Brief Summary
Alright, so this video is basically a full-on revision session of ancient history, focusing on ant history, Harappan civilization, Vedic period, and Mauryan empire, all through a set of 70 questions. The instructor breaks down each question, giving extra info and context, plus some handy tricks to remember key facts.
- Covers Stone Age, Harappan Civilization, Vedic Period, and Mauryan Empire.
- Includes question-answer format for revision.
- Provides additional context, explanations, and memory tricks.
Intro
The instructor kicks off the session by saying they'll be doing a complete revision of ancient history, specifically what was covered in the FRB (Free Revision Batch) this week. This revision will be done through 70 questions.
Stone Age Revision
The discussion starts with the Stone Age, dividing it into Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods. The instructor explains that the Stone Age falls under prehistory, where there's no written evidence, and we rely on archaeological finds. They also touch on the Father of Archaeological Survey of India, Alexander Cunningham. There's a correction regarding the Mesolithic period's timeline, noting a recent SSC question considered it from 12000 BC to 10000 BC. The main occupations during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages were hunting and gathering, while the Neolithic age saw the start of agriculture and pastoral communities.
Megaliths and Catal Hüyük
The video then moves to megaliths, which are large stones used in memorials, especially in South India during the Indus Valley Civilization. The time period for megaliths is around 2500 BC to 200 BC. Catal Hüyük, considered the first proto-city, is mentioned as a significant Neolithic site located in present-day Turkey.
Harappan Civilization: Cities and Features
The discussion shifts to the Harappan cities, noting their division into a higher western part (Citadel) and a lower eastern part (Lower Town). The Citadel housed important buildings and special people, while the Lower Town was for common folks. Chandlo is mentioned as a city without a Citadel, and Dholavira was divided into three parts with a giant reservoir system. The northernmost Harappan site is Manda in Jammu and Kashmir, and the westernmost is Satka Gando near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Trade and Metals in Harappan Civilization
Jade stone was found in Dawjali Heading. The Harappans traded with Mesopotamia, who called them Meluha. The Harappan civilization is considered an urban civilization due to its town planning, drainage system, and grid-pattern roads. They used the barter system and weights in multiples of 16. Copper and tin were mixed to make bronze, leading to the Harappan Civilization being known as the Bronze Age. The Harappan script was pictographic and followed Baso Fidonal writing (right to left, then left to right).
Sites and Burials
Mehrgarh is identified as a site near the Bolan Pass. Bone tools were found in Chiran, and double burials (husband and wife) were seen in Lothal, while coffin burials were found in Harappa. Fire altars were found in Lothal and Kali Bangan.
Mohenjo Daro and Dholavira
The shape of the Great Bath in Mohenjo Daro was rectangular. Six granaries in a row were found in Harappa. In Mohenjo Daro, the Pashupati seal (Proto Shiva), the statue of the dancing girl (made of bronze using the lost wax technique), and the Bearded Man (made of stea tight) were discovered. Dholavira was divided into three parts: Higher Town, Lower Town, and Middle Town, and it had a Giant Water Reservoir System.
Vedas and Vedangas
The discussion transitions to the Vedic Age, starting with the Vedangas, which are six in number: Education, Grammar, Verse, Nirukta, Astrology, and Kalpa. The Vedas are divided into four parts: Samhita, Aranya, Brahmins, and Upanishads. The Upanishads are also known as Vedanta.
Rigveda and Vedic Age
The Rigveda is divided into 10 books (Mandals). The third Mandal contains the Gayatri Mantra, the ninth Mandal is dedicated to Lord Som, and the tenth Mandal explains Purusha Shukta. The Vedic Age is divided into the Early Vedic Age (1500 to 1000 BC) and the Later Vedic Age (1000 to 600 BC). The Das Rajan war is mentioned in the seventh division and was fought on the banks of the river.
Dharma Sutras and Vedas
Dharma Sutras contain norms for rulers. The oldest Veda is the Rigveda. The word Satyamev Jayate is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, which is part of the Atharvaveda. The theme of G20, Vasudev Kutumbakam, is taken from Maha Upanishad. The Atharvaveda contains magic spells and charms.
Stupas and Buddhist Architecture
The largest stupa in India is the Kesariya Stupa. The parts of a stupa are the hemispherical dome (egg), railings (Vedika), path (Pradakshina Path or Medhi), Hermia, and gateways (Rana). The Chetia Giri Vihar Festival is organized at Sanchi Stupa. Chaitya is a place of worship in Buddhist architecture, while Bihar is a place of residence.
Lion Capital and Gautam Buddha
The Lion Capital commemorates Gautam Buddha's Dharma Chakra Pravartan (first sermon). The four animals shown are the lion, horse, elephant, and bull. The pillar of Sarnath shows this event. Gautam Buddha belonged to the Shakya clan and was a Kshatriya. He passed away at Kushi Nara. His mother, Mahamaya, belonged to the Kolia clan.
