Unit 1 Notes on India - PDF

Unit 1: India – The Land and its People Contents Who are we Indians? Where did we come from? – An anthropological, migrations and genetics-based perspective on modern Indians. India’s geographical and national identity – evolution from Meluha, to Bharathavarsha, Sindhu/Hindu...

Unit 1: India – The Land and its People Contents Who are we Indians? Where did we come from? – An anthropological, migrations and genetics-based perspective on modern Indians. India’s geographical and national identity – evolution from Meluha, to Bharathavarsha, Sindhu/Hindu and Hindustan to the India of today. The legacy of early civilizations and cultures and how we are influenced by them – Mehrangarh & Indus Saraswathi Civilization, Vedic & Post-Vedic Civilization, the Tamil Sangam Civilizations, etc. Kingdoms and empires that ruled over large realms – Maurya, Gupta, Chola, Shatavahana, Chalukya, Vijayanagara, Mughal, Maratha and British empires – their role in integrating the nation as one economic, political and cultural entity  India origin- Continental drift theory Continental drift theory was proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912. According to Wegener’s Continental Drift theory, all the continents were one single continental mass (called a Supercontinent) – Pangaea and a Mega Ocean surrounded this supercontinent. The mega ocean is known by the name Panthalassa. According to this theory, the supercontinent, Pangaea, began to split some two hundred million years back. India plate moved from Africa 550 Million years ago to now India. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_K6LSSZ_34 Where did we come from? An anthropological, Migrations and genetics-based perspective on modern Indians. Where did Indians come from? Most Indian migrants (migration) There were four migrations: Out of Africa migrants: the first wave of homo sapiens came to india 65,000 years ago out of Africa. They are the first Indians. Harappa migration: the migration of agriculturalists between 7000 BCE and 3500 BCE from Iran mixing with the first Indians forming Harrapan civilization Aryan migrations: the migration of pastoralists from the central Asian Steppes between 2000 BCE and 1000 BCE Tibeto-Burmese and Austro-Asiatic migration: they migrated from East Asia around 4000 years ago Who are we Indians The people inhabiting the Indian subcontinent from south to the lower Himalayan range in the north and northeast to the western ghats Indians are called by different names: -Indian as in India (derive from Indus) -Hindustani as in Hindustan (derived from Hindu) -Bharati as in Bharat (derived from kingdom Bharata) However, there is no specific tracing of the genealogy origins Scholars have traced the origin of the Indians from the Indus Valley civilization India’s geographical and national identity India’s Geographical identity ✓Prior to 1947 partitions of India: India covers the Indian subcontinent including now Bangladesh and Pakistan ✓Modern India Geography: India covers the south, north, and lower Himalayan range and the western ghats ✓Neighbouring countries of India: China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bhutan, Maldives, and a bit of Afghanistan (J&K) India’s geography before the partition Modern-day India geography India national identity National identity: India is the seventh-largest country by area and has the largest population India is also called “The Republic of India” Capital: New Delhi Other names: India or Bharat Indian states: 28 Union territories: 8 Official language: Hindi and English Independence day: 15th of August Head of the country: President  National identity Apex judicial body: Supreme Court National flag: Tricolor National emblem: Lion of Sarnath National anthem: Jana Gana Mana National day: National song: Vande Mataram 26th January- Republic Day 15th August- Independence day National animal: Tiger 2nd October- Gandhi Jayanti day National flower: Lotus National bird: Peacock National tree: Banyan National calender: Saka Calender Evolution from Meluha, to Bharatavarsha, Sindhu/Hindu and Hindustan to the India of today Meluha refers to the Indus Valley civilization. The term Meluha is a Sumerian word and is used to refer to the trading partner in the bronze age. There was a flourishing Indus Valley civilization and it was ruined due to climatic and other probable calamities. Scholars argue the inhabitants of the Indus Valley civilization may be the modern-day Indians Soon a kingdom emerged known as Bharatavarsha. Bharatavarsha is named after emperor Bharata, the son of Shakuntala and Dushyanta.  