Notes and Study material for Exams
Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture: Part 1 – A Shift in Focus and Expression The Mauryan Empire, under the reign of Ashoka, reached its zenith in the 3rd century BCE, leaving behind a legacy of monumental architecture, intricate sculptures, and a flourishing artistic tradition. However, the decline of the Mauryan Empire marked a … Read more
Early Temples Early temples were built in the first few centuries of the Common Era, and they represent some of the most important religious architecture of the ancient world. These temples were often dedicated to the worship of gods and goddesses, and they served as important centers of religious activity. Early temples were typically built … Read more
Bharhut Stupa The Bharhut stupa is a Buddhist stupa located in the village of Bharhut, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest and most important stupas in India, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bharhut stupa was built in the 2nd century BCE, during the reign of the Sunga dynasty. It … Read more
Hiuen Tsang (602-664), also known as Xuanzang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator. He is best known for his pilgrimage to India in search of sacred Buddhist texts, which he translated into Chinese. Hiuen Tsang was born in 602 in the Tang dynasty capital of Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an). He was ordained as … Read more
Deciphering the Past: The Mandsaur Inscription and its Significance The Mandsaur inscription, a remarkable inscription carved on a stone pillar in the ancient city of Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, India, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of ancient India. This inscription, dating back to the 4th century CE, offers invaluable … Read more
The Chaukhandi Stupa: A Monument to the Past, a Mystery to the Present The Chaukhandi Stupa, a majestic structure perched atop a hill in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, stands as a testament to the rich history and enigmatic nature of ancient India. This enigmatic monument, shrouded in mystery and speculation, has captivated historians, … Read more
Dharma Pala: A Patron of Buddhist Teachings Dharma Pala, a name synonymous with patronage and preservation of Buddhist teachings, stands as a towering figure in the history of Buddhism in the 8th and 9th centuries. His reign, marked by a fervent dedication to the propagation of the Buddhist faith, left an indelible mark on the … Read more
LITERATURE, SCIENCES & Education Sanskrit once again attained the status of a lingua franca and managed to scale even greater heights than before. Poet and playwright Kalidasa created such Epics as Abhijnanasakuntalam, Malavikagnimitram, Raghuvansha and Kumarsambhaba. Harishena, a renowned poet, panegyrist and flutist, composed Allahabad Prasasti, Sudraka wrote Mricchakatika, Vishakhadatta created Mudrarakshasa and Vishnusharma penned Panchatantra. Vararuchi, Baudhayana, Ishwar Krishna and Bhartrihari contributed to both Sanskrit and … Read more
The Echoes of Time: Exploring the Kanheri Caves of Mumbai Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, India, lie the ancient Kanheri Caves, a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. These rock-cut cave temples, carved out of the basalt cliffs, offer a glimpse into … Read more
The Legacy of Ashoka: Post-Mauryan Art in Ancient India (3rd Century BCE – 3rd Century CE) The Mauryan Empire, under the reign of Ashoka the Great, witnessed a golden age of art and architecture. However, the empire’s decline in the 3rd century BCE ushered in a new era, marked by political fragmentation and the rise … Read more