JPSC Prelims Notes for History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition & Heritage of India

<<2/”>a >h5 style=”text-align: center;”>Ancient Period :

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(i) The Indus Valley Civilization : Origin, antiquity, extent, authorship and main features;

(iilOrigin of the Aryans

(iii) Antiquity and stratification of the Vedic literature; Society, economy and religion during Early (Rig-Vedic) period.

(iv) The Lichavi and their republican constitution.

(v) The Rise of the Magadhan empire

(vi)The Mauryas : Extent of empire, Kalinga War and its Impact; Asoka’s Dhamma, Foreign Policy, Development of Art & Architecture during the Mauryan period

(vii) The Kushanas : Kanishka : Extent of empire, His religious policy; Development of Art, Architecture and Letters during The Kushana period

(viii) The Guptas : Extent of empire; development of language and Literature, art St architecture during the Gupta period.

(Ix) Harsha-Vardhan : The last great Hindu ruler of Northern India; cultural achievements during his period.

(x) Cholas/”>The Cholas: Maritime activities in Sourth-east Asian counturies. Chola administration, art & architecture.

(xi) Cultural Achievements of the Pallavas

Medieval Period

(xii) The Arab Invasion of India

(xiii)The Ghaznavid Invasion of India.

[xlv] The Delhi Sultanate : Market and Military Reforms of Allauddin Khilji;Utopian policies of Muhainmad-bln-Tughlaq.

(xv) The Mongol invasion of India,

(xvl)Religious Movements; a) Suflsm,(b)Bhakti Movemnnt

(xvii)Dawn of a New-Islamic culture : Indo-Islamlc architecture; Development of Urdu and Hindi languages.

(xviii) The Mughals ; First Battle of Panipatj Achievements of SherShah Suri, Consolidation of MuRhal empire; Establishment nf Jagirdari and Mansabdari systems under Akbar, Akbar’s Religious and Rajput policies, Aurangzeb’s Religious and Rajput policies, Mughal architecture and Painting,Economic Condition during Mughal
period.

(xix) The Rise of the Marathas : Achievements of Shlvajf,Northward expansion of the Marathas and their downfall

 

Modem Period:

(xx)Growth-of-east-india-company-consolidation-of-british-power-in-india-battles-of-plassey-and-buxar-control-over-mysore-subsidiary-alliance-doctrine/”>Beginning of European settlements:Formation and growth of East India Company; Consolidation of British power in India : Battles of Plassey and Buxar; Control over Mysore; Subsidiary Alliance; Doctrine of Lapse; Doctrine of Escheat

(xxi) Resistance to Colonial Rule; Peasant; Tribal and Cultural Renaissance; Revolt of 1857

(xxil)Social Reforms Movements in Hindu Community : Brahma Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ram Krishna Mission, Prarthann Samaj and Theosophical Society of India.

(xxiii)Social Reforms Movements In Muslim Community : Wahabi Movement & AliRarh Movement

(xxiv) Consent-billstress-on-female-Education/”>Struggle for Raising Women‘s status : Abolition of Sati System, Widow Marriage Act, Consent Bill,Stress on Female education,

(xxv) Land Revenue Administration under the British rule : Permanent Settlement; Ryotwarl & Mahalwari Systems,

(xxvi) Rise of Nationalism in India in the 19th century : Formation of Indian National Congress ; Moderates and Extremists; Swadeshi Movement , Home Rule League Movement; Khiiafat Movement ,

(xxvii) Mahatma Gandhi and Mass politics : Non-Co-oporation Movement   ,    Civil Disobedience Movement    ,                      Quit India Movement

(xxviii)The partition of India and its consequences

(xxix) India After Independence : Integration of Princely States in Indian Union; Linguistic Reorganization of States; Non-alligned policy under Nehru and Indira Gandhi, Libration of Bangladesh.,

Prehistory and Ancient India

The history of India can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished from around 2600 to 1900 BCE. This civilization was centered in the Indus River valley in what is now Pakistan and northwestern India. The Indus Valley people were skilled farmers and traders, and they built a complex urban society with well-planned cities. The Indus Valley Civilization declined around 1900 BCE, and its cause is still unknown.

After the Indus Valley Civilization, India was ruled by a number of different dynasties, including the Mauryan Empire, The Gupta Empire, and the Mughal Empire. The Mauryan Empire was the largest empire in Indian history, and it was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE. The Gupta Empire was a golden age for Indian culture and Learning, and it was founded by Chandra Gupta I in the 4th century CE. The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur in the 16th century CE, and it was the last major Muslim empire in India.

Medieval India

Medieval India is a period of Indian history that lasted from the 8th century to the 18th century. This period was marked by the rise and fall of a number of different dynasties, including the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the MARATHA EMPIRE. The Delhi Sultanate was founded in the 13th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and it was the first Muslim empire in India. The Mughal Empire was founded in the 16th century by Babur, and it was the last major Muslim empire in India. The Maratha Empire was founded in the 17th century by Shivaji Maharaj, and it was the last major Hindu empire in India.

Modern India

Modern India is a period of Indian history that began in the 19th century. This period was marked by the British Raj, the Indian independence movement, and the partition of India. The British Raj was the period of British rule in India, which lasted from the 18th century to the 20th century. The Indian independence movement was a movement that sought to end British rule in India, and it was led by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The partition of India was the division of British India into two independent countries, India and Pakistan, in 1947.

Indian Art and Architecture

Indian art and architecture is a rich and diverse tradition that has been influenced by a number of different cultures. Indian art can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, and it includes a wide range of styles, from the geometric designs of the Indus Valley people to the intricate paintings of the Mughal Empire. Indian architecture is also a diverse tradition, and it includes a wide range of styles, from the simple brick temples of the early Hindu period to the elaborate palaces of the Mughal Empire.

