MPPSCADDA

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 HISTORY- ANCIENT
1 Pre-Historic + IVC
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PRE-HISTORIC PHASE/STONE AGE

• Paleolithic age (old stone age) :10000 B.C. years ago
• Mesolithic age (middle stone age)-10000-6000 B.C.
• Neolithic age (new stone age) : 6000-4000 B.C.
• Chalcolithic phase (stone copper phase) : 4000-1500 B.C.

INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION (2500-1750 B.C.)

• Important discoveries
• Important Harappan sites
• Town planning
• Agriculture
• Art and craft
• Economic life
• Religious life
• Script

INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY
• History is the study of the human past as it is described in the written documents left by human beings.
• History is a narration of the events which have happened among mankind, including an account of the
rise and fall of nations, as well as of other significant changes which have affected the political and social
condition of the human race. — John J. Anderson

• Herodotus was a Greek historian who was born in Halicarnassus, Caria (Turkey) and lived inthe fifth
century BC (484-425 BC), a contemporary of Socrates.
• He is widely referred to as "The Father of History."

• History is not the accumulation of events of every kind which happened in the past. It is the science of
human societies.—Fustel de Coulanges
• History is a dialogue between the present and the past— Edward Hallet Can

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 1. PRE-HISTORIC PHASE/STONE AGE
• Pre-history means before history. Human prehistory is the period from the time that behaviorally and
anatomically modern humans first appeared until the appearance of recorded history following the
invention of writing systems.
• The Stone Age is the first of the three-age system of archaeology, which divides human technological
prehistory into three periods :
o (i) The Stone Age (10000-4000 BC);
o (ii) The Chalcolithic Age (4000-1500 BC) and
o (iii) The Iron Age (1500-600 BC).
• The Stone Age was the a broad pre-historic period during which stone was widely used to make
implements with a sharp edge, a point, or a percussion surface: The period lasted roughly. 3.4 million
years, and ended between 6000 BC and 2000 B.C. with the advent of metal-working.
• Stone Age artifacts include tools used by modern humans and by their predecessor species in the genus
Homo, and possibly by the earlier partly contemporary genera Australopithecus and Paranthropus. Bone
tools were used during this period as well but are rarely preserved in the archaeological record.
• The Stone Age can be roughly divided into three parts by the types of stone tools in use:
1. Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age ): 10000 BC years ago.
2. Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age): 10000-6000 BC years ago.
3. Neolithic Age (New Stone Age) : 6000-4000 BC years ago.

PALEOLITHIC AGE (OLD STONE AGE):

10000 BC YEARS AGO
• The Paleolithic Age in India developed during the Pleistocene Period (Ice Age)
• The Paleolithic sites are spread in all parts of India except the alluvial plains of the Indus except the
alluvial plains of the Indus and Ganga rivers.
• People were hunters and food gatherers who did not know about agriculture, fire, pottery or metals.
• They used stone tools, hand-sized, and flaked-off large pebbles for hunting animals. Stone implements
are made of a hard rock known as quartzite
Paleolithic Sites
Sites Position
• Attirampakam • Chennai
• Adamgarh hill • Narmada Valley
• Bhimbetka • Madhya Pradesh
• Kurnool • Andhra Pradesh
• Siwalik Hills • North India
• Sohan Valley and Potwar Plateau • North-West India

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 PALEOLITHIC AGE
Phase Tools Location
• Early Paleolithic • Hand axes and cleavers • Sohan river valley and in
the BelanVally
(Mirzapur, U.P.)
• Middle Paleolithic • Stone tools of • In the valley of Sohan,
flakesmainly scrapers, Narmada and
blade. Tungabhadra rivers
• Upper Paleolithic • Use of stone tools-mainly • In Andhra Pradesh,
blade and burins Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Bhopal
and Chotanagpur
Plateau

MESOLITHIC AGE (MIDDLE STONE AGE): 10000-6000 B.C.

• The use of bow and arrow also began during this period. Also, there began a tendency to settle for more
extended periods in an area. The last phase of this age saw the beginning of plant cultivation.
• The characteristic tools of this Age are known as Microliths e.g., points, blades, scraper, etc.
• Occasionally, burials of the dead, along with some microliths and shells seem to have been practiced.
Mesolithic Sites
Sites State
• Birbhanpur • West Bengal
• Belan Valley • Uttar Pradesh
• Bagor • Rajasthan
• Langhneigunj • Gujarat
• Sarai Nahar Rai • Uttar Pradesh
• Tinnevelly • Tamil Nadu

NEOLITHIC AGE (NEW STONE AGE) : 6000-4000 B.C.

• During this phase, people used stones other than quartzite for making tools, which were more finished
and polished.
• Neolithic men cultivated land and domesticated cattle, sheep and goats.
• Dog was the first animal that was domesticated.
• Wheat, barley, rice, millet were cultivated in different areas at different points of time. Rice cultivation
was extensive in eastern India.
• They knew techniques of making fire and also made pottery; first by hand and 'then using the potter's
wheel. They could also spin cotton and wool and Weave cloth.
• Chopani Mando provides the earliest evidence of the use of pottery in the world.
• People led a settled life and lived in circular and rectangular houses made of mud.
• The Dolmens or the Megalithic tombs are a characteristic feature of the Neolithic Age.

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 NEOLITHIC SITES
Sites State
• Piklihal, Unter • Andhra Pradesh
• Chirand • Bihar
• Burzahom (Place of Birch), Gufkral (Cave of the Potter) • Jammu & Kashmir
• Maski, Brahmagiri, Tekkalakote • Karnataka
• Garo Hills • Meghalaya
• Paiyampalli • Tamil Nadu
Note: All the three phases of the Stone Age have been found in the northern spurs of the
Vindhyas in the Belan Valley.

CHALCOLITHIC PHASE (STONE COPPER PHASE) : 4000-1500 BC

• They generally lived in thatched houses made of mud and reed.
• It was the village economy.
• People used different types of pottery, of which black and red pottery were the most popular.
Chalcolithic Sites
Sites State
• Gelund • Rajasthan
• Kayatha, Eran, Navdatoli • Madhya Pradesh
• Jorwe, Nevas, Diamabad, Inamgaon, Songaon,
• Maharashtra
Nasik
• Pandu, RajarDhibi • West Bengal

• Chalcolithic people of south-east Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh domesticated animals and produced
wheat, rice (as staple crop), lentil, black gram, green gram, bajra and grass pea.
• Tools, hand axes and other objects were made of stone and copper.
• They venerated the mother goddess and worshipped the bull. The systems of burial were different.
• The Harappan culture is considered as a part of Chalcolithic culture.

IRON AGE (1500-600 BC)

The Chalcolithic Age is followed by Iron Age.
Iron is frequently referred to in the Vedas.
The Iron Age of the southern peninsula is often related to Megalithic Burials.

INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION (2500-1750 B.C.)

• Indus Valley Civilization was the first major civilization in South Asia, which spread across a vast area of
land in present-day India and Pakistan (Around 12 lakh sq.km).
• It extended from Manda (in Jammu) in the north to Daimabad in the south and from Alamgirpur (in Uttar
Pradesh) in the northeast to Sutkagendor (in Baluchistan) in the west.

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• This civilization spread roughly across modern day Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, Pakistan and some
adjoining areas.
• John Marshall was the first scholar to use the term Indus Civilization. The Indus Civilization belongs to
Proto-Historic. Period (Chalcolithic Age/Bronze Age).
• According to archaeological tradition, the most appropriate name is Harappan Civilization, as the 'Harappa
was the first discovered site.
• According to radiocarbon dating (Carbon-14), it spread from the year 2500-1750 BC.
• Important sites of this civilization are Mohenjodaro and Chanhudaro in Sindh; Harappa in West Punjab,
Pakistan; Lothal and Dholavira in Gujarat; Kalibanga in Rajasthan and Banwali in Haryana. Other sites
are Ropar in Punjab; Rangpur and Surkotada in Gujarat; Alamgirpur in western Uttar Pradesh; KotDiji
and Ali-Murad in Sind and Sutagendorin Baluchistan.
• The largest and latest site in India is Rakhigarhi in Haryana. Dr. J.P. Joshi and Dr. R.S. Bisht were involved
in it.
• Capital Cities: Harappa, Mohenjodaro (largest sites).
• Port Cities- Lothal, Sutkagendor, Allandino, B al akot, Kuntasi.

The Indus-Saraswati Civilization

• According to geographical point of view, the most suitable name - Indus - Saraswati Civilization
(the largest concentration of settlement along the Indus-Saraswati river valley; 80% settlement
along the Saraswati). Indus-Saraswati civilization is the largest civilization in the ancient would
be developed in the Indus Valley of India over 12,000 years ago.
• The Indus and Saraswati river valleys of Bharatvarsha (present India and Pakistan were the home
to the ancient civilization of indus-Saraswati.
• The mighty Saraswati River dried up, and what was once a fertile area became a desert. The
people of the region moved to other parts of India and beyond. By 200 BC, the civilization had
entered a period of decline.

Important Discoveries

Important Discoveries

Site River Province Year Excavators

Harappa Ravi Pubjab, Pakistan 1921 Daya Ram Sahni, Madho

Swaroop Vatsa, Wheeler

Mohenjodaro Indus Sindh, Pakistan 1922 Rakhal Das Bannerji,

Mackay, Wheeler

Sutkagendor Dasht Baluchistan 1931 Aurel Stein

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 Rangpur Meedar Gujarat 1931 M.S. Vats

Chanhudaro Indus Sindh, Pakistan 1931 N.G Mazumdar

Ropar Sutlej Punjab, India 1953 Y.D. Sharma

Lothal Bhogava Gujarat, India 1957 S.R. Rao

Kalibanga Ghaggar Rajasthan, India 1959 Amalanand Ghosh, B.V.

Laland B.K.Thapar

Dholavira Luni Gujarat, India 1967 J.P. Joshi

Alamgirpur Hindon Uttar Pradesh 1974 Y.D. Sharma

Banawali Ghaggar Haryana, 1974 R.S. Bist

India

IMPORTANT HARAPPAN SITES

IMPORTANT HARAPPAN SITES

City Archaeological Finds

Harappa 2 rows of six granaries with a brick platform, stone symbol of lingam and
yoni, Virgin Goddess, clay figures of mother Goddess, wheat and
(Buried city)
barley in wooden mortar, copper scale and mirror, vanity box, dice.
Sculpture: Dog chasing a deer (bronze), nude male and nude dancing
female (stone), red, sand-stone male torso.

Mohenjodaro The great bath, The great gratin (largest building), multi-pillared
(Mound of the Dead) assembly hall, proto-Shiva seal, clay figures of Mother Goddess, Dice.
Sculpture: Bronze dancing girl, steatite image of a bearded man.

Kalibangan Decorated bricks, bangle factory, wheels of a toy cart, wells in every
(Black Bangle) house.
Remains of a massive brick wall around 'both the Citadel and lower
town (lower town of Lothal is also fortified), bones of camel, tiled floor.

Chanhudaro Inkpot, lipstick, carts with seated driver, ikkas of bronze, imprint of dog's
(Lancashire of India) paw on a brick.
Only city without Citadel.

Daimabad Bronze images of Charioteer with chariot, ox, elephants and rhinoceros.

Amri Actual remains of Rhinoceros.

Alamgirpur Impression of cloth oil a trough.

Lothal Rice husk, fire altars, grinding machine, tusks of elephant, terracotta

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 (Manchester of figure of horse and seal, dying vat, painted jar (bird and fox), terracotta,
Indus Valley ship; houses with entrance on main streets, impressions of cloth on
Civilization) some seals, rood chess, the instrument of measuring 180, 90 and 45 degree
angles.

Ropar Buildings made of stone and soil, Dog buried with humans. One
inscribed steatite seal with typical- Indus pictographs; oval pit burials.

Banawali oval, shaped Settlement, only city-with radial street, lack of systematic
drainage pattern. Toy plough, largest number barley grains.

Surkotada Both Citadel and lower town fortified with stone wall. First actual
remains of horse bones. Cemetry with four pot burials.

Dholavira Only site to be divided in into 3 parts. Giant water reservoir, unique
water harnessing system, dams and embankments, a stadium, rock-cut
architecture.

Sutkagendor Twofold division of township Citadel and Lower Town

TOWN PLANNING
• Elaborate town-planning: It followed the grid system. Roads well-cut, dividing the town into large
rectangular blocks. Lamp posts at intervals indicate the existence of street lightning, flanking the
streets, lanes and by-lanes were well-planned.
• Houses had no window facing the streets—used burnt bricks of good quality as the building material.
• Good' drainage system : Drains were made of mortar, lime and gypsum and covered with large brick
slabs for easy cleaning.
• The towns were divided into two parts : (i)Upper part of Citadel and (ii) Lower Part. In Citadel, public
buildings, granaries, important workshops and religious buildings were there. In Lower part, people
used to live. Six granaries in a row were found in the Citadel at Harappa.
• In Mohenjodaro, a Big Public Bath (Great Bath) measuring 12 m by 7 m and 2.4 m deep, has been found.
It was probably used for ritual bathing. Steps led from either end to the surface with changing rooms
alongside.

AGRICULTURE
• Indus people were the first to produce cotton in the world. The Harappans were the earliest people to
produce cotton. It was called Sindon by the Greeks.
• They produced sufficient to feed themselves. The main c ops were wheat, barley, rice (Lothal and
Rangpur in Gujarat), Dates, mustard etc.

ART AND CRAFT

• The Harappan culture belongs to the Bronze Age. Bronze was made by mixing tin and copper. Tools
were mostly made of copper and bronze. For making bronze, copper was obtained from Khetri in
Rajasthan and from Baluchistan, and tin from Afghanistan.
• Bronze image of the famous dancing girl (identified as devadasi) has been found at Mohenjodaro.

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 • The pottery was red and black in colour.
• Very fond of ornaments (of gold, silver, ivory, copper, etc). Ornaments were worn by both men and
women.

Economic Life
• Well-knit external and internal trade. Agricultural products, cotton goods, terracotta figurines, pottery,
certain beads (from Chanhudaro), conch-shell (from Lothal), ivory products, copper, etc. were exported.

• Towns Associated with Different Industries

• Daimabad : Bronze industry.
• Lothal : Factory for stone tools and metallic finished goods
• Balakot : Pearl finished goods, bangle and shell industry
• Chanhudaro : Beads and bangles factory.

• Traded with Sumer or Mesopotamia (Iraq), Bahrain, etc.

• The Sumerian texts refer to trade relations with Meluha, which was the name given to the Indus region.
The Sumerian texts also refer to two intermediate stations—Dilmun (Bahrain) and Makan (Makran
coast).
• Flint tool-work, shell-work, bangle making, pottery making, etc were practiced. Raw material for these
came from different sources: Gold from Karnataka; Silver from Afghanistan and Iran; Copper from
Khetri and Baluchistan etc.

The fire cult at Lothal and the great bath at Mahenjodaro suggest that priests were there,
although Harappa was possibly ruled by a class of merchants.
Horse wasn't in regular use but elephant was.
Remains of horses at Surkotada and dogs with men in grave at Ropar have been discovered.
Favourite pastime was Gambling.

• Iron was not known to the people.

• Weights and measures of accuracy existed in Harappan culture (found at Lothal). 16 was the unit of
measurement (16, 64, 160, 320). Barter system was there.
• Harappan seals was made of steatite.
• Seals were square or rectangular in shape.
• Seals were made of steatite pictures of one horned bull, unicorn (a mythological animal) buffalo, tiger,
rhino, goat and elephant on seals.
• Humpless bull is represented in most of the Indus seals.
• Lion was not known to Indus people.
• Susa and Ur are Mesopotamian places where Harappan seals were found.

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Religious Life
• Many trees (pipal), animals (bull), birds (dove, pigeon) and stones were worshipped.
• Phallus (lingam) and yoni worship was also prevalent.
• Pashupatinath represented male deity. The upper classes preferred a god, nude with two horns, much
similar to Pashupati Shiva.

The Pashupati Seal

Pashupati Shiva represented on the seal is a figure with three-horned heads in a yogic posture.
He is surrounded by four wild animals; an elephant and a tiger to its left side, and a water buffalo
and a rhinoceros on the right side.

• Chief Female Deity: A terracotta figure where a plant is shown growing out of the embryo of a woman,
represents Mother Goddess.
• Dead bodies were placed in the north-south orientation.

Script
• Written from right to left in the first line and left to right in the second line.
• This style is called Boustrophedon.
• The script is not alphabetical but pictographic (about 600 undeciphered pictographs).

Decline
Invasion of the Aryans, recurrent floods, a social break up of Harappans, earthquakes, significant
ecological changes etc. are listed as possible causes for the decline of the Harappan civilization which
lasted for around 1,000 years.

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY: ANCIENT
2. VEDIC PERIOD
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today is the second day of ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY.Several questions from this section have
been asked in the MPPSC Prelims. So be more focussed. We are going to cover the following
topics today :

VEDIC PERIOD: THE ARYANS (1500BC-600BC)

THE VEDIC LITERATURE

• The Vedas
• The Brahmanas
• The Aranyakas
• The Upanishads

LITERATURE OF VEDIC TRADITION (600 BC- 600 AD)

EARLY VEDIC OR RIGVEDIC PERIOD (1500-10000BC)
• Political Organisation
• Religion
• Economy

LATER VEDIC PERIOD (1000-600 B.C.)

• Region
• Political Organisation
• Society
• Types of Hindu Marriage (Vivaha)
• Religion
• Economy

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 VEDIC PERIOD: THE ARYANS (1500BC-
600BC)
• Aryan refers to a group of Indo Europeans who moved to various parts of the world, including India.
• The holy book of Iran Zend Avesta indicated the entry of Aryans to India via Iran.
• The location of the original home of the Aryans remains a controversial point. Some scholars believe that
the Aryans were native to the soil of India (Sapta Sindhu as their home).
• Some other scholars believe that the Aryans were migrated from outside (Central Asia - Max Muller; Europe
or Arctic region - Bal Gangadhar Tilak).

THE VEDIC LITERATURE

The Vedas
• The word Veda comes from the root “vidi” signifying knowledge.' Vedas are also known as Shruti (to hear)
as they were passed from generation to generation through the verbal transmission.
• There are four Vedas—
1. Rig Veda,
2. Sama Veda
3. Yajur Veda and
4. Atharva Veda.
• The first 3 Vedas are collectively known as “Trayi or trio”.
• Each Veda is further divided into Samhitas.

(i) Rig Veda

• Oldest religious text (composed around 1700 BC) in the world.
• The hymns of Rig Veda were recited by Hotri.
• It contains 1028 hymns (1017 + 11 Valakhilyas) and was divided into 10 mandalas
• Mandala: II to VII are the earliest; I, VIII and X were the later additions and IX was the compilation of
Soma hymns.
• This Veda was recited at the time of sacrificial rites and other rituals with the utmost devotion.

Words in Rig Veda:

• Om (1028 times),
• Jan (275 times), etc.
• 250 hymns are dedicated to Indra while 200 are dedicated to Agni.
• Saraswati is the deity river in Rig Veda.

• Six mandalas (from 2nd to 7th mandalas) are called Gotra/Vamsha Mandalas (Kula Granth).
• The third mandala contains the Gayatri Mantra (addressed to Sun).
• The tenth mandala contains the famous Purushsukta, which explains that the 4 varnas (Brahmanas,
Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra) were born from the mouth, arms, thighs and feet of the Brahma
respectively.

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 (ii) Sama Veda
• It is a collection of hymns used by priests during the SomaSacrifices.
• It consists of 1549 Stanzas, taken almost entirely from Rig Veda.
• The hymns of the Sama Veda were recited by Udgatri.
• This Veda is important for Indian music as it contains Dhrupada Raga.

(iii) Yajur Veda

• Deals with the procedure for the performance of sacrifices.
• Its hymns were recited by Adhvaryus.
• There are two primary texts of Yajur Veda :
1. Shukla Yajurveda (or White Yajurveda): contains mantras
2. Krishna Yajurveda (or Black Yajurveda).: commentary in prose.

(iv) Atharva Veda

• For a very long time it was not included in the category of the Vedas.
• It contains charms and spells to ward off evils and diseases.
• Divided into 20 Kandas (books) and has 711 hymns - mostly dealing with magic.

THE BRAHMANAS
• Brahma means sacrifice.
• The various sacrifices and rituals have been elaborately discussed in the Brahmanas.
• They explain the hymns of the vedas and written in prose and ritualistic in nature.
• Each Veda has several Brahmanas attached to it.
• The most important is Shatapatha Brahmana attached to Yajurveda, which is most exhaustive and
important of all. It recommends One hundred Sacred Paths.

THE ARANYAKAS
• The word Aranya means the forest. The forest text were called Aranyaka.
• Aranyaka are the concluding portions of the Brahmanas.
• It was written mainly by the hermits and the students living in the jungles for their It deals with Mysticism
and philosophy but opposed to sacrifice and emphasize Meditation.

THE UPANISHADS
• The word Upanishad means to sit down near someone and denotes a student sitting near his guru to learn.
• Upanishads are philosophical texts and the main source of Indian philosophy.
• They are generally called Vedanta as they came towards the end of the Veda.
• There are 108 Upanishads.
• Vrihadaranyaka is the oldest Upanishada.

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 LITERATURE OF VEDIC TRADITION
(600 BC- 600 AD)
Comprises of 6 literary works :
1. Vedangas/Sutras
2. Smritis/Dharmashastras
3. Mahakavyas (Epics)
4. Puranas
5. Upavedas
6. Shad-Darshanas

1. Vedangas/Sutras

• Six Vedangas are : (i) Shiksha; (ii) Kalpa Sutras, (iii) Vyakarana, (iv) Nirukta, (v) Chhanda and (vi)
Jyotisha.
(i) Shiksha (Phonetics/Pronunciation) : The Oldest text on phonetics is , Pratishakhya.
(ii) Kalpa Sutras (Rituals) : (a) Shrauta Sutras/Shulva ,Sutras deal with the sacrifices, (b) Grihya Sutras
deal with family ceremonies, (c) Dharma Sutras deal with Varnas, Ashramas, etc.
(iii) Vyakarana (Grammar) : The oldest grammar of the world is Ashtadhyayi (Panini)
(iv) Nirukta (Etymology) : Nirukta (Yask) based on Nighantu (Kashyap)-a collection of difficult vedic words.
The oldest word collection of the world is Nighantu; The Oldest dictionary of the world is Nirukta.
(v) Chhanda (Metrics) : The famous text — Chhandasutras (Pingal). (
(vi) Jyotisha (Astronomy) : The oldest Jyotisha text is VedangaJyotisha (Lagadh Muni).

2. Smritis/Dharmashastras
• Explains rules and regulations in the Vedic life.
• Main are Manusmriti, Naradsmriti, Yagyavalkyasmriti and Parasharsmriti.

3. Epics/Mahakavyas
• The two epics (i) the Mahabharata and (ii) the Ramayana were compiled later, they reflect the state of affairs
of the Later Vedic Period.

The Mahabharata (Ved Vyasa)

1. The longest epic of the world.
2. At present, it consists of one lakh shlokas/verses (Originally-8,800-Jay Samhita, Later-24,000—
ChaturvinshatiSahastri Samhita/Bharata.
3. Finally 1,00,000 Shatasahastri Samhita/Maha Bharata) in 18 Parvas/chapters, plus the Harivamsa
supplement.
4. Shanti Parva is the largest parvan (chapter) of the Mahabharata.
5. Bhagavad Gita is extracted from BhishmaParva of Mahabharata.

The Ramayana (Valmiki)

6. It is known as Adi Kavya (the oldest epic of the world).
7. At present, it consists of 24,000 shlokas/verses (Originally 6,000, Later — 12,000, — 24,000) in 7
Khandas, i.e., section 1st and 7th Khandas were the latest additions.

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4. Purana

• The Purana means the old. They describe genealogies of various royal dynasties.
• There are 18 famous `Puranas'. The oldest Puranic text is Matsya Purana The other important Puranas are
the Bhagavata Purana, the Vishnu Purana, the Vayu Purana, e!e.

5. Upavedas (Auxiliary Vedas)

• There are four Upavedas :

Upavedas Deals with Taken From

1. Ayurveda Medicine Rig Veda
2. Dhanurveda Warfare Yajur Veda
3. Gandharvaveda Music Sama Veda
4. Shilpaveda Craft/Architecture Atharva Veda

6. Shad-Darshanas

• There are 6 schools of Indian philosophy: known as Shad - Darshana.

• These are given by 6 philosophers of Ancient India :

S.No Darshana Basic Text Founder

1. Purva-Mimansa PurvaMimansa Sutra Jaimini

2. Nyaya Darshana Nyaya Sutra Gautama

3. Sankhaya Darshana Sankhya Sutra Kapila

4. UttaraMimansa/Vedanta Brahma Sutra Badaryana

5. Vaishesika Darshana Vaishesika Sutra UlukaKanada

6. Yoga Darshana Yoga Sutra Patanjali

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 EARLY VEDIC or RIGVEDIC PERIOD
(1500-1000BC)
Region

• Rig Veda is the only source of knowledge for this period.

• Rig Veda mentions 40 rivers.
• The Nadisukta hymn of the Rig Vedamentions 21 rivers which include the Ganges in the east and the Kubha
(Kabul) in the west.
• Rigvedic people, who called themselves Aryans, were confined in the area which came to be known as Sapta
Sindhu( Land of the Seven Rivers).
• Sapta Sindhu comprises Sindhu and their five tributaries.
• According to the Rig Veda, the most mentioned river is Sindhu River, the most pious river is Saraswati
River, mention of the Ganges River 1 time, mention of Yamuna River 3 times.
• The Dasrajan War (The Battle of Ten Kings) : According to Rig Veda, the famous Dasrajan war was the
internecine war of the Aryans.
• The Dasrajan war gives names of ten kings who participated in a war against Sudas who was Bharata king
of Tritsus family. The ten kings were of the states. of Purus, Yadus, Turvasas, Antis, Druhyus, Alinas,
Pakhtas, Bhalanas, Sibis and Vishanins. The battle was fought on Sudas emerged victorious.
Rigvedic Name Modern Name Region
Asikani Chenab Punjab
Drishadvati Ghaggar Rajasthan
Gomati Gomal Afghanistan
Kubha Kabul Afghanistan
Krumu Kurram Afghanistan
Parushni Ravi Punjab
Sutudri Sutlej Punjab
Saraswati Sarsuti Rajasthan
Suvastu Swati Afghanistan
Sindhu Indus Punjab
Vitasta Jhelum Punjab
Vipas Beas Punjab

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Political Organization

• The basic social unit was the Kula or the family and Kulapa was the head of the family.
• Many clans (Vis) formed a tribe.
• Villages were headed by Gramini who used to represent village in sabha and samiti.
Unit Head
Kula (family) Kulapa
Grama (village) Gramani
Vis (clan) Vispati
Jana (People) Gopa/Gopati
Rashtra (country) Rajan

• The family was patriarchal in nature. But women enjoyed equal power with men.
• Marriage was usually monogamous and indissoluble, but there were few instances of polyandry, levirate
and widow-marriage. There were no examples of child-marriage.
• Tribe was known as Jan and its king as Rajan. He was the leader in battle and protector of tribe. His office
was not hereditary and was selected among the clan's men.
• The Rajan was not an absolute monarch, for the government of the tribe was in part of the responsibility of
the tribal councils like Sabha, Samiti, Gana and Vidhata.
• Even women attended Sabha and Vidhata.
• The king was assisted by a number of officers of which Purohita was the most important.
• The next important functionary was the Senani (leader of the army), although there was no regular or
standing army.
• There was no regular revenue system and the kingdom Was maintained by the voluntary tribute (Bali) of
his subjects and the booty won in battle.

Religion

• Boghazkai Inscription (Turkey) mentions 4 Vedic gods Indra, Varuna, Mitra and Nasatyas
• Did not believe in erecting temples or idol worship. Worshipped in open air through yagnas.
• The most important divinity was Indra who played the role of warlord Breaker of Forts-Purandar. The
second position was held by Agni (fire-god). He is considered as an intermediary between Gods and men.
Varuna occupied the third, position. He personified water and was supposed to uphold the natural order. He
was ethnically the highest of all Rigvedic gods.
• Surya (Sun) was worshipped in 5 forms: Surya, Savitri, Mitra, Pushan and Vishnu. Soma was considered to
be god of plants.
• Maruts personified the storms.

17
• Some female deities are also mentioned, like Aditi and Ushas, who represented the appearance of dawn.
Savitri (the god of light) The famous Gayatri Mantra .is addressed, to her.

Economy

• Aryans followed mixed economy, pastoral and Agricultural, in which cattle played a predominant part.
• Most of their wars were fought for cow (the most important form of wealth).
• The standard unit of exchange was cow.
• At the same time, coins were also there (gold coins like Nishka, Krishnal and Satmana).
• Gavyuti was used as a measure of distance and Godhuli as a measure of time.
• Physicians were there, called Bhishakas.
• The staple crop was yava, which meant barley. Alcoholic drinks, Sura and Soma, were also consumed.

18
 LATER VEDIC PERIOD (1000-600 B.C.)
Region

• In a legend of Shatapatha Brahmana, the expansion of people towards the east indicates how Videha
Madhava migrated from the Saraswati region, crossed Sadanira and came to the Land of Videha.
• As per Aryavarta, during the Later Vedic Period, the Aryan settlements covered virtually the whole of
Northern India.
• The centre of culture now shifted from Saraswati to Ganges (Madhya Desa).
• Reference to the territorial divisions, the later Vedas gives three broad divisions of India, viz.
1. Aryavarta (Northern India),
2. Madhya Desa (Central India) and
3. Dakhinapath (Southern India).
• In the beginning, they cleared the land by burning; later with the use of iron tools which became common.

Political Organisation

• The term rashtra indicating territory first appeared in this period.

