1.

Culture
Classical language status

Adopt a heritage
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Impact of Geography on History

1. Himalayas stood as a natural barrier to protect India against invasions.

But, the passes in the northwest mountains such as the Khyber, Bolan,
Kurram and Gomal provided easy routes between India and Central
Asia. Apart from invading armies, missionaries and merchants came to
India using these routes.
2. Nepal is also a small valley under the foot of the Himalayas and it is
accessible from Gangetic plains through a number of passes. The
mountains of northeast India is difficult to cross and many parts of this
region had remained in relative isolation.
3. The city of Pataliputra was situated at the confluence of Son river with
the Ganges. In the ancient period Pataliputra had remained the capital
for the Mauryas, Sungas, Guptas and other kingdoms. Being on the
confluence of so many streams it was an important political and
commercial centre. Pataliputra was also a centre of scientific activities.
Aryabhatta, who was a resident of Pataliputra, observed in 498 AD that
Earth revolves on its own axis and around the Sun.
4. Deccan plateau consists of volcanic rock, which is different from the
northern mountains. As these rocks are easier to cut into, we find a
number of rock-cut monasteries and temples in the Deccan.
5. The Deccan plateau acted as a bridge between the north and south
India. However, the dense forests in the Vindhya Mountains makes this
region isolated from the north. The language and culture in the southern

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peninsula are preserved in tact for a long time due to this geographical
isolation.
6. As the southern peninsula is gifted with a long coastline. A great deal of
trade and commerce went on through the seaways. Apart from trade,
they spread Indian art, religion and culture in these parts of the world.
The commercial contacts between south India and the Greco-Roman
countries flourished along with cultural relations.
7. Inspite of physical barriers, Indians used to travel from one part of the
country to another for trade or pilgrimage. Some regions were joined
together through conquests or by alliance. As a result, people
transmitted cultural habits and thoughts from one part of the country to
the other. Military campaigns too took people from one place to
another.
8. This helped in exchanging ideas. Such contacts have led to the
development of commonness in Indian culture, which has been
maintained throughout our history. Another unifying factor is climate.
Despite geographical diversity and climatic variations India experiences
an inherent unity.

Foreign book for Studying Indian history

1. To India came the Greek, Roman and Chinese visitors, either as

travellers or religious converts, and they left behind account of things
that they saw.
2. Alexander invasion of India find no mention in Indian sources, and it is
entirely on basis of Greek sources we have to construct the history of
his Indian exploits.
3. Some Greek sources mention Chandragupta Maurya which help fixing
his date of accession at 322 BC. This helps as sheet-anchor in Ancient
Indian Chronology.
4. Fragments of Indica, written by Megasthenes, provide valuable
information on Maurya administration, social classes and economic
activities. The existence of a list of 153 kings whose reigns had covered
a period of about 6053 years up till then.
5. Many Greek and Roman sources of 1 AD mention many Indian ports
and enumerate items of trade between Indian and Roman empires. The

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ptolemy’s geography provide valuable data for studying geography.

6. Fahien describes social, religious and economic conditions in the age of
Guptas, and Hiuen-Tsang presents similar account during age of
Harsha.
7. Limitations
1. Indica is not free from exaggerations. Megasthenes had little
understanding of Indian society and social systems. For example,
he mentions that Indian society comprised of seven castes.
2. Most of the Greek writings are based on secondary sources
resulting in errors and contradictions.
3. Except for Megasthenes all others have touched history very
marginally.
4. They were ignorant of the language and the customs of the
country and their information is full of unbelievable facts and
fancies.
5. The works of Megasthenes and other Greeks of those who
accompanied Alexander, have been lost and are available only in
fragments as quoted in later works.
6. Fahien and Hiuen-Tsang have given somewhat exaggerated
account of Buddhism during the period of their visit. For example
Hiuen-Tsang depicts Harsha as a follower of Buddhism but in his
epigraphic records Harsha mentions himself as a devotee of Shiva.
8. Indian rulers always have, like their subjects, been multi-religious
people, it is not difficult for a foreigner to be confused.

Numismatics in reconstruction of history

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Indus valley civilisation

1. Grid system: Roads were well cut dividing the town into large
rectangular blocks. Lamp posts at intervals indicate the existence of
street lightning. The citadel of harappan provides ingredients to the
modern day social structure.
2. Burnt bricks: Elsewhere in contemporary world, mud-bricks were
used. Houses were monotonous - a square courtyard, around which
were a number of rooms were built.
3. Drainage system: The drains connecting from all the houses are
connected to a near by central drain. Drains were made up of mortar,
lime and gypsum and covered with large brick slabs for easy cleaning.
It shows developed sense of health and sanitation.
4. Agriculture: First to produce cotton. Domesticated cattle, dogs and
cats.
5. Commerce: Barter system. Weights and measures (16 was unit of
measure). Bead making existed in Chanhaduro. The trade of lapis
lazuli, cotton and other export and import commodities with
Mesopotamia, Sumerian is origin of modern day commerce. Their
usage of seals and stamps on traded objects to protect them from
tampering also shows present day’s encryption technique.
6. Arts and crafts: Bronze age. Potter's wheel. Seal engravings,
especially those with animals. Red Torso is impressive for its realism.
Bronze image of famous dancing girl.
7. Religious life: No temples are found. Idolatry practised. Pashupati

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Shiva, Mother Goddesses and Priest King. Phallus (lingam) and Yoni
worship. Great bath at Mohenjodaro. Seals having ritual scenes. One-
horned rhinoceros -- unicorn. Fire altars at lothal and kalibangan.
Trees, stones and animals were worshipped. Overall a secular way of
life.
8. Evidence of authority: Uniformity in artefacts -- seals, weights and
bricks. Settlements in strategic locations. Labour was mobilised. "Priest
King" figure. Presence of citadel. Planned settlements.
9. Clustered buildings: The workers building of Harappa resembles to
coolie lines of modern day tea estates in structure.
10. Importance of water and sanity: The strong belief of sanctity of water
by Harappan’s resembles to the belief of south Indians who keep water
tank in temples is a cultural input to modern day civilisation as south
Indian temples are centre of urbanized process.
11. Use of Carpentry, pottery: The use of these elements in harappan
civilisation gives similarity to modern day use of decoration, amulet,
etc.
12. Burials: Recently discovered Brick-lined burials (as opposed to plain
pits) in Rakhigarhi were among the most elaborately constructed
graves, and possibly implied a high social or ritual status.

Rig-vedic society

1. Family: Foundation of social life was family. Eldest member known as

Grihapati exercised full authority. Thus family was patriarchal but
women were not discriminated.
2. Women: No purdah. No child marriage. Freedom in choosing their
husbands. Re-marraige.
3. Varna system: Divided into four varnas. But discriminatory caste
system did not exist.
4. Economic life: Pastoralists. Agriculture was secondary occupation.
Barter system. Nishka coins. Anybody can choose any profession.
5. Political life: Aryans lived in Tribes called Jana. Kingship was not
hereditary. King was elected by the members of Jana. Women were part
of sabha. Sabhas worked on democratic lines. No regular taxation
system. Voluntary tributes. No evidence of bureaucracy and standing

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army.
6. Religious life: Material happiness. Polytheistic. Priestly class was
absent.

Later-Vedic society

1. Society: The Brahmans though continued to be respected in the society

had now lost much of their control on the power of the state. All power
is concentrated in the hands of Kshatriyas. The centre of gravity was
king not priest.
2. Women: Slowly lost their equal position. Not allowed to take part in
political life. Excluded from inheriting property. Practises like Sati,
child marriage, Purdah system crept into society.
3. Varna: More rigid. More or less hereditary.
4. Economic life: Agriculture became the chief occupation. Barley, wheat,
rice and few grains and beans began to be cultivated. Trade was
practised. Guild system. The cow as a unit of value was gradually
replaced. Many cities have sprung up.
5. Political life: Vast empires and Royal power. Monarchy and hereditary.
Elaborate bureaucracy. Regular army.
6. Religious life: Rituals became prominent. Cult of sacrifice. Towards
the end of the period, there was strong resistance against the sacrificial
practises and rituals. Many sects like Ajivikas, Buddhism, Jainism, etc
arose.

Sixth century BCE

1. Mahajanapadas: Evolution of Mahajanapadas comparable to present

day cities was a welcome change given the fact that cities declined with
the end of Harappan civilisation. Cities like Magadha, Kosala were a
major centre of trade, arts, craft etc.
2. Religious ideas: Jainism and Buddhism evolved as an opposition to the
Hinduism which created a social division in the society. People found a
new vent to get out of the clutches of caste oppression.
3. Agricultural developments: Prominent use of iron ploughs and
implements brought about a overhaul by increasing agricultural

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production. Construction of lakes, canals for irrigation purposes also

increased agricultural productivity.
4. Literary development: India got its share of rich literature with the
compilation of Mahabharata, Ramayana, Jatakas, Vedas, Upanishads,
etc.
5. Currency: Enhancement of trade was ushered in by minting coins
made of gold and silver.
6. Specialised craft: The existence of different crafts shows the
specialisation of craft headed by guild. For example, Buddhist work
refers to 18 guilds in rajagriha like needle making, gold smithery,
carpentry, Ivory etc.
7. Cultural dominance: Gangetic valley originates as a region of cultural
dominance in this era.
8. On the whole, 6th century India is worth analysing for the subsequent
repercussions that shaped the life of the people back then. The roots of
many common practices that we follow religiously is also the gift of 6th
Century India.

Magadha

1. Of all the kingdoms of north India, Magadha emerged powerful and

prosperous. It became the nerve centre of political activity in north
India. Magadha was endowed by nature with certain geographical and
strategic advantages which made her to rise to imperial greatness.
2. These were
1. Her strategic position between the upper and lower part of the
Gangetic valley was a great advantage. The Ganga and its
tributaries provided a means of cheap and convenient
communication.
2. Magadha region had a fertile soil, so agriculture was productive.
3. The iron ore in the hills near Rajgir and copper and iron deposits
near Gaya provided resources for tools and weapons.
4. Rajgir was surrounded by a group of five hills, and so it was
rendered impregnable in those days when there were no easy
means of storming citadels such as cannons.
5. Large tracts of forests where Elephants, an important component
of the army, were found.

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6. Also Magadha had ruthless and ambitious kings of whom

Bimbisara, Ajatasatru and Mahapadma Nanda are the best known.
During the reign of Bimbisara and Ajatasatru, the prosperity of
Magadha reached its zenith.

Mauryan art and architecture

1. Before Ashoka the tradition largely consisted of working in wood and

clay. India has the brick ruins of Mohenjodaro. Buildings of Vedic and
Buddhist era were of wood. Before Ashoka wooden pillars were
regularly erected.
2. Ashoka is known to have built 84,000 stupas to commemorate various
events of Buddha’s life. According to Megasthenes, Pataliputra’s
grandeur matched that of the cities of Persia.
3. Ashokan edicts were inscribed on stone pillars that were made of single
columns of polished sandstone and had capitals on their top. The best
preserved of all Ashokan edicts stands at Lauriya Nandangarh
(Bihar). The bull capital from Rampurwa is also another fine example
of Mauryan sculpture. The most famous capital is the one at Sarnath,
which shows four lions and the Dharmachakra.
4. Besides pillars, few Mauryan figures have also come to light. The most
well known of these is the Yakshi from Didarganj. The beauty of these
figures lies in the exactness of their workmanship and in the fact that
they appear to be made from one single stone.
5. Another noteworthy aspect of Mauryan architecture is the rock-cut
caves. The Lomash Rishi and the Sudama caves are examples of such
architecture. These caves cut from solid rock were provided by Ashoka
for non-Buddhist monks. These caves marked the beginning of the rock
cut architecture which was patronised by later rulers too. His rock edicts
were inscribed in the local language and the local script.

