Unit: D - General Studies

CHAPTER
1 HISTORY AND INDIAN FREEDOM STRUGGLE

ANCIENT INDIA
PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD • There was an impressive building which was used as a public
bath. The overall dimension of the Bath is 180 feet by 108 feet
• Pre - historic period is divided into three sections- Stone age,
used for religious both.
Bronze age and Iron age.
• Houses, often two-storey and spacious, lined up on the streets;
• Stone age is divided into three periods, i.e. Palaeolithic Age, there was well drainage system resulting in the brick-lined
Mesolithic Age and Neolithic Age. sewers.
• Lower Palaeolithic Age covers the greater part of the Ice Age. • In town planning, grid system, underground drainage and
• Its people used to eat fruits, birds and raw animal flesh, etc. granaries were found.
• The tools were usually made of hard rock.
• In Middle Palaeolithic age a bit change occurred in the shape Culture
of tools made of stones or bones. • Lothal, Balakot, Suktagendor and Allahdin (Pakistan) in the
• In Upper Palaeolithic age, human lived as nomadic hunter cities of the Harappan civilization were the major ports.
gatherers. • Domesticated animals included dogs and cats, humped and
• Mesolithic Age was an intermediate stage in the stone age. It sea cattle, poultry, and possibly pigs, camels and Buffalo.
ended with the introduction of agriculture. Elephant, probably, too, was domesticated, and his bones and
• Neolithic age was an age of polished tool culture. tusks were freely used.
• Tool making became an important profession and a variety of • Women were given high honour in society. Family was
polished tools were manufactured. regulated in the name of mother.
• They learnt the art of pottery and their pots were well made • The Indus Civilization had four different classes in which the
and decorated with paintings. society was divided, i.e. Scholars, warriors, businessmen and
• They discovered the art of producing fire by the friction of stones labourers.
and the wheel was also an important discovery of this age. • In the valley of the Indus people used irrigation-based
• Chalcolithic Age is marked by the use of copper as copper agriculture.
age. The economy was based on subsistence agriculture, stock- • Harappan people had features of Hinduism, such as worship of
raising, hunting and fishing.
the mother Goddess, Pashupati Shiva, Sacred animals, trees,
• The Chalcolithic people slaughtered animals for food. Neither
etc.
they milked animals for dairy products nor did they practise
cultivation. Indus Valley Sites – Excavators
• It was the transitional stage when both bronze, copper and Harappa - 1921- Dayaram Sahni
stone tools were used and humans started living settled life. Mohenjodaro- 1922- R.D.Banerjee
• The Iron age is usually associated with the Painted Grey Sutkagendor- 1927- Aurel Stein, George
Wares (P.G.W.). Dalesamri - 1929- M.G.Majumdar
• The adoption of Iron brought various changes in society Chanhudaro- 1931- M.G.Majumdar
including agricultural practices, religious beliefs and attractive Rangpur - 1931- M.S.Vats
artistic styles. Kot Diji- 1935- Fazal Khan
Dabarkot- 1935- Maichke
INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION Kili Ghul Mohammad- 1950- Fairservis
• The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was a unique Bronze Kalibangan- 1953- A. Ghosh
Age civilization (2500–1700 B.C.) based on Carbon–14 dating. Ropar - 1953- Y.D.Sharma
• The Civilization flourished around the Indus river basin and Lothal - 1957- S.R.Rao
its tributaries, consisting of modern Pakistan and northwestern Surkotada- 1964- Jagatpati Ghosh
India. Dholvira- 1967- J.P. Joshi

Town planning Sites their Location

• The main streets ran from north to south varied from 9 to 34 Mohenjodaro- Sindh, Pakistan
feet in width. Roads, especially in Mohenjo-Daro had a width Harappa- Punjab Province, Pakistan
of 10.5 meter. The Harappa had wide roads of width of 30 feet. Dholavira- Rann of Kutch in Gujarat
D-2 History and Indian Freedom Struggle

Lothal- Gulf of Khambat in Gujarat of the Tritsu family, and the confederacy of ten well-known
Rakhigarhi- Haryana tribes - Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha,
Ganweriwala- Punjab, Pakistan Bhalnas, Siva and Vishanin.
