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COMPUTER
516-522
1 INDIAN HISTORY

OLE - 11
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

Pre Historic Period– It is the history of human culture prior to written records. The humans of this period
INDIAN HISTORY

were not civilized. The history of this period is studied by Archaeological evidences.
This period is divided into 3 parts —
(1) Palaeolithic Age (from early period to 8000 B.C.)
(2) Mesolithic Age (8000 B.C. to 4000 B.C.)
(3) Neolithic Age (4000 B.C. to 2500 B.C.)
Protohistory – It is the period between prehistory and history, during which a culture or civilization has not
yet developed writing, but other cultures have already noted its existence in their own writings, Duration of this
period is 2500 B.C. to 600 B.C.
Historical Period – The historic period whose information is available in written records is considered as
Historical Period. Human of this period were civilized and historical activities after 600 B.C. are included in this
Period.

INDIAN HISTORY AT A GLANCE

(B.C.) 230 – Establishment of Satvahanas.

6000 – Earliest evidence of agriculture and animal 200 – Greece’s invasion of India.
domestication in India is from Mehargarh and 185 – Establishment of Sunga dynasty.
Burzahom. 75 – Foundation of Kanva Dynasty
5000-4000 – Earliest evidence of sheep-goat 58 – Beginning of Vikram era
domestication at Bagor and Adamgarh. 30 – Satvahanas dynasty in Deccan, Pandyan dynasty
4000-3000 – Spread of Civilizations based on agriculture in South.
and animal domestication. 22 – Trade relations of Cholas and Pandayas with the
2500-1750 – Time period of Harappan Civilization on the Romans.
basis of Radio Carbon dating. (A.D.)
1500 – Rigvedic Period, coming of Aryans in India. 14-15 – St. Thomas came to India.
1000 – Later Vedic Period, spread of Aryans in the 40 AD – Sakas in power in Indus Valley and Western
Gangetic plain. India
950 – Mahabharata (Kurukshetra War) 50 AD– The Kushans and Kanishkas
877 – Birth of Parshvanatha (23rd Tirthankara of 65 – Chinese King Sent representative in India for
Jainism) collecting information about Buddhism.
600-550 – Emergence of Sixteen Mahajanapadas, 77 –Plini wrote book Natural History.
composition of the Upanishads. 78 AD – Saka Era begins
563 – Birth of Gautama Buddha (Founder of Buddhism) 78-100 – Regime of Kanishka.
540 – Birth of Mahavira (Real Founder of Jainism) 86-128 – Resurgence of Satvahana dynasty by Satkarni
540-468– Life Period of Vardhamana Mahavira and Pulumavi.
544-412 – Haryanka Dynasty (Bimbisara, Ajatashatru 130-150 – Emergence of Rudradamana in West India.
and Udayin) 225 – Foundation of Vakataka dynasty.
516 – Irani ruler Darius–I invasion of India. 226 – Emergence of Sasaniyan dynasty in Parsia.
483 – Buddha attained Nirvana, First Buddhist Council in 250 – Decline and disintegration of Satvahana dynasty.
Rajagriha. 240-280 – Foundation of Gupta dynasty.
563-483 – Life Period of Gautama Buddha. 280-319 – Regime of Ghatotkacha.
468 – Mahavira attained Nirvana 320 AD – Chandragupta I establishes the Gupta dynasty
412-344 – Foundation and expansion of Nag Dynasty 360 AD – Samudragupta conquers the North and most of
383 – Second Buddhist Council in Vaishali. the Deccan
362 – Nanda Dynasty came to power in Magadha 375 – Death of Samudra Gupta, Ram Gupta Became
327-325 – Alexander’s invasion of India. Successor.
323 – Death of Alexander in Babylon. 380 AD – Chandragupta II comes to power; Golden Age of
21 – Chandragupta Maurya’s accession to the throne of Gupta Literary Renaissance
Magadha. 405 AD – Fa-hein begins his travels through the Gupta
305 – Defeat of Seleucus at the hands of Chandragupta Empire
Maurya. 415 AD–Accession of Kumara Gupta-I
298 – Bindusara became king. 415 – Establishment of Nalanda University.
467 AD – Skanda Gupta assumes power
273-232 – Ashoka’s reign.
476 AD – Birth of astronomer Aryabhatta
261 – Conquest of Kalinga. 500-532 – Emergence of Hun dynasty by Tormana and
257 – Ashoka became follower of Buddhism. Mihirkula.
251 – Third Buddhist conference in Patliputra. 532 – Yashovardhan defeated Mihirkula.

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 Indian History

606 AD–Accession of Harshavardhan 1320-1325 – Ghiyasuddin Tughluq founded Tughlaq

INDIAN HISTORY
609 – Pulakeshin-II became king. dynasty.
622 AD – Era of the Hejira begins 1325-1351 – Muhammad bin Tughlaq reign.
629-645 – Hiuen-Tsang came to India 1333-1342 – Ibn Battuta travaled in India.
636 – First invasion of Sindh by Arabians. 1336 – Foundation of Vijayanagar Empire by Harihar
711 AD – Invasion of Sindh by Muhammad Bin Qasim and Bukka.
725 – Nagbhatta founded Pratihara dynasty 1347 – Bahmani dynasty founded by Bahamanshah.
753-973 – Regime of Rashtrakuta dynasty in deccan. 1351-1388 – Firoz Shah Tughlaq reign.
760-1142 – Regime of Pala dynasty in Eastern India. 1390-1394 – Nasiruddin Muhammad Shah reign.
770-810 – Regime of great Pala king Dharmpala, 1393 – Foundation of Jaunpur kingdom.
Establishment of Vikramshila University.
1394-1412 – Mahmud Shah Tughlaq.
783-1036 – Regime of Gurjar-Pratihara dynasty in
Northen India by Vatsraja of Rajasthan. 1398 – Taimur invades India.
788-820 – Period of Shankaracharya, philosopher of 1414-1421 – Khizr Khan, power in the hands of Sayyids,
Advaita. emergence of Sayyid dynasty.
835-885 – Arab trader Suleman came to India, during the 1421-1434 – Mubarak Shah
regime of Gurjar - Pratihara dynasty. 1434-1443 – Muhammad Shah
836 – Mihirbhoj became king. 1443-1451 – Alauddin Alam Shah
850 – Vijayalaya defeated Pandya, became the king of 1451-1489 – Bahlol Lodhi, establishment of Lodi dynasty
Tanjore (Thanjavur). 1455 – Birth of Sant Kabir
851 – Arab Traveler wrote book over India. 1469 – Birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikh religion.
860 – Sumatra’s king Balputra established Buddha Vihar 1472 – Birth of Sher Shah Suri
in Nalanda. 1483 – Birth of Jahiruddin Babur in Fargana.
871-1173 – Regime of Chola dynasty in Tanjore.
1489-1517 – Sikandar Lodhi rule
883-1026 – Hindushahi in Punjab and Kabul.
1490 – Nizam Shahi dynasty at Ahmednagar
892 AD – Rise of the Eastern Chalukyas
1498 – First voyage of Vasco-da- Gama
907 – Coronation of Chola king Parantak–I.
915-925 – Arab traveler Al-Masudi came to India, during 1509 – Krishnadev Raya became king.
the regime of great Rashtrakuta’s king Indra–III. 1510 – Portuguese captures Goa
916-1205 – Regime of Chandel dynasty in Jejakbhukti, 1517 – Coronation of Ibrahim Lodi
establishment of temples in Khajuraho by chandel 1518 – Kutub Shahi dynasty at Golkunda
dynasty. 1519 – Entry of Babur in India
950-1195 – Regime of Tripuri’s kalachuri in central India. 1526 – Establishment of the Mughal Dynasty; First Battle
973-1238 – Regime of Solanki in Anhilwada (Kathiyavad). of Panipat : Babur defeats Lodhis
977 – Invasion of Subuktageen in India. 1526-1530 – Reign of Babur
985 AD – The Chola Dynasty : Accession of Rajaraja. 1527 – Battle of Khanwa, Babur defeated Rana Sanga.
1001 AD – Defeated of Jaipal by Sultan Mahmud 1529 – Ghagara battle Babur defeated Afgani invaders.
1026 – Mahmud Ghazni sacks Somnath Temple 1530 – Humayun succeeds Babur
1027 – Last invasion by Mahmud Ghazni. 1532 – Birth of Tulsidas.
1030 – Death of Mahmud Ghazni, Albruni came to India. 1538 – Death of Guru Nanak
1191 – Prithviraj Chauhan routs Muhammad Ghori : the 1539 – Sher Shah Suri defeats Humayun and becomes
ſTUVDCVVNGQH6CTCKP Emperor of Delhi.
1192 – Ghori defeats Prithviraj Chauhan : the second 1555 – Humayun recovers the throne of Delhi.
battle of Tarain 1556 – Death of Humayun; Accession of Akbar.
1194 – Jayachanda of Kannauj was defeated in battle of 1562 – End of slavery system by Akbar.
Chandavar by Muhammod Ghori. 1563 – Abolishment of tax on pilgrims.
1206-1210 – Qutubuddin Aibak establish Slave dynasty. 1564 – Akbar abolishes Jizya, a poll tax on Hindus.
1210-1211 – Aram Shah came to the throne. 1565 – Battle of Talikota : Muslim rulers in Deccan
1211-1236 – Iltutmish Reign. defeats and destroys Vijayanagar Empire.
1221 – Invasion of Changej Khan in India. 1568 – Fall of Chittor.
1236-1240 – Raziya Sultan Reign. 1569 – Birth of Jahangir.
1240-1242 – Bahram Shah Reign. 1571 – Foundation of Fatehpur Sikri by Akbar
1242-1246 – Masud Shah Reign. 1572 – Akbar annexes Gujarat
1246-1266 – Nasiruddin Reign. 1573 – Surat surrenders to Akbar
1266-1287 – Ghiyasuddin Balban. 1575 – Battle of Tukaroi
1279 – Revolt by Tugaril Khan in Bengal. 1576 – Battle of Haldighati : Akbar defeats Rana Pratap;
1287-1290 – Kaikubad Subjugation of Bengal
1290-1296 – Jalaluddin Khalji establishes Khalji dynasty. 1577 – Akbar troops invade Khandesh
1296-1316 – Alauddin Khalji reign. 1579 – Akbar introduces Mahjarnama
1309-1313 – Deccan mission by Malik Kafur. 1580 – Accession of Ibrahim Adil Shah II in Bengal;
1315 – Returning of Malik Kafur from Deccan. Rebellion in Bihar and Bengal
1316-1320 – Qutubuddin Mubarak Khalji.

OLE - 13
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

1581 – Akbar’s march against Muhammad Hakim and 1675– Execution of Guru Tegbahadur by Aurangzeb
INDIAN HISTORY

reconciliation with him 1678– Marwar occupied by the Mughals

1582 – Divine Faith promulagated 1679 – Aurangzeb imposes Jazia tax on non-Muslims
1586 – Annexation of Kashmir 1680 – Death of Shivaji; Rebellion of Prince Akbar
1591 – Mughal conquest of Sindh 1685 – British Shift’s company headquarters to Mumbai
1592 – Annexation of Odisha from Surat.
1595 – Siege of Ahmednagar; Annexation of Baluchistan 1686 – English war with the Mughals; Fall of Bijapur
1597 – Akbar completes his conquests 1689 – Execution of Sambhaji
1600 – Charter to the English East India Company 1690 – Peace between the Mughals and the English
1602 – Formation of the United East India Company of 1691 – Aurangzeb at the zenith of his power
Netherlands 1698 – The new English company trading to the East
1605 – Death of Akbar and Accession of Jahangir Indies
1606 – Rebellion of Khusrav; Execution of the Fifth Sikh 1699 – First Maratha raid on Malwa
Guru, Arjan dev by Jahangir 1700 – Death of Rajaram and regency of his widow Tara
1607 –5JGT#HIJCPſTUVJWUDCPFQH0WT,CJCPMKNNGF Bai
1608 – Malik Ambar takes Ahmednagar 1702 – Amalgamation of English and the London East
1609 – The Dutch open a factory at Pulicat India Companies
1611 – The English establish a factory at Masulipatnam 1707 – Death of Aurangzeb; Battle of Jajau
1611 – Marriage of Jahangir and Nurjahan 1708 – Death of Guru Govind Singh in Nanded
1612 – The Mughal Governor of Bengal defeats the (Maharashtra)
rebellious Afghans; Mughals annex Kuch Hajo 1712 – Death of Bahadurshah-I, Jahand became king
1615 – Submission of Mewar to the Mughals; Arrival of 1713 – Balaji Vishwanath became Peshwa.
Sir Thomas Roe in India 1714 – Husain Ali appointed Viceroy of the Deccan; The
1616 – The Dutch establish a factory at Surat treaty of the Marathas with Husain Ali
1620 – Capture of Kangra Fort; Malik Ambar revolts in 1715 – Execution of Sikh Leader Bandabahadur.
the Deccan 1717 – Farukh Siyyar Permits East India Company for
1622 – Shah Abbas of persia besieges and takes free trade.
Qandahar 1720 – Accession of Baji Rao Peshwa at Poona
1623 – Shah Jahan revolts against Jahangir 1739 – Nadir Shah conquers Delhi; The Marathas capture
1624 – Suppression of Shah Jahan’s revolt Salsette and Bassein
1626 – Rebellion of Mahabat Khan 1740 – Accession of Balaji Baji Rao Peshwa; The Marathas
1627 – Death of Jahangir; Accession of Shah Jahan invade Arcot
1628 – Shah Jahan proclaimed Emperor 1740 – Aliwardi Khan becomes king of Bengal.
1631 – Death of Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal; The 1742 – Marathas invade Bengal
construction of Taj Mahal 1747 – Ahmad Shah Abdali invades India
1632 – Mughal invasion of Bijapur; Grant of the “Golden
1748 – First Anglo-French war
Firman” to the English Company by the Sultan of
Golkunda 1750 – War of the Deccan and Carnatic Succession;
1633 – End of Ahmednagar Dynasty Death of Nasir Jung
1636 – Aurangzeb appointed Viceroy of Deccan 1751 – British wins Arcot
1639 – Foundation of Fort St. George at Madras by the 1751 – Treaty of Alivardi with the Marathas
English 1756 – Siraj-ud-daulah captures of Calcutta
1646 – Shivaji captures Torna 1757-63 – Third Anglo-French war
1648– Construction of Shahajanabad started by 1757 – Battle of Plassey : The British defeat Siraj-ud-
Shahjahan. daulah
1656 – The Mughals attack Hyderabad and Golkunda; 1758 – Francis wins Fort Saint David.
Annexation of Javli by Shivaji 1760 – Battle of Wandiwash : The British defeat the
1657 – Invasion of Bijapur by Aurangzeb; Aurangzeb French
captures Bidar and Kalyani 1760 – Mir Kasim becomes Nawab of Bengal.
1658 – Coronation of Aurangzeb 1761 – Third battle of Panipat : Ahmed Shah Abdali
1659 – Battles of Khajwah and Deorai defeats the Marathas; Accession of Madhava Rao
1659 – Shivaji kills Afjal Khan Peshwa; Rise of Hyder Ali
1661 – Cession of Bombay to the English; Mughal capture 1762 – Madhava Rao takes power in his own hands.
of Cooch Behar Raghunath Rao approaches Nizam for help.
1664 – Shivaji sacks Surat and assumes royal title 1763 – Expulsion of Mir Qasim. Re-instatement of Mir
1664 – Francis East India Company established. Jafar. Raghunath Rao recaptures power and keeps
1665 – Treaty of Purandar between Shivaji and Mughals /CFJCXC4CQKPEQPſPGOGPV
1666 – Death of Shah Jahan; Shivaji’s visit to Agra and 1764 – Battle of Buxar. The English defeat Shah Alam,
his escape Shuja-ud-daula and Mir Qasim.
1670 – Shivaji again sacks Surat 1765 – Grant of the ‘Diwani’ of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha
1674 – Shivaji assumed the title of Chhatrapati to the East India Company by Shah Alam II under

OLE - 14
 Indian History

Treaty of Allahabad. Clive, Company’s Governor in 1788-1795 – Impeachment of Warren Hastings. It was a

INDIAN HISTORY
Bengal. Death of Mir Jafar. failed attempt.
1765-1767 – Clive’s second Governorship. 1789-1803– Marathas control Delhi.
1766 – Nizam cedes Northern Sarkars to the English. 1789 – Tipu attacks Travancore.
1767 – Departure of Clive. Verelst, Company’s Govenor 1790-1792 – Third Mysore War following ‘Triple Alliance’
in Bengal. between English, Marathas and Nizam against Tipu.
1767-1769 – The First Mysore War. Hyder Ali advances 1792 – Tipu surrenders half his kingdom. Ranjit Singh
on Madras and forces the English to enter into a succeeds his father as leader of a Sikh Misl. Sanskrit
defensive alliance. College founded at Varanasi by English resident,
1770 – The Great Bengal Famine Jonathan Duncan “for endearing our Government to the
1771 – Marathas attack Hyder Ali. Marathas occupy native Hindus”.
Delhi and restore Shah Alam who was till then under 1793-1798 – Sir John Shore, Governor-General.
English protection at Allahabad. 1793 – The Permanent Settlement of Bengal.
1772-1785 – Warren Hastings, Governor of Fort William. 1794 – Death of Mahadavji Sindhia at Poona.
1772 –Marathas invade Rohilkhand. 1795 – Battle of Kharda between the Nizam and the
1772-1833 – Raja Rammohan Roy. Marathas.
1773 – The Regulating Act passed, bringing the 1796 – Baji Rao II Peshwa.
Comapny partially under Parliament’s control and the
1797 – Jacobin club sets up by Francis in
Presidencies under Calcutta’s control.
Shrirangpattanam.
1774 – The Marathas again invade Rohilkhand. Nawab of
1797 – Zaman Shah, grandson of Ahmad Shah Abdali,
Awadh assists Rohillas. Marathas withdraw but Rohillas
takes Lahore. Death of Asaf-ud-daula of Awadh and
refuse to pay Rs. 40 lakhs to Awadh as agreed upon.
succession of Wazir Ali.
Establishment of Supreme Court, at Calcutta. Rohilla
War between Rohillas and Nawab of Awadh assisted by 1798 – Wazir Ali deposed and succeeded by Sa’dat Ali at
VJG 'PINKUJ 4QJKNNC %JKGH *Cſ\ 4CJOCV -JCP MKNNGF Awadh.
Rohilkhand annexed by Awadh. 1798-1805 – Wellesley, Governor- General.
1775 – Trial and execution of Nanda Kumar who alleged 1799 – English attack Tipu without provocation. Fourth
that Warren Hastings had taken bribe from the Mysore War. Fall of Shrirangpattnam. Death of Tipu.
Begums of Awadh. English restore previous Hindu dynasty in Mysore.
1775-1782 – The First Anglo- Maratha War. Partition of Mysore. Shah Zaman appoints Ranjit
1776 – The Treaty of Purandhar between the English and Singh as the Governor of Lahore. William Carey opens
Poona’s Ministers, who were opposed to Raghunath Baptist Mission at Serampore.
Rao. 1800 – Death of Nana Phadnavis. Establishment of the
1777 – Birth of Kunwar Singh College of Fort William.
1779 – Convention of Wadgaon stipulating that all 1801 – Annexation of the Carnatic and part of Awadh by
acquisitions of Maratha territory, made since 1773 by the English.
the Company, be restored and the advance of English 1802 – Holkar defeats combined forces of Sindhia and the
force from Bengal be stopped. 2GUJYCCV2QQPC2GUJYC$CLK4CQƀGGUVQ$CUUGKPCPF
1780 – Capt. Popham’s capture of Gwalior. signs the Treaty of Bassein with the English.
1780-1784 – Second Mysore War, Both parties agree to 1803 – Treaty of Surji Arjun Village
give up their conquests under the Treaty of Mangalore. 1803 – Occupation of Delhi by Lord Lake, War with
1781 – Deposition of Chait Singh of Banaras. Calcutta, scindia.
Madrasa founded by Warren Hastings to conciliate the 1803-1805 – Second Anglo-Maratha War.
Mohammedans of Calcutta. 1804 – Emperor Shah Alam places himself under British
1782 – Asaf-ud-daula exports money from the Begums protection. Lake’s war with Holkar.
of Awadh with the English help. The Treaty of Salbai 1805 – Siege of Bharatpur fails and Lake makes peace
between the English and the Marathas, Death of Hyder with the Raja.
Ali. 1805-1807 – George Barlow, Governor-General.
1782-1798 – Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore. 1806 – Mohd, Akbar II succeeds his father Shah Alam II.
1783 – Fox’s India Bills give more powers to Parliament 1807-1813 – Lord Minto I, Governor-General,
and to the Governor-General. 1809 – Treaty of Amritsar-Ranjit Singh and British sign
1784 – Treaty of Mangalore between Tipu and the English treaty of perpetual amity.
who promise not to assist enemies of Tipu, in return 1809-1811 – Ranjit Singh takes Kangra from the Gurkh
for Tipu giving up English territory. Pitt’s Act passed, 1813-1823 – Lord Hastings, Governor-General.
setting up Board of Control for East India Company.
1814-1816 – Anglo-Gurkha War resulting in the cession
Asiatic Society of Bengal founded.
of Garhwal and Kumaon by the Gurkhas to the
1786-1793 – Lord Cornwalis, Governor-General. English.
1786 – Marathas and Nizam raid Mysore. 1817-1818 – Pindari War-Peshwar defeat at Kirkee.
1787 – Treaty between Tipu, Marathas and Nizam, 1817-1905 – Debendranath Tagore who reorganised the
Marathas the gainers. Brahmo Samaj.
1788 – Ghulam Kadir Rohilla seizes Delhi and blinds Shah
1817-1898 – Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of Aligarh
Alam II. Bedar Bakht put on Delhi’s throne.
Muslim University.

