Ancient India (Quick review)

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Note: This information is contributed by Ms.Ramya - student of www.OnlineIAS.com

Buddhism in Ancient history of India

• The founder of Buddhism is Gautam Buddha, was born as Siddhartha.

• Siddhartha was born in 566 BC at Lumbini( now falls in a territory of Nepal).

• He belongs to Sakya clan of kshatriya.

• Siddhartha was given the title of Buddha. Buddha means one who has woken up to reality i.e enlightened.

• His father was Siddhodhana.

• Mother of Siddhartha was Mahamaya who died after giving birth to him. So he was brought up by 'Prajapati Gautami' . Hence he is also called by 'Gautam buddha'.

• Siddhartha was married to Yashodara and he also had a son named Rahula.

• Buddha's teachers were Alara and Udarak.

• At the age of 29, he then left the home in search of truth and end of sorrows. This event in Buddh's life is called as Mahabhinishkramana.

• After seven years, at the age of 35years, Siddhartha got enlightenment at Uruvela while meditating on bank of river Niranjana under peepal tree. This place is known as bodhi tree. This place is known as Bodh Gaya – Nirvana (enlightment)

• Buddha attained knowledge on Poornima of Vaishaka month.

• He first gave his sermon (speech) at Sarnath. This event in buddha's life is called Dhammachakra Parivaran.

• Buddha passed away in 486BC under a sal tree in Kushinagar - Mahaparinirvana.

• Some of the notable rulers during that time are Prasenjit, Bimbisara, Ajatsatru.

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Events in life of Buddha	Symbolised by
Buddha's Birth	lotus, Bull
Mahabhinishkramana	Horse
Nirvana(enlightment)	Bodhi tree
DhammaChakra Parivaran( First Sermon)	wheel
Mahaparinirvana(Death)	Stupa

NOBLE THOUGHTS OF BUDDHISM:

The four noble thoughts of Buddhism is also called Arya Satya

1. The world is full of sorrow(Dukha).

2. Desire is the cause of sorrow(Dukha Samudya).

3. If all the desire is conquered all sorrow is won over(Dukha Nirodha).

4. Desire is conquered by following eight fold path(Ashtangirika Marg).

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To conquer the desire the eight fold path to be followed is:

1. Right Understanding

2. Right thought

3. Right Speech

4. Right livelihood

5. Right Action

6. Right Effort

7. Right concentration

8. Right Mindfulness

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BUDDHIST MONUMENTS:

Stupa : buddhist monks or semi domical structure.

Vihara / Arama : residence

Chaitya : prayer halls

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TRI-RATNAS IN BUDDHISM:

There are 3 basic pilars known as tri-ratnas in buddhism. They are:

1. Buddha : highest spiritual potential in human beings

2. Dhamma : teachings of Buddha

3. Sangha : organisation of monks for practicing Buddhism.

BUDDHIST LITERARY WORKS:

The literary sources of Buddhism are the three “Tripitaka” written in Pali

1. Vinaya pitaka : contains the rules of communal life of monks

2. Sutta pitaka : collection of seremons of Buddha

3. Abhidhamma pitaka : contains interpretaion and analysis of Bhuddism concepts

Dhammapad is known as gita of Buddhism.

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BUDDHIST COUNCILS:

There were four councils of Buddhism organised. They are:

	PLACE	KING	PRESIDED BY	REMARKS
First Council (400BC)	Rajgriha	Ajatshatru	Mahakashyapa	Compilation of vinayak pitaka and sutta pitaka were accomplished
SeconD Council (383 BC)	Vaishali	Kalashoka	Sarvakamini	division in Sangha took place. Theravedin and Mahasanghika split up.
Third council (250 BC)	Pataliputra	Ashoka	Moggaliputta Tissa	Compilation of Abhidhamma pitaka
Fourth Council (1st centuary AD)	Kashmir	Kanishka	Vasumitra	Buddhism was divided into two sects namely, Hinayana and Mahayana.

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JAINISM

• Lineage of 24 Tirthankaras. Tirthankara means fore maker.

• Mahavira was the last Tirthankara.

IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN JAINISM :

• First Tirthankara is Rishaba Natha / Adinatha

• Upto 22 Tirthankara there is no historical evidence.

PARSHVANANTHA

• He was the 23^rdTirthankara.

• Lives in Varanasi around 800 BC

• New Sect was founded by him : Nigrantha which means free from bonds.

• Four Doctrines : Non Lying, Non Accumulation of wealth, Non injury, Non steeling

VARDHAMANA MAHAVEERA

• Fifth principle Brahmacharya was added by Mahaveera.

• Real Founder of Jainism.