• Emergence of JanapadasKuru (Combination of Purus and Bharatas),Panchala (Combination of
Truvashas and Krivis), Kashi etc. in the Doab region.
• Tiny tribal settlements were replaced by strong kingdoms.
• Powers of the king, who was called Samrat increased. The importance of assemblies declined.
• Women were no longer permitted to attend assemblies.
12 Ratninas (Shatapatha Brahmana)
1. Purohita The Priest
2. Mahishi The Queen
3. Yuvaraja The Crown prince
4. Suta/Sarathi The Royal Herald/the
Charioteer
5. Bhagadugha Collector of Taxes
6. Akshavapa Courier
7. Palagala Friend of King
8. Govikarta Head of Forest Department
9. Senani The General
10.Gramani Head of the Village
11. Kashata Gateman/Chamberlain
12. Sangrahitri Treasurer

19
Society

• The four fold division of society became clear which were initially based on occupation, later became
hereditary : Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (Warriors), Vaishyas (agriculturists, cattle-rearers, traders)
and Shudras (servers of all upper three). The institution of Gotra(the clan) appeared in later Vedic Period.
• The earliest reference to the four Ashramas (the stages of life) Brahmacharya, Grihastha,
Vanprastha and Sanyasais found in the Jabala Upanishad.
• The Ashrama system was formed to attain fourPurusharthas(Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).
• The Status of women declined. According to AitareyaBrahamana a daughter is the sources of misery but
a son is the protector of family.
• Yajnavalkya-Gargi dialogue (VrihadarnyakaUpanishada) indicates that some women had got higher
education.
• According to Maitrayani Samhita, there are three evils (i) liquor, (ii) woman and (iii) dice.
• 16 Samskaras
1. Garbhadhana;
2. Pumsavana
3. Simantonnayan
4. Jatakarma
5. Namakaran
6. Nishkraman
7. Annaprashana
8. Chudakaran
9. Karnachhedana
10. Upanayana/Vedarmbha
11. Keshanta
12. Samavaratana
13. Vivaha
14. Vanprastha
15. Sanyasa
16. Antyesti

Types of Hindu Marriage (Vivaha)

• AnulomaVivaha: Marriage between a bridegroom from an upper caste and a bride from a
lower caste.
• ArshaVivaha: Giving the girl to a man after accepting a bride-price.
• Asura Vivaha : Marriage with a purchased girl.
• Brahma Vivaha: Giving the girl to a man with dowry.
• DaivaVivaha: Giving the girl to the priest himself in lieu of his fees.
• GandharvaVivaha: Love marriage.
• PaishachaVivaha: Marriage to a girl after seducing or raping her.
• PratilomaVivaha: Marriage between a bridegroom from a lower caste and a bride from a
upper caste.
• PrajapatyaVivaha: Giving girl to a man without demanding a bride-price.
• Rakshasa Vivaha: Marriage with the daughter of a defeated king or with a kidnapped girl.

Religion

• Rituals and formulae became prominent in the cult of sacrifice.

• Indra and Agni lost their importance.

20
• Prajapati (creator of the universe, later known as Brahma); Vishnu (Patron god of Aryans) and Rudra
(God of animals, later known as Shiva/Mahesha) came intro prominence
• Prajapati became the supreme God.
• Pushan, responsible for wellbeing of the cattle, became the god of the Shudras.
• In the later part,Vedas and Brahmanas sacrifices (Yajnas) came into prominence.
• There were two varieties of sacrifices
1. Laghuyajnas (Simple/Private Sacrifices) : Performed by householder. For example : PanchaMahayajna,
Agnihotra, Darsha Yajna (on Amavasya), Purnamasa Yajna (on Purnima) etc.
2. Mahayajnas (Grand/Royal Sacrifices) : Sacrifices that could only be undertaken by an aristocratic and
wealthy man and the king.
(a) Asvamedha Yajna : Horse sacrifice, which lasted for three days.
(b) Agnishtoma Yajna : Sacrifice of animals dedicated to Agni, which lasted one day, although Yajnika
(performer of Yajna) and his wife spent ascetic life for a year before Yajna. On the occasion of this
Yajna, soma rasa was consumed.
(c) Rajasuya Yajna : Royal consecration, which in its full form comprised a series of sacrifices lasting
over a year. In the later days, it was replaced by simplified Abhisheka, i.e., anointment.
(d) Vajapeya Yajna : Drink of strength, which lasted for a period of seventeen days

Economy

• Land had now become more valuable than cows.

• Agriculture began to replace rearing of cattle.
• The plough was at times drawn by 24 oxen.
• Manure was known.
• Rice, barley, beans, sesame and wheat were cultivated.
• Evidence was there regarding organization of merchants into guilds because of reference to corporations
(Sreshtins).
• Considerable advancement was made in the knowledge of metals.
• Mention of Tin, Silverand Ironwas made apart from gold and ayas (either copper or iron) in the Rig Veda.

21
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY: ANCIENT
3 RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today we are going to cover:
RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT (600-400 BC)
BUDDHISM (BUDDHA'S LIFE)
• Doctrine of Buddhism
• Sects of Buddhism
• Buddhist Literature
• Sacred Shrines
JAINISM
• Mahavira's Life
• Teaching of Jainism
• Jaina Philosophy
• Two Sects of Jainism
• Examples of Jain Architecture
1. VAISHNAVISM
2. SAIVISM
3. CHRISTIANITY
4. ISLAM

RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT (600-400 BC)

Various religious movements viz Buddhism, Jainism, etc. were born and grew up in the Post-Vedic Period,
also known as the Period of Second Urbanization.

BUDDHISM (BUDDHA'S LIFE)

• Gautam Buddha was the founder of Buddhism, who was a Shakya prince.
• Born in 563BC on the Vaishakha Poornima Day at Lumbini (near Kapilavastu) in Nepal.
• His father was Suddhodana (a Shakya ruler) and Mother Mahamaya (Princes of Koliya Republic) who
died after 7 days of his birth. Brought up by stepmother Gautami.

22
 Facts About Gautam Buddha
Original Name Siddartha
Father Suddhodhana
Mother Mahamaya
Step-Mother Gautami
Cousin Devadatta
Horse Name Kanthaka
Charioteer Channa
Wife Yashodhara
Son Rahula

• Married at the age of 16, to Yashodhara and had a son named Rahula.
• Four sightproved to be a turning point in his carrier
1. An old man
2. A diseased person
3. A dead body
4. An ascetic
• Left his palace at the age of 29 in search of truth (also called Mahabhinishkramana/The Great
Renunciation) and became a wandering ascetic.
• His first teacher was Alara Kalama (Sankhya philosopher) from whom he learnt the techniques of
meditation. His nextteacher was UdrakaRamputra.
• Attained Nirvana (enlightenment) at the age of 35, under a pipaltree at Uruvella (Bodh Gaya) on the
bank of river Niranjana (Falgu).
• Delivered the first sermon at Sarnath (Dear park) where his five disciples had settled.
• His first sermon is called Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Law).

Great Events of Buddha's Life Symbols

Janma (Birth) Lotus and Bull
Mahabhinishkramana Horse
Nirvana/Sambodhi (Enlightenment) Bodhi tree
DhramachakraPravartana (First Sermon) Wheel
Mahaparinirvana (Death) Stupa

• Attained Mahaparinirvana (death) at Kushinagar(Uttar Pradesh) in 483 BC at the age of 80 in the

Mallarepublic.

23
 Triratna (Three Jewels)
1. Buddha (the enlightened)
2. Dharma (doctrine)
3. Sangha (commune)

Doctrine of Buddhism

Some of the fundamentals of the teachings of Gautama Buddha are-

1. The Four Great Truths :
(i) The world is full of sorrow and misery;
(ii) The cause of all pain and misery is desire;
(iii) Pain and misery can be ended by killing or controlling desire;
(iv) Desire can be controlled by following the Eight Fold Path.
The Eight Fold Path
1. Right Faith 2. Right Thought
3. Right Action 4. Right Livelihood
5. Right Efforts 6. Right Speech
7. Right Remembrance 8. Right Concentration.

2. Belief in Nirvana: According to Buddha, soul is a myth. When desire ceases, rebirth ceases and nirvana is
attained. Freedom from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth is gained by following the Eight Fold Path.
3. Code of Conduct: Do not covet the property of others; Do not commit violence; Do not use intoxicants; Do
not speak a lie; Do not indulge in corrupt practices.

Buddhist Councils

Buddhist Councils
Buddhist Year Venue Chairman Royal Patron Result
Councils
1st 483 BC Saptaparni Mahakassapa Ajatashatru
Compilationof Sutta
Buddhist Just Cave, Haryanka
Pitaka and Vinaya
Council after Rajgriha Dynasty
Pitaka by Ananda and
Buddha Upali respectively.
demise

24
2nd 383 BC Vaishali Sabakami Kalashoka
The monks of Vaishali
Buddhist (Shisunaga
wanted some change
Council Dynasty)
in rites.

The first major split

happened here – two
groups that would
later evolve into
Theravada and
Mahayana.
Split
intoAsthaviravadins
and Mahasanghikas.
3rd 250 BC Pataliputra Mogaliputta Tissa Ashoka
Compilation of
Buddhist (Maurya
AbhidhammaPitaka
Council Dynasty)
Decision to send
missionaries to
Buddhism various parts of the
preached world.
byAshoka was
Hinayana.
4th 98 AD Kundalavana, Chairman Vasumitra, Kanishka
Compilation of
Buddhist Kashmir VicechairmanAshvaghosa (Kushana
MahavibhashaShastra
Council Dynasty) (Sanskrit) comment on
Tripitaka)
Division of Buddhists
into Hinayanists and
Mahayanists.

SECTS of Buddhism
Hinayana (the Lesser Vehicle)
1. Followers believed in the original teaching of Buddha;
2. Sought individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation;
3. Did not believe in idol-worship;
4. FavouredPali language;
5. Known as SouthernBuddhistReligion, because it prevailed in the South of India, e.g., Sri Lanka,
Burma (Myanmar), Siam (Thailand), etc.;
6. Two subsects of Hinayana-Vaibhasika and Sautantrika.
25
 Mahayana (the Greater Vehicle)
1. Followers believed in the heavenliness of Buddha;
2. Sought the salvation of all through the grace and help of Buddha and Bodhisattva;
3. Believed in idol-worship;
4. Favored Sanskrit language;
5. Known as NorthernBuddhistReligion, because prevailed in the North of India, e.g., China, Korea,
Japan, etc.;
6. Two subsects of Mahayana-MadhyamikaShunyavada (founder-Nagarjuna) and
Yogachar/Vijnanavada (founder-Maitreyanath and his disciple Asanga).

Buddhist Literature
Pali Texts
Buddhist scriptures in Pali are commonly referred to as Tripitakas, i.e. Threefold Basket.
• They are Vinaya Pitaka: Rules of discipline in Buddhist monasteies;
• Sutta Pitaka: Largest, contains collection of Buddha's sermons;
• AbhidhammaPitaka: Explanation of the Philosophical principles of the Buddhist
religion.
• Milindapanho (i.e. Question of Milinda) a dialogue between Milinda (identical with
Indo-Greek ruler Menander) and Buddhist saint Nagasena.
• Dipavamsha and Mahavamsha - The great chronicles of Sri Lanka.
Sanskrit Texts:
• Buddha Charita, Saundarananda, Sutralankar, SariputraPrakaran and VijraSuchi by
Ashwaghosha;
• Mahavibhasha Shastra by Vasumitra;
• Visudhamagga, Atthakathayen and Sumangalvasini by Buddhagosha;
• Madhyamika Karika and PrajnaparimitaKarika by Nagarjuna, etc.

Vajrayana
1. Followers believed that salvation could be best attained by acquiring the magical power, Vajra;
2. Chief divinities of this new sect were the Taras;
3. Popular in Eastern India, particularly Bengal and Bihar.
4. Royal Patrons: Bimbisara, Ajatashatru and Ashoka (Megadha ruler), Prasenjit (Kosala ruler), Udhayan
(Vatsa ruler), Prodyota (Avanti ruler), Harshavardhana (Vardhana ruler); Gopala, Dharmapala and
Rampala (Pala rulers).

Sacred Structures
• Buddhist architecture was developed in three forms:
1. Stupa : Relics of the Buddha or some prominent Buddhist monks are preserved;
2. Chaitya : Prayer hall
3. Vihara : Residence for Monks
• The Eight holy places (Ashthasthanas)
26
 1. Lumbini (Place of birth),
2. BodhGaya (Place of supreme enlightenment),
3. Sarnath (Place of First Sermon),
4. Kushinagar (Place of Great Decease, death),
5. Sravasti (Buddha spent largest amount of time, Place of Twin Miracle)
6. Rajgriha (Buddha taught the Perfection of Wisdom and tamed an angry elephant
Nalagirithrough his compassion.)
7. Vaishali (Place of renunciation of the Will to live on)
8. Sankasia (Place of descent from Heaven)
• Other centres of Buddhism in Ancient India
1. Amaravati and Nagarjunikonda in Andhra Pradesh;
2. Nalanda in Bihar;
3. Junagadh and Vallabhi in Gujarat;
4. Sanchi and Bharhut in Madhya Pradesh;
5. Jagadala and Somapuri in West Bengal.

Buddhist Universities Place Founder

Nalanda Badagaon, Bihar KumarguptaI (Gupta ruler)

Odantapuri Biharsharif, Bihar Gopala (Pala ruler)

Vikramshila Bhagalpur, Bihar Dharmapala (Pala ruler)

Somapuri North Bengal Dharmapala (Pala ruler)

Jagadal Bengal Ramapala (Pala ruler)

Vallabhi Gujarat Bhattarka (Maitrak ruler)

27
 JAINISM
• There were 24 Tirthankaras (literally Ford maker; Prophets or Gurus), all Kshatriyas.
• Founded by Rishabhnath (Emblem : Bull). The Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavat Purana describe
Rishabha as an incarnation of Narayana.
• The name of two Jain Tirthankars— Rishabhanath (father of king Bharat) and Arishtanemi— are
found in the Rig Veda.
• Historicity of early 22 Thirthankaras is ambiguous. We have historical proof of only the last two—
Parshvanath (23rd) and Mahavira (24th).

List of 24 Tirthankaras

S.NO. NAMES SYMBOLS

1. Rishabha (Adinath) Bull

2. Ajitnath Elephant

3. Sambhav Nath Horse

4. Abhinandan Monkey

5. Sumatinath Curlew

6. Padmaprabha Red Lotus

7. Suparshvanath Svastika

8. Chandra Prabha Crescent

9. Pushpadanta (Suvidhinath) Crocodile

10. Shitalnath Wishing Tree

11. Shreyamsanath Rhinoceros

12. Vasupujya Buffalo

13. Vimalnath Boar (Shukar)

14. Anantanath Falcon (Baaj)

15. Dharmanath Vajardanda

16. Shantinath Deer

17. Kunthunath He-goat

18. Aranath Fish

19. Malinath Water Pot

28
 20. Munisuvrata Tortoise

21. Naminath Blue Lotus

22. Aristnemi Conch

23. Parshvanath Serpent

24. Mahavira (Vardhamana) Lion

23rd TirthankarParshvanath (Emblem : Snake)

• He was was the son of king Ashvasena of Banaras.
• He abandoned the throne and led the life of a hermit and died at Sammet-Shikar/Parshvanath (Parasanath)
Hill, Giridih, Jharkhand.
• His four main teachings (Chaturthi) were :
1. Ahimsa (non-violence)
2. Satya (non-lying)
3. Asteya (non-stealing)
4. Aparigraha (non-possession).

24th and the last Tirthankar was Vardhman Mahavira (Emblem: Lion).

Facts About Mahavira

Father Siddartha

Mother Trishala

Wife Yashoda

Daughter Annoja or Priyadarshini

Son-in-law Jamali

Mahavira's Life

• He was born in Kundagram(Vaishali, Bihar) in 540 BC.

• His father Siddhartha was the head of royal Kshatriya clanunder Vajji of Vaishali.
• His mother was Trishala, sister of Lichchavi Prince Chetak of Vaishali.
• Married to Yashoda, had a daughter named Priyadarshini (whose husband Jamalibecame his first
disciple).
• At the age of 30, after the death of his father, he became an ascetic.
• He was accompanied by MakkhaliGosala.
• At the age of 42, under a sal treeatJrimbhikagramaon the bank of river Rijupalika, Mahavira attained
supreme knowledge (Kaivalya or Nirgrantha).

29
• From then onwards he was called JainaorJitendriya(one who conquered his senses) and Mahavira (the
brave), and his followers were named Jain.
• He also got the title of Arhant(blessed one).
• He delivered his first sermon at Pavato his 11 disciples (known as 11 Gandharas/Gandharvas).
• Later, he founded a Jain Sangha(Jain commune) at Pava.
• Mahavira preached almost the same message as Parshvanath and added one more,
Brahmacharya(celibacy) to it.
• At the age of 72,in 468 BC, he attained death at Pavapuri(near Biharsharif in Bihar).

Three Gems
Right Faith: It is the belief in Tirathankaras.
Right Knowledge: It is the knowledge of the Jain creed.
Right Conduct: it is the Practice of the 5 vows of Jainism.

Teachings of Jainism

• Five Vows of Jainism (PanchaMahavaratas)

(i) Non-injury (Ahimsa)
(ii) Non-lying (Satya)
(iii) Non-stealing (Asteya)
(iv) Non-possession (Aparigraha)
(v) Observe continence (Brahmacharya)

(The first four principles are of Parsvanath and the fifth Brahmacharya was included by Mahavira).

The Principles of Jainism as preached by Mahavira are:

• Rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Vedic rituals.
• Did not believe in the existence of God.
• Believed in karma and the transmigration of soul.
• Laid great emphasis on equality.

Jain
Year Venue Chairman Result
Council

1st 300 BC Pataliputra Sthulabhadra Compilation of 12 Angas

2nd 512 AD Vallabhi, Devardhi Final compilation of 12 Angas

Gujarat Kshmasramana and 12 Upangas

30
Jaina Philosophy
• Syadvada: According to Syadvada, seven modes of predication (saptabhangi) are possible. Absolute
affirmation and absolute negation both are wrong. All judgements are conditional.
• Anekantavada: The Jaina metaphysics is a realistic and relativistic pluralism. It is called
Anekantavada or the doctrine of the manyness of reality. Matter (Pudgala) and Spirit (Jiva) are regarded
as separate and independent realities.

Sacred Literatue
The sacred literature of the Svetambaras is written in a form of Prakrit called Ardhamagadhi
Prakritand may be classified as follows:
(a) The 12 Angas;
(b) The 12 Upangas;
(c) The 10 Parikarnas;
(d) The 6 Chhedasutras;
(e) The 4 Mulasutras and
(f) The 2 Sutra Granthas.

Besides this, the important Jain texts are:

1. Kalpasutra (in Sanskrit) Bhadrabahu;
2. Bhadrabahu Charita;
3. ParishishtaParvan - Hemchandra, etc.

Two Sects of Jainism

1. Shvetambaras (i.e. those who put on white robes)— Sthulabhadra

2. Digambaras (i.e. those who were stark naked)— Bhadrabahu.

Examples of Jain Architecture

1. Cave: Udaigiri, Khandagiri (Orissa), etc.

2. Statue of Gomateshwar/Bahubali: Shravanbelgola (Karnataka).
3. Temples:
a. Girnar and Palitana (Gujarat);
b. RajagrihaTemple and
c. PavapuriTemple (Bihar);
d. Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu (Rajasthan), etc.

31
 ROYAL PATRONS
• North India
o Bimbisar, Ajatshatru and Udayin (Haryanka);
o Nandas;
o Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara and Samprati (Mauryan);
o Pradyota (Avanti);
o Udayan (Sindhu-Sauvira);
o Kharavela (Kalinga).
• South India
o Kadamba Dynasty;
o Amogvarsha (Rashtrakuta Dynasty);
o Siddharaj JaiSing and Kumar Pala (Chalukya or Solanki) the last great patrons of Jainism.
(mppscadda.com)

VAISHNAVISM
• Lord Vasudeva was first worshipped in Western India.
• Besnagarinscription (2nd century B.C.) states that the cults received royal patronage. Soon, Vasudeva
was identified with Narayana and Krishna.
• This cult emphasized on Bhakti and Ahimsa.
• Chandogya Upanishadgives first reference to Lord Krishna as the son of Devaki and
student of Rishi GhorAngiras.
• MatsyaPurana refers to the ten incarnations of Vishnu.

SAIVISM
• Shiva is identified with the Rig Vedic God Rudra.
• He was worshipped in from the Linga (phallus).
• Gundimallam Linga is the oldest idol of Shiva, excavated from Renugunta in Andhra Pradesh.
• Pasupatal is the oldest, cult founded by Lakulisa.
• Kapalika is the tantric cult who worship Mahakal; Kapalabhrit and Bhairav.

Mahabhashya of Patanjali mentions Saiva cult as Shiva Bhagvat.

VamanaPurana refers to four schools of Saivism
(i) Pasupati (ii) Shiva (iii) Kapalika (iv) Kalmukha

• Aghoris worshipped goddesses Sitala and Kali.

• Suddasaivacult was expounded by SrikanatSevacharya.
• Virasiva orLingayat cult was founded by Basava.

32
 CHRISTIANITY
• Christianity was founded by JesusChrist.
• Bible is the holy book of Christians and the sign of Cross is their holysymbol.
• JesusChrist was born to Mother Mary and Father Joseph at Bethlehem in Jerusalem.
• His birthday (25th December) is celebrated as the holyfestival, Christmas.
• His first two disciple (Andrews and Peter) were hanged in 33 AD by the RomanGovernorPortius.
• Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in the world, with more than 2 billion followers.
• The Christian faith centers on beliefs regarding the birth, life, death and resurrection of
JesusChrist.
• Christians are monotheistic, i.e., they believe there’s only one God, and he created the heavens and
the earth. This divine Godhead consists of three parts: the father (God himself), the son (Jesus Christ)
and the Holy Spirit.
• The HolyBible includes important scriptures that outline Jesus’s teachings, the lives and teachings of
major prophets and disciples, and offer instructions for how Christians should live.
• Both Christians and Jews follow the Old Testament of the Bible, but Christians also embrace the
NewTestament.
• The cross is a symbol of Christianity.
• The most important Christian holidays are Christmas (which celebrates the birth of Jesus) and Easter
(which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus).

ISLAM
• The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”
• Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
• Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah.
• HazratMuhammad founded the Islamic religion.
• Hazrat Muhammad attained the supreme knowledge or enlightenment in AD 610. His teachings are
compiled in the Holy Quran.
• He was born to Amina (mother) and Abdullah (father) at Mecca in AD 570. He was married to Khajida
(a widow) at the age of 25 years. His daughter (Fatima) was married to Ali Hussain.
• 24th September (622 AD), the day Hazrat Muhammad started his journey from Mecca to Medina marks
the beginning of the Hijri Era.
• He died on 8th June, 623 AD and was buried at Medina. After his death, Islam divided into the Shiaand
the Sunni cults. His successors were known as Khalifa.
• Eid-e-Milad un Nabi is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
• Mosques are places where Muslims worship.
33
• Some important Islamic holy places include the Kaaba shrine in Mecca, the Al-Aqsa mosque in
Jerusalem, and the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.
• The Quran (or Koran) is the major holy text of Islam. The Hadith is another important book.

Five Pillars of Islam

Muslims follow five basic pillars that are essential to their faith. These include:
• Shahada: to declare one’s faith in God and belief in Muhammad
• Salat: to pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening)
• Zakat: to give to those in need
• Sawm: to fast during Ramadan
• Hajj: to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during a person’s lifetime if the person is able

34
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY: ANCIENT
MAHAJANPADAS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Following topics will be covered today:
THE MAHJANAPADAS
• Rise of Magadha
• Haryanka Dynasty (544 BC-412 BC)
• Shishunaga Dynasty (412 BC-344 BC)
• Nanda Dynasty (344 BC-323 BC)
THE MAURYAN DYNASTY (322 BC-185 BC)
• Mauryan Administration
• Economy
• Society
• Art & Culture
• Later Mauryas (232 BC-185 BC)

THE MAHJANAPADAS
• In the sixth century BC onwards, the widespread use of iron in eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar
created conditions for the formation of large territorial States.
• With this, Janapadas started making Mahajanapadas.
• Buddhist literature (Anguttara Nikaya, Mahavastu) and Jain literature (Bhagavati Sutta) present a list
of 16 Mahajanapadas (i.e., great states) with minor variation of names.
• There were two types of states :
o Monarchical States: Anga, Magadha, Kashi, Kosala, Vatsa, Chedi, Shursena, Matsya, Avanti,
Gandhara, etc.
o Republican States : Vajji,. Malla, Kuru, Panchal, Kamboja, Shakya (Kapilvastu), etc

35
 Mahajanapada Capital

Anga (Munger and Bhagalpur in Bihar) Champa/Champanagri

Ashmaka (Between Narmada and Godavari River) Potana/Patali

Avanti (Malwa) Ujjaini/Mahishmati

Chedi (Bundelkhand area in Uttar Pradesh) Shaktimati/Sotthivati

Gandhara (Western part of Pakistan and Afghanistan) Taxila

Kuru (Haryana and Delhi area) Indraprastha (Delhi)

Kashi (Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh) Varanasi

Kosala (Faizabad, Gonda, Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh) Sravasti

Kamboja (Hazara in Pakistan) Rajapur/Hataka

Magadha (Patna, Gaya and Nalanda in Bihar) Girivraj/Rajgriha/Pataliputra

Malla Kushinagar/Pawapuri
(Deoria, Basti and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh)

Matsya (Alwar) Viratnagar

Panchal (Rohilkhand area Uttar Pradesh) Ahichhatra/Kampilya

Shurasen (Brajmandal) Mathura

Vajji (Muzaffarpur and Vaishali in Bihar) Vaishali

Vatsa (Allahabad, Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh) Kaushambi

RISE OF MAGADHA
• Of these, Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti were of much importance. Magadha' as located near
today's Patna and Gaya.
• The first notable thing about Magadha was its geographical location which gave its rulers a locational
advantage to acquire more and more power.

The earliest known dynasty of Magadha is that of Pradyota Dynasty

But due to Maladministration of the later rulers, the dynasty was superceded by Haranyaka
Dynasty

• Magadha was located between Ganga River in North, Son River in West, Vindhya ranges in South and
Champa in East.
• The three sides protected the territory and it was not easy for any invader to invade Magadha so easily.
• The earliest capital of Magadha was Girivraja.

36
HARYANKA DYNASTY (544 BC-412 BC)

Bimbisara (544 BC-492 BC)

• He was the founder of Haryanka dynasty and contemporary of Buddha.
• He is also known as seniya (the first Indian king who had a regular and standing army).
• His capital was Rajgir (Girivraja). He built the city of New Rajgriha.
• He married the princesses of Kosala (Kosaldevi/Mahakosala sister of Kosala King Prasenjit), Lichchhavi
(Chellana sister of Lichchhavi Head Chetaka) and Madra (Khema daughter of Madra king).
• He gained a part of Kashi as the dowry in the marriage with the sister of king Presenjit of Kosala.
• He conquered Anga (East Bihar) to gain control over trade route with the southern states.
• He sent a royal physician, Jivaka to Ujjain, when Avanti King Pradyota was suffering from jaundice.

Ajatshatru (Kunika) : 492 BC - 460 BC

• Son of Bimbisara, killed his father and seized the throne.
• Built the fort of Rajagriha and a water fort (Jaladurga) at a village called Patali on the banks of the
Ganges.
• Annexed Vaishali and Kosala.

Udayin (460BC - 440 BC)

• Founded the new capital at Pataliputra, situated at the confluence of the river Ganga and the river Son.
• Udayin was succeeded by Anuruddha, Munda and Naga-Dasak respectively who all were weak and
parricides.
SHISHUNAGA DYNASTY (412 BC-344 BC)
• Shishunaga founded this dynasty and he was the minister of Naga-Dasak (Haryanka Dynasty).
• The Greatest achievement was the destruction of power of Avanti, then onwards Avanti became a part
of the Magadha rule.
• He was succeeded by Kalasoka (convened Second Buddhist Council in Vaishali in 383 BC).

NANDA DYNASTY (344 BC-323 BC)

• Considered by many as the first non-kshatriya dynasty.
• Founder of this dynasty was Mahapadma Nanda. He is often described as the first empire builder of
Indian history.
• Mahapadma is known as Sarvakshatrantak (Uprooter of all the Kshatriyas) and Ugrasena (Owner
.of huge army, Pali texts).
• The Puranas call Mahapadma Ekrat which means the sole monarch.
• Mahapadma was succeeded by his eight sons. Dhanananda was the last one.

Alexander's invasion (326BC)

• Alexander (356 BC - 323 BC) was the son of Philip of Macedonia (Greece) who invaded India
in 326 BC.
• Remained in India for 19 Months.
• Died in 323 BC at Babylon at the age of 33.
• At that time North-West India was split up into a number of small independent states like
Taxila, Punjab (Kingdom of Porus), Gandhara etc.
• Except Porus who fought the famous Battle of Hydaspas (on banks of Jhelum) with
Alexander, all other kings submitted meekly.
• When Alexander reached Beas, his soldiers refused to go further, so he was forced to retreat.
To mark the farthest point of his advance, he erected 12 huge stones altars on the northern
bank of Beas

• In the Greek texts, Dhanananda is possibly identical with the Agrarnrnes or Xandrames.
• Alexander attacked India in his reign in 326 BC.
37
 • According to Greek writer Curtius, Dhanananda was fabulously rich and enormously powerful.
• Maintained 2,00,000 infantry, 60,000 cavalry and 3,000 war elephants.
• The Nanda dynasty came to an end about 322-21 BC by another dynasty known as Mauryas, with
Chandragupta Maurya as the founder.
THE MAURYAN DYNASTY (322 BC-185 BC)

Chandragupta Maurya (322 - 298 BC)

• With the help of Chanakya, known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, he overthrew the Nandas and
established the rule of the Maurya dynasty.

Names of Chandragupta Maurya

Name Source

Palibrothus Strabo

Androcotus Arien, Plutarch

Piyadamas Mudraraksha

Vrishal Mudraraksha

Chandrasiri Mudraraksha

Kulihin Mudraraksha

• Chandragupta is called Sandrocottus by the Greek scholars. This account is given by Megasthenes
(A Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus to the court of Chandragupta Maurya) in his book Indica and
the Arthashastra of Kautilya.
• Seleucus Nikator was one of the Generals of Alexander and after his death, had succeeded in gaining
control of most of the Asiatic provinces.
• Chandragupta defeated him in 305 BC and was compelled to yield parts of Afghanistan to
Chandragupta. There was also a marriage alliance between the two families.
• Built a vast empire, which included not only good portions of Bihar and Bengal, but also western and
north western India and the Deccan.
• Vishakhadatta wrote a drama Mudrarakshasa (describing Chandragupta's enemy) & Devi
Chandraguptam in sixth century AD.
• Chandragupta adopted Jainism and went to Chandragiri Hill, Sravanabelagola (near Mysore) with
Bhadrabahu, where he died by slow starvation.

Bindusara (298 - 273 BC)

• Chandragupta was succeeded by his son Bindusara.
• Called Amitraghat/ Amitrochates by Greek writers.
• He is said to have conquered 'the land between the two Seas', i.e., the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
• Greek Ambassador, Deimachos visited his court.
• Bindusara asked Antiochus I of Syria to send some sweet wine, dried figs and a sophist. Antiochus I
sent wine and figs but politely replied that Greek philosphers are not for sale.
• Bindusara patronised Ajivikas.

Ashoka (273-232 BC)

• Ashoka was appointed as the Viceroy of Taxila and Ujjain by his father Bindusara. He was at Ujjain
when Bindusara died.
• His formal coronation was delayed for four years, suggesting a disputed succession.

