Super Detailed History Notes – Last Minute Semester Prep (100% Goal)
THE KINGDOMS OF SOUTH INDIA – PANDYAS
**Capital**: Madurai – the political and cultural hub.
**Important Ruler**: Nedunchezhiyan – mentioned in Sangam literature.
**Administration**: Followed hereditary monarchy; kings were powerful and assisted
by ministers.
**Economy**:
- Thrived on agriculture (especially rice) and trade.
- Extensive trade with Roman Empire (gold coins discovered in excavations).
**Society**:
- Tamil was the primary language.
- Promoted Sangam literature which glorified bravery and love.
**Religion and Culture**:
- Worshipped Shiva and Vishnu; temples flourished.
- Promoted Tamil culture and poetry.
**Decline**:
- Faced continuous wars with Cholas and internal conflicts.
- Eventually declined after invasions and lack of strong leadership.
THE CHERAS OF SOUTH INDIA
**Capital**: Vanji (modern Karur).
**Important Ruler**: Senguttuvan – remembered for starting the Pattini cult (worship
of Kannagi, symbol of chastity).
**Emblem**: Bow and arrow – symbolized their martial nature.
**Trade and Economy**:
- Exported pepper, spices, and ivory to Rome and Arabia.
- Port cities like Musiri and Tondi were crucial for maritime trade.
**Culture and Literature**:
- Supported Sangam poets.
- Silappadikaram, a Tamil epic, praises Chera kings.
**Religion**: Hinduism with early traces of Jainism and Buddhism.
**Decline**:
- Lost influence due to rise of Pallavas and Cholas.
- Trade routes weakened over time.
THE PALLAVAS OF SOUTH INDIA
**Capital**: Kanchipuram – center for religion, education, and culture.
**Famous Rulers**:
- Mahendravarman I – patron of art and architecture.
- Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) – defeated Chalukyas, built Mahabalipuram.
**Military**:
- Fought major wars with Chalukyas.
- Expanded empire into Andhra and Karnataka.
**Architecture**:
- Rock-cut temples (e.g., Mahabalipuram's Rathas).
- Shore Temple – example of early structural temples.
**Art and Culture**:
- Patronized Sanskrit and Tamil literature.
- Promoted Bharatanatyam and sculpture.
**Religion**: Mostly Shaivism, but also supported Vaishnavism and Jainism.
**Decline**:
- Lost to the Cholas in the 9th century.
AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
**Timeline**: 1775–1783.
**Causes**:
- British taxes (Stamp Act, Tea Act) without colonial representation.
- Enlightenment ideas of liberty and democracy.
**Key Events**:
- Boston Tea Party (1773): Protest against Tea Act.
- 1776: Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
- Battles:
- Lexington and Concord: First shots.
- Saratoga (1777): Turning point; brought French support.
- Yorktown (1781): Final defeat of British.
**Outcome**:
- 1783: Treaty of Paris signed – Britain recognized American independence.
**Impact**:
- Inspired other revolutions (e.g., French).
- New nation founded on democratic principles.
THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
**Timeline**: 1861–1865.
**Causes**:
- Disagreement over slavery (North: anti, South: pro).
- States' rights vs. federal authority.
**Key Figures**:
- North (Union): Abraham Lincoln.
- South (Confederacy): Jefferson Davis.
**Major Battles**:
- Fort Sumter: War begins.
- Gettysburg: Bloodiest battle; Union turns the tide.
- Appomattox Court House: Lee surrenders; war ends.
**Outcome**:
- Slavery abolished (13th Amendment).
- Reconstruction era begins – aimed to rebuild the South.
**Impact**:
- Strengthened federal government.
- Set foundation for civil rights movements.
THE REVOLT OF 1857
**Also Called**: First War of Indian Independence.
**Causes**:
- Political: Doctrine of Lapse (British annexation of princely states).
- Economic: Heavy taxation, ruin of artisans and peasants.
- Social: Reforms that interfered with religious customs.
- Military: Greased cartridge issue (cow/pig fat insulted Hindu/Muslim soldiers).
**Main Leaders**:
- Delhi: Bahadur Shah Zafar.
- Kanpur: Nana Sahib.
- Jhansi: Rani Laxmibai.
- Bihar: Kunwar Singh.
**Course of Revolt**:
- Started in Meerut (May 10, 1857), spread rapidly.
- Major centers: Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi.
**Failure Reasons**:
- Poor planning, lack of unity and coordination.
- No central leadership or modern weapons.
**Results**:
- British Crown took direct control (Govt of India Act 1858).
- Army reorganized.
- Beginning of modern Indian nationalism.