Banawali- Haryana • In the bloody and decisive battle on the banks of river Parushni,
Chanhudaro- Kutch in Gujarat

the Bharatas emerged victorious.
Kalibangan- Rajasthan • Sabha and Samiti (Popular Assemblies) controlled the affairs
Kot Diji- Sind, Pakistan of Vedic states. These two assemblies were called the two
Ropar- Punjab (India) daughters of Prajapati.
Surkotada- Kutch, Gujarat
Important Terminologies
Suktagendor – Bank of Dast, Balochistan The Kula -the family
The Gram -the village
The Visha- the clan
THE VEDIC PERIOD The Jana- the people
• The Vedic Period or the Vedic Age refers to the period when The Rashtra -the nation
the Vedic Sanskrit texts were composed in India. • The Vedic Aryans worshipped the forces of nature such as
• Literally ‘Aryans’ means - the ‘best’ or ‘eminent’. Earth, Fire, Wind, Rain and Thunder; their main occupation
• The Aryans are supposed to have migrated from Central Asia was cattle rearing.
into the Indian Subcontinent in Several stages during 2000 to • The King was responsible for the protection of the tribe.
1500 B.C. • Vedang were composed during post-vedic period. Shiksha, Kalpa,
• In order to prove their supremacy the Aryans called themselves Vyakaran, Nirukta, Chhanda and Jyotish are the six vedangas.
‘The Aryas’ and they called their opponents ‘Anarya’, Vedang Dealt in
‘Dasyu’ or ‘Das’. Shiksha -Phonetics
• The Rigveda (1500–1000 BC) consists of 1028 hymns. These Kalpa- Rituals
hymns were sung in honour of various gods and were recited Vyakarana -Grammar
by Hotri. Nirukta -Etymology
• The Gaytri Mantra had been discovered from the Rig Veda. Chanda- Metrics
• The Sindhu and its tributaries are called Sapta Sindhu. Jyotish
• The Yajur Veda is a book of sacrificial prayers. It is written • Upvedas were composed after Vedangas.
in both verse and prose. Four Upvedas are : Ayurveda (medicine); Gandharvaveda
• The Sama Veda consists of 1549 hymns. (Music); Dhanurveda (Archery) and Shilpaveda (Craft and
• It is a book of chants for singing during sacrifices. Wealth).
• The Atharva Veda is a book of magical formulae which
• Puranas means ‘the old’ and they are 18 in number.
reflects the popular conventions and rituals of that period.
• The Brahmans were composed after the Vedas to explain the • Ashtadhyayi is the first grammar of the world written by
hymns of the Vedas. They are written in prose and ritualistic Panini.
in nature. • The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the two Indian
epics.
Veda and their Brahmans
• Darshans are the auxiliary treatise of the Vedas. The six
Rigveda – Aitareya and Kaushitiki or Shankhyan.
schools of Indian philosophy are called Shad Darshan.
Samveda – Panchvisa (Tandya Mahabrahman),
Shadvinsh Brahman, Jaiminiya Brahman. Nyaya Darshana –Akshpad Gautam
Yajurveda – Shatapath (the oldest and the largest Vaisheshik Darshana –Maharshi Kanad
Brahman) and Taittariya. Shankhay Darshana –Kapil Muni
Atharva – Gopath (A treatise on medical science, Yoga Darshana –Patanjali
Veda charms and magic). Purva Mimamsa –Jamini
Uttar Mimansha –Badrayan Rishi
• The Aranyakas were written mainly for the hermits and the
jungle living students. • Literally ‘Smriti’ means ‘remembrance’. All the Smritis were
• The Upanishadas are anti ritualistic discussing about the composed during Gupta’s period
relations between Brahma (God) and Jiva (Creature). Rivers and Their Ancient Names
• Upanishadas are philosophical texts and are called Vedanta
Ancient Modern
as they came towards the end of the Veda.