38
 • A Buddhist literature says that he came to throne after killing his ninety nine brothers.
• He was the first ruler to maintain direct contact with people through his inscription.
• The Kalinga War (261 BC, mentioned in XIII rock edict) changed his attitude towards life.
• Ashoka became a Buddhist after that Ashoka became the Buddhist under Upagupta.
• He sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Ceylon as Buddhist missionaries with a sapling
of original pipal tree.
• He inaugurated the Dhammayatras from the 11th year of his reign by visiting Bodh Gaya; also appointed
Dhamma Mahamantras (officers of righteousness) to spread the message of Dhamma.
• The emblem of India Republic has been adopted from the 4-lion capital of the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath.
Built the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh.
Ashoka's Names and Titles

• Only inscriptions in the Maski edicts refer his name as Ashoka.

• Puranas refer his name as Ashokavardhana.
• Girnar Inscription of Rudradaman mentions him as Ashoka Maurya.
• In Babhru Inscription, he refers himself as Piyadassi Raja Magadha (Piyadassi, King of
Magadha).
• He assumes two titles Devanampiya and Piyadassi in his inscriptions.

Ashoka's Dhamma

• Its broad objective was to preserve the social order like people should obey their parents, pay
respect to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks and show mercy to slaves and servants.
• He held that if people behaved well they would attain Svarga (Heaven).

• Ashoka sent missionaries to the kingdoms of the Cholas and the Pandyas, and five states ruled by Greek
kings
o Antiochus II of Syria
o Philadelphos Ptolemy II of Egypt
o Antigonus of Mecedonia
o Maggus of Syrina
o Alexander of Epirus
• He sent missionaries to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Suvarnbhumi (Burma) and also parts of South-East Asia.

ASHOKAN EDICTS

Major Rocks Edicts

• Throws light on the Personal history of Ashoka

• These edicts have been discovered in 8 places.

39
The sites of major rock edicts are-

• Shabazgarhi (Peshawar) - Written in Kharosthi script

• Manshera (Peshawar) - Written in Kharosthi script
• Kalsi (near Dehradun, Uttranchal)
• Sopara (Maharashtra)
• Girnar (Gujarat)
• Dhauli (Orissa)
• Jaugada (Orissa)
• Yerragudi inscription (Kurnool district, A.P.)

Major Rock Edict (MRE) Content

First MRE Prohibition on animal slaughter.

Second MRE Mention of places of Cholas, Pardayans, Satyaputras

and Keralputras.

Third MRE Directions to Predeshikas, Yuktas and Rajukas for

propagation of Dhamma.

Fourth MRE Impact of Dhamma on society.

Fifth MRE Appointment of Dhamma Mahamantras.

Sixth MRE Welfare measures.

Seventh MRE Propagation of peace, balance of mind and faith.

Eight MRE Details of visit to Bodhi tree.

Ninth MRE Stress on ceremony of Dhamma.

Tenth MRE Ashoka's desire to gain popularity for Dhamma.

Eleventh MRE Appraisal of Dhamma

Twelfth MRE Promotion of religions of different faith.

Thirteenth MRE Largest of all victory Kalinga's war.

Fourteenth MRE Inclusion of Ashoka into Sangha; It is bilingual. It tells

that fishermen and hunters gave up hunting; Faith of
ruler and kingdom in Dhamma.

Minor Rock Edicts

• Throws light on the Personal history of Ashoka

• These edicts have been discovered in various places.
• Maski minor R.E. is related to Ashoka’s coronation. Here Ashoka has addressed himself as
‘Buddha Shakya’.

The sites of minor rock edicts are:

Rupnath (MP) Gurjara (MP)

40
 Aharara (UP)
Bairat (Rajasthan)
Jatinga Rameshwar
(Karnataka)
Maski (Karnataka)
Palkigundu (Mysore,
Karnataka)
Yerragudi (Karnataka)
Nittur (Karnataka)
Pangaduria (M.P. – recently discovered by K.D. Vajapeyi)
Pillar Edicts
Shasaram (Bihar)
Siddapura (Karnataka)
Brahmagiri (Karnataka)
Gavimath (Mysore, Karnataka)
Rajula Mandagiri (Karnataka)
Saro Maro (Shahdol, M.P.)
(mppscadda.com)
Udegolan(Karnataka)

• The commemorative pillar edicts are Rummindei and Nagalisagar (both in Nepal).
• Seventh pillar edict is the longest pillar edict.
• The Kausambi Pillar was brought to Allahabad by Akbar. This Pillar contains the first six pillar
edicts, Queen’s edict, Kosam Schism edict, Prashasti of Samudragupta written by Harisena and some
decrees of Jahangir.
• Chapada is the only known scribe from Asokan epigraphs.
• Two Ashokan pillars originally located at Topra and Meerut were brought to Delhi by Firoz Shah
Tughlaq.
• The Meerut pillar was installed on a hill in the Kush kiShikar (hunting palace) on the Wazirabad ridge.
• The Topra pillar was installed on the top of firoz shah palace at Firoz Shah Kotla. It bears all the seven
edicts of Ashoka. The seventh pillar edicts are found only on his pillar. It also contains three short
inscriptions of Visaldeva Chahamana of Sakambari dated 1164 AD.
• Nigalisagar pillar makes mention the of the construction of the Stupa of Buddha Konkanmana.
• A total number of pillar edicts are thirteen, they are inscribed on ten pillars – out of thirteen seven are
major pillars edicts four are major pillar edicts and two are commemorative pillar edicts.
• Schism edicts (one each) are found in Allahabad, Sanchi and Sarnath Pillars.

Major Pillar Edicts

• The major pillar edicts are seven in number. The contents of major pillar edicts are an appendix to rock
edicts.
• These edicts have been discovered in 6 places.
• The sites of major pillar edicts are-
o Delhi Temple (Punjab)
o Delhi-Meerut (UP)
o Allahabad (UP)
o Lauriya Araraj (Bihar)
o Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar)
o Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar)
o Rampurva (Bihar)

Minor Pillar Edicts

• Contains legal announcements of Ashoka and also highlights Ashoka’s obsession with Dhamma
• These edicts have been discovered in 3 places.
• The sites of minor pillar edicts are –
o Allahabad
o Sanchi (MP)
o Sarnath (UP)

41
Mauryan Administration
The Mauryan government was a centralised bureaucracy of which the nucleus was the king. The king was
assisted by Mantri Parishad, whose members included :

• The Yuvaraj :the crown prince ;

• The Purohita :the chief priest ;
• The Senapati :the commander-in-chief of the army;
• a few other ministers.

Economy
• Land revenue was the main source of income of the state.
• Peasants paid 1/4th of the produce as bhaga and an extra tax balias tribute.
• According to the Arthashastra, the entire land of the empire belong to the king.

Society
Megasthenes divided Mauryan society into 7 castes viz,

• philosophers;
• farmers;
• soldiers;
• herdsmen;
• artisans;
• magistrate; and
• councillors.

He confused caste with profession. He noticed the absence of slavery.

The position of Shudras improved. They could now own land.

Art & Culture

• In the Mauryan period stone culture dramatically emerged as the principal medium of Indian arts.
• The first example is of Ashoka's monolithic pillars.
• Stones used in this period are mainly taken from Mathura and chunar
• The four lions on the Sarnath pillar and the smaller figures of animals in relief of the abacus exhibit
remarkable beauty and vigour Ashoka built a large number of stupas, probably 84,000.
• A more important heritage of the Mauryas is the caves built out of Barabar Hills near Gaya.
• Ashoka and his grandson Dasarath dedicated some caves to the Ajivikas in Nagarjuni hills in Bihar.
• There is another famous art, those of the Yaksha and Yakshanis from Besnagar and Didargunj.
• The abundance of popular pottery called the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and Terracotta
figurines were other items of popular art.

Later Mauryas (232 BC-185 BC)

• Ashoka's death was followed by the division of the Mauryan Empire into parts- (i) Western part and (ii)
Eastern part.
(i) The Western part came to be ruled by Kunala(son of Ashoka).
(ii) The Eastern part came to be ruled by Dasaratha.

42
• The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated in 185 BC by his Commander-in-Chief,
Pushyamitra Sunga, who established in own Sunga dynasty.

Cause for the Decline

1. Highly centralised administration (Romila Thapar)
2. Pacific policy of Ashoka (H.C. Raychaudhuri)
3. Brahmanical reaction (H.P. Sastri)
4. The partition of the Mauryan Empire;
5. Weak later-Mauryan Rulers;
6. Pressure on Mauryan economy (D.D. Kosambi);
7. Neglect of North-West Frontier, etc.

43
 PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY: ANCIENT
5 POST-MAURYAN PERIOD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
-

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Post-Mauryan Period

• The Indo - Greeks

• The Shakas/Scythians
• The Parthians
• The Kushans
• The Shunga Dynasty (185BC-73BC)
• The Kanva Dynasty (73BC-28BC)
• Satavahana Dynasty
• The Chetis of Kalinga

POST-MAURYAN Period (185 BC - 319 AD)

The Indo - Greeks
• 2nd Century BC
• A number of invasions took place around 200 BC. The first to invade India were the Greeks, who were
also called the Indo-Greeks or Bactrian Greeks (because they ruled Bactria).
• Greeks were the first to issue gold coins which can be definitely attributed to the kings.
• They introduced Hellenistic art i.e. Greek features in art giving rise to Gandhar school in the North-
Western India.
• The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander (165 - 145 BC), also known as Milinda. He was
converted into Buddhism by Nagasena (described in the Pali text, Milinda Panho or The Questions
of Milinda).

44
The Shakas/Scythians

• 1st Century-4th Century AD

• The Greeks were followed by the Shakas, who controlled a larger part of India than the Greek did.
• The Shakas came to India through the Bolan Pass.
• The earliest Indian textual reference to the Shakas is found in the Mahabhasya.
• The first Shaka King in India was Maues or Moga who established Shaka power in Gandhara.
• The most famous Shaka ruler in India was Rudradaman I (AD 130-150).
• His achievements are highlighted in his Junagarh inscription. This inscription records in details the
repairs of Sudarshana lake in Kathiawar.
• It was the first major inscription to be written in Chaste Sanskrit.

The Parthians

• 1st Century BC-1st Century AD

• Originally they lived in Iran, invaded at the beginning of Christian era, from where they moved to India.
In comparison to Greeks and Shakas, they occupied only a small portion in North-West India in the first
century.
• The most famous Parthian King was Gondophernes (AD 19 to AD 45), in whose reign St.Thomas is
said to have come to India for the propagation of Christianity.

The Kushans

• 1st Century AD-3rd Century AD

• The Kushans are also referred to as Yue-Chis or Tocharians (who were nomadic people from the
Steppes. They belonged to one of the five clans of the Yue-Chi tribe.
• Kanishka was their most famous king.
• He had two capitals: first at Purushpur, near modern Peshawar and second at Mathura.

He patronised the following scholars :

1. Ashwaghosha (wrote Buddhacharita, which is the biography of Buddha and Sutralankar);

2. Nagarjuna (wrote Madhyamik Sutra);
3. Vasumitra (Chairman of fourth Buddhist Council) and
4. Charak (a physician, wrote Charak Samhita).
5. Parsva

Kanishka is known in history for two reasons

45
 He started an era in AD 78, which is now known as Saka era and is used by the Government of
India.
He extended his whole-hearted patronage to Buddhism (Held the fourth Buddhist council in Kashmir).

The Sunga Dynasty

• 185 BC - 73 BC
• Capital-Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
• Pushyamitra founded this dynasty. They were basically Brahmins. (Brahmin Commander in chief
of last Mauryan Ruler)
• This period saw the revival of Bhagvatism.
• A Shunga king, Agnimitra was the hero of Kalidasa's Malvikagnimitram.
• In arts, the Bharhut Stupa(Satna district of Madhya Pradesh) is the most famous monument of the
Sunga period.
• The fine gateway railing which surrounds the Sanchi stupa (Madhya Pradesh), built by Ashoka,
constructed during the Sunga period.
• Sunga Art: Vihar , Chaitya , and Stupa of Bhaja (Poona), Amaravati Stupa and Nasika Chaiya.

Patanjali

Patanjali, author of the 'Mahabhasya', was born at Gonarda in Central India.

Patanjali was the priest of 2 Asvamedha Yajnas, performed by Pushymitra Sunga.

The Kanva Dynasty

• 73BC - 28 BC
• Capital-Patliputra
• The founder of this short-lived dynasty was Vasudeva, who killed the last Sunga king, Devabhuti.
• Bhumimitra and Narayana succeeded Vasudeva.
• All were Brahmins.
• They were swept away by Satavahanas of the Deccan.

Satavahana Dynasty

• 60 BC - 225 AD
• Capital - Pratishthana/Paithan (Maharashtra]
• They were the successors of the Mauryans in the Deccan and the Central India.
• The official language of the Satvahanas was Prakrit.
• Simuka is regarded as the founder of this dynasty.
• The most important king was Gautamiputra Satakarni (AD 106 -130) who raised the Power and
prestige of Satavahanas to greater heights.

46
 • He set up his capital at Paithan on the Godavari in Aurangabad district.
• Satavahanas started the practice of donating land with fiscal and administrative immunities to
Brahmanas and Buddhist monks.
• Under the Satavahanas, many Chaityas (worship halls) and Viharas (monasteries) were cut
out from rocks mainly in North-West Deccan or Maharashtra. The famous examples were Nasik,
Kanheri and Karle.
• Stupas were seen scattered all around Ellora. The most famous of these attributed to the Satavahana
period are Amravati, a sculptural treasure house, and Nagarjunakonda.
• Satavahanas were finally succeeded by the Ikshvakus in 3rd Century AD.

The Chetis of Kalinga

• The Hathigumpha inscription (near Bhubaneswar, Orissa) of Kharavela, the third ruler of the
dynasty gives information about the Chetis.
• Kharavela pushed his kingdom beyond the Godavari in the South.
• He was a follower of Jainism and patronised it to a great extent.

Note : Three school of sculptur:

• Amaravati School (150 BC 440 AD)

• Gandhar School (50 BC – 5th Century AD – by Kushans.
• Mathura School (150 AD – 300 AD) – by Saka and Kushans.

The influence of Greek sculpture is very evident in the Gandhar School, while Mathura school evolved an
indigenous form.

47
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY: ANCIENT
SANGAM PERIOD
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
------

LEARNING OBJECTVES
Today we are going to study the following topics:
The Sangam Period (1st – 3rd Century AD)
• Sangam Literature
• The Pandyas
• The Cholas
• The Cheras
• Sangam Administration

SANGAM LITERATURE
➢ Sangam was a college or assembly of Tamil poets held probably under royal patronage of
Pandyan kings in Madurai.
➢ According to tradition, the assembly lasted for 9990 years and was attended by 8,598 poets and
197 Pandyan kings.
➢ The first Sangam was attended by Gods and legendary sages and all its works have perished.
➢ Of the second Sangam, the only surviving work is Tolkappiyam, an early work on Tamil
grammar written by Tolkapiyyar.
➢ Of the third Sangam, most of the works are surviving.
➢ These are Ettutogai (8 anthologies), Pattupattu (10 idylls), Patinenkilakanakku (18 didactical
texts), etc.

The Epic
1. Silappadikaram (The Jewelled Anklet) - Written by Ilango Adigal. It deals with the story
of Kovalam and Madhavi of Kaveripattinam. It is called Illiyad of Tamil poetry.
2. Manimekalai : Written by Sittalai Sattanar. It deals with the adventures of Manimekalai
(daughter born of Koval and Madhavi). It is a sequel of Silapadikaram and strongly tinged with
Buddhism.
3. Sivaga Sindamani (Jivaka Chintamani) : Written by Jain saint Tiruttakrdeva and
strongly tinged with Jainism.
4. Bharatam : Written by Perudevanar.

48
 Sangam

Sl. No. Venue Under the Chairmanship Surviving Texts

of

First Sangam Madurai Agastasya None

(Old capital of
Pandyas)

Second Sangam Kapatapuram/Alvai Agastaya (founder Tolkappiyam

(engulfed in sea) chairman):

Tolakapiyyar
(later chairman)

Third Sangam North Madurai Nakkirar Ettutogai, Pattupattu,

Patinenki-lakanakku,
etc

THE PANDYAS
• The Pandyan territory included modern districts of Tirunelvelli, Ramanad and Madurai in
Tamil Nadu.
• It had its capital at Madurai and situated on the banks of Vaigai river.
• First mentioned by Megasthenes, who said that their kingdom was famous for pearls.
• The Pandya kings profited from trade with the Roman empire and sent embassies to the
Roman emperor Augustus and Trojan.
• The Pandyas find mention in the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• The earliest known Pandyan ruler was Nedunjeliyan I, who ruled from Madurai.
• King Nedunjeliyan I accused Kovalan of having stolen the anklet. As a result, the city of Madurai
was laid under a curse by Kannagi (Kovalan's wife).

THE CHOLAS
➢ The Chola kingdom called as Cholamandulam was situated to the north-east of Pandya
kingdom between Pennar and Vellar rivers.
➢ The Chola kingdom corresponded to modern Tanjore and Tiruchirapalli districts.
➢ Its inland capital was Uraiyur, a place famous for cotton trade.
➢ Capital was Kaveripattanam .
➢ A Chola king named Elara conquered Sri Lanka and ruled it over for 50 years.
➢ The greatest king was Karikala (man with charred leg) who founded Puhar and constructed 160
km of embankment along the Kaveri River.
➢ Main source of wealth was trade in cotton cloth. They also maintained an efficient navy.

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THE CHERAS
➢ The Chera occupied the portion of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The capital of Cheras was
Vanji. Its main ports were Muzris and Tondi.
➢ The Romans set up two regiments at Muzris (identical with Cranganore) in Chera country. They
also built a temple of Augustus at Muzris.
➢ The greatest of Chera king was Senguttuvan or Red Chera. It is said that he invaded north
and even crossed the Ganga. He was also the founder of the famous Pattini cult related to
worship of goddess of chastity - Kannagi.

Three Early Kingdoms

Kingdom Emblem Capital First Ruler Famous Ruler

Chera Bow Vanji/Karayur ; Udiyangeral Senguttuvan

Main Ports : Muzris and Tondi

Chola Tiger Uraiyur (Inland capital) Elara Karikala

famous centre for cotton trade ;
Puhar/Kaveripattanam
(Coastal Capital)

Pandya Fish Madurai (Inland capital) venue of Mudukudumi Nendujeliyan

Ist and IIIrd sangam;

Korkai (Coastal Capital)

Sangam Administration
• The king was the center of administration. He was called Ko, Mannam, Vendan Korravan
or Iraivan.
• Avai was the court of crowned monarch.

The kingdom was divided into

• Mandalam/Nadu (Province), Ur (Town), Perur (Big Village), Sirur (Small Village).

Important officials (Panchmahasabha)

1. Amaichhar (Ministers);
2. Dutar (Envoys);
3. Purohitar (Purohits);
4. Senapatiyar (Senapati)
5. Orar (Spies) ccupation
Revenue administration
• Karai : Land Tax;
• Irai : Tribute paid by feudatories and booty collected in war;
• Ulgu : Customs duties;
• Iravn : Extra demand or forced gift;
• Variyam: A well known unit of territory yielding tax;
50
• Variyar : Tax collector.

Panchthinai Occupation Inhabitants

(Five Tamil regions)

Kurinji (Hilly Zone) Hunting, Gathering Kurvar, Vetar

Palai (Arid zone) Cattle lifting, Highway robbery Eyinar, Maravar
Mullai (Pastoral tract) Shifting Agriculture, Animal husbandry Ayar, Idaiyar
Marudam (Wetland) Plough Agriculture Ulavar, Vellalar
Neithal (Coastal) Fishing, Salt extraction Paratavar, Valayar

51
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY: ANCIENT
GUPTA PERIOD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
----------

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today we will cover the following topics:
THE GUPTA DYNASTY (319 AD – 540 AD)
• Chandragupta-I (319-335 AD)
• Samudragupta (335 - 380 AD)
• Chandragupta-II (380 - 414 AD)
• Kumaragupta-I (415-455 AD)
• Skandagupta (455 - 467 AD)
• Administration of Gupta Period
• Society ,Religion and Trade and Commerce of Gupta Period
• Art , Literature & Science and Technology of Gupta Period
• Fall of Gupta Empire

THE GUPTA DYNASTY (319 AD – 540 AD)

• On the ruins of the Kushan empire arose a new empire, which established its way over a good part of the
former dominions of both Kushans and Satavahanas.
• The first two kings of the dynasty were Srigupta (Founder) and Ghatotkacha. The Allahabad pillar
inscription of Samudragupta mentions maharaja Srigupta and maharaja Ghatotkacha as his ancestors.
But we do not know much about them
• I-tsing, a Chineses traveler, came to India between A.D. 671 and 695. He mentioned Srigupta as the builder
of a temple at Gaya for the Chinese pilgrims about 500 years before his time.
• This period is referred as the Classical Age or Golden Age of ancient India and was perhaps the most
prosperous era in the Indian history.

Chandragupta-I (319-335 AD)

• Chandragupta-I started the Gupta era in 319-320 AD and the first Gupta ruler to assume the title of
Maharajadhiraj. Hewas the grandson of Sri Gupta and founded the empire.
• Chandra Gupta I became a local chief in the kingdom of Magadha (parts of modern Bihar state).
• He enhanced his power and prestige by marrying Kumara Devi, princess of the Lichchavi clan of Nepal.
• Original type of Gold Coins (Dinars) was struck coins in the joint names of Chandragupta-I and his
queen Kumara Devi.
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 • Chandragupta-I introduced a new era called Gupta era

Samudragupta (335 - 380 AD)

➢ The Gupta kingdom was enlarged enormously by Chandragupta’s son and successor Samudragupta.
➢ His name appears in Javanese text Tantrikamandaka and Wang-Hiuen-Tse (Chinese writer) refers
that an ambassador was sent to his court by King Meghvarma of Sri Lanka, who had asked his
permission to build a Buddhist monastry at Bodh Gaya for the monks travelling from Sri Lanka.
➢ Samudragupta believed in the policy of war and conquest and because of his bravery and generalship,
he is called the Napoleon of India by Vincent A. Smith.
➢ His court poet Harisena wrote a glowing account of the military exploits of his patron.
➢ In a long inscription at the Prayag Prashasti pillar (at Allahabad), the poet enumerated about the
people and countries that were conquered by Samudragupta.
➢ Campaign of southern India was the most important campaign of Samudragupta
➢ In the Allahabad inscription, Samudragupta son of Chandragupta-I and Kumaradevi, proudly called
himself Lichchhavis ‘Dauhitra’ i.e. son of the daughter of Lichchhavis.
➢ Samudragupta is said to have composed numerous poems of high merit. He assumed the titles of
Kaviraj and Vikram.
➢ Some of his coins represent him playing veena.

➢ When he died his mighty empire bordered with Kushan of Western province (modern Afghanistan and
Pakistan) and Vakatakas in Deccan (modern southern Maharashtra) and in Magadha.
➢ Samudragupta proceeded for his south Indian campaign, through the eastern and southern parts of
Madhyadesha to Orissa and then advanced along the eastern coast and reached Kanchi and beyond and
returned to his capital by way of Maharashtra and Khandesh.
➢ Samudragupta performed ‘Ashvamedhayajna’ after his several conquests and issued gold coins depicting
the sacrificial horse and bearing the legend, which conveying that he performed
the Ashvamedha sacrifice.
➢ The Allahabad pillar inscription also lists fourteen kingdoms bordering his kingdom. These rulers paid
tribute followed his orders and showed their obedience by attending his court.
➢ Samudragupta died in about A.D. 380 and was succeeded by his son Chandragupta II.

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Chandragupta-II (380 - 414 AD)
➢ Samudragupta was succeeeded by Chandragupta II.
➢ The Gupta Empire reached its highest glory, both in terms of territorial expansion and cultural
excellence under Chandragupta II.
➢ Chandragupta II had inherited a strong and consolidated empire from his father Samudragupta.
➢ Chandragupta II had established a matrimonial alliance with Vakatakas by marrying his daughter
Prabhavatigupta with Rudrasena-II of the Vakataka dynasty.
➢ Chandragupta-II made an alliance with the Vakatakas before attacking the Sakas so as to be sure of
having a friendly power to back him up in Deccan.
➢ Mehrauli Iron Pillar Insciption says that the king defeated the confederacy of Vangas and Vihilkas
(Bunch).
➢ Ujjain, a major centre of trade, religion, and culture became the second capital of the Gupta Empire after
the conquest..
➢ After the victory over Sakas, Chandragupta-II adopted the title of ‘Vikramaditya.’
➢ Chandragupta-II issued dated silver coins to commemorate his victory over Saka kshatrapas

➢ Chandragupta-II's reign is remembered for his patronage of literature and arts and for the high standard
of artistic and cultural life.
➢ Kalidas, the great Sanskrit poet was a member of Chandragupta-II’s court.
➢ Fa-Hien, the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim visited India between A.D. 405 and A.D. 411. He visited for
collecting Buddhist manuscripts and text and studying at Indian monasteries.

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Kumaragupta-I (415-455 AD)
➢ He adopted the title of Mahendraditya. He was the worshipper of Lord Kartikeya (son of Lord Shiva).
➢ Kumaragupta ruled for more than forty years. He performed an Ashvamedha sacrifice; though his
military achievements are not known.
➢ Kumaragupta issued Ashvamedha type of coins like his grandfather, Samudragupta.
➢ The epigraphic records show that he organised the administration of vast empire and maintained its
peace, prosperity, and security for a long period of forty years.
➢ The Gupta Empire was challenged by the Pushyamitras at the end of Kumaragupta's reign.
Pushyamitras were living on the banks of the Narmada.
➢ He founded Nalanda University (a renowned university of ancient India, now World Heritage).
➢ In the last years of his reign, the peace and prosperity of the empire was disturbed due to the invasion
of Turko-Mongol tribe, Hunas. During the war with the Hunas, Kumaragupta died.
➢ Skandagupta was the son of Kumaragupta-I.

Skandagupta (455 - 467 AD)

➢ Kutnaragupta-I was followed by Skandagupta.
➢ He faced Hunas effectively. The heroic feat entitled him Vikramaditya (Bhitari Pillar Inscription).
➢ Skandagupta's reign seems to have been full of wars. He struggled with his brother Purugupta.
➢ Hunas were the greatest enemies of Gupta’s empire during this period.
➢ Hunas were a ferocious barbarian horde. They lived in central Asia.
➢ Skandagupta successfully defeated the Hunas. So they did not dare to disturb the Gupta Empire for half
a century. Though they continue to disconcert Persia during this period.
➢ The important event of Skandagupta's reign was the restoration and repair of the dam
on Sudarsana Lake after 8 hundred years of construction. It was built during Chandragupta Maurya's
reign.
➢ Sudarsana Lake was also repaired previously during the reign of Saka kshatrapa Rudradaman I

Buddhagupta
• Skandagupta was succeeded by his brother Purugupta. Nothing is known about his achievements.
• Budhagupta was the only Gupta ruler who continued to rule over a large part of the empire.
• Budhagupta inscriptions have been found from Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

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Administration
➢ Administration was highly decentralised and as patrimonial bureaucracy. It comprised a network of
self governing tribes and tributary kingdoms and their chiefs often served as representatives of imperial
powers.
➢ The Gupta king took titles like the Mahadhiraja, Samrat, Riders Ekadhiraja, Chakravartin.
➢ The practice of appointing the crown prince (Kumara) came in vogue.

Official Function
➢ Mahabaledhikrita (Commander- in-Chief);
➢ Mahadandnayaka (Chief Justice);
➢ Mahaprathar (Maintainance of Royal Palaces);
➢ Mahasandhingrahika or Sandhivigrahaka (War and Peace);
➢ Dandpashika (Head of Police department);
➢ Bhadagaradhikreta (Royal Treasury);
➢ Vinaysthitisansthapaka (Education Department);
➢ Sarvadhyaksha (Inspector of all central Department);
➢ Mahamahipalapati (Cavalry); Mahashwapati (Elephants);
➢ Vinayapura (One who represented guests to King's court);
➢ Yuktapurusha (Accounts of war booty);
➢ Khadyapakika (Royal Kitchen);
➢ Ranbhandagasika (Arms and ammunitions stores).

• The kingdom (Rajya) was divided into a number of provinces and they were known as ‘Bhukti’ in the
north and ‘Mandala’ or ‘Mandalam’ in the south.
• The provinces were sub-divided as ‘Vishaya’ or ‘Bhoga’ in the north (India) and ‘Kottams’ or ‘Valanadu’
in the south (India).
• Some other units of administration were the districts, which were called as ‘Adhis,’ ‘Thana,’ or ‘Pattana’
in the north (India) and ‘Nadu’ in the south (India).
• The group of villages (i.e. modern tehsil) was known as ‘Vithis’ in the north (India) and ‘Pattala’ and
‘Kurram’ in the south (India).
• The villages were the lowest administrative units.
• There was a number of central, provincial, and local official to carry on the administration.
Gupta Inscriptions
Inscriptions
Rulers
Samudragupta Prayaga/Allahabad Stone Pillar ;
Eran Stone Pillar;
Nalanda Copper Plate
Chandragupta-II Mehrauli Iron Pillar
Skandagupta Junagarh Rock ;
Bhitari Pillar;
Indore Stone Pillar
Buddhagupta Paharpur Copper Plate
Society
➢ Varnasamkara was the intermarriage between various varnas.
➢ The Asprasya or untouchables were considered impure and even their touch was considered impure.
➢ The Shudras seems to have improved in this period.
➢ They were permitted to listen to the epics and Puranas and also worshipped a new god called Krishna.
➢ The condition of women deteriorated.

56
 ➢ The first example of sati came from Eran Inscription in Madhya Pradesh (Bhanugupta's Eran
Inscription — 510 A.D.).
➢ The Prakrit was popular language of the Gupta period (as it was earlier).

Religion
Although the Gupta kings were Vaishnavas they were tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism. They patronized
Buddhist art.
➢ Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh emerged as the Supreme deities.
➢ Durga, Kali, Amba, Chandi, etc. came to less be regarded as mother goddesses.
➢ Bhagvatism became more popular and centred on the worship of Vishnu or Bhawata.
➢ Idol worship in temples became a common feature.
➢ Concept of Avatars or incarnations of Vishnu was preached.
➢ Four ends of life were enumerated as (i) Dharma, (ii)Artha, (iii) Kama and (iv) Moksha.
➢ First three were called Trivarga.

Trade and Commerce

➢ The gold coins during his reign were called Dinaras. In gold content, Gupta coins were not as pure as
Kushans.
➢ The Guptas .also issued good number of silver coins for local exchange.
➢ The Gupta copper coins were very few as compared to Kushanas, which shows that use of money did not
touch common people.
➢ Gupta period witnessed decline in long distance trade and the trade with the Roman Empire declined
after the third century AD.

