Ancient History (Part-I)

About Jagannath Temple

• It is a Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha.
• It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
• It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the 12th century.
• However, the completion of the temple happened in 1230 AD under Anangbheema Deva III, who also installed the deities in the shrine.
• Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath temple.
• It is also one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites, known as the Chaar Dhaams, that hold great significance for Hindus.

About Vedic Literature

• The term ‘Vedic Literature’ simply means literature based on or derived from the Vedas. The texts which constitute the Vedic Literature are:

1. The Four Vedas, i.e. Samhitas.
2. Brahmanas are attached to each of the Samhitas.
3. The Aranyakas.
4. The Upanishads.

• The Hindus considered the Vedas to be revealed books and gave them the titles Apaurusheya (not made by men) and Nitya (Eternal).

1. It is contended that Rishis wrote them under the inspiration of god.

• However, the Vedic hymns were composed by ancient Rishis for their sheer antiquity. They handed them over from generation to generation.

Lord Mahavir’s preachings were orally and methodically compiled by his immediate disciples, known as the Ganadharas, and elder monks, known as Srut-kevalis, into many texts (scriptures). The sacred books of the Jain religion are known as Jain Agam or Agam Sutras. They are said to be originally compiled by the Ganadharas, the Chief Disciples of Mahavira. They can be broadly divided into two major categories: Canonical or religious texts called Jain Agamas or Agam and Non-canonical literary works.
Apart from writing in Prakrit and Ardha Magadhi, Jain monks wrote in many other languages, depending on the era, region, and patrons who supported them. During the Sangam period in South India, they wrote in Tamil. They also used Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Gujarati, and Marathi to write.

• Philosophies of Jainism and Buddhism, ancient spiritual traditions that emerged during the later Vedic period [around 5 circa B.C.] in India, understand their unique beliefs on karma, liberation, and the nature of the self.
• Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, seeks Nirvana through the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, while Jainism, established by Mahavira, pursues Moksha through non-violence and asceticism.
• Difference between Jainism and Buddhism and their approaches to salvation, concepts of the soul, and ethical principles, shared values of non-violence (ahimsa) and rejection of the caste system.
  Journey through their rich textual heritage written in Sanskrit, Pali, and Ardhamagadhi.

• (a) Kula: Refers to a family or a community.
• (b) Varna: Represents a broader social class or spiritual orientation, not a family or clan.
• (c) Kosa: In ancient Indian context, this term was used to denote a treasury, a unit of measurement (like currency or value of wealth), or wealth itself.
• (d) Gotra: Signifies a lineage or clan, specifically a group descended from a common male ancestor.

The developments in the science and technology of the Gupta Empire are as follows:

• Gupta science and technology witnessed remarkable advancements, marking the period as a golden age of intellectual development in ancient India.
• Scholars like Aryabhata and Varahamihira made significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy, with Aryabhata’s work on zero and the decimal system being particularly influential.
• In medicine, Sushruta and Charaka authored seminal texts on surgery and herbal medicine.
• The period also saw advancements in metallurgy, exemplified by the Iron Pillar of Delhi, which showcased sophisticated metalworking techniques.
• These innovations reflect the Gupta era’s profound impact on scientific and technological progress.

The Bharhut stupa may have been established by the Maurya King Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, but many works of art were apparently added during the Sunga period, from 2nd century BCE.

Vishakhadatta

• Vishakhadatta was a great Gupta-era Sanskrit poet and playwright.
• After Mahakavi Kalidas, Vishakhadatta was a well-known Sanskrit poet and playwright.
• He flourished during or after the 6th century.
• In his great historical drama Mudrarakshasa, which is his only surviving work, he mentions his father’s name as Maharaja Bhaskar Dutta.
• Apart from that, Vishakhadatta also wrote ‘Devichandraguptam’, which is only found in fragments in Ramachandra and Gunachandra’s Natya Darpan.
• It also survived in the form of quotations in Sagarannidi’s Nataka Lakshana Ratnakosha and King Bhoj’s Shringar Prakash and Saraswati Kanthabharana.
• Vishakhadatta was different from other playwrights.
• When compared to both Kalidasa and Banabhatta in philosophical learning, his simple passages have a profound impact on readers.
• He wrote two powerful plays in Sanskrit with beautiful language.

Here are some of the key concepts of Kautilya’s Arthashastra:

• The king: The king is the supreme authority in the state. He is responsible for the welfare of his subjects and the security of his kingdom.
• The administration: The administration is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day functions of government. It is divided into a number of departments, including finance, justice, and military affairs.
• The economy: The economy is important for the strength and prosperity of the state. Kautilya advocates for a strong central government that controls the economy.
• The army: The army is essential for the defense of the state. Kautilya emphasizes the importance of a well-trained and disciplined army.
• Foreign policy: Foreign policy is important for the security and prosperity of the state. Kautilya advocates for a strong foreign policy that protects the interests of the state.