Mauryan administration

1. Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta

Maurya. Asoka’s inscriptions mention the southernmost kingdoms such
as Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras and Keralaputras as border states.

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Therefore these states remained outside the Mauryan empire.

2. Provinces: The Mauryan Empire was divided into four provinces with
their capitals at Taxila, Ujjain, Suvarnagiri and Kalinga. The provincial
governors were responsible for the maintenance of law and order and
collection of taxes for the empire.
3. District administration: Mauryan state had a well organised civil
service. Provinces were sub-divided into districts and had 3 main
officers. Rajukas, Pradesika, and Yuktas. The district administration
was under the charge of Rajukas, whose position and functions are
similar to modern day collector.
4. Mantri Parishad: Assisting king in day-to-day administration.
Kautilya mentions 27 super-intendents (adyakshas) mostly to regulate
economic activities.
5. Army: The Mauryan army was well organised and it was under the
control of Senapati. It consisted of 60000 infantry, 30000 cavalry, and
900 elephants etc.
6. Revenue administration: Collection of taxes was done by a separate
revenue department. Land revenue was main source of income.
Peasants paid 1/4th of the produce as Bhaga and an extra tax Bali as
tribute.
7. Courts: Kautilya mentions the existence of both civil and criminal
courts. Supreme court was at the top and there were many subordinate
courts at the provincial capitals and districts under Amatyas. The
Dhamma Mahamatras were asked by Ashoka to take steps against
unjust imprisonment.
8. Census collection was regular during the Mauryan period. The village
officials were to number the people along with other details like their
caste and occupation. They were also to count the animals in each
house. The census in the towns was taken by municipal officials to
track the movement of population both foreign and indigenous.

Economic and social conditions during Mauryan period

1. Royal incentives for industries. Industrial arts and crafts proliferated as

a result of swift communication through a network of goods and long
roads.

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2. Employment of slaves in agricultural operations.

3. Formation of Shrenis and guilds. They provided training, raw materials,
and distributed product to merchants. They were provided with high
autonomy because of their high importance in urban economy.
4. Mauryan economy was divided into 7 castes according to
Megasthenes.

Ashoka’s contribution in spread of Buddhism

1. Cultural Contribution: Ashoka sent Buddhist monks and missionaries

on expedition to countries like Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar,
China, Japan etc. Along with teachings of Buddha, they have made
critical contribution to unfurl Buddhist festivals, cuisine, societal values
etc. and specifically concept of nirvana.
2. Architectural contribution: Ashoka built stupas, viharas, chaityas,
pillars, capitals and also expand the process of inscription writing on
rock edicts.
3. Infusion of Buddhist art: Ashoka provided it a new shape by allowing
direct Buddhist representation known as Mahayana unlike earlier phase
which do not advocate Buddhist representation in art.
4. Musical Contribution: Musical chanting most often in Sanskrit and
Tibet are integral part of Buddhism. Buddhist music prominently
includes Honkyoku, Buddhist chant.
5. Ashoka used local languages and scripts (Pali) on inscriptions to make
them easily understandable for common man and for cultural contact.
6. Helped to develop Mahaviharas such as Nalanda, Taxila.

Ashoka's Dhamma

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Achaemenid rule

1. Archimedean vs Asokhan pillars

1. The shaft of Asokan pillars is monolithic whereas the
Archimedean pillars have joints. The shaft of Asokan pillars
tapers from bottom to top whereas Archimedean pillars are
cylindrical. The shaft of Asokan pillars is smooth whereas that of
Archimedean pillars has got grooves.
2. Asokan pillars are erected without any support base whereas
Archimedean pillars have a support base.
3. The bell shaped part of Asokan pillars is at top while that in
Archimedean pillars is at bottom. In reality, the so called bell
shaped part of Asokan pillars is an inverted lotus.
4. The Asokan pillars were not a part of any other structure. The
purpose behind their construction was to engrave instructions. But
Archimidean pillars were part of the palace and their job was to
support the roof.
5. The Asokan pillars have capitals which have sculptures of lions,
elephants and bulls. But the Archimidean pillars have no capitals
and only images of humans are engraved on their shafts.

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2. Achaemenid (Persia) rule and influence

1. Administrative structure of the Mauryan empire was influenced in
some measure by that of the Achaemenid rulers of Persia. The
cultural effects of the contacts with the Persians were also
significant.
2. The Persian scribes brought into India a new style of writing
called kharosthi. It was derived from the Aramaic script, which
was written from right to left. Many of Ashoka’s inscriptions
found in north western India are written in kharosthi.
3. The Persian influence may also be traced in the preamble of
Ashokan edicts.
4. The Mauryan art and architecture were also greatly influenced by
the Persian art. The monolithic pillar edicts of Asoka are
somewhat like the victory pillars of the Achaemenid empire.
5. The Persian influence found in Chandragupta Maurya’s court was
in the form of the ceremonial hair bath taken by the emperor on
his birthday.

Alexander and his influence

1. Achaemenid empire was finally destroyed by the Greeks under

Alexander. Alexander came to North west India and did not come
beyond it because his soldiers feared armies of Nanda’s of Magadha.
Though the contact between the Macedonians (Greek) and ancient
Indians was for a brief period, its impact was fairly wide in range.
2. Alexander’s invasion brought Europe in close contact with India, as sea
and land routes were opened between India and the West. A close
commercial relation was also established. The traders and craftsmen
used to follow these routes.
3. Alexander’s invasion paved the way for political unification of north
western India by conquering the warring tribes of this region.
4. The influence of Greek art is found in the Gandhara School of art.
5. Indians also learnt the art of making gold and silver coins from the
Greeks.
6. The Greeks had some influence on Indian astrology as well. The term
'Horshastra', used for astrology in Sanskrit is derived from Greek term

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'Horoscope'.
7. They also introduced the practise of military governorship. The
Governors were called 'Satraps'.
8. Many ideas and notions of Indian philosophy and religion which
filtered into the Roman empire flowed through the channel opened by
Alexander.
9. Much valuable information about the social and economic condition of
north western India can be known from Greek accounts left by
Megasthenes. Ex: Crafts were developed, trade with outside world.

Buddhism vs Brahmanism

1. Brahmanical view of society derived from Purusha Sukta was primarily

built upon the four fold caste system, with the Brahmans on top and the
Shudras at the bottom. While no such caste system existed in the
Buddhism.
2. Buddhist theory of kingship depicts king as a well wisher of subjects
whose utmost duty is to cherish his children. On the other hand
brahmanical theory explicitly mentions strict norms to be followed by
subjects to king, disobedience of which attract strict punishment. A
clear idea of king as utmost guardian of subjects to provide service to
them as depicted by Buddhist teachings is not seen here.
3. Buddhist ideas tries to attribute king as learned person with human
characters while brahmanical view tends to regard king to more divine
and sublime establishing him as separate entity.
4. According to Buddhist theory kings derives legitimacy from the
consent of people and latter have a right to dethrone him while in
brahmanical view it is considered as treason.

Jainism and Buddhism

1. Reasons why they came

1. The Vedic rituals were expensive and the sacrifices prescribed
were very complicated and had lost their meaning. The
superstitious beliefs and mantras confused the people.
2. The teachings of Upanishads were highly philosophical in nature

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and therefore not understood by all.

3. The rigid caste system prevalent in India generated tensions in the
society. Also, the Kshatriyas had resented the domination of the
priestly class. Both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to Kshatriya
caste.
4. The growth of trade led to the improvement in the economic
conditions of the Vaishyas. As a result, they wanted to enhance
their social status but the orthodox Varna system did not allow
this. Therefore, they began to extend support to Buddhism and
Jainism. It was this merchant class that extended the chief support
to these new religions.
2. Causes for the decline of Buddhism
1. The Buddhists began to adopt Sanskrit, the language of the elite.
So masses moved away.
2. After the birth of Mahayana Buddhism, the practice of idol
worship and making offerings led to the deterioration of moral
standards.
3. Rajput rulers were warlike and could not follow the policy of
Ahimsa. Besides, the Kings of the Gupta period patronised
temples in honour of Hindu gods and goddesses. Thus, the lack of
royal patronage brought about the decline of Buddhism.
4. Moreover, the attack of the Huns in 5th and 6th centuries and the
Turkish invaders in 12th century destroyed the monasteries.
5. Buddhism was mainly an urban religion with the rural India
always Hindu. When Islam came to India, it impacted the urban
regions first and thus Buddhism became the first victim.
6. The revival of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhagavatism. In 8th
century AD, Adi Sankara greatly cleaned up Hinduism and
brought a very forward outlook. His efforts were assisted by other
south Indian gems like Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, etc.
3. Contribution of Buddhism
1. The concept of ahimsa was its chief contribution. Later, it became
one of the cherished values of our nation.
2. Its contribution to the art and architecture of India was notable.
The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Gaya are wonderful pieces of
architecture. Buddhism takes the credit for the chaityas and
viharas in different parts of India.

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3. It promoted education through residential universities like those at

Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramasila.
4. The language of Pali and other local languages developed through
the teachings of Buddhism.
5. It had also promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of
Asia.
4. Religious revolution
1. Simplicity of his teaching of truth connected with masses in such
a manner that Buddhism became a completely new approach to
look at religion and society. It became a new religious and social
order.
2. Explanation of sufferings through 4 simple noble truths and the
the wheel of dhamma was understandable by ordinary people
unlike the scriptures interpreted by priests only.
3. Focus was on ethical living rather than rituals, animal sacrifices,
etc.
4. Authority of Vedas was challenged. Faith was given rational
basis.
5. It preached atheism that is, there is no God that will help us in
Moksha but we ourselves are the makers of our destiny.
5. Social revolution
1. It opposed caste and Varna system, any form of hierarchy and
discrimination.
2. Women were given equal status as men which was against the
Shastras like Manusmriti (social code).
3. Use of Pali language as opposed to Sanskrit which could be read
only by Priests, broke the monopoly over knowledge.
4. Emphasis on ahimsa, avoidance of extremes led to establishment
of peaceful society.
5. Tried to narrow gap between rich and poor by advocating its
followers not to accumulate wealth.
6. Political and economical revolution
1. The rigid four fold varna system prevalent in India generated
tensions in the society. Higher classes enjoyed certain privileges
which were denied to the lower classes.
2. The Kshatriyas had resented the ritualistic domination of the
priestly class. Both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to Kshatriya

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origin.
3. The growth of trade led to the improvement in the economic
conditions of the Vaishyas. As a result, they wanted to enhance
their social status but the orthodox Varna system did not allow
this. Therefore they supported Jainism and Buddhism.
4. Vedic practice of killing cattle indiscriminately in sacrifices stood
in progress of new agriculture.
5. Dharmasutras forbade money lending on interest which was
widely practised by Vaishyas.
6. The new religions didn’t attach any importance to varna,
orthodoxy, sacrifice and advocated for peace, equality and non-
violence.