Thus Bharatavarsha is ancient India. It means the land of people who belong to the Bharata clan. Sindhu is an ancient kingdom that stretched the bank of river Indus (Sindhu) located near southern Punjab and Pakistan. Hindustan refers to the Hindu/Sindhu Hindustan is derived from the Persian word ‘Hindu/Sindhu’ Today, it is called India, derived from the river Indus.  Time frame.. Africa migration migration Aryan 2000-1000 65000 BCE BCE CE 7000-3500 BCE Harappa migration The legacy of early civilizations and cultures ✓Mehrgarh & Indus Saraswathi 7000 BCE to 2500 BCE: the Mehrgarh refers to neolithic (new stone age) of the Balochistan in Pakistan. -mud houses -herding and farming -pottery ✓Indus Valley civilization (3300 BCE to 1300 BCE) -transportation and trade -city and drainage system, -metallurgy -metrology -arts and crafts, seal -agriculture -religion The legacy of early civilizations and cultures Vedic & Post-Vedic Civilization 1500 BCE to 500 BCE: ✓Urbanization ✓Emergence of social classes ✓Organized political system and structure ✓Flourishing economy ✓Vedic religion to hindu synthesis Tamil Sangam Civilizations (200 BCE to 200 CE): ✓Assembly of Tamil scholars and poets ✓Growth of Tamil literature How we are influenced by the ancient Civilization? We Indians are made of ancient civilization. They have influenced us in various ways: ✓ Ancient civilization influenced our culture, customs, practices, beliefs, etc. ✓Ancient Civilization influenced language ✓Ancient Civilization influenced science and literature ✓Ancient Civilization influenced spirituality ✓Ancient Civilization influence food and cutlery ✓Ancient Civilization influence architecture and design ✓Ancient Civilization influence the topography or geography Kingdoms and empires that ruled over large realms Some prominent Kingdoms and Empires are: Maurya Gupta Chola Shatavahana Chalukya Vijayanagara Mughal Maratha and British empires – their role in integrating the nation as one economic, political and cultural entity Maurya Dynasty Mauryan empire: 321 BCE to 185 BCE The Mauryan empire cover most part of the Indian subcontinent from the end of the 4th century to the beginning of the 2nd century Some known rulers are ✓Chandragupta Maurya Role of Chanakya in the building of the Mauryan empire : ✓Bindusara -Policy -Political Strategist ✓Ashoka -economist ✓Brihadratha (the last emperor)  Time frame- Mauryan dynasty.. Africa migration migration Aryan 2000-1000 65000 BCE BCE CE 7000-3500 321-185 BCE BCE Harappa migration Mauryan dynasty Maurya Central administration of the Mauryan ✓King ✓District administration ✓Village administration ✓Municipal administration ✓Judicial Administration ✓Military organization Gupta Dynasty After the fall of Kushanas, Guptas came to power. Some of the rulers are: Sri Gupta 240-280 CE is the founder of the Guptas Dynasty and assume the title of Maharaja Some prominent rulers are: Other later Gupta rulers: Ghatotkach Gupta -Purana Gupta -Narsimha Gupta Chandra Gupta I -Kumar Gupta II -Brahma Gupta Samudra Gupta -Vishnu Gupta Rama Gupta Chandra Gupta  Time frame- Gupta dynasty 0.. Africa migration migration Aryan 2000-1000 65000 BCE BCE CE 7000-3500 321-185 240-280 BCE BCE CE Harappa migration Mauryan Gupta dynasty dynasty 0 Gupta Dynasty During Gupta reign India saw rapid progress Guptas gave new shape and political unity to India Samudra Gupta and Chandra Gupta II were not only great conquerors but also brave commanders and great administrators. The Guptas issued their own coins The Guptas are known of marking their presence through pillar inscriptions ✓Allahabad pillar inscription ✓Eran stone pillar inscription ✓Mehrauli iron pillar inscription ✓Bhitari Pillar inscription Chola Dynasty Cholas (from 860-1200 CE) Historical era: Ancient Period Established: 300 BCE Rise of the medieval cholas: 848 CE Empire at its greatest extent: 1030 CE Disestablished: 1279 CE Succeeded by: the Pandya Dynasty  Time frame- Chola dynasty 0.. Africa migration South India migration Aryan Chola dynasty 2000-1000 860-1200 65000 BCE BCE CE CE 7000-3500 321-185 240-280 BCE BCE CE