with rituals) Epic 3. Vyakarana (grammar) G The , written by Ved Vyas, 4. Nirukta (etymology) is older than the . Originally, 5. Chhanda (metrics) Mahabharata consisted of 880 verses, then it was raised to 24000 verses. 6. Jyotisha (astronomy) G Ramayana written by Valmiki, originally G Panini wrote Ashtadhyayi (4th BC) on Vyakarana consisted 6000 verses, which was raised (grammar). to 12000 and finally 24000 verses. Upavedas Smritis There are four Upavedas- G Dharma is the other name for Dhanurveda (Upaveda of Yajurveda) smritis, which are the law books written deals with the art of warfare. in sloka form. The important smritis are Manav Dharma Shastra, Vishnu Dharma Gandharvaveda (Upaveda of Shastra, Smriti and Narada Samaveda) deals with art and music. Smriti. Shilpaveda (Upaveda of Atharvaveda) G Manav Dharma Shastra or is deals with architecture. the oldest, and most famous. is (Upveda of Rigveda) deals supposed to be the first King and law with medicine. maker. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 9 Pre-MauryanAge

G The material advantages brought about G were of two types by the use of the iron implements in Non-monarchial Republican States Eastern UP and in BC, Kamboj, Kuru, (Ramgrama), helped in the formation of large , Moriya (Pipplivana), territorial states. (Kapilvastu), Panchal, G Use of iron tools in agriculture produced Lichchhavis (), Bhaggas surplus. (Sumsumasa), Kalamas (Kesaputta), G Thus, many sprung up in 6th Videhas (), Jnatrikas century BC, the larger of which were (Kundalgrama). called Mahajanapadas. Monarchial States , , Chedi, Kashi, , , THE MAHAJANAPADAS Magadh, , , .

G The of Suttapitaka ■ was the Southernmost and Mahavastu (Buddhist literature) Mahajanapada. and Bhagavati Sutta () ■ Vatsa was earlier a Kuru clan. mentions the list of the ■ Vajji was a confederacy of eight republican 16 Mahajanapadas. clans. G People now owned stronger allegiance to ■ Lichchhavis are said to be the oldest the or territory, than the Jana in the World. or tribe they belonged to.

Mahajanapadas (Location) (s)

1. Gandhara (Between Kabul and ) 2. Anga ( and Mungher district of Bihar) Champa 3. (PatnaandGayadistrictofBihar) Girivrajs,Rajagriha (); (); Vaishali (); Pataliputra (Ashok) 4. Kash(Varanasidistrict,UP) 5. Vajji(Vaishalidistrict,Bihar) Vaishali 6. Malla(SouthofVaishalidistrict,UP) KushinagaraandPava 7. Chedi(RiverKen)(Bundelkhandarea) ShaktimatiorSotthivati 8. Vatsa (River Yamuna) ( and in UP) 9. Kosala(EasternUP) SravastiandAyodhaya(Saket) 10. Kuru (Ganga Yamuna doab) and (- region) 11. (Ganga-Yamuna doab) () Ahichhatra, Kampilya 12. Matsya(-Bharatpur-Alwardistrict) Viratnagar/Bairath 13. Surasenas(Mathuraregion) 14. Asmaka (River Godavari) (Near in or Patali Maharashtra) 15. Avanti () (Northern capital), Mahishmati (Southern capital) 16. Kamboj(HazaradistrictofPakistan) RajapurorHataka 10 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History Magadha

G The period from the 6th century BC SHISHUNAGA to BC saw the struggle for supremacy among the four (412-344BC) Mahajanapadas-Magadha, Kosala, Shishunaga Vatsa and Avanti. He was the minister of Nag-Dasak, and was G Ultimately, Magadha emerged as the elected by the people. He temporarily most powerful and prosperous shifted the capital to Vaishali. kingdom in . G The founders of Magadha were Kalasoka and . But He transferred the capital from Vaishali to the actual growth started under the Pataliputra and convened the second Haryankas and its expansion took Buddhist Council in Vaishali (383 BC). place under the Sisunagas and Nandas and reached its zenith under Dynasty (344-323 BC) the Mauryas. It is considered to be the first non- G Extent former districts of Patna, dynasty. Gaya and parts of Shahabad. Mahapadamananda

HARYANKADYNASTY G The great conqueror and founder of the dynasty, also known as Ekarat, Bimbisara (544-492 BC) Eka-chhatra (sovereign ruler). He is also G He built the described as ‘‘the first empire builder of (Girivraja). He was contemporary to Indian History.’’ Gautam and the first king to G He conquered Koshala and (from have a , for which he is here, he brought an image of the Jina as known as Seniya. victory trophy). G His three wives belonged to the royal family of Koshala (Mahakosaladevi), Dhanananda (ThelastNandaruler) Lichchhavi (Chellana) and Madra G Alexander invaded North- clan of Punjab (). during his reign (326 BC), but the huge G He sent his personal physician, Jivak army of Dhana Nanda deterred Alexander to his rival Avanti king from advancing towards the Gangetic Chandapradyota Mahasena of Valley. Ujjain to cure him of jaundice. G He is probably referred as Agrammes or Xandrames in the Greek texts. (492-460 BC) G Maurya assisted by

