Indian History material
The period between 200 BCE and 300 CE is one of the most significant in Indian history. It forms the transitional age between two great empires – the Mauryan Empire and the Gupta Empire. Politically, the era witnessed disunity and uncertainty, yet in non-political fields, remarkable progress was achieved. Political History In the Post-Mauryan period, […]
Post-Mauryan Age / Pre-Gupta Age Explained (Part-1) Read More »
Administration of the Mauryas The first well-organized and efficient administration in India was seen during the Mauryan period. Information about their administrative system is available from Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Megasthenes’ Indica, and Ashoka’s inscriptions. Centralised Administration The Mauryas established a highly centralised system of administration. All powers were vested in the Emperor. He was the supreme
Political History of the Mauryas Chandragupta Maurya (321 – 297 BCE) Chandragupta Maurya invaded north-western India, defeated the governors appointed by Alexander, and occupied those territories. This brought him into conflict with Seleucus Nicator. After defeating Seleucus, Chandragupta married his daughter Helena. According to the treaty, Seleucus ceded Paropanisada (Kabul), Arakosia (Kandahar), Gedrosia (Baluchistan),
From Kalinga War to Dhamma: The Transformation of Ashoka (Part-2) Read More »
The Mauryan Empire was the first great empire in Indian history. The Mauryas ruled not only India but the entire Indian subcontinent. The expansion that began during the Haryanka, Shishunaga, and Nanda dynasties reached its peak during the Mauryan period. (Note: “Magadha” was the name of the kingdom, whereas “Maurya” was the name of the
Ashoka the Great and the Mauryan Empire – History Explained (Part-1) Read More »
Ancient India was a fertile ground for spiritual and philosophical thought. Around the 6th century BCE, several non-Vedic religious and philosophical movements emerged that challenged ritualistic traditions and explored alternative paths to understanding life, morality, and liberation. Among these were Ajivika, Charvaka, Buddhism, Jainism, and the six classical philosophies (Shaddarshanas). While Buddhism and Jainism emphasized
Ancient Indian Philosophies: Ajivika, Charvaka, and the Six Classical Schools Read More »
Jainism, one of the world’s oldest religions, offers profound insights into spirituality, morality, and self-discipline. Originating in India, Jainism is renowned for its strict principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and self-restraint (Aparigraha). At the heart of this ancient faith are the 24 Tirthankaras, spiritual teachers who guide humanity across the turbulent waters of worldly
Discover Jainism: Mahavira’s Life and the Path of Enlightenment Read More »
Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha in the 6th century BCE. The new religion emphasized truth, simplicity, non-violence, and equality. It spread widely in India and across Asia, influencing cultures, societies, and philosophies for centuries. 1. Rise of Buddhism Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini (563 BCE) in the Sakya clan as Siddhartha. At the
Buddhism Uncovered: Secrets of Its Origin, Teachings, and Decline Read More »
Persian / Iranian and Greek Invasions of Northwestern India While the Magadhan rulers were expanding their power by conquering other Mahajanapadas in India, foreign invasions occurred in northwestern India (Gandhara region). Gradually, this region fell under foreign rule. First the Persians, and later the Greeks, invaded and controlled Gandhara. I. Persian / Iranian Invasions During
Persian and Greek Invasions of India – Cyrus, Darius, and Alexander the Great Read More »
Between 600 BCE and 300 BCE, the period preceding the Mauryan Empire is known both as the Age of the Buddha and the Age of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas. It is called the Age of the Buddha because Gautama Buddha, the great spiritual leader, lived during this time. It is called the Age of the Sixteen
Sixteen Mahajanapadas and the Rise of the Magadha Dynasty Read More »
The Homeland of the Aryans Among historians, there is no consensus about the homeland of the Aryans, who built a great civilization in India. Their literature makes no mention of their original homeland. Some scholars argue that the Aryans were indigenous, while others believe they were foreigners. Let us examine some of these opinions. Scholars
Aryans and Vedic Civilization: Homeland, Society, Economy, Politics & Religion (Part-2) Read More »