OLE - 15
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

1817-1819 – Last Anglo-Maratha War. Hostile princes like 1844 – Lord Hardinge decides to employ, in Government
INDIAN HISTORY

Sindhia and Holkar become allies of the English. service, Indians educated in English schools.
1818 – First Bengali newspaper, the weekly Samachar 1845 – First Anglo-Sikh War.
Darpan published by the Baptist Mission, Serampore. 1846 – Defeat of the Sikh Army, Treaty of Lahore.
1819-1827 – Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay. 1847 – Engineering College founded in Roorkee.
1820 – Munro, Governor of Madras. 1848-1856 – Lord Dalhousie, Governor-General.
1821 – Sanskrit college founded at Poona. 1848 – Annexation of Satara. Rising at Multan.
1823-1828 – Lord Amherst, Governor-General. 1848-1849–Second Anglo-Sikh War.
1823 – Raja Rammohan Roy’s memorial to Government, 1849 – Defeat of Sikhs and annexation of the Punjab.
protesting against the Press Ordinance of 1823. Opening of a Hindu Girls’ Schools in Calcutta by
1824 – Mutiny at Barrackpore. Large numebr of Indian Drinkwater Bethune. Dalhousie’s proposal to end
soldiers killed on parade for demanding more pay for Mughal dynasty in Delhi.
ſIJVKPIKP$WTOC 1851 – Foundation of “British Indian Association” in
1824-1826 – First Burmese War. Arakan and Tenasserim Calcutta.
annexed. 1852 – Second Anglo-Burmese War. Annexation of
1824-1883 – Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of Arya Rangoon and Pegu.
Samaj. 1853 – Railway opened from Bombay to Thane. Telegraph
1826 – English caputre Bharatpur. Conquest of Assam by line from Calcutta to Agra. Annexation of Nagpur
East India Company. Treaty of Yandbu. and Jhansi. Cession of Berar by Nizam. Competitive
1828-1835 – Lord William Bentinck, Governor-General. examiantion for Civil Service.
1829 – Brahmo Samaj founded by Raja Rammohan Roy, 1855 – Santhal insurrection in Bihar. Beginning of the
Prohibition of Sati. jute industry in India. Foundation of Anjuman-i-Islami
in Calcutta.
1829-1837–Suppression of Thuggee.
1856 – Annexation of Awadh. University Act. Hindu
1830-1833 – Raja Rammohan Roy visits England.
Widow’s Remarriage Act.
1831 – Raja of Mysore deposed and its administration 1856-1862 – Lord Canning, Governor-General and the
taken over by the Company. Meeting of Ranjit Singh ſTUVXKEGTQ[QH+PFKC
and William Bentinck at Rupar.
1857 – Universities set up at Bombay, Calcutta, and
1832 – Annexation of Jaintia. Madras.
1833 – Abolition of the Company’s trading rights. 1857-1858 – Revolt of 1857. Revolt at Meerut begins on
Legislative power centralised. Indian Law Commission May 10, 1857.
appointed. 1858 – British India placed under the direct Government of
1834 – Annexation of Coorg. Maculay, Law member. the Crown. Queen Victoria’s Proclamation.
Government establishes tea garden. Formation of Agra 1859 – Withdrew Doctrine of Lapse.
Province. 1859-1861 – Indigo Riots in Bengal.
1835-1836 – Sir Charles Metcalf, Governor-General. 1860 – Introduction of Budget.
1835 – Macaulay’s Education Resolution. English made 1861 – Indian Councils Act. Indian High Courts Act.
QHſEKCNNCPIWCIGKPUVGCFQH2GTUKCP. Abolition of Press Archaeological Survey of India set up.
restrictions and inland transit duties.Company strikes 1862 – Penal Code introduced. Amalgamation of the
its own coins omitting Mughal emperor’s name. Supreme and Sadar courts into High Courts.
1836-1842 – Lord Auckland, Governor-General. 1862-1863 – Lord Elgin, Viceroy.
1837 – Bahadur Shah II succeeded by Akbar II. 1863 – Death of Amir Dost Muhammad. Afghan War of
1838 – Tripartite Treaty among Shah Shuja, Ranjit Singh Succession. Sher Ali, Amir of Afghanistan receives an
and the English. annual grant of six lakh of rupees.
1838-1884 – Kesav Chandra Sen, another pillar of 1863 – Formation of “Mohmmaden Association” in
Brahmo Samaj. Calcutta, Establishment of Patna College.
1839 – Death of Ranjit Singh.New treaty forced on the 1863-1902 – Swami Vivekananda.
Amirs of Sind. Work begun on G.T. Road, between 1864-1869 – Sir John Lawrence, Viceroy.
Calcutta and Delhi. English declare Shah Shuja, Amir 1865 – Telegraphic communication with Europe opened.
of Kabul. 1866 – Establishment of Allahabad High Court.
1839-1842 – The First Anglo-Afghan War. 1869 – Ambala Conference with Amir Sher Ali. Amir
1840 – Amir Dost Mohammad surrenders. Yakub’s rebellion in Afghanistan. Opening of Suez
1841 – Foundation of “Desh Hiteshi Sabha” in Calcutta. Canal. Birth of M.K. Gandhi (2 October).
1842 – Simla Proclamation of Ellenborough. Govenror- 1869-1872 – Lord Mayo, Viceroy.
General agrees to recognise the Amir of Afghans’ 1870 – Mayo’s Provincial Settlement. Erection of Red Sea
choice. telegraph.
1842-1844 – Lord Ellenborough, Governor-General. 1872 – First census in India
1843 – Return of Dost Muhammad to Afghanistan as 1872 – Kuka Revolt.
its Amir. Conquest of Sind by the British. Slavery 1872 – Assassination of Lord Mayo
prohibited in British India. 1872-1876 – Lord Northbrook, Viceroy.
1844-1848 – Lord Hardinge, Governor-General. 1874 – Bihar Famine.

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 Indian History

1875 – M.A.O. College, Aligarh founded by Syed Ahmad Anglo-Russian Convention. Mrs. Annie Besant succeeds

INDIAN HISTORY
Khan. Mayo College, Ajmer, opened. Visit of the Prince Col. Olcott as President of Theosophical Society.
of Wales. Arya Samaj founded by Swami Dayananda. 1908 – Newspapers Act. Tilak convicted of sedition (July
1876 – Occupation of Quetta. Indian Association of 22).
Calcutta. The Queen of England proclaimed Empress 1908 – Khudiram Bose sentenced to death.
of India. 1908 – Imprisonment to Gandhi (First time)
1876-1880 – Lord Lytton, Viceroy. 1909 – Morley-Minto Reforms. Appointment of S.P. Sinha
1877 – Lytton’s Delhi Durbar. to the Governor-General’s Council. Indian Councils Act
1878 – Vernacular Press Act. passed (May 21). Madan Lal Dhingra shoots dead Curzon
1878-1880 – Second Afghan War. Flight of Sher Ali. Whyllie in London (July 1).
1878 – Appointment of Famine Commission under the 1909 – Gandhi writes book “Hind Swaraj”
presidency of Richard Strachey. 1910-1916–Lord Hardinge II, Viceroy.
1879 – Madam Blavatsky (Russian) and Col. Olcott 1910 – Death of Edward III and accession of George V.
(American) come to India from USA and set up 1911 – &GNJK&WTDCT2CTVKVKQPQH$GICNOQFKſGF%GPUWU
Theosophical Society at Adyar, Madras. of India. Transfer of Capital to Delhi announced.
1880 – Abdur Rahman recognised as Amir of Afghanistan. 1912 – Removal of the Imperial Capital of Delhi. Province
Famine Commission. of Delhi created by a proclamation, Attempt of Lord
1880-1884 – Lord Ripon, Viceroy. Hardinge’s life.
1881 – Factory Act. Rendition of Mysore. 1913 – Education Resolution of the Government of India.
1882 – Repeal of Vernacular Press Act. Nobel Prize for Rabindranath Tagore.
1882 – Hunter Commission . Indian Education 1913 – Formation of “Gadar Party” in San Francisco.
Commission. University of Punjab set up. 1914-1918 – First World War.
1883 – Indian National Conference held in Calcutta. 1914 – Tilak released from Mandale Prison.
1883-1884 – Illbert Bill controversy. 1915 – Gandhi arrives in India (January). Defence of
1884-1888 – Lord Dufferin, Viceroy. India Act. Death of Gokhale (February 19). Mrs. Besant
1885 – First Meeting of the Indian National Congress. announces the formation of the Home Rule League
Bengal Tenancy Act. Bengal Local Self-Government (September 25).
Act. Third Anglo-Burmese War. 1916– Lucknow Pact of Indian National Congress and
1886 – Annexation of Upper Burma. Ramakrishna All-India Muslim League. Foundation of Women’s
Mission founded. Delimitation of Afghan northern University at Poona. Banaras Hindu University
boundary. established at Varanasi.
1888–University set up at Allahabad. 1916 – Formation of Home Rule League by Tilak and Mrs.
1888 – Establishment of “United Indian Patriotic Besant.
Association” by colonel Beck. 1916-1921–Lord Chelmsford, Viceroy.
1888-1894 – Lord Landsdowne, Viceroy. 1917 – Sadler Commission. British declaration on Indian
1889 – Second visit of the Prince of Wales. self-government. Montague becomes Secretary of State,
1891 – Factory Act, Age of Consent Act. Manipur visits India. Announcement of granting of responsible
Rebellion. government. Gandhi tried for Champaran Satyagraha
1892 – Indian Councils Act introduces the principle of (April 18). Mrs. Besant interned by Madras Government
election. (June 15).
1893 – Durand’s mission to Kabul. Mrs. Besant arrives 1918 – Indians made eligible for King’s Commission,
in India. Rowlatt (Sedition) Committee submits its report.
1894-1899 – Lord Elgin II, Viceroy. 1919 – Montague-Chelmsford Reforms. Rowlatt Act
1895 – Shivaji Festival started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. passed. Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
1897 – Frontier Risings. Plague at Bombay. Indian (April 13). Third Afghan War. Royal Proclamation.
Education Service set up. Government of India Act, 1919 passed.
1897 – Tilak Sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. 1920 – Khilafat Movement and Non- Cooperation
1898 – Ramakrishna Math and Mission founded at Belur Movement. Lord Sinha, Governor of Bihar and Orissa.
by Swami Vivekananda. Mahatma Gandhi Leads the Congress. All India Trade
1899-1905 – Lord Curzon, Viceroy. Union Congress founded. Aligarh Muslim University
1900 – Famine Commission, Land Alienation Act, North- established.
West Frontier Province created. 1921 – Chamber of Princes inaugurated. Moplah Rebellion.
1902 – Gurukul Kangri started at Haridwar. Prince of Wales visits India. Census of India.
1904 – Act passed empowering the Universities to appoint 1921-1926 – Lord Reading, Viceroy.
professors and lecturers. Cooperative Societies Act. 1921 – Harappa excavations begin.
Archaeological Department established by Curzon. The 1922 – Resignation of Montague. Mohenjodaro
Youghsband Expedition to Tibet. excavations begin. Chauri Chaura incident.
1905 – First Partition of Bengal. Morley, Secretary of State Visvabharati University started by Rabindranath
for India. Tagore.
1905-1910 – Lord Minto II, Viceroy. 1923 –5YCTCLKUVUKP+PFKC%QWPEKNU%GTVKſECVKQPQH5CNV
1906 – Muslim League formed at Dhacca (Dhaka). Tax. Tariff Board set up. Question of Indianising the
Congress declaration regarding ‘Swaraj’. command of certain regiments.
1907 – Surat Congress, Moderate-extremist clash. The

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

1923 – Foundation of Indian Party by Madan Mohan Congress Ministries formed in seven out of eleven
INDIAN HISTORY

Malviya. Provinces. In NWFP the pro-Congress Red Shirt Party of

1924 – Kanpur Conspiracy Case. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan wins majority.
1924 – Gandhi became president of Congress session at 1938 – V.D. Savarkar elected President of the Hindu
Belgao (Belgaum) Mahasabha. Death of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee
1925 – All-India Depressed Class Association. Cotton (born 1876) and of Sir Muhammad Iqbal (born 1877).
excise abolished. Reforms. Enquiry Report. Death of Subhash Chandra Bose elected President of the Indian
Chittaranjan Das (C.R.) Sikh Gurdwaras Act passed to National Congress.
enable Sikhs to take over control of Gurdwaras from 1939 – Second world war begins. Subhash Chandra Bose
Mahants. 8KVJCNDJCK,2CVGNGNGEVGFCUVJGſTUV+PFKCP elected president of Congress again but resigned latter.
President of the Legislative Assembly. 1940 – 2TQRQUCN QH UGRCTCVG 2CMKUVCP ſTUV RCUUGF KP
1926 – Trade Union Act passed. Swami Shraddhanand Lahore session by the Muslim League.
Assassinated (December 23). 1940 – Individual Satyagraha started. Vinoba Bhave was
1926-1931 – Lord Irwin, Viceroy. VJGſTUV5CV[CITCJK
1941 – Subhash Chandra Bose escaped to Berlin from
1927 – Indian Navy Act. Appointment of Simon
Calcutta.
Commission.
1942 – Quit India Movement started (8 August, 1942).
1927 – Foundation of All India Woman Conference.
1943 – Subhash Chandra Bose took the charge of Azad
1928 – Simon Commission comes to India. All Parties’
Hind Fauj in Singapore and set up Indian Provisional
Conference set up. Nehru Report. Royal Commission on
Government.
Agriculture appointed.
1944-1947 – Lord Wavell, Viceroy.
1928 – Foundation of Hindustan Socialist Republic
1944 – Gandhi-Jinnah talks opened in Bombay
Association (HSRA)
on Rajagopalachari’s proposals for solution of
1929– Bhagat Singh and Batukeswar Dutt drop bombs constitution deadlock (September 9). Talks break
in the Legislative Assembly (April 8). Establishment of down on Pakistan issue (September 27). INA reaches
the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research. Meerut Indian soil.
Conspiracy case trial begins. 1945 – Labour Government in Britain. Lord Wavell’s
1929 – Lahore session of Congress presided by Pt. JL br oa dc a s t a n n oun c i n g Bri t i s h Gov e r nm e nt ’ s
Nehru, Passed a resolution declaring Poorna Swaraj determination to go ahead with the task of fitting
(Complete Independence) to be the congress objective. India for self-government (September 19). End of
1930-1932 – Boycott of the Simon Commission, Civil Second World War. Germany surrenders (May). Japan
Disobedience Movement. surrenders (June) INA Surrenders to the British (May),
1930 – Sharda Act Passed. Congress leaders released (June). First trial of INA men
(November 5).
1930 – Gandhijis Dandi March, Rebellion in Burma.
1945 – Elections to the Central Legislative Assembly held
Round Table Conference (First Session). January 26,
(December).
Independence Pledge.
1946 – Mutiny of the Indian Naval ratings in Bombay
1931 – Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed. Census of India. Round
(February 18). Violence in Bengal. Announcement
Table Conference (Second Session). Publication of the
of special Mission of Cabinet Ministers of India
Royal Labour Commission’s Report.
(February 19). Cabinet Mission’s plans announced
1931 – Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged (June 16). Muslim League decides to participate in
till death on March 23 at Lahore Jail. Interim Government. Congress announces acceptance
1931-1936–Lord Willingdon, Viceroy. of the longterm part of May 16 plan, but refuses
1932 – Second Civil Disobedience Movement. Round invitation to participate in Interim Government (June
Table Conference (Third Session), Communal Award 25). Jawaharlal Nehru takes over Presidentship of
announced. Poona Pact signed. Indian Military the Congress (July 6). Muslim League withdraws its
Academy, Dehra Dun set up. acceptance and decides on a policy of direct action (July
1934 – Civil Disobedience Movement called off. Bihar 29). This leads to outbreak of mob violence in Calcutta
Earthquake (January 16). (August 16). Interim Government formed (September
1934 – Foundation of congress socialist party in Patna, 2). Muslim League members sworn in (October 26).
Foundation of Royal Indian Navy. %QPUVKVWGPV#UUGODN[ŏUſTUVOGGVKPI
&GEGODGT.
1935 – Indo-British Agreement signed. Government 1947-1948 – Lord Mountbatten, Viceroy.
of India Act, 1935 passed by British Parliament 1947 – British Government’s historic announcement of
(August 2). transfer of power to “responsible hands”, not later
1936 – Death of King George V (January 21). Accession than 1948 (February 20). Announcement of Lord
and abdication of Edward VIII. Accession of George VI. Mountbatten’s plan for Partition of India (June 3).
1936-1944 – Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy. Indian Independence Act passed (July). Creation of
1937 – Inauguration of Provincial Autonomy (April 1). free India and Pakistan (August 14-15, 1947).

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 Indian History

achievements etc.

INDIAN HISTORY
SOURCES OF ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY ³ The two great epics, the Ramayana and the
1. Literary Sources : Vedic, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit and Mahabharata, may also be used as a source. It
other literature and foreign accounts. is generally held that there have been constant
2. Archaeological : epigraphic, numismatic and interpolations in these works.
architectural remains, archaeological explorations and ³ The PuranasOC[PQVUCVKUH[VJGOQFGTPFGſPKVKQP
excavations of historio-graphy or those who wrote it may not
™ study of development of scripts: palaeography. have been aware of the “historian’s crafts”, but they
™ study of inscriptions: epigraphy. seem fully aware of the purpose of their work and the
purpose of history itself.
™ study of coins: numismatics
™ study of monuments, material remains: Archeology. RAMAYANA, VALMIKI
LITERARY SOURCES ³ Composition started in 5BC RCUUGF VJTQWIJ ſXG
UVCIGſHVJUVCIGKP12AD.
INDIAN TRADITION OF HISTORY WRITING ³ 24000 verses.
³ As a whole, this text seems to have been composed
³ Many foreign scholars opined that Indians had no
sense of history writing and whatever was written later than Mahabharata.
in the name of history is nothing more than a story
MAHABHARATA, VYAS
without any sense.
³ But this appears to be a very harsh judgment. Because ³ 4GƀGEVUVJGUVCVGQHCHHCKTUDGVYGGP70BC to 4AD.
the knowledge of history was given a very high place in ³ Originally 8800 verses, collection dealing with victory.
ancient India. It was accorded sanctity equal to a Veda. ³ Later raised to 24000 verses- came to be known as
³ Atharvaveda, Brahmans and Upanishads include Bharata after Bharat tribe
Itihas-Purana as one of the branches of knowledge. ³ Mahabharata also known as Satasahasri Samhita.
³ Kautilya in his Arthashastra (fourth century B.C.) ³ Didactic portion from Post Maurya, Gupta times.
advises the king to devote a part of his time every day
for hearing the narrations of history. PURANIC LITERATURE: LIMITATIONS
1. Most of the ancient literature is religious in nature,
PURANIC LITERATURE and those which are claimed to be history by Indians,
i.e., puranic and epic literature EQPVCKP PQ FGſPKVG
³ The Puranic literature is very vast. dates for events and kings.
³ 18 main Puranas, 18 subsidiary Puranas and a large 2. In the Puranas and epicsYGſPFIGPGCNQIKGUQHMKPIU
number of other books. CPFUQOGVKOGUVJGKTCEJKGXGOGPVU$WVKVKUFKHſEWNV
³ According to the Puranas, following are the subject to arrange them in chronological order.
matters of history : 3. Puranic literature helps tracing Lord Ram of Ayodhya
³ Narration of Puranas were a part of the annual ritual around 2000B.C. but the extensive exploration in
in every village and town during the rainy season Ayodhya donot show any settlement around that
and at the time of festivals. It was treated as a date. Similarly, Lord Krishna can be traced to 200
powerful vehicle of awakening of cultural and social BC-300AD. But excavations in Mathura, donot attest
consciousness. his presence. Counter argument: The epics Ramayana
³ In all the Puranas royal genealogies are dealt with and Mahabharata have undergone several editions
the reign of Parikshit, the grandson of Arjun, as a VJTQWIJ CIGU JGPEG FKHſEWNV VQ VKG WR YKVJ URGEKſE
benchmark. era.
³ All the earlier dynasties and kings have been
mentioned in past tense. VEDIC LITERATURE
³ While the latter kings and dynasties have been ³ The Four Vedas : 9G ECPPQV ſPF OWEJ VTCEG QH
narrated in future tense. political history in the Vedas, but can have reliable
³ This may be because of the fact that the coronation of glimpses of the culture and civilization of the Vedic
Parikshit marks the beginning of Kali Age. period.
³ Many scholars think that perhaps the Puranas were ³ Vedic literature are entirely in a different language,
completed during the reign of Parikshit. which can be called the Vedic language. Its vocabulary
³ In the context of the Puranas it may be remembered contains a wide range of meaning and at times
that in ancient India, History was looked upon as a different in grammatical usages.
means to illuminate the present and future in the ³ It has a definite mode of pronunciation in which
light of the past. emphasis changes the meaning entirely.
³ The purpose of history was to understand and ³ Four vedas in the chronological order are ; Rig veda,
KPEWNECVGCUGPUGQHFWV[CPFUCETKſEG by individuals Yajur veda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda.
to their families, by the families to their clans, by the VEDANGA
clans to their villages and by the villages to Janapada
and Rashtra and ultimately to the whole humanity. Six vedangas (limbs of Vedas) were evolved for the proper
understanding of the Vedas.
³ History was not meant to be an exhaustive compendium
of the names of the kings and dynasties and their 1. Siksha (phonetics)
2. Kalpa (rituals)

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

3. Vyakarna (grammar) DHAMASUTRAS AND THE SMRITIS

INDIAN HISTORY

4. Nirukta (etymology) ³ These are rules and regulations for the general public
5. Chhanda (metrics) and the rulers
6. Jyotisha (astronomy) ³ It can be termed in the modern concept as the
constitution and the law books for the ancient
SUTRA Indian polity and society. These are also called
³ Each vedanga has developed a credible literature Dharmashastras.
around it which are in the sutra form i.e., precepts. ³ These were compiled between 600 and 200 B.C.
³ This is a very precise and exact form of expression in ³ Manusmriti and Arthashastra are prominent among
prose which was developed by the ancient Indians. them.
LATER VEDIC LITERATURE KAUTILYA’S ARTHASHASTRA
Brahmanas elaborate on vedic rituals. ³ A book on statecraft was written in the Maurya period.
Aranyakas give discourses on different spiritual and ³ The text is divided into 15 chapters known as books.
philosophical problems.
³ Different books deal with different subject matter
Upanishads Secret knowledge imparted by the guru concerning polity, economy and society.
to his pupils. It specify philosophical ³ 'XGP DGHQTG VJG ſPCN XGTUKQP QH #TVJCUJCUVTC YCU
knowledge and spritual learning.
written in the fourth century B.C. by Kautilya, there
Sulvasutra RTGUETKDG OGCUWTGOGPVU HQT UCETKſEKCN appeared a tradition of writing on and teaching of
altars. Mark the beginning of study of statecrafts because Kautilya acknowledges his debt
geometry and maths. VQJKURTGFGEGUUQTUKPVJGſGNF
Srautasutra account of royal coronation ceremonies. ³ Mudrarakshusha, by Vishakhadatta, gives a glimpse
Grihyasutra domestic rituals with birth, naming, of society and culture.
marriage, funeral etc.
NOTABLE WRITERS
JAIN AND BUDDHIST LITERATURE Kalidasa Malavikagnimitra tells the love story
literature written in notes of Malavika a maiden of Queen and
Agrimitra the son of Pushya mitra
Jain Prakrit was a form of Sanskrit language Shunga dynasty which followed the
Buddhist Pali As the form of Prakrit language Mauryas. Abhgyanshakuntalam:
which was in vogue in glimpse of Guptas.
Magadha/South Bihar. Bhasa and Sudraka written plays based on historical
Most of the early Buddhist events.
literature is written in this Banabhatta Harshacharita throws light on many
language. historical facts
With the Buddhist monks it Vakpati wrote Gaudauaho, based on the
reached Sri Lanka, where it is a exploits of Yasovarman of Kanauj.
living language. Bilhana Vikramankadevacharita describes
Provides details of contemporary the victories of the later Chalukya
kings in Magadha, North Bihar king Vikramaditya.
and East UP. Kalhana His book Rajatarangini. It is a
Ashokan edicts are also in this chronicle of the Kings of Kashmir.
language. It was written in Sanskrit language.
³ Since the modern historians have discarded most of BIOGRAPHICAL WRITINGS
the dynasties mentioned in the Puranas, Mahavira
and Buddha are considered historical personalities, Banabhatta’s 7th AD·
only those portions of the puranic dynastic lists have Harshacharita
Describes the early career of
been accepted which are supplemented and supported
by the Buddhist and Jaina literature. Harshavardhana- courtlife
and social life in his age.
JATAKA STORIES Sandhyakara Nandi Ramacharita. 12th AD·
³ These are Buddhist books. conflict between Kaivarta
³ Before he was born as Gautama, the Buhddha passed peasants and Pala prince
through more Than 550 births, in many cases in Ramapala. Prince wins.
animal-form.
Bilhana’s Vikramaditya, the sixth A.D.
³ Each birth story is called Jataka. There are more than
550 such stories. Vikramanakadevacharita
³ Throw light on socio-economic conditions between Atula Mushika Vamsha- this
5BC to 2BC. dynasty ruled in Northern
Kerala.