G He was the son of Chellana and Kautilya overthrew Dhana Nanda to Bimbisara. He occupied the throne establish the Mauryan dynasty. by killing his father. He defeated his maternal uncle Prasenjit, king of Pre-Mauryan Society Kosala. He destroyed Vaishali after a Division of society into four classes protracted war of 16 years. necessitated the formation of Dharmasutras. Shudras were ill- treated, G He patronised the and Buddha died during his restrictions were imposed on women, and reign. Dharmasutras condemned the Vaishyas for lending money. Udayin (460-444 BC) Pre-Mauryan Economy He built the new capital city Agricultural production increased. Varihi Pataliputra. Udayin was succeeded by and Sali sswere new varieties of rice weak rulers , Munda and Karisa, Nivartan and Kulyavapa were Naga-Dasak. units of land measurement. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 11

FOREIGNINVASIONS RELIGIOUS Iranian Invasion ENVIRONMENT

G G Cyrus of Persia was the first foreign The 6th century BC was the period of great conqueror, who penetrated well into religious upheaval or intellectual India. He destroyed the city of revolution of the various sects that Capisa. He enrolled Indian soldiers emerged in this period. and in the Persian army. Buddhism were the most prominent. This marked the beginning of Second G His successors, Darius I and Xeres Urbanisation in India, also known as the invaded North-West India. age of the Buddha. Alexander’s Invasion Immediate Causes for the Rise of G Alexander, the king of Macedonia Hetrodox Sects conquered Kabul in 328 BC. He moved to India through the ■ Division of the society into 4 varnas. unguarded Khyber pass. ■ Reaction of the Kshatriyas to the Brahmins G Ambhi, the ruler of Taxila, readily supremacy. submitted to Alexander. He got the ■ The desire of the Vaishyas to improve their first and strongest resistance from social position, with increase in their economic . Alexander defeated Porus in position. the Battle of Hydaspes on the bank ■ To preserve cattle wealth. of River Vitasta (Jhelum), but was ■ Desire to go back to simple life. The use of impressed by his bravery, so he in vedic texts was not understandable restored to Porus his kingdom and to the masses. made him his ally. G After the Battle of Sakala, Alexander proceeded upto Beas with JAINISM a to conquer the East, but his G It was founded by Rishabhnath, the first fatigued army refused to cross the (, emblem-bull). river. G The 23rd Tirthankara was Parsavanath G So, he was forced to retreat. He (symbol-serpent). He was the Prince of placed the North-Western India Banaras, who had abandoned the throne, under the Greek Governor Selucus and led the life of a hermit. He died at Nikator. Sammet Sikhar/Parasanath Hill in G He remained in India for 19 months Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand. (326-325 BC) and died in G The 24th Tirthankara was Vardhaman (323 BC), at the age of 33 years. (emblem-). Impacts Life of Mahavira G Iranian contact gave an impetus to G Birth: Born to Siddhartha (Jnatrika Indo-Iranian trade. clan) and Trishla (Lichchhavi Princess) G There was a cultural exchange in the in 540 BC at Kundagram near Vaishali in form of Kharoshthi script, from Iran Bihar. to India and also in the use of bell G Wife Yashoda shaped capitals in sculpture. G Daughter Priyadarsena G Opening of new trade routes between G North-West India and Western Asia. Son-in-law Jamali G Renunciation At the age of 30 G Indians learnt from the Greeks in the field of coinage, astronomy, G Kaivalya Perfectknowledgeatthe architecture and sculpture age of 42, under a sal tree (Gandhara School). at Jimbhikgrama.

G G Establishment of many Greek First Sermon At Pava, to his eleven settlements in Kabul and Sind. disciples known as Gandgharas. 12 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

G Death at the age of 72 in 468 BC, at Five Instruments of Pavapuri near Rajagriha. Knowledge G Titles Jaina or Jitendriya (one who conquered his senses); Kevalin G Mati Perception through (perfect learned), (blessed activity of sense organs, including the one) and Mahavira (the brave). brain. G Avadhi Jnana Clairvoyant perception. Teachings of Mahavira G Shruta Jnana Knowledge revealed by G Rejected the authority of the Vedas and scriptures. did not believe in the existence of God. G Manparyay Jnana Telepathic G Strict non-violence. knowledge. G Attainment of salvation by believing in G Keval Jnana Omniscience or Temporal penance and dying of starvation. knowledge. G Universal brotherhood (equality) and non-belief in Caste System. He believed Sects of Jainism in karma and transmigration of soul. G After the death of Mahavira, during the reign of the king Chandragupta Jaina Philosophy Maurya, a severe famine led to a great Syadavada It is the theory of may be exodus of Jaina monks, from Ganga and seven modes of prediction are valley to the deccan. possible. G , who led the emigrants, Anekantavada Doctrine of mayness of insisted on the retention of the rule of reality. nudity, which Mahavira had Three Ratnas (Way to ) established-. G , the leader of the monk, G Right faith — Samyak Vishwas who remained in the North allowed his G Right knowledge — Samyak Gyan followers to wear white G Right conduct — Samyak Acharan garments—Svetambaras. Five Cardinal Principles G (Non-injury) Jaina’s Literature

G (Non-lying) G Kalpasutra (in Sanskrit by G Asteya (Non-stealing) Bhadrabahu). Parishishta Parvan (an G Aparigraha (Non-possession) appendix of Trisha Shti Shalaka ) by Hemchandra. G Brahmacharya (Observing continence) G Bhadrabahu Charita. Mahavratas Monks, who observed five principles. Causes of the Decline of Jainism Anuvratas Lay members, who observed ■ Extreme observance of ahimsa, penance and five principles. austerity. (The first four principles were given by ■ No patronage from later kings. Parsavnath, while the fifth was added by ■ The Jainas did not make any efforts to spread Lord Mahavira). their religion.

