SUNYA IAS _ ANCIENT - HISTORY PRELIMS STATIC REVISION NOTES SUNYA IAS Part of BRAHMASTRA & Prelims Crash Course! Contact- 8279688595 | www.sunyaias.com Our Offline Centers: Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Indore...& others!S$ SUNYA IAS Contents Chapter: SOURCES OF ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY Chapter-2. PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD Chopter-3. THE INDUS VALLEY CIVILISATION Chapter-4. VEDIC CULTURE Chapter-5. MAHAJANAPADAS Chapter-6. BUDDHISM AND JAINISM \ XS, Chapter-7. PRE MAURYAN EMPIRE Chapter-6. MAURYAN EMPIRE Chapter-9. POST MAURYAN DEVELOPMI Chapter-10.. THE SANGAM AGE Chapter-1 THE GUPTA AGE Chapter-12.. POST GUPTA ERA Chapter-13. HARSHA EMPIRE Chapter-14. SOUTHERN INDIA DURING 300AD TO 750AD LIB. s ah wow sunyaias.com) Joint Telegram Channel: (.me/sunyanotes$0]56:3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 1Ancient History SUNYAIAS Chapter-1 \ SOURCES OF ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY Colonial administrators started by nas ting the Ancient diana’ i ind to develop a better understanding of the natives. ‘cy institutionalised the research work regarding the finding of Ancient Indian History. And so the past glory was traced in Modem times initially by the British officials although in the 19 century Native scholars (in response to colonial historians) too started researching and provided the much needed nationalist perspective about the Indian past. Following are the major steps taken by Researchers, archaeologists and Scholars in the past two centuries, Jones (1746-84) Charles Witkins|" H& 0, supported by the administration of Fort Williams in Calcutta, SirJames |e in 1804, He founded Bombay Asiatic Society on the lines of Asiatic Society of Mackintosh | Bengal. Jo He was a Gestini:bOmNOrieR|ist based inv London who was given responsibility to translate Ancient Indian writings to better the Colonial Max Muller understanding of Indian culture in the aftermath of the Rebellion of 1857. He e He . The edicts in Brahmi script James Prinsep | — mentioned a which Prinsep initially assumed was (1799-1840 a Sri Lankan king. He was then able to associate this title with Ashoka on the ‘Atexander In 1861, he was appointed to the newly created position of archaeological surveyor to the government of India; and he founded and organised what later Cunningham | became the 5 it was a systematic history of Ancient Vincent Arthur | India, He gave importance to Political History and always Smith (1843-1920] F.O. Oretel ‘how sunyaiga.com] Joint Telegram Channel: me/sunyanojesS0]S03, ORN, New Del | canvoceeo=) oeSUNYAIAS Rajendra Lal Mitra (1822-1891) Ancient History eating beef.Many others R.G. Bhandarkar Viswanath Kashinath Je He wrote 22-volumes of Maratha History. Rajwade eH te Slated the History of nd other sects. He was also a Social reformer in Deccan who advocated Widow remarriage and castigated the evils of caste Pandurang Vaman He wrot which was adjneyelopsdialof Ancient Kane Devdatta Ramakrishna Bhandarkar ie Ba i Oth Hemachandra Raychaudhuri SSaunY, \d focused upon Streak of > Hiaaaait ve * He was General RC. Majumdar ae faeces BAgU? A ASS. Altekar K.P. Jayaswal and |* They wrote about the tle.of Indigenous ruling dynasties. the Myth of Indian acceptance of Despotism by writing about the of Republics in Hindu Polity, 1924. AL. Basham > He wrote "Wonder that was India, 1951' it highlighted the sympathetic D.D. Kosambi L le He wrot 1957" and ' The 165'. He followed a sekskk ‘Yous sunyaias com) Joint Telegram Channel: tamelsunyanotesS0|50/3, ORN, New Delhi] (R279688595) Page. 3manaus _ Ancient History Chapter-2 PRE-HISTORIC PERIO. Prevectare Pered Semeste thse teste cole Se Period covering Palacolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic age where the major source of tools was Stone is combinedly called Stone Age. Robert Bruce Foote is the archaeologist who discovered the first palacolithic tool in India, the Pallavaram hand axe (near modern Chennai) in1863. * The contribution of Sir Mortimer Wheeler (DG-ASI, 1944-48) is equally significant for Prehistoric culture. He not only. worked on archeological sites related to TVC but also to the Southern sites of Arikamedu and Brahmagiri. Earliest period of Stone Age is developed in the Pleistocene period or the Ice Age. Some of famous sites of old stone age in India are as follows: [Follow below Map] © Shivalik Hills in North India Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh 4 Adamgarh Hills in Narmada valley ‘Soan valley and Potwar Plateau in North west Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh Attirampakkam near Chennai oo0000 | Palaeolithic Period (Old Stone | Age): 500,000 BCE ~ 10,000 BCE Common Features * Belonged to the ‘Negrito’ race * Lived in the open air, river valleys, caves and rock shelters. It covers the greater part of the Tee Age. * They had no knowledge of agriculture, they could not make pottery, had no knowledge of ‘making fire, could not make houses Lower Palacolithic Gaul EA le eoract of aay mac ‘© They were food gatherers Age: Up to 100,000 BC |, %4 Were ignorant of any metal © People lived cn hunting, © Use of Chopping tools as Hand © There was no knowledge of axes, cleavers ete ‘© Hunters and food gatherers; tools used were hand axes, choppers and | cleavers. Tools were rough and heavy houses, pottery, and agriculture, In the Upper Palacolithic age, there is evidence of art in the | | form of painti ielsunyanotesS0|56/3, ORN, New