Ancient Indian Texts and Literature

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following texts primarily contain prayers?

  • Rig Veda (correct)
  • Angas
  • Jatakas
  • Upanishads

What are the Upanishads also referred to as?

  • Jaya gita
  • Shrautasutra
  • Tripitakas
  • Vedanta (correct)

The Mahabharata is attributed to which sage?

  • Gautama
  • Valmiki
  • Tipu Sultan
  • Vyasa (correct)

What was the original name of the Mahabharata when it consisted of 8800 verses?

<p>Jaya gita (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which texts, compiled between 600-300 BC, describe grand public sacrifices?

<p>Shrautasutra (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following languages were the earliest Buddhist texts written in?

<p>Pali (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of stories are found in the Jatakas?

<p>Stories of the previous births of the Buddha (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When was Tipu Sultan defeated in the Anglo-Mysore Wars?

<p>Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these princely states was NOT annexed using the Doctrine of Lapse?

<p>Hyderabad (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What immediate event triggered the Sepoy Mutiny?

<p>The introduction of Enfield rifles with controversial cartridges (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome of the Revolt of 1857?

<p>The transfer of rule from the British East India Company to the British Crown (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Durbar held at Allahabad in 1858?

<p>It marked the beginning of Indian involvement in the administration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Moderate Phase of the Indian Freedom Struggle?

<p>It emphasized non-violent methods, petitions, and constitutional reforms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was India declared a party to World War II in 1939?

<p>India was automatically obligated due to its status as part of the British Empire. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the slogan 'Do or Die'?

<p>The Civil Disobedience Movement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Cripps Mission?

<p>To offer dominion status and outline a path for India's partition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the direct cause of the Royal Indian Navy Revolt?

<p>The unpalatable food being served to the ratings at HMIS Talwar (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Radcliffe Commission?

<p>To draw the lines of partition between India and Pakistan (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the events leading up to the Revolt of 1857, what was the primary reason for the resentment toward the British?

<p>A combination of the Doctrine of Lapse, the handling of tribal and peasant revolts, and the issue of the Enfield rifle cartridges (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the primary objective of the Moderate Phase of the Indian Freedom Struggle (1885-1905)?

<p>To push for a greater degree of self-governance within the framework of the British Empire (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the impact of the Cripps Mission on the Indian independence movement?

<p>The Cripps Mission, despite its offer of post-war dominion status, ultimately failed to appease the Indian leaders, pushing them towards a more active pursuit of independence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'Do or Die' slogan, associated with the Quit India Movement, is attributed to which historical figure?

<p>Mahatma Gandhi (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Indian National Army (INA), led by Subhas Chandra Bose, operated primarily in which part of the world during World War II?

<p>Southeast Asia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event directly led to the transfer of power from the British East India Company to the British Crown?

<p>The Revolt of 1857 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events directly contributed to the growing sense of nationalism and unified Indian identity in the later phase of the Indian freedom struggle?

<p>The Partition of Bengal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Radcliffe Commission, appointed in 1946, was tasked with which significant responsibility?

<p>Drawing the lines of partition between India and Pakistan (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the significant outcome of the Royal Indian Navy Revolt?

<p>The revolt significantly weakened British authority and further fueled the demand for independence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the impact of the Sepoy Mutiny on the British?

<p>The mutiny resulted in a transfer of power from the British East India Company to the British Crown, marking a significant shift in governance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the content of the Sama Veda?

<p>Includes prayers, rituals, and music for ceremonies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major themes do the Sutras from the post-Vedic period address?

<p>Ritual literature on moral values and domestic rituals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which period were the Jaina texts compiled?

<p>In the sixth century AD at Vallabhi (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Mahabharata from the Ramayana in terms of verse count?

<p>The Mahabharata contains more than 100,000 verses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following texts does NOT belong to the Tripitaka?

<p>Bharata Sutra (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which historical period does the Jataka literature primarily reflect?

<p>Social and economic conditions between the fifth and second centuries BC (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the original focus of the Rig Veda?

<p>Prayers and hymns dedicated to deities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Shrautasutra?

<p>To describe grand public sacrifices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Vedas

Ancient Indian texts containing religious themes, composed between 1500-500 BC.

Rig Veda

The oldest and most important of the Vedas, containing prayers.

Upanishads

Philosophical discussions on self (atma) and supreme being (pramatma), often referred to as Vedanta.

Mahabharata

One of the two major Indian epics, attributed to sage Vyasa, originally consisting of 8,800 verses.

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Ramayana

The other major Indian epic, attributed to Valmiki, originally consisting of 6,000 verses.

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Sutras

Moralistic writings that emerged in the post-Vedic period (after 600 BC), focusing on ritual practices.

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Shrautasutra

Sutras focusing on grand public sacrifices performed by rulers.

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Grihyasutras

Sutras focusing on domestic rituals like birth, naming, marriage, and funerals.

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Doctrine of Lapse

A policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie, annexing Indian states with no heir, contributing to resentment against British rule. It also fueled the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.

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Sepoy Mutiny of 1857

The armed rebellion against British rule in India, sparked by the controversial new rifle cartridges greased with animal fat. It began in 1857 and shook the British Empire.

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Resentment Towards British Rule

The widespread resentment created by the British annexation of Indian states and their oppressive policies like the Doctrine of Lapse, which caused many Indians to feel their culture and traditions were being violated.

