ARYAN AND VEDIC AGE (1500 BC – 1000BC)

 Vedic Age is the period of the Aryans in . The word ARYAN literally means of high birth.  During the early part of the , the Indo-Aryans settled on the Indo-Gangetic Plains.  The word ‗Veda‘ is derived from ‗Vid‘ which means mantra, slokas and also knowledge.  Vedic Age is divided into the Early Vedic Period and Later Vedic Period.

Early Vedic Period (1500 BC – 1000 BC)  The People of the early Vedic period lived in Sapta Sindva which means land of seven rivers.  The seven rivers are , Ravi, Chenab, Beas and Sutlej along with the Indus and Saraswati. Economy  Aryans followed a mixed economy consisting of both plough based agriculture and pastoralism.  The Cow was the standard unit of exchange. Gold coins like Nishka, and Satmana also were used.

Polity Some of the political terms used by Vedic people were: Samiti: National Assembly of the people. Sabha: Assembly of Elders. Purohita: Religious advisor of the King. Bali: Voluntary offerings to the chief by the people. Weapons: Made of stone, wood, bone and metal were used. Society Jana: People who gave their faithfulness to the tribe (Vis). Categories of Vis: Grama and Sangrama. Kula: It means family in Rig Veda. Varna: Caste of the People based on occupation. The four varnas were: : Teachers and Priests Kshatriyas: Rulers and Administrators Vaishyas: Merchants and Bankers Sudras: Artisans and Labourers. Religion Nature was worshipped by Vedic Aryans - earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder. No temples and no idol worship during this period. Economic Condition Rig Vedic Aryans were pastoral people. Main occupation: Cattle rearing. They finally settled in Northern India, started agriculture, cleared forests and cultivated land. Other occupations: Carpentry and spinning. Carpenters made chariots and ploughs made with copper and bronze. Cotton and woolen fabrics also were made. Rig Vedic Gods Indra: Aryan warlord and controlled the weather. Called as Purandhar or the destroyer of efforts. Varuna: Administrator of cosmic law. His worship gives signs of Bhakti Agni: Intermediary between Gods and Men. Lives in domestic hearth. Yama: A type of Adam. Soma: God of plants. Special God of Brahmanas. Society  Based on relationship, early Aryans were tribal and democratic.  The Family was ancient and the birth of a son was desirable. The Cows  Most important form of wealth.  Duhitri – word for daughter, meaning one who milks cows.  Goghana – Indicates beef offered to guests. Women‘s Position  Respectable position in society.  No child marriage and marriageable age for girls – 16 to 17 years.  There is proof of widow remarriage and the practice of Niyoga.  Monogamy, polygamy and polyandry were also known. Female Deities  Usha- Goddess of dawn  Aditi- Mother of God  Prithivi- Goddess of earth  Aryani- Goddess of forest  Saraswati-River deity Important Rituals  Rajasuya- king‘s influence was strengthened by rituals. Conferred supreme power on him.  Asvamedha – Ceremony lasted for 30 days and ended with horse sacrifice.  Vajapeya – chariot race was performed by the king. Royal chariot competed against kinsmen in a race. Types of Marriage  Brahma – In same class, a suitable dowered girl to a man.  Daiva- Father gives his daughter to a priest as a part of his fee.  Arsa – Token bride - gives cow and bull as dowry.  Prajapatya - Father gives his girl without any dowry.  Gandharva- Love marriage.  Asura- Marriage in which bride is bought from her father.  Rakshasa - Marriage by warriors.  Paishacha – Marriage by seduction. Vedic Literature Aryans developed the Vedic culture based on Vedas. There are four Vedas in Vedic literature. Vedas Description Rig Veda Oldest one. It Consists of 1028 hymns sung in honour of the Gods.

Yajur Veda It consists of detailed rules to be followed at the time of sacrifice.