Delhi] (279688595) Page. 4S Ancient History SUNYA IAS. ‘© Humans used unpolished, rough stones like hand axes, choppers, blades, burins and scrapers. Palaeolithic men are also called ‘Quartzite” men in India as the stone tools were made of a hard rock called quartzite, Mainly lived on the foothills because stones are easily available, rivers are narrow and east to cross at foothills and natural caves provide shelter. ¢ This age is represented by Sohan Culture now in Pakistan. One of earliest lower Palacolithic sites is Bori in Maharashtra, Limestone was also used to make tools. Major sites of lower Palaeolithic age ‘Soan valley (in present Pakistan) Sites in the Thar Desert Kashmir North of the Cauvery River Belan valley, Singrauli Basin in up Didwana in Rajasthan ‘Attirampakkam near Chennai There are habitation sites including ‘eaves and rock shelters. ‘An important place is Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh- few old stone age paintings are found here. ° ° ° ° ° Middle Palaeolithic ‘Age: 100,000 BC ~ 40,000 BC. “This age was also called as “Age of Flakes’. Tools used were flakes, blades, pointers, scrapers and borers. The tools were smaller, lighter and thinner. ‘There was a decrease in the use of hand axes with respect to other tools. They had no house to live in, lived under rocks, in caves and hollow tree trunks. Important middle Palaeolithic age sites © Belan valley in UP Luni valley (Rajasthan) Son and Narmada rivers Bhimbetka- Recent discovery ~ Dickinsonia, one of the earliest ‘animal whose rare fossil is found in Bhimbetka Caves. This is the only fossil of dicnisonia in India. ‘Tungabhadra river valleys Potwar Plateau (between Indus & Jhelum) Sanghao cave (near Peshawar, Pakistan) ° ° ° ° ° Upper Palaeolithic Age: 40,000 BC — 10,000 BC Tt coincided with the last phase of the ice age when the climate became comparatively warmer and “Telegram Channel: (me/sunyanotesS0|56.3, ORN, few Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 5S SUNYA IAs Ancient History Tess humid. Emergence of Homo sapiens, Innovation in fools and technology. Blade technique of tool making in which edge was sharpened. A lot of bone tools, including needles, harpoons, parallel-sided blades, fishing tools | and burin tools. Rock paintings and carvings have been found in Bhimbetka reflects art and rituals Characteristic features of upper palaeolithic art: Red and Green colours Animals Depicted are: Bisons, elephants, tigers, boars, rhinoceros, etc. Major sites of Upper Palaeolithic age © Bhimbhetka (South of Bhopal) ~ hand axes and cleavers, blades, serapers and a few burins have been found here. © Belan valley (UP) © Son valley (UP & MP) © Bridih — at Chota Nagpur plateau Gharkhand) Bone tools have been found only at cave sites of Kurnool and Muchchatla Chintamani Gay Andhra Pradesh. PageS ‘SUNYA IAS An nt History “Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age) (10,000- 6000 B.C) ‘*Both Mesolithic and Neolithic phases belong to the Holocene era, eltwasa transitional phase between Palacolithic and Neolithic, also referred to as the Later Stone Age or Microlithic age. ‘Characteristic Features of the Mesolithic Era ‘© Climate got warmer and human population increased. + People of this era lived on hunting, fishing and food gathering initially but later on they also stared domesticating animals and cultivating plants, thereby paving the way for agriculture. ‘© Animal domestication started. The first animal to be domesticated was the wild ancestor of the dog. Sheep and goats were the most common domesticated animals, «First time man built their own houses, The Mesolithic people lived in semi- permanent settlements. Bamboo and grass huts along with occupying caves and open grounds, © The people of this era believed in life after death and hence they buried the dead with food items and other goods. ‘© The characteristic tools of this era were microliths (small ie, Sem) ~ the miniature stone tools [cresconic blades, scraper, etc.—all made of stone], they also use bow and arrows, ‘¢ Stone artifacts were both of geometrical and non-geometrical shapes. ‘¢ The Mesolithic men started to wear clothes made of animal skin. They were art lovers and initiated rock art. The subject matter of these paintings was mostly wild animals and hunting scenes, dancing and food collection and No snakes are depicted in Mesolithie Paintings These rock paintings give an idea about the development of religious practices and.also reflect the division of labour on the basis of gender. ¢ The first human colonization of the Ganga Plains happened during this period. . ‘© Man learnt the art of making aims and throwing the weapons like spear and bow and arrow. ‘© Fire was also discovered. Important Mesolithic Sites”), ‘ Mesolithic, remains are found in Lahanghanj (Gujarat), Adamgarh (MP) and some places of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. ¢ Bagor (Bhilwara) in Rajasthan is one of the biggest and best-documented sites. Bagor is on river Kothari where microliths along with animal bones ‘and shells have been excavated, Stone cutting site has also been found ¢ Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh provides the earliest evidence for the domestication of animals. Geometric microliths are very commonly found. ¢ Langhnaj (Mehsana) in Gujarat and Birbhanpur in West Bengal are also important Mesolithic sites, © Mesolithic rock art sites: Bhimbetka caves (Madhya Pradesh), Kharwar, Jaora and Kathotia (M.P), Sundargarh and Sambalpur (Odisha), Ezhuthu