Council Venue Chairman RoyalPatron Developments 1st Jaina 300 Pataliputra Sthulabhadra Chandragupta Compilation of 12 Council BC Maurya to replace 14 Purvas 2nd Jaina AD Vallabhi Devridhigani — Final compilation of 12 Council 512 Kshmasramana Angas and 12 Upangas GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 13

BUDDHISM Type of Buddhism Founded by (Sakyamuni G Its followers believed that or Tathagat), originally known as salvation could be attained by magical Siddhartha. power which they called vajra. G The chief divinity of the sect is Taras. Life of Buddha and Bihar (Eastern India) were the main areas of its concentration. G His father Suddhodhana was the ruler, his mother Mahamaya died after G (the lesser Vehicle). 7 days of his birth, so he was brought G (the greater Vehicle). up by his aunt Gautami. Buddhist Scriptures G Married at 16 to Yashodhara, enjoyed the married life for 13 years and had a Hinayana Literature (in ) son named Rahul. G Tripitakas Teachings of the Buddha – Pitaka Rules of monastic discipline for monks. (a) His (Arya Satyas) The world is full of sorrows – Sutta Pitaka Collection of Buddha’s sermons. Sabbam Dukkam – Abhidhamma Pitaka Philosophies The cause of sorrow is desire of Buddha’s teachings. Dwadash Nidan/Pratitya G Some famous Buddhist Scholars- Samutpada Ashvaghosha, , , If desires are conquered, all sorrows , Buddhaghosha, Dinnaga can be removed Nirvana and . This can be achieved by following the Eight-fold path Ashtangika Marga (b) Eight-Fold Path (Ashtangika Marga) ■ Vajrapani (holds thunderbolt)

■ G Right understanding Avlokitesvara/Padmapani (lotus bearer) ■ G Right thought (holds books describing 10 paramitas) G Right speech ■ Kshitigrha (guardian of purgatories) G Right action ■ (the future Buddha) G Right livelihood ■ Amitabha/Amitayusha (the Buddha of G Right effort heaven) G Right G Right concentration (c) Three Jewels () G Stone-pillars depicting the life of G Buddha (the enlightened) Buddha at Gaya, and . G Dhamma (doctrine) G Gandhara art and the beautiful images G (order) of the Buddha. .(d)Belief in Nirvana Also known as G Cave architecture in the Barabar hills at moksha or salvation. It refers to Gaya and in Western India around Nasik. belief in the concept of ultimate bliss, whereby the person gets freedom G Art pieces of and from the cycles of birth and death. . G relics of Buddha or some (e) Belief in Ahimsa Law of Karma and prominent monks. Madhya Marga/Madhyama Pratipada (The Middle Path). G Prayer hall. G Residence. 14 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

CAUSESOFTHEDECLINEOFBUDDHISM

G Incorporation of rituals and ceremonies it originally denounced. G Reform in Brahamanism and rise of Bhagavatism. G Buddhists took up the use of Sanskrit (earlier Pali), started practicing idol worship, receiving offerings and huge donations.

BuddhistUniversities Location Founder Bodagaon,Bihar KumaraguptaI Vikramshila Bhagalpur,Bihar (Palaruler) Somapuri NorthBengal Dharmapala(Palaruler) Jagadal Bengal Ramapala(Palaruler) Odantpuri Biharsharif,Bihar Gopala(Palaruler) Vallabhi Gujarat Bhattarka(Maitrakrule)

Buddhist Year Venue Chairman RoyalPatron Development(s) Council 1st 483BC Saptaparni Mahakassaapa Ajatshatru Compilation of Sutta Cave, (Haryanka Pitaka and Vinaya Rajgriha Dynasty) Pitaka by Ananda and Upali respectively 2nd 383BC Vaishali Sabakami Kalasoka Monks were split (Shishunaga into Sthavirmadins Dynasty) and Maha sanghikas 3rd 250BC Pataliputra Moggaliputta Compilation of Tissa (Maurya Abhidhamma Pitaka Dynasty) 4th AD72 Kundalvan, Division of Buddhists (Chairman) and (Kushan into Hinayana and Ashvaghosha Dynasty) Mahayana (Vice-Chairman)