Sama Veda The Book of Songs. It contains a set of melodies for singing during sacrifices Atharva It contains the details of rituals of worship Veda

PRE-MAURYAN AGE Age period is about 300 years from 600 BC to 300 BC. Age of hence called Buddhan age. Anguttra Nikaya- Source of 16 kingdoms written in Pali language. Pali or Prakrit was spoken by the common man. Buddhism adopted Pali and adopted Prakrit. During the Medieval period, both languages Pali and Prakrit disappeared. During the time of Buddha, most important kingdoms were as follows:  : Capital Kausambi  : Capital Ujjayini  : Capital Ayodhay  : Capital Rajagriha. The period of Magadha Empire was 6th century to 4th century BC. Four important royal dynasties – Haryankas of Magadha, Ikshvakus of Kosala, Pauravas of Vatsa and Pradyotas of Avanti. A new dynasty named Haryanka was founded in Magadha by King Bimbisara. By defeating the Brihadrathas, Bimbisara founded the dynasty. King Bimbisara of Magadha (544 BC-492 BC) Bimbisara, a contemporary of Buddha. Rajgir (Giriv Raja) was his capital. Strengthened his position with the ruling families of Kosala, Vaisali and Madra (3 Wives). Rajgir was impregnable because his capital was surrounded by 5 hills. History Ajatshatru (492 BC-460 BC) Bimbisara‘s son killed Ajatshatru‘s father and captured the throne. Joined Vaisali and Kosala. At that time, Kosala was ruled by Prasenajit. Buddha died during his rule and thus the first Buddhist council was arranged. History of Udayin (460-444BC) Udayin founded the , new capital. Situated at the junction of the Ganga and Son. Shishunaga Dynasty (412-344BC) It was founded by Minister Shishunaga. Succeeded by Kalasoka (Second Buddhist Council). Destruction of power of Avanti was the greatest achievement. Nandivardhan was the last ruler of Shishunaga dynasty. Nanda Dynasty (344 – 321 BC) Considered as the first of the non-Kshatriya dynasties. Established by Mahapadma Nanda, a powerful empire. He had the titles of Ekarat and Sarvakshatrantaka. It had a tremendous army consisting of infantry – 2, 00,000 lakh, cavalry – 2,000, war chariots – 2,000 and war elephants – 3,000. Dhanananda, was the last ruler of Nanda dynasty. Dhanananda was contemporary of Alexander. During Dhanananda‘s rule, Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. Persian Invasion Darius, King of Persia (522-486 BC) captured some of the territories in the east of Sindhu in 218 BC. The Persian ruler, Xerses enlisted Indians in his army. Kharoshti script was brought to India by Persians. Alexander‘s Invasion Alexander was born in 356 BC. He was the son of King Philip II of Macedonia, Epirus or Olympias was his mother and Aristotle was his teacher. In 336 BC, he became King. He founded the city Alexandria in Egypt. In 326 BC, he defeated and captured Taxila through the battle of Hydaspes on the . The ruler of Taxila, Ambhi invited Alexander to India. At the age of 33, he died due to malaria. Eudamas, was the last general of Alexander in India. Selucus Nikator was the first general of Alexander in India. Alexander IV succeeded Alexander as the king of Macedonia. His teacher Aristotle is considered the ―Father of Politics, Biology, Taxonomy and science of Logic‖.