Art and Culture

➢ The Gupta period marks the beginning of Indian temple architecture.
➢ Temple No. XVII at Sanchi; there is a Gupta Temple in Sanchi that heralds the beginning of Temple
Architecture in India

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➢ Vishnu Varaha temples at Eran (MP).
➢ Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh UP is one of the earliest surviving Hindu temples. It is a fine
example of Gupta architecture.
➢ Mural paintings of Ajanta depicting the life of the Buddha as told in the Jataka tales were created in
this period. Places like Ajanta, Ellora, Mathura, Sarnath; and Anuradhapura and Sigiriya in Sri Lanka
bear examples of Gupta art and architecture.
➢ Classical Indian music and dance took shape at this time.
➢ The Gupta legacy in arts can be seen in Southeast Asia also today.
➢ The iron pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi is a marvellous creation of this period. It is a 7 m long pillar and
it is made up of a composition of metals such that it is rust-free. This is a testimony to the metallurgical
skills of Indians of that time.
➢ The game of chess is said to have originated from this time. It was called Chaturanga meaning the four
divisions (of the military such as infantry (pawn), cavalry (knight), elephantry (bishop), and chariots
(rook).

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Sculpture
➢ Noteworthy example is Sultanganj Buddha (7.5 ft in height) – (Near
Bhagalpur in Bihar)
➢ Buddha images in Sarnath have plain transparent drapery covering
both shoulders
➢ Halo around the head has very little ornamentation
➢ Varaha Panel at Udaigiri Caves (Madhya Pradesh)
Science and Technology
➢ Gupta period is unparalleled for its achievements in the field of mathematics and astronomy.

Ayabhatta
➢ Aryabhatta was the first to use the decimal system, formulated the rule for finding out the area of
triangle and calculated the value of pie and laid down the foundation of algebra in his book
Aryabhattiyam.
➢ The most famous work of this time was Suryasidhanta.
➢ Aryabhatta found the causes of lunar and solar eclipse.
➢ He also calculated the circumference of the Earth which is still alsomt correct.
➢ He was the first to reveal that the sun is stationary and the earth revolves around the sun.

Varahmihira
• Varahamihira wrote Brihatsamhita. He was an astronomer and an astrologer.
Dhanvantari
• Dhanvantari, the great physician is supposed to have lived during this time.

Sushruta
• Sushruta, composed the Sushrutasamhita around 600 AD. He has detailed surgical procedures in this
work.

59
 Brahmagupta
• Brahmagupta in the 7th Century A.D. developed rules for operating with zero and negative quantities; he
began to apply algebra to astronomical problems.

The Nalanda University, a centre of Buddhist and other learning attracted students from abroad. The
Guptas patronised this ancient seat of learning.

Literature of Gupta Period

Author Work
Kalidasa Abhigyan Shankumtalam, Ritusamhara,
Meghadutam, Kumarasambhavam,
Malavikagnimitram, Raghuvansham,
Vikramaurvashi

Shudraka Mrichhakatikam

Bhairavi Kirtarjuniya

Dandin Kavyadarshana, Dasakumaracharita

Bhasa Charudatta

Vishkhadatta Mudrarakshana, Devichandraguptam

Vishnu Sharma Panchtantra, Hitopdesh

Aryabhatta Aryabhattiyam, Suryasiddhnata

Varahmihira Panchsiddhantika, Brihatsamhita

Brahmagupta Brahma-sphutic Siddhanta

Palakapya Hastyagrarveda (a treatise on the disease

of elephants)

Fall of Gupta Empire

• The weak successors of Skandgupta could not check the growing Huna power.
• Feudatories rose in Bihar, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Vallabhi, etc.
• The last recognised king of the Gupta line was Vishnugupta who reigned from 540 to 550 AD.
• The later Guptas’ following of Buddhism rather than Hinduism unlike their ancestors also weakened the
empire. They did not focus on empire-building and military conquests.

60
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY: ANCIENT
POST GUPTA PERIOD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
----------

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today we are going to cover the following:
OTHER DYNASTIES AND RULERS (7th -12th Century AD):
• Harsha Vardhana ( 606-647 AD)
• Chalukyas of Vatapi/Badami (543-755 AD)
• Rashtrakutas (753-973 AD)
• The Gangas (1078-1434 AD)
• The Pallavas (575-897AD)
• The Palas of Bengal (Capital - Monghyr) (750-1150 AD)
• The Cholas (846 - 1279 AD)
• Tripartite Struggle

61
Harshavardhana (AD 606 - 647)
Source
• The chief sources for tracing the history of Harsha and his times are the Harshacharita written
by Banabhatta and the Travel accounts of Hiuen Tsang.
Dynasty
• He belonged to Pushyabhuti family or the Vardhanas . Pushyabhutis were the feudatories of the
Guptas. They called themselves Vardhanas.
• The first important king of Pushyabhuti dynasty was Prabhakaravardhana. His capital
was Thaneswar (Haryana, north of Delhi.
• Prabhakaravardhana was succedded by his elder son Rajyavardhana.
• After the death of Rajyavardhana, Harsha succeeded his brother at Thaneswar. He was the son of
Prabhakar Vardhan.
Harsha Era
• Harsha founded the Harsha era in 606 AD.
• After the fall of the Guptas, North India was divided into many small kingdoms. Harsha was able to
unite many of them under his command.
• Harsha made Kannauj as his capital. Originally capital belonged to Thaneshwar, but shifted to
Kannauj (Note: after Harsha's death Kannauj was won from Harsha's successors by the Pratiharas).
• The most important military campaign of Harsha was against the Western Chalukya ruler Pulakesin
II. Harsha was defeated by Pulakesin-II, the great Chalukya king, on the banks of Narmada in 620 AD.
The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II mentions the defeat of Harsha by Pulakesin, who after this
achievement assumed the title Paramesvara. Hiuen Tsang’s accounts also confirm the victory of
Pulakesin.
• Harsha’s last military campaign was against the kingdom of Kalinga in Orissa and it was a success.
Harsha's Society and Culture
• In his early life, Harsha was a devout Saiva but later Hiuen Tsang converted him to Mahayana
Buddhism.
• Chinese Pilgrim, Hiuen Tsang visited during his reign (631 AD). He spent about eight years (635-643)
in the dominions of Harsha and earned his friendship. Harsha organized a religious assembly at Kanauj
to honour the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang towards the close of his reign.
• Hieun Tsang has left a detailed account of a grand assembly held at Kannauj which was attended
by representatives of Hinduism and Jainism in 643 AD.
• Harsha used to celebrate a solemn festival at Prayag (Allahabad), at the end of every five years. It
is said that this was the beginning of Kumbha fair.
• Harsha was a great patron of learning. He established a large monastery at Nalanda. (Note:
Nalanda University – the term Nalanda means “giver of knowledge”. It was founded by Kumaragupta
I during the Gupta period.)
• Banabhattta was the Asthana kavi who adorned his court, wrote Harshacharita(Biography in
Sanskrit) and Kadambari (Drama).
• Harsha himself wrote 3 plays :
o (i) Priyadarshika,
o (ii) Ratnavali
o (iii) Nagananda.

• After the death of Harshavardhana in 647 A.D. the Empire died with him.

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Hiuen-Tsang
• Hiuen-Tsang a Chinese pilgrim visited Harsha’s court, wrote a book ‘Shi-Yu-Ki’ (the world of the west)
after going back to China.
• Along with Harshavardhan Hiuen-Tsang in his book also praised two other kings- Narsimha Varman of
Pallava dynasty and Pulkesin II of Chalukya dynasty.
• He came through central Asia via Afghanistan and went back through the same route.
• Hiuen-Tsang studied at Nalanda and later taught there only for nine years.

Chalukyas of Vatapi/Badami (543-755AD)

• Chalukyas ruled from Raichur Doab which was situated between the rivers of Krishna and
Tungabhadra.
• Aihole (city of temples) was the first capital of Chalukyas and it was centre of trade which was later
developed into religious centre having number of temples around
• Founder : Pulakesin-I established their kingdom at Vatapi (modern Badami, Karnataka).

Pulakesin-II (608 AD)

• Pulakesin-II (608 AD) was their most famous king, who was a contemporary of Harsha.
• His court poet, Ravikirti, wrote Aihole inscription (Prakrit Language).
• Hiuen Tsang visited his court.
• Much of the paintings and sculptures of the Ajanta and Ellora caves were completed during the
Chalukyan reign.
• Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman mammala invaded the Chalukya kingdom, killed Pulakesin II and
captured Vatapi. He adopted the title Vatapikonda i.e. the conqueror of Vatapi.

Kirtivarman II:
• Kirtivarman II was the last chalukya ruler.
• He was defeated by Dantidurga (founder of Rashtrakuta dynasty).
• In 757 AD, Chalukyas were overthrown by their feudatories, the Rashtrakutas.

Aihole Inscription
It deals about the ancestors of Pulakeshin II tracing four generations from father to son.
In this prashasti Ravikriti tells that Pulakeshin II led his expeditions along the coasts of west and east both.

63
The Pallavas (575-897AD)
➢ There are called as the the Pallavas of Kanchipuram.
➢ Founder: Simhavishnu. They set up their capital at Kanchi (South of Chennai).

Mahendravarman I (600-630 AD)

• During his reign began the long drawn out struggle between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.
He introduced rock-cut temple architecture.
• He was defeated by Pulakesin II and a part of his kingdom was occupied.
Narasimhavarman I
➢ Narshimhavarman was their greatest king. He founded the town of Mamalapuram (Mahabalipuram)
which he adorned with beautiful rock-cut Raths or Seven Pagoras.
➢ Hiuen Tsang visited Kanchi during his reign.
➢ He is considered the greatest of the Pallava rulers and is credited with repelling the second invasion of
Pulakesin II, killing him and capturing the Chalukyan capital, Badami. Hence he assumed the title of
`Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
➢ He was a great builder having constructed Mamallapuram and the various buildings in it.

➢ Another significant thing about his reign was the visit of Hiuen Tsang to Kanchi.
➢ Vatapi (Badami) was occupied by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman who defeated the Chalukyas

Narasimhavarman II
• The construction of large and beautiful temples like the Shore temple at Mamallapuram and the
Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi.
Temples built by Pallavas:
o Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram
o Kanchi Kailasanath Temple at Kanchipuram

The Palas of Bengal (Capital - Monghyr) (750-1150)

➢ In the middle of the eighth century, the Pala dynasty came into power. Its founder was Gopala (750
AD) who was elected to the throne as he had proved his valour and capability as a leader.
➢ Then came Dharmapala who won Kannauj. Dharampala founded Vikramsila University, revived
Nalanda University. He was one of the patrons of Buddhism. During the Pala rule the
Nalanda university became famous all over the world.
➢ Then came Devapala who won Orrisa and Assam. He defeated Pratihara king Bhoj a and Rashtrakuta
king Amoghvarsha. . He was the mightiest Pala King
➢ Then came Mahipala who was attacked and defeated by Rajendra Chola.

The Cholas (846 - 1279 AD)

• Around the 7th century, a Chola kingdom flourished in present-day Andhra Pradesh.
• The founder of the Chola Empire was Vijayalaya, who was first feudatory of the Pallavas of Kanchi.
He captured Tanjore in 850 A.D. and made its capital.
• The greatest Chola rulers were Rajaraja-I (985-1014AD) and his son Rajendra I (1014-1044AD).
• Rajaraja-I annexed northern Sri Lanka and named it Mummadi-Cholamandalam. Also conquered
Maldives islands.
• Rajaraja I constructed Rajrajeshwari temple (also called Brihadeshwar Shiva temple) at Thanjavur.

64
 • Rajendra Chola I built a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram to celebrate his victories in
northern India. He adopted the title of Gangaikonda Chola.
• Dancing figure of Shiva called Nataraja belong to this period only.

Brihadeshwara Temple
➢ Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as Raja Rajeswara Temple, is dedicated to Shiva and is located in
Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu).
➢ Thanjavur lies in the delta of the Cauvery River.
➢ It is one of the best examples of the Dravidian style of temple architecture built by Chola emperor Raja
Raja Chola I ( 985-1014 AD) between 1003 AD and 1010 AD.
➢ The Dravidian style of temple architecture flourished roughly from the 8th century to about the 13-14
century AD.
➢ The temple consists of a pyramidal spire and is adorned with sculptures and paintings inside as well as
outside.
➢ The temple entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1987
➢ Cholas temples had massive Vimanas/towers and spacious courtyards.

Rashtrakutas (753-973 AD)

• Founder- Dantidurga (Originally district officers under Chalukyas of Badami).
• Krishna-I is remembered for constructing the famous rock-cut Kailasha temple at Ellora. It was
constructed in the Dravidian style and elaboratly carved with fine sculptures.

Amoghavarsha I
• The greatest king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Amoghavarsha I son of Govinda III.
• The king Amoghvarsha, is compared to Vikramaditya in giving patronage to men of letters. He wrote
the first Kannada poetry named Kaviraj Marg and Prashnottar Malika. He built the city of
Manyakheta as his capital.
• Amoghavarsha I set up a new capital at Manyakheta (now Malkhed in Karnataka State) and Broach
became the best port of the kingdom during his reign
• Amoghavarsha I was a great patron of education and literature.
• Amoghavarsha was converted into Jainism by Jinasena, a Jaina monk.
• Rashtrakutas are credited with the building of cave shrine of Elephanta.
• Rashtrakutas were of Kannada origin and their mother tongue was Kannada.

Art
• The art and architecture of the Rashtrakutas can be found at Ellora and Elephanta.
• The most remarkable temple Kailasanatha temple at Ellora was built by Krishna.

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Kailasanatha Temple
• The temple is carved out of a massive block of rock
• The central face of the plinth has imposing figures of elephants and lions which give an impression
that the entire structure rests on their back.
• It has three-tiered sikhara or tower which resembles the sikhara of the Mamallapuram rathas.
• A sculpture of the Goddess Durga is engraved as slaying the Buffalo demon.
Elephanta Caves
• Originally called as Sripuri, Elephanta is an island near Bombay.
• The Portuguese named it as Elephanta after seeing the huge figure of an elephant.
• The sculptures in Ellora and Elephanta have close similarities.
• There are huge figures of dwara–palakas at the entrance to the sanctum.
• Trimurthi is the most magnificent figure of this temple.
The Gangas (1078-1434 AD)
• Also called Chedagangas of Orissa.
• Their king Narsimhadeva constructed the Sun Temple at Konark.
• Their king Anantvarman Ganga built the famous Jagannath temple at Puri.
• Kesaris, who used to rule Orissa before Gangas built the Lingaraja temple at Bhubaneswar.

Tripartite Struggle
• Towards the close of the 8th century AD, there were three great power in India-the Palas in the East,
the Gurjar-Partiharas in the North and the Rashtrakutas in the Deccan.
• The tripartite struggle for the supremacy among the Palas, the Partiharas and the Rashtrakutas was
the important event of these centuries.
• The main cause for this struggle was the desire to possess the city of Kannauj (Kannauj Distt., Uttar
Pradesh) which was then a symbol of sovereignty.
• The tripartite struggle thus started, lasted for two centuries and made all three dynasties weak in the
long run. This resulted into the political disintegration of the country and benefited the Islamic invaders
from Middle-east.
The significance of Kannauj
• Kannauj was located on the Ganga trade route and was connected to the Silk route. It made Kannauj
strategically and commercially very important. It was also the erstwhile capital of Harshvardhana's
empire in north India.

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 40
EARLY- MEDIEVAL PERIOD
(8th-12th Century)
• THE RAJPUTS
• Some Important Rajputs Kingdoms
• IMPORTANT RAJPUTS DYNASTIES
o The Pawar/Parmar of Malwa: 790-1036 AD
o The Gahadval/Rathor of Kannauj : 1090-1194AD
o The Chauhans/Chahaman of Delhi-Ajmer: 7th -12th Century AD
o The Karkota, Utpala and Lohara of Kashmir : 800-1200 AD )
o The Chandellas of Jejakabhukti: 831-1202 AD
o The Senas : 1095-1230 AD
o The Guhilota/Sisodiya of Mewar: 8th - 20th Century AD
o Tomars of Delhi : 736 AD
• Salient features of the Rajput Kingdoms.
• Causes of the Decline of Rajputas
• ARAB CONQUEST OF SIND (712-1206 AD)

MEDIEVAL INDIA
The Medieval period of Indian History:
This period lies between 8th and 18th century AD and is classified as :
➢ The Early Medieval period (8th to 12th century AD)
➢ The Later Medieval period (13th to 18th century AD).

EARLY- MEDIEVAL PERIOD (8th TO 12th

CENTURY)
The Ancient Indian history came to an end with the rule of Harsha and Pulakeshin-II.
From the death of Harsha to the 12th century, the destiny of India was mostly in the hands of various
Rajput dynasties.
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THE RAJPUTS

➢ Different theories about the origin of the Rajputs :

(i) They are the descendants of Lord Rama (Surya Vansha) or Lord Krishna (Chandra Vansha) or the
hero who sprang from the sacrificial fire (Agni Kula theory).
(ii) They belong to the Kshatriya families.
(iii) The most accepted theory is that Rajputs were of a foreign origin, who came as conquerors and
settled in West India.
The two main clans of Rajputs are :
(i) Surya Vansha (Sun family)
(ii) Chandra Vansha (Moon family).

The Rajputs clans claims to have descendent from a mythical figure that arose out of a sacrificial fire pit
near Mount Abu, i.e. of Agnikula origin.

They are :
1. Chauhans of East Rajasthan
2. Prathiharas of South Rajasthan
3. Chalukyas of Kathiawar
4. Parmars of Malwa.

Some Important Rajputs Kingdoms

Rajputa kingdoms Capital Founder

Chalukya/Chahaman of Delhi Vasudeva

Delhi-Ajmer

Chalukya/Solanki of Anihalvada Mularaja-I

Kathiawar

Chandela of Khajjuraho, Mahoba, Nannuk Chandela

Jejakabhukti Kalinga

Gadhawal/Rathor of Kannauj Chandradeva

Kannauj

Sisodiya of Chiittor Bappa Rawal,

Mewar Hammir I

Kalchuri/Haihaya of Tripura Kokkala I

Chedi

Pratihara/Parihar of Avanti, Kannauj Nagabhatt I

Kannauj

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 Pawar/Parmar of Ujjain, Dhar Sri Harsha Siyaka
Malwa (Upendra founded
the dynasty)

Rasthrakuta of Malkhand/Manyakheta Dantidurg

Malkhed

IMPORTANT REGIONAL RAJPUTS DYNASTIES

The Pawar/Parmar of Malwa (790-1036 AD)

➢ Upendra Krishna Raj was the founder of the Parmara dynasty.
➢ Siyaka Sri Harsha established the Parmars as independent kingdom
➢ Vakpati made the kingdom powerful.
➢ The Parmaras ruled in the Malwa region.
➢ The Parmaras initially had their capital at Ujjain.
➢ The Parmaras later transferred their capital to Dhar.
➢ Vakpati was a great patron of art and literature.
➢ Padmagupta and Dhananjya graced the court of Vakpati.
➢ The greatest ruler of dynasty was Bhoja. He built the city of Bhojpur and founded a college, Bhojshala
near Dhara.

The Gadhval/Rathor of Kannauj (1090-1194 AD)

➢ The Gadhval dynasty was founded by Chandradeva.
➢ The capital of Gahadaval was Kannauj.
➢ Govindchandra conquered east Malwa. Govind Chandra's minister Lakshmidhara wrote
Krityakalpataru.
➢ In the Battle of Chandawar (1194 A.D.) Mohammad Ghori defeated Jaichandra.
➢ Harischandra was the last ruler of Gadhval dynasty.

The Chauhans/Chahaman of Delhi-Ajmer: (7th -12th Century AD)

➢ The Chauhans were the feudatories of Pratihara.
➢ The Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty emerged near Sakambhari (Ajmer).
➢ Simharaja declared independence in the middle of 10th century.
➢ Ajayraja founded the city of Ajaymeru (Ajmer).
➢ Prithviraja Chauhan ascended to the throne in 1177 AD.
➢ Prithviraja Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain (1191 AD).
➢ In the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 AD) Mohammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.

The Karkota, Utpala and Lohara of Kashmir (800-1200 AD)

➢ Three dynasties Karkota, Utpala and Lohara ruled Kashmir during 800 AD to 1200AD.
➢ Karkota dynasty was founded by Durlabh Vardhana.
➢ Lalitaditya Muktapida defeated Yasovarman of Kannauj.
➢ Lalitaditya built the famous Sun temple at Martand.
➢ Utpala dynasty was founded by Avantivarman.
➢ Queen Didda ruled from 990 AD to 1003 AD.
➢ Sangramraja founded the Lohara dynasty.
➢ Kalhana wrote Rajatarangini in 12th century.

69
The Chandelas of Jejakabhukti (831-1202 AD)
➢ The dynasty was founded by Nanuka in the early years of 9th century and his capital was Khajuraho.
➢ The Chandelas ruled in Bundelkhand.
➢ Dhanga was the first independent king of the Chandela dynasty and assumed the title
Maharajadhiraja.
➢ He was succeeded by Ganda who was succeeded by Vidyadhara.
➢ During Vidyadhara's reign, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Kalinjar in 1019 and again in 1022.
➢ In 1165, Parmardideva was defeated by Prithviraj a Chauhan.
➢ Temples of Khajuraho were built by Chandelas.

The Senas (1095-1230 AD)

➢ The Senas supercede and replaced the Palas in Bengal.
➢ The Senas called themselves Brahma Kshatriya.
➢ Vijaysena ascended the throne in 1095 AD and enlarged the frontiers of Senas.
➢ Vijayapuri and Vikrampuri were two capitals of Senas.
➢ Vijayasena was succeeded by his son Ballalsena.
➢ Ballalsena established the tradition of Kulinism.
➢ Ballalsena wrote Adbhutsagar and Dansagar.
➢ Ballalsena was succeeded by Lakshmansena.
➢ Bakhtiyar Khalji invaded Bengal during the reign of Lakshmansena.
➢ Jayadeva, Dhoyi , Umapati Dhar and Halayudha adorned Lakshman sena's court.

The Guhilota/Sisodiya of Mewar (8th - 20th Century AD)

➢ Rana Kumbha was the famous ruler of Mewar.
➢ He defeated Mohammad Khilji and erected the Tower of victory (Vijay Stambha) in Chittor.
➢ His successors Rana Sangram Singh (Rana Sanga) and Maharana Pratap were also great kings of
Mewar state.
Maharana Pratap
➢ A Rajput ruler of Mewar, he belonged to the Sisodia clan of Suryavanshi Rajputs, he was a son of
Udai Singh II.
➢ The Battle of Haldighati was fought on 18th June, 1576, in which Maharana Pratap was defeated
by Akbar’s army, led by Raja Maan Singh.
➢ Maharana Pratap had to flee the field on his trusted horse- Chetak.
➢ He had to retreat into the Aravallis, from where he continued his struggle through the tactics of
guerilla warfare, he died of injuries sustained in a hunting accident.

Tomars of Delhi : 736 AD

➢ Delhi was established by the Tomars in 736 AD.
➢ In the beginning, Tomars remained feudatory of Pratiharas. Afterwards they became independent.
➢ Chauhan Vigraharaja III took the Tomars under his suzerainty.

Salient features of the Rajput Kingdoms

➢ The country remained free from invasions but lost foreign contact.
➢ The caste system was rigid.
➢ The Rajputs were proud warriors and hospitable people.
In the field of culture many great fortresses and temples were built by them such as
➢ Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)
➢ Lingaraj a temple (Bhubaneswar, Orissa)
➢ Sun temple (Konarka, Orissa)
70
 ➢ the Jagannath temple (Puri)
➢ Dilwara temple (Mount Abu).
Religion
➢ The Rajputs were staunch followers of Hinduism.
➢ They also patronized Buddhism and Jainism.
➢ It was during their period that the Bhakti Cult started.
➢ They made war as their chief occupation. However, trade and agriculture also prospered.
➢ They built strong forts.
Language and Literature
Some of the literary works of this period are
➢ Kalhana's Rajatarangini
➢ Jayadeva' s Gita Govindam
➢ Somadeva's Kathasaritasagar.
➢ Chand Bardai, the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan; wrote Prithviraj Raso in which he refers to the
military exploits of Prithviraj Chauhan.
➢ Bhaskara Charya wrote Siddhanta Shiromani, a book on astronomy.
➢ Rajasekhara was the court poet of Mahendrapala and Mahipala. His best known works were
Karpuramanjari and Bala Ramayana.
Causes of the Decline of Rajputas
➢ Lack of unity and foresightedness
➢ Caste system and
➢ Defective military organisation were some of the causes for the downfall of the Rajputs.

71
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 41 - DELHI SULTANATE I (1206-1526 AD)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today we are going to study the following topics:
The Delhi Sultanate Period (1602-1526 AD)
1. The Ilbari/Slave dynasty (1206-1290 AD);
• Qutubuddin Aibak (1206-1210 AD)
• Shamsuddin Iltutmish (1211-1236 AD)
• Razia Sultana (1236-1240 AD)
• Ghiyasuddin Balban (1265 - 1286 AD)

2. The Khalji dynasty (1290-1320AD);

• Jalaluddin Khalji (1290 - 1296 AD)
• Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316 AD)

Delhi Sultanate Period (1206-1526 AD)

The Sultanate of Delhi had 5 ruling dynasties:
1. The Ilbari/Slave dynasty (1206-1290 AD)
2. The Khalji dynasty (1290-1320 AD)
3. The Tughlaq dynasty (1320-1414 AD)
4. The Sayyid dynasty (1414-1451 AD)
5. The Lodhis dynasty (1451-1526 AD)

THE ILBARI/SLAVE DYNASTY (1206-1290 AD)

The Slave Dynasty Rulers

1206-10 AD
Qutubuddin Aibak
1211 AD
Aram Shahi
1211-36 AD
Shamsuddin IItutmish

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 1236 AD
Ruknuddin Feroz
1236-40 AD
Razia Sultan
1242 AD
Muizuddin Behram
1246 AD
Alaudin Masud
1246-44 AD
Naseeruddin Mahmud
1266-86 AD
Ghiyasuddin Balban
1287-90 AD
Muizuddin Qaiqabad
1290 AD
Kaimur

Qutubuddin Aibak (1206-1210 AD)

• Mohammad Ghori left his Indian possessions in his hands.
• He ruled on the death of his master and founded the slave dynasty.
• Lahore and later Delhi were his capitals.
• Famous for his generosity, he was given the title of Lakh Bakhsh (Giver of Lakhs).
• Built the first mosque in India-Quwwat-ul-Islam (Delhi) and Adhai Din Ka Jhonpara (at Ajmer).
• He also began the construction of Qutub Minar, in the honour of famous Sufi Saint Khwaja
Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.
• He died at Lahore in 1210 while playing Chaugan (Polo). The Turks introduced polo in India.
• He was a great patron of learning and patronized writers like Hasan-un-Nizami, author of Taj-ul-
Massir and Fakhruddin, author of Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi.

Shamsuddin Iltutmish (1211-1236 AD)

• Iltutmish was the real founder of Delhi Sultanate.
• He made Delhi the capital in place of Lahore. He was a slave of Qutubuddin Aibak and occupied the
throne of Delhi in 1211 after deposing Aram Shah (son of Qutubuddin Aibak).
• He saved Delhi Sultanate from the wrath of Chengiz Khan (the Mongol leader) by refusing shelter to
Khwarizm Shah, whom Chengiz was chasing.
• He got his authority (Sultanate of Delhi) recognized by the Caliph of Baghdad (Khalifa), as a member of
world fraternity of Islamic states.
• He formed Turkan-i-Chahalgani or Chalisa (a group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles).
• He divided his empire into Iqtas, the system of assigning of land in lieu of salary, which he distributed
to his officers.
• Introduced reforms in civil administration and army.
• He introduced, the Silver Tanka and the Copper Jital, two basic coins of the Sultanate.
• He patronised Minhaj-us-siraj, author of Tabaqat-i-Nasiri.
• He is called the Father of Tomb Building (built Sultan Garhi).
• He declared Razia as his successor.

Razia Sultan (1236-1240 AD)

• She was the first and the last Muslim woman ruler of Medieval India.
• Though Iltutmish had nominated his daughter Razia Sultan as the successor, the nobles placed
Ruknuddin Firoz on the throne. However Razia got rid of Ruknuddin and ascended the throne.

73
 • The wazir Junaidi, who had opposed her elevation to the throne, was defeated by Raziya.
• Razia was popular among the people but she was not acceptable to the nobles and theologians
• She further offended the nobles by her preference for Abyssinian slave-Yakut.
• She discarded the female apparel and started holding the court with her face unveiled.
• Raziya successfully crushed the rebellions Jhanshi.
• She also sent an expedition against Ranthambhor to control the Rajputas. There was serious rebellion in
Bhatinda. Altunia (Governor of Bhatinda) refused to accept suzerainty of Razia. She accompained by
Yakut marched against Altunia. Altunia got Yakut murdered and imprisoned Razia. Subsequently, Razia
married Altunia and both of them marched towards Delhi.
• In 1240 AD, Razia became the victim of a conspiracy and was assassinated near Kaithal (Haryana).
After Razia, the battle of succession continued in which the following rulers ruled insignificantly
• Muizuddin Bahram Shah (1240 - 1242)
• Alauddin Musud Shah (1242-1264)
• Nasiruddin Mahmud (1246 - 1264) : He was the son of Iltutmish and was known as the Darvesi
King as he was very pious and noble.

Ghiyasuddin Balban (1265 - 1286 AD)

• Ghiyasuddin Balban, who was also known as Ulugh Khan, served as Naib or regent to Sultan
Nasiruddin Mahmud.
• Balban ascended the throne in 1265, after killing all members of Iltutmish's family.
• He was a member of the chalisa or chahalgani but he broke the power of chahalgani and restored the
prestige of the crown.
• He declared the Sultan as the representative of God on earth.
• He impressed upon the people that king was the deputy of God (Niyabat-i-Khudai) and the Shadow of
God (Zil-i-Ilahi).
• He also instructed to the ulemas to confine themselves to religious affairs and not to engage in political
activities.
• He introduced Sijdah or Paibos practice, in which the people were required to kneel and touch the
ground with their head to greet the Sultan.
• In order to win the confidence of the public, he administered justice with extreme impartiality.
• He employed an efficient spy system.
• He ordered the separation of military department from the finance department (Diwan-i-Wizarat), and
the former was placed under a ministry for military affairs (Diwan-i-Ariz).
• He was a liberal patron of Persian literature and showed specia1 favour to the poet, Amir Khusrau.
• He was deeply racist and excluded non - Turks from the administration

Muizuddin Qaiqabad (1287-90)

When Balban died, one of his grandsons Qaiqabad was made the Sultan of Delhi.
After four years of incompetent rule, Jalaluddin Khalji (the commander of Balban) captured the
throne of Delhi in 1290.

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THE KHALJI DYNASTY (1290-1320 AD)
• A group of Khalji nobles led by Jalaluddin Khalji overthrew the incompetent successors of Balban in AD
1290.
• The Khalji rebellion was welcomed by the non-Turkish nobility.
• The Khaljis did not exclude the Turks from high offices and did not end the Turkish monopoly.