Vitasta Jhelum
• Vrihadaranyaka is the oldest Upani-shadas among all the
Askini Chenab
108 Upanishadas.
Parushini Ravi
• According to Rigveda, the famous Dasrajan Yuddha or the
Vipasa Beas
battle of ten kings was fought between Sudas, a Bharat King
History and Indian Freedom Struggle D-3

Sutudri Sutlej Asmaka Potana Godavari Valley

Gomati Gomal Vatsa Kaushambi Allahabad
Kubha Kabul Avanti Ujjain Malwa and a part of
Sadanira Gandak M.P.
Saraswati Ghaggar Surasena Mathura Mathura in U.P.
Chedi Shuktimati Bundelkhand in M.P.
Malla Kushinara, Pawa Eastern U.P.
LATER VEDIC PERIOD (1000-500 BC) Kurus Hastinapur/ Delhi and Meerut
• The later Vedic society came to be divided into four varnas Indraprashta
called the Brahmanas, rajanyas or kshatriyas, vaisyas and Matasya Virat Nagari Jaipur and Alwar
Vajjis Vaishali North Bihar
shudras, each varna was assigned with its duty. Anga Champa Bhagalpur and Monghyr
• All the three higher varnas shared one common feature, they in Bihar
were known as Dvijas (twice born). Kashi Banaras Banaras
• The fourth varna was deprived of the sacred thread ceremony, Kosala Shravasti Faizabad in U.P.
Magadha Girivraja/ Patna and Gaya in Bihar
and with it began the imposition of disabilities on the shudras.
Rajgriha
• The worst position is reserved for the shudra. He is called the Panchala Ahichhatra/ Rohilkhand in U.P.
servant of another. Kampilya
• Women were generally given a lower position. • During the sixth and fourth centuries BC, Magadha (now
• Ashramas or the four stages of life were created in the post-
Bihar), became the most powerful Mahajanapada.
Vedic time.
• The earliest capital of Magadha was at Rajgir, which was called
• The four ashramas were: Brahmachari or a student, grihastha or
Girivraja at that time.
householder, vanaprastha or partial retirement and sanyasa or
Chronology of Foreign Invasion
full withdrawal from the world.
• 518–486 B.C.: King Darius or Darus invaded India.
Kingdoms of the Later Vedic Period • 326 B.C. : Alexander invaded India.
Kingdom Location • 190 B.C. : India-Greeks or Bactrians invaded India.
1. Panchal Bareilly, Badayun & Farrukhabad in U.P. • 90 B.C. : Sakas invaded India.
2. Kushinagar Northern region of Uttar Pradesh • A.D. 1st Century : Pahlavas invaded India.
3. Kashi Modern Varanasi • A.D. 45 : Kushanas or Yue-chis invaded India.
4. Koshal Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh
5. Southern Madra Near Amritsar Summary of Alexander’s Invasion
6. Uttara Madra Kashmir • Alexander marched to India through the Khyber Pass in 326 B.C.
7. Eastern Madra Near Kangra
8. Kekaya On the bank of Beas river east of Gandhar
• Ambi, the ruler of Taxila, submitted to Alexander.
kingdom • He was bravely checked by the local chieftains despite the
9. Gandhar Rawalpindi & Peshawar fact that they had no chance of success.
• He was resisted first strongest by Porus at Jhelum.
Different types of Marriages • His advance was checked on the bank of the Beas because
Asura: Marriage by purchase. of the mutiny of his soldiers.
Gandharva: Marriage by the consent of two parties, often • In 325 B.C., he began his homeward journey.
clandestine. A special form of it was syamvara or self choice. • In 324 B.C., he reached Susa in Persia and died the next year, i.e.
Brahma: Marriage of a duly dowered girl to a man of the same 323 B.C.
varna with Vedic rites and rituals. • The Greek invasion of India opened the trade route between
Daiva: Father gives the daughter to the sacrificial priests as north-west India and Western Asia.
part of fee or dakshina.