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 Indian History

³ Kumarapalacharita of Jayasimha,

INDIAN HISTORY
MEGASTHENESE :
³ Kumarapatacharita or Duayashraya Mahakauya of
³ The Greek ambassador (in the court of Chandragupta
Hemachandra,
Maurya c. 324-300 B.C.)
³ Harnmirakavya of Nayachandra,
³ Megasthenese wrote extensively in a book called Indica
³ Navasahasankacharita of Padmagupta, which is no longer available to us.
³ Bhojaprabandha of Billal,
³ We know about Megasthenese’s Writings through
³ Prithvirajacharit of Chandbardai. various extracts of the writings of Diodorous, Strabo
³ Limitations : These writers made lot of exaggerations and Arrian.
to please their patron kings.
³ These fragments of Indica, provide valuable information
LIMITATIONS OF INDIAN LITERARY SOURCES on Maurya Administration, social classes and
1. Printing was not known. Everything was written on economic activities.
soft materials like birch bark, palm leaf, paper etc. ³ The existence of a list of 153 kings whose reigns had
2. Since the old manuscripts become fragile in course of covered a period of about 6053 years uptill then.
time, they had to be manually copied. But At the time ³ Indica is not free from credulity and exaggerations.
of copying, some errors tend to creep in or sometimes ³ Megasthenese had little understanding of Indian
even additions are made. society and social systems. For example, he mentions
3. Alexander’s Invasion finds no mention in Indian that Indian society comprised of seven castes (jatis).
sources. We’ve to reconstruct his exploits entirely on ³ Discrepancies because he did not know any Indian
basis of Greek sources. language, was not a part of Indian society and psyche.
4. Many of them religious in nature- while they give some
idea on prevailing social conditions but hard to put it GREEK WRITERS
in context of time and place. Darius +PFKCſIWTGUKPJKUHQTGKIPKPUETKRVKQPU
Ctesian got Info of India from through the Persian
SANGAM LITERATURE sources.
³ Earliest Tamil text Herodotus in his “Histories” gives us much information
³ Kings and chiefs patronized poets. about Indo-Persian relations.
³ These poets assembled in colleges and compiled Arrian detailed account of the invasion of India by
poems over a period of 3 to 4 centuries. This Alexander on the basis of information from
those who accompanied the campaign.
is Sangam literature.
anonymous Book: “Periplus of the Erythrean Sea” by an
³ Describes many kings and dynasties of South India.
anonymous author, who was a Greek, settled
³ This literature generally describes events upto the in Egypton the basis of his personal voyage
fourth century A.D. of Indian coast in about A.D.80. He gives
³ Total 30,000 lines of poetry valuable information about the Indian coasts.
³ Arranged in eight Anthologies called Ettuttokai Ptolemy wrote a geographical treatise on India in the
³ Two main groups, Patinenkilkanakku (18 lower second century A.D.
collections) and the Pattupattu (ten songs). The former GREEK LIMITATIONS
is older than the latter. 1. Most of the Greek writing about India are based on
³ Some kings and events are supported by inscriptions secondary sources resulting in numerous errors and,
also. contradictions.
2. Except for Megasthenese all others have touched
FOREIGN ACCOUNTS Indian history in the true sense very marginally.
3. They were ignorant of the language and the customs
GREEK AMBASSADORS :
of the country and their information is full of
³ Ambassadors were sent to Pataliputra by Greek kings. unbelievable facts and fancies.
³ Notable: Megasthenese, Deimachus and Dionysios. 4. The works of Megasthenese and other Greeks of those
³ They mention Sandrokottas (Chandragupta Maurya)- who accompanied Alexander, have been lost and are
JGNRſZKPIJKUFCVGQHCEEGUUKQPCV$%6JKUJGNRU available only in fragments as quoted in later works.
as sheet-anchor in Ancient Indian Chronology.
CHINESE TRAVELERS
HISTORIANS : ³ visited India from time to time- as Buddhist pilgrims
and therefore their accounts are somewhat tilted
³ Notable : Herodotus, Megasthenese, Nearchus,
towards Buddhism. Three important pilgrims were
Plutarch, Arrian, Strabo, Pliny the Elder, and Ptolemy
(Geography). NOTABLE CHINESE WRITERS
³ They were concerned mostly with the north western Fa-Hien Came in India in 399 A.D. in the
part of India and primarily the areas which were either reign of Gupta ruler Chandragupta II
part of the Persian and Greek Satrapies or Alexander’s Ŏ8KMTCOCFKV[ŏ *G YCU VJG ſTUV %JKPGUG
campaign. travaler to come to India.

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

Hiuen-Tsang 7 th C e n t u r y I n t h e a g e o f ³ And its existing undergoes decacy into an isotope C12.

INDIAN HISTORY

Harshavardhana and some other ³ We can measure the decaying of C14 to C12 and identify
contemporary kings of Northern India. the number of years elapsed.
I-tsing 7th Century
INSCRIPTIONS
CHINESE TRAVELERS: LIMITATIONS
³ One of the most important and reliable sources of
1. Fa-Hien and Hiuen-Tsang have given somewhat history writing are inscriptions.
exaggerated account of Buddhism during the period ³ An inscription, being a contemporary document, is
of their visit. free from later interpolations.
2. For example Hiuen-Tsang depicts Harsha as a ³ It comes in the form it was composed in and engraved
follower of Buddhism but in his epigraphic records for VJG ſTUV VKOG +V KU CNOQUV KORQUUKDNG VQ CFF
Harsha mentions himself as a devotee of Siva. something to it at a later stage.
3. Counter argument : Indian rulers always have, like ³ The earliest system of writings is found in the
their subjects, been multi-religious people, it is not Harappan seals. (2500BC) However, there has been
FKHſEWNVHQTCHQTGKIPGTVQDGEQPHWUGF no success in deciphering it. They are pictographic
script- ideas/objects expressed in form of picture.
ARAB HISTORIAN: AL-BERUNI ³ Thus, the writing system of the Ashokan inscriptions
³ Abu Rihan better known as Al-Beruni. (in Brahmi script) are considered to be the earliest
³ Born in central Asia in 973 A.D. and died in Ghazni (3rd AD).
(present-day Afghanistan) in 1048 A.D. ³ Ashoka’s views on dhamma and conquests of
³ Contemporary of Mahmud of Ghazni. Samudragupta, and several others would have
³ When Mahmud conquered part of central Asia, he took remained unknown without their epigraphs.
Al-Beruni with him. ³ Limitation of inscription: they never speak of defeats/
weaknesses.
³ Though Al-Beruni deplored his loss of freedom, he
appreciated the favourable circumstances for his work. ASHOKAN INSCRIPTION
³ Unlike Megasthenese, Al-Beruni studied Sanskrit ³ These were recorded in different years of his reign and
language and tried to gain a precise knowledge of
are called edicts because they are in the form of the
Indian sources. The list of works consulted by him
king’s order or desire.
is long and impressive. His observations range from
philosophy, religion, culture, society to science, ³ They also give a glimpse of Ashoka’s image and
literature, art and medicine. personality as a benevolent king concerned with the
³ Al-Beruni’s work can be termed as fairly objective and welfare of not only his subjects but also of the whole
wherever he has faltered- is not because of any other humanity.
reason but his lack of proper understanding. ³ These are found written in four scripts.
³ Does not give any political information of his times.
³ Comparatively free from religious or racial biases. LANGUAGE USED IN ASHOKAN INSCRIPTIONS
³ While Al-Beruni CNUQRQUUGUUCYGNNFGſPGFTGNKIKQWU
Empire Script used in Ashokan Edicts
and hermeneutics awareness, he was essentially a
scholar and not driven to preach his faith. He was Afghanistan 1. Aramaic 2. Greek scripts
essentially a scholar and not driven to preach his faith. Pakistan 3. Kharoshthi. Kharoshthi
³ However, sometime Al-Beruni does show his evolved on the Varnantata
annoyance when he says sarcastically, “… the Hindus system of the Indian languages
believe that there is no country but theirs, no nation is written from right to left.
like theirs, no kings like theirs, no religion like theirs,
no science like theirs”. Kalsi in the north 4. Brahmi.
in Uttaranchal upto ³ written from left to right.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOURCES Mysore in the south.
³ Its individual letters were
OQFKſGFEGPVWT[CHVGTEGPVWT[
MEGALITHS :
and through this process all
³ Some people in South India, buried their dead with the scripts of India, including
tools, weapons, potteries etc. Such graves were Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and
encircled by a big piece of stone. These structures Malayalam in the south and
are called Megaliths. Nagari, Gujarati, Bangla., etc.
in the north have developed
CARBON-DATING PRINCIPLE from it.
³ Half life period during which, half of the material ³ This modification in the
decays out. form of individual letters
³ Half-life of C14 is 5730 years. gave another advantage. It
³ Carbon is associated with all living beings. has made it roughly possible
³ When an object ceases to live, it stops receiving fresh to ascertain the time or
supply of Carbon C14 the century in which the
inscription was written.

OLE - 22
 Indian History

FIROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ ³ Some coins were issued by merchants and guilds with

INDIAN HISTORY
³ He found an Ashokan Pilar inscription from Topra, permission of rulers prove that commerce had became
Haryana, brought it to Delhi and asked Pandits to important in later history of Ancient India.
decipher it. They failed. ³ Largest number of coins found in post-Maurya period
³ Later, British started epigraphic studies in the late trade had increased.
eighteenth century and deciphered it. ³ Coins found in systematic excavations are less
in number but are very valuable because their
JAMES PRINSEP EJTQPQNQI[CPFEWNVWTCNEQPVGZVECPDGſZGFRTGEKUGN[
³ Made a complete chart of Ashokan Alphabets in 1837.
After this the study of epigraphs became a subject in TYPES OF COINS
itself. India is particularly rich in epigraphic material.
PUNCH-MARKED
*GYCUVJGſTUVRGTUQPVQFGEKRJGT#UJQMCP'FKEVU
³ Earliest coins
³ Inscriptions of the Indo-Greeks, Saka-kshatrapas and
Kushanas adopt Indian names within two or three ³ Punch-marked coins are the earliest coins of India
generations. These inscriptions show them engaged in and they bear only symbols on them.
social and religious welfare activities like any other Indian. ³ Each symbol is punched separately, which sometimes
overlap the another.
SANSKRIT
³ They do not bear any inscription, or legend on them·
³ Most of the Gupta epigraphs give genealogy. This These have been found throughout the country from
became the practice of the subsequent dynasties. Taxila to Magadha to Mysore or even further south.
They took the opportunity to give an account of their ³ The earliest punch-marked coins were made largely
conquests and achievements of their predecessor of silver, though a few copper coins also existed.
including mythology of their origins. Some gold punch-marked coins are also reported to
³ Sanskrit came to occupy a prune place since the have been found, but they are very rare and their
Gupta period. authenticity is doubtful.
J u n a g a r h R o c k of Rudradaman is considered INDO-GREEK
inscription as an early example of chaste ³ +VYGTGVJG+PFQ)TGGMTWNGTUYJQſTUVQHCNNKUUWGF
Sanskrit, written in mid second the gold coin.
century A.D.
³ The portrait or bust of the king on the observe side
Allahabad Pillar enumerates the achievements of appear to be real portraits.
Samudragupta ³ On the reverse some deity is depicted.
³ From these coins we know that than forty indo-Greek
Aihole inscription. Chalukya king Pulkeshin II gives
rulers who ruled in a small north-western region of
a dynastic genealogy.
India.
Gwalior inscription of Bhoja gives full account of ³ We know about several Saka-Parthians kings about
his predecessors and their whom we would have no information from any other
achievements. sources.

From the inscriptions we also KUSHANAS

came to know that Learned ³ Kushanas issued mostly gold coins and numerous
Brahmans (called Agraharas) copper coins which are found in most parts of north
were given grant of land, free from
India up to Bihar.
all taxes.
³ +PFKCPKPƀWGPEGECPDGUGGPQPVJGOHTQOVJGXGT[
COINS/NUMISMATICS beginning.
³ We could not have known about most of the Indo
³ The coins of Vima KadphisesDGCTVJGſIWTGQH5KXC
Greek, Saka-Parthian and Kushana kings without
UVCPFKPIDGUKFGCDWNN*GYCUVJGſTUVRGTUQPYJQ
numismatic sources.
issued gold coins on a large scale.
³ After inscriptions, coins/Numismatics is considered as
³ In the legend on these coins the king calls himself
the second most important source for reconstructing
Maheshwara, i.e. devotee of Siva.
the history of India.
³ Kanishka, Huvishka and Vasudeva etc. all have this
³ Ancient India did not have banking system. People
kept money in earthen posts as precious hoards. depiction on their coins.
.CVGT VJG[ŏTG HQWPF YJKNG FKIIKPI ſGNF QT GZECXCVKPI ³ 9G ſPF many Indian gods and goddesses depicted
foundation for the construction of a building, making on Kushana coins besides many Persian and Greek
road etc. deities.

OLE - 23
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

GUPTAS
Chalukyas of Vishnuvardhana Vengi
INDIAN HISTORY

³ Issued largest number of Gold coins. Vengi

³ Guptas appear to have succeeded Kushanas in the
Chalukyas of Vijayaditya Manyakhet
tradition of minting coins. They completely Indianised
Kalyani
their coinage
³ Kings are depicted engaged in activities like hunting Rashtrakutas Dantidurg Manyakhet
a lion or rhinoceros, holding a bow or battle- Slave Dynasty Qutubuddin Aibak Delhi
axes, playing musical instrument or performing
Ashwamedh yajna. Khalji Dynasty Jalalludin Khalji Delhi

EXCAVATIONS Tughlaq Dynasty Ghiyasuddin Delhi

Tughlaq
³ In addition to epigraphic and numismatic sources
there are many other antiquarian remains which Saiyyads Khizr Khan Delhi
speak much about our past. Lodi Dynasty Bahlol Lodi Delhi
³ Temples and sculptures are found all over the country
Pandayas Nediyan Madurai
right from the Gupta period upto recent times.
³ These show architectural and artistic history of the Cholas Vijayalaya Tanjaur
Indians. Yadavas Bhillan Devagiri
³ They excavated large caves in the hills in Western
Hoysalas Vishnuvardhan Dwarasamudra
India which are mostly Chaitya and viharas.
Sangam Dynasty Harihar and Bukka Vijaynagar
IMPORTANT DYNASTIES, FOUNDER Saluvas Narsingha Vijaynagar
AND CAPITAL
Tuluvas Vir Narsingha Vijaynagar
Dnasty Founder Capital
Haryanka Dynasty Bimbisara Rajgriha Aravidu Dynasty Tirumala Penukonda

Shishunaga Shisunaga Vaishali Bahmani Dynasty Hasan Gangu Gulbarga

Dynasty Qutubshahi Quli Qutubshah Golkunda
Nanda Dynasty Mahapadmananda Pataliputra Dynasty

Maurya Dynasty Chandragupta Patliputra Adilshahi Dynasty Adilshah Bijapur

Maurya
Nizamshahi Malik Ahmad Ahmednagar
Shunga Dynasty Pushyamitra Patliputra Dynasty
Shunga
Imadshahi Amir ul Barid Bidar
Kanva Dynasty Vasudeva Pataliputra Dynasty
Satavahanas Simuka Paithan
Solanki Dynasty Mulraj Anhilwara
Kushanas Kujula Kadphises Purushpura
Kalchuris Kokkal Tripuri
Guptas Sri Gupta Patliputra
Sharqui Dynasty Malik Sarvar Jaunpur
Hunas Toraman Sialkot
Mughal Dynasty Babur Delhi/Agra
Vardhans Pushyabhuti Thaneswar/
Kannauj Bhonsle Dynasty Shivaji Raigarh
Sena Dynasty Samanta Sena Lakhnauti Pala Dynasty Gopala Munger
Parmaras Upendra Dhara Hyderabad State Nizam-ul-Mulk Hyderabad
Chandellas Nannuk Khajuraho/ Karkota Dynasty Durlabhvardhan Kashmir
Mahoba
Utpal Dynasty Avantivarman Kashmir
Gahadvalas Chandradeva Kannauj
Gurjar Pratiharas Nagabhatta-I Kanauj Lohar Dynasty Sangramraj Kashmir

Pallava Dynasty Simbhavishnu Kanchipuram Vakatakas Vindhyashakti Nandivard-

han
Chalukyas of Pulakesin-I Badami
Badami Faruqi Dynasty Malik Raza Burhanpur

OLE - 24
 Indian History

1756-1763 – Third Carnatic War.

INDIAN HISTORY
IMPORTANT BATTLES OF INDIAN HISTORY
1757 – Battle of Plassey. Siraj-ud-daulah, the Nawab of
327-326 B.C. – Alexander invades India. Defeats Porus in Bengal, defeated by Clive.
the Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum) 326 B.C. 1760 – Battle of Wandiwash, in which the English under
305 B.C. – Chandragupta Maurya defeats the Greek king Sir Eyre Coote defeated the French under Count de
Seleucus. Lally.
261 B.C. – The Kalinga War. Conquest of Kalinga by 1762 – Third Battle of Panipat. Marathas defeated by
Ashoka. Ahmad Shah Abdali.
155 B.C. – Menander’s invasion of India. 1764 – Battle of Buxar. The English (under Munro)
90 B.C. – The Sakas invade India. defeated Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal and Nawab
A.D. 454 –6JGſTUV*WPCKPXCUKQP Shuja-ud-daulah of Awadh and Mughal Emperor Shah
A.D. 495 – The second Huna invasion. Alam II.
1767-1769 – First Mysore War.
A.D. 711-712 – The Arab invasion of Sind under Mohammed-
bin-Qasim. 1774 – The Rohilla War between the Rohillas and
the Nawab of Awadh supported by the East India
1000-1027 – Mahmud Ghazni invades India 17 times.
Company.
1175-1206– Invasions of Muhammad Ghori. First
1775-1782 – First Maratha War.
Battle of Tarain, 1191, Prithvi Raj Chauhan defeats
Muhammad Ghori; Second Battle of Tarain, 1192, 1780-1784 – Second Mysore War.
Muhammad Ghori defeats Prithviraj Chauhan; Battle 1792 – Third Mysore War.
of Chandawar, 1194, Muhammad Ghori defeats 1799 – Fourth Mysore War. Defeat and death of Tipu
Jayachandra Gahadvala of Kannauj. Sultan.
1294 – Alauddin Khalji invades the Yadava kingdom of 1802-1804 – Second Maratha War.
&GXCIKTK6JGſTUV6WTMKUJKPXCUKQPQHVJG&GEECP 1817-1818 – Third Maratha War.
1398 – Taimur invades India. Defeats the Tughlaq Sultan 1845-1846 – First Sikh War.
Mahmud Shah; the Sack of Delhi. 1846 – Battle of Aliwal between the English and the
1526 – Babur invades India and defeats the last Lodi Sikhs. The Sikhs defeated.
Sultan Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat. 1848-1849 – Second Sikh War and annexation of the
1539-1540 – Battle of Chausa or Ghaghra (1539) and Punjab to British India.
Kanauj or Ganges (1540) in which Sher Shah defeats 1857 – The Revolt of 1857 (The First War of Indian
Humayun. Independence).
1545 – Battle (siege) of Kalinjar and death of Sher Shah
IMPORTANT INDIAN RULER, DYNASTY
Suri.
AND TITLES
1556 – Second Battle of Panipat. Akbar defeats Hemu.
Rulers Dynasty Titles
1565 – Battle of Raktakshasi-Tangadi (Talikota) in which
the forces of the empire of Vijayanagar under King Bimbisara Haryank Shrenika
Sadasiva Raya and his regent Rama Raya routed by
Ajatshatru Haryank Kunika
the confederate forces of the Deccani states of Bijapur,
Golkunda, Ahmadnagar, and Bidar. Mahapadmananda Nanda Agrasen
1576 – Battle of Haldighati. Akbar defeats Rana Pratap Dhanananda Nanda Agramese
of Mewar.
Chandragupta Maurya Sandrocottus,
1632-1633–Conquest of Ahmadnagar by Shah Jahan. Maurya Androcottus
1658 – Battles of Dharmat (April-May 1658) and
Bindusara Maurya Amitraghat
Samugarh (June 8, 1658). Dara Shikoh, eldest son of
Shah Jahan, defeated by Aurangzeb. Ashoka Maurya Devanampiya
1665 – Shivaji defeated by Raja Jai Singh and Treaty of Piyadassi
Purandhar. Chandragupta II Gupta Vikramaditya
1739 – Invasion of India by Nadir Shah.
Harshvardhana Pushyabhuti Siladitya
1746 – First Carnatic War.
1748-1754 – Second Carnatic War.