• He was born in 540BC at Kundagrama near Vaishali in Bihar.

• At the age of 42, he become JINA ( conqueror over all senses )

• He denied the existence of god totally. He said only the matter and soul are the two elements in the world.He believed in karma and rebirth.

• He preached for 30years and died in 468BC by observingSallekhana ( extreme fast to death ) method in Pava.

• He preached in parkrit language.

SALLEKHANA : give maximum pain to senses without taking water and food

Jainism is divided into two sects.

1. Swetambaras were in white cloth founded by stulabhadra, followers of Parshvanantha.

2. Digambaras founded by Bhadra Bahu followers of Mahaveera. They are naked monks.

Huge statue in Sravana belgala of jain monk is called as Gomateswara / Bahubali statue.

Statue was about 56 feet height. It as built by minister of Mysore state, Chamundaraya.

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MAURYAN EMPIRE

• Mouryan empire was one of the largest empire to rule India.

• It was established in 321 BC by Chandragupta Maurya. He is also called Sandrocottus by Greek scholars.

• Chankya was the prime minister of Chandragupta. Also known as Kautilya, Vishnugupta.

• Chankya was the author of Arthasastra and Nitishastra.

Arthasastra : deals with international relaionships, monetary policies and warfare.

Nitishastra : deals with ideal way of life and philosophy.

• He established the empire by overthrowing the Nanda dynasty of Magadha under Dhana Nanda.

• Starting from Magadha, he expanded westward by defeating Greek satrspies established by Alexander the Great.

• Chandragupta defeated Seleucus Nicator, the successor of Alexander. As part of an agreement Chandragupta married the daughter of Seleucus.

• Seleucus sent an ambassador to Chandragupta's court called Megasthenes. Heleft his observations in the form of a book called Indica.

• Chandragupta embraced jainism and migrated south with Badrabahu to Sravana belgola in Karnataka.

• The empire comprise almost all of undivided India much of Afghanisthan and parts of Asia.

• The capital of Mauryan empire is Pataliputhra.

• The empire was divided into 4 provinces :

1. Tosali in east

2. Ujjain in west

3. Taxila in North

4. Suvarnagiri in South

• International trade with Greek proinces through Kybher pass was extensive. Exports include silk, textiles, exotic foods, spices etc.

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IMPORTANT PERSONS OF MAURYAN EMPIRE :

BINDUSARA:

1. born in 320 BC, died in 272 BC.

2. He was the successor of Chandragupta and father of Ashoka.

3. He was also known as Amitraghata or Ajathasetru

4. He expanded the empire south beyond the Deccan.

ASHOKA THE GREAT

1. Born in 304 BC and died in 232BC.

2. He was the successor of Bindusara.

3. He conquered Kalinga and added to Mauryan Empire.

4. He was initially Ajivaka but latter embraced Buddhism after the conquest of Kalinga.

5. Ashoka organised third buddhist council at Patliputra in 250 BC.

6. He is known for Ashoka Chakra, Ashoka pillars and lion capital of Sarnath.

7. The edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions.

8. These inscriptions are found in Rock edicts, pillar edicts, inscriptions on rock walls. These inscriptions are found throughout Indian Subcontinent.

DECLINE OF MAURYA EMPIRE :

The mauryan empire dissolved in 185 BC with the assassination of last ruler Bhrihadrata.

Causes of Decline:

1. Weak successor of Ashoka.

2. Financial Crisis.

3. Centralized government.

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POST MAURYAN PERIOD

After the successors of Ashokafailed to keep the empire intact, various small kingdoms emerged in the face of Indian subcontinent.

The Mauryan Dynasty was soon replaced by the Sunga dynasty.

INDO-GREEKS

The Indo-Greeks were known as Yavanas in Indian literature.

The Indo-Greek kingdom was established by the Greco-Bactrian king Demetrius.

The greatest ruler was Menander(155 -130 BC).

In Indian literature Menander was known as Milinda.

Menander was a follower of Buddhism.

Great Buddhist monk Nagasena Bikshu lived in the court of Menander.

Milindapanha is a buddhist text that records a conversation between Menander and his sage Nagasena. This text contains the philosphical discussions in the form of question and answers between monk and a king.

Indo greeks were the first people who introduced gold coins in India.

Double Die Struck Coins :

The coins contain some information on both sides.

Titles on coins : Deva Vrata

Sudeva Vrata

Kings information is present in one side.

Religious information on other side.

Capital was Sakala. Present it is in Pakistan.

SCYTHIANS:

In Indian Literature the Scythians are also called as Sakas.

They came from Central Asia.