Arsa: A token bride-price of a cow and a bull is given. RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS
Prajapati: Marriage without dowry and bride-price. • Came into existence around 600 B.C.
Paisacha: It is seduction of a girl while asleep, mentally • The main cause being reaction against domination of Brahmins
deranged or drunk, hence it can hardly be called a marriage. and spread of agricultural economy in North-East.
Rakshasa: Marriage by Capture.
• Prajapati, the Creator, came to occupy a Supreme position in Jainism
the later Vedic Period. • Founder – Rishabhadeva (First Tirthankara).
Mahajanapadas Capitals Current location • Mahavira was the last of the 24 tirthankaras.
Gandhara Taxila A part of Afghanistan • Jainism was divided into two sects: Shwetambaras and
Kamboja Rajpur Part of Kashmir and Digambaras.
Afghanistan • The First Council was held at Pataliputra by Sthulabahu.
D-4 History and Indian Freedom Struggle

• The Second Council was held at Valabhi under the leadership • Third Council at Patliputra in 250 B.C. during Ashoka’s reign.
of Devaradhi Kshamasramana. • Fourth Council in Kashmir during Kanishka’s reign.
Teachings Important Dynasties in Ancient India
• Jainism was based on 5 doctrines :
(i) Ahinsa, i.e. non-violence; (ii) do not speak a lie, (iii) do not The Haryanaka dynasty (544 – 412 B.C.)
steal. (iv) do not acquire property, and (v) observe continence • Bimbisara was the first ruler and founder of Haryanka dynasty.
(Brahmacharya). The capital of the kingdom was Rajagriha.
• Only the fifth (v) doctrine was added by Mahavir. • He strengthened his position by matrimonial alliances. He took
• Jainism recognizes the existence of the Gods but regarded them three wives: daughter of the king Kosala, Chellana (Lichhavi
lower than the jina. Princess) and daughter of the chief of the Madra clan of Punjab.
• Jainism did not condemn the Varna system. • Bimbisara Sent Jivaka to Ujjain for the treatment of King
Three Gems of Jainism (Ratnatrya) these are : Pradyota, the king of Avanti.
(i) Right faith (Samyak Vishwas) • Bimbisara was succeeded by his son Ajatasatru who killed
(ii) Right knowledge (Samyak Gyan)
his father and seized the throne for himself.
(iii) Right conduct/action (Samyak Karma)
• He was contemporary to Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha and
Five Categories of Siddhas
(i) Tirthankara - who has attained salvation. a follower of Buddhism.
(ii) Arhat - who is about to attain Nirvana. • Ajatasatru was succeeded by Udayin.
(iii) Acharya - The head of the ascetic group. • He built the fort upon the confluence of the Ganga and Son at
(iv) Upadhyaya - teacher or saint, and Patna.
(v) Sadhu - an ordinary ascetic. • He shifted the capital from the Rajagriha to Pataliputra.
• Ajatasatru was killed by his son Udayin.
Buddhism
• Gautam Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. Shishunaga dynasty(412 - 344 B.C.)
• His real name was Siddhartha. • The last Haryanka ruler, Nagadasaka, was killed by his courtier
• His father was a king named Suddodana Tharu and Mother Shishunaga in 430 B.C, who became the king and founded the
was Mahamaya. Shishunaga dynasty.
• He was born at Lumbini. • Shishunaga was succeeded by his son Kalashoka. The
• He discovered enlightenment under the peepal tree (Bodhi Second Buddhist Council was organised at Vaishali under the
Vriksha) in Gaya, Bihar at the age of 35. sponsorship of Kalashoka in 383 B.C.
• He gave his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath. • The last ruler of Shishunaga dynasty was Nandivardhan.
• It was divided into three main sects: Hinayana, Mahayana and
Vajrayana. Nanda dynasty (344-321 B.C.)