OLE - 25
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

ANCIENT INDIA
INDIAN HISTORY

Narsimhavarman I Pallava Vatapikonda

Amoghvarsha Rashtrakuta Vir Narayan PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD

Pulakesin II Chalukyas Parmeshvar ³ The Pre-historic phase can be roughly divided into 3
(Vatapi) parts i.e., paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic.
Mahendravarman I Pallava Vichitrachita PALEOLITHIC AGE
Govinda III Rashtrakuta Jagtung (5,00,000-10,000 B.C.) (OLD STONE AGE)
Vikramaditya IV Chalukyas Tribhuvan, ³ Paleolithic Culture developed in the Pleistocene period
(Kalyani) Malla (Ice coverd the earth surface)
³ Robert Bruce Foote (British geologist and archaeologist)
Vikramaditya II Chalukyas Sikandar
(Vengi) YCUFKUEQXGTGFſTUV2CNCGQNKVJKEVQQNKP+PFKC
³ The main tools used during this period are handaxes,
Ibrahim Qutubshah Qutubshahi Malik Brahim
ENGCXGTU%JQRRGTUƀCMGUDWTKPUUETCRGTU
Qutubuddin Aibek Slave dy- Lakh Baksh, ³ Their tools were made up of hard rock called ‘quartzite’.
nasty Malik
³ The paleolithic sites are spread in practically all parts
Jauna Khan Tughlaq Muhammad bin of India except the alluvial plains of the Indus and
Tughlaq, Ulug Ganga.
Khan ³ The people of this age lived on hunting and gathering
Hala Gautami Putra Satvahana Kavivatsal wild fruits and vegetables.
³ Man during this period used tools of unpolished,
Satkarni Satvahana Kshatriya Darp
Mardan undressed rough stones and lived in cave rock
shelters.
Kanishka Kushana Devaputra
³ They had no knowledge of agriculture, ſTG, or pottery
RajaRaja Chola Mummadi of any metal.
Chola, ³ Important Sites : Hathnora, Narmada Valley
Arumoli, Raj Pallavaram, Chennai, Bhimbetka, M.P., Adamgarh,
Kesari
M.P.
Rajendra I Chola Gangaikonda ³ Homo sapiensſTUVCRRGCTGFKPVJGNCUVQHVJKURJCUG
Chola ³ It has been pointed out that Paleolithic men belonged
Mahmud Ghazni Ghazni Yamin-ud-Daula to the Negrito race.
³ The Paleolithic Age in India has been divided into
Krishnadevaraya Tuluva Andhra Bhoj,
three phases according to the nature of stone tools
Yavanraj Sthap-
- Early or lower Paleolithic, middle Paleolithic and
anacharya
upper Paleolithic.
Ibrahim Lodi Lodi Ibrahim Shah
MESOLITHIC AGE
Babar Mughal Ghazi
(10,000-6,000 B.C.) (MIDDLE STONE AGE)
Sher Shah Sur Hazrat-i-Ala
³ It was the transitional phase between the Paleolithic
Bairam Khan Mughal Khan Baba Age and the Neolithic Age
³ Blade, Mesolithic tools are microliths.
Akbar Mughal Islam-i-Adil
³ Blade, Core, Point, Triangle, Lunate and Trapeze are
Jahangir Mughal Shekh Salim the main types of Mesolithic tools.
Mehrunissa Mughal Nurjahan ³ Important sites of Mesolithic Age are Bagor, Langhraj,
Sarai Nahar Rai, Birbhanpur.
Dara Shikoh Mughal Shah-Iqbal
³ Bhimbetka, Adamgarh and Mirzapur.
Aurangzeb Mughal Alamgir, Ghazi
³ According to excavated evidence, the earliest
Shivaji Marathas Chhatrapati evidences of domestication of animals in India have
been found at Adamgarh, M.P. and Bagor, Rajasthan.
Balaji Bajirao Marathas Nana Saheb

OLE - 26
 Indian History

Civilization because the first excavated site is

INDIAN HISTORY
CHALCOLITHIC CULTURE
Harappa.
Name of the ³ It belongs to the Bronze Age.
Period
Culture ³ Major Settlements are in the Ghaggar-Hakra belt.
Kayatha 2000-1800 B.C. ³ More than 1000 sites have been excavated.
Ahar or Banas 2000-1400 B.C. ³ Copper, bronze, silver, gold were known but not iron.
Savalda 2000-1800 B.C. ³ Seals were made up of steatite
³ Majority of the seals have an animal engraved on it
Malwa 1700-1200 B.C. with a short inscription. The most frequently found
Prabhas 1800-1500 B.C. animal is unicorn bull.
Rangpur 1400-700 B.C. ³ Earliest evidence of Silver.
Chirand 1500-750 B.C. Manda
(Kashmir)
³ Bone implements have been reported from Sarai
Nahar Rai, Damdama and Mahadaha, as per book N
Sutkagendor Alamgirpur
Puratattva Vimarsh written by Dr. Jai Narayan (Pakistan) W E (Uttar Pradesh)
Pandey.
³ Three human Skeltons in a single grave were
S
recovered at Damdama, U.P. A grave with four
human skeltons have been found at Sarai Nahar Rai. Daimabad
³ People in mesolithic age were still dependent on (Maharashtra)
hunting but how they began domesticating animals
like dog, sheep goat etc. Bhimbetka
Ŗ (COQWUHQT2TGJKUVQTKERCKPVKPIU
NEOLITHIC AGE (6000-2500 B.C.) NEW STONE AGE)
Ŗ 70'5%1KPENWFGF2CKPVKPIUKPVJGNKUVQHKVUYQTNF
³ The term ‘Neolithic’ was coined by Sir John Lubbock heritage.
in his book ‘Pre Histroic Times’.
Ŗ %CXGUUKVWCVGFKP#DFWNNCJICPL4CKUGP
³ The beginning of agriculture was the most important
District (M.P.)
discovery of this age.
³ Neolithic men cultivated land and grew fruits and corn ³ They worshipped, Proto-Shiva, Mother-Goddess, Bull,
like ragi and horse gram. They domesticated cattle, and Pipal tree.
sheep and goat.
³ The pictures of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, deer,
³ Important sites are Gufkaral, Burzahom, Chirand,
sheep, etc. are depicted on the seals and terracotta
Mehargarh, Piklihal.
arts of Harappan culture.
³ Chopani Mando provides the earliest evidence of the
use of pottery in the World. ³ Cow was not depicted on the seals and terracotta art
³ The Earliest evidence of Settled life in Mehrgarh. of the Harappan cultures.
³ Earliest evidence of agriculture – Mehrgarh (Pakistan) ³ People worshiped Shiva (Rudra).
and in Indian Sub-Continent - Lahuradeva (U.P.). ³ Harappan civilization was the ſTUVWTDCPEKXKNK\CVKQP.
³ The First Cereal used by man – Barley, around 8000 ³ Most of the sites of Harappan civilisation is found in
B.C. state of Gujarat.
STONE - COPPER PHASE (CHALCOLITHIC PHAGE) ³ #NGZCPFGT %WPPKPIJCO YCU VJG ſTUV CTEJGQNQIKUV
(3500 BC TO 2500 BC) who excavated Harappa, but could not recognize its
³ Chalcolithic people were not acquainted with burnt UKIPKſECPEG
brick. ³ Their Pottery was red or black Pottery.
³ People used different types of Pottery of which Black ³ The script was pictographic.
and Red ware was most popular.
³ The writing was Boustrophedon.
³ They worshipped Mother Goddess and Bull.
³ Mohenjodaro a Sindhi word meaning “Mound of the
³ They generally lived in thatched houses.
dead.”
³ Ash mounds have been fround from a Neolithic site
Sangana Kallu. ³ Rakhigarhi is the latest site discovered in India and
³ The evidence of burying the dog with human body is Dholariron is the second largest site.
found in Burzahom (J & K). ³ +PFWURGQRNGYGTGVJGſTUVVQRTQFWEGcotton in the
³ The evidence of pit dwelling Burzahom. world.
HARAPPAN OR INDUS VALLEY CIVILISATION Note : Two big mounds of Harappan sites found at
Rakhigarhi in Hisar district of Haryana in January
³ According to Radio Carbon dating Harappan
civilization developed between 2500 B.C. to 1750 B.C. 2014. It has led to archaeologists establishing it
³ Indus Civilization is also called as Harappan as the biggest Harappan civilization site.

OLE - 27
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

Site : Archaecological Finds

INDIAN HISTORY

Harappa : Stone symbols of Lingam (male sex organ) and Yoni (female sex organ), Painted pottery, Clay
ſIWTGUQH/QVJGT)QFFGUU9JGCVCPF$CTNG[KPYQQFGPOQTVCT%QRRGTUECNG%TWEKDNGHQT
DTQP\G%QRRGTOCFGOKTTQT8CPKV[DQZ&KEG)TCPCTKGUKPTQY9QTMKPIƀQQTU9QTMOGPŏU
quarters, Virgin-Goddess (seal), Cemetery (R-37, H).
Mohenjodaro : Great Bath, Great Granery (the largest building of civilization), Assembly hall, Shell strips,
Pashupati Mahadeva/Proto-Shiva (seal), Bronze Image of a nude woman dancer, Steatite image
of bearded man*WOCPUMGNGVQPUJWFFNGFVQIGVJGT6JGGXKFGPEGQHCP+PFKCPUJKR
ſIWTGFQP
CUGCN2CKPVGFUGCN
&GOK)QF%NC[ſIWTGUQH/QVJGT)QFFGUU#HTCIOGPVQHYQXGPEQVVQP
Brick Kilns, 2 Mesopotamian seals, 1398 seals (57% of total seals of Harappan civilization), Dice.
Chanhudaro : City without a citadel, Inkpot, Lipstick; Metal-workers’, shell-ornament makers’ and bead-mak-
ers’ shops; Imprint of dog’s paw on a brick, Terracotta model of a bullock cart, Bronze toy cart.
Lothal : Dockyard, Rice husk; Metal-workers’, shell-ornament makers’ and bead-makers’ shopes; Fire
CNVCTU6GTTCEQVVCſIWTKPGQHCJQTUG&QWDNGDWTKCN
DWT[KPICOCNGCPFCHGOCNGKPCUKPING
grave), Terracotta model of a ship, Dying vat, Persian / Iranian seal, Baharainean seal, Painted
jar (bird and fox).
Kalibanga : 2NQWIJGFſGNFUWTHCEG (Pre-Harappan), 7 Fire altars, Decorated bricks, Wheels of a toy cart,
Mesopotamian cylindrical seal, camel bone.
Banawali : Lack of chess-board or gridiron pattern town planning, Lack of systematic drainage system,
6Q[RNQWIJ%NC[ſIWTGUQH/QVJGT)QFFGUU
Dholavira : A unique water harnessing system and its storm water drainage system, a large “well and
a bath (giant water reservoirs), Only site to be divided into 3 parts, Largest Harappan
inscription used for civic purposes, A stadium.
Surkotada : Bones of horse, Oval grave, Pot burials.
Daimabad : Bronze images (Charioteer with chariot, ox, elephant and rhinoceros)

IMPORTANT HARAPPAN SITES

Site Excavator Present Position
Harappa Dayaram Shahani (1921) Montogomery (Punjab) Pakistan
Mohenjodaro Rakhal Das Banerjee (1922) Sindh (Pakistan)
Kalibanga Amlananda Ghosh, B. B. Lal Hanumangarh (Rajasthan)
Lothal S. R. Rao (1957) Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
Banwali R. S. Bist (1973) Hissar (Haryana)
Rangpur M. S. Vatsa (1931) Gujarat (near Madar river)
Ropar Y. D. Sharma (1955-56) Punjab (Sutlej Bank)
Alamgirpur Y. D. Sharma Meerut (Hindon river)
Sutkagendor A. Stein, George Dales Baluchistan (Dashak river)
Surkotada J. P. Joshi (1964) Gujarat (Kuchchh Plain)
Dabarkot Macay (1935) Baluchistan
Chanhudaro N. G. Majumdar (1931) Sindh (Pakistan)
Ali Murad K. M. Kazzak Sindh (Pakistan)
Mitathal Punjab University Bhiwani
Rakhi Garhi Suraj Bhan Jind (Haryana)
Sutkakoh Dales (1962) 8 km from Perin
Manda Jagpati Joshi Akhnur

OLE - 28
 Indian History

INDIAN HISTORY
TOWNS NEAR RIVER BANKS
Towns Rivers Towns Rivers
Mohenjodaro Indus Harappa Ravi
Banwali Ghagghar Kalibanga Ghagghar
Lothal Bhogava Rojdi Bhadar
Malavan Tapti Sutkakoh Shadi Kaur
Sutkagendor Dashak Chanhudaro Indus
Bhagtrav -KUUCICTEQPƀWGPEG Alamgirpur Hindon
Rangpur Bhadar Kot Diji Indus

THEORIES OF DECLINE OF HARAPPAN CIVILIZATIONS

Cause Historian
Aryan invasion Wheeler, Gordon, Childe
Ecological disturbance Fairservice
Change in river course Dales, M.S. Vatsa
Low rainfall Stein
Flood Maickey, S. R. Rao
Drying of Ghaghar D. P. Agrawal and Sood
Earthquake Raikes and Dales

THE VEDIC AGE (1500-600 B.C.)

THE EARLY VEDIC PERIOD (1500-1000 B.C.) ³ King was elected in Samiti.
³ It is also known as Rig Vedic Age. ³ ‘Gana’ is mentioned for 46 places in Rigveda.
³ Rig Vedic Age gives us knowledge about the Aryans ³ Leader of Gana was called as ‘Ganapati’.
they came in India from central Asia (Steppe region). ³ Dasyus were the most bitter enemies of the Rigvedic
³ The earliest Aryans lived in the land of ‘Sapta people.
Sindhava’ i.e., land of Seven rivers. ³ Rigvedic people were not aware of Iron.
³ The early vedic society was Pastoral. ³ Indra was the most important God.
³ Cattle was the chief measure of wealth and wealthy ³ Indra was known as Purandar, Vritrahan and
man was called ‘Gomat’. Marutavant.
³ The term Aghanya or not to be killed, has been used ³ Varuna Uphold the natural order and moral order
for cows. (Rita).
³ The Raja or chief is called ‘Gopati’. ³ Varuna was punisher of sin.
³ In the Rigveda Godhuli is used as a term for a measure ³ Agni was called as Bhuvan-chakshu.
of time. ³ IXth book is devoted to Soma.
³ Apart from Yava or Barley, no other grain is mentioned. ³ Gayatri Mantra is mentioned in IIIrd Mandal of
³ Indra was the greatest God of Aryans Agni occupied Rigveda.
the second position. ³ Asvins and Nasatyas were divine physicians.
³ VarunaQEEWRKGFVJGVJKTFRQUKVKQPCPFJGRGTUQPſGF ³ Yama was the Lord of the dead.
water. ³ Aditi is the mother of Surya.
³ The Battle of Ten Kings ended with the victory of the ³ Varuna bears the title ‘Asura’.
Bharatas led by Sudas. ³ River Indus was the most important river in Vedic
³ The Battle of Ten Kings held on the back of river Ravi. period.
³ Gayatri Mantra is attributed to Savitri. Aditi was ³ River Sarswati was the most sacred river in Vedic
goddess of eternity. period. It referred as matetama, Devitama, Naditama
³ Widow marriage and Niyoga prevailed in the society. in the Rig veda.
³ Important functionaries were Purohita, Senani, and ³ The word ‘yava’ mentioned in Rig veda is used for the
gramini. food grain Barley.
³ Important tribal Assemblies were Sabha, Samiti,
Vidath and Gana. THE LATER VEDIC PERIOD (1000-600 B.C.)
³ Sabha performed judicial and administrative ³ The period assigned to later Vedic phase is 1000 B.C.
functions. to 600 B.C.
³ King attended Sabha but was not elected by it. ³ These communities used a particular kind of pottery
³ Samiti is mentioned nine–times in Rigveda. called the Painted Grey Ware (PGW).
³ Samiti was presided over by king. ³ More than 700 PGW sites have been found in the upper

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

Ganga basin. Some important PGW sites are Atranji ³ Rudra was the God of animals.
INDIAN HISTORY

Khera, Ahichhatra, Noh, Hastinapur, Kurukshetra, ³ Institution of Gotra appeared during later vedic period.
Bhagwanpura and Jakhera. ³ Duties of four varnas are given in Aatreya Brahamana.
³ Iron objects are common to most PGW sites. This ³ Three roomed mud house has been discovered at
metal was introduced around 1000-800 B.C. It is Bhagwanpura.
mentioned as Ayas.
³ Largest deposit of Iron weapon have been found at
³ Society was clearly divided into four Varnas namely– Atranjikhera.
Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudras.
³ Two furnaces for iron smelting have been found at
³ The upper three classes were known as Dvij (twice
Suneri village in Jhunjhunu district.
born).
³ Legend of ‘Videha Madhav’ is mentioned in Satapatha
³ Education begin with investiture ceremony
Brahamana.
(upanayana).
³ Eight forms of marriages are given in Ashvalahayan
³ Sometimes girls were also initiated. Woman lost
Grihyasutra.
Importance.
³ Satapatha Brahamana says that ‘wife is half her
³ GotraſTUVCRRGCTGFKP#VJCTXCXGFCYKVJVJGOGCPKPI
of clan. husband’.
³ There was practice of class exogamy. ³ Women enjoyed freedom and respect but their status
deteriorated compared to the early vedic period.
³ There was reference to sati but not in common fashion.
³ Earliest clear reference to the four ashrams is given
³ There were instances of child marriage.
in Jabala Upnishad.
³ Indra and Agni lost their importance. Prajapati (the
creator) became supreme. THE VEDIC LITERATURE
³ Vishnu came to be conceived as the preserver and
³ The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Vidi’
protector of the people.
meaning, to know or knowledge par excellence.
³ Pushan became God of Shudras.
³ Vedic texts are divided between Sruti (based on
³ 5CETKſEGUDGECOGOQTGKORQTVCPVCPFGNCDQTCVG
hearing), which is distinct from Smriti (based on
³ There were 33 deities during later Vedic period.
memory).
³ 6JGMKPIŏUKPƀWGPEGYCUUVTGPIVJGPGFD[TKVWCNU
³ Rajasuya conferred supreme power on king. ³ Four Vedas and their Samhitas, the Brahmanas,
³ Chariot racing was the main sport and gambling was the Aranyakas and the Upanishads form a class of
the main pastime. literature known as Sruti.
³ Vajapeya was a drink of strength. RIG VEDA
³ AswamedhaYCUVJGJQTUGUCETKſEG
³ It is divided into 10 Books or Mandalas. Books II to VII
³ Kings were known with different names in different
region. are considered the oldest. Book I, VIII and X seem to
be later additions.
N (Virat)
³ A collection of 1028 hymns of a number of priestly
families.
³ Written between 1700-1500 B.C. when Aryans were
still in Punjab.
(Svarat) W (E) (Samrat)
Raja
³ Its also called as family books. They are attributed to
Gritsamada, Visvamitra, Vasudeva, Atri, Bhardwaj,
Vashishtha, Kanva and Angiras.
³ The IX mandala is dedicated exclusively to Soma.
S (Bhoja) ³ The singer of the Rig veda is called the Hotra.
³ Gayatri Mantra is the most sacred hymn of Rig Veda.
³ Earliest evidence of medicine comes from Atharvaveda.
Mentioned in 3rd mandal, written by Viswamitra.
³ Parikshit has been called as the king of ‘Mrituloka in
Atharvaveda’. YAJUR VEDA
³ King used to visit the house of each Ratnin in ³ A ritualistic Veda.
Ratnavimshi ceremony.
³ It is divided into Shukla Yajurveda and Krishna
³ A regular army was maintained for the protection of
the kingdom. Yajurveda.
³ Atharvaveda mentions Sabha and Samiti as daughters ³ Written in prose, it deals with procedure for
of Prajapati. RGTHQTOCPEGQHUCETKſEGUCPFEQPVCKPUTKVWCNUCUYGNN
³ According to Kathak Samhita 24 oxen were employed as hymns.
for agriculture. ³ The singer of the Yajur Veda is called Ardhavayu.
³ During later vedic period Prajapati came to occupy
the Supreme position. SAMA VEDA
³ Pushan was the God of Shudras. ³ Sam Veda derives its roots from Saman, which means
a melody.