Around 220 BC “Shih Hung Ti” who built the great wall of China to protect the China from attacks of Sakas and Yuehies. So, Sakas came to India.

The founder of Saka Rue in India was Maues.

The famous ruler during this period is Rudradaman.

Rudradaman first inscription was found at Junagarh inscription around 150 AD. It is the first sanskrit inscription in India.

This inscription actually contain the content to repair of Sudharshana lake that was built by Chandragupta Maurya.

The Bimaran Casket, one of the earliest representations of the Buddha, is attributed to Scythian.

The Mathura Lion Capital is also attributed to the Indo-Scythians.

Capital was Ujjain.

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PAHALAVAS

They are also called Parthians.

They arrived from northern province of Iran.

The greatest ruler was Gondopharnis. He ruled from 19-45 AD.

During his time the direct disciple of Jesus, St. Thomas visited his court.

Their main religion was Zoroastrianism

YUEHIS

They belong to Yuechi tribe.

In Indian literature they are known as Kushanas.

The famous ruler was Kanishka.

He conducted the 4^th buddhist council which divides the buddhism into two sects Hinayana and Mahayana.

Kanishka supported Mahayana sector.

Couple of Buddhist scholars in Kanishka's court :

1. Vasumitra : He wrote an book called Maha Vibhasha Sastra.

2. Ashvagosha : first dramas were written by him

He wrote Sundaranandana, Buddha Charitha, Vajra Suchi.

Dinars gold coins of Kushanas

Two capitals : Purushapura, Mathura.

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Shunga Dynasty:

The Sunga Dynasty was established after the fall of Mauryas.

Te capital of Sunga Dynasty was shifted from Pataliputra to Vidisha.

The founder of Sunga Dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga.

Performed two Ashwamedha Yajnas.

During his time, the famous scholar was Patanjali. He wrote a book called Mahabhyasa and Yoga Sutras.

Astadhyayi the source of grammar written by Panini.

Devabhuthi was the last king and was assasinated by Vasudeva Kanva.

Kanva Dynasty :

Susharma was the last king.

According to the puranas He was Killed by Andhra Rulers.

Maha meghavarma dynasty :

This dynasty mainly ruled Orissa region.

This is also called as Chedis Dynasty.

Kharavela was the greatest ruler. Hathigumpha inscription was issued by this ruler.

Satavahna dynasty:

They ruled mainly united Andhra and Maharashtra region.

There were nearly 30 kings.

Capitals are Pratistanapura and Dhanyakata.

They ruled from 225 BC to 225AD.

The founder of Satavahna Dynasty is Srimuka.

The coins are found at Kotilingala in Karimnagar district.

The real founder was Shatakarni I

The victories of Shatakarni I were mentioned by his wife Naganika in Nanaghat inscription.

Shatakarni I has a title called Dakshina Padapathi.

He was the first king to issue land grants to Brahmins.

Kuntala Shatakarni was the 11^th king.

Sharva Varma author of Katantra Vyakaranam

Gunadya wrote a book called Bruhat Katha ( paisachi form of Prkrit language)

Hala was 19^th king . Gada Saptasati was wriiten by him

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Gautamiputra Shatakarni :

Metronymics : taking name of mother before his name.

Nasik inscription by his mother Gautami Balasri describes her son victories.

Titles : Eka Brahmana, Raja Raja, Dvija Kula Vadhana, Trisamudra Toyapita Vahana.

Yagnasri Shatakarni:

coins minted with ship symbol.

According to the tradition, Acharya Nagarjuna lived in his court.

Acharya Nagarjuna:

second Tatangatha.

He is also called Indian Einstein.

He wrote books namely : Madhyamika Karika, Shunya Sapthati, Shrullekha, Prajna pramitha.

Southern Most Kingdoms:

Cholas:

region: Northern Tamil Nadu

capital: Kaveripatnam

famous ruler: Karikala Chola

Cheras:

region: Kerala

capital: Vanji

famous ruler: Senguttavan

Pandyas:

region: Southern TamilNadu

capital : Madhurai

famous ruler: Negunjilyen

Sangam Literature : Earliest literature in this period.

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GUPTA EMPIRE

Gupta Empire from 500 AD to 750 AD.

The Gupta Period is popularly known as the ‘Golden Age of India’ due to scientific and artistic achievements made possible by the sustained peace and prosperity.

They were initially samantas of Kushans. Later they emerged as a independent kingdom.

The Gupta empire was founded by Sri Gupta who had a title as Maharaja.

IMPORTANT GUPTA EMPERORS :

CHANDRA GUPTA I

The Gupta dynasty first rose to eminence under Chandragupta I

He ruled from 319 AD to 335 AD. This period is known as Gupta Era.