• There are three tripitak : Vinay Pitak (rules and regulations, • Mahapadmananda established the Nanda dynasty into a
which the Buddha promulgated), Sutta Pitak (discourses powerful empire.
delivered by Buddha himself) and Abhidhamma Pitak • The Nanda dynasty had a huge army consisting 2,00,000
(religions discourses of Buddha). infantry, 20,000 cavalry, 2,000 war chariots and 3,000 war
• Milindapanhs (dialogues between Menander and Buddhist elephants.
saint Nagsen). • Last ruler of Nanda dynasty was Dhanananda. He was
• Jatakas are the pre-birth stories of Buddha. contemporary of Alexander.
• He died at Kushinagara in U.P. the capital of mallas. • Alexander invasion of India took place in 326 B.C. during the
• Buddha means enlightened or the awakened or the wise one. reign of Dhanananda.
• Nirvana means to blow out or extinguish fires of greed, hatred
and delusion. The Mauryan empire (322 – 185 B.C.)
• The followers of Hinayana believed in the original teaching • Founder— Chandragupta Maurya
of Buddha. • He defeated the king Dhanananda with the help of Chanakya .
• Hinayanas did not believe in idol-worship. • Its capital was Pataliputra.
• Hinayanas believed in the heavenliness of Buddha. • Greek and Latin name of Chandragupta was Sandracottos”
• Mahayanas sought solution through the grace of Buddha. or “Andracottus.
• Mahayanas believes in idol-worship. • Megasthene (Greek Ambassador) came to his court.
• Vajrayana believes that salvation can be attained by magical • Chandragupta Maurya embraced Jainism.
power (i.e. Vajra) • He died at Sravanbelagola of Chandragiri hill.
• Vajrayana became popular in Bihar, Bengal, Tibet. • Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusara.
Buddhist Councils • Greek sources refer to him as Amitrochates or in Sanskrit amitraghata
• First Council at Rajgir where Vinaya Pitaka & Sutra Pitaka (“destroyer of foes”).
were compiled. • The palace of Chandragupta was made of wood.
• Second council at Vaishali in 383 B.C. • Bindusara was followed by his son, Ashoka (273-232 B.C.).
History and Indian Freedom Struggle D-5

• The war of Kalinga (BC 261) was the turning point of Ashoka’s • Founder- Simuka
life. The mass death of the war changed his mind and he • Andhra dynasty was situated between the region of Krishna
became a follower of Buddhism. and Godavari River.
• Ashok Stambh of Sarnath was adopted as national emblem • Most powerful Satavahana king - Gautamiputra Satakarni (A.D.
of India. 106-130)
• Sanchi Stupa was built by Ashoka. • He defeated the Sakas, Yavanas (Greeks) and Pahlavas (Parithans)
• Constructions carried out by Ashoka: Dhamek Stupa (Sarnath,
Uttar Pradesh), Bharhut stupa (Madhya Pradesh), Mahabodhi OTHER DYNASTIES
Temple (Bihar). • Kharavela was the greatest king of Chedi Dynasty.
• Ashoka’s Dhamma was a code of conduct (a set of principles • Source of information: Hatigumpha Pillar inscription (Created
like respect to elders) mercy to slaves & emphasis on truth, by Kharavela)
non-violence & tolerance. • He opposed Demetrius of Bactria and defeated them.
• Last Mauryan King: Brihadratha (Killed by his general
• The Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins in India,
Pushyamitra).
Which increased in number under the Kushans.
• Pushyamitra founded Sunga Dynasty.
• The Sakas were a group of nomadic tribes of Iranian origin or
• Important Sources of History of Mauryan Empire: Arthshastra
Scythian tribes, who lived in Central Asia.
(Kautilya), Indica (Megasthenes), Rajtarangini (Kalhan),
• The most famous Saka ruler in India was Rudradaman-I
Mahabhasya (Patanjali)
(A.D. 130-150).
• Other Sources: Puranas, Buddhist Texts, Asoka’s Inscriptions,
• The Saka kingdom in north-western India was followed by
Rocks & Pillar Edicts of Mauryas.
that of the Parthians (Saka-Pahlavas in Sanskrit text).