Guha (Kerala). © Microliths have also been found in some valleys of River Tapi, Sabarmati, Narmada, and Mahi. ‘© Bones of wild animals (rhinoceros, blackbuck, etc.) have been excavated from Langhnaj. ‘© Though Pottery is absent at most Mesolithic sites, they have been found in Langhnaj (Gujarat) and in the Kaimur region of Mirzapur (U.P) ss ‘Yee sunyalas.com| Joint Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotesS0|56’3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 7S SUNYA IAS [ancient History —] Bsns teatiassinidiccieremeementtaeemenecoll Neolithic Period (New Stone Age) (6,000 — 1,000 B.C) Characteristic Features of the Neolithic Age * Tools and Weapons: The people used microlithic blades in addition to tools made of polished stones. They also used tools and weapons made of bones ~ such as needles, scrapers, borers, arrowheads, etc. Tools were now made of hard granite rocks so were stronger than before. * Agriculture: The people of the Neolithic age cultivated land and grew fruits and corn like ragi and horse gram (kulati), They also domesticated cattle, sheep and goats. Rice cultivation Extensive in eastern India, ‘* Domestication: sheep, goat and cattle were widely prevalent. * Pottery: The pottery of this period was classified under Greyware, Black- burnished ware, and mat impressed ware. In the initial stages of the Neolithic age, handmade pottery was made but later on, foot wheels were used to make pots. * Ochre-coloured Pottery (OCP) used by Neolithic people © Wheel was invented. * Metal: They knew about onlyjone metal and that was gold * Housing and Settled LifeThe people of Neolithic age lived inrectangular or circular WWOuses which were made of mud and Feeds. Cultivation of plants, domestication of animals led to the emergence of village Communities. * Clothes: Neolithic age clothes made of cotton and wool. * Neolithic men also knew how to make boats and could spin cotton, wool and weave cloth. \ Important Neolithic Sites © Mehrgarh (Pakistan): Earliest evidence of agriculture-based life; Human Burials; Terracotta of animals; Animal remains- Sheep, goat, deer, antelope tc. Mehrgarh is the earliest Neolithic site, where people lived in houses buil€of gun-dried bricks and cultivated crops like cotton and wheat, ¢ Saraikhola|(Pakistan): Pit dwelling, handmade polished pottery © Burzahom (Kashmir): Pit Dwelling, man and dog Burial (Custom of pet burial) ¢ Koldihwa and Mahagara (Iying south of Allahabad): This site provides evidence of circular huts along with crude handmade pottery. There is also evidence of rice, which is the oldest evidence of rice, not only in India but anywhere in the world. © Chirand (Bihar): Husk of paddy; The neolithic men used tools and ‘weapons made of bones, * Piklihal, Brahmagiri, Maski, Takkalakota, Hallur (Karnataka): The people were cattle herders. They domesticated sheep and goats. Ash ‘mounds have been found, ‘* Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu and Utnur in Andhra Pradesh ¢ Durgadevi in Balasore district (Odisha): The emergence of urbanisation at Durgadevi around 400 BCE to 200 BCE (IMP CA) ‘* Recent excavation: The oldest known natural pearl in the world was discovered recently off the coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by Abu Dhabi archaeologists working at a Neolithic site on Marawah Island. ‘wow sumyaiascom) Joint Telegram Ct el: me/sunyanotesS [56°3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page.8Ss S Ancient H SUNYAIAS tory ‘Note: Belan Valley (which is located on the northern spurs of the Vindhyas and middle part of Narmada valley) ~ All the three phases i.e., Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages are found in sequence, [Belan valley is site for Evidence of all the three phases of Paleolithic settlement, followed by Mesolithic and Neolithic settlements]. Belan valley includes Mahgara, Chopani Mando, and Koldihwa. Koldihwa in Belan valley has provided earliest evidence of ri CHALCOLITHIC PERIOD (STONE COP! Characteristic of this site ‘The Neolithic Period followed by the Chaleolithie period. © Chalco means related to copper and lithic means stone, © The Chalcolithic Age marked the emergence of the use of metal along with stone tools. The first metal to be used was copper. The chalcolithic age largely applied to the pre-Harappan phase, but in many parts of the country, it appears after the end of the bronze Harappan culture. © Agriculture & cattle rearing © Animals: Domesticated animals such as cows, sheep, goats, pig and buffaloes and hunted deer ‘© Crops: They produced wheat and rice, they also cultivated bajra, pulses such as lentil (masur), black gram, green gram, and grass pea vation, Tees © Cotton was produced in the black cotton soil of the Deccan and Ragi, Bajra and several millets were cultivated in the lower Deccan, ‘© Fish and rice: In the eastern regions lived mainly on fish and rice, which is still a popular diet in that part of the country © Pottery: Black and red pottery majorly found in the ochre-coloured pottery was also popular + The potter's wheel was used 4 © Paintings: Painting with white linear designs was done. ‘© Rural settlements: Rural settlements and were not acquainted with burnt bricks. ‘© Society: Beginnings of social inequalities in Chalcolithic societies; Different size of houses indicate social stratification;. Infant Mortality very high, can be evident from burials in western Maharashtra anata * Economy: The chalcolithie economy is Gonsideted as a village economy. The beginning