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Indian National Congress

A major political party in India formed in 1885. It played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement, pushing for self-rule and a peaceful path to freedom.

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Non-violent Phase of Indian Independence Movement

The phase of the Indian independence movement characterized by non-violent resistance and peaceful protests, often led by Mahatma Gandhi. It aimed to achieve freedom through peaceful means.

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Violent Phase (Revolutionary Nationalism) of Indian Independence Movement

A phase of the Indian independence movement marked by violent uprisings and revolutionary actions, often targeting British institutions and rule. The movement aimed to achieve independence through armed struggle.

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Quit India Movement

The event in 1942 when Mahatma Gandhi launched a nationwide civil disobedience movement against British rule through the 'Do or Die' slogan. This led to the arrest of Congress leaders and fueled the movement.

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Indian National Army (INA)

A group of Indian soldiers who formed an army to fight alongside the Axis powers during World War II, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, with the goal of achieving Indian independence.

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Royal Indian Navy Revolt

The mutiny by Indian sailors on board the British warship HMIS Talwar, protesting against poor food and working conditions. It highlighted the resentment towards British rule and strengthened the independence movement.

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Radcliffe Commission

The commission appointed by the British government to draw the boundary lines between India and Pakistan during Partition. Its decisions led to the division of the region and sparked large-scale violence and displacement.

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Non-violent Phase of the Indian Independence Movement

This phase of the Indian independence movement used non-violent resistance and peaceful protests, often led by Mahatma Gandhi.

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Violent Phase (Revolutionary Nationalism) of the Indian Independence Movement

This phase saw violent uprisings and revolutionary actions against British rule, aiming to achieve independence through armed struggle.

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Individual Satyagraha

A symbolic movement focusing on political mobilization of the masses, launched by Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement.

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Study Notes

Ancient Indian Texts

  • Vedas (c. 1500–500 BCE): Four collections of religious texts.
  • Rig Veda: Primarily prayers.
  • Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas: Include prayers, rituals, magic, and myths.
  • Upanishads (Vedanta): Philosophical discussions on Atman and Brahman.
  • Ramayana and Mahabharata (c. 400 CE): Epics.
    • Mahabharata (originally 8800 verses, Jaya Gita): Expanded to 24,000 verses, then 100,000 verses; attributed to sage Vyasa; stories of descendants of the Bharata Vedic tribe.
    • Ramayana (originally 6000 verses): Expanded to 12,000, then 24,000 verses; originally composed by Valmiki.

Post-Vedic Literature

  • Sutras (after 600 BCE): Ritual literature on moral values, compiled between c. 600–300 BCE.
    • Shrautasutras: Grand public sacrifices performed by rulers.
    • Grihyasutras: Domestic rituals connected with life events (birth, naming, sacred thread ceremony, marriage, funerals).
  • Jain and Buddhist texts: Refer to historical figures.
    • Tripitakas (Buddhist): Three baskets (Suttapittaka, Vinayapitaka, Abhidhammapitaka), written in Pali.
    • Jatakas (Buddhist): Stories of the Buddha's previous lives (over 550); offer insight into 5th-2nd century BCE social and economic conditions.
    • Angas (Jain): Compiled in 6th century CE at Vallabhi, Gujarat; contain Jain philosophical concepts, written in Prakrit.

British Colonization and Indian Independence

Anglo-Mysore and Anglo-Maratha Wars

  • Four Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767-1799); Tipu Sultan defeated in the fourth.
  • Three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1819).
  • Anglo-Sikh Wars: Punjab annexed by 1849.

Revolt of 1857

  • Doctrine of Lapse: Policy of British annexation of Indian territories, applied to kingdoms like Jaipur, Nagpur, Jhansi, and Satara.
  • Resentment fuelled by:
    • Tribal and peasant revolts (handled brutally).
    • Enfield rifle cartridges: Issue over cartridges greased with cow and pig fat.
  • Mangal Pandey's actions: Triggered the revolt by killing his commanding officer; Other sepoys imprisoned for refusing to use the rifles.
  • Suppression of the revolt: Led to the transfer of power from the British East India Company to the British Crown.
  • Queen's Proclamation (1858): Marked Indian involvement in administration.

Beginning of Freedom Struggle

  • Indian National Congress (1885): Formation of an All-India organization.
  • Freedom struggle phases: Broadly classified into Non-violent and Violent.
    • Moderate Phase (1885-1905)
    • Phase 1 (1905-1915): Revolutionary nationalism
  • World War II Involvement: India declared a party to the war without consultation.
  • Individual Satyagraha: Symbolic movement for political mobilization.
  • Cripps Mission (1942): Blueprint for the partition.
  • Civil Disobedience Movement: Gandhi's call to action ("Do or Die"); leaders arrested; underground movement led by figures like Aruna Asaf Ali and Sucheta Kriplani.
  • Indian National Army (INA): Bose's military struggle (in the North-east); unsuccessfully fought against British forces.
  • Royal Indian Navy Revolt: Protests at HMIS Talwar over food, gaining popular support.
  • Cabinet Mission (1946): Sent to India.
  • Radcliffe Commission: Appointed to partition India.
  • Independence: India gained freedom on August 15, 1947.

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