Notes and Study material for Exams
Megasthenes: The Greek Ambassador Who Unveiled Ancient India Megasthenes, a Greek historian and diplomat, stands as a pivotal figure in our understanding of ancient India. His writings, though fragmented and often debated, offer a unique and invaluable glimpse into the Mauryan Empire, a powerful dynasty that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent in the 4th … Read more
In the sixth country B.C. North India was divided into sixteen kingdoms out of which Avanti, Vatsa, Kosala and Magadha rose into prominence by aggrandizing upon other weaker states.These four states involved themselves in internecine quarrel in which Magadha emerged as the most powerful state and acquired mastery in the political domain … Read more
Nanda dynasty Nanda dynasty, family that ruled Magadha, in northern India, between c. 343 and 321 BCE. The Nanda dynasty immediately preceded the dynasty of the Mauryas, and, as with all pre-Maurya dynasties, what is known about it is a mixture of fact and legend. Indigenous traditions, both Brahmanical and Jaina, suggest that the founder … Read more
The Lichchhavis (also Lichchavi, Licchavi) were an important member of the Vajjian confederacy. The early Indian traditions describe the Lichchhavis as Kshatriyas. Scholars reject the theory of foreign origin of the Lichchhavis on the strength of these traditions. But they were degraded to the status of fallen Kshatriyas due to their championship of non-Brahmanical … Read more
India’s literary tradition spans thousands of years, reflecting the country’s diversity and evolution in language, culture, and philosophy. Indian literature can be viewed as a continuous yet dynamic legacy, embodying the intellectual, religious, and social currents of various eras. Rooted in oral traditions, it eventually found expression in written form, enriched by a multitude of … Read more
Indus Valley Civilization Indus valley civilization or Harappan civilization, the earliest known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent. The nuclear dates of the civilization appear to be about 2500–1700 BCE, though the southern sites may have lasted later into the 2nd millennium BCE. The civilization was first identified in 1921 at Harappa in the Punjab … Read more
Sangam Age The Megalithic cultures, dated between 1200BC-300BC, of early history of South India was followed by the Sangam Age. Megalithic people followed agro-pastoral activities for their livelihood. The Sangam Age points to that period in the early history of South India when large numbers of poems in Tamil were written by many authors. The … Read more
Coins: A Window into Ancient and Medieval India Coins, small pieces of metal bearing inscriptions and images, are more than just currency. They are tangible artifacts that offer invaluable insights into the socio-economic, political, and religious landscape of past civilizations. In the context of Ancient and Medieval India, coins serve as a rich repository of … Read more
Mural Paintings During the Chalukya Period: A Glimpse into Ancient Artistry The Chalukya dynasty, a powerful and influential force in South India from the 6th to the 12th centuries, left behind a rich legacy of art and architecture. Among their most remarkable contributions are the vibrant and intricate mural paintings that adorn the walls of … Read more
The Iron Age, spanning from approximately 1500 BCE to 200 BCE, represents a significant period in human history characterized by the widespread use of iron for tools, weapons, and implements. It witnessed crucial advancements in metallurgy, technology, and socio-political organization, setting the stage for the emergence of ancient civilizations across the globe. Exploring the Iron … Read more