Caves

1. Evolution of Buddhist Cave Architecture

1. Phase-1: It began with the construction of Lomas rishi and
Sudama caves in Barabar hills by Ashoka. These were simple
caves and the cave ran parallel to the rock face after entry. There
was one large rectangular room followed by a smaller circular
room.
2. Phase-2: The second stage (100 BC) showed up at Konditve. The
cave was cut perpendicular to the rock face and the inner room
now contained a stupa and a circumambulatory path around it.
3. Phase-3: The next stage was when rows of pillars were built
parallel to the walls creating a circumbulatory passage right after
entering. Bhaja, Pitalkhora, Bedsa caves are examples.
4. Phase-4: During the Satavahana time, caves got royal patronage
and became more elaborate and ornamented. The basic features of
previous phase continued. A variety of mithun couples were
carved on the gates. Multi-storied caves came up. Double storied
viharas came up at Karle and triple storied at Ajanta. Other
examples are Nasik caves, Junnar, Kanheri caves, Pitalkhora.
2. Jaina Caves vs Buddhist Caves
1. Jaina caves were cut in sandstone which is easy to cut but not
good for sculpting. But Buddhist caves were cut into hard rocks

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and were better for sculpting.

2. The Jaina caves had no congregation halls or rock cut shrines. The
Buddhist caves on the other hand had clear halls and the shrine
area.
3. The Jaina cave cells were cut wherever the rock permitted, there
was no planning. The Buddhist cave structure on the other hand
was well laid out.
4. The Jaina caves were simple and reflected the asceticism of Jaina
monks. The Buddhist caves on the other hand were an elaborate
and spacious affair.
5. In terms of similarities, the sculptures use similar motifs like
animals, plants. The honeysuckle style is similar too. Examples of
such caves are Khandgiri and Udaigiri in Puri.

Stupas

1. The stupa originated as a simple semi circular mound of earth, later

called anda. Gradually, it evolved into a more complex structure,
balancing round and square shapes. Above the anda was the harmika, a
balcony like structure that represented the abode of the gods. Arising
from the harmika was a mast called the yashti, often surmounted by a
chhatri or umbrella. Around the mound was a railing, separating the
sacred space from the secular world.
2. The early stupas at Sanchi and Bharhut were plain except for the stone
railings, which resembled a bamboo or wooden fence, and the
gateways, which were richly carved and installed at the four cardinal
points. Worshippers walked around the mound in a clockwise direction
keeping the mound on the right, imitating the sun’s course through the
sky.
3. The new stupas had a circumambulatory path, a stone railing around it,
two staircases leading up to it, the summit and a stone umbrella over it.
The entire structure was enclosed in stone railings and toran dwars on
all four sides. Sculpture decoration was found on the railings and the
gateways. Examples are the stupas at Sanchi-II, Bharhut,
Nagarjunkonda, Amravati, etc.
4. Most earlier stupas used to have a solid core. However, a transition was
made towards having a spoke wheel plan at the centre made of bricks

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and the spaces filled with mud. Spoked wheel is a symbol of Buddha’s
first sermon. Bhattiprolu stupa (200 BC) is from intermediate phase
having central wheel plan (no spokes).
5. In AP stupas, at the 4 cardinal points of the raised platform, 5 free
standing pillars were erected. These represent the 5 important events in
Buddha’s life birth, renunciation, enlightenment, first sermon,
death. Jaina stupa is also found in Kankali at Mathura which is called
Devanirmit Stupa.
6. Why did Sanchi survive while Amaravati did not
1. Amaravati was discovered before scholars understood the value of
the finds. Only later on they realised how critical it was to
preserve things where they had been found instead of removing
them from the site.
2. In British times, there was a practice of collecting ancient
sculptures ex-situ by removing them from archaeological sites like
Amaravati. Request of Europeans to take away the eastern
Gateway of Sanchi was refused by Shahjehan Begum. She even
provided money for preservation. No such ruler existed for
Amaravati.

Hill side rock cut caves

1. The Western Ghats topography, with its flat-topped basalt hills, deep
ravines, and sharp cliffs, was suited to the cultural inclinations of
Jainas.
2. As the Buddhist ideology encouraged involvement in trade,
monasteries often became stopovers for inland traders and provided
lodging houses along trade routes.
3. The ascetic nature of these religions inclined their followers to live in
natural caves and grottos in the hillsides, away from the cities, and
these became enhanced and embellished over time.
4. They are less visible and therefore less vulnerable to vandalism as well
as made of more durable material than wood and masonry.
5. The Ajanta caves in Maharashtra, a World Heritage Site, are 30 rock-
cut cave Buddhist temples carved into the sheer vertical side of a gorge
near a waterfall fed pool located in the hills of the Sahyadri mountains.
Like all the locations of Buddhist caves, this one is located near main

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trade routes and spans six centuries beginning in the 2nd or 1st century
BC.

Satavahanas

1. They were successors of the Mauryas in Deccan and the Central India.
Simuka is regarded as the founder of this dynasty. Most important king
was GautamiPutra Satakarni (AD 106-130) who raised the power and
prestige of Satavahanas to great heights.

Social conditions during Satavahana time

1. The Satavahana society was divided into four classes. This division was
based on economic activity and status.
2. Women were honoured. They were given higher education and they
took part in religious func​tions. Some of the rulers even added their
mother’s name to their own name, such as Gautamiputra,
Vashishthiputra, Pulumavi, Kaushakiputra etc.
3. The Satavahanas were Brahmanas. Therefore, Brahmansnism made

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rapid strides under their rule. The Brahmanas were accorded the highest
place. Effort was also made to revive the Varna system.
4. Inter marriages among the Hindus and foreign tribes of the Sakas, the
parthians and the Greeks were freely consummated so that these
foreigners were absorbed forever in the Hindu social order.

Literature

1. The Satavahana King Hala was a poet of high order. He composed

‘Gatha Saptasati' in Prakrit.
2. He also patronized several scholars who lived in his court. Gunadhya,
the great scholar who wrote ‘Brihat Katha’ lived in his court.

Mathura school of art

1. Mathura School of art is purely an indigenous style, which developed

during post Maurya period and reached its peak during the Guptas (AD
325 to 600). The Mathura art is known for its assimilative and
indigenous character and is known for earliest Indian representations of
the Buddha. In its early phase, Buddha was depicted as symbol of either
two footprints or wheel. Later, Buddha images represented in human
form.
2. In Mathura, more stress is given to the inner beauty and facial emotions
rather than bodily gesture or realistic representation. Few examples are,
Buddha image with two attendants. Sakyamuni at Sarnath wearing
Indian dhoti. The halo around the head of Buddha was profusely
decorated unlike the Gandhara Art form.
3. Also, since the development of Mathura art took place indigenously,
wherein it used locally available spotted red sandstone and Buddha
images were modelled on the lines of earlier Yaksha images.
4. Mathura during the Kushan rule, came under the influence of Gandhara
School. With the increased demand of Gandhar Buddha, some Mathura
sculptures too incorporated many Hellenistic elements, such as the
general idealistic realism, curly hair, and folded
garment. Ex: Sarvatobhadrika image of 4 Jaina’s standing back to
back. Standing Buddhas of the Sarnath and Kausambhi.

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5. Thus, Mathura and Gandhara art cross fertilised, and the bulky Mathura
Buddha gradually gave way to the slender elegance of the Gandhara
image. The result of this synthesis refined and purified the Buddha
image that appeared in the Gupta period, which later became the model
for Southeast Asian Buddha images.
6. Sculpting features
1. The Jaina image and indigenous style of Buddha’s image was a
remarkable feature of Mathura art. The Sarvatobhadrika image of
4 Jaina’s standing back to back belongs to the Mathura school.
The Standing Buddhas of the Sarnath and Kausambhi belong to
the Mathura School.
2. In Mathura School, there is boldness in carving the large images.
The first Mathura image makers never intended to sculpt an
anatomically correct human Buddha. Later, the human Buddha
images evolved associated with humanly beauty and heroic ideals.
3. Both sitting and standing posture of Buddha’s statues were carved
out in the Mathura school. Buddha image at Mathura is modelled
on the lines of earlier Yaksha images whereas in Gandhara it has
Hellenistic features.
4. The early images of the Buddha and the Bodhisattva are happy,
fleshy figures with little spirituality about them. The garments of
the body are clearly visible and they cover the left shoulder.
5. In the second century AD, images got sensual with increased
rotundness and became flashier. The extreme fleshiness was
reduced by the third century AD and the surface features also got
refined. The halo around the head of Buddha was profusely
decorated.
7. Mathura vs Sarnath School of art
1. In north India, Mathura, remained the main art production site
whereas Sarnath and Kosambi also emerged as important centres
of art production. Many Buddha images in Sarnath have plain
transparent drapery covering both shoulders, and the halo around
the head has very little ornamentation whereas the Mathura
images continue to depict folds of the drapery in the Buddha
images and the halo around the head is profusely decorated.
2. Sarnath introduces not only a delicacy and refinement of form but
also a relaxed attitude by bending the body in the case of the

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standing figure thus imparting to it a certain litheness and

movement in contrast to the rigidity of similar Mathura works.
Even in the case of the seated figure, the slender physiognomy
conveys a feeling of movement.

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Gupta Period

1. The Gupta period witnessed a tremendous progress in the field of art,

science and literature and on account of this it has been called a golden
age. A few scholars even call this period a period of renaissance. The
cultural progress witnessed during the Gupta period may be called the
culmination of Indian intellectual activities.
2. Achievements
1. Both the Nagara and Dravidian styles of art evolved during this
period. The most famous examples of Gupta art that still remain
are the numerous seated and standing images of Buddha from
Sarnath and Mathura.
2. Metallurgy had also made a wonderful progress during the Gupta
period. The craftsmen were efficient in the art of casting metal
statues and pillars. The Delhi Iron pillar of the Gupta period is

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still free from rust.

3. The paintings of the Gupta period are seen at Bagh caves and
Ajanta. They illustrate the life of the Buddha as depicted in the
Jataka stories. The paintings at Sigiriya in Sri Lanka were highly
influenced by the Ajantha style.
4. The Gupta coinage was also remarkable. Samudragupta issued
eight types of gold coins. The figures inscribed on them are
illustrative of the skill and greatness of Gupta numismatic art.
5. The Sanskrit language became prominent during the Gupta
period. Numerous Epics, lyrics, drama and prose were written in
Sanskrit. Poetry and drama flourished at the court of
Vikramaditya, at his new capital of Ujjain who kept the Nine
Gems, at his court. His court included Kalidasa, whose plays are
some of the most famous works of Indian literature.
6. The Gupta period witnessed a brilliant activity in the sphere of
mathematics, astronomy, astrology and medicine. Aryabhatta
explained scientifically the occurrence of solar and lunar eclipses
and accurately described the earth as a sphere. Chandragupta II
sponsored work on medicine especially Sushruta Samhita also
dates to this period.
3. Gupta administration
1. Gupta kings adopted pompous titles such as 'Parameshwar',
'Maharajadhiraja', which signify they ruled over lesser kings in
their empire. Element of divinity in kingship was present.
2. Council of ministers existed. The empire was divided into 'Bhukti'
(province) placed under the charge of an 'Uparika' (viceroy),
Bhuktis were divided into districts, placed under the charge of
'vishyapati'. The sub-districts were called 'Peth' and the village
was under 'Gramika'.
3. Guptas did not maintain vast bureaucracy like that of Mauryas.
Kumaramatyas were most important officers in Provinces.
4. A large part of the empire was administered by feudatories. Fiscal
and administrative concessions to priests and administrators.
5. Civil and criminal laws were clearly demarcated.
6. They issued large number of gold coins in ancient India called
'dirun' and silver coins called 'rupayaka'.
4. Social conditions

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1. Brahman supremacy continued.