He attained the title Maharajadiraja.

SAMUDRA GUPTA:

He was the greatest ruler of Gupta Dynasty.

Samudra Gupta is known as the Napoleon of India by V.A. Smith a British historian He is considered to be the one of the greatest military geniuses in Indian history.

The Allahabad Pillar inscription was issued by Harisena who was sandivigrahaka(minister of externl affairs) of Samudra Gupta, contains details of his military conquest in stages.

Samudragupta was called by differen names, one of them was ‘Kaviraja’ because of his ability to compose verses.

CHANDRA GUPTA II

He defeated Sakas captured Ujjain and attained two titles namely Sakari and Vikramaditya.

Ujjain become cultural capital of Guptans.

In his reign, the Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien visited India.

According to the tradition there were Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II

The main scholar was Kalidasa is present in his court.

He also issued silver coins, first Gupta ruler to do so.

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NAVARATNAS IN COURT OF CHANDRA GUPTA II

1. Kalidasa

Dramas : Abhignana Sakunthalam

Malavikgnamitram

Vikrama Urvasi

Kavyas : Megadhutam

Raghuvamsa

Kumara Sambhvam

Rutu Samharaa

2. Vishnu Sharma:

wrote a book called Panchatantra.

3. Amara Simha :

wrote a dictionary called Amarakosha in sanskrit language

4. Vara Ruchi :

He wrote a book called Prakrutha Prakasha

5 . Susruta :

He is an doctor.

He wrote a book on surgery called Susruta Samhitha.

6. Dhanavankri :

He is a Doctor.

He wrote a medical dictionary called Nighanthu

One of the world’s first surgeons

Discovered antiseptic properties of turmeric and preservative properties of salt Pioneer of plastic surgery

7. Aryabhatta :

He is a mathametician and astronomer of Gupta Period.

He wrote Aryabhattiya and Surya Siddhantha.

He explained eclipses, rotation,revolution,shape of earth amd gave important results in Maths too.

His discoveries in mathematics include

1. Value and irrationality of Pi

2. Area of a triangle, concept of sine

3. Sum of series

4. Intermediate equations

His discoveries relating to astronomy include

1. planets revolve around the Sun

2. Calculated sidereal rotation (24 hrs) and sidereal year (365 days)

3. Computed earth’s circumference

4. Discovered cause of eclipses

Zero was invented by unknown Indian and was used by Aryabhatta in his book

8. Varaha Mihra :

He wrote Brihat Samhitha which is an encyclopedia of sciences.

9.Brahma Gupta:

He was known as Indian Newton.

He wrote a book called Khandana Khanda Kavya

Kumara Gupta:

He laid the foundation of Nalanda University which later grew to become an international centre of learning.

He practiced Mahayana Buddhism

The Iron Pillar near Qutab Minar was erected by Kumar Gupta in memory of Chandragupta II

The last Gupta Ruler was Vishnu Gupta.

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ADMINISTRATION

When compared to Mauryan Empire, Adminitration of Gupta Empire was decentralized.

They issued the largest number of gold coins in Ancient India, which were called Dinars. Silver coins were called rupyakas.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The castes were further divided into sub-castes.

Vishti (forced labour) was there.

Position of women declined further. First instance of Sati took place at Eran, MP.

The practice of untouchability intensed. (Especially hatred for Chandalas). Fa-hien mentions that the Chandalas lived outside the village and were distanced by the upper class.

Hinduism:

A new way of life was developed.

The temple activities has come into existence.

Image worship was developed.

Dasavtaras, ten incarnations of Vishnu has come into existence.

Two important sects:

1. Shaivism(worship of God Shiva)

2. Vaishnavism.(worship of god Vishnu)

Bhakti and vedic rituals without animal sacrifice has accumulated during this period.

TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE :

Three styles of temple architectures were present :

1. Nagara Style of temple architectures : North Indian Style, constructed in semi cylendrical shape. It is also called Shikara Style. Many temples are constructed by Guptans.

2. Dravida style of temple architectures : South Indian style, constructed in semi pyramidical style. Gopuram and koneru is present in this style. Buld mainly by the pallavas and Cholas.

3. Vesara style of temple architecture. : Composite Indian Style. They are present in Deccan Area.

Paintings:

Mural / Fresco paintings : Paintings on wall

Ajantha present in Maharashtra is very fmous cave paintings.

Stories of Buddhas and Bodistvas are painted on walls called Jatakas.

31 caves are present.

Bagh in Madhya Pradesh, 9 Buddhist cave temples are present.

First hindu cave in India was built by Guptains in Udayagiri Madhya Pradesh.

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