of social inequalities, as chiefS lived in fectangular houses while the commoners lived in round huts. Art and Craft: The chalcolithic people were expert in Coppersmiths + Also know the art of copper smelting and were good stone workers as well + They knew spinning and weaving and were well acquainted with the art of manufacturing cloth ‘© Worship: Small clay images of earth goddesses have been found from sites + They venerated the Mother Goddess + In Malwa and Rajasthan, stylised bull terracotta’s show that the bull served as a religious cult ‘© Jewellery: Fond of ornaments and decoration + Women wore ornaments of shell and bone ‘they manufactured beads of semi-precious stones such as carnelian, steatite, and quartz crystal. Important Chalcolithic Sites ‘© Ahar (Banas valley, South Eastern Rajasthan): The people of this region practised smelting and metallurgy, supplied copper tools to other contemporary communities. Rice was cultivated here. © Gilund (Banas valley, Rajasthan): Stone blade industry was discovered here. © Daimabad (Ahmednagar, Maharashtra): The largest Jorwe culture site in Godavari valley. It is famous for recovery of bronze goods such as bronze rhinoceros, elephant, two wheeled chariot with a rider and a buflalo. ee ‘wow sunyaias.com Joint Telegram Channel: tme/sunyanotesS0]56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page.9SUNYA IAS Ancient History * Malwa (Madhya Pradesh): The settlements of Malwa culture are mostly located on {the Narmada and its tributaries. It provides evidence of the richest chaleolithic ceramics, and also spindle whorls * Kayatha (Madya Pradesh): The settlement of Kayatha culture was mostly located on the Chambal River and its tributaries. Houses had mud-plastered floors, pre-Harappan elements, in pottery along with copper objects with sharp cutting edges were found. * Chirand, Senuar, Sonpur (Bihar), Mahishdal (West Bengal): These are the Prominent chalcolithic sites in these states, * Songaon, Inamgaon and Nasik (Maharashtra): Large mud houses with ovens and circular pit houses have been discovered here. * Navdatoli (on Narmada): It was one of the largest chalcolithic settlements in the country. It Was spread over 10 hectares and cultivated almost all food grains. * Nevasa Jorwe, Maharashtra) and Eran (Madhya Pradesh): These sites are known for their non-Harappan culture. ~_Paivampalli in Tamil Nadu: several copper ‘and bronze artifacts, beads, terracotta fig err ia Ware- feature am Sites ‘Ahar Culture . ack and Red ware | RiC® tah, jowar, ] Abar, Baal, za eS Black and Red lentil Gilund (rajasthan) ‘Chambal and its Kayatha Culture | 2450-1700Bc__ | Chocolate coloured tributaries (Madhya slipped ware - Pradesh) Narmada and is tributaries, Naveda, a 1400 nc | Malwa ware is coarse ran, Nagada Malwa Culture | 1900-1400 Bc me Wheat and barley | Fan: Nawada Chaleolithie settlement) in M.P Savalda culture | 7500-2000BC Dhria (ME) } Maharashtra, Jorwe Culyfre | 2000-1400B¢ | Painted black on Res Daimabad and J Inamgaon Trsrous Red ware Gheol and Kanabhar Rangpur Culture | 1700-14008C | (Harappa belong to rivers in Gujarat this culture IRON AGE: 1000 BCE — 500 [Extensive use of Iron started around 1300 BC but it got into mass use around 1000 BC. Wheeler thought that knowledge of iron was introduced by Achaemenids in 500 BC. Recent excavations have traced the extensive use of Iron even to 4000 BC in certain areas of Tamil Nadu, The Chalcoithic age is followed by the Iron age. (Iron frequently referred in Vedas as Syama/ Syama ayas) The Iron age of the southern peninsula is often related to Megalithic Burials The Iron age is recognised as Late Harappan culture Megalithic Feature: Burial pits covered with large stones. Important megalithic sites: Hallur and Maski in Karnataka, Nagarjunkonda in Andhra Pradesh and Adichchanallur in Tamil Nadu. Iron Age is associated with Painted Grey ware (PGW) and Black and Red Pottery. Irrigated rice cultivation was unique to this age “Major Dravidian languages traces their rots to this age Iron age sites: © Pirak (Pakistan- Transition of Post Harappan phase) Mundigak (Afghanistan) Dharwar (Kamataka) Hallur (Karnataka) ‘Ataranjikhera (Uttar Pradesh) Eran (Central India) Mahurjhari (Near Nagpur- large bead manufacturing site) e000 ‘Siw sunyaias.com! Joint Telegram Channel: sme/sunyanotes50)56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 10S S Ancient History SUNYAIAS Chapter-3 Bia eon ena ae led] with the birth of the Indus Valley Ci ‘© The history of Indian civilization be; (IVC), also known as Harappan Civilization. © Timeline: 2,500 BC, in the western part of South Asia, in contemporary Pakistan and Westem India. John Marshall estimated: 3250-2750 BC; Fairservis estimated after radiocarbon method: 2000-1500BC; D P Agrawal estimated: 2300-1750 BC ‘© The Indus Valley was home to the largest of the four ancient urban civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, South Asia and China. # In 1920s, the Archaeological Department of India carried out excavations in the Indus valley wherein the ruins of the two old cities, viz. Mohenjodaro and Harappa were unearthed. © In 1924, John Marshall, Director-General of the ASI, announced the discovery of a new civilisation in the Indus valley to the world. © Contemporary Civilisation: Egypt along Nile; Mesopotemia- Euphrates and Tigris; China- Yellow rive and yantze Basin © There are four important stages or phases of evolution: Pre-Harappan, Early harappan, ‘Mature Harappan and late Harappan. Phases of IVC 