2. Religious functionaries were granted land called agrahara, free of
taxes for ever. They were authorised to collect taxes in those
lands.
3. Though women were idolised in literature, mother goddess were
worshipped, they were accorded lower position. Gupta era saw
child-marraiges, denial of education, etc. The first examples of
sati also came from this period.
4. Position of shudras improved, but number of untouchables and
out-castes increased. The practise of untouchability intensified.
5. Gupta Art
1. Samudragupta is represented on his coins playing the lute
(Veena).
2. 2 metre high bronze image of Buddha belonging to the Mathura
school. The Buddha sitting in his Dharma Chakra mudra at
Sarnath belongs to Gupta period. Buddhas at Bamiyan.
3. Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha (Ananta), Dashavatara
Temple 5th century.
4. Padmapani paintings at Ajanta paintings and Paintings at Bagh
belong to this time. The Colossal trimurti at the Elephanta Caves.
5. Images of vishnu, Shiva and other Gods were created first in this
time.
6. Nalanda university.
6. Gupta literature
1. Love stories: Meghdoot and Abhigyana Shakuntalam by
Kalidasa. Mrichhkatikam by Shudraka. It is love story.
2. Erotic literature: Kamasutra by Vatsayana.
3. Inspiring literature: Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma.
4. Religious literature: Similarly the Puranas, the Mahabharata and
the Manusmriti were recast in their present form in the Gupta
period.
5. Buddhism: In addition to these the important Buddhist books
Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa were also compiled in the Gupta Age.
6. Development of Kavya style. Sanskrit now as a secular literature.
Sanskrit grammar based on Panini and Patanjali was developed.
7. Science and technology during Gupta age

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1. Aryabhatta wrote Suryasiddhanta and Aryabhatiya. His most

valuable contribution to Mathematics is the theory of zero and the
decimal place value system. He also discovered the earth was
spherical, it rotates on its axis causing day and night, reason
for eclipses, etc.
2. Brahmagupta was a great mathematician. He wrote
Brahmasphutic Siddhanta in which he hinted at law of gravitation.
He also discovered the area of cyclic quadrilateral.
3. Medical science also flourished during this period. The highly
specialised science of transplantation of internal organs was
knows to the Guptas. Susruta was known as father of surgery.
Highly specialised surgical Instruments were in use. Dhanvantri
was famous for Ayurveda knowledge.
4. Veterinary science and treatment had also developed. A book
named Hastyayurved was written in this period.
8. Gupta sculpture
1. Gupta period witnessed the culmination of all the artistic trends
practiced until then. Thus Gupta art is an outcome of the earlier
arts of Amravati, Mathura and Bhahrut, although completely
different in its own way.
2. The focus now moved to the female figure, making human as a
pivot of Gupta sculpture. The art of sculpture making reached
perfection. Deities of Hindu and Buddhist faiths were now
perfectly sculpted along with other images to be placed in shrines
and temples.
3. The excellence of Gupta sculpture lies in not merely in the
amalgamation of all previous arts but in attaining a balance
between major schools of art. Poise and grace are visible in all of
the sculptures. To mention a few, a relief of Goddess Ganga from
Besanagar, variety of sculptures from Bhumra, gandharva couple
from Sondani etc.
4. The finest examples of the Gupta sculpture is unmistakably the
seated Buddha from Sarnath. The standing Buddha from Mathura
and the colossal copper statue of Buddha some more superior
examples of the Gupta sculpture.
5. The standing statue of Sakyamuni is now clothed in a monastic
robe, with a carved halo around the Buddha’s head.

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Harshavardhana

1. He wrote 3 dramas. Priyadarshika, Ratnavali and Nagananda.

Banabhata wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari.

Parthians

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Temple architecture

1. The temple building architecture reflects a synthesis of arts, ideals of

dharma, beliefs, values and the way of life cherished under Hinduism.
Nagara, Dravida, Vesara, etc., are different styles of temple
architecture. Pallavas (7th century-9th century) and Cholas (9th
century-11th century) were the major kingdoms which epitomized the
Dravidian architecture. Chalukyas (7th century-11th century) followed
Vesara style of architecture in the Karnataka region. Chalukya art was
followed by Hoysala art (13th century).
2. Nagara style
1. The style of temple architecture followed in North Indian temples.
The Nagara style has its origin in the structural temples of the
Gupta period, especially the Dashavtara temple of Deogarh and
the brick temple of Bhitargaon (UP). The Lingaraj temple, dating
from the 11th century, is one of the grandest and is regarded as a
gem of Nagara architectural style.
2. The plan is square with a number of gradual projections in the
middle of each side.
3. It exhibits a curving shikhara. Earliest temples had only one
shikhara, but in the later periods multiple shikharas came.
4. The entire temple is built on a stone platform with steps leading
up to it.
5. The garbhagriha is located directly under the tallest tower.

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3. Dravidian style
1. Dravida architectural features go back to Gupta period.
2. Unlike the nagara temple, the dravida temple is enclosed within a
compound wall.
3. The front wall has an entrance gateway in its centre, which is
known as Gopura/Gopuram.
4. The shape of the main temple tower is known as Vimana
(pyramidal). The vimana is like a stepped pyramid that rise up
geometrically rather than the curving shikhara of north India.
5. A large water reservoir or a temple tank enclosed in the complex
is general in south Indian temples.
6. Pillars and pilasters are vastly used in this architectural style.
4. Nagara vs Dravida vs Vesara

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Pallavas

1. The Pallavas introduced the art of excavating temples from the rock. In
fact, the Dravidian style of temple architecture began with the Pallava
rule. It was a gradual evolution starting from the cave temples to
monolithic rathas and culminated in structural temples. Pallavas used
bricks, lion motifs, dwarfed gopurams etc.
2. Four stages of architecture
1. In the first stage, Mahendravarman I introduced the rock cut
temples. This style of Pallava temples are seen at places like

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Mandagappattu, Vallam, Tiruchirappalli, Siyamangalam and

Tirukalukkunram.
2. The second stage of Pallava architecture is represented by the
monolithic rathas and Mandapas found at Mamallapuram. The
five rathas, popularly called as the Panchapanadava rathas,
signifies five different styles of temple architecture. The
mandapas contain beautiful sculptures on its walls. The most
popular of these mandapas are Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa.
3. In the next stage, Pallavas introduced the structural temples. These
temples were built by using the soft sand rocks. The Kailasanatha
temple at Kanchi and the Shore temple at Mamallapuram remain
the finest examples of the early structural temples of the Pallavas.
4. The last stage of the Pallava art is also represented by structural
temples built by the later Pallavas. The Vaikundaperumal temple,
Muktheeswara temple and Matagenswara temples at Kanchipuram
belong to this stage of architecture.
3. The Pallavas had also contributed to the development of sculpture.
Apart from the sculptures found in the temples, the Open Art Gallery at
Mamallapuram remains an important monument bearing the sculptural
beauty of this period. The Descent of the Ganges or the Penance of
Arjuna is called a fresco painting in stone.

Chola architecture

1. Cholas built magnificent temples such as Gangaikondacholapuram

temple, Airavateshwara temple at Darasuram, Brihadeshwara or
Rajarajeshwara temple. The temple construction reached zenith during
their period.
2. Notable features of chola architecture
1. Started using stones instead of bricks.
2. Walls were decorated with sculptures and paintings of deities,
kings and queens. Some of the Chola temples contain life sized
portraits of kings and queens.
3. They also have an audience hall known as Mandap.
4. The deity room is known as Garbhgriha.
5. The chief feature was the Vimana which is 5-7 storeys above chief

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deity room. In Brihadeshwahra temple the vimana was close to

70m.
6. Shikhara above the Vimana. Rajarajeshwara temple has Shikhara
stone weighing almost 90 tonnes.
7. Chola temple pillars were constructed with greater refinement
than Pallavas.
8. Metal art showed remarkable development and was used for
further decoration of temples. Ex: Nataraja.
9. Monolithic Nandi bull in Brihadeshwara temple is second largest
in India after Lepakshi temple Nandi bull.
3. Chola society and administration
1. Entire kingdom was divided into Mandal, Valanadu, Nadu
(villages). Cholas developed democratic institutions for
governance at the village level.
2. The village panchayat, called sabha, had extensive powers.
3. Assembly members had tenure limit of 3 years and was
reconstituted again.
4. Representatives were not discriminated on the basis of caste,
religion and race. So, it was more egalitarian.
4. Limitations
1. Pot ticketing system was followed to elect representatives. So, it
was not a true democracy.
2. Some are ineligible to contest based on property qualifications and
education. Brahmins dominated.
3. No taxation powers to local bodies and they acted merely as
central agents.
4. Central Government also had an appointee in village, named
Adhikari, whose influenced decisions of local Government.
5. Other features of cholas
1. Emergence of kanchi silk, bronze idol of Nataraja, caste rigidity,
sati and devadasi system.
2. They worshipped dead king and built temples in their honour.
3. Trade flourished with China, Sumatra, Java and Arabia.
4. Land owned by temples and artisans were exempted from tax.
5. They made predatory naval raids to fill treasury once in a while.
They also sent naval expedition for setting up trade posts in

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foreign harbours as well.

Vijayanagara architecture

1. Vijayanagar empire ruled South India from their regal capital at

Vijayanagara on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in modern
Karnataka, India. The empire built temples, monuments, palaces and
other structures across South India, with a largest concentration in their
capital city. The monuments in and around Hampi, in the Vijayanagara
principality, are listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
2. In addition to building new temples, the empire added new structures
and made modifications to hundreds of temples across South India.
Some structures at Vijayanagara are from the pre-Vijayanagara period.
The Mahakuta hill temples are from the western Chalukya
era. Examples of the Vijaynagar architecture would be the temples at
Lepakshi and Hampi especially the Virabhadhra temple, with its hall of
dance, Vitthalaswami temple and the Virupaksha temple.
3. Defence architecture
1. Famous for seven layers fortress wall which enclosed city,
agriculture land and forest.
2. Several gateways and square bastion in the wall. Main gate was
large and guarded by flanking bastion.
4. Religious architecture
1. New style of architecture called Provida style with large numbers
of pillars and piers.
2. Construction of large raya gopuram and Kalyanamandap with
carved pillars in temple premises. Mandapams were used for
sitting the deity on festivals occasions.
3. Inscribed stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on the
walls of the various temples gives them a mythical dimension. Ex:
Hazara temple and Vithalswami temples.
4. The monolithic carving of Nandi. Vithalswami and Hazara
temples at Hampi, Vardraja and Ekambarnatha temples at
Kanchipuram and chidrambram.
5. They built Ganesha monolith at Hampi, the Gomatesvara
(Bahubali) monolith at Karkala.