Number Name of Emperor Reign • The most famous Parthian king was Gondophernes.
1 Chandragupta Maurya 322 BC-298 BC • They were defeated by the Kushans in the second half of the
1st century AD.
2 Bindusara 298 BC-272 BC • The Parthians were succeeded by the Kushans who established
3 Ashoka 274 BC-232 BC
a powerful empire in north India.
4 Dasaratha 232 BC-224 BC
• The greatest of the Kushana rulers was kanishka and is known
5 Samprati 224 BC-215 BC
for his military prowess.
6 Salisuka 215 BC-202 BC
7 Devavarman 202 BC-195 BC • Capital of Kushans: Purushpura (Peshawar).
8 Satadhanvan 195 BC-187 BC • Kanishka is considered to have conflicted with the Pataliputra
9 Brihadatha 187 BC-185 BC and had taken Asvaghosa, the Buddhist Monk to Purushpura.
• He was a patron of Buddhism and convened the 4th Buddhist
Categories of Ashoka’s Inscription Council in the Kundalvana of Kashmir (or may be in Jalandhar)
• Bhabru – Conversion of Buddhism in 78 AD.
• Barabar Hills – Enjoins toleration • Scholars in the Court of Kanishka were Parsva, Vasumitra,
• Tarai Pillars – Respect to Buddhism Asvaghosa, Nagarjuna, Charaka and Mathara.
• 14 Rock Edicts – Administration and ethics. • Sushruta who wrote Sushruta Samhita has also been connected
• Minor Rock Edicts – Personal history of Ashoka & summary to Kanishka.
of Dhamma. • Founder of Pallava Dynasty- Simhavishnu, Capital – Kanchi.
• 7 Pillar Rock Edicts – Appendix to Rock Edicts. • Nrasimhavarman was the greatest king of Pallava Dynasty.
Sunga Dynasty (185 to 73 B.C.) The Sangam Kingdom
• Pushyamitra Sunga was the senapati of last king of Mauryan The Tamil Sangam was an academy of poets and bards.
empire Brihadratha. He killed Brihadratha and founded the Sunga
dynasty in 187 B.C. Sangam Place of Chairman Kingdom
Organisation
• It was a Magadha dynasty and its capital was Pataliputra but later
Vidhisha was the capital of Sunga rulers. First Thenmadurai Agastya Pandiya
Patanjali (grammarian of Sanskrit) was patronized by Second Kapatapuram Earlier- Agastya Pandiya
Pushyamitra Sunga. Later- Tolkappiyar
(a disciple of
Kanva Dynasty (73-28 B.C.) Agastaya)
• Founder- Vasudeva Kanva. Third North Madurai Nakkirar Pandiya
• Vasudeva was a Brahmin and follower of lord Vishnu.
• Other Sunga Rulers: Bhumimitra, Narayana, Susarman. • Founder of Chera Dynasty: Utiyan Cheralatan.
• Susarman was put to death by Satavahana ruler. • Founder of Chola Dynasty: Vijayalaya Capital –
Kaveripattanam.
Satvahana Dynasty • Most powerful kings of Chola Dynasty - Rajaraja (985-1014)
• It ruled in the Deccan and Central India after Mauryans. and his son, Rajendra I.
D-6 History and Indian Freedom Struggle

• Rajendra I founded a new capital called Gangai Nine Gems in the Court of Chandragupta-II
Kondacholapuram. S.No. Name Field Work
• Rajendra I defeated the kings of Sumatra in a naval campaign
1. Kshapanaka Astrology Jyothisyashastra
and annexing a part of Sumarata kingdom to his kingdom.
2. Dhanvantri Medicine Ayurveda (Book of
• Rajendra Chola III was the last king of the dynasty.
Medicine)
• Pandya Dynasty: Madurai(Capital).