1. Four phases of IVC are: © Pre-Harappan Phase from 7000, £03300 BCE: © This stage is located in easter chistan. \ © Excavations at Mehrgarh- ndtthwest Sf |Mohenjodaro reveal the existence of Pre- Harappan culture. © Earliest evidence of farming and herding in south Asia. © Shows the first evidenc@'o: Geta culo © Nomadic people begamto'lead'settled agricultural life. Early Harappan Phase from 3300 to 2600 BCE: © Characterised by rudimentary town planning in form of muddy structure and elementary treat hearts and craft Also related to Hakra Phase, identified with Ghaggar-Hakra valley. Village settlements in plain areas; Gradual growth of towns in Indus valley. ‘Transition from rural to urban life in this period. Indus script dates back to 3000 BC (This script is still undeciphered) © Sites of Amri and Kot diji remain evidence for this stage. © Mature Harappan Phase from 2600 to 1900 BCE: © Marked by a well-developed town with a burnt brick structure established foreign trade and crafts of various types. © Excavation at Kalibangan with its elaborate town planning and urban features prove this phase of evolution, © Slow southward migration of south Asian monsoon allowed villages to develop by taming floods of Indus and tributaries. oo0°0 ‘wow sunyaias.com| Joint Telegram Chann ime/sunyanotesS0|56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 11Ss Ancient History SUNYA IAS ‘© Late Harappan Phase from 1900 to 1300 BCE.: © It was the declining phase. During which several cities were abandoned and the trade disappeared, A gradual decay of significant urban Traits is noticed. © Reduction in rainfall triggered a reorganisation into large urban centres, © Mature Harappan civilisation was ‘a fusion of the Bagor, Hakra, and Kot Diji traditions on Borders of India and Pakistan’- According to D.A. Lichtenstein © Large urban centres include: Harappa, Ganeriwal, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi, Rupar, Lothal.. © Excavation at Lothal revealed this stage of evolution. © Multiple regional cultures emerged within Haryana, Western UP; Jhukar culture in Sindh, Rangpur culture was in Gujarat. © Latest phases of Harappan culture are Pirak in Balochistan, Pakistan and Daimabad in Maharashtra. © Largest late Harappan sites ate Kudwala in Chélistan, Bet Dwarka in Gujarat and Daimabad in Maharashtra ‘ Site ‘Exeayated by ‘Location ‘Important Findings Site contains ruins of a Bronze Age fortified city (IVC) and then Cemetery culture. © Clay Brick House- mature Harappan period. Sandstone statues of Human anatomy Citadel and lower town Naked bust of male priest Granaries Bullock carts Virgin Goddess Grid planned city ‘Coffin burial Swastik seal Dice Mirror Copper scale | VUi “ Situated on the bank farappa Daya Ram Sahini | of river Ravi in (UNESCO World in 1921 Montgomery district heritage site 1980) of Punjab (Pakistan). eee eee eeee ‘yew sunvaias com! J -mie/sunyanotesS0|56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 12S Ancient History SUNYAIAS © Great bath © Granary ‘Mohenjodaro Situated on the Bank | @ Bronze dancing girl (Mound of Dead) | R.DBanerjeein | of river Indus in | ® Seal of Pasupathi Mahadeva (UNESCO World 1922 Larkana district of | Steatite statue of beard man Heritage site in 1980) Punjab (Pakistan). | » A piece of woven cotton ‘© Post eremation burial # Bronze buffalo Insouth-westem [© A trade point between seaapetor | smnisay | Baetcnaovinn, | Hp abn river #_Westernmost site @ Bead makers shop Coanbadace | NOMajamdar in| Sind on he eds en eee wase a iver © Only Indus City without < citadel aa NG Majumdarin | Onihebank of Indus | © Antelope evidence 193s_| river Rajasthanonthe | Fire altar Kalibangan Ghosein 1983. | bankof Ghaggar | ¢ Came! bones = river # Wooden plough 7 |e Eater wih po Fonaed . much later, Late-Harrapan \ al Phase. ” ‘© First manmade tidal port © Manchester of Harappan reCisiaanon Bs civilisation vas | SAN pare | Soe Cainbay ‘© Burnt bricks Double burial (Joint Burial)- ‘© Persian’ Iranian seals # Rice husk Fire altars Chess playing ‘Bones of horses Surkotada JP Joshi in 1964 Gujarat © Beads Oval graves = Beads , © Barle Banawali Rspishtinso7s | Mauer Evidence of both pre Harappan and —-Harappan culture Doiniva Gojartin Ramm ot |* wnaue water Baresi (UNESCO World | RS Bisht in 1985 Kachchh on heritage site in 2021) Luni river ee Largest site of well and bath ‘rorw sunvaias.com) Joint Telegram Channel: tme/sunyanotesS0|5603, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 13S ‘SUNYA 1as Ancient History Largest Harrapan inscription | used for civil purpose Dams Stadium Kot Diji | 1955-57 Indus- Sindh Pakistan ‘Wheel made painted pottery Defensive walls and aligned streets Metallurgy and artistic toys 5 figurine of mother goddess Rangpur SRRao ~ Mahar Gujarat Cultivation of rice Ropar 1955-56 S$ Talwar Sutlej Punjab (India) Burying a dog with master rectangular mudbrick First site to be excavated after pendence Manda 1975 IP Joshi Chenab River Akhnoor Gatimy) ‘Northen site of civilisation Northernmost site Rakhigarhi Prof. Surajbhan Acharya Bhagwandev Largest site of Indus valley civilisation Two distinct cultures of Pre Harappa and mature Harappan is found here Related CA- Union Budget (2020-21) has proposed to develop Rakhigarhi village, Haryana as an iconic site MAJOR HARAPPAN SETTLEMENTS, | ORENIO-DARO™ ‘yew, sunyaias.c y Joint Telegram Channel: t.nme/sunyanotesS0|56/3, ORN, New Del TARA 1 279688595) Page. 14§ Ancient History SUNYAIAS = PRINCIPAL SITES OF THE INDUS CIVILIZATION © Indus