Notes and Study material for Exams
The founder of the Chola Empire was Vijayalaya, who was first feudatory of the Pallavas of Kanchi. He captured Tanjore in 850 A.D. He established a temple of goddess Nishumbhasudini (Durga) there. Aditya I succeeded Vijayalaya. Aditya helped his overlord the Pallava king Aparajita against the Pandyas but soon defeated him and annexed … Read more
Rashtrakutas The Rashtrakutas called themselves descendants of one named Satyaki. But there is difference of opinion about their origin among the historians. According to some they were originally of Dravidian peasant extraction. From some of the inscriptions of the Chalukya kings it is known that the Rashtrakutas were feudatories of the Chalukyas. Perhaps their original … Read more
The Renati Cholas The Telugu Cholas of Renadu (also called as Renati Cholas) ruled over Renadu region, the present day Cuddapah district. They were originally independent, later forced to the suzerainty of the Eastern Chalukyas. They had the unique honour of using the Telugu language in their inscriptions belonging to the 7th and 8th centuries. … Read more
The Chola temples like Brihadeshwara temple and Gangaikondacholapuram temples took the Dravidian Temple Architecture to new heights. These temples had huge pyramidical vimanas and massive gopurams. These also had huge thousand pillars mandapas to house devotees. They were linked to wars and battles. They were linked to the greatness and power of the king. They … Read more
Ancient Scripts of India India is a land of ancient civilizations, and its history is rich in culture and tradition. One of the most fascinating aspects of Indian culture is its writing system. The ancient scripts of India are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Indian people. Indus Script Brahmi Script Kharosthi … Read more
The Golden Age of the Cholas: Rajaraja I and Rajendra I The Chola dynasty, one of the most powerful and influential empires in South India, reached its zenith under the reigns of Rajaraja I (985-1014 CE) and his son, Rajendra I (1014-1044 CE). These two rulers, known for their military prowess, administrative acumen, and patronage … Read more
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
The Enduring Legacy of Stone: Architecture in Medieval India Medieval India, spanning roughly from the 6th to the 18th centuries, witnessed a remarkable flourishing of architectural styles, each reflecting the diverse cultural, religious, and political landscapes of the era. From the towering grandeur of Hindu temples to the intricate beauty of Mughal palaces, the architecture … 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