3. Kalidasa Drama & Abhijnana
• The Pandya kings were constantly at war with Pallavas, Cholas Poetry Shakuntalam,
and Ceylon. Meghadutta
• The three Sangam epics were Silappadikaram, Minimekalai 4. Amarasimha Lexicography Amarakosha
and Sivaga Sidamanai. (Glossary)
Temples & their location 5. Varahamihira Astrology Brihadsamhita
The Kailash Temple Ellora 6. Vararuchi Grammar Vyakarna (Sanskrit)
The Hoysala temple Belur and Halebid 7. Sanku Architecture Shilpashastra
8. Vetalabhatta Magic Mantrashastra
The Chennakesava temple Belur
9. Harisen Poet —
The Hoysaleswara temple Halebid
• Kumaragupta (AD 415-455) is the son of Chandragupta II.
The Ratha and Shore temple Mahabalipuram
• Kumaragupta’s dominion suffered severely from the invasion
The Brihadeshwara temple Tanjavur of Huna Hordes, all over North India.
The Vithala temple Harmpi • Skandagupta is the son of Kumaragupta.
• He defeated the Pushyamitra who had become powerful during
The Meenakshi Temple Madurai
the period of Kumaragupta. He also defeated the White Hunas.
The Gupta Empire (AD 320-467) Ruler of Gupta Dynasty
• Founder - Sri Gupta Srigupta I 270 AD - 290 AD
• Nalanda University was built by Kumargupt. Ghatotkacha 290 AD - 319 AD
• The great Mathematician Aryabhata lived during this age.
Chandragupta I 319 AD - 335 AD
He discovered the number “0” and value of Pi. He wrote
“Aryabhatiya” and “Suryasiddhanta”. Samudragupta 335 AD - 375 AD
• Kalidas the great poet also belonged to this period. Chandragupta II 375 AD - 414 AD
• The great Physician Dhanvantari was also born in this era. Kumaragupta I 415 AD - 455 AD
• During this age Sanskrit language and literature were at its Skandagupta 455 AD - 467 AD
peak. Poets Kalidasa, Dandi, Visakhadatta, Shudraka, and
Bharavi — all belonged to the Gupta Age. • Tamralipti, a port in Bengal was an important trade centre
• Chandragupta (320-335 AD) was the son of Ghatotkacha and during Gupta period.
grandson of Sri Gupta. • The most important officers in the Gupta empire were the
• He married to Kumaradevi, the Lichhavi princess of the rich ruling kumaramatyas.
family in Magadha which helped the Gupta Empire to become a • The empire was divided into divisions : bhuktis (under the
powerful empire. charge of an uparika) and vishayas (Districts) under the charge
• Sumudragupta (AD 335-375) Harisena described him as the of vishyapati.
“Hero of a Hundred Battles.” • Gupta Period is also known as the ‘Golden Age of Ancient India’.
• He was the greatest ruler of Gupta dynasty. He is called “Indian Important Literary works during the Gupta period
Napoleon”.
Epics
• Prayag Prashasti (Written by Harisen) is the main source of
Raghuwansa, Ritusamhara, – Kalidasa
information on his reign.
Meghaduta
• Samundragupta was succeeded by his son Chandragupta
Ravanabodha – Batsabhatti
Vikramaditya (or II).
Kavyadarshana and Dasakumarcharita – Dandin
• Chandragupta II married his daughter Prabhavati with a
Kiraarjuniyam – Bharavi
Vakataka prince who belonged to the Brahmana caste and ruled
Nitishataka – Bhartahari
in central India.
Dramas
• His court had Navaratna (Nine Jewels). Kalidasa was one of
Vikramovarshiya, Malvikagnimitra – Kalidasa
the jewels among this Navaratna.
and Abhijnana Shakuntalam
• He conquered western Malwa and Gujarat, which had been
Mrichchakatika – Sudaraka

under the rule of the Saka Kshatrapas for about four centuries
Swapnavasavadatta, Charudatta and – Bhasa
by that time.
Pratignayaugandharayana
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Tansukh Paliwal