Civilization—cities 4 Early agricultural sites = Indus Civilization—other sites us SDabar Kor ( * --—-waushanros*Mehroarn ot J Pena 38 karacnt? Arabian ere i ‘Sea RANW oF oa Syrkotade KACHCHES ORO SG) | oo soo Ranapure jo" 2 mi < § 2 390 0 =Roidi_) | é 260400 km é, © Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. ‘owall, Rahigarni mugongeR ne eefieathal* Judeirio-darog "Sibi Alamgirpur Oe Sahdhanawa se Sadhana Stns ult of Khar Bhat? lient Fi dus Valley Civilisation: Town Planning and Structure ‘The Harappan culture was distinguished by its system of town planning. Streets ae F ing acr6ss/One another almost at Right Angle. © Harappa johenjotard"each had its own citadel or acropolis, which ‘was possibly occupied by members of the ruling class: ‘© Below the citadel in each city lay a lower town containing brick houses, which were inhabited by the common people. Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Kalibangan each had its own citadel built on the High podium of Mud Brick. The remarkable thing about the arrangement of the houses in the cities is that they followed the grid system. Granaries constituted an important part of the Harappan cities. © The use of burnt bricks in the Harappan cities is remarkable, because in the contemporary buildings of Egypt mainly dried bricks were used. Walls made of burnt bricks raised for protection indicate that floods were an annual event. Absence of Stone Building is also an important characteristic of Harappan culture. Laid great emphasis on sanitation © The Underground drainage system- [connecting all house to street drains which were covered by stone slabs or bricks] of Mohenjodaro was very impressive, ‘vow sunyaias.com| Joint Telegram Channel: .me/sunyanotesS0[56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 15SUNYA las [Ancient History © They also made man-holes at regular intervals for cleaning. First people in the world nto use flush toilets. © In almost all cities every big or small house had its own courtyard and bathroom. In Kalibangan many houses had their wels. AL sites such as Dholavira and Lothal (Gujarat), the entire settlement was fortified, and sections within the town were also separated by walls. * Mohenjo Daro Great Bath- Public place: measuring 39 ft. Length, 23 Ri. Breadth and 8ft, Height. Along with rooms for changing clothes. (Ritual bathing Site] ‘The large tank found in Dholavira may be compared to the great bath. *_Mohenjo Daro Granary: Measuring 150ft. X 50 ft Political Life No clear idea about the government of the Harappan cities. Systematic planning of the streets and uniformity that is seen throughout the area of the Harappa culture in matters like size of the bricks, layout of cities, weights and measures suggest that there existed a single centralized state rather than @ number of free republican communities Very few written materials have been discovered in the Indus valley and the scholars have not been able to decipher the Indus seript so far. No temples have been found at any Harappan sites, Therefore the possibility of priests ruling Harappa can be eliminated ‘The excellent drainage system suggests that the municipal ad should have been efficient There is no evidence of.a dynastic Fule of lentified Harappa was possibly ruled by a class of merchants, If we look for a centre of power or for depictions of people in power, archaeological records provide no immediate answers (ration ivine warlords. No palace is Social Life Social divisions: Excavation at, Mohenjodaro reveals- presence of various | classes “like Priests, merchants, traders, artisans, cultivators, ‘Commercial/Merchant class appears to be dominant. Hierarchy in urban habitation; Different size of houses and items in the graves attributed to the city of Harappa, its structure evidences three distinct localities, and the later is true also of Kalibangan and Dholavira, Food: Wheat, barley rice are important items. Animal food was eaten, Dress: Two garments- upper and lower; Garments were made of Cotton. Use of ‘wool; embroidery on clothes evident. Different fashions for dressing hair; Use of ornaments; Beads were worn by both men and women; use of cosmetics ‘common. [Vanity case found at Harappa] Amusement: Dancing, evidence of games like chess- terracotta figurines, Dice found at Mohenjodaro. Fishing-Hunting was another hobby. Agriculture ‘yon sunyaias.com) Joint Telegram Channel: .ne/sunyanotesS0{S603, ORN, New Delli | (279688009) . ‘The Harappan villages, mostly situated near the flood plains, produced sufficient foodgrains, Wheat, barley, rai, peas, sesame, lentil, chickpea and mustard were produced. Millets are also found from sites in Gujarat. While rice uses were relatively rare [Lothal-Paddy]. ‘The Indus people were the earliest people to produce cotton, Page. 16S SUNYA IAS -— Ancient History Special arrangements were made for storing grain in huge granaries. While the prevalence of agriculture is indicated by finds of grain, it is mote difficult (o reconstruct actual agricultural practices because of biodegradable nature. In Balochistan and Afghanistan, dams were raised for storing water or for ‘causing flood irrigation Representations on seals and terracotta sculpture indicate that the bull was not ‘only known fo the people but was of prime cultural importance. Archaeologists extrapolate shows oxen were also used for ploughing in some places.