The Khalji Dynasty

Jalaluddin Khalji 1290-96 AD

Alauddin Khalji 1296-1316 AD

Mubarak Khalji 1316-20 AD

Khusro Khan 1320 AD

Jalaluddin Khalji (1290 - 1296 AD)

• Jalaluddin Khalji founded the Khalji dynasty.
• Married his daughter to Ulugh Khan, a descendent of Chengiz Khan, to win their goodwill.
• He adopted the policy of tolerance and avoiding harsh punishment.
• The most important aspect of his reign was the invasion of Devagiri in 1294, by his nephew and son-in-
law Alauddin Khalji.

The Mongol Invasion

Jalaluddin defeated and arrested the Mongols in 1292 A.D.

75
 He pardoned them as they sued for peace.
A few of the Mongols stayed back in India after the invasion.

Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316 AD)

• Alauddin Khalji ascended the throne after getting his uncle and father-in-law Jalaluddin murdered.
• He was the first Turkish Sultan of Delhi who separated religion from politics.
• He proclaimed Kingship knows no Kinship.
• He firstly conquered Gujarat and married Raja's wife Kamla Devi and acquired Malik Kafur from there.
• Then he annexed Ranthambhor (1301), Mewar (1303), Malwa (1305), Jalor (1311).
• In Deccan, Alauddin's army led by Malik Kafur defeated Ram Chandra (Yadava ruler of Devagiri), Pratap
Rudradeva (Kakatiya ruler of Warangal), Vir Ballal III (Hoyasala ruler of Dwarsamudra) and Vir pandya
(Pandya ruler of Madurai).
• He is said to have reached as far as Rameshwaram, where he build a mosque.
• He introduced the system of Dagh (the branding of horse) and Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers).
• Ordered that all land was to be measured and then the share of state was to be fixed.
• The post of special officers was created called Mustakharaj (for collection of revenue).
• Added an entrance door to Qutab Minar called Alai Darwaza and built his capital at Siri.
• Also built Hauz Khas, Mahal Hazar Sutan (palace of thousand Pillars) and Jamait Khana mosque.
• Though Alauddin was illiterate, he was a patron of learning and art. Both Amir Khusrau and Mir Hasan
Dehlvi enjoyed his patronage.
The Mongols Invasion
Alauddin successfully repelled the Mongols invasion.
The northwestern frontier was fortified and Gazi Malik was appointed as the Warden of Marches to protect
the frontier.

End of the Khalji Dynasty

• Alauddin died in 1316 A.D
• Weak successors like Qutubuddin Mubarak Shah (1316-1320 AD) and Nasiruddin Khusrav Shah (1320
AD).
• Nasiruddin Shah was killed by Mubarak Shah and he was killed by Ghazi Malik (the Governor of
Punjab).

76
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 42 - THE DELHI SULTANATE II

(1206-1526 AD)
THE DELHI SULTANATE PERIOD (1206-1526 AD):
The Tughlaq dynasty (1320-1414 AD);
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320-1325AD)
• Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 AD)
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 AD)
• After Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1388-1414 AD)
The Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 AD)
• Khizr Khan
• Mubarak Shah
• Muhammad Shah
The Lodhis dynasty (1451-1526 AD).
• Bahlol Lodhi (1451-1489 AD)
• Sikander Lodhi (1498-1517 AD)
• Ibrahim Lodhi (1517-1526AD)
Causes of decline of the-Delhi sultanate
Architecture of the-Delhi sultanate

The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1412 AD)

• Finally in 1320 AD a group of nobles led by Ghazi Malik, the Governor of Punjab, invaded Delhi and captured
the throne.
• Ghazi Malik assumed the title of GhiyasuddinTughlaq and founded a new line of rulers at Delhi known as
the Tughlaq Dynasty.
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320-1325AD)
• Khusrau Khan the last king of the Khilji dynasty was killed by Ghazi Malik.
• Ghazi Malik ascended the throne assuming the title Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
• Built the fortified city of Tughlaqabad and made it his capital.
• Sufi saint Shaikh Nizamuddin Aulia said "Delhi is far away", in regard to him.
• Dispatched his son, Jauna Khan to re-establish the authority in Warangal (Kakatiyas) and Madurai
(Pandyas).

77
• Died in 1325, after a fall from a high-raised pavilion.
• Ibn Batuta (the Moroccan traveller) said that his death was due to sabotage arranged by his son, Jauna
Khan.

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 AD)

• Real name was Jauna Khan, title Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.
• Regarded as the most controversial figure in Indian history, because of his five ambitious projects:
1. Increase in the land revenue in the Doab (1326) : The measure proved to be ill-timed, as Doab was
passing through famine which was followed by plague..
2. Transfer of capital to Devagiri (Daulatabad) in 1327 : But Daulatabad was found to be unsuitable
because it was not possible to control North India from there. So he decided to retransfer the capital to
Delhi.
3. Introduction of token currency (1329) : Token currency meant introduction of bronze tankas in place
of silver tankas with equal value. But his experiment failed, due to counterfeit coins. So he withdrew the
scheme and all token coins were exchanged for silver coins.
4. The plan for the conquest of Qarachil (Kullu Kangra region) (1330) : It also met with a disastrous
end.
5. Proposed Khurasan Expedition: The Sultan had a vision of universal conquest. He decided to
conquest Khurasan and Iraq and mobilised a huge army for the purpose. He was encouraged to do so by
Khurasani nobles who had taken shelter in his court. This project was also abandoned.

• A new department for agriculture Dewan-i-Kohi was set up.

• The famous traveler, Ibn Batuta came to Delhi during 1334. He won employment as a judge under
Muhammad Tughluq.
• He acted as the Quazi of the capital for 8 years.
• He has recorded the contemporary Indian scene in his Safarnamah (called Rehla).
• During his last days, the whole of South India became independent and three major independent states :
a. Vijaynagar Empire
b. Bahmani kingdom
c. Sultanate of Mudurai was founded.
• He died in Thatta while campaigning in Sindh against Thagi (a turkish slave).

Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 AD)

• He was Muhammad's cousin. He was chosen the Sultan by the nobles.
• He made Iqtadari System hereditary.
• The principle of heredity was recognised not only in civil offices, but also in army.
• Soldiers were given land assignments instead of cash payment.
• He built new towns - Hissar, Firozpur, Fatehabad, Firoz Shah Kotla and Jaunpur.
• Repaired Qutub Minar when it was struck by lightening.
• Built his capital Firozabad and beautify it, brought two Ashoka Pillars, one from Topra in Ambala and
the other from Meerut.
• He wrote a book Fatuhat Firozshahi
• Al-Baruni-(the historian was in his court), wrote Tarikh-i-Firozshahi and Al-Fatwa-i-Jahandari.
• Khwaja Abdul Malik Isami wrote Futuh-us-Salatin.
• He introduced four kinds of taxes:
o Kharaj
o Zakat
o Jizya
o Khams.

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 • He imposed Haque-i-sharb or Hajil-i-sharb (water tax). He formed Diwan-i-Khairat and built Dar-ul-
Shafa or a charitable hospital.
• Also introduced 2 new coins-Adha (50% jital) and bikh (25% jital).
• His rule was marked by peace and tranquility, and the credit for it goes to his Prime Minister Khan-i-
Jahan Maqbul.
• He died in 1388.

After Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1388-1414 AD)

• The Tughlaq dynasty could not survive much after Firoz Shah's death. The Malwa, Gujarat and Sharqi
(Jaunpur) Kingdoms broke away from the Sultanate.
• After Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq Shah-I succeeded. He was succeeded by Abu Bakr Shah
in AD 1389.
• Abu Bakr was succeeded by Nasiruddin Muhammad in AD 1390.
• Nasiruddin Muhammad was succeeded by Alauddin Sikandar Shah for a brief period in 1394, but
regained the throne after Sikandar's death.
• He ruled till AD 1412. During his period, Timur invaded India.

Timur’s Invasion (1398 AD)

• The ruler of Samarkand, Timur was attracted by the enormous wealth of Hindustan.
• He invaded India during the period of Nasiruddin Muhammad Tughluq.
• He.crossed the river Indus and reached Delhi. The Sultan and his Prime Minister opposed Timur.
• Timur, defeated them and occupied Delhi in 1398 AD.
• Timur inflicted untold miseries on the people by plundering and massacring them. His invasion led to
the decline of the Tughlaq Dynasty.
• Timur nominated Sayyids Khizr Khan to rule over Punjab and himself returned to Central Asia. He
died on his way to conquer China, in AD 1404.
• Khizr Khan captured Delhi on 28 May 1414 thereby establishing the Sayyid dynasty.

THE SAYYID DYNASTY (1414-1451 AD)

Khizr Khan (1414-21)
➢ He was the first of the Sayyid dynasty which ruled over Delhi and surrounding districts.
➢ He helped Timur in his invasion, so was given the governorship of Lahore.
➢ Khizr Khan took the title of Rayat-i-Ala and not of a king.
➢ The coins were struck and Khutba was read in the name of Timur and his successor Shahrukh.

Mubarak Shah (1421-34)

➢ He succeeded Khizr at the throne one after his successful expeditions against Mewatis, Katehars and the
Gangetic Doab area.
➢ He was killed and deposed by the nobles in his own court.

Muhammad Shah (1434-43)

➢ The nobles put Muhammad Shah on the throne, but he could not survive the in-fight among the nobles in
the court.
➢ He was authorised to rule only an area around 30 miles, and rest of the sultanate were ruled by nobles.
➢ Yahya-bin-Ahmed Sirhindi wrote Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi (History of Muhammad Shah of Sayyid
Dynasty).

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 Alam Shah (1443-51)
➢ The last Sayyid king descended in favour of Bahlol Lodhi and himself retired. Thus began the Lodhi
dynasty, which confined to Delhi and a few surrounding areas. He founded the Lodhi dynasty.
➢ Thus began the Lodhi dynasty which was confined to Delhi and a few surrounding areas

The Sayyid Dyanasty

Khizr Khan 1414-20 AD
Mubarak Shah 1421-33 AD
Muhammad Shah 1434-43 AD
Alauddin Alam Shah 1443-51 AD

LODHI DYNASTY (1451-1526 AD)

Bahlol Lodhi (1451-1489 AD)
• He founded the Lodhi dynasty.
• Bahlol Lodhi was one of the Afghan Sardar. He established himself in Punjab after the invasion of Timur.
• Bahlol Lodi did not take his seat on the throne but sat on the carpet in front of the throne along with his
nobles in order to get their recognition and support.
• He revived Sultanate to quite an extent and annexed entire Sharqi kingdom.
• He issued Bahlol coins.
• He died in 1489 and was succeeded by his son, Sikandar Lodi.

Lodhi Dynasty
Bahlol Lodhi 1415-89 AD
Sikander Lodhi 1498-1517 AD
Ibrahim Lodhi 1517-1526 AD

Sikander Lodhi (1498-1517 AD)

• Sikander Lodhi was the son of Bahlol Lodhi who conquered Bihar and Tirhut.
• He transferred his capital from Delhi to Agra (city founded by him)
• He broke the sacred images of the Jwalamukhi Temple at Nagarkot and ordered to destroy the temples
of Mathura.
• He took a keen interest in the development of agriculture. He introduced the Gaz-i-Sikandari (Sikandar's
yard) of 32 digits for measuring cultivated fields.
• He set up an efficient espionage and judiciary system and introduced the system of auditing of
accounts.
• He was a poet and wrote verses in Persian under the pen-name of Gulrukhi.
• He repaired the Qutub Minar.

Ibrahim Lodhi (1517-1526AD)

➢ Ibrahim Lodhi was the son of Sikander Lodhi. He was the last king of the Lodhi dynasty and the last
Sultan of Delhi.
➢ Daulat Khan Lodhi, the governor of Punjab, invited Babur to over throw Ibrahim.
➢ Babur accepted the offer and inflicted a crushing defeat on Ibraham in the First Battle of Panipat in
1526 AD.
➢ Ibrahim was killed in the battle and with him ended the Delhi Sultanate.

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CAUSES OF DECLINE OF THE-DELHI SULTANATE
• Despotic and military type of government which did not have the confidence of the people.
• Degeneration of Delhi Sultans (esp. the wild projects of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, Incompetence of Firoz
Tughlaq).
• War of succession as there was no fixed law for succession.
• Greed and incompetency of the nobles.
• Defective military organisation;
• Vastness of empire and poor means of communication.
• Financial instability.
• Number of slaves increased to 1,80,000 in Firoz Tughlaq's time which was a burden on the treasury.
• Invasion of Timur.

Architecture
• Adhai din ka Jhonpra : It was built by Qutubuddin Aibak in Ajmer. It was a Sanskrit college in the
beginning.
• Qutub Minar : It was built in memory of Shaikh Qutubuddin Baktiyar Kaki by Qutubuddin Aibak. Aibek
could built only one storey. It was completed by Illtutmish.
• Tomb of Iltutmish : It is near Quwatul Islam Mosque.
• Sultan Garhi : It was built by Iltutmish on 'the grave of his son Nasiruddin Mahmud'.
• Balban's Tomb : It is situated near Qila-i-Rai-Pithora.
• Alai Darawaja: It was built by Alauddin Khalji.
• Siri : The second city of Delhi was built by Alauddin Khalji.
• Hauz Khas : It was built by Alauddin Khalji.
• Mahal Hazaar Mosque : It was built by Alauddin Khalji.
• Jamait Khana Mosque : It was built by Alauddin Khalji.
• Tughlaqabad : The third city of Delhi was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
• Jahanpanah : The fourth city of Delhi was built by Mohammad Bin Tughlaq.
• Firozabad : The fifth city of Delhi was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
• Tomb of Khan-i-Jahan Maqbul : It was an octagonal tomb built by Jauna Shah in 1368.
• Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi : It has a double dome.

Regional Architecture
Atala Devi Masji -Ibrahim Shah Sharqi in Jaunpur.Its ecial feature is that it has no minaret of the
manual type.
Mandu: it has Hushang Shah’s tomb, JAMI Majid, Hindola Mahal, Jahaz Mahl.
Adina Masjid: it was built by Sikander Shah in Pandua.
Chota Sona Masjid: it was built by Wali Muhammad in the reign in Hussain Shah in Gaur.
Bara Sona Masjid: it was built by Nusrat Shah in Gaur.
Qadam Rasual : it is in Ahmedabad.
Jami Masjid : Gulbarga (Kalaburagi)

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Chand Minar : Daulatabad
College of Mahmud Gawan: Bidar
Gol Gumbad : Tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah, Mirjapur.
Ibrahim Rauza : Tomb of Ibrahim II.

Central Administration

Department Headed/Founded by

Diwan-i-Wizarat (Department of Finance) Wazir

Diwan-i-Ariz (Military Department) Ariz-i-Mumalik

Diwan-i-Insha (Department of Correspondence) Dabir-i-Mumalik

Diwan-i-Risalat (Department of Appeals) Dabir-i-Mulq

Diwan-i-Mustakharaj (Department of Arrears) (by Alauddin Khilji)

Diwan-i-Riyasat (Department of Commerce) Rais-i-Mumalik (by Alauddin Khilji)

Diwan-i-Kohi (Departement of Argriculture) (By Md-bin- Tughlaq)

Diwan-i-Bandgan (Department of Slaves) (by Firoz Tughlaq)

Diwan-i-Khairat (Department of Charity) (by Firoz Tughlaq)

Dian-i-Ishiaq (Department of Pensions) (by Firoz Tughlaq)

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
VIJAYNAGAR AND BAHMANI
• Vijaynagar Kingdom (1336-1580)
• The Sangamas (1336-1485 AD)
• The Tuluvas (1505-1570 AD)
• Vijaynagar Architecture
• Bahmani Kingdom

VIJAYNAGAR KINGDOM (1336-1580)

• Founded in 1336 as a result of the political and cultural movement against the Tughlaq authority in the
South.
• Vijaynagar was ruled by four dynasties:
1. Sangam dynasty
2. Saluva (First Usurpation)
3. Tuluva ( Second Usurpation)
4. Aravidu (Third Usurpation)

The Sangamas (1336-1485 AD)

➢ The empire of Vijaynagar was founded by Harihara-I and Bukka,two of the five sons of Sangama.
➢ They were originally feudatories of Kakatiyas.
➢ Harihara-I was the first ruler. A Bhakti saint Vidyaranya motivated him.

Deva Raya-I
➢ The next ruler was Deva Raya-I(1406-1422). He constructed a dam across the river Tungabhadra to bring
the canals into the city to relieve the shortage of water.
➢ Italian travelers Nicolo Conti and Russian traveller Nikitin visited during his reign.
➢ His court was adorned by the gifted Telegu poet Srinatha, the author of Haravilasam.
➢ There was a Pearl Hall in the palace where he honoured men of eminence.

Deva Raya-II
➢ Deve Raya-II (1423-46) was the greatest Sangama ruler.
➢ During his time, Vijaynagar became the most wealthy and powerful state.
➢ The commoners believed that he was the incarnation of Indra.
➢ He wrote Mahanataka Sudhanidhi and a commentary on the Brahma Sutras of Badaryana (Both in
Sanskrit).
➢ The inscriptions speak of his title Gajabetekara, i.e., the elephant hunter.
➢ Persian ambassador Abdur Razzaq visited his court.

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 ➢ Sangama dynasty was replaced by Saluva dynasty, (1486-1505 AD) which lasted for 2 decades.
➢ Ultimately, a new dynasty called the Tuluva dynasty (1503-69 AD) was founded by Vira Narsimha.

The Tuluvas (1505-1570 AD)

➢ Krishnadeva Raya (1509-29) was their greatest ruler.
➢ Portuguese traveler, Domingo Paes, wrote high about him. Berbosa also came as a traveler.
➢ He was a warrior, an administrator and a patron of art and literature.
➢ Built a new city Nagalapuram and decorated it with Hazara temple and Vithalswamy temple.
➢ His political ideas are contained in his Telegu work Amuktamalyada (also Jambavati Kalyanam in
Sanskrit).
➢ As a great patron of literature, he was known as Abhinava Bhoja, Andhra Pitamaha and Andhra
Bhoja.
➢ Eight great poets of Telugu, known as Ashta Diggaja adorned his court.
➢ Pedanna wrote Manucharitam, while Tenalirama was the author of Panduranga Mahatyam.
➢ The successors of Krishnadeva Raya were weak and incompetent rulers.
➢ Achyuta Raya followed him. .
➢ A Portuguese traveler Fernoa Nuniz came during his reign.
➢ Sadasiva, the last ruler of the dynasty, was a puppet in the hands of his PM, Rama Raya, who was an able
but arrogant man.
➢ In 1565, Battle of Talikota was fought between an alliance of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golkonda and Bidar
on one side and Sadasiva on the other side. Sadasiva was defeated.
➢ After that, Aravidu dynasty (1570-1650 AD) was founded by Rama Raya's brother, Thinimala.
➢ Aravidu dynasty lingered on for almost 10 years, but no political influence.
➢ Caesar Frederick (1567-68 AD) visited Vijaynagar after the Battle of Talikota.

Vijaynagar Architecture
➢ Pioneered a new style of architecture called as Provida style (prominence of pillar, and piers).
➢ Horse was the most common animal on the pillars.
➢ Another important feature was the Mandapa or open pavilion with a raised platform, meant for seating
deities.
➢ The Vijaynagar rulers inscribed the stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on the walls of the
various temples.
➢ Hazara temple and Vithalswami temples are examples of this type of wall inscription.
➢ Important temples were Vithalswami and Hazara temples at Hampi, Tadapatri and Paravati temples
at Chidambaram and Varadraja and Ekambarnatha temples at Kanchipuram.

BAHMANI KINGDOM
1. Founded in 1347 by Abul Muzaffar during the reign of Mohammad Bin Tughlaq.
2. Gulbarga was his capital, renamed it as Ahsanabad.
3. Ahmad Shah transferred his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar.
4. Humayun, a Bahmani Sultan, was called Zalim.
5. Khawaja Mahmud Gawan was the chief advisor of Mohammad Shah-III.
6. He captured Goa from Vijaynagar and looted the Kanchi temples.

By the end of the 15th century the Bahmani Kingdom was split into 5 independent units :

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• Bijapur (1489) Adil Shahi dylnasty;
• Ahmednagar (1490) : Nizam Shahi dynasty
• Berar (1484) : Imad Shahi dynasty
• Qutbshahis of Golconda
• Bidar (1526) :Barid Shahi dynasty.

Bijapur (1489) Adil Shahi dylnasty

• Adil Shahi of Bijapur (1490-1686)
• Founded by Yusuf Adil Shah
• Greatest ruler was Ibrahim Adil Shah.
• Introduced Dakhirii in place of Persian as court language.
• Gol Gumbaz, was built by Muhammad Adil Shah.
• It is also famous for the so-called Wispering Gallery.
• Bijapur was later conquered and annexed by Aurangzeb (1687).

Ahmednagar (1490) : Nizam Shahi dynasty

• Nizam Shahi of Ahmednagar (1490-1633)
• Founder of city of Ahmednagar and the Kingdom was Ahmad Nizam-Shah.
• Later conquered and annexed by Shah Jahan (1633).

Berar (1484) : Imad Shahi dynasty

• Imad Shahi of Berar (1490-1574)
• Founded by Fataullah Khan Imad-ul-mulk with Daulatabad as capital
• Later it was conquered and annexed by one of the Nizam of Ahmednagar.
Golconda (1512) : Qutub Shahi dynasty
• Qutub Shahi of Golconda. (1518-1687)
• Founded, by Quli Qutub Shah (1518-43) who built the famous Golconda fort and made it his capital.
• Another Qutub Shahi ruler, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, was the greatest of all and it was he who
founded the city of Hyderabad (originally known as Bhagyanagar after the name of the Sultaa's
favourite, Bhagyamati) and he also built the famous Charminar.
• Most important port of Qutub Shahi Kingdom was.Masulipatnam.
• The kingdom was later annexed by Aurangzeb (1687).
Bidar (1526) :Barid Shahi dynasty.
• Barid Shahi of Bidar (1528-1619) : Founded by Ali Band.
• It was later annexed by the Adil Shahis of Bijapur.

Year Founder Dynasty Annexation

Kingdom
Berar 1484 Fataullah Imad Ahmednagar
Shah Shahi
Bijapur 1489 Yusuf Adil Adil Shahi Aurangzeb
Ahmednagar 1490 Ahmed Nizam Shah Jahan
Nizam Shahi
Shah
Golconda 1512 Quli Shah Qutub Aurangzeb
Shahi
Bidar 1526 Amir Ali Barid bijapur
Band Shahi

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 44 - MUGHAL EMPIRE - I

MUGHAL EMPIRE (1526-1857)

• Babur (1526-1530)
• Humayun (1530-1556)
• Akbar (1556-1605)

Babur (1526-1530)
• Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur descended from his father's side from Timur and through his mother from
Chenghiz Khan.
• Originally ruled over Ferghana (Afghanistan). He was invited to attack India by Daulat Khan Lodhi
(Subedar of Punjab), Alam Khan (uncle of Ibrahim Lodhi) and Rana Sanga.
• He defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
• In this, Babur used the Rumi (Ottoman) device of lashing a large number of carts to form a defending wall
with breastwork in between to rest guns (Tulghama system of warfare).
• His artillery was led by Ustad Ali and Mustafa. His victories led to rapid popularisation of gunpowder and
artillery in India.
• He defeated Sangram Singh (Rana Sanga of Mewar) in the Battle of Khanwa in 1527. This weakened the
Rajput confederacy and strengthened Babur's position.
• He defeated another Rajput ruler, Medini Rai of Chanderi in the Battle of Chanderi in 1528.
• He defeated the Afghan chiefs under Mahmud Lodhi (brother of Ibrahim Lodi) in the Battle of Ghagra in
1529.
• Died in 1530 and buried at Aram Bagh in Agra, later his body was taken to Aram Bagh, Kabul.
• His memoir, the Tuzuk-i-Baburi in Turki language is a classic of world literature. It shows his
humane outlook and sensitivity to the beauty of nature.

Humayun (1530-1556)
• Humayun was, the son of Babur and Mahim Anga Begum, ascended the throne in 1530.
• His succession was challenged by his brother Kamran, Hindal and Askari alongwith the Afghans.
• Humayun means fortune but he remained the most unfortunate ruler of the Mughal Empire.
• Sher Shah Suri gradually gained power during his time.
• Humayun was attacked by Sher Shah at Chausa in the Battle of Chausa in 1539, but escaped.

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• Humayun was saved by Nizam, a water carrier (saqqa). But in the Battle of Kannauj (or Bilgrama) in
1540, he was defeated by Sher Shah and had to flee.
• First fled to Sind, which was under Shah Hussain Arghuna.
• In 1545, he went to the Persian emperor's court. Passed nearly 12 years in exile.
• Had the chance to return in 1555, Bairam Khan, his most faithful officer, helped him in this.
• After the Battle of Machhiwara against the Afghans and Battle of Sirhind against Sikandar Shah,
Humayun's second coronation was organised.
• He built Dinpanah at Delhi as his second capital in 1533. Shēr Shah, who overthrew Humāyūn in 1540,
razed Din Panah to the ground and built his new capital, the Sher Shahi, now known as Purana Qila fort,
in southeastern Delhi.
• Died in 1556, due to fall from his library building stairs (Sher Mandal, Delhi) seven months after he
captured Delhi.
• His sister, Gulbadan Begum, wrote his biography Humayunama.

Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545) The Afghan Interlude

• Real name was Farad.
• Given the title Sher Khan by Baba Khan Lohani (Governor of Bihar) who appointed him Vakil (deputy).
• He was the son of Hasan khan, the Jagidar of Sasaram.
• Ibrahim Lodhi transferred his father’s Jagir to him. He joined the Babur Khan Lohanis service and then
was appointed as Deputy Governor of Bihar.
• Sher Shah usurped throne as Hazarat-i-Ala. He gained Chunar by marrying Lad Malika, the widow of
governor of Chunar Fort.
• In 1539, he defeated Humayun in the Battle of Chausa and assumed the title Sher Shah as emperor.
• In 1540, he defeated Humayun in the Battle of Kannauj/Bilgram and annexed Kannauj.
• Sher shah’s last campaign was against Kalinjar.
• He succeeded but died from an explosion (fire in the bundle of rockets) in 1545.
• Shershah personally supervised the recruitment of the soldiers and paid them directly.
• He revived Alauddin’s system of branding the horse (daag) and keeping a descriptive roll of soldiers
(chehra).
• Introduced a regular postal service.
• He also attempted to fix standard weights and measures.
• Introduced the silver Rupia and the copper Dam and abolished all old and mixed metal currency.
• He restored the old imperial road called Grand Trunk Road, from the Indus River to Sonargaon in
Bengal.
• Built his tomb at Sasaram.
• Malik Mohammad Jaisi composed Padmavat (in hindi) during his reign.
• Abbas khan Sarwani was his historian, who wrote Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi.
• Shershah was succeeded by Islam Shah (1545-54); Islam Shah by Muhammad Adil Shah (1554-55).

Akbar (1556-1605)
• Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar was the son of Humayun and Hamida Banu Begam.
• He was born at Amarkot in the palace of Rana Virasal in 1542.
• Bairam Khan coronated him at Kalanaur when he was 14 years old.
• Bairam Khan represented him in the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 against Hemu.
• Hemu was the commander-in-chief of Mohammad Adil Shah and had adopted the title of Vikramaditya.
• Between 1556-1560, Akbar ruled under Bairam Khan's regency. (Bairam Khan was assassinated at
Patan, Gujarat, on his way to Mecca by one of his old Afghan enemies).
• Conquered Malwa in 1561 defeating Baz Bahadur.
• He defeated Garh-Katanga (ruled by Rani Durgawati) followed by Chittor and Ranthambhore.

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 • Won Gujarat in 1572. It was in order to commemorate his victory of Gujarat that Akbar got the Buland
Darwaza constructed at Fatehpur Sikri.
• Fought Battle of Haldighati with Mewar forces on 18 June, 1576.
• Mughals were represented by Raja Maan Singh and Rajputs by Rana Pratap Singh. Rajputs were
defeated.
• Raja Maan Singh conquered Bihar, Bengal and Orissa for him.
• In 1586, he conquered Kashmir and in 1593, he conquered Sindh.
• His last conquest was at the fort of Asirgarh in Deccan.
• When Akbar died in 1605, he was buried at Sikandara near Agra.

Important Facts of Akbar's Rule

• Tulsidas (Ramcharitamanas) also lived during Akbar's period.
• Birbal was killed in the battle with Yusufzai Tribe (1586).
• Abul Fazl was murdered by Bir Singh Bundela (1601).
• Akbar gave Mughal India one official language (Persian).
• Ralph Fitch (1585) was the first Englishman to visit Akbar's court.
• Abolished Jaziyah in 1564 and the tax on pilgrims. The use of beef was also forbidden.
• Regularly visited the shrine of Sheikh Muinuddin Chishti at Ajmer.
• Believed in Sulh-i-Kul or peace to.all.
• Built Ibadatkhana (Hall of prayers) at Fatehpur Sikri.
• He used to conduct religious discussions there with : Purshottam Das (Hindu), Maharaji Rana (Parsi),
Harivijaya Suri (Jain), Monserate and Aquaviva (Christian).
• In 1579, Akbar issued the 'Decree of Infallibility'.
• Formulated an order called Tauhid-i-Ilahi (Divine Monotheism) in 1582. Birbal, Abul Fazal and Faizi
joined the order.
• His Land Revenue System was known as Todar Mal Bandobast or Zabti System. Three salient
features of Zabti system were— measurement of land, classification of land and fixation of rates.
Todar Mal and Muzaffar Khan Turbati were the important revenue officers.
• Also introduced the Mansabdari System to organise the nobility as well as the army.
• Mansabdar meant holder of a rank. There were two ranks : Zat and Sawar. Zat fixed the status and
standing in the administrative hierarchy while Sawar fixed the number of troopers held by the
Mansabdar. It wasn't a hereditary system.
Akbar’s Navaratana or Nine Gems
1. Birbal
2. Todarmal
3. Tansen
4. Abdur-Rahim-Khan-i-Khana
5. Faizi
6. Abul Fazl
7. Bhagwan Das
8. Mullah-do-Pyaja
9. Man Singh

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 45 - MUGHAL EMPIRE II
MUGHAL EMPIRE - II
• Jahangir (1605-1627)
• Shahjahan (1628-1658)
• Aurangzeb Alamgir (1658-1707)
• Later Mughals
• Literature of Mughal Period
• Buildings of Mughal Period

Jahangir (1605-1627)
• Akbar's eldest son Salim assumed the title of Jahangir and ascended the throne.
• He mostly lived in Lahore which he adorned with gardens and buildings. But soon, his eldest son
Khusrau revolted, which was suppressed.
• The fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev had helped Khusrau. So he was also executed after 5 days of torture.
• Rana Amar Singh (son of Maharana Pratap) of Mewar submitted before Jahangir in 1615.
• Rana's Son Karan Singh was made a Mansabdar in the Mughal court.
• His greatest failure was the loss of Kandahar to Persia in 1622.
• The most important event in Jahangir's life was his marriage to Mehrun Nisa, the widow of Sher Afghan
in 1611. The title of Nur Jahan was conferred on her. She had great influence on Jahangir's life, as she
was given the status of Padshah Begum, coins were struck in her name and all royal farmans bore her
name.
• He also married Manmati/Jagat Gosai/Jodha Bai of Marwar, and a Kachhwara Princess.
• Had a chain of justice outside his palace in Agra (called Zanzir-i-Adil).
• He also laid a number of gardens, such as the Shalimar and Nishat gardens in Kashmir.
• Captain Hawkins (1608-1611) and Sir Thomas Roe (1615-1619) visited his court.
• Due to the efforts of Sir Thomas Roe English factories were established at Surat and some other places.
• Pietro Valle, famous Italian traveler came during his reign.
• Tobacco growing started during his reign. It was brought by the Portuguese.

