Notes and Study material for Exams
Foundation of the Mauryan Empire: The foundation of the Maurya Empire in 321 B.C. by Chandragupta Maurya was a unique event in history. Particularly in view of the fact that it was found shortly after Alexander’s victorious campaigns in North-West India during 327 B.C. – 325 B.C. There … Read more
Vijayanagara empire and their contribution to art, literature and culture – socio-economic conditions, administration, fall of Vijayanagar empire The Vijayanagara Empire, an important South Indian empire was founded by Harihara Raya I and his brother Bukka Raya I. The capital of the empire was Vijayanagara, present days Hampi in Karnataka. The empire ruled from 1336 … Read more
Puranas Divided into sarga, pratisarga, manvantantar, vamsa (genealogical list of kings) & vamsanucharita. 18 main puranas & 18 subsidiary puranas. Vedas Meaning “knowledge”. Rigveda (hymns), Yajurveda (sacrificial formulae), Atharvaveda (magical charms & spell), Samveda. Vedas are called aparusheya (not created by man) & nity Upanishads About 200 in number. Deal with philosophy. Oldest & … Read more
Jainism Originated in India thousands of years ago and is thought to have heavily influenced the two other main belief systems of the region at that time: Buddhism. The religion centres on the progress of one’s soul towards a divine consciousness through self-reformation, wisdom and self-control and pacifism towards all living creatures. There are two … Read more
The Majjhima Nikaya: A Middle Path Through Buddhist Teachings The Majjhima Nikaya, one of the five Nikayas (collections) of the Sutta Pitaka (Discourse Basket) in the Pali Canon, stands as a cornerstone of Theravada Buddhism. This collection of 152 suttas (discourses) attributed to the Buddha himself offers a rich tapestry of teachings, exploring the core … Read more
Beyond the Mainstream: Exploring the Heterodox Schools of Economics The world of economics is often portrayed as a monolithic entity, dominated by a single, dominant school of thought. This perception, however, fails to capture the rich diversity of perspectives and approaches that exist within the field. While mainstream economics, primarily neoclassical in nature, holds significant … Read more
Satvahanas After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, the history of the Andhras, as a continuous account of political and cultural events, commences with the rise of the Satavahanas as a political power. According to Matsya Purana there were 29 rulers of this dynasty. They ruled over the Andhradesa including Deccan for about 400 years … Read more
Bhasa: The Enigma of Ancient Indian Theatre Bhasa, a name that echoes through the annals of Sanskrit literature, remains shrouded in mystery. While his works are celebrated for their dramatic brilliance and poetic depth, the playwright himself is a shadowy figure, his life and times a subject of intense scholarly debate. This article delves into … Read more
The Sarvodaya Plan: A Vision for Holistic Development in India The Sarvodaya Plan, a blueprint for social and economic transformation envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, stands as a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of self-reliance and collective upliftment. This plan, rooted in the principles of non-violence, truth, and social justice, aimed to create … Read more
The Barabar Caves are a group of rock-cut caves located in the Makhdumpur region of Bihar, India. The caves are notable for their architectural and historical significance, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Location and Age Carving Period and Patron Cave Complex Architectural Style Historical Significance Location and Age Nestled amidst the Barabar Hills, … Read more