Event Symbols RelatedIncident Janma (Birth) Lotus and In 563 BC at ( tribe of Kapilvastu) on Bull Vaishakh Purnima day in Kshatriya clan. Mahabhinishkramana Horse Attheageof29years,afterwitnessing four scenes (Renunciation) in a sequence (old man, sick man, dead body and an ascetic). Nirvana/Sambodhi At 35 years of age at Uruvella () under a (Enlightenment) pipal tree on the banks of Niranjan (Phalgu) river, on the 49th day of meditation. Dhramachakra pravartana Wheel AtSarnath,wherehisfivediscipleshadsettled. (First Sermon) Mahaparinirvana (Death) Stupa Attheageof80yearsin483BCatkusinagarainUP in the Malla republic. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 15 TheMauryanEmpire

ORIGIN Ashoka’s Edicts and Vrishal/Kulhina (of Inscriptions low clan). Ashoka’s edicts were first deciphered by Buddhist tradition as Kshatriya James Princep in 1837. It was written in language and 3 scripts viz Puranas Moriya clan (low caste) Kharoshthi in North-West, Greek and Junagarh rock inscription of in West and Brahmi in Eastern Rudradaman (AD 150) origin. India. SOURCES CHANDRAGUPTA Arthashashtra of Kautilya MAURYA ( or Vishnugupta) Written in (322-298BC) Sanskrit by the Prime Minister of G Also called as Sandrocottus/ . Androcottus by Greek Scholars. It is a treatise on State Craft and Public G He entered into alliance with Parvartaka Administration under Mauryas. The and with the help of Chanakya, book is in 15 parts. dethroned the last Nanda ruler Buddhist Literature Dhanananda and founded the Mauryan Dynasty, with capital at Pataliputra. G and . G Chandragupta defeated Selucus Nikator, G Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa (Sri the general of Alexander in North-West Lankan chronicles). India in 305 BC. There was a matrimonial G Jatakas Sthaviravali Charitra or alliance between them. Parisisthaparvan of (A G Selucus also sent a Greek Ambassador, biography of Chanakya) Megasthenese, to the court of Chandragupta’s conversion to Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta Jainism. embraced Jainism and went to G Mudrarakshasa of Vishakhadatta. Chandragiri Hills, at Sravanbelagola of Megasthenese wrote that with Bhadrabahu, where he died of slow Indians are free from ; and of the starvation (Salekhna). existence of 7-castes in India. Puranas Chronology and lists of Mauryan kings. (298-273BC) Others Account of Diodorous, Pliny, , and Justin. G Greeks called him ‘Amitro Chates’ meaning, slayer of foes. He extended the kingdom, further to the Peninsular region Quick Digest of India, as far South as . n Inscriptions of and G Antiochus I, the Selucid king of Syria, Rudradaman are also found at . sent his ambassador, to his n The Pillar Edict VII is the last edict to be issued by Ashoka. court. n Mahasthan and Sohgura Copper Plate G Pliny mentions that Ptoleny inscriptions - issued by Chandragupta Philladelphus of Egypt sent as Maurya, deals with measures his ambassador to the court of Bindusara. adopted during famine. G Taranath, the Buddhist monk, credits him n Latest discovery- 3 Ashokan minor Rock for conquering the land between two Edicts from village (Karnataka). seas. He patronised the Ajivika sect. 16 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

ASHOKA LATER MAURYAS

(268-232BC) G Following the death of Ashoka, the Mauryan dynasty lasted for 137 years, the empire was G He was the greatest Mauryan divided into Western and Eastern parts. ruler; and also the Governor of Taxila and Ujjain previously. His G Western Part → rule extended to the whole of sub-continent except to the G Eastern Part extreme South. It also included Dasratha → Samprati Afghanistan, Baluchistan, → Salisuka → Devaraman Kashmir and valleys of . → Satadhavan → Brihadratha G A Buddhist text Dipavamsa G Brihadratha, the last Mauryan ruler, was states that he usurped the assassinated in 184 BC, by his Brahmin throne after killing his 99 commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, brothers, except the youngest who established the Shunga dynasty. one Tishya in the war of succession that lasted for 4 MAURYAN years. ADMINISTRATION G He fought the (261 BC) in the 9th year of his G The Mauryan state was a with a rule. The miseries of war caused highly centralised . The King was deep remorse to Ashoka and the nucleus, assisted by Mantri Parishad, therefore he abandoned the which included Yuvraj- the crown prince. policy of physical conquest G Gopa was the purohit chief priest. (Bherighosa) in favour of G Senapati, the commander-in-chief of army and cultural conquest other ministers. (Dhamma ghosha). G He embraced Buddhism under . Mahamantri Purohita Chief Minister and Chief Priest G He sent his son Mahendra and Senapati Commander-in-Chief daughter Sanghamitra to Ceylon Yuvraja CrownPrince as Buddhist , with a sapling of the original pipal tree. Dauvarika Chamberlain Prasastri InspectorGeneralofPrison G He inaugurated Dhammayatras from the 11th year of his reign by Sanidhatta InchargeofTreasury visiting Bodh Gaya; also Nayaka CityConstable appointed Dhamma Vyavaharika ChiefJudge Mahamatyas (officer of Mantri Secretaryinchargeofthe righthouse to spread the Office of Ministers message of Dhamma. Parishadadhyasha Ministers DuvaraPala Chief oftheHomeDefencei.e. Ashoka’s Dhamma warden of the palace to control entrance and exit G It was a code of conduct and a set of principles to be adopted Antarvesika ChiefoftheHarem and practiced by the people to Samaharta TaxCollectorGeneral build up an attitude of social Pradeshtri DivisionalCommissioner responsibility and to preserve Paura GovernoroftheCapital the social order. It ordained to Karmantika ChiefoftheIndustries pay respect to elders, mercy to slaves and emphasised truth, Dandapal PoliceChief non-violence and tolerance. Antapal ChiefoftheFrontierDefence GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 17

