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

The Kushanas: Short introduction In the early 2nd century BC, a tribe on the Central Asian frontier of China called Hsiung-nu defeated a neighboring one known as Yueh-chih. After more conflict, the survivors of the Yueh-chih were dislocated west, passing down the Ili river valley and along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul. This … Read more The Kushanas : Kanishka : Extent of empire, His religious policy; Development of Art, Architecture and Letters during the Kushana period

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

  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 is no unanimity with regard to … Read more The Mauryas : Extent of empire, Kalinga War and its Impact; Asoka’s Dhamma, Foreign Policy, Development of Art & Architecture during the Mauryan period

The Rise of the Magadhan empire

  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 of India. … Read more The Rise of the Magadhan empire

The Lichavi and their republican constitution

The History of Licchavis 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 … Read more The Lichavi and their republican constitution

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

Although the Rig Veda deals with devotional work of religious nature, yet it gives a vivid picture of the early Vedic civilization. The Vedic Civilization is best understood from the social life, political organisation, economic life and religious beliefs. The Kula or family was the basic unit of Rig-Vedic society. The Kula was headed by … Read more Antiquity and stratification of the Vedic literature; Society, economy and religion during Early (Rig-Vedic) period.

Origin of the Aryans

    The Aryans came to India in several waves. The earliest wave is represented by the Rig Vedic people who appeared in the subcontinent in about 1500 BC. They came into conflict with the indigenous inhabitants called the Dravidians mentioned as Dasa or Dasyus in Rig Veda. The Rig Veda mentions the defeat of … Read more Origin of the Aryans

The Indus Valley Civilization : Origin, antiquity, extent, authorship and main features

Indus Valley Civilization   Indus Valley Civilization was the first major civilization in south Asia, which spread across a vast area of land in present day India and Pakistan (around 12 lakh sq.km). The time period of mature Indus Valley Civilization is estimated between BC. 2700- BC.1900 i.e. for 800 years. But early Indus Valley Civilization had … Read more The Indus Valley Civilization : Origin, antiquity, extent, authorship and main features

Prominent Foreign Travellers During Medivial India for RAS/RTS Prelims Exam

1. Marco Polo Venetian Traveller visited Pandya kingdom 2. Ibn Batuta Muhammad bin Tughlaq 3. Nicolo Conti Italian visited Vijayanagar during the reign of Deva Raya I 4. Abdur Razaq Visited the court of Zamorin in Calicut & travelled to Vijaynagar during the reign of Deva Raya II 5. Nikitin Russian, visited Bahmani kingdom & … Read more Prominent Foreign Travellers During Medivial India for RAS/RTS Prelims Exam

Delhi Sultanat and Mazor Dynasties for RAS/RTS Prelims

Slave Qutbuddin Died while playing Chaugan. Aram Shah (short period) Aibak Shamsuddin He defeated Yalduz of Ghazni & Qubacha of Multan. Captured the Iltutmish fort  of  Ranthambor,  Lakhnauti.  Organized  the  iqta  system  (land assignment) & currency (introduced copper tanka & silver jital). Razia Sultana Married  Malik  Altunia  (Governor  of  Bhatinda).  Turkish  Aamirs played  the dominant  … Read more Delhi Sultanat and Mazor Dynasties for RAS/RTS Prelims

Important Ancient Terms

Lohit Ayas Copper Syam Ayas Iron Vanik Traders Gramini Village Head Bhagadugha Tax collector Sthapati Chief Judge Takshan Carpenter Niska Unit of currency Satamana Unit of currency Pana Term used for coin Shresthi Guilds Vihara Buddhist Monastery Chaitya Sacred Enclosure Pradeshika Head of district Administration Nagarka City administration Jesthaka Chief of a Guild Prathamakulika Chief … Read more Important Ancient Terms