{Since No hoe or ploughskare has been discovered, However, at Kalibangan, the furrows belonging to pre-Harappa phase were discovered]. So possibly wooden ploughs were used. Most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands, where irrigation was probably required for agriculture, Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab or Sindh. Although the Harappans practised agriculture, animals were also reared on a large scale. 4 . Evidence of the horse like animal comes from a superficial level of Mohenjodaro and from a doubtful terracotta figurine from Lothal. [The use of horses is not yet established). ¢ Wild animals: mention may be made of tiger, rhinoceros, elephant and deer Economy Trade and commerce © The importance of trade in the life of the Indus people is witnessed by the presence of numerous seals, uniform script and regulated weights and measures in a wide area, (© The Harappans carried on considerable trade in stone, metal, shell, etc © Imported Articles: timber, copper, gold, ivory, semi precious stones © Main-exports:A griculture products such as Wheat, Barley, Peas, Oil seeds and Finished) products, ingluding cotton goods, Pottery, beads, Terracotta figures and ivory products. © Metal money was not used and trade was carried by barter system. ‘© They practised navigation on the coast of the Arabian Sea. © They had set up a trading colony in northern Afghanistan which evidently facilitated trade with Central Asia, (© There is much evidence to prove the Indus-Sumanian Trade link. ‘© They also carried commerce with those in the land of the Tigris and the Euphrates (© The Harappans carried on long distance trade in lapis lazuli have contributed to the social prestige of the ruling class, Industry © Textile industry: The discovery of spindles and spindle whorls and a piece of woven cotton suggests that spinning and weaving were known to the Harappa people. Cotton and wool were used in this industry. ‘The art of dyeing was known to the people © Brick industry: Huge brick structures indicate brick laying was an important craft. Brick-Storages found at Mohenjodaro © Metal Industry: Use of stone, copper bronze to make weapons, utensils and, which may ‘vow sunyaias com) Joint Telegram Channel: amo/sunyanotesS0]56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (§279688595) Page. 17S Ancient History SUNYAIAS tools. They had knowledge of making bronze by mixing tin with copper. © Toy industry: Another important industry is toy manufacturing. Toys were clay models of men, women, animals and wheeled carts. © Boat making and Bead making were also prevalent. The Harappans were very well acquainted with the manufacturing and use of Bronze. © Copper was obtained from the Khetri copper mines of Rajasthan and Tin was possibly brought from Afghanistan. © Textile impressions have also been found on several objects. ‘© Huge brick structure suggest that brick-laying was an important craft. This also attests the existence of a class of masons. © The Harappans practised boat-making, bead making and ses © Terracotta figurine- cows, beras, monkeys and dogs. Dancing Girl-Bronze female figurine found at Mohenjodaro. © Toys Dice found at Mohenjodaro. © Jewellery: Made of silver) gold and precious stones © Ivory Work: ivor fork is another important craft. Artand Crafts | | Carpentry: Woolen artifacts Harappan people. © Bead making- Shell working, cer: ‘and glazed steatite bead making, | © Music Instruments: String instruments and drums. | ‘© The potter's wheel was in full use, and the Harappans produced their own characteristic pottery, which was glossy and shining. © Seals: About 2000 seals have been found, and of these a great majority carry short. inscriptions with pictures of one horned animals called unicorns, buffaloes, tigers, rhinoceroses, goats, elephants, antelopes, and crocodiles. © Pottery . © The Harappa pottery gonsists of very fine wheel-made ware. © Hand-made pottery was r: © Pottery was of different kinds-plain or painted or ware with designs. © The household pottery was made in different shapes and sizes ‘© In Harappa numerous Terracotta figurines of females are found. In one figurine aa plant is shown growing out of the embryo of a woman, © The Harappans, therefore, looked upon the earth as a fertility goddess {Mother Goddess] and worshipped her in the same manner as. the Egyptians worshipped the Nile goddess Isi © The male deity (referred to as proto-shiva) is represented on a seal with three horned heads, represented in the sitting posture of a yogi. But only Religion. ‘one such seal has been found at Mohenjodaro, © This god is surrounded by an elephant, a tiger, a rhinoceros, and has a buffalo below his throne. At his feet appear two deer. The depicted god is identified as Pushupati Mahadeva. © Sun was worshiped. © Customs of Burials were Prevalent. Three types of burrials- complete burial, fractional burial and postcremation burial were found. At Lothal Join Double burial found- Speculated as Sati evidence. [No clear evidences of Sati © Pot Burials found at Lothal. www. sunyaias.com| Joint Telegram , ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 18Lancione tory © Numerous symbul have been found The people of the Indus region also worshipped trees and Animals, ‘The most important of them is the humped bull which may be identified ‘With the rhinoceros and the next important was one horned unicorn, Linga worship was prevalent © Use of amulets: They believed in ghosts and evil Protection against them It's expected from engraved seals that happen were literate people Harappan script has signs between 400 and 600 of which 40 or 60 are basic and the