Province Capital (North) Taxila Adhyakshas Rank(s) Avantipatha(West) Ujjain Akshapataladhyak Accountant General Prachyapatha(West) Kalinga sha Dakshinpatha(South) Suvarnagiri Sitadhayaksha InchargeofCrown Lands CentralProvince Pataliputra Akaradhyaksha Superintendent of Mines Lavanadhyaksha Salt Superintendent Navadhyaksha Incharge of State Boats  1  Bhaga Land revenue  th Panyadhyaksha Controller of State  6  trading Additionaltax Sulkadhyaksha Controller of Custom or Tolls Chorarajju Taxcollectedforthesearch of thief Suradhyaksha Superintendent of Excise Pranaya Emergencytax Pautavadhyaksha Superintendent of Pindakara Collectedannuallyfromthe Weight and Measure entire village Bandhanagaradhy Superintendent of Jails Praveshya Importduty aksha Senabhaktam Tax for the army, from the Ayudhagaradh- Ordinance region through which it Superintendent passed Kosthagaradhyaks Incharge of Warehouse Sulka Customduty Vishti Forcedlabour Pattanadhyakshya Superintendent of Ports Hiranya Ataxpaidingold Devatadhyaksha Incharge of Religious Udayabhagokal Irrigation tax Institutions Nishkramya Exportduty Samsthadhyaksha Superintendent of Market Suvarnadhyakshya Superintendent of Gold Hastyadhyaksha Incharge of Elephant Major Rock Content Force Edicts Kosadhyaksha Incharge of Treasury MREI Prohibition of animal sacrifice Kupyadhyaksha Incharge of Forest MREII Refers to Cholas, Pandyas, Produce Satya putras and Madradhyaksha Passport Incharge putra (kingdom of South) Ganikadhyaksha Incharge of Courtesan MREIII Liberality to Brahmins Lakshanadhyaksha Superintendent of Mint MREIV Non-violence; courtesy to Dhyutadhyaksha Controller of Gambling relations Go-adhyaksha Superintendent of MREV Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatyas Crown Herds Aspalpha Superintendent of Metal MREVII Tolerance among all sects Lohadhyaksha MREVIII Dhammayatras Khanyadhyaksha Superintendent of Mines MREIX Charity, Kinship, Dhamma Pattyadhyaksha Commander of Infantry MREXII Sunadhyaksha Protector of Animals MREXIII Kalinga war; Bheri Ghosa to Sutradhyaksha Textile Commissioner Dhamma Ghosa Vivitadhyaksha Controller of Pasture Land 18 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

Edicts Content Location(s) Rock Edicts 14 Major Rock Edicts Ashoka’s principle of Kalsi (, Girnar (Gujarat), government and policy of Yerragudi (), Dhamma (), Sopara (Bombay), and (), Shahbazgarhi (Pakistan) 2 Separate Kalinga Kalinga War and a new system Dhauli or and Jaugada Edicts of administration after war (All (Odisha) men are my children - Dhauli) Minor Rock Edicts Personalhistory ofAshoka and South and Central parts of the summary of his Dhamma empire Pillar Edicts 7PillarEdicts AppendixtotheRockEdicts DelhiTopre,Delhi-Meerut, Rampurva, Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya-Nandangarh and Allahabad-Kosam Other Edicts Queen’sEdict ReferstoKaruvakimotherof On Tivala/Tivara, the second Queen BhabruEdict Ashoka’sfaithinBuddhism (Rajasthan) Nigalisagar Pillar Edict Stupa of Buddha at Kanakamuni Nigalisagar (Nepal) was enlarged RummindeiPillar AshokavisitedLumbiniand Rummindei/Lumbini (Nepal) reduced land tribute 3BarbaraCaveEdicts DonationtoAjivikas BarabarHills(Gaya, Bihar)

Art and Architecture Causes of the Fall of the

G Sculpture of Yaksha and e.g., Mauryan Empire

Yaksha of Parkham (Mathura); Yakshini G Brahmanical reaction (HP from (MP) and Didarganj (Patna). Shastri), financial crisis, G Royal Palace of Chandragupta Maurya at oppressive rule, weak successors; Kumharar, Patna. Single lion capital G Highly centralised administration Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh. (); G Four lion capital at and Sanchi. G Pacific policy of Ashoka (HC Ray G Carved elephant at Dhauli and Engraved Chaudhuri); partition of the elephant at Kalsi. empire etc are some of the G were built throughout the empire to probable causes of decline of enshrine the relics of Buddha, e.g. at Sanchi Mauryan empire. and Bharhut. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 19 Post-MauryanPeriod Mauryans were succeeded by many ruling The Parthians from Central Asia in North-West (AD 1st to ) India and by native rulers (Shungas, , Satavahanas) in the Eastern, G Originally, the Parthians lived in Iran, Central and Deccan regions of India. from where they moved to India and replaced the Shakas. FOREIGNSTATES G They occupied only a small portion of North-Western India, compared to the The Indo-Greeks Greeks and Shakas. G The most famous Parthian king was G A series of invasions began in about 200 Gondophernes, in whose reign BC. The weak Mauryan king failed to St Thomas came to India for the restrict them. The first to invade India propagation of Christianity. were the Indo Greeks, who ruled lying South of the Oxus river in the area covered by North Afghanistan. Sudarshan Lake ■ G They occupied a large portion of It was constructed by Pushyagupta, the North-Western India and moved upto Governor of under Chandragupta and Pataliputra. Maurya.

