ARYAN AND VEDIC AGE (1500 BC – 1000BC) Vedic Age is the period of the Aryans in India. The word ARYAN literally means of high birth. During the early part of the Vedic period, 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 Jhelum, 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, Krishna 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: Brahmins: 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 Buddhism 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 Jainism adopted Prakrit. During the Medieval period, both languages Pali and Prakrit disappeared. During the time of Buddha, most important kingdoms were as follows: Vatsa: Capital Kausambi Avanti: Capital Ujjayini Kosala: Capital Ayodhay Magadha: Capital Rajagriha. MAGADHA EMPIRE 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 Pataliputra, 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 Porus and captured Taxila through the battle of Hydaspes on the Jhelum River. 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 Mahavira 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 Angas 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 Gautama Buddha. 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 Mahayana 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.