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6. Another feature of the temple architecture was the construction of

massive walls around the shrine as a safeguard against intruders.
5. Secular architecture
1. Palatial buildings and subsidiary buildings like water palace, well,
public audience hall, horse and elephant stables.
2. These buildings were in Indo-Saracenic in character.
3. The Lepakshi mural paintings, the technique of which was
probably inspired from the Ajanta paintings of Maharashtra under
the Vakataka patronage, had a rather secular theme than a
religious one.
4. Use of domes, vaults and arches, due to the presence of Muslim
architects, accentuating the secular mindset prevalent in the
kingdom.

Bhakti movement

1. Bhakti movement was a religious reform movement which emphasised

on single-minded intense devotion to God. It was a complete surrender
of oneself to God. Bhakti movement was the direct result of the
influence of the spread of Islam and it ideals such as Monotheism,
equality and brotherhood of man and rejection of rituals and class
divisions.
2. Important features
1. Unity of God or one God though known by different names.
Bhakti, intense love and devotion, the only way to salvation.
2. Condemnation of rituals, ceremonies and blind faith.
3. Rejection of idol worship.
4. Open-mindedness about deciding religious matters.
5. No distinction of different castes, higher or low.
6. Preaching’s through local or regional languages and abdicating
elite languages like Sanskrit.
3. Impact
1. According to them there was no distinction and consideration of
high and low castes on the basis of birth. Their doors were open to
all classes. For example, through the concept of ‘Langar’ or
common kitchen, Sikh gurus emphasised on the equality of all in

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society.
2. The Bhakti saints tried to generate an environment of good will
between the Hindus and the Muslims. Most of the promoters
stressed that Rama and Rahim were one and the same. Some of
the rulers adopted liberal religious policies under the impact of the
Bhakti movement.
3. The Bhakti saints were social reformers also. The evil practice of
Sati received some set back.
4. Women were encouraged to join kirtans. Mirabai, Lalla (Kashmir)
and Andal composed verses that are popular even today.
5. In place of Sanskrit, Bhakti saints preached through the medium
of local languages which could be understood very easily. Surdas
used ‘Brij’ dialect. Tulsi Das composed his works in ‘Awadhi’.
Shankaradeva popularizing Assamese, Chaitanya spreading their
message in Bengali, Mirabai in Hindi and Rajasthani.
6. It emphasised earning of wealth through honest means. It
encouraged the value of social service to the poor and the needy.
It developed a humanitarian attitude. It pointed out the virtues of
contentment and self control.
4. The Bhakti movement succeeded to a very small extent in realising its
two-fold objective i.e. bringing about reforms in Hinduism and
developing harmonious relations between the Hindus and the Muslims.
The movement further divided the Hindu society. For instance the
followers of Kabir came to be known as Kabir Panthis.

Sufi movement

1. Sufism was a liberal reform movement within Islam. Sufism stressed

the elements of love and devotion as effective means of the realisation
of God. In Sufism, self discipline was considered an essential condition
to gain knowledge of God. While orthodox Muslims emphasise external
conduct, the Sufis lay stress on inner purity.
2. Sufi saints such as Moinuddin Chisti, Nizamuddin Auliya, Fariduddin
Ganj-e- Shakar were the pioneer Sufis who are still loved, respected
and honoured in India.
3. Important features

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1. The Sufis were very liberal in their religious outlook. They

believed in the essential unity of all religions. Even today,
Dargahs of Sufi saints are visited by both Hindus and Muslims
and people from all castes. It played a key role in bringing the
Hindu and Muslim communities together.
2. The Sufis rejected the elaborate rituals and codes of behaviour
demanded by Muslim religious scholars.
3. They took ideas not only from Quran, but also from Hinduism,
Buddhism, Christianity etc. In the later period, Akbar appreciated
Sufi doctrines which shaped his religious outlook and religious
policies.
4. They preached spirituality through music and doctrines that
professed union with God. Their musical gatherings were called
sama.
5. Sufis too composed poems and a rich literature in prose, including
anecdotes and fables, developed around them. The most notable
writer of this period was Amir Khusrau the follower of
Nizamuddin Auliya.
4. Sufism and music
1. Sufism encourages music as a way of deepening ones relation
with God, remembering God by zikr (reciting name) sama or
performance of mystical music.
2. Reach to masses: Music as a way of worship, got greater
acceptance, even among orthodox sects. Many women too were
able to enjoy and contribute to Sufi music.
3. Instruments: Sufi saints are credited with invention of sitar and
tabla.
4. Style: It contributed to evolution of classical music. Khayal style
owes a lot to sufism.
5. Linguistic richness: Before, prayers, verses etc were usually in
elite class languages. As Sufi saints came from different classes
and linguistic groups, they contributed to music in their respective
dialects.
6. Communication: Music became a mean for Sufi saints to convey
their teachings to common masses.
7. Spread: With its simple to understand ideas presented through
music, sufism became popular among masses and allowed for a

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fusion with bhakti prayers too.

8. Patronisation: Sufi singers were patronised by elite class which
also served as a mean of their sustenance.
5. Thus music and sufism evolved with each other and became inseparable
from each other in coming centuries which continues even today
reflected in the music of Nusrat Fatha Ali Khan etc.

Sangam and Bhakti literature

1. Compare
1. 1. Women poets composed in Sangam and as well as in Bhakti
too.
2. Contrast
1. Sangam was only in Sanskrit and its influence was not as
widespread as that of Bhakti. Bhakti literature gave birth to
regional languages and influenced pan-India movements.
2. The dominating note in bhakti is ecstasy and total identity with
God. It is a poetic approach to religion. Sangam is not concerned
with aspects of divinity, merger with god etc.
3. Bhakti became a great platform for Hindu-Muslim unity, while
same cannot be said for Sangam literature.
4. Bhakti also attacked the age old caste system and devoted itself to
the worship of humanity. No such theme is clear in Sangam
literature.
5. In Bhakti, most of its poets belonged to the so called lower castes.
Caste composition of Sangam composers is not clear. However,
they did receive royal patronage.

Sangam and Vedic texts

1. Vedas are religious in nature, while sangam is secular in nature.

2. Vedic texts poetry is metaphysical in nature, also contains medicine,
mantras, rituals etc. Sangam poetry is on love and heroism.
3. Sangam is a surviving record of the Dravidian people, so composed in
Tamil. The oldest surviving records of the Aryans is the Rig veda.
4. Sangam provides details about the socio-economic and political life of

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dravidian people. In Vedas, there is not much about the economic and
political spheres.
5. Sangam talks about the military exploits of South Indian kings in detail.
No such discussion can be found in Vedas, especially Rig Veda.
6. The Sangam literature consists of poems which were composed by
poets in praise of their kings and also patronised by them. Vedas were
composed by sages and there is no evidence of a dynasty patronising
Vedas.

Carnatic and Hindustani

1. Region: Hindustani classical developed in north India and Carnatic in

south Indian.
2. Influence: Hindustani music has Arab, Persian and Afghan influences
while Carnatic is completely indigenous.
3. Improvisation: Artists given freedom to improvise hence variations
observed in Hindustani while Carnatic music has no such freedom.
4. Sub styles: Various sub-styles, called gharanas, are present in
Hindustani while Carnatic has only one prescribed style of singing.
5. Instruments: Instruments have an equally important role in Hindustani
style while there is more emphasis on vocal music in Carnatic music.
Tabla, sitar and santoor are essential to Hindustani classical while
veena, mridangam and mandolin to Carnatic and flute and violin are
common to both.
6. Type: Hindustani has emotional music while Carnatic is intellectual
and spiritual.

Influence of Islam on India

1. Social Life: Brought visible changes to ceremonies, dresses,

mannerism etc. For example, Purdah System became widespread
among upper caste women, marriages became extravagant. New
interests like perfumes and scents were introduced. New fabrics from
Persia were picked up by Hindu rulers and elites. Urdu as a common
language became popular.
2. Religion: Islam introduced elements of love, brotherhood and equality.

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These assimilated into the Bhakti Movement later popularised by Kabir,

Guru Nanak etc. Though against Hindu caste system, Islam couldn’t
break it down completely.
3. Fine Art: A new culture that gave lavish patronage to artisans came.
Musicians like Tansen became court men and new styles such Ghazal
and Tarana were introduced giving Hindustani music a different
flavour. Miniature paintings synonymous with Mughal period later
spread to different regions.
4. Architecture: Added a distinct Persian touch through new features like
Arch and Dome style, Char bagh construction style later picked up by
the British. Polished stone like marble or sandstone was used for the
first time. Intricate geometrical design replaced human figures.
5. An influence to begin with, Islam soon assimilated completely into the
Indian culture and co-exists till date.

Delhi sultanate

1. Art and architecture

1. The art and architecture of the Delhi Sultanate period was distinct
from Indian style. Turks introduced arches, domes, lofty towers.
For decoration, the turks used geometrical and floral designs
instead of human and animal figures in Hindu temples. They also
added Hindu motifs like bell motifs, lotus, swastika, etc.
2. They also added colour to their buildings by using marbles. They
converted temples and other structures demolished into mosques.
Ex: Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque near Qutub Minar.
3. Qutub Minar was started by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed
by Iltutmish in the memory of the Sufi Saint Qutubuddin
Bakhtiyar Kaki.
4. Qutub-ud-Din Aibak built the city of Dilli, Iltutmish built the city
of Sultangurhi and Balban built the city of Kailagurhi.
5. The tomb of Balban is first example of true arch and is located at
the archaeological park in Mehrauli.
6. Alauddin Khilji built new fort and imperial township of SIRI. In
siri, he built the palace of thousand pillars, Hauz-i-illahi, a water
tank.
7. The palace cum fortress complex of Tughlaqabad was constructed

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by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq built the tomb

of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq on a high platform which marks a new
trend in architecture for imposing skyline.
8. Lodhi gardens is the finest example of the synthesis of dome,
arch, slam and beam.
2. Literature
1. Literature was produced not only in Persian and Sanskrit but also
in regional languages. Many Muslim scholars from Persia and
Central Asia fled away from there because of the Mongols and
found shelter at the courts of Sultan Balban and Ala-ud-din Khalji.
Each of them participated in the enrichment of Persian literature
and therefore, Delhi became one great centre of its learning.
2. Al-beruni's Kitab-ul-Hind gave a vivid account of India and
provides us valuable information regarding affairs of India in the
eleventh century.
3. Minhaj-us-siraj served under Iltutmish's royal patronage. The
famous Tabbaqqat-i-nasiri is an important source of information.
4. Amir Khusrau, in prince Mohammad court, made use of Hindi
words in his poems which was a novelty. He has written more
than four lakhs of couplets. He wrote a number of prose books
also, most famous of them being Tughluq-nama. New musical
instruments such as sarangi and rabab were introduced during this
period. Amir Khusrau introduced many new ragas. He evolved a
new style of light music known as qwalis by blending the Hindu
and Iranian systems. The invention of sitar was also attributed to
him.
5. The famous Rajatarangini written by Kalhana belonged to
Kashmir. Many Sanskrit works on medicine and music were
translated into Persian.
6. Regional languages also developed during this period. Chand
Baradi was the famous Hindi poet of this period. Bengali
literature had also developed and Nusrat Shah patronised the
translation of Mahabaratha into Bengali. The Bhakti cult led to
development of Gujarati and Marathi languages. The Vijayanagar
empire patronised Telugu and Kannada literature.
3. Alauddin Khilji
1. Elimination of middle men: He levied no extra cess on the