■ G The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Tushapa constructed a dam on the lake, Menander (165-145 BC) or Milinda. during the reign of Ashoka Maurya. First He had his capital at Sakala (Modern reconstruction by Governor Survishakh in Punjab). He was converted to under Saka Rudradaman, and second Buddhism by . Menander and by Chakrapalit under Skandagupta. Nagasena’s conversations were recorded in the book Milindapanho or The Kushanas The Questions of Milinda. Indo Greeks were the first ruler in India to issue gold (AD1stto3rdCentury) coins. G Kushanas (Yuechis or Tochanians) replaced the Greeks and Parthians. The Shakas or They were nomadic people from (AD Ist to 4th Century) steppes of North-Central Asia. G The first Kushanas dynasty was G The Greeks were followed by the . There were five branches of founded by Kujala Kadphises. Wima Shakas ruling from Afghanisthan, Kadphises issued gold coins in India. (Punjab); Mathura; Ujjain; Western Kanishka founded the second Kushana India; and Deccan. dynasty. G Kanishka, also known as Second G A king of Ujjain, who called himself Ashoka, was the most famous Kushana , defeated the Shakas. An ruler. He had two capitals, Purushpur era called the , is and Mathura. recorded from the event of his victory G Kanishka started an era in AD 78, over the Shaka i.e. 57 BC. which is now known as Saka era and G The most famous Shaka ruler in India used by the . was Rudradaman (AD 130-150). G He held the G Other important Shaka ruler in India in Kashmir, where the doctrine of were , Ushavadeva, Mahayana form of the Buddhism was Chastana, Ghamatika etc. finalised. 20 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

Sect Founder Theory Ajivikas GosalaMaskariputra BelievedinFatecalled‘Niyati’ Amoralism PuranaKassapa SamkahaPhilosophy CharvakaSchool AjitaKeshakambalin Uchchedavada(annihilationism) HinduVaisesikaSchool PakudhaKatyayana Sorrow,happinessand life are indestructible like Earth, water etc

G He was a follower of Jainism. He NATIVESTATES constructed residential caves for Jain (185-73 BC) monks on the Udaygiri Hill near Shunga Dynasty Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. G Pushyamitra Shunga killed the last Mauryan king Brihadratha and founded the Shunga dynasty. Pushyamitra G The Satavahanas are considered to be Shunga ruled from Vidisha (MP). identical with the Andhras, who are G He defeated the Bactrian king, Dematrius mentioned in the Puranas. and conducted two Aswamedha Yajnas G The founder of this empire was (chief priest-Patanjali). , after the of G He built the Buddhist Stupa at Bharhut. the last King Susarman. G The Greek Ambassador G Gautamiputra visited the court of fifth Shunga king (AD 106-130) was the greatest ruler Bhagabhadra, and set up a pillar in of this dynasty. He built the capital honour of Lord , near Vidisha city Paithan/Pratisthan. (Madhya Pradesh). G Vasishthiputra Sri Satkarni, the G Shunga king Agnimitra was the hero of 24th ruler, married the daughter of ’s Malvikagnimitram. Saka Satrap Rudradaman, but was G The great Sanskrit Grammarian, twice defeated by him. They issued Patanjali was patronized by them. mostly lead coins (apart from Copper G The famous book on Hindu Law and Bronze). Satavahanas were the Manusmriti was compiled during this first rulers to make land grants to period. Brahmins. There is an instance of G Later Kings–Vasumitra, Vajramitra, grants being made to Buddhist monk, Bhaga bhadra, Devabhuti. which shows that they also promoted Buddhism. Stupas at Nagarjuna (73-72 BC) konda and Amaravati in Andhra Pra- desh became important seats of Bud- G Kanva was a minor dynasty founded by dhist culture under the Satavahanas. Vasudeva who killed the last Shunga King Devabhuti. Capital at Pataliputra. SANGAMAGE G Bhumimitra and Narayana succeeded Vasudeva. It was divided into three kingdoms– G The last ruler, Susharman, was killed by Chola, Chera and Pandya. the Andhra king Simuka.

Chedi Dynasty G The word Sangam is associated with a G The of college or an assembly of Tamil , the third ruler of the scholars and poets, who flourished dynasty, gives information about the under the royal patronage of the Chedis. Pandyan kings.