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 Indian History

³ A collection of melodies. ³ Yajur Veda—Shatapatha (the oldest and the largest

INDIAN HISTORY
³ It contains the Dhrupada Raga. Brahamana) and Taittariya.
³ The singer of Sama Veda is called Udgata. Atharva Veda—Gopatha.
³ The word Aranya means ‘the forest’. The ‘forest texts’
ATHARVA VEDA were called Aranyaka, because they were written
³ A collection of 711 hymns, it is divided into 20 mainly for the hermits and the students living in
khandas. jungles. The Aranyaka are the concluding portions
³ It is the latest Veda. of the Brahamanas.
³ Atharva Veda is a book of magical formula medicinal ³ The Upanishadas are philosphical texts. They are
treatises etc. generally called Vedanta, as they came towards
the end of the Veda. There are 108 Upanishadas.
³ It contains charms and spell to ward off evil and
Vrihadaranyaka is the oldest Upanishada.
disease.
³ The word Satyameva Jayate has been taken from
³ Its content throws light on the practices of non-
Mundakopa-nishad.
Aryans.
³ The word Tamsoma Jyotirgamaya is mentioned in
³ In Atharvaveda, Sabha and Samiti are described as Brihadaranyaka Upanishada.
uterine sisters–The two daughters of Prajapati.
³ This veda is also known as Brahma Veda. LITERATURE OF VEDIC TRADITION (600 BC-600 AD)
³ Literature of Vedic Tradition (Smriti i.e. rememberance
VEDIC LITERATURE (1500 BC-600 BC)
literature) comprises of 6 literary works : 1. Vedangas/
³ It is presumed that the Rig Veda was composed while Sutras 2. Smritis Dharmashastras 3. Mahakavyas
the Aryans were still in the Punjab. (Epics) 4. Puranas 5. Upvedas 6. Shad-Dharshanas.
³ Vedic Literature comprises of four literary productions: ³ There are six Vedangas :
1. The Samhitas or Vedas 2. The Brahamans 3. The (i) Shiksha (Phonetics): Pratishakhya’-the oldest text
Aranyakas 4. The Upanishads. on phonetics.
³ Vedic Literature had grown up in course of time (ii) Kalpa Sutras (Rituals) : (a) Shrauta Sutras/
and was really handed down from generation to 5JWNXC5WVTCŌFGCNYKVJVJGUCETKſEGU
D)TKJ[C
generation. Hence these are called Shruti (to hear). Sutras—deal with family ceremonies, (c) Dharma
³ The most important of Vedic Literature are Veda. Sutras—deal with Varnas, Ashramas etc.
Vedas are called Apaurasheva i.e. not created by man (iii) Vyakarana (Grammar) : ‘Ashtadyayi’ (Panini) —
but God-gifted and Nitya i.e. existing in all eternity. oldest grammar of the word.
³ There are four Vedas—Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur (iv) Nirukta (Etymology) : ‘Nirukta’ (Yask) based on
Veda and Atharva Veda. 6JG ſTUV VJTGG 8GFCU CTG Ŏ0KIJCPVWŏ
-CUJ[CRōCEQNNGEVKQPQHFKHſEWNVXGFKE
jointly called Vedatrayi i.e. trio of Vedas. words—(‘Nighantu’—the oldest word-collection of
³ Of the four Vedas, the Rig Veda (Collection of lyrics) the-world; ‘Nirukta’—the oldest dictionary of the
is the oldest text in the wold, and therefore, is also world).
MPQYP CU ŎVJG ſTUV VGUVCOGPV QH OCPMKPFŏ 6JG 4KI (v) Chhanda (Metrics) : ‘Chhandasutras’ (Pingal)–
Veda contains 1028 hymns, divided into 10 mandalas. famous text.
Six mandalas (from 2nd to 7th mandalas) are called (vi) Jyotisha (Astronomy) ‘’Vedanga Jyotisha’ (Lagadh
Gotra/ Vamsha Mandalas (Kula Granth). Muni – the oldest Jyotisha text.
³ The Sama Veda (book of chants) had 1549 hymns. All ³ There are six famous smritis : (i) Manu Smriti
hymns (excluding 75) were taken from the Rig Veda. (Pre-Gupta Period)— the oldest Smriti text;
The hymns of the Sama Veda were recited by Udgatri. Commentators : Vishwarupa, Meghatithi, Gobindraj,
This Veda is important for Indian music. Kulluk Bhatt. (ii) Yajnavalkya Smriti (Pre-Gupta
Period)— Commentators: Vishwarupa, Vijayaneshwar,
³ The Yajur Veda
DQQMQHUCETKſEKCNRTC[GTUKUCTKVWCN
Apararka (a king of Shilahar Dynasty) (iii) Narad Smriti
veda. Its hymns were recited by Adhvaryus.
(Gupta period), (iv) Parashara Smriti (Gupta period)
³ The Atharva Veda (book of magical formulae), the (v) Brihaspati Smriti (Gupta period), (vi) Katyayana
fourth and the last one, contains charms and spells Smriti (Gupta period).
to ward off evils and diseases. For a very long time it
³ There are mainly two Mahakavyas (Epics) :
was not included in the category of the Vedas.
(i) The Ramayana (Valmiki) : It is known as ‘Adi
³ The Brahmans explain the hymns of the Vedas. They
Kavya’ (the oldest epic of the world). At present, it
are written in prose and ritualistic in nature. Brahma
consists of 24,000 shlokas i.e. verses (Originally
OGCPU ŎUCETKſEGŏ 6JG XCTKQWU UCETKſEGU CPF TKVWCNU
6,000, Later - 12,000, Finally - 24,000) in 7
have been elaborately discussed in the Brahamanas.
Kandas i.e. sections. 1st and 7th Kandas were
Every Veda has several Brahamanas attached to it :
the latest additions to the Ramayana.
³ Rig Veda—Aitareya and Kaushitikij Sankhyan. (ii) The Mahabharata (Ved Vyasa) : The longest epic
³ Sam Veda—Panchvisha (Tandya Maha Brahamana), of the world. At present, it consists of 1,00,000
Shadvinsh, Chliandogya and Jaiminaya. shlokas i.e. verses (Originally–8,800-Jay Samhita,

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

Later-24,000–Chaturvinshati Sahastri Samhita/

Kubha Kabul Afghanistan
INDIAN HISTORY

Bharata, Finally-l,00,000-Shatasahastri Samhita/

Maha Bharata) in 18 Parvans i.e. chapters, plus Suvastu Swati Afghanistan
the Harivamsa supplement. Bhagavad Gita is
extracted from Bihshma Parvan of Mahabharata. Krumu Kurram Afghanistan
Shanti Parvan is the largest parvan (chapter) of the Gomati Gomal Afghanistan
Mahabarata.
³ Originally the Mahabharata is known as Jayasamhita.
³ The Purana means ‘the old’. There are 18 famous 12 Ratninas (Satapatha Brahamana)
‘Puranas’. The Matsya Purana is the oldest Puranic 1. Purohita The Priest
text. The other important Puranas are the Bhagavata, 2. Mahishi The Queen
the Vishnu, the Vayu and the Brahmanda. They
describe genealogies of various royal dynasties. 3. Yuvaraja Crown prince
³ The Upavedas (the auxiliary vedas) were traditionally 4. Suta/Sarathi The Royal herald/ the Charioteer
associated with vedas : 5. Senani The General
Upavedas Associated with
6. Gramani Head of the village
1. Ayurveda i.e. Medicine Rig Veda
2. Gandharvaveda i.e. Music Sama Veda 7. Kshata Gateman/ Chamberlain
3. Dhanurveda i.e. Archery Yajur Veda 8. Sangrahitri Treasurer
4. Shilpveda/Arthaveda i.e. Atharva Veda 9. Bhagadudha Collector of taxes
the science of craft/wealth
10. Akshavapa Courier
(Vishwakarma)
³ There are 6 schools of Indian philosophy known as 11. Palagala Friend of King
Shad-Darshanas. 12. Govikarta Head of forest department

S. Darshana Founder Basic Text TYPES OF HINDU MARRIAGE (VIVAHA)

No. Brahma Vivaha : Giving the girl to a man with
1. Sankhya Dar- Kapila Sankhya Sutra dowry.
shana Daiva Vivaha : Giving the girl to the priest himself
2. Yoga Darshana Patanjali Yoga Sutra in lieu of his fees.
Arsha Vivaha : Giving the girl to a man after
3. Nyaya Darsha- Akshapada Nayaya Sutra
accepting a bride-price.
na Gautama
Prajapatya Vivaha : Giving the girl to a man without
4. Vaishesika Dar- Uluka Vaishesika Sutra
demanding a bride-price.
shana Kanada
Gandharva Vivaha : Love marriage.
5. Miraansa/Pur- Jaimini Purva Mimansa Asura Vivaha : Marriage with a purchased girl.
va Mimansa Sutra
Rakshasa Vivaha : Marriage with the daughter
6. V e d a n t / U t - Badarayana Brahma Sutra/ of a defeated king or with a
tara-Mimansa Vedant Sutra
kidnapped girl.
Paishacha Vivaha : Marriage to a girl after seducing
Rigvedic Name Modern Region
or raping her.
Name
³ Anuloma Vivah : marriage between a bridegroom
Sindhu Indus Punjab (Pakistan) &
from an upper caste and a bride from a lower caste;
J&K
Pratiloma Vivaha-the reverse of Anuloma Vivaha.
Vitasta Jhelum Punjab J&K ³ 16 Samskaras
Asikani Chenab Punjab (Pakistan) & 1. Garbhadhana 2. Pumsavana
J&K 3. Simantonnayan 4. Jatakarma
Vipas Beas Punjab 5. Namakaran 6. Nishkramana
Parushni Ravi Punjab 7. Annaprashana 8. Chudakarma
9. Karnachhedana 10. Vidvarmbha
Sutudri Sutlej Punjab
11. Upanavana 12. Vedarambha
Saraswati Sarsuti Rajasthan 13. Samavaratana 14. Vivaha
Drishadvati Ghaggar Rajasthan 15. Vanprastha 16. Antyesti.

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 Indian History

INDIAN HISTORY
RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

SOME MORE FACTS ABOUT HINDUISM

Six Systems of Philosophy

Philosophy Founder Other Scholars
Sankhya Kapila Ishwar Krishna, Vachaspati
Nyaya Akshapada Gautma Vatsayayan, Udyanacharya, Jayantbhatt
Yoga Patanjali Myas
Vaisheshika Uluka Kanada Keshav raishra, Vishvanath
Mimansa Jamini Sabrasvamin, Kumaril Bhatt
Vedanta Badrayana Shankaracharya, Vachaspati, Ramanuj, Madhvacharya etc.

Famous Religions, Founders, Holy Books & Places of Worship

Place of
Religion Founder Holy Books
Worship
Hinduism No single Founder. Ramayana, Vedas, Puranas and Geeta Temple
Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Guru Grantha Sahib Gurdwara
Christianity Jesus Christ Bible Church
Islam Prophet Mohammed Koran (Quran) Mosque
Parsi Zoroaster Zend Avesta Fire Temple
Jainism Adinath Rishabh Dev Jain Granth Jain Temple
Buddhism Gautama Buddha Tripitaka Buddha Stupa
Jew Moosa Jorah Synagogue
OTHER HETERODOX IDEAS SAIVISM
³ The origin of Saivism can be traced back to the pre-vedic
1. Makhali Putta Gosal : Popularised Ajivika Sect.
times.
™ Ajivikas believed in niyativad. ³ By the early centuries of the Christian era it was a
™ Goshala’s follower centred around Sravasti. popular sect all over India.
³ Siva was the principle deity of this sect.
2. Charvak : Believed in complete materialism.
³ Siva was worshipped in the form of Linga.
3. Purana Kassapa : Preached the doctrine of Akriya or ³ Kushan king Weem Wema Kadphises was an ardent
non-action. devotee of Siva.
4. Ajit Kesakamblin (Ucchedvad) : Preached that ³ Prakrit text Gathasaptasati has references to Siva
worship.
everything ended with death and there is no further
³ Tamil Sangam work refers to Siva as the greatest of
life after death. all gods (mamudu mudalvan).
5. Pakudha Kachchayna (Asasvatavad) : There are ³ Siva’s consort Parvati was adored as Sakti.
seven elements and the body is ultimately dissolved ³ In Satavahana kindom Parvati was worshipped as
in these seven elements. Gauri.
³ Skanda was regarded as the son of Siva.
Other Religious-ideas and their founders ³ In Tamil country Skanda was worshipped in the
Religious ideas/sect Founder Murugan form.
³ Ganesa was the younger brother of Skanda.
1. Pasupatas Lakulisa/Nakulisa ³ Ganesa was also known as Vinayak.
2. Lingayats Basava ³ The most popular Saiva sect was Pasupata sect.
3. Pratyabhijna Vasugupta ³ The Kapalika and Kalamukha sect developed much
later.
4. Spanda-sastra Kallata and Samnanda
5. Siva-Siddhanata Srikanth-Sivacharya
VARIOUS SECTS OF SAIVISM
6. Advait Shankaracharya A. PASUPATAS/NAKULISAPASUPATAS
7. Vishistadvait Ramanujacharya ³ It was founded by Lakulisa/Nakulisa/Lakulin/
Lakutin.
8. Brahm Sampradaya Madhvacharya
³ They besmear the body with ashes.
9. Sanak Sampradaya Nimbakacharya ³ It was dualistic in character.

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

³ Pasu, the individual soul-exists with Pati, the supreme II. Spanda-Sastra
INDIAN HISTORY

soul. ³ It’s founders are Kallata and Samnanda, the two

³ Dakhanata (end of misery) is attained through yoga disciples of Vasugupta.
and Vidhi. ³ The term spanda means a change from the state of
³ They observe atimargika religious practices. absolute unity to the plurality of the world.
³ The basic works are Pasupata sutras and ³ Kallata wrote Spanda-Sarvasa.
Sarvadarsansmgraha. ³ Somananda wrote Siva-dristi.
B. KALAMUKHAS/KAPALIKAS ³ It was a moderate form of Saivism.
³ It was extreme form of Saivism. VAISHNAVISM
³ They eat food in skull, eat ashes, carry pots of wine.
³ The principal deity of this sect was Vishnu.
³ They worship Bhairava as the great God with his wife
Chandika. ³ The cult of Vishnu in the early period was known by
³ 6JGRGTHQTOJWOCPUCETKſEGU the name Bhagavatism.
³ They practice yoga in order to acquire miraculous ³ Bhagavatism owed its origin to the Upanishadas.
powers. ³ Bhagavatism arose around the Mathura region.
³ They observe unconventional and horrifying practices ³ VasudevaYCUVJGEGPVTCNſIWTGKPVJG$JCICXCVCEWNV
including sexual rites. ³ Around second century B.C. Vishnu and Narayan were
³ It was an off shoots of Pasupata sect. WPKVGFCPFKFGPVKſGFCUQPGFGKV[
³ +VƀQWTKUJGFFWTKPIVJGGupta and post Gupta period. ³ Heliodorus erected a pillar with Garuda, at Besnagar
(Vidisa) near Bhopal in honour of Vasudeva.
C. MATTAMAYURAS
³ Lakshmi is Vishnu’s consort.
³ It was moderate form of Saivism. ³ Vasudeva-Krishna was the disciple of Ghora-Agnirasa.
³ It developed in central India. ³ Megasthenese refers to Krishna as Herakles of
D. VIRASAIVAS/LINGAYATAS Souraseni tribe.
³ 6GPCYCVCTCUQH8KUJPWŌ
K/CVU[C
ſUJ
KK-WTOC
³ It was founded by Basava, the Prime Minister, of (tortoise), (iii) Varaha (boar), (iv) Narasimha (man-lion),
Bijjala, the Kalachuri King. (v) Vamana (dwarf), (vi) Parasurama (Rama with axe), (vii)
³ It was anti-Brahmin in nature. Rama, (viii) Krishna, (ix) Budha, (x) Kalkin (yet to born).
³ They believe in love and self Surrender. ³ It was patronised by Guptas, Chalukyas, Hoyasalas,
³ They worship Linga and Nandi bull. Satvahanas.
³ They encouraged widow remarriage. ³ Acharyas are the great leader philosophers of
³ Their philoshophy is known as Shakti Visistadvaita Vaishnavism who defended and popularised the
soul as separable union with Para-Siva through Shakti. religion. Some of the prominent acharyas are:
³ The Para Siva is the supreme reality and Shakti is the Ramanuja, Chaitanya, Madhava, Nimbarka, Nathmuni,
power which resides in him. Yamunacharya.
³ The ultimate goal of the soul is to unit with Para-Siva,
³ The earliest reference to Krishan is found in
this state is known as Ling Samarasya which means
Chhandogya Upanishad.
unity between Linga (Siva) and Anga (soul).
³ They observed Diksha ceremony in the place of ³ The reference to Vasudeva is found in Panini’s
Upanayana in which even girls wear Linga. Ashtyadhyayi and Patanjali’s Mahabhashya.
³ They do not worship Siva in temples. ³ Narayana, the cosmic God finds mention in the
³ It was popular in Karnataka region. Satpatha Brahamana.
³ Pancharatra, a Vaishnavite school, gave the doctrine of
E. KASHMIR SAIVISM Vyuha (emancipation) according to which Sankarasana
I. Pratyabhijna (Balram), Pradumana (Krishna’s), Anirudha (Krishna’s
³ Its origin is traced to Siva-Sutras revealed to grand son) emerged out of Vasudeva.
Vasugupta. ³ It was developed and popularised in south by twelve
³ It’s founder is vasugupta (800-900 AD). saints known as Alvars.
³ It is also known as Trika/Triad because it had three ³ Nammalvar and Tirumalsalvar were the greatest of
chief religious books. twelve Alvars.
³ It regards the individual soul and the world identical
with Siva. TANTRISM
³ Pratyabhijna means realisation of the soul’s identity ³ The core of Tantrism means essentially orgiasticrites.
with Siva. ³ 6JGTKVGUKPXQNXGVJGWUGQHſXGOCMCTCU
³ The ultimate reality is Siva. ³
KOCVU[C
ſUJ
KKOCPUC
OGCV
KKKOCF[C
NKSWQT
³ Siva is known as anultara which means the reality (iv) maithuna (sex) (v) mudra (physical gestures).
beyond which there is nothing.
³ In Tantrism high status was given to female deity.
³ Salvation lies in recognition that the soul is one with
Siva. ³ Tantrism emerged as a religious factor in the sixth
³ It was a moderate form of Saivism. century A.D. and became a strong force by the ninth
³ It believed in spiritual deve-lopment. century.
³ Some of greatest exponents were Utpalachara, ³ The Tantric priest act as a priest, physician, astrologer
³ Abhinavgupta and his disciple Kshemraja. and shraman.

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 Indian History

³ Tantrism penetrated Buddhism, Jainism and ISLAM

INDIAN HISTORY
Brahmana theology. ³ Hazrat Muhammad Saheb founded the islamic
³ The Yapaniya sect of the Jainas was the foremost in religion. He was born to Amina (mother) and Abdullah
propagating Tantric mode of worship in Karnataka. (father) at Mecca in AD 570.
SHAKTI DHARMA ³ He was married to Khajida (a widow) at the age of 25
yrs. His daugher, Fatima, was married to Ali Hussain.
³ +V TGHGTU VQ VJG YQTUJKR QH HGOCNG FGKV[ +V KU ſTUV
³ Hazrat Muhammad attained supreme knowledge or
mentioned in the Mahabharata.
enlightment in AD 610 in the Hira Cave near Mecca.
³ The Tantric Devi hymn in the 10th mandala of Rig Veda
His teachings are compiled in the Holy Quran.
is devoted to the worship of Goddesses.
³ 24th September AD 622, the day Hazrat Muhammad
CHRISTIANITY started his journey from Mecca to Medina mark the
³ This religion was founded by Jesus Christ. He was beginning of Hijri Era.
born to Mother Marry and Joseph in Bethlehem ³ He died on 8th June, AD 632 and was buried at
near Jerusalem. His birth day (25th December) is Medina.
celebrated as the holy festival, Christmas. ³ After his death Islam divided into Shia and Sunni cult.
³ *KUſTUVVYQFKUEKRNG#PFTGYUCPF2GVGTYGTGJCPIGF
His successors were known as Khalifa. The Turkish
in AD 33 by the Roman Governor Portius. ruler, Mushtafa Kamal Pasha, Kalifah ended the
designation of Caliphate 1924 A.D.
³ Bible is the holy book of Christians and the sign of
³ The birthday of Muhammad Saheb is celebrated as
‘cross’ is their holy symbol.
Eid-mild-un-Nabi.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUNNI AND SHIA SECTS

A Schism emerged after the death of the prophet Muhammad in 632. A.D. He died without appointing a succesor
to lead the Muslim community, and disputes arose over who should shepherd the new and rapidly growing faith.
Some belived that a new leader should be chosen by consensus; others thought that only the prophets descendants
should become caliph. The title passed to a trusted aide, Abu Bakr, though some thought it should have gone to
Ali, the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. Ali eventually did become caliph after Abu Bakr’s two successors were
assassinated.
After Ali also was assassinated, with a poisonlaced sword at the mosque in kufa, in what is now Iraq his son Hasan
and then Hussein and many of his relatives were massacred in karbala, Iraq in 680 A.D.
His martyrdom became a central tenet to those who believed that Ali should have suceeded the prophet. The followers
became known as shias, a contraction of the phrase Shiat Ali, or followers of Ali. The Sunnis, however, regard the
ſTUVVJTGGECNKRJUDGHQTG#NKCUTKIJVN[IWKFGFCPFVJGOUGNXGUCUVJGVTWGCFJGTGPVUVQVJG5WPPCJQTVJG2TQRJGVŏU
tradition. Sunni rulers embarked on sweeping conquests that extended the caliphate into North Africa and Europe.
Beliefs of Sunni and Shia Sects :
The Sunni and Shia sects encompass a wide spectrum of doctrine, opinion and schools of thought. The branches
are in agreement on many aspects of Islam, but there are considerable disagreements within each both branches
include worshippers who run the gamut from secular to fundamentalist.
Shias consider Ali and the leaders who came after him as Imams. They most believe in a line of 12 Imams, the last
of whom, a boy is believed to have vanished in the ninth century in Iraq after his father was murdered. Shias known
as Twelvers anticipate his return as the Mahdi or Messiah. Sunnis emphasise God’s power in the material world,
UQOGVKOGUKPENWFKPIVJGRWDNKECPFRQNKVKECNTGCNOYJKNGVJG5JKCUXCNWGOCTV[TFQOCPFUCETKſEG

ZOROASTRIANISM (PARSI) ³ Jewish traditional or oral law. The interpretation of

³ Parsi religion was founded by Prophet Zoroaster
the laws of the Torah, is called halakhah.
(Zarathustra). His teachings compiled in the holybook, ³ Spiritual leaders are called Rabbis.
³ Jews worship in Syangagues.
Zend Avesta. His followers believed in one God, Ahur.
³ They fallow Hebrew Calender.
JUDAISM ³ Jews have been living in India for 2000 years over
UKPEGVJG[ſTUVNCPFGFQPWest Coast of India
³ Judaism is one of the oldest religion of the world,
evalined in Egypt about 3500 years ago. ³ +PFKCPLGYUHCNNKPVQVJGſXGECVGIQTKGUŌ
³ Judaism was founded by Moses, although jews trace (1) Cochin jews (2) Bene Israel (3) Baghdadi jews
their history back to Abraham. (4) Bene Ephraim (5) Bene Menashe
³ Jews believe in the unity and oneness of universal creator. ³ Jews have three principle seets :
³ In exchange for all the good that God has done for (1) Orthodox (2) Conservative (3) Reformist
the jewish people, jewish people keep God’s law‘s and ³ Gujarat is third state in India to grant religious
try to bring heliness into every aspect of their lives. minerity stauts to jews after West Bengal and
³ Judaism has a rich history of religious text, but the Maharashtra.
central and most important religious document is ³ The Synagogue Judah Hyam Hall is the only place of
the Torah. worship in Delhi for Jews.