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farmers and cut zamindars and landowners out of the loop from
the tax system. He directly collected tax from the farmers and that
left them free from the hands of zamindars.
2. Multiple market structure: Alauddin Khilji set up three markets
in Delhi – one for food grains, another for cloth and expensive
items like sugar, ghee, oil and dry fruits etc, and a third one for
horses, slaves and cattle. This decentralisation of market, in
today’s more organised set-up is more pronounced, with specific
items being sold in different markets.
3. Agriculture regulation: Khilji regulated agricultural markets. All
the land was brought under Khalisa and the land revenue was
fixed at half the production value and measurement of the land.
No extra duties were levied. Khilji’s agrarian reforms are said to
have brought villages close to the government (Delhi sultanate),
and created a more integrated relationship between the town and
the country.
4. Food price control: Khilji kept a tab on the prices of food by
setting up a mechanism to control the supply of food grains from
villages.
5. Crackdown on hoarding: Khilji set up royal stores in Delhi to
maintain a sufficient stock of food grains so that traders did not
try to create an artificial shortage to hike prices and indulge in
profiteering
6. He also kept a large standing army ranging from hundreds of
thousands. He also banned drinking, gambling and drug
consumption from the public view in the later years of his life. He
also defended India from the ravaging Mongols who controlled
most of Asia back then. Mongols were utterly ruthless, divided
into different tribes and attacked countries from multiple places.
4. Mohammad bin Tughlaq
1. Taxation in the Doab: The Sultan made a stupid budgetary
examination in the Doab between the Ganges and Jamuna. He
increased taxes in doab region when a terrible famine was
prevailing in the doab region.
2. Transfer of Capital: He shifted his capital to Daulatabad for
administrative convenience. But instead of shifting his
government officers alone he ordered all the inhabitants of delhi to

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move to new capital with their bags. But soon there Delhi
witnessed increasing expeditions.
3. Introduction of Token Currency (1330): Muhammad Tughlaq
chose to present copper coins, which were to have the same worth
as the silver coins. But started minting these coins in their
backyards.
4. Khurasan Expedition: He chose to win Khurasan and Iraq and
he raised a gigantic armed force for the reason. He paid regular
taxes to his vast army for an year. But because of certain
difficulties he changed his idea and disbanded the army after an
year. The disgusted soldiers began to plunder their own country.
5. He established a new agricultural department and gave
agricultural loans 'Takavi' to farmers.

Indo-Islamic architecture

1. The Islamic rule in India saw the introduction of many new elements in
the building style. This was much distinct from the prevailing building
style adopted in the construction of temples and other secular
architecture. The different religious beliefs are also reflected in
construction and architectural Styles of the mode.
2. Important features
1. The main elements in the Islamic architecture is the introduction
of arches instead of using pillars, beams and lintels. Arches at
Qutub Minar can be cited as examples.
2. Instead of Shikhara, dome became the central element. Central
Dome was most prominent part and it was topped by an inverted
lotus motif.
3. Lofty towers or minarets were another distinctive element which
exhibited Persian influence.
4. Now, limestone mixed mortar was used as a cementing method.
5. As human worship and its representation are not allowed in Islam,
the buildings are decorated richly in geometrical and arabesque
designs.
6. There is intricate Jali work on the walls which signifies
importance of light in Islam.

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7. Gardens were important part, and among these Chahar Bagh have
special place.
8. Pietra dura style was used for ornamentation. Floral designs were
carved in walls and semi-precious stones were fitted in these
engravings for entire design.
3. Mughal architecture
1. During Akbar’s reign, Mughal architecture had regional influence
(Gujarati, Bengali and Rajput tradition), while Jehangir and
Shahjahan included Persian elements predominantly.
2. The first building of this rule was Humayun’s tomb at Delhi in
which magnificent building red stone was used.
3. Akbar built a fort at Agra which was influenced from Rajput
tradition. Agra fort was made of red sandstone with Gujarati and
Rajput influence. The use of domes was avoided and instead
replaced by chatris.
4. Akbar also built a fort at Fatehpur Sikri and it marked second
phase of architecture during reign of Akbar. It has both religious
and secular buildings. Among religious buildings, Jami Masjid
was inside the Buland Darwaza. The Ibadat Khana is another
notable building where Akbar used to have religious discourses.
Among secular buildings, there were many administrative and
residential buildings. Ex: Panch Mahal, Birbal’s palace.
4. Regional features of Mughal architecture
1. The use of decorative brackets, balconies, etc in the architecture is
an example in this regard.
2. The use of domes was avoided and instead replaced by chatris.
Kiosks (chhatris) is a borrowing from Rajput school of
architecture.
3. There was fusion of Hindu-Islamic architecture specially under
Akbar. One such influence is the Kalash placed on top of the
domes which was borrowed from Hindu temple architecture.
4. During Akbar’s period we can see a fusion of regional styles into
various Mughal buildings. In Red fort we can see distinct Gujarati
and Malwa influence.
5. Red sandstone from Dhaulpur was used in Shahjahanabad and
Fatehpur Sikri. From the time of Jahangir, a visible shift was
made towards use of marble.

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6. Last example of Mughal architecture is Safdarjung tomb. The

architecture suited to the climatic conditions of the land. The
rooms were large and airy. There were big gardens around the
building and many fountains as well. The roofs had the khus-khus
grass to keep them cool.
5. Reflection of contemporary life
1. It symbolizes the great power of the ruling class and the great
divide between the rulers and the commoners. The elite and
privileged class used burnt bricks, mortar and stones. Commoners
used mud bricks or kuccha houses.
2. They reflect the increasing power of the emperor even in respect
of his amirs. In Mughal age monuments of the emperors were way
above anybody else’s. While the emperors had the resources and
capacity to obtain best of material and labour from any part of the
country his nobles clearly couldn’t have.
3. We can see the impact of Akbar’s desire to be the religious leader
of Indian muslims as well. In Diwan-i-Aam at Sikri we can see
that the emperor’s throne was placed in the western direction
which gave religious supremacy as well. The use of many
provincial styles in the buildings can be seen to reflect Akbar’s
desire to be the emperor of whole India.
4. By Shahjahan’s time a stagnation had occurred which we can be
seen in the lack of variety in the construction. The freshness and
cultural fusion of the buildings gave way to artificial grandeur. It
appears that this was an attempt to hide problems of the empire.
5. Architecture declined by the Aurangzeb’s time due to his personal
indifference and economic condition. Whatever monuments are
there show traditional style only and lack of creativity. Instead the
monuments of the regional principalities began to grow in their
attraction. This shows the decline of the empire.
6. These majestic projects reflected the cultural currents and tastes of
the age in the ruling class. The emperors often personally paid
attention to the plans and construction of the monuments. Thus we
have numerous paintings of Akbar observing the construction of
Fatehpur Sikri personally.
7. The construction made use of labour intensive technologies which
indicate the abundance of unskilled and skilled labour of the age

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and that it had become an important industry. Large amount of

labour was employed.
8. The architecture was suited to the climatic conditions of the land.
The rooms were large and airy. There were big gardens around the
building and many fountains as well. The roofs had the khus-khus
grass to keep them cool.
9. The Mughal amirs used to construct their buildings close to the
buildings constructed by their ancestors. The foundation of any
major project was laid only after consulting the astrological
charts.

Mosque architecture

1. From the first mosque established in medina by prophet Muhammad to

the present time, mosque architecture shows variation responding to
regional climate, available elements etc.
2. Universal features
1. Direction: All the mosques have their orientation towards Mecca.
2. Tower of azan: Azan is the minaret tower from where people are
called for prayer.
3. Domes: Domes with symbolic decoration are present in most of
the mosques.
4. Convenience of light: The hanging lamp roofed part and open
part to sky are common elements in mosque.
5. Calligraphy: The calligraphy which are mostly quoranic verses
are common feature on walls of mosques.
3. Regional influence
1. Climatic variance: The most of the mosques in Kerala and
Kashmir are constructed responding to climatic variation. The
Aali mosque in Srinagar is noticeable for its wooden structure.
2. Regional motifs: The jami mosque of Ahmedabad bears kalash
on top of the roof, lotus shaped dome and hanging bell that
specifies influence of Hindu and jain temple.
3. Decoration: The decoration of arch, minaret and dome by
Mughal in most of the north Indian mosques gives regional
variety to mosques.

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4. Fatehpur Sikri: The mosque here shows blend of Hindu and Jain
architecture and are made from locally available sandstone called
Sikri sandstone.

Abul Fazl description

1. Abul Fazal’s Ain-e-Akbari is a vivid account of the socio-economic and

religious life in medieval India.
2. Socio-economic life
1. Caste system was prevalent and 16 different sub castes arose from
inter-marriages.
2. Choice of occupation was still limited by caste credentials.
3. Land was the major source of revenue. Raja Todarmal’s land
measurement and assessment improved tax collection.
4. Literature, music, art and architecture commanded royal
patronage.
3. Religion
1. Religious discrimination was ended by Akbar. Jazya and Pilgrim
tax were abolished.
2. There was greater religious freedom. Akbar’s Din-e-Ilahi tried
bringing people of different faith together.
3. Abul Fazal’s attempt at finding common ground between Hindu
practices and islamic beliefs betrays the existing differences.
4. Hindus were tried under Hindu laws.
4. Abul Fazl enjoyed royal patronage of Akbar so one can imagine he was
under obligation to praise the emperor. In such an attempt, he said
Akbar could control rain at will. On the other hand Fazal emphasises on
the need of rationality. This was a major inconsistency. Despite its
shortcomings, Abul Fazl’s profound scholarship gives a great insight
into the history of medieval India.

Sher-shah suri

1. He not only wanted to have large area under him, but also wanted to
administer it well. He was influenced by the revenue and military
policies of Alauddin Khalji.

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2. Like Alauddin Khilji, he paid to army regularly to prevent

dissatisfaction and dissent and interacted with it on regular basis.
3. He introduced measurement based revenue system so that peasant class
is not over burdened.
4. He rebuild the highway to Bengal from north India. This is also known
as the Grand Trunk road. He also build many roads, planted trees and
build Sarais.
5. He is credited with giving the name to Indian currency the name which
it is known today – Rupiah.
6. His tomb at Sasaram in Bihar is major example of architecture during
his time. It stands in the middle of an artificial lake known as the
second Taj Mahal of India.