Shahjahan (1628-1658)
• Mother's name Jagat Gosai/Jodha Bai (Daughter of Raja Jagat Singh).
• His childhood name was Khurram. He was crowned in Agra in 1628.
• In 1612, he married Arzumand Banu Begum who became famous as Mumtaz Mahal.
• Had to face revolts in Bundelkhand (Jujhar Singh Bundela of Orchcha) and in the Deccan (Khan
Jahan Lodi) in the initial years.

89
• Shahjahan's policy of annexing the Deccan was quite successful. Ahmednagar was annexed while
Bijapur and Golconda accepted his overlordship.
• Shahjahan also expelled the Portuguese from Hughli, as they were abusing their trading privileges.
• In 1639, Shahjahan secured Kandahar and immediately fortified it. But Persia wrested Kandahar from
the Mughals in 1694. Shahjahan sent three expeditions to recover Kandahar, but all failed.
• Made his son, Aurangzeb, the Viceroy of Deccan in 1636. Aurangzeb's first tenure was till 1644.
Aurangzeb's second term as Viceroy in Deccan began in 1653 and continued till 1658. Aurangzeb built
an effective Revenue System there (Murshid Quli Khan was his dewan there).
• His reign is considered the 'Golden Age' of the Mughal Empire. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Taj
Mahal are some of magnificent structures built during his reign. He was buried at Taj Mahal (Agra).
• Note : The Taj Mahal is the most famous building of Shah Jahan. It was built at Agra on the banks of
river Yamuna, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. It was built by Ustad Isa, the chief architect of
that time. The estimated cost was about Rs. 20 lakhs and took nearly 22 years to complete it.
• Shahjahan's reign is described by French traveller Manucci.
• Peter Mundy described the famine that occurred during Shahjahan's time and the timely measures
taken by the emperor.

Aurangzeb Alamgir (1658-1707)

• At the time of Shahjahan's illness, there was a brutal war of succession among his four sons — Dara,
Shuja, Aurangzeb and Murad. Dara was his favourite but Aurangzeb was the ablest one.
• Ultimately, Aurangzeb took control and Shahjahan was made the prisoner in the Agra Fort (till death in
1666), being looked after by his daughter, Jahan Ara.
• Aurangzeb first defeated the Imperial army at Battle of Dharmat and then defeated a force led by Dara
in the Battle of Samugarh. Thereafter, he entered Agra and crowned himself with the title of Alamgir
(conqueror of the world).
• In his rule, various rebellions took place :
1. Jat peasantry at Mathura
2. Satnami peasantry in Punjab
3. Bundelas in Bundelkhand.
• He caused serious rift in the Mughal-Rajput alliance by his policy of annexation of Marwar in 1639 after
the death of Raja Jaswant Singh.
• In 1675, he ordered the arrest and execution of ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
• In 1679, he reimposed Jaziyah. Also, Nauroj, singing in the court, and the practice of jharokha-darshan
were banned. Also forbade inscription of Kalima (the Muslim credo) on the coins.
• When he was conducting the campaign against Marwar, his son Akbar rebelled in 1681.
• The Mughal conquests reached the territorial climax during his reign, as Bijapur (1686) and Golconda
(1687) were annexed to the Mughal Empire.
• The Mughal Empire stretched from Kashmir in the north to Jinji in the south, from the Hindukush in
the west to Chittagong in the east.
• He was called a ‘Darvesh' or a `Zinda Pir'. He also forbade Sati.
• Decline of the Mughal Empire : After Aurangzeb, the Mughal empire rapidly declined.
• Important causes of the decline were:
1. Aurangzeb's Rajput, Deccan and religious policies;
2. Weak successors;
3. Wars of succession;
4. Factionalism among nobles after Aurangzeb;
5. Jagirdari Crisis;
6. Growth of Maratha and other regional powers;

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 7. Foreign invasions by Nadir Shah (1739) and Abdali;
8. British Conquest of India.

Later Mughals
• Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712) : Assumed the title of Shah Alam I; Was also known as Shah-i-Bekhabar;
He made peace with Guru Gobind Singh and Chhatrasal; He granted Sardeshmukhi to Marathas and also
released Shahu.
• Jahandar Shah (1712-13) : First puppet Mughal emperor; He abolished jaziya.
• Farrukhsiyar (1713-19) : Ascended the throne with the help of Sayyid brothers; He executed Banda
Bahadur; Farrukhsiyar himself was murdered by the Sayyid brothers with Maratha help in 1719.
• Mohammad Shah (1719-48) : Nadir Shah (of Egypt) defeated him in the Battle of Karnal (1739) and
took away Peacock throne and Kohinoor diamond; During his tenure, Chin Kilich Khan (Nizam-ul-
Mulk) founded Hyderabad, Murshid Quli Khan founded Bengal and Saddat Khan laid down the
foundation of Awadh out of the realms of Mughal Empire; He was a pleasure-loving king and was nick-
named Rangeela.
• Ahmad Shah (1748-54) : During his period, Safdarjung, the nawab of Awadh, was the Wazir or Prime
Minister of the empire.
• Alamgir II (1754-59) : (Second son of Jahandar Shah); Murdered by conspiracy of Imad-ul-mulk and
Maratha ruler Sadashivrao Bhau. Later, Delhi was plundered by Marathas.
• Shah Alam II (1759-1806) : Nazib Khan become very powerful in Delhi so much so that he could not
enter Delhi for 12 years. Shah Alam II joined hands with Mir Qasim of Bengal and Shuja-ud-Daula
of Awadh in the Battle of Buxar against the British in 1764. They were defeated.
• Akbar II (1806-37) : He gave Rammohan Roy the title Raja and sent him to London to seek a raise in
his allowance.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar II (1837-57) : He was confined by the British to the Red Fort. During the revolt of
1857, he was proclaimed the Emperor by the rebels, He was deported to Rangoon after that.

Literature of Mughal Period

Author Work
Babur Tuzuk-i-Babari
Abul Fazal Ain-i-Akbari, Akbarnama
Abdul Qadir Badauni Kitab-ul-Ahadish, Tarikh-i-Ailfi, Muntakhab-ul-Tawarikh
Khwaja Nizamuddi Tabaqat-i-Akbari
Jahangir Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
Hamid Padshahnama
Khafi Khan Muntakhab-i-Lubab
Darashikoh Majm-ul-Bahrain
Mirza Md. Qazim Alamgirnama
Ishwar Das Nagar Fatuhat-i-Alamgir

Buildings of Mughal Period

Emperor Buildings
Babur Two mosques : One in Panipat, one in Sambhal
Humayun Jamail Mosque
Mosque of Isra Khan
Akbar Agra Fort ;
In Fatehpur Sikri-
Panch Mahal
Diwan-i-Khas

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 Diwan-i-Aam
Jodhabai’s palace
Sheikh Salim Chisti tomb
Buland Darwaza (53 m high)
own tomb at Sikandra
Jahangir Moti Masjid (Lahore)
Own tomb at Shahdara (Lahore)
Shahjahan Taj Mahal
Moti Masjid (Agra)
Jama Masjid , Red Fort
Shalimar Bagh (Lahore)
Sheesh Mahal
Aurangzeb Moti Masjid (Delhi)
Padshahi Mosque (Lahore)
Bibi-ka-Maqbara (Aurangabad)

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 46 - MARATHA AGE

THE MARATHA AGE

o Shivaji (1627-80)
o Successors of Shivaji
o The Peshwas (1713-1818)

THE MARATHA AGE

Shivaji (1627-80)
➢ Born at Shivneri to Shahji Bhonsle and Jija Bai, he inherited the Jagir of Poona; from his father in 1637.
➢ After the death of his guardian, Dadaji Konda Dev, in 1647, he assumed full charge of his jagir. At the
age of 18, he conquered Torna, built forts at Raigarh and Pratapgarh (1645-1647).
➢ Afzal Khan was deputed by the Adil Shah ruler to punish Shivaji, but later he murdered Afzal in 1659.
➢ Shaista Khan, governor of Deccan, was deputed by Aurangazeb to put down the rising power of Shivaji
in 1660. Shivaji lost Poona and suffered several defeats till he made a bold attack on Shaista's military
camp and plundered Surat (1664) and later Ahmadnagar.
➢ Raja Jai Singh of Amber was then appointed by Aurangazeb to put down Shivaji (1665) and Jai Singh
succeeded in besieging Shivaji in the fort of Purandhar.
➢ The treaty of Purandhar (1665) was signed according to which Shivaji ceded some forts to the Mughals
and paid a visit to the Mughal court at Agra. In 1674, he was coronated at Raigarh and assumed the title
of Haindava Dharmodharak (Protector of Hinduism).
➢ Shivaji died in 1680.

Shivaji's Administration
➢ Shivaji divided his territory under his rule into three provinces, each under' a viceroy. Provinces were
divided into Prams which were sub-divided into Parganas/Tarafs. The lowest unit was village headed by
the Headman/Patel.
➢ Shivaji was helped by the ashtapradhan (eight ministers) which was unlike a council of ministers, each
minister was directly responsible to Shivaji.
➢ Most of the administrative reforms of Shivaji were based on Malik Ambar's (Ahmadnagar) reforms.
Revenue Administration
➢ Chauth was one-fourth of the land revenue paid to the Marathas so as not to be subjected to Maratha
raids.
➢ Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10 per cent on those lands of Maharashtra over which the
Marathas claimed hereditary rights, but which formed part of the Mughal Empire.
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 Successors of Shivaji
➢ Sambhaji (1680-89) : Sambhaji, the elder son, defeated Rajaram, the younger son of Shivaji, in the war
of succession. He provided protection and support to Akbar, the rebellious son of Aurangzeb. He was
captured at Sangamesvar by a Mughal noble and executed.
➢ Rajaram (1689-1700) : He succeeded the throne with the help of the ministers at Raigarh. He fled from
Raigarh to Jinji in 1689 due to a Mughal invasion-in which Raigarh was captured along with Sambhaji's
wife son (Shahu) by the Mughals. Rajaram died at Satara, which had became the capital after the fall of
Jinji to Mughals in 1698. Rajaram created the new post of pratinidhi, thus taking the total number of
ministers to nine.
➢ Shivaji ll and Tarabai (1700-1707) Rajaram was succeeded by his minor son under the guardianship of
his mother Tarabai.
➢ Shahu (1707-1749) : Shahu was released by the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah. Tarabai's army was
defeated by Shahu at the Battle of Khed (1700) and Shahu occupied Satara. But the southern part of the
Maratha kingdom with its capital at Kolhapur continued to be under the control of the descendants of
Rajaram (Shivaji II and later Sambhaji II). Shahu's reign saw the rise of Peshwas and transformation of
the Maratha kingdom into an empire based on the principle of confederacy.
Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan

Peshwa(Mukhya Finance and general administration later he

Pradhan) became

Sar-i- Military Commander

Naubat(Senapati)

Majumdar(Amatya) Revenue and Finance minister

Waqenavis(Mantri) Home Minister

Surunavis(Sachiv) Head of Royal correspondence

Dabir(Sumant) Foreign Minister

PanditRao(Sadar) Head of Charities and religious affairs

Nyayadhish Justice

The Peshwas (1713-1818)

➢ Balaji Viswanath (1713-20) : He began his career as a small revenue official and was given the title of Sena
Karte (marker of the army) by Shahu in 1708. He became the first Peshwa in 1713 and made the post the
most important and powerful as well as hereditary. He played a crucial role in the final victory of Shahu
by winning over almost all the Maratha sardars to the side of Shahu and concluded an agreement with the
Sayyid brothers (1719) by which the Mughal emperor (Farukh Siyar) recognised Shahu as the king of the
swarajya.
➢ Baji Rao I (1720-40) : Baji Rao, the eldest son of Balaji Viswanath, succeeded him as Peshwa at the young
age of 20. He was considered the greatest expert of guerrilla tactics after Shivaji and Maratha power
reached its zenith under him. Under him, several Maratha families became prominent and got themselves
entrenched in different parts of India— (a) the Gaekwad at Baroda (b) the Bhonsles at Nagpur, (c) the
Holkars at Indore, (d) the Scindias at Gwalior and (e) the Peshwas at Poona.
➢ After defeating and expelling the Siddhis of Janjira from the mainland (1722), he conquered Bassein and
Salsetle from the Portuguese (1733). He also defeated the Nizam ul-Mulk near Bhopal and concluded the
treaty of Durai. Sarai by which he got Malwa and Bundelkhand from the latter (1737). He led innumerable

94
 successful expeditions into north India to weaken the Mughal empire and to make the Marathas the
supreme power in India.
➢ Balaji Baji Rao (1740 – 61) : Popularly known as Nana Saheb, he succeeded his father at the age of 20.
After the death of Shahu (1749), the management of all state affairs was left in his hands. In an agreement
with the Mughal emperor (Ahmad Shah), the Peshwa (1752) was to protect the Mughal Empire from
internal & external (Ahmad Shah Abdali) enemies. The Battle of Panipat (January 14, 1761) resulted in
the defeat of the Marathas by Ahmad Shah Abdali and the death of Viswas Rao (son of Nana Saheb). Nana
Saheb died in 1761.
➢ Madhav Rao (1761-72), Narayana Rao (1772-73), Sawai dhav Rao (1773-95), and Baji Rao (1795-1818)
succeeded.

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 47 - RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS OF
MEDIEVAL AGE
• BHAKTI SAINTS
• Ramanuja
• Ramananda
• Kabir
• Namdeva
• Ekanath
• Tukaram
• Ramadasa
• Surdasa
• Tulsi Das
• Chaitanya
• Mirabai
• Dadu Dayal
• SUFISM
• SIKHS

RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS OF MEDIEVAL AGE

BHAKTI SAINTS
(i) Ramanuja : In 11th century, Ramanuja tried to assimilate Bhakti to the tradition of Vedas. He
argued that grace of God was more important than knowledge about him in order to attain salvation.
The tradition established by Ramanuja was followed by a number of thinkers such as
Madhavacharya, Ramananda, Vallabhacharya and others.
(ii) Ramananda was born in Allahabad but settled in Varanasi. He founded the Ramanandi sect. His
disciples were : (a) Kabir (a Muslim weaver); (b) Raidasa (a cobbler); (c) Sena (a barber); (d) Sadhana
(a butcher); (e) Dhanna (a Jat farmer); (f) Naraharai (a goldsmith) and (g) Pipa (a Rajput prince).
(iii) Kabir was brought up in Varanasi. According to him, Ram, Rahim, Allah, etc., were all the same.
His disciples formed the Kabirpanthi sect. His songs are found in Adi Grantha. He condemned the
caste and religious distinction and preached universal brotherhood.

96
 (iv) Jnandeva (1275-96 AD) : He was progenitor of Bhakti movement in Maharashtra.
(v) Namdeva (1270-1350 AD) : He was a Nirguna Upasaka. Some of his abhangas are included in
Guru Granth Sahib.
(vi) Ekanath (1548 AD) : He was opposed to caste distinction and evinced greatest sympathy for men
of low caste.
(vii) Tukaram : He was a farmer's son and a great devotee of Vitthali or Vithoda (Vishnu's Forms).
(viii) Ramadasa (1608) : He established ashramas all over India. It was from him that Shivaji received
the inspiration to overthrow Muslim authority and formed the Kingdom.
(ix) Surdasa (1483-1513 AD) : He belonged to Saguna school. He was a disciple of famous religious
teacher Vallabhacharya. He sang the glory of Krishna's childhood and youth in his Sursagar.
(x) Tulsi Das (1532-1623 AD) : He belonged to Saguna school of Hindu Mystics. He composed the
famous Ramacharitamanas.
(xi) Chaitanya (1486-1533) : One of the great saints of Krishna Bhakti cult and founder of Gaudiya or
Bengal Vaishanavism.
(xii) Mirabai (1498-1576) : The Rathor princess of Merata and daughter-in-law of Rana Sanga of
Mewar. The most well-known woman Bhakti saint of the Krishna cult of Vaishnavism.
(xiii) Dadu Dayal (1544-1603) : A Nirguna Bhakti saint belonging to the tanner caste who was born in
Gujarat but spent his whole life in Rajasthan. Founder of the Dadu panth.
Shankaracharya was born in Kaladi (Kerala) in A.D. 788. He propounded the Advaita philosophy.

In south, the Bhakti movement was led by a series of popular saints called Nayanars and Alvars.
The chief object of their worship ws Shiva and Vishnu respectively. They spoke and wrote in Tamil
and Telugu.

In the 12th Century Lingayat or Vir Shaiva Movement was organised. Its founder was Basava
and his nephew Channabasava who lived at the courts of Kalchuri kings of Karnataka

SUFISM
➢ The word Sufi came out of the word Sooph meaning wool. Those saints among the Muslims who
advocated a life of purity and renunciation were called Sufis.
➢ Sufism sprang from the doctrine of Wahadat-ul Wajud or Unity of Being. This doctrine was propounded
by Ibn-U1-Arabi (1165-1240 AD).
➢ One of the earliest Sufis and a woman saint Rabia of Basra whO laid great emphasis on love as bond
between god and individual soul.
➢ The Sufis were organised in 12 order or Silsilas. The Silsilas were generally led by a prominent mystic
who lived in Khanciah along with his disciples.
➢ The link between the Teacher/Pir and his Disciple/Murid was a vital part of Sufi I - system. Every Pir
nominated a Successor/Walt to carry out work:
➢ There were two broad Sufi orders:
o Bashara – Those who obeyed Islamic laws.
o Beshara – Those who were more liberal.
➢ There were twelve silsilas or orders under the Bashara. The most important ones were Chisti,
Suhrwardi, etc.
➢ The Beshara was also called ‘mast kalandar’. They comprised of wandering monks who were also called
Baba. They did not leave any written accounts.

97
Chisti Silsila
➢ The Chisti order was founded by Khwaja Abdal Chisti in Herat, it was brought to India by Khwaj a
Muinud-din Chisti (1141 - 1236). He arrived at Lahore in 1161 AD and settled at Ajmer about 1206 AD.
➢ The most famous of Chisti saints were Nizamuddin Auliya and. Nasiruddin Chirag-i-Delhi. Auliya was
generally known as Mahbub-i-llahi (beloved of God): They made themselves popular by adopting Musical
recitation Called Saida to create mood of nearness to god.
➢ The Roshaniya Movement was started: by Miya Bayazid Ansari. Shaikh Nuruddin began the Rishi
Movement in Kashimir.

Suhrawardi Silsila
➢ It was founded by Sheikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi. The credit of organising it goes to Sheikh Bahauddin
Zakariya.
➢ Its main centre was Multan. Saints of this order had big Jagirs and had close contact with state.

Firdausi Silsila
➢ Sheikh Badruddin of Samark first established it in Delhi, but later on it moved to Bihar and became the
most influential mystic oldest.
➢ Its most distinguished saint was Sheikh Shamasuddin Yahya Munair who believed in Pantheistic
monoism.

Shattari Silsila
➢ It was founded in India by Shah Abdullah Shattari. However, it gained in popularity under Sheikh
Muhammad Ghauth of-Gwalior. Among his disciple were the famous musician Tansen.
➢ The Shattari saints sought to synthesise Hindu and mystical Muslim thoughts to practice.

Qadiri Silsila
➢ Shah Niamatullah Qadri was probably the first notable saint of this order to enter India but it was. Syed
Muhammad Maui who organised it on effective basis. Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan was
following of the order.

Naqshabandi Silsila
➢ This Silsila was introduced in India by Khwaja Baqi Billah during the later years of Akbar's reign. It
attained a position of great importance in India under the leadership of Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. He was
opposed to pantheistic philosophy and propounded the theory of wandat-al-wujud.

Mahdawi Movement
➢ It was initiated by Syed Muhammad Mahadi of Jaunpur. He concentrated his energies on regeneration of
people.

Raushaniyah Movement
➢ The movement owed its origin to Miyan Bayazid Ansari a native of Jalandhar. He emphasiSed inter
organisation of religious riles and inspired his followers with the ideal of ascetic self-denial.

SIKHS
➢ Guru Nanak founded the Sikh sect. He-started-free community kitchens called Guru ka Langar. He was a
mystic of Nirguna School and reflected the ideas of Kabir. He was followed by Guru Angad and Guru
Amardas.
➢ The next Sikh guru was Ramdas. Akbar had a great veneration for this guru. Akbar granted Ramdas a plot
of land in Amritsar on which the famous Sikh temple or Golden Temple was constructed.

98
➢ Guru Arjundeva (1581-1606) compiled the Adigranth. He helped prince Khusrau which incensed Jahangir,
who killed him in 1606.
➢ Guru Hargovinda (1606-45) gathered a small army around him. He defeated a Mughal army at Sangama
near Amritsar. In 1634, he shifted his headquarters to Kiratpur.
➢ After Har Rai and Harkishan, Tegh. Bahadur became the guru who settled at Anandpur and was later
executed by Aurangzeb in 1675.
➢ Guru Govind Singh instituted the custom of Baptism (Pahul). Those who accepted it were called Khalsa.
He compiled a supplementary granth called the Daswen Padshah ka Granth. An Afghan at Nandur stabbed
him to death in 1708.
➢ Kapur Singh founded the Dal Khalsa

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 49 - MODERN INDIA

ADVENT OF THE EUROPEANS

We will start Modern history from today, hope you all have revised ancient and medieval history.

Advent of The Europeans

• Portuguese
• Dutch
• English
• Danish
• French
• Wars

Portuguese
• Cochin was the early capital of the Portuguese in India. Later on Goa replaced it.
• The Cape route was discovered from Europe to India by Vasco da Gama. He reached the port of
Calicut on the 17 May,1498 and was received by the Hindu ruler of Calicut (Zamorin).
• They established trading stations at Calicut, Cochin and Cannanore.
• Francisco de Almeida : The first Portuguese governor was Francisco de Almeida between 1505-
09 who introduced the policy of Blue Water.
• Alfonso de Albuquerque : Alfonso de Albuquerque arrived in India in 1503, was the second governor
in 1509. He captured Goa from the ruler of Bijapur in 1510. He is known for his policy of Imperialism.
• Nino da Cunha (1529-38) : Transferred his capital from Cochin to Goa (1530) and acquired Diu and
Bassein (1534) from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat
• Martin Alfonso de Souza (1542-45) : The famous Jesuit saint Franrisco Xavier arrived in India
with him.
• In 1661 the King of Portugal gave Bombay to Charles II of England as dowry.

Dutch
• The Dutch East India Company was formed in March, 1602.
• The Dutch set up their first factories at Masulipatam, 1605.
• Pulicat was their main centre in India till 1690, after which Nagapatam replaced it.
• The Dutch replaced the Portuguese as the most dominant power in European trade with the East.
• The Dutch conceded to English after their defeat in the Battle of Bedera/Battle of Chinsura or
Battle of Hooghly in 1759.

100
English
• John Mildenhall was the first Englishman who arrived in India in 1599 by the land route for the
purpose of trade with Indian merchants.
• The English East India company was formed in 1600 and continued its existence till 1858.
• Captain William Hawkins arrived at Jahangir's court (1609) to seek permission to open a factory
at Surat but succeed in 1613.
• In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe came to India as ambassador of James I to Jahangir's court to obtain the
permission to set up factories in different parts of the empire.
• The East India Company acquired Bombay from Charles II on lease. EIC named it as Bombay
presidency.
• Sir George Oxenden became the first Governor of Bombay under the regime of the English
East India Company
• Gerald Aungier was its second governor from 1669 to 1677.
• In 1639, Francis Day obtained the site of Madras from the Raja of Chandragiri with permission to build
a fortified factory,which was named Fart St. George.
• In 1690, Job Charnock established a factory at Sutanuti. The three villages of Sutanuti, Kalikata and
Govindpur were acquired by the British in 1698 and these villages later grew into the city of Calcutta.
• The factory at Sutanuti was fortified in 1696 and this new fortified settlement was named Fort William's
in 1700.

Danish
• The Danes formed an East India Company and arrived in India in 1616.
• They established settlements at Tranquebar (in Tamil Nadu) in 1620 and at Serampore (Bengal) in
1676. Serampore was their headquarters in India.
• They were forced to sell all their settlements in India to the British in 1854.

French
• The French East India Company was set up by Colbert in 1664.
• The first French factory was established by Francois Caron at Surat in 1665.
• A factory at Masulipatam was set up in 1669.
• The French power in India was gained by Lenoir and Dumas (governors) between 1720 and 1742 by
occuping Mahe in the Malabar, Yanam in Coromandal and Karaikal in Tamil Nadu.
• Dupleix as French governor in India in 1742 saw the beginning of Anglo-French conflict (Carnatic
wars).

Company Estb. Capital

Portugese East India

1498 Cochin (1510-30), Goa (1530 – 1961)
Company

Surat (1608-87),
English East India Bombay (from 1687),
1600
Company Masulipattanum (1611-41),
Madras (from 1641)

Pulicut ( Till 1690),

Dutch East India
1602 Negapattanum (1690 onwards)
Company
Bengal ( 1655)

Danish East India

1616 Serampur (Bengal) 1676-1845
Company

French East India Surat (1668-73),

1664
Company Pondicherry (1673-1954)

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S No. Wars Features/Characteristics

1. First Carnatic War (1746-48) First Carnatic War was fought between French and
British forces. Later Madras was captured by French
but returned to the English by the Treaty of Aix-la
Chappalle. It is famous for the Battle of St.Thome, in
which a small French army defeated the Nawab’s
large forec.

2. Second Carnatic War (1749-54) Initially the French under Dupleix has some successes
but at last the English got a hold

3. Third Carnatic War (1758-63) French captured Fort St. David in 1758, but siffred
badly at Wandiwash (1760)

4. Battle of Plassey (1757) The English forces under Robert Clive defeated the
army of Siraj-ud-daula

5. Third Battle of Panipat (1761) Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali

6. Battle of Buxar (1764) The English under Munro defeated Mir Qasim, the
Nawab of Bengal. Shuja-ud-Daula, Nawab of Avadh
and Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor.

7. First Anglo-Mysore War (1766-69) Haider Ali defeated the British. Treaty of Madras was
signed.

8. Second Anglo Mysore War (1780- Warren Hastings attacked French port Mahe, which
84) was in

9. Third Anglo-Mysore Wars (1789-92) Marathas and Nizam aided the Britsih. Cornwallis
captured Bangalore. By Treaty of Srinagapatnam,
Tipu ceded half of his territories.

10. Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) Lord Wellesley attacked and Tipu Sultan died

11. First Anglo-Maratha War (1775- Favoring the cause of Raghunath Rao for
82) Peshwaship, English (Hastings) came in cinflict with
the Marathas. On being defeated, the British had to
sign the humiliating Convention of Wadgaon, British
later signed Treaty of Salbai, renouncing the cause of
Raghoba.

12. Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803- The Marathas Peshwa signed the Subsidiary
06) Alliance and Treaty of Bassein (1802) was signed.
The Maratha confederacy, which did not like the idea
challenged the British power but were defeated by
the British.

13. Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817- Lord Hasting was determined to proclaim British
1818) paramountacy in India. Hasting moved against
Pindaris, transgressed the sovereignty of the

102
 Maratha chief and the war began, the Marathas
were decisively defeated.

14. First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46) Began after the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839. Sikhs
were defeated in all the four battle at Mudki, Feroz
Shah, Aliwal and Sabraon. Treaty of Lahore ended
the War. Sir Henry Lawrence became the first
President.

15. Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49) Dalhousie annexed Punjab. Sir John Lawrence
became the first Chief Commissioner of the Punjab.

103
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 50 - SOCIO RELIGIOUS REFORMS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Socio – Religious Reform Movement
o Raja Rammohan Roy and the Brahmo Samaj
o The Young Bengal Movement
o Swami Dayanand Saraswati and The Arya Samaj
o Prarthana Samaj
o Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Mission
o Theosophical Society
o Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
o Jyotiba Phule
o Aligarh Movement
o The Deoband School
o Sikh Reform Movements
o Parsi Reform Movement
o Saint Ramalinga
o Veda Samaj
o Important Socio-Religious Organisation
o Periyar E.V.

SOCIO – RELIGIOUS REFORMS

Raja Rammohan Roy and the Brahmo Samaj
• He is considered as the first modern man of India.
• Born in 1772 in the Hooghly district of Bengal, he inculcated a brilliant freedom of thought and
rationality.
• He preached that there is only one God. He studied the Bible as well as Hindu and Muslim religious
texts.
• He had excellent command over many languages including English, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, French,
Latin, Greek and Hebrew.
• In 1815, he established the Atmiya Sabha. The work of the Atmiya Sabha was carried on by Maharishi
Debendranath Tagore (father of Rabindranath Tagore), who renamed it as Brahmo Samaj.
• He turned the Brahmo Samaj into a leading social organisation of India. Later, it was developed into the
Brahmo Sabha in August 1828.
• In 1817, he founded the Hindu College (now Presidency College, Calcutta) along with David Hare, a
missionary.

104
• Rammohan Roy started the first Bengali weekly Samvad Kaumudi and edited a Persian Weekly
Mirat-ul-akhbar.
• Rammohan died in Bristol in England in 1833.

The Young Bengal Movement

• Henry Vivian Derozio was the founder of the Young Bengal Movement. He was born in Calcutta in
1809 and taught in the Hindu College, Calcutta. He died of cholera in 1833.
• His followers were known as the Derozians and their movement the Young Bengal Movement.
• They attacked old traditions and decadent customs. They also advocated women's rights and their
education.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati and The Arya Samaj

• The Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati at Bombay in 1875.
• Swami Dayanand (1824-83) was a scholar, a patriot, a social reformer and a revivalist.
• He was born in Kathiawar in Gujarat. He believed that the Vedas were the source of true knowledge.
• His motto was Back to the Vedas.
• He started the Suddhi movement to bring back those Hindus who had converted to other religions to
its fold.
• He wrote the book "Satyartha Prakash" which contains his ideas.
• The Arya Samaj has contributed very much to the spread of education.
• The first Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) School was founded in 1886 at Lahore.