OLE - 35
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

BUDDHISM Mara Kiing of spirit who troubled

INDIAN HISTORY

³ Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha. Buddha during meditation

³ Buddha was born on the Vaisakh Purnima day in
Chunda The person who offered pork
563 B.C.
to Buddha
³ He belonged to the Sakya clan of Kshatriyas.
³ His father was Suddhodana, the ruler of Kapilvastu. Sravasti Buddha preached most of his
³ He was born in Lumbini in Kapilvastu. sermons here
³ His mother was Mahamaya of the Kosala dynasty. THREE RATNAS
³ Buddha got Nirvana at the age of 35 years.
³ Buddha got Nirvana at Uruvela on the bank of river  Ŗ $WFFJC  Ŗ&JCOOC  Ŗ5CPIJC
Niranjana. Code of Conduct :
³ Buddha gave his ſTUV5GTOQP at Sarnath. (1) Do not covet the property of others
³ Buddha’s first sermon is called as “Dharma (2) Do not commit violence
Chakraparivartana” (3) Do not speak a lie
³ Buddha died in 483 B.C. at Kushinagar. (4) Do not indulge in corrupt practices
³ KushinagarJCUDGGPKFGPVKſGFYKVJXKNNCIG-CUKCKP BUDDHIST COUNCILS
Deoria district of U.P.
³ Buddha’s last words were “All composite things, strive No. Year Chairman Description
diligently”.
³ Buddha was brought up by his stepmother Gautami. 1. 483 BC Mahakassapa, At Septaparni cave near
³ After seeing an old man, a sick man, a corpse and Patron: Rajagriha to compile
an ascetic, Buddha decided to become a wanderer. Ajatshatru the Sutta Pitaka and
³ Asvajit, Upali, Mogallana, Sariputra and Ananda were Vinaya Pitaks.
ſXGFKUEKRNGUQH$WFFJC
2. 383 BC Sabakami Divided schism into
Five Great Events of Buddha’s Life and their symbols
Patron- Sthaviravadins and
³ Birth : Lotus and Bull
Kalashoka Mahasanghikas
³ Great Renunciation : Horse
Held at Vaishali
³ Nirvana : Sign of feet
³ First Sermon : Dharmachakra or wheel 3. 255 BC Presidentship Held in Patliputra
³ Parinirvana or Death : Stupa of Moggaliputta during region of
Tissa Ashoka 236 years after
Four Noble Truths
³ The world is full of sorrows. the death of Buddha
³ Desire is root cause of sorrow. and compilation of
Abhidhamma Pitaka.
³ If desire is conquered, all sorrows can be removed.
³ Desire can be removed by following the eight-fold path. 4. First Vashumitra Division of Buddhists
Eight Fold Path Century Patron into Mahayanists and
(1) Right understanding (2) Right speech AD. Kanishka Hinayanists.
(3) Right livelihood (4) Right mindfulness SECTS OF BUDDHISM
(5) Right thought (6) Right action ³ Hinayana :
(7) Right effort and (8) Right concentration
(a) Its followers believed in the original teachings of
IMPORTANT FACTS RELATED WITH BUDDHA Buddha.
(b) They sought individual salvation through self-
Tathagata, Sakyamuni Titles of Buddha
discipline and meditation.
Sakya Clan to which Buddha belong (c) They did not believe in idol-worship.
(d) Hinayana, like Jainism, is a religion without God,
Gautama Gotra of Buddha
Karma taking the place of God
Suddhodana Buddha’s Father (e) Nirvana is regarded as the extinction of all
Mahamaya Buddha’s Mother (f) the oldest school of Hinayana Buddhism is the
Sthaviravada (Thervada in Pali) or the ‘Doctrine
Prajapati Gautami Foster Mother of the Elders’.
Yasodhara Buddha’s Wife (g) Its Sanskrit counterpart, which is more
philosophical is known as Sarvastivada or the
Rahul Buddha’s Son doctrine which maintains the existence of all
Kanthaka Buddha’s Horse things, physical as well as mental.
(h) Gradually, from Sarvastivada or Vaibhasika
Channa Buddha’s Charioteer
branched off another school called Sautantrika,
Alara Kalam Buddha’s Teacher which was more critical in outlook.
³ Mahayana :
Sujata Girl who offered rice and milk
(a) Its followers believed in the heavenliness of
Niranjana River on the bank of which Buddha and sought the salvation of all through
Buddha attained Nirvana the grace and help of Buddha and Bodhisatvas.

OLE - 36
 Indian History

(b) Believes in idolworship. ³ The Khuddaka Nikaya consists of large number of

INDIAN HISTORY
(c) Believes that Nirvana is not a negative cessation of miscellanceous works.
misery but a positive state of bliss. ³ The Jatakas are a part of Khuddaka Nikaya of Sutta
(d) Mahayana had two chief philosophical schools : the Pitaka.
Madhyamika and the Yogachara. ³ The Sutta PitakaEQPUKUVUEJKGƀ[QH
(e) The former took a line midway between the (a) discourses delivered by Buddha himself on different
uncompromising realism of Hinayanism and occasions.
the idealism of Hinayanism and the idealism of (b) Few discourses delivered by Sariputta, Ananda,
Yogachara. Moggalana and other are also included in it.
(f) The Yogachara school founded by Maitreyanatha (c) It lays down the principles of Buddhism.
completely rejected the realism of Hinayana and ³ The Abhidhamma Pitaka is written in the form of
maintained absolute idealism. questions and Answers.
³ Vajrayana
³ It consists of seven books of which Kathavattu is most
(a) Its followers believed that salvation could be the important.
best attained by acquiring the magical power, ³ Kathavattu is attributed to Moggaliputta Tissa.
which they called Vajra. ³ The Abhidhamma Pitaka :
(b) The chief divinties of this new sect were the Taras.
(a) Contains the profound philosophy of the Buddha’s
(c) It became popular in Eastern India, particularly
tecahings.
Bengal and Bihar.
(b) It investigates mind and matter, to help the
BUDDHIST LITERATURE understanding of things as they truly are.
³ The Buddhist scriptures in Pali are commonly referred
BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE
to as Tripitaka i.e. Three fold Basket.
³ Tripitaka includes Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and ³ Buddhist architecture developed essentially in three
Abhidhamma Pitaka. forms, viz.
³ The Vinayapitaka comprires of suttavibhanga, (a) Stupa (relics of the Buddha or some prominent
Khandakas and Parivarpatha. Buddhist monks are preserved)
³ The Vinay Pitaka : (b) Chaitya (prayer hall)
(a) Mainly deals with rules and regulations, which the (c) Vihara (residence)
Buddha promulgated.
(b) It describes in detail the gradual development of the BODHISATTVAS
Sangha. ³ Vajrapani (holds thunderbolt),
(c) An account of the life and teaching of the Buddha is
³ Avlokitesvara/Padmapani (lotus beacer)
also given.
³ Manjushri (holds books describing 10 paramitas)
³ The Sutta PitakaKUFKXKFGFKPVQſXG0KMC[CU
³ Kshitigrha (guardian of purgatories)
³ The ſXG0KMC[CU are Digh Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya,
Samyutta Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya and Khuddaka ³ Maitreya (the future Buddha)
Nikaya. ³ Amitabha/Amitayusha (Buddha of heaven)

Buddhist
S. No. Location Founder
Imoversotoes
1. Nalanda Badagoan, Bihar Kumargupta-I
2. Vikramshila Bhagalpur, Bihar Dharmapala (Pala ruler)
3. Somapuri North Bengal Dharmapala (Pala ruler)
4. Jagadal Bengal Ramapala (Pala ruler)
5. Odantpuri Bihar Sharit, Bihar Gopala (Pala ruler)
6. Vallabhi Gujarat Bhattarka (Maitrak Rule)

EIGHT HOLY PLACE (ASHTAMAHASTHANAS) JAINISM

(1) Lumbini, (2) Bodh Gaya, (3) Kusinagar, (4) ³ Jainism was founded by Rishabhdev.
Sravasti, (5) Sankasya, (6) Rajgriha, (7) Vaishali, (8) ³ Mahavira was born in 540 B.C.
Sarnath.
³ Mahavira’s Birth place was Kundagram in Vaishali
SECTS OF BUDDHISM : AREA ³ He belonged to the Jantriak Kshatriya clan.
Hinayana : India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Bangladesh, ³ His father’s name was Siddhartha and mother’s name
Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore was Trishala, who was a sister of the Lichchavi prince
Mahayana : India, China, Nepal, Singapore, Japan, Chetak of Vaishali.
Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam ³ Mahavira was married to Yashoda.
Vajrayana : India, Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan.

OLE - 37
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

³ He left home at the age of 30 and wandered for 12 JAINA LITERATURE

INDIAN HISTORY

years.
³ Most of the literature is written in Prakrit.
³ He is regarded as the 24th Tirthankara.
³ The jaina Literature includes,
³ Rishabha was the 1st Tirthankara.
(1) The 12 Angas
³ Parsavanath was the 23rd Tirthankara.
³ Mahavira’sſTUVFKUEKRNGYCU,COCNK (2) The 12 Upangas
³ He attained Kaivalya on the bank of river Rijupalika (3) The 10 Prakirna
near Jrimbhikgrama. (4) The 6 Chhedsutras
(5) The 4 Mulasutras
Facts about Jainism
JAINA COUNCILS
Mahavira, Arhat Titles of Vardhamana,
³ First Council was held at Pataliputra by Sthulabahu
Vardhamana Original name of Mahavira
in the beginning of the third century BC and resulted
Kundagram Mahavira’s birth place
in the compilation of 12 Angas to replace the lost 14
Trisala Mahavira’s Mother
Purvas.
Yashoda Mahavira’s Wife
Jamali Mahavira’s Son in Law. ³ Second Council was held at Valabhi in the 6th (513
Jnatrika Clan to which Mahavira belonged. AD) century AD under the leadership of Devaradhi
Rijupalika River on the bank of which -UJCOCUTCOCPCCPFTGUWNVGFKPſPCNEQORKNCVKQPQH
Mahavira got Kaivalya. 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
Sal tree The tree under which Mahavira got
Kaivalya. 24 TIRTHANKARAS AND THEIR SYMBOL
Pava Place where Mahavira died. Name Symbol
1. Rishabha Bull
³ The names of two Jaina Tirthankaras, Rishabha and
Aristanemi, are found in the Rigveda. 2. Ajitnath Elephant
³ The Vishnu Purana and the Bhagvata Purana describe 3. Sambharnath Horse
Rishabha as an incarnation of Narayana. 4. Abhiaandam Swamy Monkey
³ In the course of wandering Mahavira met Mokhliputta 5. Sumathinath Curlew
(the founder of Ajivika sect). 6. Padamprabhu Red Lotus
³ Ashoka’s grandson Samparati accept Jainism. 7. Suparaswanath Swastik
³ In First century A.D. Mathura became the Centre of
8. Chandraji Prabhu Moon
Jaina art and culture.
9. Suvidhinath Crocodile
³ The spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to
Chandragupta Maurya. 10. Shitalnath Srivatsa
³ Many Jaina followers went to south under the 11. Shregansnath Rhinoceros
leadership of Bhadrabahu. 12. Vasupujya Buffalo
³ These southern followers later formed the Digambra 13. Vimalnath Boar
sect (lives nude). 14. Ananthanth Falcon
³ Those who remained at Magadha, under the 15. Dharamnath Vajra
leadership of Sthalabahu, formed Shvetambar sect
(wears white garments). 16. Shantinath Deer
17. Kuntunath He-Goat
Explanation of formation of Digambaras and 18. Arnath Fish
Shvetambaras : After the death of Mahavira during 19. Mallinath Water Pot
the reign of king Chandragupta Maurya a severe fam-
20. Muniswasth Tortoise
ine led to the migration of some jains under Bhadra-
21. Naminath Blue Lotus
bahu to the Deccan. Sthulabhadra remained in North
and allowed wearing white garments Bhadrabahu 22. Arishtanemi (Neminath) Conch Shell
maintained nudity leading to division as Digambaras 23. Parswanath Serpent
(sky clad or naked) and shwetambars (white clad). 24. Mahavir Lion
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN BUDDHISM AND JAINISM
FIVE MAIN TEACHINGS ³ Both opposed Brahmanical domination and caste
³ Non-injury (ahimsa) system but uphold the essence of Vedas, Preached
³ Non-lying Truth, non violence, celibacy and detachment from
³ Non-Stealing (asateya) material comforts, believed in karma and rebirth and
³ Non-Possession (aparigraha) were liberal towards women.
³ Observe continence (Brahamcharya). It was added ³ Aacharangsutra about rules and regulation for Jain
by Mahavira. Bhikshus.

OLE - 38
 Indian History

INDIAN HISTORY
Differences between Buddhism and Jainism
Buddhism Jainism
Ŗ(QNNQYGTU Monks Lay man
Ŗ5CNXCVKQP Moderate one Extreme one
Ŗ5RTGCF Died in India but spread %QPſPGFVQ+PFKCCPFUWTXKXGF
to foreign lands
Ŗ#JKOUC Liberal Policy Over-emphasis
Ŗ5QWN Did not believe in soul Belived in soul

RISE OF MAHAJANAPADAS
³ The Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya gives the list of sixteen Mahajanapadas at the time of Buddha.
³ These Mahajanapadas extended from the North western Pakistan to east Bihar and from Himalayas to the river
Godavari.

Mahajanapada Capital Area

Anga Champa Bhagalpur, Munger (Bihar)
Magadha Rajgriha Patna, Gaya (Bihar)
Kasi Varanasi Near Varanasi
Kosal Saketa, Sravasti Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Vajji (Ganasangha) Vaishali Muzaffarpur (Bihar)
Malla Kusinara/Pava Gorakhpur (U.P.)
Chedi Suktimati Bundelkhand (U.P.)
Vatsa Kaushambi Allahabad (U.P.)
Kuru Indraprastha Meerut Delhi region
Panchal Ahicchatra, Kampilya Western U.P.
Sursena Mathura Mathura (U.P.)
Gandhar Taxila Peshawar (Pakistan)
Kamboja Rajpura Near Gandhar
Asmak Paithan Godhavari area (M.H.)
Avanti Ujjain, Mahishmati Malwa region
Matsya Viratnagar Near Jaipur

³ Kashi was famous for its cotton textiles and market RISE OF MAGADHA
for horses.
³ Champa was noted for its trade and Commerce. Magadha Empire
³ Vajji represented a confederacy of eight clans.
³ The Buddha died in the vicinity of Kusinara.
³ The Northern Panchalas had their capital at
Haryank Shisunaga Nanda
Ahicchatra.
Dynasty Dynasty Dynasty
³ The Southern Panchalas had their Capital at
Kampilya.
HARYANK DYNASTY (544 BCE – 417 BCE)
³ Viratnagar was used as the hiding place by Pandavas.
³ The epic Mahabharata has provided information about
³ Mathura was located at the junction of two famous trade
the early period of Magadha.
routes i.e. Uttrapatha and Dakshinapatha.
³ Jarasandh and Brihdrath were the rulers during the
³ The Kambojas were regarded as uncultured by the period of Mahabharata.
Brahamanical texts. ³ Girivraja was the magadhan capital during the early
³ The Buddha calls himself Kosalan in the Majjhima period.
Nikaya.
³ Kashi had emerged as a cloth manufaturing centre by
BIMBISARA (544-492 B.C.)
the time of Buddha. ³ Bimbisara established Haryank dynasty.
³ Rajgir was the capital of the state.
³ Bimbisara ascended the throne in 544 B.C.

OLE - 39
 One Liner Approach General knowledge

³ In Jain literature he has been called as ‘Shrenika. ³ Magadha lay at the centre of the middle Gangetic plain.
INDIAN HISTORY

³ Bimbisara had three wives, Mahakosala, Chellana ³ /CICFJCHQTVJGſTUVVKOGWUGFelephants on a large

and Kshema. scale in wars.
³ Mahakosala was the sister of Kosal ruler Prasenjit and ³ Greek sources have mentioned that the Nandas
Chellana was Lichchhavi Princess. maintained 6000 elephants.
³ Bimbisara defeated Anga and annexed it.
³ Magadha society was unorthodox and was recently
³ Bimbisara was contemporary of Buddha.
Aryanized.
³ Bimbisara send his physician Jivak to treat Chand
Pradyot of Avanti ³ Ambitious rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatshatru and
³ Bimbisara was prisoned by his son Ajatshatru and Mahapadma nanda established Magadha as a
died in 493 B.C. powerful kingdom.

AJATSHATRU (492-460 B.C.) FOREIGN INVASION

³ Ajatshatru sat on Magadha throne in 492 B.C. ³ North-West India was ruled by smaller principalities
³ Ajatshatru followed an expansionist policy. like Kambojas and Gandharas.
³ After a long struggle he defeated Kasi and Vajji ³ The Period of 6th century B.C. marked by political
confederacy. instability in North-West India.
³ Ajatshatru took the services of his minister Vassakar ³ In 516 B.C. the Iranian ruler Darius penetrated into
to divide the Vajji confederacy. North-West India.
³ Ajatshatru got a large stupa constructed in Rajgriha. ³ Darius annexed Punjab, west of Indus and Sindh.
³ Gautama Buddha died during his reign; arranged the ³ This area constituted the 20th kshatrapy (province)
ſTUV$WFFJKUVEQWPEKN of Iran.
³ Ajatshatru constructed a fort around Rajgriha to ³ The Indian Kshatrapy included Sindh, the North-West
protect it from Lichcchavi attack. frontier and part of Punjab.
³ Ajatshatru was killed by his son Udayin in 461 B.C. ³ The Indian Kshatrapy paid a tribute of 360 talents
³ Udayin transferred the Capital to Patliputra. of Gold.
³ Udayin was a follower of Jainism. ³ Xerxes, the successor of Darius, employed Indians in
³ The last Haryank ruler was Nagdasak. the long war against the Greeks.
SHISUNAGA DYNASTY (412-344 B.C.) ³ The Iranian Scribes brought into India Kharoshti
³ Nagdasak was killed by his minister Shisunaga. script.
³ Shisunaga established Shisunaga dynasty in 412 B.C. ³ Under the leadership of Alexander of Macedonia, the
³ Shisunaga annexed Avanti to Magadha. Greeks destroyed the Iranian Empire.
³ Shisunaga established his capital at Vaishali. ³ Alexander marched to India through the Khyber Pass
³ Kalashoka came to the throne in 344 B.C. in 326 B.C.
³ Kalashoka again transferred the capital to Pataliputra. ³ Ambhi was the king of Taxila.
³ During the reign of Kalashoka second Buddhist ³ Porus ruled between Jhelum and Ravi.
council was organized at Vaishali. ³ Porus provided a strong resistance to Alexander.
³ Nandivardhan was the last Shisunaga ruler. ³ Alexander remained in India for 19 months (326-325
NANDA DYNASTY (344-323 B.C.) B.C.).
³ Nanda Dynasty was established by Mahapadmananda. ³ Alexander’s campaign opened up four distinct routes
³ According to Puranas he was not a Kshatriya. by land and sea.
³ Mahapadmananda was known as Ekarat and ³ Alexandria and Boukephala were Greek settlements
Sarvakshatrantaka. which were established in the North West.
³ Mahapadmananda conquered Kalinga. ³ Alexander’s historian Nearchus has left valuable
³ Last Nanda ruler was Dhanananda. geographical accounts.
³ Dhanananda was the contemporary of Alexander. ³ Battle of Hydaspes was fought between Porus and
³ Alexander attacked India in the reign of Dhanananda Alexander.
(the last ruler) ³ Alexander sent 20,000 oxen to Macedonia for use in
³ The Nandas were fabulously rich and enormously Greece.
powerful. ³ The Sati system and slave trade was prevalent in the
³ Nanda Dynasty was destroyed by Chandragupta society.
Maurya and Chanakya. ³ Alexander’s invasion paved the way for the expansion
³ 0CPFCU JCXG DGGP VGTOGF CU ſTUV GORKTG DWKNFGTU of Mauryan Empire in North West India.
of India.
EFFECTS OF ALEXANDER’S INVASION
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF MAGADHA ³ It exposed India to Europe by opening up four distinct
³ Magadha enjoyed an advantageous geographical lines of communication three by land and one by sea.
position. ³ The Hindu and the Buddhist religious faiths and
³ Iron deposits were situated close to Rajgir, the earliest philosophies had an impact of the Greek world of
capital of Magadha. philosophy following Alexander’s time.
³ Rajgir and Pataliputra were situated at very strategic ³ Due to cultural contacts, a cosmopolition school of
points. art came up in Gandhara.
³ Pataliputra was surrounded by rivers from all sides ³ +V RCXGF VJG YC[ HQT VJG WPKſECVKQP QH 0QTVJ +PFKC
it was called as jaladurga (water-fort). under chandragupta by weakening small states.