Mughal painting

1. The Delhi sultanate period also witnessed the flowering of portrait and
miniature paintings. However, what is amazing is that some of these
painters tried to paint the classical ragas, thereby giving form and
colour to such abstract conceptions as music. Seasons or baramasa
paintings were similarly given artistic forms.
2. The Mughal school of painting from the sixteenth to the eighteenth
century gave rise to the Indo-Persian school of miniature art. They
produced landscapes together with human figures and costumes. When
they came in touch with the traditional Indian styles, they became more
natural. Signing on the miniatures as a tradition also started.
3. Mughal paintings show the construction scenes of the big monuments
and also tell us about the used technologies in Fatehpur Sikri. Book
illustrations played an important role. Karkhana’s were established for
painting. It was un-islamic yet liberal interpretation of islam allows it.
Court scenes, hunting scenes and wars were painted. Indian colours
were developed.
4. Mughal school was assimilation of Indian, Persian and European
elements
1. The sixteenth century marks a watershed in the development of
the art of painting in India. An important painting from
Humayun’s period is titled Princes of the House of Timur, which

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is executed on cloth and is suggested to be related to Mongol

tradition.
2. Early phase was clearly influenced by Persian tradition which
included symmetrical compositions, restricted movement of
figures, etc.
3. Later, the paintings composed mainly of Indian traditions with
touches of European influence, such as Naturalism and rhythm,
clothing objects of daily use assuming Indian forms and violent
movements.
4. Painting under Akbar’s period distinguished itself as a tradition
from Persian painting as well as from Indian styles by presence of
historical subject matter. The two most commonly used themes
are daily events of the court and portraits of leading personalities.
5. During the period of Jahangir and Shahjahan, Mughal painting
reached its zenith. Jahangir’s preference was of paintings of
hunting scenes, birds and flowers. His paintings are realistic.
6. Under Shah Jahan, the colour of the paintings became more
decorative and gold was more frequently used for decoration. In
addition, paintings depicting portraits of female members and
superimposition of animals was also found.
7. In its later phases, especially during 17th century, the Mughal
painting was influenced by the European art. A large number of
European paintings were either copied or adapted or even
reinterpreted, sometimes by Mughal Painters.
8. One important feature of European impact that becomes
noticeable in some Mughal Painting is the attempt to make them
three-dimensional. Another influence was the effect of light and
shade mostly utilised in fight scenes.
5. Mughal vs Rajput
1. Rajasthani and Pahari are offshoots of Mughal miniature.
2. Mughal miniature is secular (Hunting campaigns, portraits or
scenes from durbar), while Rajasthani and Pahari have religious
touch. They included more religious themes as from life of Radha
Krishna, Gita Govinda and Rajput lifestyle.
3. Mughal art was largely a royal art, while Rajput style was
practiced by folks as well.
4. Mughal school features muted colours, giving it a shadow and

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depth, the Rajasthan school uses bold primary colours which give
the painting an abstract look.
5. Mughal style is evolved from Persian Miniature painting style, so
had marked influence of Persian style which was mixed with local
styles. Rajasthani School has a considerable local influence on the
other hand.
6. While Mughal school has focused on the splendour of the
emperor and court, Pahadi and Rajput school expresses the
emotions, nature, religious sentiments etc. Thus, Pahadi school
could focus on life outside the royal sphere as well.

Influence of European paintings

1. Influence of European paintings was started during the period of Akbar

when he encouraged European, Chinese and south-east paintings.
However European paintings influenced mainly during the colonial
period i.e. second half of 18th century and 19th century.
2. In Goa, a hybrid style of paintings called company art which included
both Indian and British developed. Nawab of Arcot had European
painter fransis for his European painting collections. Oil paintings,
water colour techniques, use of paper and ivory, etc was now inserted in
painting field.
3. Europe’s romantic movement also influenced the Indian painting by
bringing picturesque such as evocative landscape.
4. Kalighat paintings in Calcutta featured lively, brightly coloured
mythological and secular subject. One popular feature was depicting
bureaucratic red tapism and infamous work.
5. Western colleges of art were established at Chennai, Calcutta, Mumbai.
Most famous painter from India was Raja Ravi Varma who got
international recognition in second half of nineteenth century.

East India companies on Architecture of India

1. The European impact led to synthesis of indigenous styles and instituted
the typical colonial style of architecture. Transition from traders to
establishing their settlements at various places paved way towards building
European style houses, factories and strong fortresses.

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2. French gave a distinct urban design to its settlement in Pondicherry by

applying the Cartesian grid plans (perpendicular streets) and classical
architectural patterns. Churches at Pondicherry have a distinct French
influence.
3. Portuguese built utilitarian warehouses and fortified towns along the
coastline. This is evident in all the major churches of Goa (St. Cathedral).
4. While the Danish influence is evident in Nagapattinam (TN). Dutch
cemetery is a combination of Indian and European styled graves with domed
tombs.
5. British influence
1. British used architecture as the symbol of power. Churches, built in great
styles was mainly an inspiration from leading churches in England. However
new material like concrete, glass, cast iron was used.
2. The passing of power from the EIC to the British crown, rise of Indian
Nationalism and the introduction of railways design and construction, were
the watershed in the British architectural history. They attempted to imitate
oriental style while trying to construct public buildings.
6. Neo-classical: Construction of geometrical structures fronted with lofty
pillars and arches. Derived from Greco-Roman Architecture. It was
considered particularly appropriate for the British Empire in India. They
thought to replicate grandeur of imperial Rome in Imperial India. It was
suitable for tropical weather. Prominent examples include Town Hall and
Elphinstone circle in Bombay.
7. Neo-Gothic: This was characterised by high pitched roofs, pointed arches,
detailed decoration and had its roots in buildings especially churches, built in
Northern Europe during medieval period. This style was adapted for buildings
in Bombay (Gothic city of India). Victoria terminus is an outstanding
example of Victorian Gothic revival architecture in India.
8. Indo-Saracenic style: This represented hybrid architectural style
combined diverse architectural elements of Hindu and Mughal with gothic
cusped arches, domes, spires, minarets and stained glass. It was developed
towards the beginning of 20th century and the inspiration for this style was
medieval buildings in India with their domes, chatris, jalis and arches. By
integrating Indian and European styles in public architecture, the British
wanted to prove that they were legitimate rulers of India. The prominent ones
include Gateway of India, Chepauk palace in Madras, Victoria memorial hall.
9. In addition, the architecture of New Delhi (Rome of India) by Luytens and
Baker is considered as one of the most significant contribution of British rule.

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Architecture before British was from the social point of view

1. Before the arrival of Britishers in India, most of the stone architecture was
a spectacle to behold, but their main purposes were just for socio-religious
gatherings and were not much of practical use to the common use.
2. Examples
1. Magnificent stupas adorned with beautiful carvings and images were built
for religious purposes.
2. Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools produced beautiful images of
Buddha.
3. Temple architecture began during Gupta period, latter flourished under
various rulers. They were built to show the wealth and power of rulers.
4. Mughal emperors built tombs, minarets, mausoleums, arches which
reflected their wealth and glory.
3. British architecture
1. British architecture were of daily use, like administration, post offices or
railway stations.
2. They build forts and fortified them to protect themselves and their trade.
They built administrative and residential buildings such as Parliament house,
Connaught place, Victoria terminus of Mumbai all them had practical
relevance.
4. But architecture before British was also not completely devoid of practical
relevance. For example, Buddhists built viharas for residence of monks,
temple were used for dance competitions, etc.

Puppetry
1. India, considered as the land of puppets showcases different kind of
puppetry, both for the purpose of entertainment and conveying moral
messages to the society. Earliest reference of puppetry is traced to the Tamil
epic silappadikaram.
2. India hosts 4 categories of puppetry
1. String puppetry: Here the limbs are connected with strings which help for
faster movements of hands and legs. Eg: Kathputli (Rajasthan).
2. Rod puppetry: An off shot of string puppetry but rods are used instead of
strings. Eg: Putul nautch.
3. Shadow puppetry: Here straight figures are created and are projected
towards screen with the help of light. Eg: Ravanachaya
4. Glove puppetry: Material from cotton or leather are used. They are the

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smallest of all puppets. Eg: Paavakoothu (Kerala)

3. Their themes are mainly centered around epics and Puranas which gives an
account of India’s rich culture and heritage which had a great influence on the
people.
4. During the national movement they acted as crowd pullers and often
communicated message regarding freedom movement. Ex: Neel Darpan
5. The major audience is children and an impact on them is eventually an
impact on the society. It acts a morale booster for physically and mentally
challenged children.
6. It also showcases our expertise on handicrafts sector.

Progressive painters of 1940

1. The Progressive Art group in India formed after independence was initiated
by 6 painters including SH Raza, MF Hussain and others. They are best
known for combining Indian subject matter with new artistic techniques such
as post impressionism, cubism etc.
2. Contrasting the Progressives against the Bengal School of Art
1. Progressivism emerged from the age of enlightenment in Europe which
placed importance on science, social organisation, economic development as
critical to human existence.
2. The Progressives took a Marxist, anti-imperialist world view and sought to
relate art to the common lives of the people. Bengal school on the other hand
sought to demonstrate the spiritual capital of the East and romanticised the
idea of independence.
3. The Progressives used vibrant colours, geometrical motifs, symmetry and
rhythmicity in their painting.
4. The painters of Bengal School worked with simple colours, revived past
literary traditions in paintings, took art back to subject matter of ancient
periods in an imitative manner without much creativity.
3. Contrasting the Progressives against the Classical European Art
1. The progressives unlike the latter sought to break conventions by re-
imaging art form instead of sticking to traditions.
2. For instance the latter focused on perfectness of human anatomy while
drawing human figures whereas the progressive painter such as FN Souza
portrait of Suruchi Chand defied convention.
3. The progressives used a variety of medium such as oil, water colour, etc.,
whereas the classical mostly used oil colour.
4. The Progressives were more interested in re-imaging art and taking it

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closer to the people whereas the latter treated art as elitist.

Tantricism
1. Tantricism had originated in the sixth century but became stronger from the
eighth century onwards.
2. Features
1. It is said that Tantricism is the simplification of the Vedic cults. Tantric
practice centred on prayers and the worship of a particular deity.
2. The mother image was accorded great veneration, since life was created in
the mother’s womb. In this way it is also connected with Saka Sakti cult.
3. In Tantricism, guru had the highest place because those desirous of
becoming members of a sect had to be initiated by a guru.
4. The distinction between the Purusa (soul) and Prakriti (matter) was
modified in Tantricism. Purusa came to signify man and Prakriti woman.
3. Impact on society
1. It is said that Tantric interest in magic led to some discoveries of a semi-
scientific nature owing to experiments with chemicals and metals in
particular.
2. It was strongest in north eastern India and had close ties with Tibet as some
of its rituals came from the Tibetan practices. It thus improved cultural
connect between both parts.
3. It was open to all castes as well as to women. Therefore, it eroded the caste
and gender divisions.
4. It gave confidence to followers of Hindu faith that their practices had
scientific basis.