JAINISM Jainism was founded by Rishabhadeva. There were 24 Tirthankaras. Rishabhadeva was the first Tirthankara. Life of The last Tirthankara was Mahavira. Mahavira was born in 599 BC, in Kundagram. Siddhartha, the father of Mahavira was head of Jnatrika clan and his mother Trishala, was a Princess of Lichchavi, Yasoda was his wife and Priyadarshana also called Anojja was his daughter. He left his home at the age of 30 and visited the court of Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. Way to Nirvana Right faith Right knowledge Right conduct Five main teachings Non-Injury Non-lying Non-stealing Non-possession Observe continence Sacred Literature Ardhamagathi, the sacred literature of the Svetambaras written in a form of Prakrit. Classified as follows: The twelve The twelve Upangas The ten Parikarnas The six Chheda-sutras The four Mulasutras Jain councils History First Council: At the beginning of 3rd century BC, it was held at Pataliputra by Sthulabhadra. It resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas to replace 14 Purvas. Second Council: In the 5th century AD, it was held at Vallabhi (Gujarat) by Devridhihgani. It resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas. Followers of Jainism The Digambaras (sky-clad or naked) The Svetambaras (White-clad) BUDDHISM Originated in the 6th century BC. Founded by . Buddha History Buddha, also known as Siddhartha, Sakyamuni and Tathagata. He was born in 563 BC, on the Vaishakha Poornima day at Lumbini, near Kapilavastu in Nepal. His father Suddhodana, the Saka ruler. His mother Mahamaya of Kosala dynasty, died on the seventh day of his birth. So he was taken care of by stepmother Gautami. His wife Yoshodhara and his son named Rahula. At the age of 29, he left his palace and attained Nirvana and Bodh Gaya at the age of 35. In Sarnath, he delivered his first sermon. In 483 BC, at Kusinara he attained Mahaparinirvana at the age of 80. Buddhist Councils First Council: Held in 483 BC at Sattapanni cave near Rajagriha. Divided into two Pitakas as Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka. Second Council: In 383 BC, held at Vaisali under Sabakami (king was Kalasoka). Followers divided into Sthavirmadins and Mahasanghikas. Third Council: In 250 BC, at Pataliputra by Mogaliputta Tissa (king was Ashoka). Third part of the Tripitaka was coded in the Pali language. Fourth Council: IN 72 AD, at Kashmir (kundalvan) under Vasumitra (king was Kanishka). Buddhism divided into two sects as and Hinayana. Buddhist literature Tripitakas (Three hold basket) – Buddhist scriptures in Pali language. Vinaya Pitaka: Rules of Discipline in Buddhist monasteries. Sutta Pitaka: Largest collection of Buddha‘s sermons. Abhidhamma Pitaka: Explains the philosophical teachings of Buddhist religion. Types of Buddhism Mahayana: Followers believed in heavenliness of Buddha. They believed in idol worship. Hinayana: Followers believed in the original teachings of Buddha. They did not believe in idol worship. Vajrayana: Followers believed the salvation attained by the magical power, which they called Vajra. Popular in Eastern India, particularly and Bengal. MAURYAN EMPIRE (322-185 BC) Mauryan Empire was founded by with the help of Chanakya, who was the author of Arthashastra. Chandragupta Maurya defeated King Dhanananda and captured Kingdom Magadha and stated Pataliputra (now as ) as the capital. At that time, the was the largest empire. Seleucus I sent ambassador namely , who was the author of Indika to Chandragupta Maurya‘s court. With the help of his son Bindusara he succeeded and Bindusara extended their empire to southern regions. After that, Bindusara followed his son, Asoka (ruled 272-232 BC). Asoka proved himself as one of the best kings in world history. After the brutal war against (261 BC), he converted to Buddhism. Brihadratha was the last emperor of the Mauryan Empire.

POST- MAURYAN AGE Sunga Dynasty (185 -71 BC) Founder – Pushyamitra Sunga. He was the commander-in-chief of the last Mauryan king Brihadratha. Malavikagnimitram, Kalidasa‘s drama tells about Pushyamitra‘s son Agnimitra and Malavika‘s love story. Devabhuti – Last king of Sunga dynasty.