Prarthana Samaj
• The Prarthana Samaj was founded in 1867 in Bombay by Dr. Atmaram Pandurang.
• It was an off-shoot of Brahmo Samaj.
• Justice M.G. Ranade and R.G. Bhandarkar joined it in 1870 and infused new strength to it.
• Justice Ranade promoted the Deccan Education Society.
• It was a reform movement within Hinduism and concentrated on social reforms like inter-dinning, inter-
marriage, widow remarriage and upliftment of women and depressed classes.

Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Mission

• The original name of Swami Vivekananda was Narendranath Dutta (1863-1902) and he became the
most famous disciple of Shri Ramkrishna Paramahamsa.
• He was born in a prosperous Bengali family of Calcutta and was educated in Scottish Church College.
• In 1886, Narendranath took the vow of Sanyasa and was given the name, Vivekananda.
• He preached Vedantic Philosophy.
• Swami Vivekanand participated at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago (USA) in Sept, 1893
and raised the prestige of India and Hinduism very high.
• He founded the Ramkrishna Mission at Belur, in Howrah in 1897.
• It is a social service and charitable society.

Theosophical Society
• The Theosophical Society was founded in New York (USA) in 1875 by Madam H.P. Blavatsky
(Russian lady), and Henry Steel Olcott (American colonel).
• They arrived in India and established their headquarters at Adyar in Madras in 1882.
• Later in 1893, Mrs. Annie Besant arrived in India and took over the leadership of the society after the
death of Olcott.

105
• Mrs. Annie Besant founded the Central Hindu School along with Madan Mohan Malaviya at
Benaras which later developed into the Banaras Hindu University.

Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

• A great educator, humanist and social reformer.
• He was born at Midnapur in Bengal in 1820.
• He rose to be the head Pandit of the Bengali Department of Fort William College.
• Vidyasagar founded many schools for girls.
• He helped J.D. Bethune to establish the Bethune School.
• He founded the Metropolitan Institution in Calcutta.
• He protested against child marriage and favoured widow remarriage which was legalised by the
Widow Remarriage Act (1856).
• It was due to his great support for the spread of education that he was given the title of Vidyasagar.

Jyotiba Phule
• Jyotiba Phule belonged to a low caste family in Maharashtra.
• He waged a life-long struggle against upper caste domination and Brahmanical supremacy.
• He pioneered the widow remarriage movement in Maharashtra and worked for the education for
women.
• In 1873, he founded the Satyashodak Samaj to fight against the caste system.
• Jyotiba Phule and his wife established the first girls' school at Poona in 1851.

Aligarh Movement
• The Aligarh Movement was started by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-98) for the social and educational
advancement of the Muslims in India.
• In 1866, he started the Mohammad Educational Conference as a general forum for spreading liberal
ideas among the Muslims.
• In 1875, he founded a modern school at Aligarh to promote English education among the Muslims. This
had later grown into the Mohammadan Anglo Oriental College and then into the Aligarh Muslim
University.

The Deoband School

• The orthodox section among the Muslim `Ulema' organised the Deoband Movement.
• Deoband leader Mahmud-ul-Hasan (1851-1920) sought to impart a political and intellectual content to
the religious ideas of the school.
• It was a revivalist movement whose twin objectives .were :
o (i) to propagate among. the Muslims the pure teachings of the Koran and the Hadis and
o (ii) to keep alive the spirit of jihad against the foreign rulers.

106
 Muslim Reform Movement
• The first effort was in 1863, when the Muhammad Literary Society was set up in Calcutta.
• Its aim was to popularize the study of English and Western science.
• It established a number of schools in Bengal.

Sikh Reform Movements

• Baba Dayal Das founded the Nirankari Movement. He insisted the worship of God as nirankar
(formless). His followers wore white clothes and gave up meat' eating.
• The Singh Sabhas started in Lahore and Amritsar in 1870 were aimed at reforming the Sikh society.
They helped to set up the Khalsa College at Amritsar in 1892.i They also encouraged Gurmukhi and
Punjabi literature.
• In 1920, the Akalis started a movement to remove the corrupt Mahants (priests)... from the Sikh
gurudwaras. Later, the Akalis organised themselves into a political party.

Parsi Reform Movement

• The Parsi Religious Reform Association was founded at Bombay by Furdunji Naoroji and S.S. Bengalee
1851.
• They advocated the spread of women's education. They also wanted to reform their marriage customs.

Saint Ramalinga
• Saint Ramalinga was one of the foremost saints of Tamil Nadu in the nineteenth century. He was born
on October 5, 1823 at Marudhur near Chidambaram.
• Developing a deep interest in spiritual life, Ramalinga moved to Karunguli in 1858, a place near Vadalur
where the Saint later settled down.
• In 1865, he founded the Samarasa Suddha Sanmargha Sangha for the promotion of his ideals of
establishing a casteless society. He preached love and compassion to the people. He composed Tim
Arutpa. He introduced the principle that God could be worshipped in the form of Light.

Sri Vaikunda Swamigal

• Sri Vaikunda Swamigal was born in 1809 at Swamithoppu in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.
His original name was Mudichoodum Perumal but he was called Muthukkutty.
• He preached against the caste system and untouchability. He also condemned religious ceremonies.
Many came to his place to worship him and slowly his teachings came to be known as Ayyavazhi.
• By the mid-ninteenth century, Ayyavazhi came to be recognised as a separate religion and spread in the
regions of South Travancore and South Tirunelveli.
• After his death, the religion was spread on the basis of his teachings and the religious books Akilattirattu
Ammanai and Arul Nool.

Veda Samaj
• Called Brahmo Samaj of South.
• Started by Sridharalu Naidu. He translated books of Brahma Dharma into Tamil and Telegu.

Dharma Sabha
• Initiated by Radhakant Deb in 1830.
• Was opposed to reforms and protected orthodoxy, but played an active role in promoting western
education even to girls.

107
 Lokahitawadi
• Started by Gopal Hari Deshmukh. Advocated western education and a rational outlook. He advocated
female education for the upliftment of women.
• As a votary of national self-reliance, he attended Delhi Durbar in 1876, wearing handspun khadi cloth.

Servants of India Society

• Formed by Gopal Krishan Gokhale in 1915.
• It did notable work in providing famine relief and in improving the condition of the tribal.

Radha Swami Movement

• Founded in 1861 by a banker of. Agra, Tulsi Ram, popularly known as Shiv Dayal Saheb or Swami
Maharaj.
• The sect preached belief in one supreme being, the Guru's supreme position and a simple social life for
the believers (the Satsangis).

Periyar E.V.
• Ramaswamy was a great social reformer. In 1921, during the anti-liquor campaign he cut down 1000
coconut trees in his own farm.
• In 1924, he took an active part in the Vaikom Satyagraha. The objective of the Satyagraha was to
secure for untouchables the right to use a road near a temple at Vaikom in Kerala.
• E.V.R. opposed the Varnashrama policy followed in the V.Y.S. Iyer's Seranmadevi Gurugulam.
• During 1920-1925 being in the Congrees Party, he stressed that Congress should accept communal
representation.
• Subsequently in 1925, he started the Self-Respect Movement. The aims of the 'Self -Respect
Movement' were to uplift the Dravidians and to expose the Brahminical tyranny and deceptive methods
by which they controlled all spheres of Hindu life.
• He denounced the caste system, child marriage and enforced widowhood.
• He encouraged inter-caste marriages. He himself conducted many marriages without any rituals. Such
a marriage was known as Self Respect Marriage. He gave secular names to new born babies.
• He attacked the laws of Manu, which he called the basis of the entire Hindu social fabric of caste.
• He founded the Tamil journals Kudiarasu, Puratchi and Viduthalai to propagate his ideals.
• In 1938, Tamil Nadu Women's Conference appreciated the noble services rendered by E.V.R. and he
was given the title Periyar.
• On 27th June 1970 the UNESCO organisation praised and adorned with him the title of "Socrates of
South Asia".

Important Socio-Religious Organisation

Name Founder Year Place

Atmiya Sabha Rammohan Roy 1815 Calcutta
Brahmo Samaj Rammohan Roy 1828 Calcutta
Dharma Sabha Radhakant Dev 1829 Calcutta
Tattvabodhhini Debendranath Tagore 1839 Calcutta
Sabha
Nirankaris Dayal das,Darbara 1840 Punjab
Singh Rattan
Chand, etc
Manav Dharma Durgaram 1844 Surat
Sabha Mancharam
Paramhansa Mandi Dadoba Pandurang 1849 Bombay
108
Namdharis Ram singh 1857 Punjab
Radha Swami Tulsi Ram 1861 Agra
Satsang
Brahmo Samaj of Keshab Chandra Sen 1866 Calcutta
India
Dar-ul-Ulum Maulana Hussain 1866 Deoband
Ahmed
Prarthna Samaj Atmaram Pandurang 1867 Bombay
Arya Samaj Swami Dayanand 1875 Bombay
Saraswati
Theosophical Society Madam 1875 New York
H.P.Blavatsky
and Col H.S.
Olcott
Sadharan Brahmo Anand Mohan Bose 1878 Calcutta
Samaj
Deccan Education G.G. Agarkar 1884 Pune
Society
Muhammadan Syed Ahmad Khan 1886 Aligarh
Eduacational
Conference
Indian National M.G.Ranade 1887 Bombay
Conference
Deva Samaj Shivnarayan 1887 Lahore
Agnihotri
Nadwat-ul-Ulama Maulana Shibli 1894 Lucknow
Numani
Ramakrishna Swami Vivekanand 1897 Belur
Mission
Servants of Indian Gopal Krishna 1905 Bombay
Society Gokhale
Poona Seva Sadan Mrs. Ramabai Ranade 1909 Pune
and G.K.
Devadhar
Social Service League N.M. Joshi 1911 Bombay
Seva Samiti H.N. Kunzru 1914 Allahabad

109
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 51 - 1857 Revolt
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
o Causes of the Revolt of 1857
o Main events of the Revolt
o Important Books on 1857
o Who Said What about 1857 Revolt
o Causes for the failure of the revolt of 1857
o Results of the Revolt of 1857

THE GREAT REVOLT OF 1857

• The biggest challenge to British authority came in 1857. The' revolt of 1857 began with a mutiny of the
soldiers. The 1857 Revolt sowed the seeds of Indian nationalism, which lay dormant in the subconscious
of the Indian people.
• The revolt occurred during the Governor Generalship of Lord Canning.

Causes of the Revolt of 1857

Political Causes
• The British policies of annexation and expansion created suspicion in the minds of the Indians. Lord
Wellesley's Subsidiary Alliance and Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse made the Indian rulers, the dead
enemies of the English..
• The discontent and disaffection manifested by Indian.
• All high posts were reserved only for the English. It created ill feeling against the English.

Economic Causes
• Under the British rule, the economic condition of the people had deteriorated.
• The introduction of machine made goods by the British destroyed the indigenous industries. Hundreds
of people lost their employment.
• The new plantation system introduced in 1833 resulted in incalculable misery for the Indian peasants.
This was the result of permitting Englishmen to acquire land plantations in India. The hard hits were
the peasants on the indigo plantations in Bengal and Bihar.

110
 Social and Religious Causes
• The introduction of railways, telegraphs and western education created suspicion in the minds of the
people, who thought that the British would convert them to Christianity.
• The Christian missionaries began to affect the wholesale conversion of the Indians. The Englishmen
showed an arrogant attitude towards the Indians.
• The English had begun to interfere in the religious affairs by abolishing sati and child marriage and
encouraging widow remarriage. The Hindu law of property was changed with a view to facilitate the
conversion of the Hindus to Christianity.

Military Causes
• The Indian Sepoys had numerous grievances against the British. The Indian sepoys in the British Indian
army nursed a sense of strong resentment at their low salary and poor prospects of promotion.
Dissatisfaction was with the order that abolished the foreign allowance or batta when they served in
foreign territories.
• The British military officers at times showed least respect to the social values and religious sentiments
of Indian sepoys in the army.
• The General Service Enlistment Act passed in 1856 created great bitterness among Indian soldiers as
they were reluctant to go overseas.
• The sepoys were asked to trim their moustaches and beards. They were also ordered to remove their caste
marks on their forehead and to replace the turban with leather hat. The Hindus and the Muslims felt
that it was against their religion. The Sikhs never trim their hair or beard. This hurt them deeply.
• The Vellore mutiny of 1806, a precursor to the 1857 Great Revolt, was the outcome of such tendencies on
the part of the military authorities.

Immediate Cause
• The introduction of greased cartridges in the new Enfield Rifle.
• These cartridges had to be bitten by the sepoys in order to fit them in the New Rifles.
• These cartridges were greased with the fat of the cow and pig.
• The sepoys got infuriated and refused to use them as cow was considered sacred by the Hindus and the
pig was detested by the Muslims.
• Both the Hindus and the Muslims refused to use this greased cartridges.

Main events of the Revolt

➢ The first soldier to protest against the greased cartridge was Mangal Pandey, the Brahmin Sepoy, at
Barrackpore in Bengal.
➢ He refused to use the cartridges and shot his officer dead on 29 March 1857. He was arrested and hanged
to death.
➢ At Meerut in May 1857, the 85 sepoys of the 3rd Cavalry regiment were sentenced to long terms of
imprisonment for refusing to use the greased catridges.
➢ Therefore, on 10 May 1857 the sepoys broke out in open rebellion, shot their officers, released their fellow
sepoys and headed towards Delhi.
➢ General Hewitt the officer commanding at Meerut was helpless to prevent the army's march.
➢ The city of Delhi fell into the hands of the rebellious soldiers on 12 May, 1857.
➢ Then Bahadur Shah-II, the old Mughal Emperor was declared as Emperor of India.

111
 Centre Starting Ending Date Indian Leader British
Date Suppressor
Delhi 11 May, 1857 20 Sept, 1857 Bahadur Shah Zafar John Nicholson
II and
Bakht Khan
(Commanding
General)
Kanpur 4 June, 1857 4 Dec, 1857 Nana Sahib and his Colin Campbell
loyal commander
Tantiya Tope
Lucknow 4 June, 1857 21 Mar. 1858 Begum Hazart Mhal Colin Campbell
Jhansi 4 June, 1857 18 June, 1858 Rani Laxmi Bai Huge Rose
Allahabad 5 June, 1857 March, 1858 Liyaqat Ali Colonel Neil
Jagdishpur Aug. 1857 Dec. 1858 Kunwar singh and William Taylor and
Amar Singh Vincent Eyre

Important Books on 1857

Books Author

The first Indian War of Independence 1857-59 Karl Marx

Causes of Indian Revolt Sayed Ahmad Khan

The Indian War of Independence V.D. Savarkar

The Sepoy Mutiny and the Rebellion of 1857 R.C. Mazumdar

Civil Rebellion in Indian Mutinies S.B. Chowdhury

Rebellion, 1857 : A Symposium P.C. Joshi

Who Said What about 1857 Revolt

• British Historians - A Mutiny, due to the use of greased cartridges.
• Disraeli (Opposition Leader) - A national revolt rooted in deep mistrust.
• V D Savarkar- First War of Independence.
• S B Choudhary - Civil Rebellion.
• R C Majumdar - Neither first nor national nor a war of independence.
• S N Sen -An effort by the conservative elements to turn the clock back.
• Marxists -A soldier-peasant struggle against foreign and feudal bondage.
• Malleson - Sepoy Mutiny.

Causes for the failure of the Revolt of 1857

• Different sections of society such as moneylenders, merchants and modern educated Indians were actually
against the Revolt.
• The lack of interest shown by the intellectuals in the movement was a serious setback.
• South India remained calm.
• The lack of resources both in men and money proved very disastrous to the freedom fighters.

112
 • The telegraphic network and postal systems helped the British in communications. The railways could
transport the soldiers quickly.
• A great part of the English army including the Sikh, Rajput and the Gurkha battalions remained faithful
to the British Government.
• The British troops were led by good Generals. But the Indian Generals were no match for them. The
British had mastery over the seas and so they could get men and materials from England into India.
• There was no great war or world war like situation in the world against England. This made Britishers
calm and relaxed who made efficient and effective policy to suppress the revolt.

Results of the Revolt of 1857

➢ The Revolt of 1857 put an end to the rule of the English East India Company.
➢ Queen Victoria's Proclamation was issued on November 1, 1858.
➢ The Board of Control and the Court of Directors were abolished and the office of the Secretary of the State
for India and Indian Council was created.
➢ The Governor General of India now came to be called as Viceroy of India.
➢ The Indian army was thoroughly reorganised.
➢ Complete religious freedom was guaranteed to the Indian people.
Queen’s Proclamation of 1858
A Royal Durbar was held at Allahabad on November 1st 1858, where Queens’s Proclamation was
declared.
It was read at the Durbar by Lord Canning who was the last Governor General and the First
Viceroy of India.

Indigo Revolt (1859-60)

➢ The peasants were forced to grow indigo in their lands unwillingly by the European factory owners. The
anger exploded in Govindpur village of Nadia district (Bengal) under Digambar Biswas and Vishnu
Biswas.
➢ Others who played important role were Harish Chandra Mukherjee (editor of the Newgpaper Hindu
Patriot), Dinbandhu Mitra (writer of play, Neel Darpan) and Michael Madhusudan Datta (eminent.
Bengali poet-cum-play writer, who translated Neel Darpan into English).
➢ The Government appointed an Indigo Commission in 1860 and removed some of the abuse of Indigo
cultivation.

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 52 - RISE OF INDIAN NATIONALISM
o Important Organiation before the Indian National Congress
o The Indian National Congress (INC), 1885
o Venue, Year and Presidents of Indian National Congress (INC)

o FAMOUS QUOTES ABOUT INDIAN NATIONAL-CONGRESS (INC)

INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT (1885-1905)

➢ The history of the Indian National Movement can be studied in three important phases
(i) The phase of Moderate (1885-1905) when the Congress continued to be loyal to the British crown.
(ii) The phase of Extremist (1905-1917) witnessed- Swadeshi Movement, rise of militant nationalism
and the Home Rule Movement.
(iii) The phase of Gandhian era (1917-1947)

Important Organiation before the Indian National Congress

Landholder’s Society or 1837/Calcutta Dwarka Nath Tagore

Zamindari Association

British India Society 1839/London William Adams

Bengal British India Society 1843/Calcutta George Thomson

British India Association 1851/Calcutta Dvendranath Tagore and

Radhakant Deb

Madras Native Association 1852/Madras C.Y.Madaliar

Bombay Association 1852/Bombay Jagannath Shanker Sheth

East India Association 1866/London Dadabhai Naoroji

London Indian Society 1865/London Feroz Shah Mehta,

Badruddin Tyyabji,

114
 W.C. Banerji and
Manmohan Ghosh

Indian National Association 1867/London Mary Carpenter

Poona Sarvajanik Sabha 1867/Poona M.G. Ranade, G.V. Joshi

and S.H. Chiplunkar

Indian Society 1872/London Anand Mohan Bose

India League 1875/Calcutta Shishir Kumar Ghosh

Indian Association 1876/Calcutta Anand Mohan Bose and

Surendra Nath
Bannerji

India National Conference 1883/Calcutta Anand Mohan Bose and

Surendra Nath
Bannerji

Madras Mahajan Sabha 1884/Madras P.Rangia Naydu,

V.Raghava-chari,
Anand Charlu, GS
Aiyer

Indian National Union 1884 A.O.Hume

Bombay Presiding 1885/Bombay Firoz Shah Mehta, K.T.

Association Telang and Badruddin
Tyyabji.

(National Conference and Indian National Union merged to form the Indian National Congress in 1885).
The Indian National Congress (INC), 1885
Allan Octavian Hume, a retired civil servant in the British Government took the initiative to form an all-
India organisation. The Indian National Congress was founded and its first session was held at Bombay
in 1885.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay
under the presidentship of W.C. Bannerji, a veteran lawyer of Calcutta.' It was attended by 72 'delegates
from all over India. They 'discussed the problems of all the irrespective of their religion, caste, language
and regions.

115
 FACTS TO REMEMBER

➢ W.C. Bannerjee : 1st President of Indian National Congress (INC).

➢ Badruddin Tyyabji : first Muslim President of INC.
➢ 1st women president of INC : Annie Basant 1917.
➢ Gandhi became the President of INC in 1924 (Belgaum).
➢ Jawahar Lal Nehru became President of INC for the first time in 1929 (Lahore).
➢ S C Bose became the President of INC in 1938 (Haripura) and 1939 (Tripura Sessions)
➢ President of INC during Quit India Movement Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (Ramgarh) and no
sessions during 1941-45 due to arrests and jailing of all eminent leaders.

Venue, Year and Presidents of Indian National Congress (INC)

YEAR VENUE PRESIDENT

1885, 1892 Bombay, W. C. Bannerji

Allahabad

1886, 1893 Calcutta, Lahore Dadabhai Naoroji

1906 Calcutta

1887 Madras Badruddin Tyyabji (first Muslim

President)

1888 Allahabad George Yule (first English President)

1889 Bombay Sir William Wedderburn

1890 Calcutta Sir Feroze S. Mehta

1895, 1902 Poona, S.N. Bannerjee

Ahmedabad

1905 Banaras G.K. Gokhale

1907, 1908 Surat, Madras Ras, Behari Ghosh

1909 Lahore M.M. Malaviya

1916 Lucknow A.C. Majumdar (Re union of the

Congress)

1917 Calcutta Annie Besant (first woman President)

1919 Amritsar Motilal Nehru

1920 Calcutta (sp, Lal lajpat Rai

session)

116
 1921, 1922 Ahmedabad, Gaya C.R. Das

1923 Delhi (sp, session) Abul Kalam Azad (youngest President)

1924 Belgaon M.K.Gandhi

1925 Kanpur Sarojini Naidu (first Indian woman

President)

1928 Calcutta Motilal Nehru(first all India Youth

Congress)

1929 Lahore J.L. Nehru (Poorna Swaraj resolution

was passed)

1931 Karachi Vallabhbhai Patel (Resolution on

Fundamental Rights) and the
National Economic Programme
was passed)

1932, 1933 Delhi, Calcutta (Session Banned)

1934 Bombay Rajendra Prasad

1936 Lucknow J.L.Nehru

1937 Faizpur J.L.Nehru (first session in a village)

1938 Haripura S.C. Bose (a National Planning

Committee set up under J.L.
Nehru)

1939 Tripuri S.C. Bose was re-elected but had to

resign due to protest by Gandhi ji
(as Gandhiji supported Dr. Pttabhi
Sitaramayya). Rajendra Prasad
was appointed in his place.

1940 Ramgarh Abul Kamal Azad

1946 Meerut Acharya J.B. Kriplani

1948 Jaipur Dr. Pattabhi Sitamayya

FAMOUS QUOTES ABOUT INDIAN NATIONAL-CONGRESS (INC)

➢ "The congress in tottering to its fall and one of my great ambitions, while in India, is to assist it to a peaceful
demise."—Lord Curzon (Viceroy 1899-1905)
➢ "INC represents only a microscopic minnitics." —Lord Dufferin (Viceroy 1884-1888)
➢ "INC is a begging institute." —Aurobindo Ghosh (Extremist Leader)
➢ "INC playing with bubbles." —Bipin Chandra Pal (Extremist Leader)
➢ "INC should distinguished between begging and claiming the rights." -Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Extremist
Leader)

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 53 - INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT
o THE PHASE OF MODERATE (1885-1905)

o THE PHASE OF EXTREMIST (1905-1917)

o Partition of Bengal and the Rise of Extremism

o SWADESHI MOVEMENT
o Formation of the Muslim League (1906)
o Surat Split
o Morley Minto Reforms
o The Lucknow Pact (1916)
o The Home Rule Movement (1916)

(I) THE PHASE OF MODERATE (1885-1905)

➢ For a few years the Congress enjoyed the patronage of the British administrators. Between 1885 and 1905,
the Congress leaders were moderates.
➢ The Moderates had faith in the British justice and goodwill. They were called moderates because they
adopted peaceful and constitutional means to achieve their demands.
➢ The leading figures during the first phase of the National Movement were A.O. Hume, W.C. Banerjee,
Surendra Nath Banerjee, Dadabhai Naoroji, Feroze Shah Mehta, Gopalakrishna Gokhale, Pandit Madan
Mohan Malaviya, Badruddin Tyabji, Justice Ranade and G Subramanya Aiyar.

Surendranath Banerjee
➢ Called as the Indian Burke. Founded the Indian Association (1876) to agitate for political reforms. Convened
the Indian National Conference (1883) which merged with the Indian National Congress in 1886.
➢ Firmly opposed the Partition of Bengal.

G. Subramanya Aiyar
➢ Preached nationalism through the Madras Mahajana Sabha. Founded the The. Hindu and Swadesamitran.

Dadabhai Naoroji
➢ Known as Grand Old Man of India. He is regarded as India's unofficial Ambassador in England. He was the
first Indian to become a Member of the British House of Commons.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

➢ Regarded as the political guru of Gandhi. In 1905, he founded the Servants of Indian Society to train Indians
to dedicate their lives to the cause of the country.

118
Methods of Moderates
➢ The Moderates used petitions, resolutions, meetings, leaflets and pamphlets, memorandum and delegations
to present their demands. They confined their political activities to the educated classes only.

(II) THE PHASE OF EXTREMIST (1905-1917)

➢ The period from 1905 was known as the era of extremism in the Indian National Movement. The extremists
or the aggressive nationalists believed that success could be achieved through bold means .
➢ Their main objective was to attain Swaraj or complete independence and not just self-government.
➢ The important extremist leaders were Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo
Ghosh, Chakravarthi Viji Raghvachariar, Aswini Kumar Dutta, Raj Narayan Bose, T. Prakasham,
Chidambaram Pillai, etc.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

➢ He was known as Lokamanya. Regarded as the real founder of the popular anti-British movement in India.
He Organised Ganpati Festival (1893) and Shivaji Festival (1895).
➢ He set up the Home Rule League in 1916 at Poona. Declared Swaraj is my birth-right and I will have it. He
attacked the British through his weeklies. The Mahratha (in English) and The Kesari (in Marathi). He wrote
Geeta Rahasya.

Lala Lajpat Rai

➢ Popularly known as the Lion of Punjab. Founded the Indian Home Rule League in the US in 1916. Also
founded National School at Lahore.
➢ Received fatal injuries while leading a procession against the Simon Commission and died on November 17,
1928.

Bipin Chandra Pal

➢ Began his career as a moderate and turned an extremist. He played an important role in the Swadeshi
Movement. Founded English weekly New India. Also founded Vande Matram.
➢ He preached nationalism through the nook and corner of Indian by his powerful speeches and writings.

Aurobindoa Ghosh
➢ Passed ICS exam. Worked for secret revolutionary societies in Bengal and Maharashtra. Started Bengali
daily Jugantar. Wrote seditious articles in Vande Matram. Put to trial for Maniktalla (Calcutta) Bomb
Conspiracy Case.
➢ After his release he settled in the French territory of Pondicherry and concentrated on spiritual activities.

Methods of the Extremists

➢ They pointed out the forceful means by which the British had taken control of India. They had the spirit of
self reliance and self determination.
➢ The methods used by the extremists were
1. Not cooperating with the British Government by boycotting government courts, schools and colleges.
2. Promotion of Swadeshi and boycott of foreign goods.
3. Introduction and promotion of national edfication.

Partition of Bengal and the Rise of Extremism

➢ The partition of Bengal in 1905 provided a spark for the rise of extremism in the Indian National Movement.
When the partition came into effect, 16 October, 1905, the people of Bengal organised protest meetings and
observed a day of mourning.

119
 The moderate Congressmen were unhappy with the methodology of extremist. They wanted Swaraj
to be achieved through constitutional methods. The differences led to a split in the Congress at
the Surat session in 1907. This is popularly known as the famous Surat Split

➢ The British Government while partitioning Bengal through a Royal proclamation gave justification that it
was being done to stimulate growth of underdeveloped Eastern region of Bengal, the main objective was to
promote the policy of "Divide and Rule".
➢ The idea behind partition of Bengal was, to destroy the political influence of the educated middle class among
whom the Bengali intelligentsia were the most prominent.

SWADESHI MOVEMENT
➢ The Boycott and swadeshi movement had its genesis in the anti-partition movement which was launched to
oppose the British decision to partition of Bengal.
➢ It was in INC's annual session at Benaras in 1905 presided by GK. Gokhale that a decision to launch the
"boycott the foreign goods" campaign was. taken pursued rigorously thereafter.
➢ Extremists Lal-Bal-Pal (Lal Lajpat Rai, B al Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal) and Aurobindo Ghosh
were in favour of extending the movement to the rest of India. They, too, favoured the conversion of anti-
partition movement from Swadeshi and boycott to a full fledged political mass-struggle. The moderates, on
the other hand, wanted it to be confined to Bengal only.
➢ Tilak took the movement to different parts of India. e.g. Poona and Bombay.
➢ Ajit Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai led it in Punjab.
➢ Chidambaram Pillai took the movement to Madras Presidency whereas Syed Haider Raza led it in Delhi.
➢ Places witnessing active public participation were Rawalpindi, Kangra, Jammu, Multan and Haridwar.
➢ The aggressive nationalists forced Dadabhai Naoroji to speak of Swaraj (which was not a Moderate demand)
in the Calcutta Session of Congress in 1906. They adopted the resolutions of Boycott and Swadeshi.

Formation of the Muslim League (1906)

➢ In December 1906, Muslim delegates from all over India met at Dacca for the Muslim Educational
Conference.
➢ Taking advantage of this occasion, Nawab Salimullah of Dacca proposed the setting up of an organisation
to look after the Muslim interests. The proposal was accepted. The All India Muslim League was finally set
up on December 30, 1906.
➢ Their first achievement was the separate electorates for the Muslims in the Minto-Morley reforms (1909).

Calcutta Session of 1906

➢ In December, 1906 at the annual session of the INC at Calcutta presided by Dada Bhai Naoroji, "Swaraj"
was adopted as the goal. He declared in his presidential address that the goal of INC was Swaraj/ self
government like that of United Kingdom.

Surat Split
➢ 1907 was tragic year in the history of Indian National movement when INC split into two groups: (i) the
extremists and (ii) the moderates at the Surat session.
➢ Extremists were led by Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal and moderates were led by Gopal
Krishna Gokhale.
➢ The Surat split weakened the INC and helped strengthening the hands of British government launched a
massive attack on the extremists by suppressing their newspaper and arresting their leaders.
➢ Tilak was sent to Mandalay Jail (Burma) for 6 years. Aur,obindo Ghosh gave up politics and left for
Pondicherry. Lal Lajpat Rai left for Britain and Bipin Chandra Pal left politics temporarily.