Why traditional arts are dying

1. After the advent of new methods of communication and entertainment, the
traditional art forms and their practitioners have suffered due to the neglect of
the new generation and steadily decreasing customers
2. Problems faced by them
1. Behavioural changes in people who are now thinking the ancient arts
backward and obstacle to social and economic development.
2. Such art forms are not seen as a viable mode of profession due to the
similar cheaper machine made products being available in market. Adoption
of traditional touch by the big fashion houses, in their clothing lines, further
decreases the market for the poor traditional practitioners.
3. Increasing migration has further decreased the number of people who used

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to practice such arts.

4. The traditional puppetry has been replaced by the television, as a form of
entertainment.
3. Methods to save them
1. To reverse this trend, the Indian govt has been providing funds to various
museums to save the vanishing traditional arts.
2. Also, Govt should help in linking the products of traditional art and crafts
practitioners, with professional enterprises, which can procure the products at
reasonable price, so as to project this field as a viable avenue for profession.
3. Annual art festivals can be conducted by state Govts, where such
traditional art forms of entertainment can be promoted among the youth.
4. Indian Govt has to start giving awards for different arts for promoting
them.
5. We have to promote arts on international platform by removing hurdles for
marketing, so as to increase markets for the products.
6. Supporting e-commerce websites to sell the Art forms etc.

Stolen artefacts
1. Recently, United States initiated the process of returning over 200 stolen
artefacts back to India. Dating back to 2000 years, they had been looted from
some of India’s most treasured religious sites and are estimated to cost a $100
million.
2. Stolen Artefacts
1. In 2013, a sculpture of Vrishanana Yogini, weighing 400 kg and dating to
the 10th century, was brought back from Paris.
2. In 2014, Australia returned a Nataraja and an Ardhanariswara.
3. In 2015, three idols, Parrot Lady from Canada, Mahisamardini from
Germany and Uma Parameshwari from Singapore returned to India.
4. Earlier this year, a 10th century buff sandstone slab of the Tirthankara
Rishabhanatha and a very rare sandstone panel depicting the equestrian deity
Revanta and his entourage dated 8th century AD, worth millions of dollars
was discovered in the US.
3. Challenges
1. An integrated database of existing and stolen artefacts hardly exists in
India with the National Mission for Monument and Antiquities, hence
sufficient information on theft cases is very difficult. The Ministry of
Culture’s initiative to document the seventy lakh antiquities in its possession
in 2007 has only reached eight lakhs until 2014.

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2. The CBI, which handles antiquities theft as part of its special crimes
division, is overburdened and also does not have the requisite qualifications.
3. Some state governments have special wings as part of their police force but
these too are understaffed and unqualified.
4. The process of registering antiquities under the Antiquities and Art
Treasures Act 1972 is extremely cumbersome and the act is outdated also.
5. Fear of unnecessary government attention also deters registration.
6. The CAG report on Antiquities in 2013 remarks about the country’s poor
acquisition, documentation and conservation systems like museums.

Decaying of Cultural institutions

1. Cultural institutions serve the purpose of conservation of one’s heritage and
its passing on to future generations along with its modern adaptations. In
India although some cultural institutions have been and still are pillars of
strength, but a lot many are fading into oblivion due to host of factors mainly
poor governance, stagnation and poor upkeep.
2. Reasons
1. The head of theses institutions is normally a generalist senior bureaucrat
who has no special knowledge or work experience in the cultural domain of
that institution.
2. Budgetary allocation for upkeep, modernisation, digitalisation is hardly
significant, the case of museums in Indian is a glaring example.
3. No proper policy or guidelines are formed to guide the working of these
institutions. The case of Archaeological Survey of India digging for gold at
the behest of epiphany of old sadhu pointed this.
4. Dilapidated structures, prone to hazards, like the fire in Nehru Museum in
Delhi.
3. Cultural institutions do serve the purpose of being repositories of a nations
history, guide into the civilisational journey. They serve an important tool of
soft diplomacy, recreational avenues and learning portals for young minds,
and also provide crucial inputs for policy formulations.
4. What is needed is the interjection of ICT, dedicated policy, regular fund
allotment in budget, specialised experts as heads.

Climate and resources effect on Culture

1. Cultural heritage in region developed with time and very much affected
with climate and natural resources starting from food habits, dressing,
festivals, migration pattern, health related issues, cropping pattern and so on

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all have correlation with local surrounding.

2. It can be understand by following examples
1. In northern India consumption of wheat dominates while in South India
consumption of rice dominates. This is because of dominance of various crops
in various regions.
2. In coastal region of India people live in mostly thatched houses because of
local hot climate where as in Himalayan region people have cemented houses
because of cold climate.
3. Migration pattern among tribal community in Himalayan like Bhotiyas
dependent on cold season and fodder availability for livestock.
4. North East region people have more closeness to nature and here houses
are made by bamboo because it available plenty in the region. Food habit and
trade practices are also much influence by it.
5. Bihu festival in Assam, Pongal in South India, Baisakhi in Punjab, Holi and
Diwali in North India and many other local festivals across India are direct
link with crop growing season or harvesting season.
6. Great civilisation settlements in past and invaders attack on India was
influenced by this fact.
3. However in recent 200 years after fast industrial revolution and
technological development human is not that much dependent on the climatic
condition and natural resources.
4. It is the prime reason that many cultural practices which were part of life of
old civilization now getting dissolve across the globe and new practices are
getting developed.

Indian culture abroad

1. India had established commercial contacts with other countries from the
earliest times. It had inevitably resulted in the spread of Indian languages,
religions, art and architecture, philosophy, beliefs, customs and manners.
2. Indian political adventurers even established Hindu kingdoms in some
parts of South-east Asia. They were brought under India’s cultural influence.
3. China was influenced both by land route passing through central Asia and
the sea route through Burma. A number of Chinese pilgrims like Fahien and
Hiuen Tsang visited India. On the other side, hundreds of Buddhist monks
from India visited China. Indian scholars translated many Sanskrit works.
Chinese art had also been influenced by Indian art.
4. Cultural exchanges that took place between India and the countries of
Central Asia are visible from the discoveries of ancient stupas, temples,

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monasteries, images and paintings found in all these countries. Along the
route there were resting places for Monks and Missionaries, for pilgrims and
merchants.
5. Tibet was influenced by India from the seventh century. The famous
Buddhist king Gampo founded the city of Lhasa and introduced Buddhism.
The Tibetan alphabet was devised with the help of Indian scholars. Later, the
Indian scholars helped for the establishment of Lamaism in Tibet. In the
eleventh century the Pala dynasty of Bengal had close contacts with Tibet.
When Bengal was attacked by the Muslim rulers, many Buddhist monks
sought shelter in Tibet.
6. Sri Lanka experienced a great cultural influence from India. Buddhist
missionaries had spread not only the religious faith but also cultural
traditions. The art of stone carving went to Sri Lanka from India. In the fifth
century, Buddha Ghosha visited Sri Lanka and consolidated there the
Hinayana Buddhism. The famous paintings of Sigiriya were modelled on the
Ajantha paintings.
7. Indian culture had extended its mighty influence in the South East Asian
region consisting of the Malay Archipelago and Indo-China. They are located
across the Bay of Bengal. Being fertile and rich in minerals, these lands
attracted the attention of the Indians. Moreover, the east coast of India is
studded with numerous ports and Indians undertook frequent voyages to these
lands. Indians began to colonise the East Asia in the Gupta period. It was
further encouraged by the Pallavas and Cholas. The Indian colonists
established great kingdoms and some of them lasted for more than a thousand
years.
8. The Malay Archipelago had remained an important link between India and
the Far East. Several Hindu kingdoms existed here between fifth to fifteenth
centuries A.D. The most important Hindu kingdom in the big island of
Sumatra was Sri Vijaya. It was a great centre of trade and culture in the
seventh century.
9. Roman trade happened mostly in South India and is testified both by
literary texts and finds of Roman coins specially at Coimbatore and Madurai.
Items like pepper, muslin, spices, etc were in great demand. This trade with
Rome was bound to bring in gold to India which gave her a favourable
position in trade and established a stable gold currency for the Kushana
empire of those days. The importance of trade with foreigners was quite high
as one can understand from the number of ambassadors that were either sent
to or received by the Indian kings.

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10. The Indians learnt many new things from the foreigners for examples
minting of gold coins from the people of Greece and Rome, art of making silk
from China, art of growing betel from Indonesia, etc. The art and culture of
the various countries got itself reflected over the Indian culture, but than this
was reflected in the other countries also.
11. Modes of spread of Indian culture
1. Some groups of Indians went abroad as wanderers. They went towards the
West, crossing the present day Pakistan and Afghanistan. From there, their
caravans went through Iran and Iraq to Turkey. Travellers like Hiuen Tsang
and Fahien had spread the message of Buddhism to their own countries.
2. During the reign of Ashoka, his son Mahindra and Sanghamitra went to Sri
Lanka to spread the message of peace and humanity of Buddhism.
3. The trade expansion during the Gupta period had seen spread of Buddhist
impact in the Cambodia and Malaya Islands despite the fact the Guptas were
protagonists of Brahmin Dharma. The same got renewed vigour during the
Chola period in southern India, Ganga rule in Utkal and Pala and Sena rule in
Banga.
4. Developed naval prowess in ancient India, lead to naval expeditions.
5. Even invaders who plundered India, had got influenced by Buddhism.
6. Intense local infighting provided a large section of people spiritual asylum
in Buddhism.
12. Advantages to India
1. India’s soft power has found place with these countries with India getting
recognition, India-ASEAN FTA.
2. Indian PM’s visit to Japanese shrines like Toji and Kinkakuji which helped
garner Japanese support for India’s nuclear power program and similar
advantages in Sri Lanka despite the fact that India has a strong support for its
native Tamils.
3. India’s presence in Mekong-Ganga cooperation, SCO and recent trilateral
summit.
4. The common cultural link remains the traditional Buddhist links and India
has to tread well in this field keeping in mind the Gujral doctrine while
helping the smaller countries in the backyard. This will also help India-China
initiative to shift the global power balance to the Asian region from the west.

Ashoka vs Akbar
1. When one talks about Ancient and Medieval period it is totally incomplete
without Ashoka and Akbar who have left huge effect on Indian History.

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2. Similarities
1. Extent of empire: Both ruled large parts of Indian subcontinent. Ashoka
inherited a large empire and extended it further through conquests. Akbar
inherited a small empire, but extended it through conquests, matrimonial
alliances etc.
2. Religious policy: Both showed religious tolerance. Ashoka started the
policy of Dhamma and spread his message not only in India but also in
neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka. Akbar started a new cult Din-i-ilahi.
Both of them did not force people to follow any religion.
3. Architecture: Ashoka was successful in building many Stupas. The use of
stone started during his time. Akbar constructed various monuments (Ibadat
Khana) which is dome and arch type architecture unlike stone.
3. Differences
1. Patron of Art: Akbar was a great patron of art, for example, miniature
paintings are his contribution. He was also fond of music and patronised Sufi
saints.There are no historical evidence regarding art or music for Ashoka.
2. Administration: Ashoka had a centralised administration with ministers
(Amatyas) placed at different levels. Akbar had a decentralised administration
and coordinated through mansabdari system.
3. Dynasty: Mauryan dynasty came to an end with the end of Ashoka’s rule,
whereas Akbar’s Mughal dynasty flourished after him as well.

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