Buddhist Texts and Philosophies
The earliest Buddhist texts were written in Pali. The Tri Patakas (Three Baskets) are Abhidhamma Pati, Suta Pati, and Vinay Pati. The first woman to be ordained as a Bhikkh in Buddhism was Gautam Buddha's aunt. Four Buddhist councils were held in Rajgiri, Vaishali, Patliputra, and Kundal Van Kashmir.
Buddhism Sects and Caves
Buddhism was divided into two sects: Hinayana and Mahayana. Hinayana saw Buddha as a human, while Mahayana considered him a mystical personality. Vajrayana is seen on the West Bengal side. The Barabar Caves are located in Bihar.
Monasteries and Symbols
Many Gopa is in Himachal Pradesh, Hemus Gopa is in Ladakh, and Room take is in Sikkim. Buddha's birth is represented by a lotus, renunciation by a horse, enlightenment by the Bodhi Tree, and death by a stupa. The four noble truths are that life is full of suffering, there is a reason for suffering, there is an end to suffering, and there is a path to end suffering (Ashtangi).
Jainism and Mahajanapadas
Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, left home at the age of 30. The term Jina refers to one who has conquered all things. The Triratna in Jainism are Right Knowledge, Right Faith, and Right Conduct. Two Jain Councils were held in Patliputra and Vallabhi Gura in Gujarat. Jainism was divided into Shwetambara and Diga. The area south of the Ganga was known as Magadh.
Early and Later Vedic Ages
The instructor discusses the differences between the Early and Later Vedic Ages. In the Early Vedic Age, there were Sabha, Committee, and Vidat, while in the Later Vedic Age, iron was discovered. The cow was very pious and called Aghanya. The battle for the cow was known as Gavisthi.
Mahajanapadas and Taxes
The 16 Mahajanapadas are mentioned in Ang Uttar Nikaya. Magadha was the most powerful region, with its capital initially in Rajgiri and later shifted to Patliputra by Udai. Taxes were collected on crops at the rate of 1/6th of the produce.
Nanda Dynasty and Alexander's Invasion
Dhananand was the last ruler of the Nand Dynasty. Alexander the Great attacked India during his reign and fought the Battle of Hides with Porus in 326 BC on the banks of the Jhelum River.
Mauryan Empire and Ashoka
The famous physician Jeevak was appointed by the court of Bimbisar. Vaishali was not one of the monarchical states. Ashoka appointed Dhamma Mahamatta to solve social problems. He fought the Kalinga War in 261 BC and replaced Berry Ghosh with Dhamma Ghosh. Radha Gupta helped Ashoka to sit on the throne.
Inscriptions and Megasthenes
Most of the Ashoka inscriptions were written in Brahmo script. Megasthenes was an ambassador sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya by Silic Nicator. He wrote the book Indika.
Gupta Dynasty and Samudra Gupta
The term Viti refers to an administrative unit. Prabhavati Gupta, the Queen Regent of the Waka Taka Empire, was the daughter of Chandragupta second. The Gupta imposed a fine called Hali Kara, which was a plow tax. Ban Bhatt wrote Kadambari.
Harshvardhan and Chalukya Dynasty
Harshvardhan ruled around 1400 years ago and was from the Pushyabhuti Dynasty. Jawan Jang was in his court. Harshvardhan wrote Ratnavali and Nagan Nanda. Pula Case II defeated Harshvardhan when he evaded the Chalukya Kingdom in the Deccan. King Shashank, against whom Harshvardhan declared war, was the ruler of God.
Sangam Age and Tamil Kingdoms
The Tamil word Muvendragal refers to the Three Chiefs. The Sangam Age was from the third century BC to the third century AD. The ports of Chola were Pahar and Kaveri Patnam. The Sangam Literature was compiled in the Assembly of Poets held in Madurai.
Kanishka and Temple Architecture
Kanishka was the king of the Kushan Dynasty. The Dravidian style of architecture was introduced by Pallavas. The city style of temple architecture was introduced by Gupta.
Dynasties and Rulers
Chola's emblem was Tiger, Chera's was Bow and Arrow, and Pandya's was Fish. Hari Sen was the court poet of Samudra Gupta and composed the Alaabad Pillar inscription. Samudra Gupta's mother belonged to the Lichchavi clan. Chandragupta the first adopted the title of Maharaja Dhiraj.
Gupta Administration and Waka Taka Empire
The term Viti refers to force labor. Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of Chandragupta second and married Rudra Sen the second of the Waka Taka Empire. The Gupta imposed a fine called Hali Kara, which was a plow tax.
Ban Bhatt and Harshvardhan
Ban Bhatt wrote Kadambari and Harsh Charitra. Harshvardhan was from the Pushyabhuti Dynasty. He made Kannauj the capital.
Chalukya Dynasty and Virupaksha Temple
Pula Case II defeated Harshvardhan when he evaded the kingdom in the Deccan. Queen Lok Mahadevi built the Virupaksha Temple in Ahole. The Chalukya Dynasty invented the Vesara style of temple architecture.
Rashtrakuta Dynasty and Danti Durg
Danti Durg founded the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. Krishna the First built the Kailash Temple in Ellora.
Dynasties and States
Kadamba was in Karnataka, Khara Vela was in Orissa, Pal was in Bengal, and Chalukya was in Gujarat.