OLE - 40
 Indian History

INDIAN HISTORY
THE MAURYAN EMPIRE (321 BC - 289 BC)
CHANDRAGUPTA MAURYA (322-295 B.C) ³ The reverberation of the war drum (Bheri Ghosha)
³ The Mauryan dynasty was founded by Chandragupta was to become the reverberation of the law (Dhamma
Maurya with the help of Chanakya or Kautilya. Ghosha).
³ Brahamanical texts say he was born of Mura, a sudra ³ His Hellenistic contemporaries were Antiochus II of
women in the court of the Nandas. Syria, Ptolemy II of Egypt, Antigonas of Macedonia,
³ An earlier Buddhist tradition says he belonged to the Magas of Cyrene and Alexander of Epirus.
Moriya Kshatriya clan. ³ He organised the third Buddhist council in the 18th
³ In some texts he is referred to as Vrishala and year of his reign at Patliputra.
Kulahina.
³ #UJQMCDCPPGFCPKOCNUCETKſEGTGIWNCVGFVJGUNCWIJVGT
³ He fought Seleucus in 305 B.C.
of animal for food.
³ Seleucus surrendered a large territory including
Paropanisadai (Kabul), Aria (Herat), Arachosia ³ According to his Maski and Gurjara inscriptions he
(Gandhara) and Gedrosia (Baluchistan), in return for was known as Devanam Priya Priyadarshi.
500 elephants. ³ He was converted to Buddhism by Nigrodh.
³ According to Jaina tradition Chandragupta was ³ Ashoka sent peace missionaries inside India as well
converted to Jainism. as abroad.
³ Chandragupta Maurya passed his last days at
Sravanbelagola near Mysore. Where he died by NAMES & TITLES OF ASHOKA
starvation (Sallekhana/Santhara) ritual of Jains. Ashoka Personal name
³ Seleucus sent an ambassador Megasthenes to the
Mauryan court. Piyadassi 1HſEKCNPCOG
³ Megasthenes wrote the text ‘Indica’ Ashoka Maski minor rock edict

BINDUSARA (298-272 B.C.) Ashok Vardhan Puranas.

³ Bindusara succeeded Chandra-gupta Maurya. Ashoka Maurya Junagarh inscription
³ In Jain literature he has been called as ‘Simhasen’.
Piyadassi Dipavamsa, Kandhar inscription
³ Antiochus sent Deimachus as an ambassador to
Bindusara’s court. Piyadassi Raja Barabar hill cave inscription
³ Ptolemy Philedelphus of Egypt sent Dionysius as Piyadassi Raja Bhabru-Bairat minor rock edict
ambassador. Magadh
³ He was known as Amitraghata. He was also known
Raja Ashoka Udegolum minor rock edict
as Amitrochates.
Dewanampiya
³ He wrote to Antiochus I of Syria and asked for some
UYGGVYKPGFT[ſIUCPFCUQRJKUV Raja Ashoka Nittur minor rock edict
³ He sent his son Ashoka to quell a rebellion in Taxila. Devanampriyas Gurjara minor rock edict
³ He was a followers of Ajivika sect Ashoka Rajas
³ The Syrian ambassador Deimachus was sent to his
court. EDICTS OF ASHOKA RELATED PLACES
ASHOKA (273-232 B.C.) LOCATION OF MAJOR ROCK EDICTS
³ Ashoka (273-232 B.C.) succeeded Bindusara. (1) Kalshi (Dehradun) (2) Manshera (Hazara dist.
³ He was holding viceroyalty of taxila and Ujjain during Pakistan) (3) Shahbazgarhi (Peshawar) (4) Girnar (Gujarat)
his fathers lifetime. (5) Sopara (Near Mumbai) (6) Dhauli (Odisha) (7) Jaugada
³ After his fathers death he ascended the throne but (Odisha) (8) Maski (Andhra Pradesh) (9) Yerragudi
formal consecration was delayed for 4 years. (Andhra Pradesh)
³ A Buddhist text says he usurped the throne after
killing his 99 brothers. Location of Minor Rock Edicts
³ He fought Kalinga war in 260 B.C. in the 9th year of (1) Bairat (2) Rupnath (3) Sahsaram (4) Rupnath
his reign. (5) Brahmagiri (6) Gavimath (7) Jatinga Rameshwar
³ Under Ashoka, the empire reached its zenith. And (8) Maski (9) Palkigundu (10) Rajula-Mandagiri
in the history, for VJG ſTUV VKOG VJG GPVKTG +PFKCP (11) Suvarnagiri (12) Yerragudi (13) Gurjara (14) Ahraura
sub-continent came under a single umbrella (except
extreme Southern India). LOCATION OF PILLAR EDICTS
³ In course of his second Dharmayatra tour (in 21st (1) Allahabad (2) Delhi-Topra
year of his reign), he visited Lumbini. (3) Delhi-Meerut (4) Nigalisagar
³ In the 14th year of his reign he started the institution (5) Lauriya-Araraj (6) Lauriya-Nandangarh
of Dharma Mahamatras.
(7) Rampurva

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

INFORMATION ABOUT ASHOKAN INSCRIPTIONS ³ The language used in Ashokan edicts except Kandhar
INDIAN HISTORY

is Prakrit.
³ 1st major rock edict declares prohibition of animal
³ The inscription in fragmentary condition found at
UCETKſEG
Lampak/Lamghan is in Aramaic.
³ 2nd major rock edict mentions medical treatment of
³ In all the edicts except the Maski edict Ashoka refers
human and animals. to himself by his title Devanampiya Piyadassi.
³ 3rd major rock edict mentions Pradeshikas, Rajukas ³ The Allahabad pillars (brought from Kausambi)
and Yukta. contains the inscription of Samudra Gupta and
³ 4th major rock edict mentions Bheri Ghosha is Jehangir also.
replaced by Dhamma Ghosha. ³ Major rock edicts are fourteen in number.
³ 5th major rock edict mentions the appointment of ³ Total number of pillar edicts is thirteen, they are
Dhamma Mahamattas. inscribed in ten pillars. Out of thirteen seven are major
pillar edicts, four are minor pillar edicts and two are
³ 6th major rock edict mentions Mantri Parishad and commemorative pillar edicts.
QHſEGTUNKMGRWNKUCPKCPF2TCVKXGFKMCT
³ Of the four minor pillars edicts one is known as
³ 7th major rock edict mentions religious toleration Queen’s edict and it is on Allahabad pillar.
amongst all sects. ³ Schism edicts (one each) are found in Allahabad,
³ 8th major rock edict mentions that he went to Sanchi and Sarnath Pillars.
Sambodhi in Bodh Gaya. ³ The commemorative pillar edicts are Rumeindei and
³ 9th major rock edict mentions the uselessness of Nigalisagar (both in Nepal).
various ceremonies. ³ The longest among the major rock edict is 13th rock
³ 10th major rock edict mentions that the king desires edict (in Odisha).
no more fame. ³ 7th pillar edict is longest among all the edicts.
³ 11th major rock edict explains the policy of Dhamma. ³ The Allahabad pillar contains ſTUV UKZ RKNNCT GFKEVU
Queen’s edict, Kosam Schism edicts, Prasasti of
³ 12th major rock edict appeals for toleration amongs
Samudragupta written by Harisena and some decrees
sects.
of Jehangir.
³ 13th rock edict mentions Kalinga war. ³ Kharosthi script was derived from Persian Aramaic.
³ 14th major rock edict mentions the purpose of the ³ He constructed Sanchi Stupa at Vidisha (M.P.)
rock edicts.
³ There are 7 pillar edicts. 18 TIRTHAS MENTIONED IN ARTHASHASTRA
³ In the 1st pillar edict, social code has been mentioned. 1. Mantrin : Chief Minister
³ In the 2nd pillar edict eye donation has been 2. Purohita : Chief Priest
mentioned.
3. Senapati : Commander in Chief
³ In the 3rd pillar edict soul and sin has been mentioned.
4. Yuvaraja : Crown prince (These four were the
³ In the 4th pillar edict Rajukas have been mentioned.
highest functionaries among the
³ In the 5th pillar edict animal killing is mentioned.
tirthas).
³ The 6th pillar edict mentions the welfare of people.
5. Dauvarika : Chamberlain
³ The 7th pillar edict mentions the Dhamma
Mahamattas. 6. Antarvesika : Chief of the harem.

FACTS ABOUT ASHOKAN INSCRIPTIONS 7. Prasastri : Inspector general of prisons

³ Maski edict discovered in 1915 is the only edict which 8. Samaharta : Collector general
mentions the name Ashoka. 9. Sanidhata : Treasury Chief
³ The Topra & Meerut pillars were brought to Delhi by
10. Pradeshtri : Divisional Commissioner
Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
³ Ashokan edicts were deciphered by James Princep 11. Nayaka : City Constable
in 1837. 12. Paura : Governor of the City.
³ The Kausambi pillar was brought to Calcutta by
13. Vyavaharika : Chief Judge
Jahangir.
³ The Bairat inscription was brought to Allahabad by 14. Karmantika : Chief of the Mines
Cunningham. 15. Mantri : President of the Council.
³ Two major rock edicts as Mansehra and Sahbazgarhi Parishadhyaksha
are in Kharoshti script.
³ The Kandhar inscription is bilingual-Greek and 16. Dandapal : Police Chief
Aramaic. 17. Dvarapala : Chief of the Home Defence.
³ Most of the Ashokan edicts are written in Brahmi
18. Antapala : Chief of the Frontier Defence.
script.

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 Indian History

IMPORTANT ADHYAKSHAS AND THEIR DUTIES ³ He was succeeded by Agnimitra.

INDIAN HISTORY
1. Panyadhyaksha : Commerce ³ A Sunga king, Agnimitra was the hero of kalidasa’s
Malavika-gnimitram.
2. Samsthadhyaksha : Markets, checking wrong
³ Heliodorus came during the reign of Bhagbhadra
practices
³ He was the ambassador of Greek king Antialkidas
3. Pautavadhyaksha : Weights and measure
of Taxila.
4. Navadhyaksha : State Boats
³ The last Sunga king was Devabhuti.
5. Sulkadhyaksha : Tolls/Customs
³ This period saw the revival of Bhagvatism.
6. Akaradhyaksha : Mines
7. Lohadhyaksha : Iron THE SATVAHANA DYNASTY
8. Savvarnika : Gold ³ The Puranas speak only of Andhra rule and not of
9. Sitadhyaksha : Crown lands Satvahana rule.
10. Aksha pataladhyaksha : Accounts ³ SimukaYCUVJGſTUV5CVXCJCPCMKPI
11. Rathadhyaksha : Chariot ³ They issued mostly coins of lead.
12. Hastyadhyaksha : Elephant force ³ They were the successors of the Mauryans in the
13. Ayudhagaradhyaksha : Production and Deccan and the central India.
maintenance of ³ Gautamiputra Satkarni (106-130 A.D.) called himself
armaments the only Brahamana.
14. Kosadhyaksha : Treasury ³ His achievements are recorded in Nasik Inscription.
15. Kosthagaradhyaksha : Store house ³ Nasik Inscription belongs to his mother Gautami
Balasri.
16. Kupyadhyaksha : Forest produce
³ Vashisthaputra Pulmari (130-158 A.D.) set up his
17. Manadhyaksha : Measurement
capital at Paithan.
18. Mudradhyaksha : Passports
³ He enlarged Amravati Stupa and decorated it with
19. Pattanadhyaksha : Ports marble.
20. Ganikadhyaksha : Courtesan ³ He has been praised in Nanaghat Inscription.
21. Devatadhyaksha : Religious institutions
³ Yajnasri Satkarni (165-194 A.D.) recovered Malwa
22. Lakshanadhyaksha : Mint from the Shaka rulers.
I. MPORTANT OFFICIALS : ³ Ship is depicted on his coins.
Amatyas : The Secretaries ³ SatvahanasYGTGVJGſTUVTWNGTUVQOCMGNCPFITCPVU
Antapala : Governer of the Frontier to Brahamanas.
Akshapatala : Accountant General ³ Prakrit text Gathasaptashati is attributed to
Durgapala : Governer of Fort Satvahana king Hala.
Dhamma : A New Post created by ³ They had brisk trade with Romans.
Ashoka. ³ Nasik and Nanaghat are important inscription of the
Gopa : Responsible for accounts Satvahana period.
Lipikaras : Scribes THE INDO-GREEKS
Kumaras : The Viceroys-in-change of a
³ A series of invasions from central Asia began around
province
200 B.C.
Mahamatras : Functions of Propagating
³ 6JG ſTUV VQ ETQUU VJG *KPFWMWUJ YGTG VJG +PFQŌ
Dhamma and taking care
Greeks.
of the common folk for their
³ Demetrius, the king of Bactria invaded India about
material well being.
190 B.C.
Pra deshikas : Modern District magistrate.
³ The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander
Rajukas : later day Patwaris
(165-145 B.C.). His capital was Sakala or Sialkot.
Sthanika : 6JGVCZEQNNGEVQTQHſEGTU
³ Menander was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena
THE VILLAGE LEVEL OFFICERS : or Nagarjuna.
Gramika : Head of Village ³ The conversation between the two is recorded in a
Gram widdhas : Village elders. book named ‘Milindapanho’, or question of Milinda.
³ +PFQŌ)TGGMUYGTGVJGſTUVVQKUUWGgold coins in India.
POST-MAURYAN DYNASTIES ³ 6JG[ YGTG VJG ſTUV TWNGTU KP +PFKC VQ KUUWG EQKPU
FGſPKVGN[CVVTKDWVGFVQVJGMKPIU
SUNGAS AND KANVAS ³ They also introduced practice of military governorship.
³ Pushyamitra laid the foundation of Sunga dynasty. The governors were called ‘Strategos’.
³ Pushyamitra killed the last Mauryan ruler Brihdrath ³ The Greek ambassador Heliodorus set up a pillar in
in 185 B.C. honour of Vishnu at Vidisha.
³ Patanjali was a contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga. ³ The term Horashastra used for astrology in Sanskrit
³ Pushyamitra performed two Aswamedha UCETKſEGU is derived from the Greek term Horoscope.
³ It was corroborated by Patanjali and Malavikagnimitram.

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

THE SAKAS
THE GUPTAS (320-550 A.D.)
INDIAN HISTORY

³ The Greeks were followed by the Sakas.

³ Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta rule.
³ They are referred to as scythians.
³ He was succeeded by Ghatotkacha.
³ The Saka poured into India through the Bolan Pass.
³ The real founder of the Gupta power was Chandragupta
³ The earliest Indian textual reference to the Sakas are I (319-355 A.D.)
found in the Mahabhasya.
³ *G YCU VJG ſTUV KPFGRGPFGPV MKPI YKVJ VJG VKVNG QH
³ 6JGſTUV5CMCMKPIKP+PFKCYCUMaues or Moga who Maharaja-dhiraja.
established Saka power in Gandhara. ³ He started the Gupta era in 319-320 A.D.
³ Maues was succeeded by Azes who successfully ³ He married a Lichchavi Princess.
attacked the last of the Greek kings in Northern India, ³ His empire included Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal.
Hippostratos. ³ Samudragupta (355-380 A.D.) enlarged enormously
³ The most famous of the Saka rulers was Rudradaman the Gupta kingdom.
(130-152 A.D.) ³ His achievements are mentioned in the Prayag-
³ His achievements are highlighted in his Junagarh Prasasti composed by Harisena.
Inscription. ³ He captured and annexed the Aryavrata rulers.
³ It is the first major inscription to be written in ³ He defeated 12 rulers of Dakshinapatha.
Sanskrit. ³ 6JGUG TWNGTU YGTG ſTUV ECRVWTGF CPF VJGP TGNGCUGF
³ It records the repair of Sudarshan lake undertook by by Samudragupta.
JKUQHſEGTU ³ Harisena and Vasubandhu adorned his court.
³ He was a great patron of art and adopted the title of
THE KUSHAN DYNASTY Kaviraja.
³ They are referred to as Yuch-Chis or Tocharians. ³ On some coins he is shown playing the Veena.
³ 6JG[DGNQPIGFVQQPGQHVJGſXGENCPUQHVJGYuch- ³ Samudragupta had a disputed accession to the
Chis tribe. throne.
³ They came from North Central Asia near China. Their ³ Virasena was the commander of Samdragupta during
empire included a good part of central Asia a portion his southern campaign.
of Iran a portion of Afghanistan, Pakistan and almost ³ Samudragupta performed the Aswamedha Yajna and
the whole of North India. struck gold coins of Yupa type.
³ He granted permission to the Buddhist king of Ceylon
³ Kujula Kadphises initiated copper imitation of Roman
Meghavarman to build a Monastery at Bodh Gaya.
coins.
³ The historian V.A. Smith complemented Samudragupta
³ Wima Kadphises issued a large number of gold coins. as the ‘Indian Nepoleon’.
³ Kanishka (78-144 A.D.) started the Shaka era (78 ³ Samudragupta was succeeded by Ramgupta but
A.D.) Chandragupta II killed him and married his queen
³ His two capitals were Purushpura (Peshawar) and Dhruvadevi.
Mathura. ³ He entered into matrimonial alliance with the Nagas
by marrying princess Kubernaga.
³ He erected a monastery stupa at Peshawar.
³ He defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and
³ He was a great patron of art and literature. annexed his kingdom.
³ At Toprak-Kala a huge Kushan palace has been ³ He adopted the title of Vikramaditya. Mehrauli iron
unearthed. pillar inscription mentions his authority over North
³ Charak was the court physician of Kanishka. western India and a portion of Bengal.
³ He was a great patron of Buddhism. ³ Virasena’s Udaigiri cave inscription refers to his
conquest of the whole world.
³ Fourth Buddhist Council was held under his
³ He made Ujjain his second capital.
patronage at Kundalvan.
³ His court contained 9 gems including Kalidasa,
³ Kanishka controlled the famous Silk route in central Amarsimha, Fa-hien, Acharya Dignaga etc.
Asia. ³ Veerasena Saba was the court poet and minister
³ The Gandhara School of art recieved royal patronage of Chandragupta II. Amarkhaddava was his army
of the Kushans. general.
³ The Kanishka group of rulers used the title ³ Fa-hien, the Chinese traveller came during the time
of Chandragupta II.
‘Shanaushahi’.
³ He issued silver and copper coins.
³ The Kushanas started erecting mortuary temples
³ His predecessors had issued only gold coins.
called Devakulas.
³ The gold coins were called ‘Dinara’.
³ Kushanas divided their empire into strips. ³ Chandragupta II was succeeded by Kumargupta I.
³ Kanishka provided patronage to Ashvaghosha and ³ His inscriptions are the Bilsad inscription, the
Nagarjuna.
Karandanda inscription, the Mandsor inscription, the

OLE - 44
 Indian History

Damodarpur copper plate inscription. ³ *CTUJC YCU PQV UWEEGUUHWN KP JKU ſTUV GZRGFKVKQP

INDIAN HISTORY
³ He founded the Nalanda University.
against Gauda.
³ In his second expedition Harsha conquered Magadha and
³ Towards the last year of his reign, the Gupta empire faced Sasanka’s empire.
foreign invasions. ³ G a u d a w a s d i v i d e d b e t w e e n H a r s h a a n d
³ SkandaguptaJCFVQſIJVVJG2WUJ[COKVTCUCPFVJG Bhaskarvarman.
Hunas. ³ The Aihole inscription mentions that Harsha met
defeat at the hands of Pulakesin II.
³ He was successful in throwing the Hunas back.
³ Harsha’s empire extended from the Punjab to northern
³ The Junagarh inscription of his reign tells that his Orissa and from Himalayas to the banks of Narmada.
governor Parnadatta got the Sudarshan lake repaired. ³ Harsha wrote three Sanskrit plays-Nagananda,
³ He adopted the title of Vikramaditya. Ratnavali and Priyadarshika.
³ Some of the successors of Skandagupta were ³ Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita and Kadambri.
Buddhagupta, Vainyagupta Bhanugupta ³ Harsha showed equal respect to all religious sects.
Narsimhagupta Baladitya, Kumargupta II and ³ Harsha built rest houses, hospitals, and endowed
Vishmigupta. numerous Brahamanical, Buddhist and Jaina
Titles of the Gupta Kings establishments.
³ The Kannauj assembly was held in the honour of
Srigupta Adiraja, Maharaja
Hiuen-Tsang.
Ghatotkach Maharaja
Chandragupta–I Maharajadhiraja ³ Harsha used to celebrate religious festivals at the end
Samudragupta Sarva-raj-ochhchetta, kaviraja QHGXGT[ſXG[GCTUCV2TC[CI
Chandragupta–II Vikramaditya ³ Harsha sent an emissary in 641 A.D. to the Chinese
Kumargupta Mahendraditya, Shakraditya emperor.
Skandagupta Vikramaditya, Karmaditya ³ Harsha also received a Chinese emissary in return.
³ Harsha died in 647 A.D.
Taxes Levied during the Gupta Dynasty
Bhag Kings share of produce 1HſEKCNUKP*CTUJCXCTFJCPCŏUCFOKPKUVTCVKQP
Bhoga General tribute Singhnada Chief of Armed Forces
Hiranya Tax on special produce taken in cash
Amatya Revenue and Finance Minister
Bedakbhog Irrigation tax
Bhatta Police tax Uparika Provincial Head
Charasana Grazing tax Dandapashik 2QNKEG1HſEGT
Chat Security tax
Prataya Toll tax Vrihadeshwara Head of Cavalry
Halivakar Tax on Ploughing Baladhikrita The Commander
Upkilpta Sales tax
Skandagupta/Katuka Head of Elephant Brigade
Taradaya Navigation tax
Ayuktaka 1TFKPCT[QHſEGT
Gupta Temples Places Mahasandhivigrahaka 1HſEGT VQ FGEKFG QP YCT CPF
peace
Vishnu temple Tigawa (Jabalpur)
Shiva temple Bhumara (Nagaud) SOUTH INDIAN DYNASTIES
Parvati temple Nachna Kuthara
Dasavtar temple Deogarh (Jhansi) THE CHALUKYAS OF BADAMI (543-757 A.D.)
Shiva temple Koh (Nagaud) ³ The Vakatakas in the deccan were followed by the
Bhitargaon temple Bhitargaon Chalukyas of Badami.
Lakshman temple (birck made) Kanpur ³ The Chalukyas established their base at Badami
Laxman temple Sirpur (Raipur) (Vatapi) in Bijapur district of Karnataka.
Mukund Darra temple Kota ³ The Chalukyas claimed their descent either from
Dhammekh stupa Sarnath Manu or Moon.
Jarasandh’s sitting Rajgrih (Bihar) ³ Pulakesin-I (543-66) : founder of the Chalukya
dynasty, established a small kingdom with Badami/
HARSHVARDHAN (606-647 A.D.) Vatapi in Bijapur District as its capital.
³ Harshavardhan ascended the Pushyabhuti throne ³ Kirtivarman-I-expanded the kingdom by wars against
in 606 A.D. the Kadambas of Banavasi and the Nalas of Bastar.
³ Harshavardhan was also known as Siladitya. ³ Pulakesin II was able to check Harsha’s design to
³ Banabhatta and Hiuen Tsang have provided important conquer Deccan.
information about Harsha’s reign. ³ Aihole inscription is a eulogy written by his court
³ Poet Banabhatta wrote ‘Harsha-charita’. poet Ravikirti.