G G Kharavela pushed his kingdom upto The whole Sangam age is called Godavari in the South and recovered the Golden or the Augustan Age. Jains image from Magadha. According to Tamil sources, the father of is Agastya. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 21

Important Sangam Works G Tolkappiyam by Tolkappiyyar (Tamil Karai Land tax Grammar). Irai Tributepaidbyfeudatories G Tirukural or Kural by Tiruvalluvar is and booty collected in war sometimes called the Fifth Veda or Iravu Extra demand or forced light gift Bible of the Tamil land. Ulgu Custom duties G Aggatiyam comprises grammar of Variyar Tax collector letters and life, in three parts, written by Saint Aggatiyar. Variyan A well known unit of territory yielding tax TheAgeofthe

G The fall of Kushana empire towards G Virasen was his Commander in Chief the middle of AD 3rd century led to during Southern campaign. Vasubandhu, the establishment of the Empire of a famous Buddhist scholar, was his Guptas. minister. G Their period is generally regarded as G Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions mention the Golden Age of . the title Dharma Prachar Bandhu, Guptas belonged to the Vaishya caste. meaning, the upholder of Brahmanical G Sri was the founder of Gupta religion. His authority over Java, dynasty. Sri Gupta was followed by Sumatra and Malaya islands proves that his son , who was he maintained a strong Navy. followed by his son Chandragupta. G According to Chinese sources, Both used the simple title of Meghavarman, the ruler of Sri , . sent a to for permission to built a at Gaya. (AD319-335) Chandragupta II (AD 380-415)

G He greatly raised the power and G He killed the Saka ruler and his coward prestige of his dynasty by his brother Ramgupta and married his wife, matrimonial alliances and conquests. Dhruva . G He married the Lichchhavi princess G He issued silver coins (first Gupta ruler Kumaradevi and issued to issue silver coins) and adopted the Chandragupta I Kumar a devi type title Vikramaditya and Shakari in the gold coins (Dinaras). memory of his victory.

G G Chandragupta I is also said to have The court of Chandragupta II at Ujjain started a new era- which was adorned by 9 scholars known as starts from 26th February AD 320, Navaratna, including Kalidasa and the coronation date of Amarsingh. was the court poet Chandragupta I. and ministers. Fa-hien, the Chinese pilgrim, visited India at his time. Ujjain was made the second capital by SAMUDRAGUPTA Chandragupta II. (AD335-380) Kumaragupta (AD 415-455) G Son and successor of Chandragupta I. G He founded the . G The long inscription in the pillar of Allahabad (Prayag Prasasti) G He was the worshipper of Lord enumerated by his court poet Kartikeya. In the last year of his reign, the Harisena informs about the people empire was invaded by the Turko-Mongol and the countries that were tribe of the Hunas. During the war with conquered by Samudragupta. the Hunas, Kumaragupta died. 22 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

SKANDAGUPTA (AD455-467) Author Books Sudraka Mrichchakatikam G He repulsed the ferocious Hunas’ attacks twice. The heroic feat entitled Bharvi Kiratarjuniya him the title Vikramaditya (Bhitari Dandin Dash Kumarcharitam and Stone Inscription). Kavya Darshan Bhasa Svapnavasavadattam, G The continuous attack of the Hunas Charudatta weakened the Gupta economy and the decline of empire began soon after the Vishakhadatta Mudura Rakshasam death of Skandagupta. Vishnu Sharma Panchtantra and Hitopodesha Later Guptas (AD 467-540) Amarsingh Amarkosh , Kumaragupta II, Iswara Krishna Sankhya Kanika Buddhagupta, and Vatsyayana Kamasutra Kumaragupta III. Vatsabhahi Ravan Vadha Panchasiddhantika, Vrihat CONTRIBUTIONS

Gupta administration was highly G Stupas Mirpur Khas (Sind), Ratnagiri de-centralised and quasi-feudal in (Odisha) and Dhammekh (Sarnath). character. G Gupta Age marks the beginning of main G Over 2m high bronze image of the styles of temple architecture in India, Buddha of Gupta period has been namely the Nagara and Dravida style recovered from Bhagalpur. (shikhar style), with the Garbhagriha G For the first time, we get in the Gupta (shrine room in which the image of God is period, images of Vishnu, Shiva and kept). some other Hindu Gods. G Paintings Ajanta paintings and Taxes paintings at Bagh (Madhya Pradesh) ■ Bhaga King’s share in the produce, to be are of this time. They belong to the paid by cultivators. . ■ Bali (Earlier a voluntary ) An Administrative Unit Headed by additional and oppressive tax during the Gupta period. Bhukti (province) Uparika Vishayas (district) Vishyapati ■ Bhoga Periodic supplies of fruits, firewoods Nagar/Peth Purapala/Nagar Pati etc, which the villagers had to furnish to the (sub-district) Village Gramika king. ■ Uparika Anextrataxleviedonallsubjects.