Indian Literature

Indian literature is a rich and diverse tradition that has been influenced by a number of different cultures. Indian literature can be traced back to the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, and it includes a wide range of genres, from poetry to drama to fiction. Indian literature is known for its rich imagery and its complex characters.

Indian Culture

Indian culture is a rich and diverse tradition that has been influenced by a number of different cultures. Indian culture includes a wide range of customs, beliefs, and practices, from the Hindu religion to the Muslim religion to the Sikh religion. Indian culture is also known for its rich cuisine, its vibrant music, and its colorful festivals.

Indian Traditions and Heritage

Indian traditions and heritage are a rich and diverse tradition that has been passed down for generations. Indian traditions include a wide range of customs, beliefs, and practices, from the Hindu religion to the Muslim religion to the Sikh religion. Indian heritage includes a wide range of historical sites, from the ancient temples of the Indus Valley Civilization to the Mughal palaces of the 16th century.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the history, art, culture, literature, tradition, and heritage of India:

  1. What is the history of India?
    India has a long and rich history, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent from 3300 to 1300 BCE. The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, and it is known for its advanced urban planning, its sophisticated system of writing, and its well-developed art and architecture.

  2. What is the art of India?
    The art of India is a diverse and vibrant tradition that spans over 5,000 years. Indian art includes a wide range of forms, from sculpture and painting to architecture and textiles. Indian art is often characterized by its use of bright colors, intricate patterns, and religious symbolism.

  3. What is the culture of India?
    The culture of India is a complex and fascinating blend of different cultures and traditions. Indian culture is influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, Islam, and other religions, as well as by the country’s diverse geography and history. Indian culture is known for its hospitality, its love of music and dance, and its rich cuisine.

  4. What is the literature of India?
    The literature of India is a vast and varied tradition that includes works of poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction. Indian literature is written in a wide range of languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu. Indian literature is known for its rich storytelling tradition, its use of symbolism and allegory, and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the human condition.

  5. What are the traditions of India?
    The traditions of India are a rich and diverse tapestry that reflects the country’s long and complex history. Indian traditions include a wide range of customs, beliefs, and practices, from the Hindu festival of Diwali to the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr. Indian traditions are often passed down from generation to generation, and they play an important role in shaping the country’s culture and identity.

  6. What is the heritage of India?
    The heritage of India is a rich and diverse collection of artifacts, monuments, and other objects that reflect the country’s long and complex history. Indian heritage includes a wide range of items, from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization ruins at Mohenjo-daro to the Mughal-era Taj Mahal. Indian heritage is a valuable resource that helps to preserve the country’s history and culture.

1. Which of the following is not a characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization?
(A) It was a Bronze Age civilization.
(B) It was a river valley civilization.
(C) It had a well-developed system of writing.
(D) It was a matriarchal society.

2. The Harappan civilization was located in which of the following regions?
(A) The Indus Valley
(B) The Ganges Valley
(C) The Deccan Plateau
(D) The Himalayas

3. The Harappan civilization was known for its advanced system of ____.
(A) Irrigation
(B) Trade
(C) Writing
(D) Metallurgy

4. The Harappan civilization declined around 1900 BCE. What is the most likely reason for its decline?
(A) A natural disaster
(B) Invasion by another civilization
(C) Drought
(D) Disease

5. The Aryans were a group of Indo-European people who migrated to India from Central Asia around 1500 BCE. What is the most likely reason for their Migration?
(A) They were looking for new land to settle.
(B) They were fleeing from war.
(C) They were following a religious leader.
(D) They were looking for new trade routes.

6. The Aryans brought with them their own language, culture, and religion. What is the name of their language?
(A) Sanskrit
(B) Hindi
(C) Urdu
(D) Punjabi

7. The Aryans believed in a number of gods and goddesses. What is the name of their chief god?
(A) Indra
(B) Vishnu
(C) Shiva
(D) Brahma

8. The Aryans divided society into four Social Classes, or varnas. What are the four varnas?
(A) Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras
(B) Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Untouchables
(C) Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Merchants
(D) Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Peasants

9. The Aryans also divided society into a number of occupational groups, or jatis. What is the name of the jati that is responsible for teaching and learning?
(A) Brahmin
(B) Kshatriya
(C) Vaishya
(D) Shudra

10. The Aryans were a warrior people. What is the name of the epic poem that tells the story of their battles?
(A) The Mahabharata
(B) The Ramayana
(C) The Vedas
(D) The Upanishads

11. The Aryans also made significant contributions to Indian art and architecture. What is the name of the style of architecture that is characterized by its large, pillared halls and its use of intricate stone carvings?
(A) Hindu Temple Architecture
(B) Buddhist temple architecture
(C) Jain temple architecture
(D) Mughal architecture

12. The Aryans also made significant contributions to Indian literature. What is the name of the collection of sacred texts that is considered to be the foundation of Hinduism?
(A) The Vedas
(B) The Upanishads
(C) The Mahabharata
(D) The Ramayana

13. The Aryans also made significant contributions to Indian philosophy. What is the name of the school of philosophy that emphasizes the importance of meditation and self-realization?
(A) Yoga/”>Yoga
(B) Vedanta
(C) Nyaya
(D) Mimamsa

14. The Aryans also made significant contributions to Indian science. What is the name of the system of medicine that is based on the use of herbs and other natural remedies?
(A) Ayurveda
(B) Unani
(C) Siddha
(D) Yoga

15. The Aryans also made significant contributions to Indian mathematics. What is the name of the Number System that is used in India today?
(A) The Arabic numeral system
(B) The Roman numeral system
(C) The Hindu-Arabic numeral system
(D) The Babylonian numeral system

Index