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

³ He sent an ambassador to Persian king Khusrau II in ³ Raja built a Saiva, a temple of Rajarajeshwara at
INDIAN HISTORY

625 A.D. and also received one from him. Tanjore.

³ The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang Visited his kingdom. ³ Rajendra I assumed the title of Gangaikondachola and
³ Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman I invaded the Chalukya built a city called Gangaikondacholapuram.
kingdom, killed Pulakesin II and captured Badami. ³ The Chola empire was divided into Mandalams
³ Vishnuvardhan, son of Pulakesin II, founded the or provinces and these in turn were divided into
eastern branch of the Chalukyas with its capital at Valanadu and Nadu.
Vengi. ³ Chola rulers marked their victories by erecting a
number of Shiva and Vishnu temples.
THE PALLAVAS (560-803)
³ During the reign of Rajendra I a naval expedition was
³ The Pallavas played an important role after the fall of
sent against the Sri Vijaya empire.
Satvahanas in 3rd century until the rise of the Cholas.
³ The Bay of Bengal was converted into a ‘Chola lake’.
³ The origin of Pallavas is a debatable issue.
³ The Chola rulers fought constantly with the Chalukyas
³ Pallava dynasty was founded by Simhavisnu in 560
of Kalyani.
A.D.
³ Rajaraja I granted a village for the maintenance of
³ Mahendravarman-I was defeated by Pulakesin-II.
Buddhist vihara at Nagapattam.
³ Narasimhavarman was the greatest king. He defeated
³ The king was the most important person in the Chola
Pulakesin II and captured Badami/Vatapi. So, took
administration.
the title of Vatapikonda.
³ The Cholas maintained a large army consisting of
³ Narsimhavarman also defeated Cholas, Cheras and
elephants, cavalry and infantry.
Pandyas, thus became supreme in South India.
³ Rajaraja gave his daughter Kundavai to Vimaladitya
³ Narsimhavarman was a great builder, having
(Eastern Chalukya of Vengi) and restored Vengi to
constructed Mamallapuram and the various buildings
here. During his reign Hieun Tsang visited Kanchi. him.
³ Rajaraja-I sent his son Rajendra-I to capture Banarasi
³ Narsimhavarman II constructed the shore temple of
and sack Manyakhet of Western Chalukyas.
Mamallapuram and the Kailasnath temple of Kanchi.
He sent emissaries to China to encourage maritime ³ During the reign of Rajaraja Maldives was captured.
trade. ³ Rajaraja conferred the title of ‘Mahadandanayaka’
upon Rajendra-I for his victory over Pandyas &
³ The Chalukya Vikramadita-II attacked the Pallava
Keralas.
capital during the reign of Paramesvar Varman.
³ Rajaraja-I started the system of land survey called
³ Nandivarman-II was a worshipper of Vishnu. He built ‘kadamb’.
Vaikuntaperumal temple at Kanchi.
³ Adhirajendra was killed in a public revolt.
³ The last Pallava ruler, Aparajita Pallava was defeated ³ Kulotunga-I of Vengi united the kingdom of Eastern
by Aditya Chola. Chalukyas of Vengi and Chola kingdom. His other
³ Kanchi, Pallavas capital was a great centre of Sanskrit name was Rajendra-II. He was given the title of
learning. Sangam Tavirtta (he who abolished tolls).
³ Both Bharavi and Dandin, the authors of ³ Rajendra IIYCUETQYPGFKPVJGDCVVNGſGNFQH-QRRCO
‘Kirtarjuniyam’ and ‘Dashkumarcharitam’ respectively He was given the title of Prakesari.
lived in the Pallava court. ³ Vira Rajendra Rajakesari defeated Western Chalukyas
³ 6JGUEKGPVKſEYQTMUQHVarahamihira and the poetry king Someswara-I Ahvamalla in the battle of Kudal
of Kalidasa were well known in the Pallava country. Sangman (Kurnool district). He foiled all efforts of
³ Most of the kings were accomplished scholars and Vijayabahu of Sri Lanka to extend his authority and
Mahendravarman-I himself wrote the famous drive away the Cholas from Sri Lanka.
burlesque ‘Mattavilasa Prahasana.’ ³ After the decline of Cholas, their place was taken
by the Hoysalas of Dwarsamudra and Pandyas of
THE KADAMBAS
Madurai.
³ The Kadamba dynasty was founded by Mayur Sarman. ³ The gopuram style was developed under the Cholas.
³ The Kadambas ruled from Banvasi from 345 A.D. to ³ The system of canals in south is a contribution of
365 A.D. the Cholas.
³ Kakusthavarman (435-455 A.D.) was the most ³ Rajendra-I built Shiva temple at
powerful ruler of the dynasty. Gangaikondacholapuram.
³ Kakusthavarman established matrimonial relations ³ The Cholas were famous for the bronze statue of
with the Gangas and the Guptas. Nataraja.
THE CHOLAS ³ Kamban wrote Ramayana. Sivagasindamani was also
³ The Cholas were the feudatories of the Pallavas. produced.
³ The founder of Chola dynasty was Vijayalaya, who ³ Temple architecture in south attained its climax under
YCUCVſTUVCHGWFCVQT[QHVJG2CNNCXCU*GECRVWTGF the Cholas.
Tanjore in 850 A.D. ³ The style of architecture which came into vogue during
³ The greatest Chola rulers were Rajaraja (985-1014
this period is called Dravida.
A.D.) and his son Rajendra I (1014-1044 A.D.). ³ ‘Mandap’ was the pillared hall.

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 Indian History

³ ‘Garbhgriha’ was the room of the chief-deity. (836–885 A.D.).

INDIAN HISTORY
³ Ceremonial dances were performed by Devadasis. ³ Bhoja is also called Mihir Bhoja. He defeated Devapala
and got Kannauj back.
Titles of the Chola Kings
³ Bhoja was a devotee of Vishnu and adopted the title
King Titles of Adivaraha.
Parantaka–I Maduraikonda IMPORTANT PRATIHARA RULERS
Rajaraj–I Rajkesari, Arumoli, Cholormand, Vatsaraja 773-793
Mumadichola Dev. Nagabhata I 793-833
Rajendra–I Gangaikondachola, Mudigundchola, Bhoja 836-885
Panditchola. Mahipala 908-942
Kulotunga–I Kataikondachola, Malaindu THE PALAS
Kondachola.
³ The Pala empire was founded by Gopala in 750 A.D.
Administrative Units of Chola Dynasty ³ Gopala was elected as the king by the notable men
of the area.
Mandalam Province
³ Gopala was succeeded by his son Dharmapala in
Kottam Division 770 A.D.
Nadu District ³ Palas established their rule in Bengal and Bihar.
³ Dharmapala (770-810) was defeated by Dhruva
Kurtam Group of villages
(Rashtrakuta) and Nagabhatt II (Pratihara).
³ During Dharmapala, two brothers Indra & Chakra
CHOLA KINGS
clashed for Kannauj.
1. Vijayalaya : 846-887 A.D. ³ Dharmapala revived Nalanda University, which had
2. Aditya : 871-907 A.D. been famous all over the eastern world.
3. Parantaka-I : 907-955 A.D. ³ He also founded the Vikramshila University.
4. Ganaraditya : 955-956 A.D.
5. Arinjaya : 956-957 A.D.
Important Pala Rulers
6. Parantaka-II : 957-973 A.D.
7. Uttamachola : 973-985 A.D. Gopala 750-770 A.D.
8. Rajaraja-I : 985-1014 A.D. Devapala 810-850 A.D.
9. Rajendra-I : 1014-1044 A.D.
Dharmapala 770-810 A.D.
10. Rajadhiraja : 1044-1054 A.D.
11. Rajendra II : 1054-1064 A.D. Vigrahapala 850-854 A.D.
12. Virarajendra : 1064-1069 A.D. THE RASHTRAKUTAS
13. Kulottunga-I : 1070-1118 A.D.
³ Founded by Dantidurga in deccan.
14. Vikramachola : 1118-1135 A.D.
15. Kulottunga-II : 1135-1150 A.D. ³ Their capital was at Manyakhet or Malkhed near
16. Rajaraja-II : 1150-1173 A.D. modern Sholapur (earlier at Ellora).
³ Amoghvarsha rulled for 68 years.
TRIPARTITE STRUGGLE (PALAS, PRATIHARAS AND
RASTRAKUTAS) ³ Amoghvarsha wrote ‘Kaviraja-marga’, a book on
Poetics Kannada. It was the earliest Kannada book
³ A number of powerful empires arose in Northern India
on poeties.
and the Deccan between 750 A.D.-1000 A.D.
³ #OQIJCXCTUJCſTUVVTCPUHGTTGFECRKVCNHTQO'NNQTCVQ
³ The Gurjara Pratiharas, the Palas and the Rastrakutas
emerged almost at the same time. Manyakhet or Malkhed.
³ Indira III (915-927) defeated Mahipala (Pratihara) and
³ These three powers fought for the supremacy over
Kannauj. sacked Kannauj in 915, Indra was the most powerful
ruler of his time.
THE PRATIHARAS ³ Rashtrakutas imported horses from Arabia, West-Asia
³ The Pratiharas emerged from Gurjaratra or South and central Asia.
West Rajasthan. ³ In the Rashtrakuta kingdom, the directly administered
³ They resisted Araburincrusions from Sindh into areas, were divided into Rashtras (provinces), Visaya
Rajasthan. and Bhukti.
³ Pratihara dynasty was founded by Nagabhatta-I. ³ The last ruler Karka was overthrown by Tailap, the
³ Pratihara power revived under Nagabhatta-II. He founder of Chalukyas of Kalyani.
defeated Dharmapala near Monghyr (Mudgir). ³ Dantidurga built the Dashavatara temple at Ellora.
³ Pratiharas traced their descent from Lakshamana ³ Krishna-I built the Kailasa or Shiva temple at Ellora
(the solar race). in the 9th century.
³ Their capital was at Mahodaya (Kannauj). ³ The great Apabhramsha poet Svayambhu and his son
³ The real founder and the greatest king was Bhoja lived at the Rashtrakuta court.

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 One Liner Approach General knowledge

Important Rashtrakuta Rulers ³ Lalitaditya Muktapida defeated Yasovarman of

INDIAN HISTORY

1. Dantidurga : 753-756 Kannauj.

2. Krishna-I : 756-773 ³ Lalitaditya built the famous Sun temple at Martand.
3. Govinda-II : 773-780 ³ Utpala dynasty was founded by Avantivarman.
4. Dhruva : 780-792 ³ Queen Didda ruled from 980 A.D. to 1003 A.D.
5. Govinda-II : 792-814 ³ Sangramraja founded the Lohara dynasty.
6. Amoghavarsha : 814-880 ³ King Harsha belonged to Lohara dynasty.
7. Krishna-II : 880-915 ³ Kalhana wrote ‘Rajatarangini’ in 12th century.
8. Indra-III : 915-927
THE CHANDELLAS
9. Amoghavarsha : 927-930
10. Govinda-IV : 930-935 ³ The Chandelas ruled in Bundelkhand.
11. Amoghavarsha-II : 935-940 ³ The dynasty was founded by Nanuka in the early
12. Krishna-III : 940-967 years of 9th century and his capital was Khajuraho.
13. Khottiga : 967-972 ³ DhangaYCUVJGſTUVKPFGRGPFGPVMKPIQHVJG%JCPFGNNC
14. Karka : 972-973 dynasty and assumed the title Maharajadhiraja.
³ He was succeeded by Ganda who in turn was
REGIONAL DYNASTIES succeeded by Vidyadhara.
³ During Vidyadhara’s reign Mahmud of Ghazni invaded
THE PARMARAS Kalinjar in 1019 and again in 1022.
³ The Parmaras ruled in the Malwa region. ³ In 1165 Parmardideva was defeated by Prithviraja
³ The Parmaras initially had their capital at Ujjain. Chauhan.
³ The Parmaras later transferred their capital to Dhara. ³ Qutub-ud-din Aibak defeated Parmadideva and
³ Vakpati Munj was the founder of the Parmara dynasty. occupied greater part of Bundelkhand.
³ Vakpati was a great patron of art and literature. ³ Alauddin Khalji captured the whole of the kingdom.
³ Padmagupta, Dhananjya, graced the court of Vakpati. ³ Temples of Khajuraho were built by Chandellas.
³ The greatest ruler of dynasty was Bhoja. ³ The most prmoinent among the Khajuraho temples
³ Bhoja built the city of Bhojapur. are the Kandariya Mahadeva, Devi Jagadamba,
³ Bhoja founded a college, Bhojshala near Dhara. Parsvanatha, Lakshamana and the Viswanatha
temples.
THE GAHADAVALS
THE SENAS
³ The Gahadaval dynasty was founded by Chandradeva.
³ The Senas supplanted the Palas in Bengal.
³ The capital of Gahadaval was Kannauj.
³ The Senas called themselves ‘Brahma Kshatriya’.
³ Govindchandra conquered east Malwa.
³ Vijaysena ascended the throne in 1095 A.D. and
³ Govind Chandra’s minister for peace and war,
enlarged the frontiers of senas.
Lakshmidhara wrote Krityakalpataru.
³ Vijayapuri and Vikrampuri were two capitals of Senas.
³ Jaychandra was defeated by Lakshman Sena of
³ Vijayasena was succeed by his son Ballalsena.
Bengal.
³ Ballalsena established the tradition of ‘Kulinism’.
³ In the Battle of Chandawar (1194 A.D.) Muhammad
Ghori defeated Jaichandra. ³ Ballalsena wrote ‘Adbhutsagar’ and ‘Dansagar’.
³ Harischandra was the last ruler of Gahadaval dynasty.
³ Ballalsena was succeeded by Lakshmansena.
³ Bakhtiyar Khalji invaded Bengal during the reign of
THE CHAUHANS Lakshmansena.
³ The Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty emerged near ³ Jayadeva, Dhoyi, Halayudha adorned Lakshmansena’s
Sakambhari (Ajmer). court.
³ The Chauhans were the feudatories of Pratihara.
THE SANGAM AGE
³ Simharaja declared independence in the middle of
10th century. ³ The word Sangam is associated with the assembly of
³ Ajayraja founded the city of Ajaymeru (Ajmer). Tamil Scholars aPF2QGVUƀQWTKUJGFWPFGTVJGTQ[CN
patronage of the Pandyan Kings at Madurai.
³ Prithviraja Chauhan ascended to the throne in 1177
A.D. ³ Tolkapiyam belongs to second Sangam.
³ Tokapiyam is a work on grammar.
³ Prithviraja Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in
VJGſTUVDCVVNGQH6CTCKP
#& ³ The Sangam literature was compiled in circa A.D.
300-600.
³ In the second battle of Tarain (1192 A.D.) Muhammad
³ Thirukural of Kural by Tiruvalluvar is sometimes
Ghori defeated Prithviraja Chauhan.
ECNNGFVJGŎſHVJ8GFCŏQT‘Bible of the Tamil land’.
KASHMIR ³ Silpaddikaram literally ‘The jeweled Anklet’ by Ilango
³ Three dynasties Karkota, Utpala and Lohar ruled Adigal is an epic, deals with the love stories of Kovalan
and Madhavi.
Kashmir during 800 A.D. to 1200 A.D.
³ Manimekhalai is written by Sattalai Sattanar,
³ Karkota dynasty was founded by Durlabh Vardhana.
considered the ‘Odysseus of Tamil poetry’.

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 Indian History

³ Jivaga Chintamani, a third epic by the Jaina ³ Earliest known Pandya king is Palyagasalai

INDIAN HISTORY
Tiruttakadevar. Mudukudumi.
³ Roman king built a temple of Augustus at Muziris. ³ Chola king Elara conquered Sri Lanka and ruled over
³ Murugan was the God par excellence of the Tamils, it for 50 years.
also known as Subramaniyam. ³ Karikala defeated the joint forces of Cheras and
³ Yavan Priya is a Sanskrit terms for pepper. Pandyas.
³ Muslin, gems, pearls and spices were the important ³ Captains of army were invested with the title Enadi.
export items to Rome. ³ The ruling class in Sangam Age was called Arasar.
³ The Sangam Age was marked by three political powers. ³ The lowest class in society was of Kadaisiyar.
These were Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras. ³ Purananuru contain the poems of Kapilar, Avvai and
³ The Chola dominion was known as Tondaimandlam. Kovur-kilar.
³ Karikala was the greatest Chola king. ³ In Silppadikaram there is a reference to Ceylonese
³ He constructed 160 km of embankment along the king Gajabahu.
Cauvery river. ³ Bow was the royal emblem of Cheras.
³ Uraiyur was the Chola capital. ³ Tiger was the royal emblem of Cholas.
³ 0GFWPLGTCN#FCPKUVJGſTUVMPQYP%JGTCMKPI ³ Carp/Fish was the royal emblem of Pandyas.
³ He earned the title of Udiyanjeral. ³ In the battle of Talaiyalanganam Nedunjelian defeated
³ Senguttuvan was the greatest Chera king. Chera and Chola kings.
³ He established the Pattini cult. ³ Muziris was a great centre of cotton trade.
³ The capital of Cheras was Vanji. ³ Uraiyur was famous for pearls and muslins.
³ Nedunjhelian was the most important Pandya king. ³ Yavana ships used to arrive at Kaveripattinam.
³ He ordered the execution of Kovalan the husband of ³ Kadamai and Kavalmaram are tutelary tree.
Kannagi.
³ ‘Yal’ was a stringed instrument like lute.
³ The capital of Pandyas was Madurai.
³ Puliyars were the craftsmen.
³ Megasthenes has pointed out that Pandyas were rules
³ Tamil work Jivak Chintamani highlights the
by a woman.
importance of Jaina philosophy.
³ Korkai and Saliyur were important sea ports of
³ Jivak Chintamani was written by Tiruttakkadevar.
Pandyas.
FIVE TINAIS
Area Occupation God
Forest land (Mullai) Lended cattle, sheep Mayon
Hill area (Kurinji) Hunting Seyon (Murugan)
Cultivable land (Marudam) Cultivators Vendan (Indra)
Coastal regions (Neidal) Fishing Varunan
Sandy region (Palai) Robbery Korravai.

2CPEJVKPCK
ſXG
Inhabitants Occupation
Tamil regions/lands)
Kurinji (hilly backwoods or montane) Kurvar, Vetar Hunting, Gathering
Palai (Pastoral tract) Eyinar, Maravar Cattle lifting, Highway Robbery
Mullai (Pastoral land) Ayar, Idaiyar Shifting Agriculture, Animal husbandry
Marutam (Wetland) Ulavar, Vellalar Plough Agriculture
Neital (costal) Paratavar, Valayar Fishing, Salt extraction
+ORQTVCPV1HſEKCNUKP5CPICO#FOKPKUVTCVKQP

Armaichchar Minister Vetar Food gatherers and Hunters

Purohitar Religious Affair Panar Wandering Balladmanger
Dutar Envoys Paratavar Fisherman
Orrar Spies Umnar Salt producer
Senapatiyar Cheif of Armed Forces Sangam Literature
³ The word Sangam is associated with a college or assembly
Social groups in Sangam Dynasty QH6COKNUEJQNCTUCPFRQGVUƀQWTKUJGFWPFGTVJGTQ[CN
Ulavar Agriculturists patronage of the Pandyan kings.
Kuravar Shifting Agriculturists ³ The whole Sangam age is called Golden or Augustan Age.
According to Tamil sources, the father of Tamil literature
Idaiyar Cattle holders
is ‘Agastya.’
Kallar Plunderer of cattle

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