Harappa migration Mauryan Gupta dynasty dynasty 0 Chola Dynasty The founder of the Cholas was Vijayala Cholas were the most civilized race of the Deccan The Cholas are remembered as one of the longest-ruling dynasties in southern India. They became prominent in the 9th century after defeating the Pallavas The Cholas extend their control in Sri Lanka and the Malay Peninsula The Chola kings built many temples throughout their kingdoms. Some of the Chola temples are: Brihadeshwara temple, Rajarajeshwara temple, Cholapuram temple, etc Chola Dynasty Rulers of cholas: ✓Vijayala Chola ✓Aditya Chola ✓Parantaka I ✓Rajaraja I ✓Rajendra Chola III (last ruler) Shatavahana Empire Shatavahana empire (1nd century BCE- 3rd century CE) The Shatavahana are known as the Andhras (in the Puranas) The shatavahana includes the modern day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharastra. At carious point of time, they also ruled modern day Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Simuka founded the Shatavahana Dynasty (year unknown) Some of the rulers are: ✓Satakarni (70-60 BCE) ✓Gautamiputra Satakarni (106-130 CE) ✓Vashishthiputra Pulumayi (130-154 CE) ✓Yajna Sri Satakarni (165-194 CE)  Time frame- Shatavahana Empire 0.. Africa migration South India migration Aryan Chola dynasty 2000-1000 860-1200 65000 BCE BCE CE CE 7000-3500 321-185 240-280 1st BCE- BCE BCE CE 3rd CE Harappa migration Mauryan Gupta Shatava dynasty dynasty hana 0 Central and South India Shatavahana dynasty Life in the era of the Shatavahana Empire ✓Government was based on Dharmashastras. ✓The province governor was named Senapathi. ✓Brahmanas and Buddhist monks were exempted from tax ✓People depend on agriculture ✓During this period, there is an intense increase in the use of mineral resources. Chalukya dynasty Chalukya Dynasty (6th century to 12th century) The Chalukyas of Badami were the Vakatakas' successors in western Deccan. They established their capital in Vatapi, modern Badami, in the Bijapur district of Karnataka. From 543 to 753 CE, they ruled over a large area in the Deccan and united the entire south of India. Jayasimha was the first ruler of the Chalukyas dynasty. But the real founder of the Chalukyan dynasty was Pulakesin I After him, Pulakeshin II ruled over the whole Deccan and was the Badami dynasty's most well-known ruler.  Time frame- Chalukya dynast 0.. Africa migration South India migration Aryan Chalukya Chola Dynasty dynasty 6th CE- 2000-1000 860-1200 12th CE 65000 BCE BCE CE CE century 7000-3500 321-185 240-280 1st BCE- BCE BCE CE 3rd CE century Harappa migration Mauryan Gupta Shatava dynasty dynasty hana 0 Central and South India Chalukya dynasty Life during the Chalukya dynasty: ✓At higher levels of Chalukyas, the government was modeled after the administrative systems of Magadha and Satavahana. ✓King was the state's highest-ranking official. ✓Chalukyas followed the Hindu caste system and Brahmins held a privileged position as knowledge and local justice providers. ✓Some women from the royal family held positions of political power in administration, which shows women held high positions in society. ✓People found indoor entertainment by watching wrestling matches (Kusti), watching animals fight (such as cock fights and ram fights), or gambling. Horse racing was a popular outdoor recreation activity. ✓Schools and hospitals are mentioned in records, and they were built near temples. Vijayanagara Empire Vijayanagara Empire was one of the most powerful kingdoms that rose in medieval times. Capital: Vijayanagara (1336-1564) Language: Kannada, Telegu, and Sanskrit Religion: Hinduism It was an Hindu empire and covers present-day states Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and some parts of Telangana and Maharastra  Time frame- Vijayanagara Empire 0.. Africa migration South India migration Aryan Chalukya Chola Dynasty dynasty 6th CE- 2000-1000 860-1200 12th CE 65000 BCE BCE CE CE century 7000-3500 321-185 240-280 1st BCE- 1336- BCE BCE CE 3rd CE 1564 CE century Harappa migration Mauryan Gupta Vijayanagara dynasty dynasty Shatava Empire hana 0 Central and South India Vijayanagara Empire The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by two brothers i.e. Harihara I and Bukka I from the Sangama Dynasty. The Vijayanagara Empire is ruled by four important dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu Important rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire are: ✓Harihara ✓Krishna Deva Raya Vijayanagara Empire The glories of the Vijayanagara Empire: ✓Well-organized administrative system ✓The king was the head of the state ✓There is the council of ministers to assist the king ✓The empire was divided into six provinces ✓Naik- the governor was appointed in each province ✓The province was divided into districts and the district was further into smaller villages units ✓The contact point for the villages and central administration is the Mahanayakacharya Mughal Empire It was trade that gave India its first contact with Islam. This came in either 636 or 644 In 711–713, the Arabs moved eastward from Balochistan to conquer Sindh. Descendant of both Temur and Genghis Khan, Babur was called a Mughal, the Persian word for “Mongol.” The dynasty founded after conquering the sultanate of Delhi in 1526 is also called Mughal The Mughal Dynasty was founded by Babur Some of the rulers are: ✓Babur and Humayun (1526-1556) ✓Akbar to Aurangzeb (1556-1707) The Mughal Empire declined in the 18th and 19th century  Time frame- Mughal Empire 0.. Africa migration South India migration Aryan Chalukya Chola Dynasty Mughal dynasty empire 6th CE- 2000-1000 860-1200 12th CE 1526-19th 65000 BCE BCE CE CE century Century 7000-3500 321-185 240-280 1st BCE- 1336- BCE BCE CE 3rd CE 1564 CE century Harappa migration Mauryan Gupta Vijayanagara dynasty dynasty Shatava Empire hana 0 Central and South India  Maratha With the decline of the Mughals, Shivaji the Maratha became prominent in the 15th century In the 1750s, the most powerful ruler in India was the Maratha peshwa Nana Saheb. His empire extended across the western Deccan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Nana Saheb died in a battle 1761. Thus, the Marathas in the North India soon evaporated. Nana Sahed was succeded by his son Madhavrav I. But Madhavrav died in 1772 Madhavrav heir Narayanrav was killed by partisans of Raghunathrav, who challenged Narayanrav’s son Madhavrav II. This touched off a civil war. Raghunathrav the uncle of Madhavrav obtained troops from the British East India Company in return for territory and money. And thus the British influence in India British empires In the eighteenth century, the ships of the British East India Company and the British Royal Navy dominated the Indian Ocean, and the governors of the Company’s three main factories at Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai presided over a flourishing trade. After 1750, Company agents in India profited by this autonomy to acquire territory When the Company took over Delhi from Scindia in 1803, it became the guardian of the Mughal emperor. By the 19th century the East India Company annexed most of the Indian states The great revolt in 1857 After the 1857 great revolt The British parliament transferred control from the Company to the “Crown,” the British government. Thus the British empire lasted till up to India’s Independence Day 15 August 1947  Time frame-British empire 0.. Africa migration South India migration Aryan Chalukya Chola Dynasty Mughal dynasty empire 6th CE- 2000-1000 860-1200 12th CE 1526-19th 65000 BCE BCE CE CE century Century 7000-3500 321-185 240-280 1st BCE- 1336- BCE BCE CE 3rd CE 1564 CE 19th -1947 century Century Harappa migration Mauryan Gupta Vijayanagara Shatava Empire British dynasty dynasty hana Empire 0 Central and South India  Maurya, Gupta, Chola, Shatavahana, Chalukya, Vijayanagara, Mughal, Maratha and British empires – their role in integrating the nation as one economic, political and cultural entity. ✓The need to integrate the states as a nations ✓The coming of different religions ✓The integration of different cultures ✓The importance of unity, equality and uniformity in implementing economic and political systems and policies ✓The integration of different languages and culture ✓Shared trade and commerce THANK YOU Reference https://prepp.in/news/e-492-satavahana-dynasty-ancient-india- history-notes https://www.britannica.com/topic/Satavahana-dynasty https://www.insightsonindia.com/ancient-indian-history/post- mauryan-age/satavahanas/ https://prepp.in/news/e-492-chalukyas-6th-century-to-12th-century- medieval-india-history-notes https://prepp.in/news/e-492-the-vijayanagar-empire-medieval-india- history-notes