Official Responsibility Astronomy (Science) Maha Pratihari Chief usher of G Aryabhatta, the mathematician wrote Royal Palace Aryabhatiyam and Shunya Siddhanta. Dandapashika Chiefofficerofthe G Varahamihira wrote Panchsidd- hantika and Vrihatsamhita. Department G Brahmagupta hinted the law of Mahaprajapati Chiefofficerof gravitation in Brahma Siddhanta. Elephant Corps Vagabhatta was a distinguished Vinayasthitisthapak Chief officer of physician. Dhanvantri was famous for Religious Affairs his knowledge of Ayurveda. Mahashvapati ChiefofCavalry G Bhaskara wrote Mahabhaskarya and Mahadandanayaka Minister of Justice Laghu Bhaskarya. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History 23

G used to celebrate a PUSHYABHUTI/ festival at Prayag, after every 5 VARDHANA DYNASTY years. G In Eastern India, he faced G Harsha belonged to the , which ruled from Thaneswar. Pushyabhutis opposition from the Shaivite were the feudatories of Guptas, but had king- of Gauda, who assumed independence after Hunas cut off the Bodhi tree of invasion. Bodhgaya. G Harsha defeated Dhruvasena II, G Prabhakar Vardhana (AD 580-605) was its first important ruler, succeeded by the Maitraka ruler of Vallabhi. Rajyavardhan (AD 605-606). G Harsha was defeated in Deccan by Pulakesin II, the Chalukyan Harshavardhana (AD 606-647) king of Vatapi. G The Assembly (AD 643) G Harsha, also known as Siladitya, ascended was held in the honour of Hiuen the throne in AD 606 and from this year, Tsang, and to popularise the started the Harsha Era. Mahayana sect of Buddhism. G Harsha made Kannauj, his capital. G Harsha wrote three : Priyadarshika, and Nagananda. The struggle for supremacy G Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita, - between the Palas, the Gurjara - bari and Parvatiparinay. The Chinese pilgrim Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas for Hiuen Tsang visited India during the the possession of Kannauj Harsha period. He informs us that the (, UP) at the revenue of Harsha was divided into four end of AD is known as parts-one for the king, second for the scholar, the Tripartite Struggle in the third for the officer and fourth for religious history. purpose.

(AD 7th to ) Dynasty Capital Founder FamousRulers OtherFeatures Palas Pataliputra, Gopala n Dharma Pala Revived They traded with (Eastern Gaur (AD 750) Nalanda University and South-East Asia, India) founded Vikramshila and were replaced University, defeated by Senas in Bengal (Pratihara) Amog varsha (Rashtrakuta) and won Kannauj n Devapala won Orissa and . n Mahikala defeated by Rajendra Chola Gurjara 1. Jodhpur Harichandra Mihir Bhoja He They originated in Pratiharas 2. Malwa worshipped Lord Vishnu Geyanta region of (SW - and adopted the title Adi Rajasthan than)(AD 733-1019) Vakatakas Vatsagumla Vindhyashakti Pravarsena I performed Chandragupta II (Deccan and Paunar four Asvamedha Yagyas married his Central daughter Prabhavati India) to the Vakataka king Rudrasena Eastern Kalinganagar, Anantavar man Narshima I built the Anantvarman built Gangas Cuttack Chodagong Sun temple at Konark the Jagannath (Orissa) Deva temple at 24 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE~ Indian History

Dynasty Capital Founder FamousRulers OtherFeatures Western Kolar, Talakal Konganivarman Dunvirta Constructed Jaina Gangas Madhava monuments at (AD 350-999) Sravana belagola Senas Vikrampura Vijaysena Ballasena They were over (Bengal) Vijaypura Lakshmansena thrown by Hoyasalas Dwara Vishnu Vardhan Vira Ballal defeated the Hoyasala art and samudra chalukyan ruler Somesvara architecture was of IV a high standard. The minute carving of Hoysala temple is their most attractive feature Rashtra Manyaket or n Amogvarsha He is n Rashtrakutas are kutas (AD Malkhed (earlier served compared to Vikramaditya credited with the 750-1142) the Chalukyas of in giving patronage to building of Cave ) men of letters. shrine of n He wrote the Ist Kannad Elephanta. , Kavi Rajamarg, n It was dedicated and also wrote to Mahesh (as Prashnottar Mallika ) and counts among the most magnificient art creations of India. n Krishna II constructed Kailash temple at ellora in Dravidian sytle n Krishna III set-up Pillar of victory and a temple at Rameshwaram. Pallavas Kanchi Simhavishnu n Narashimhavarman I n They were (AD 560-903) (AD 630-668) occupied orthodox Chalukyan capital at Brahmanical Vatapi and assumed the title Vatapikonda n Both Chalukya and Pallava tried to establish their supremacy over the land between Krishna and Tungabhadra Chalukyas Vatapi Pulakesin I n Pulakesin II He was Much of the (Badami) (Badami) contemporary of Harsha paintings and and was able to check of the Harsha from conquering Ajanta and Ellora Deccan. caves were n The Chinese pilgrim completed during Huen Tsang visited his the time of the kingdom. Chalukyas. Chalukyas Kalyani TailapII n Somevara I (AD Bilhana, the writer of (Kalyani) (defeated the 1043-1068) He shifted Vikramadeva Parmar king the capital from Charita and Munj) Manyakhet to Kalyani Mitakshara on n Vikramaditya IV Yagyavalkya Smriti, (1070-1126) He started adorned the court of the Chalukya-Vikram era. Vikramaditya IV. Devagiri Bhillana Ramchandra Ramchandra was defeated by Malik Kafur.