rest are variants, ‘* Harappan writing is pictographic and not yet Deciphered ang | ° Some scholars concluded that Harappan Language was Dravidian, others Harappan Script viewed it to be close to Brahmi script. ‘© Itwas written from either Right to left or boustrophedon style (alternate lines start from opposite sides.) Used Ideograms (Graphic symbol or character to convey idea directly) © Many scholars believe that they spdke some language close to Brahul (A dialect used by Baluchi people in Balochistan Area which is a Dravidian | Language). | lus and female sex is of the phi forces and use amulets as Decline of the Indus Valley Ci ion The IVC declined around 1800 BCE but the actual reasons behind its demise are still debated between: A * Aryan Invasion: One theory claims that Indo-European tribe conquered the IVC. » Natural Factors: On the other hand, many scholars believe natural factors are behind the decline of the IVC. . a © The natural factors could be geoldy | and climatic leading to floods and droughts. © Its believed that the Indus Valley region experienced several tectonic disturbances which causes earthquakes. This also changed the course of rivers or dried them up. ‘© Another natural reason might be changes in patterns of rainfall. ~ Or it could have been due to combination of these natural and anthropogenic causes. Aryans invaded and HRREEE (8279688595) Page. 19SUNYAIAS Ancient History Chapter-4 Introduction ‘© Post 1900 BC the signs of a gradual decline began to emerge of Harappa number of rural settlements appeared. © This period also saw the rise of Aryans and their subsequent supremacy in the region which was originally inhabited by people who formed Harappan civilisation. ‘© The earliest traces of Rigvedic age are assigned to roughly 1500 BC. These people are believed to have come from Central Asia ‘© The period between 1500 BC and 600 BC may be divided into the © Early Vedic Period or Rig Vedic Period (1500 BC-1000 BC): Aryans mostly confined to Indus region (Rigveda refers Saptasindhu Region) © Later Vedic Period (1000-600 BC): The Satapatha Brahmana refers to the extension of ‘Aryans to eastern Gangetic Plains. Development of large kingdoms during this period. Evidences of migration ‘© The genetic marker called M17 which prevails in 40% people of Central Asia Steppes is also found in the 35% people around Hindi speaking area of Delhi, © There are also linguistic similarities between the Indian and European languages so much so that their roots can be traced to the same point. For example the ‘Duhter’ = “Daughter” etc. There are various similar words in Sanskrit and Latin. The Inar of the Hittite (from Anat region of Turkey) language is similar to the Indra of Vedas. @ Suyyash & Maruttashjof the Kassite (Mesopotamia) inscription are equivalent of the Vedic Surya &Marut y |_) |‘ ¢ The archaeological evidences of migration come from Ardonovo culture of southern Siberia, this culture flourished in second Millennium BC People from here moved to the north of Hindukush and from there they entered India fe But there were certain extrapolations too, for example Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote that Aryan came from the Arctic region. Geographical horizon of Vedic Aryans 1. The early Vedic aryans lived in the area known as Sapta Sindhu the land of 7 rivers which include © Sindhu- Indus © Vitasta- Jhelum @ Askini - Chenab Parushni - Ravi Vipasha - Beas © Sutrudi - Satluj © Saraswati sont Tee /sunyanotess0|5613, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page.20 Snow sunyaias com| Joint Telegram Channel: tS SUNYA IAS Ancient History 2, They gradually moved eastward and came to occupy eastern lands upto Kosala and north Bihar Videha during later Vedic. Vedic text ‘sy The word Veda means sacred knowledge contained in the text known as Vedic text There are 2 types of text in Vedic literature o Mantra © Brahmanna ~ ‘© Mantra text ineludes 4 Vedas Rigveda, Samveda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda © Rigveda is the earliest of four Vedas and is the only source of information of the early vedic people and their life. co Brahmana’s contains explanation of mantras as well as sacrificial rituals ©. The 4 Vedas along with brahmanas are known as shruti or hearing that were directly heard by the sages: =) >| i © The Aryanaka which literally mens forést treaties and Upanishad (which means sitting down beside) are the appendix of Brahmana’s. © Upanishad are also known as Vedant. They contain philosophical discussions © Rigveda is divided into 10 mandalas and has a collection of 1028 Hymns. «Rigveda: Recently included by UNESCO in list of literature signifying world human heritage. ‘© Samaveda: Collection of verses mostly taken from the Rigveda but arranged in a poetic form to facilitate singing (Chanting during Sacrifices). [It also contains the famous Dhrupada raga, later sung by Tansen. The Upveda of the Sama Veda is the (Gandharva Veda).] + Yajurveda: The rituals to be performed publicly or idually. « Atharvaveda: Magic spells and charms to ward off the evil spirits and diseases. * Upanishads: There are 108 Upanishads, of which 13 are the most prominent. The Upanishads dwell on the ‘Atman’ and ‘Brahman’, and focus a lot on the philosophy about life, universe, self, body, sacrifice, ete. [The Mandukyopanishad “Satyamev jayate ” js the largest of all Upanishads] a “Srw sunvaias.com) Joint Telegram Channel: f.me/sunyanotesS0)S6/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595) Page. 21