Kanva Dynasty (72 BC – 27 BC) Founder – Vasudeva in 72 BC He ruled after defeating the last Sunga ruler. Ruled for a period for 45 years. Rulers of Kanva dynasty – Vasudeva, Bhumimitra, Narayana and Susuman. Cheta Dynasty of Kalinga Founder- Maha Meghavahana. Hatigumbha inscription of Kharavela gives details about the Chedis of Kalinga. Kharavela – follower of Jainism. (235 – 100 BC) After Mauryans, most powerful ruling dynasty. Also known as Andhras. Gautamiputra Satakarni – important ruler. Satavahanas were Brahmanas. Chaitya – Two common structures of Satavahanas and monastery called Vihara. Prakrit – official language. Issued lead coins. Indo Greeks They were the first to invade India. Menander –famous Indo-Greek ruler. They were the first to issue gold coins in India. Menander was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena (Buddhist Monk). Demitrius – king of Bactria invaded India about 190 BC. Demitrius is considered as Second Alexander. The Parthians (19 – 45 AD) Known as Pahalavas, Iranian people. Gondophernes- Greatest Parthian ruler. St. Thomas came to India for the propagation of Christianity during the reign of Gondophernes. The Sakas (90 BC – 1st AD) Known as Scythians. Maues or Moga - First Saka king in India. Rudra Daman I - Famous Saka ruler in western India. First Inscription – Junagarh Inscription of Rudradaman in . Ujjayini – Rudradharman Capital. Kushans Known as Yuch-chis or Tocharians. Came to India from north central Asia. Kujala Kadphises – First Kushana king. Kanishka – famous kushana ruler. He became ruler in 78 AD. Peshawar – Kanishka‘s capital. ‗The School of Art‘received royal patronage. Kanishka is also known as ‗Second Ashoka‘ He started Saka Era in 78 AD. Vasudeva – Last king of Kushana dynasty. Kushana School of art is also called School. THE (320-540 AD) Founded by Sri Gupta. The second ruler was Ghatotkacha. Gupta Empire is called as ―The Golden Age of India‖ Chandragupta I (319-335 AD) He was the first important king of Gupta dynasty. He came to rule in 320 AD. By marrying Kumara Devi, princess of Lichchavi Clan of Nepal he increased his power and prestige. He was the first ruler who acquired the title of Maharajadhiraj. Samudragupta‘s History (335-375 AD) In 335 AD, Samudragupta succeeded Chandragupta I. Harisena, his court poet composed the Allahabad Pillar inscription (known as Prayagaprasati) that contains Samudragupta‘s conquests‘ information. V.A. Smith described Samudragupta as ―Indian Napoleon‖ Samudragupta composed ―Vahukabita‖ and named as ― Kaviraja‖. His minister was ―Vasubandhu‖, a Buddhist scholar. Chandragupta II (380-413 AD) Samudragupta was succeeded by Ramagupta but Chandragupta II killed him and married his queen. Chandragupta II was also known as (Sun of power). Took the title of Simhavikrama, by defeating Rudrasimha III. First ruler to issue silver coins. Kumaragupta – I (413-455 AD) Adopted the title Mahendraditya. Founded Nalanda University and worshipper of Lord Kartikeya. He died during the war with Hunas. Skandagupta (455-467 AD) Kumaragupta I was followed by Skandagupta. Established Sudharsana Lake. After his death, the powerful days of Guptas came to an end. Gupta Religion During this time was written. Buddhism decreased. The last ruler was Vishnugupta, who died in 570 AD. Vishnu temple at Deogarh and a brick temple at Bhitragaon belong to the architecture of Gupta period.

HARSHAVARDHANA‘S HISTORY (606-647 AD)

Harshavardhana – last Hindu emperor of North India. He was the son of Prabhakar Vardhan and belonged to the family of the Pushyabhuti dynasty (Vardhana dynasty). He started Era in 606 AD. Siladitya was his original name. , Kannauj, Bengal, Bihar and Orissa were under his control. Hieun Tsang, the Chinese traveler visited India during his rule. At the end of every five years, he celebrated a solemn festival at Prayag (Allahabad). He was a poet and dramatist. His biography ― Harshacharita‖ was written by Banabhatta, his court poet. He also wrote ― Kadambari‖. Harsha is the author of three plays Priyadharshika, Nagananda and Ratnavali. After his death in 647, once again the empire was divided into small states. SANGAM AGE Sangam age is called the Golden period, which began in 300 BC and lasted till 300 AD. Sangam literature is made up of three kingdoms, namely Chola, Chera and Pandiyan. Corresponds to the post-Mauryan and pre-Gupta period. First Sangam was held in Madurai. Agastya was the chairman. Second Sangam held at Kapatpuram and its chairman was Tolkappiyar (author of Tolkappium). Silappadikaram by Ilango Adigal (story of a married couple) and Manimegalai by Sattanar are the famous epics. Pandiyan History Their emblem was Fish and the capital was Madurai. First mentioned by Megasthanes, who said that the kingdom was famous for Pearls. Pandiyan territory included the districts of Tirunelveli, Ramanad and Madurai. They gained from trade with Roman Empire and sent embassies to Augus, the Roman emperor. Mudukudumi, who was the earliest Pandiyan ruler accused Kovalan of theft. As a result, the city was laid under a curse of Kannagi (Kovalan‘s wife). Chola History Their emblem was Tiger and kingdom was called Cholamandalam or Coromondal. Kauveripattanam/Puhar was their capital. Chief center was Uraiyur, famous for cotton trade. Elara, the Chola king conquered Srilanka and ruled it for fifty years. Karikala was their famous king. Their main source was from trade in cotton cloth and they also maintained well organized Navy. Chera History Their emblem was Bow and Vanji was their capital. Muzris and Tondi were main ports. Romans setup two regiments to protect their interests. They fought against Cholas about 150 AD Senguttuvan was the greatest king in Chera history.