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Morley Minto Reforms
➢ During the viceroyship of Lord Minto and secretaryship of Morely, Morley-), Minto reforms were introduced
in 1909.
➢ The reform provided for separates electorate for Muslimsi, the most controversial provision, besides other
constitutional measures. Under this provision, muslims could only vote for muslim candidates. This was
done to create the impression that political, economic and cultural interests of Hindus and Muslims were
separate.

The Lucknow Pact (1916)

➢ During the 1916, Congress session at Lucknow two major events occurred. The divided Congress became
united and an understanding for joint action against the British was reached between the Congress and the
Muslim League and it was called the Lucknow Pact.

The Home Rule Movement (1916)

➢ Two Home Rule Leagues were established. One by B.G. Tilak at Poona on 28 April, 1916 and the other by
Mrs. Annie Besant at Madras in September 1916. The aim of the. Movement was to get self government for
India.
➢ While Tilak's Movement concentrated on Maharashtra, Annie Besant's Movement covered the rest of the
country.
➢ On 20 August 1917, Montague, the Secretary of State in England, made a declaration in the Parliament of
England on British Government's policy towards future political reforms in India. He promised the gradual
development of self-governing institutions in India. This August Declaration led to the end of the Home Rule
Movement.

August Declaration
Montague Declaration After the Lucknow Pact, a British policy was announced which aimed
"increasing association of Indians in every branch of administration or progressive realisation
of responsible -government in India as an integral-part of the is came to be called the August
Declaration. he Montague-Chelmsford Reforms or the Act of 1919 Was based on this-
declaration.

121
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 55 - REOLUTIONARY NATIONALISM
o Indian Revolutionary Organisations in India
o Indian Revolutionary Orgnaisations Formed outside India
o Revolutionary Events/Cases

Revolutionary Movements
Indian Revolutionary Organisations in India

Organisation Year Founder Place

Mitra Mela 1901 Savarkar Brothers Poona

Anusheelan Samiti(I) 1902 Pramath Nath Mitra Midnapur

Abhinav Bharat 1904 Vikram Damodar Savarkar Poona

Swadesh Bandhav Samiti 1905 Ashwini Kumar Dutt Warisal

Anusheelan Samiti (II) 1907 Pulin Bhiar Das Dhaka

Bharat Mata Society 1907 Ajit Singh & Amba Prasad Punjab

Hindustan Republican 1924 Sachindranath Sanyal Kanpur

Association

Bharat Naujawan Sabha 1926 Bhagat Singh Lahore

Hindustan Socialist 1928 Chandrashekhar Azad Delhi

➢ In the first half of the 20th century, revolutionary groups sprang up mainly in Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab
and Madras.
➢ The revolutionaries were not satisfied with the methods of both the moderates and extremists.

Indian Revolutionary Orgnaisations Formed outside India

Organisation Year Founder Place

122
India House 1904 Shyamji Krishna Verma London
Abhinava Bharat 1906 Vikram Damodar Savarkar London
Indian Independence League 1907 Tarak Nath Das California. USA
Ghadar Party 1913 Lala Hardayal San Francisco
Indian Independence League 1914 Lala Hardayal and Virendra Nath Berlin, Germany
Chattopadhyaya League
Indian Independence League 1915 Raja Mahendra Pratap Kabul
and Government
Indian Independence League 1942 Ras Behari Bose Tokyo
Indian national Army 1942 Ras Behari Bose Tokyo

(In 1943, INA was reorganised by Subhash Chandra Bose in Singapore).

Revolutionary Events/Cases
Name of the Year Place Accused
Event/Case

Murder of Rand and 1897 Poona Chapekar Brother, Damodar and

Amherst Balkrishna

Attempt to murder 1908 Muzaffarpur Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki

kingsford

Manikatalla and 1908 Manikatalla, Aurbindo Ghosh

Alipur Bomb Alipur
Conspiracy Case

Murder of Jackson 1909 Nasik Anant Karkare

Attempt to murder 1912 Delhi Ras Bihari Bose and Basant Kumar
Hardinge

Kakori Train Dacoity 1925 Kakori Ram prasad Bismil and

Case Ashafaqualla

Murder of Saunders 1928 Lahore Bhagat Singh

Assembly Bomb Case 1928 Delhi Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar

Dutta

Chittagong Armoury 1930 Chittagong Surya Sen

Dacoity

Murder of Miachell O 1940 London Udham Singh

Dwyer

Hindustan Socialist Republic Association

➢ In October, 1924, a meeting of revolutionaries from all parts of India was called at Kanpur. The meeting
was attended by old revolutionary leaders like Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee and Ram
Piased Bismil and some young revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Shiv Verma, Sukhdev, Bhagwati Charan
Vohra and Chandrashekhar Azad. They set up Hindustan Socialist Republic Association/Army (HSRA).

123
➢ Their three objectives were : (a) To raise the consciousness of people against the futility of Gandhian
movement of non-violence; (b) To perform direct action and revolution to attain complete independence and
(c) To set up a republic of the United States of India on the federal structure.
➢ They carried out a dacoity on the Kakori bound train on the Saharanpur-Lucknow railway line on August
9, 1925. The conspirators were later arrested and hanged (Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla, Roshan Lal and
Rajendra Lahiri).
➢ Bhagat Singh, with his colleagues, shot dead Saunders (Asstt. S.P. of Lahore, who ordered lathi charge on
Lala Lajpat Rai) on December. 17, 1928. Then Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb in the
Central Assembly on April 8, 1929. Thus, he, Raj guru and Sukhdev were hanged on March 23, 1931 at
Lahore Jail (Lahore Conspiracy Case) and their bodies cremated at Hussainiwala near Ferozepur.
➢ In 1929, only Jatin Das died in Lahore jail after 63 days fast to protest against horrible conditions in jail.
➢ Meerut Conspiracy Case started in 1929 and continued for four years against 31 communists accused of
conspiracy against the British sovereign. In this, Muzaffar Ahmed received transportation for life.
➢ Surya Sen, a revolutionary of Bengal, formed the Indian Republic Army in Bengal. In 1930, he
masterminded the raid on Chittagong armoury. He was hanged in 1933.
➢ In 1931, Chandrashekhar Azad shot himself at Alfred Park in Allahabad.

124
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
o DAY 56 - THE PHASE OF GANDHIAN ERA - 1
(1917-1939)

o THE PHASE OF GANDHIAN ERA - 1 (1917-1939)

o Advent of Gandhi
o Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April, 1919)
o CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT (1930-1934)
o Round Table Conference
o Poona Pact (1932)
o Demand for Pakistan
o The Government of India Act, 1935

(III) THE PHASE OF GANDHIAN ERA (1917-1947)

Advent of Gandhi
➢ The third and final phase of the Nationalist Movement (1917-1947) is known as the Gandhian era. During
this period Mahatma Gandhi became the undisputed leader of the National Movement.
➢ His principles of non-violence and Satyagraha were employed against the British Government. Gandhi made
the nationalist movement a mass movement.
➢ Mahatma Gandhi and his experiments with :
(i) Satyagraha against the oppressive European indigo planters at Champaran in Bihar in 1917.
(ii) In 1918, he launched another Satyagraha at Kheda in Gujarat in support of the peasants who were
not able to pay the land tax due to failure of crops. During this struggle, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
emerged as one of the trusted followers of Gandhi.
(iii) In 1918, Gandhi undertook a fast unto death for the cause of Ahmedabad Mill Workers and finally
the mill owners conceded the lust demands of the workers.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April, 1919)

➢ Two prominent leaders of Punjab, Dr Satya Pal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew, were arrested in Amritsar.
➢ The Government of Punjab handed over the administration to the military authorities under General Dyer.
He banned all public meetings and detained the political leaders.
➢ On 13th April, the Baisakhi day (harvest festival), a public meeting was organised at the Jallianwala Bagh
(garden). Dyer marched in and without any warning opened fire on the crowd. The firing continued for about
10 to 15 minutes and it stopped only after the ammunition exhausted.
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 Rowlatt Act (1919)
In 1917, a committee, was set up under the presidentship of Sir Sydne Rowlatt to look into the militant
Nationalist activities:
On the basis of its report the Rowlatt Act was passed in March 1919 by the Legislative Council. as per
this Act, any person could be arrested on the basis of suspicion. No appeal or petition could be
filed against such arrests. This Act was Called the Black Act and it was widely opposed.
An all India hartal was organised on 6 April, 1919.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT (1930-1934)

The Dandi March
➢ On 12 March, 1930, Gandhi began his march to Dandi with his chosen 79 followers to break the salt laws.
He reached the coast of Dandi on 5 April, 1930, after marching a distance of 200 miles and on 6 April formally
launched the Civil Disobedience Movement by breaking the salt laws.
➢ On 9 April, Mahatma Gandhi laid out the programme of the movement which included making of salt in
every village in violation of the existing salt laws.
➢ Gandhi-Irwin Pact (5th March, 1931)
➢ Two moderate statesmen, Sapru and Jayakar, had an instrumental role in bringing approchement between
Mahatma Gandhi and the British government.
➢ The pact known by the name of "Gandhi-Irwin Pact" was signed between the two parties on 5th March, 1931
in Delhi, whereby the congress called off the movement and agreed to join 2nd round table conference.

Lahore Session
On December 29, 1929, under the Presidentship of J.L. Nehru, the INC, at its
Lahore session, declared Poorna Swaraj (complete independence) as its
ultimate goal. On December'31, 1929, the newly adopted tri-colour flag was
unfurled and January 26, 1930 was fixed as the First independence Day
which was to be celebrated every year.' When the government failed to
accept the Nehru Report, the Congress gave a call to launch be Civil
Disobedience Movement.

Round Table Conference

➢ The British government adopted the strategy of talking to different political parties by convening the Round
Table Conferences.
(i) The First Round Table Conference was held in November, 1930 at London and it was boycotted by
the Congress. On 8 March, 1931 the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed. As per this pact, Mahatma
Gandhi agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Second Round
Table Conference.

Poona Pact (1932)

126
 Poona Pact (1932)
By 1930,Dr. Ambedkar had become a leader of national statue championing the
cause of the depressed people of the country. While presenting a real picture
of the condition of these people in the First Round Table Conference, he had
demanded separate electorates for them.

On 16 August, 1932 the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald made an

announcement, which came to be as the Communal Award. According to
this award, the depressed classes were considered as a separate community
and as such provisions were made for separate electroates for them.

Mahatma Gandhi protested against the Communal Award and went on a fast
unto death in the Yeravada jail on 20 September 1932. An agreement was
reached between Dr Ambedkar and Gandhi. This agreement came to be
called as the Poona Pact. Accordingly, 148 seats in different provincial
Legislatures were reserved for the Depressed Classes in place of 71 as
provided in the Communal Award.

(ii) In September, 1931, the Second Round Table Conference was held at London. Mahatma Gandhi
participated in the Conference but returned to India disappointed as no agreement could be reached
on the demand of complete independence and on the communal question.
(iii) The Third Round Table Conference: The Congress once more did not take part in it. Nonetheless, in
March, 1933, the British Government issued a White Paper, which became the basis for the
enactment of the Government of India Act, 1935.

Demand for Pakistan

➢ In 1930, Iqbal suggested that the Frontier Province, Baluchistan, Sind and Kashmir be made the Muslim
State within the federation. Rehmat Ali gave the term Pakistan in 1933. Mohammad Ali Jinnah of Bombay
gave it practicality.
➢ Muslim League first passed the proposal of separate Pakistan in its Lahore session in 1940 (called Jinnah's
Two-Nation Theory). It was drafted by Sikandar Hayat Khan, moved by Fazlul Haq and seconded by
Khaliquzzman.
➢ In December, 1943, the Karachi session of the Muslim League adopted the slogan-Divide and Quit.

The Government of India Act, 1935

➢ The Simon Commission Report formed the basis of Government of India Act, 1935.
➢ Main Highlights
• Provided for federal form of government.
• Provincial autonomy was introduced.
• Dyarchy in provinces was abolished.
• Ministers were made responsible to the legislative and federation at the centre.
➢ The congress though opposed the act, it contested the elections under the provision of this act and formed
ministries, first in 6 provinces and then in another two.

Resignation of Congress Ministries

➢ The Second World War broke out in Europe on 2nd September, 1939 that made Britain a party to it.

127
➢ Without consulting the Indian leaders, the viceroy declared India also a belligerent country. In response to
this, the congress took the stand that India wouldn't associate herself in a war said to be for a democratic
freedom when the freedom was denied to her.
➢ The congress demanded India be declared free. This demand when rejected by the viceroy, the congress
ministries resigned in protest.

128
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
o DAY 57 - Towards Independence(1939-1947)
o THE PHASE OF GANDHIAN ERA - 2 (1939-1947)

o Individual Satyagraha
o August Offer-August 8, 1940
o Cripps Mission (1942)
o Quit India Movement (1942-1944)
o C.R. Formula
o Indian National Army
o Wavell Plan and Shimla Conference
o RIN. (Royal Indian Navy) Mutiny: 18 February, 1946
o Cabinet Mission (1946)
o Jinnah's Direct Action Resolution (16 August, 1946)
o Interim Government (2 September, 1946)
o Atlee's Announcement
o Indian Independence Act, 1947
o Mountbatten Plan (1947)
o Integration of States
o Portuguese Colonies
o MISCELLANEIOUS

Individual Satyagraha
➢ During the course of the Second World War in order to secure the cooperation of the Indians, the British
Government made an announcement on 8 August 1940, which came to be known as the August Offer. The
August Offer envisaged that after the War, a representative body of Indians would be set up to frame the
new Constitution.
In January 1932, the Civil Disobedience Movement was resumed. The government responded to it by
arresting Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel and by reimposing the ban on the Congress party.

➢ Gandhi was not satisfied with August Offer and decided to launch Individual Satyagraha. The individual
Satyagraha continued for nearly 15 months.
The Second World War and National Movement
In 1937, elections were held under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1935. Congress Ministries
were formed in seven states of India.
On 1 September 1939 the Second World War broke out. The British Government without consulting the people
of India involved the country in the war. The congress vehemently opposed it and as a mark of protest the
Congress Ministries in the Provinces resigned on 12 December 1939.

129
The Muslim League celebrated that day as the Deliverance Day. In March 1940 the Muslim League demanded
the creation of Pakistan.
➢ Individual Satyagraha was limited, symbolic and non-violent in nature and it was left to Mahatma Gandhi
to choose the Satyagrahis. Acharya Vinoba Bhave was the first to offer Satyagraha and he was sentenced to
three months imprisonment. Jawaharlal Nehru was the second Satyagrahi and imprisoned for four months.

August Offer-August 8, 1940

➢ It offered (i) Dominion status in the unspecified future; (ii), A post-war body to enact the constitution; (iii) to
expand the Governor-General's Executive Council to give full weightage to minority opinion.
➢ It was rejected by the Indian National Congress but it Was accepted by the Muslim League.

Cripps Mission (1942)

➢ The Viceroy Lord Linlithgow expanded his Executive Council by including five more Indians into it in July
1941.
➢ The British Government in its continued effort to secure Indian cooperation in world war II sent Sir Stafford
aims to India on 23 March'1942. This is known as. Cripps Mission,
➢ The main recommendations of Cripps were : (i) The promise of Dominion Status to India; (ii) Protection of
minorities; (iii) Setting up of a Constituent Assembly in which there would be representatives from the
Princely States along with those of the British Provinces, etc.
➢ The major political parties of the country rejected the Cripps proposals. Gandhi called Cripp's proposals as
a Post-dated Cheque.

Quit India Movement (1942-1944)

➢ The failure of the Cripps Mission and the fear of an impending Japanese invasion of India led Mahatma
Gandhi to begin new campaign for the British to quit India.
➢ The All India Congress Committee met at Bombay on 8 August, 1942 and passed the famous Quit India
Resolution. On the same day, Gandhi gave his call of 'Do or Die'.
➢ Mahatma Gandhi was kept in prison at Poona. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad, and other
leaders were imprisoned in the Ahmednagar Fort. At this time, leadership was provided by Ram Manohar
Lohia, Achyuta and S.M. Joshi. The role of Jayaprakash Narayana in this movement was important. Large
number of students also left their schools and colleges to join the movement. The youth of the nation also
participated in this movement with patriotism.
➢ In 1943, as the movement gained further momentum, there were armed attacks on government buildings in
Madras and Bengal. In 1944 Mahatma Gandhi was released from jail.
➢ This movement paved the way for India's freedom. It aroused among Indians the feelings of bravery,
enthusiasm and total sacrifice.

C.R. Formula
➢ In 1944, Chakravarti Rajgopalachari proposed to appoint a commission. This commission will demarcate the
districts in North-West and East where muslims were in majority and a plebiscite based on universal adult
suffrage will decide the issue of separation.
➢ In case of acceptance of partition agreement was to be made for jointly safeguarding defence, commerce and
communication. Muslim league was expected to endorse congress demand for independence.
➢ Jinnah objected to the plan as he wanted only muslims to vote V.D. Savarkar also condemned the plan.

Indian National Army

130
 Indian National Army
On 2 July, 1943, Subhas chandra Bose reached Singapore and gave the rousing
ware cry of Dilli Chalo. He gave the country the slogan of Jai Hind. He was
made the President of Indian Independence League and soon became the
supreme Commander of the Indian National Army. The names of the INA's
three brigades were the (i) Subhas Brigade, (ii) Gandhi Brigade and (iii) Nehru
Brigade. The women's wing of the army was named after Rani Laxmibai. After
Japan's surrender in 1945, the INA failed in its efforts, Under such
circumstances, Subhas went to Taiwan. Then on his way to Tokyo he died on
18 August 1945 in a plane crash.
The trial of the soldiers of INA was held at Red Fort in Delhi. Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai and Tej Bahadur Sapru fought the case on behalf of
the soldiers.

Wavell Plan and Shimla Conference

➢ In order to secure India's support and goodwill Lord Wavell, the viceroy of India came up with a plan known
as "Wavell Plan".
➢ It offered reconstitution of the executive council wherein balanced representation would be given to the main
communities including equal representation to muslims and Hindus.
➢ Immediately after the announcement of Wavell Plan member of the congress workers committee were
released from the jails and a conference to discuss the Wavell plan was convened at Shimla.
➢ Ali Jinnah was adamant that muslim members to be empanelled on executive council should be approved
by muslim league only. This created a dead-lock like situation.

RIN. (Royal Indian Navy) Mutiny: 18 February, 1946

➢ Complaining against rampant racial discrimination, unpalatable food and arrest of B.C. Dutt for scrawling
"Quit India" on the ship, Bombay ratings of HMS Talwar went on strike on 18th February, 1946. HMS
Hindustan mutinied in Karachi.

Cabinet Mission (1946)

➢ After the Second World War II, Lord Atlee became the Prime Minister of England. On 15 March, 1946, Lord
Atlee made a historic announcement in which the right to self determination and the framing of a
Constitution for India were conceded.

Formation of Constituent Assembly (9 Dec., 1946)

The constituent Assembly met on 9 Dec., 1946 to draft constitution. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected
its permanent President. The Muslim League did not join the Assembly.

➢ Three members of the British Cabinet - Pathick Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps and A.V. Alexander were sent
to India. This was known as the Cabinet Mission.
➢ The Cabinet Mission put forward a plan for solution Of the constitutional problem. The Cabinet Mission also
proposed the formation of a Union of India, comprising both the British India and the Princely States. The

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 Union would remain in charge of only foreign affairs, defence and communications leaving the residuary
powers to be vested in the provinces.
➢ A proposal was envisaged for setting up an Interim Government, which would remain in office till a new
government was elected on the basis of the new Constitution framed by the Constituent Assembly.
➢ Both the Muslim League and the Congress accepted the plan. Consequently, elections were held in July,
1946, for the formation of a C4stituent Assembly. The Congress secured 205 out of 214 general seats. The
Muslim League got 73 out of 78 Muslim seats.
➢ An Interim Government was formed under the leadership, of Jawaharlal Nehru on 2 September, 1946.

Jinnah's Direct Action Resolution (16 August, 1946)

➢ Muslim League withdrew its acceptance of the Cabinet Mission Plan on 29 July, 1946. It passed a Direct
action resolution, which condemned both the British Government and the Congress (16 August, 1946).
➢ It resulted in heavy communal riots. Jinnah celebrated Pakistan Day on 27 March, 1947.

Interim Government (2 September, 1946)

➢ On 2 September, 1946, an interim government was formed, Congress members led by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
joined it but the Muslim League did not, on the contrary it withdrew its earlier acceptance of the Cabinet
Mission Plan..

Atlee's Announcement
➢ The then British Prime minister Atlee made the Announcement on 20th February, 1947 that the British
would withdraw from India by 30th June, 1948 and Wavell would be replaced by Lord Mountbatten.

Indian Independence Act, 1947

➢ The British Government accorded formal approval to the Mountbatten Plan by enacting the Indian
Independence Act on 18 July, 1947.
➢ The salient features of this Act were : (i) The partition of the country into India and Pakistan would come
into effect from 15 August, 1947. (ii) The British Government would transfer all powers to these two
Dominions. (iii) A Boundary Commission would demarcate the boundaries of the provinces of the Punjab
and Bengal.
➢ On 15 August, 1947 India, and on the 14th August, Pakistan came into existence as two independent states.
The Radcliff Boundary Commission drew the boundary line separating India and Pakistan.

Mountbatten Plan (1947)

Mountbatten Plan (1947)

On 20 February, 1947, Prime Minister Atlee announced in the House of Commons that the definite
intention of the British Government to transfer power to responsible Indian hands by a date not
later than June 1948.
To effect the transference of power, Atlee decided to send Lord Mountbatten as Viceroy to India. Lord
Mountbatten armed with vast powers became India's Viceroy on 24 March, 1947.
The partition of India and the creation of Pakistan appeared inevitable to him.
After extensive consultation Lord Mountbatten put forth the plan of partition of India on 3 Une, 1947.
The Congress and the Muslim League ultimately approved the Mountbatten Plan.

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➢ Lord Mountbatten was made the first Governor General of Independent India, whereas Mohammad Ali
Jinnah became the first Governor General of Pakistan.
➢ The most tragic incident occurred on 30 January, 1948, when Mahatma Gandhi, on his way to a prayer
meeting was assassinated by Nathuram Godse.

Integration of States
➢ By August 15, 1947, all states except Kashmir, Junagarh and Hyderabad had signed the Instrument of
Accession with India.
➢ The Maharaja of Kashmir acceded to. India in October, 1947 when irregular Pakistani troops invaded his
state.
➢ The Nawab of Junagarh was a Muslim whereas most of its people were Hindus. In February 1948, through
a referendum the people of this state decided to join India. The Nawab of Junagarh, therefore, left for
Pakistan.
➢ The Nizam of Hyderabad was forced to accede to the Indian Union under the pressure of internal anarchy
and military action against him in September, 1948.
➢ French Colonies : By the end of 1954, French colonial rule in Pondicherry, Chandranagar, Mahe, Karaikal
and Yanam came to an end. These territories were integrated with India.

Portuguese Colonies
➢ Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli were the Portuguese colonies in India.
➢ Dadra and Nagar Haveli were liberated from the clutches of the colonial master in 1954 by the freedom
fighter, whereas Goa and Daman & Diu saw the sunrise of freedom in 1961.

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 58 - Historical Personalities

o IMPORTANT HISTORICAL PERSONALITIES OF INDIA

IMPORTANT HISTORICAL PERSONALITIES OF INDIA

➢ Abdul Ghaffar Khan: He was known as the Frontier Gandhi. He was a nationalist Muslim leader of the
North-West Frontier Province. He first started a militant Organization known as the Red Shirt and later on
joined the non-violent Civil Disobedience Movement started by Mahatma Gandhi.
➢ Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan: He was son of Bairam Khan. He rose high in Akbar's service, became the
Khan-i-Khanan or premier noble man in his court. He was a literary man, translated Babur's Tazuk-i-Baburi
into Persian.
➢ Abul Fazl : He wrote Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnamah. He was murdered in 1602 by a Bundela chief at the
instigation of Prince Salim.
➢ Ahilya Bai : She was the widowed daughter-in-law of Malhar Rao Holker (1728-64). On the latter's death,
Ahilya Bai became the ruler of the vast Holkar state with its capital at Indore and administered the state
with great success till her death in 1795.
➢ Amir Khusrau : Assumed Parrot of India, was a famous poet and author who wrote in poetry and prose
and also composed music. He enjoyed the patronage of successive Sultans of Delhi from Balban to Ghiyas-
ud-din Tughluq. He died in 1324-25. His works include Tughluqnamah and the Tarikh-i-Alai.
➢ Banda Bahadur : He became the leader of the sikhs, after the assassination of the tenth guru Govind Singh
in 1708.
➢ Bhaskaracharya : The most celebrated Indian astronomer and mathematician. He wrote Siddhanta
Shiromani.
➢ Raja Birbal : A Rajput chief, voluntarily entered into the service of Emperor Akbar (1556-1605), rose in
high favour and was given the title of Raja.
➢ Anand Mohan Bose (1847-1906) : He was a prominent Indian public man in his times. He was the first
Indian to be a Wrangler of Cambridge University in 1873. He was the founder-secretary of the Indian
Association which was established in Calcutta in 1876 and presided over the 14th session of the Indian
National Congress held in Madras in 1898. Bose was also the first president of the Sadharan Brahma Samaj.
➢ Subhash Chandra Bose : Popularly known as Netaji, was born on January 23, 1879, at Cuttack. He passed
the Indian Civil Service Examination in 1920. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1921. In 1938, he
was the president of the INC at its Haripura session and in 1939, he was elected president of its Tripuri

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 session. In 1943, he took charge of Indian National Army in Singapore.. He supposedly died in a plane crash
on August 18, 1945.
➢ Chand Bardai : He was the court-poet of the Chauhan king Prithviraj of Delhi and Ajmer (A.D. 1170-92).
He wrote an epic called Prithviraja Raso.
➢ Chand Bibi : In 1596, Chand Bibi took the leadership in Ahmednagar and made a gallant and successful
resistance to the Mughal anny led by Akbar's son Prince Murad.
➢ Churaman Jat : Organized the Jats of the Maratha District into a strong military power and offered armed
resistance against the Mughals after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb.
➢ Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917) : He was elected president of the Indian National Congress at its second
session held in Calcutta in 1886. He was the first Indian to be elected a member of the House of Commons
in England on a ticket of Liberal Party. Twice again, in 1893 and in 1906, he was elected president of the
INC. He is called the Grand Old Man of India.
➢ Dadu : Founded the sect known as the Dadupanthis. He was a contemporary of the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan (1627-58) and composed many poems aimed at reconciling Hinduism and Islam. His followers wear
no sectarian emblems and worship no images.
➢ Dara Shikoh : He was the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan born of his queen Mumtaz. He was a scholar
who translated Upanishads into Persian. Aurangzeb had him beheaded, on 30th August 1658.
➢ Dayanand Saraswati Swami (1824-83) : He was the founder of the Arya Samaj (1875). He wanted to
rebuild Hindu religion and society in India. 'Go back to the Vedas', was his motto. He started the Sicklhi
movement, that is to say, the movement for re-converting non-Hindus to Hinduism.
➢ Devapala : Son of Dharampala, was the third king of the Pala dynasty, which ruled over Bengal and Bihar.
Under him the Pala dynasty reached the zenith of its power. He was a great patron of Buddhism.
➢ Dharampala : The second king of the Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar, had a long reign (A.D. 752-94) and
was the real founder of the greatness of the Pala dynasty. He founded Vikramshila University and revived
Nalanda University.
➢ Rani Durgavati : She was one of the most illustrious female rulers of Gondwana, in the history of India.
She was killed in 1564, when Akbar's Mughal army invaded her kingdom.
➢ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi : Better known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on Octbor 2, 1869 at
Porbandar in Gujarat. Became a barrister-at-law (1891) in England. Went to South Africa in 1893. Stayed
there till 1914, for the cause of the emancipation of the Indians from the insulting life to which they had
been so .long condemend in South Africa. Movement launched in India : Non-cooperation movement (1919),
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) and Quit India Movement (1942). He was shot dead by Nathuram
Godse on January 30, 1948.
➢ Gautamiputra Satakarni : A famous king of the Satavahana dynasty, ruled in the first quarter of the
second century A.D.
➢ Aurobindo Ghosh (1872-1950) : An ardent nationalist who later became a saint, was educated in England.
His views were readily accepted by Lala Lajpat Rai of Punjab and Bal Gangadhar Tilak of Maharashtra and
led to the formation of an extremist school within the Congress.
➢ Rasbehari Ghosh : He was elected president of the Surat session of the Indian National Congress in 1907,
in which the Moderates and Extremists came to a serious clash. Next year, he presided over the Madras
session of the INC.
➢ Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1886-1915) : He was a prominent Indian nationalist and presided over the 1895
session of the Indian National Congress. In 1905, he founded, at Ponna, the Servants of India Society. He
died in 1915. He is - considered as the 'Political Guru' of Gandhiji.
➢ Maharaja of Kashmir Gulab Singh : Began his career as a horseman in the cavalry troop of Maharaja
Ranjit Singh of Punjab. After, the treaty of Lahore (1846), the British handed Kashmir to Gulab Singh. The
dynasty founded by him ruled in Kashmir till its integration with India in 1948.

135
➢ Gopala I : He was the founder of the Pala dynasty which ruled over Bengal and Bihar for about four
centuries. He is considered the first elected king of India (700AD).
➢ Guru Gobind Singh : The tenth Guru of the Sikhs, succeeded his father, the ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur
and occupied the position till his murder at Nander in the Deccan by an Afghan in 1708. He was the last
Guru but was the real founder of the Sikh military power. He instituted the ceremony of pahul or baptism.
The brotherhood, he constituted was called the Khalsa or Pure.
➢ Gulbadatt Begum : A daughter of the first Mughal Emperor, B abur(1526-30) She wrote the Humayun-
namah.
➢ Malhar Rao Holkar : The founder of the Holkar family of Indore, rose into prominence by rendering
efficient and loyal service to Peshwa Baji Rao I (1720-40).
➢ Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (1861-1946) : A leading nationalist leader, prominent educationist and
social reformer. Later on joined the second session of the Indian National Congress held in 1886 arid twice
becanie its President in 1909 and 1918. His greatest achievement was the foundation in 1915 in Benaras of
the Hindu University.
➢ Kunwar and Raja Man Singh : He was the grand Son by adoption of Raja Bhar Mall of Amber, entered
into the service of Emperor Akbar in 1562, when Raja Bhar mall made his submission to the Emperor and
gave him his daughter in marriage.
➢ Mir Jafar : He was the Nawab of Bengal from 1757 to 1760 and again from 1764 to 1765. He was puppet in
the hands of English East India Company.
➢ Mohammad Ali : An educated Indian Muhammadan, who along with his brother Shaukat Ali, led the
Khilafat movement in 1920, and joined Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in the Non-
Cooperation Movement.
➢ Muin-ud-din Chisti : Was a Muslim saint whose tomb at Ajmer was frequently visited by Akbar and his
son Jahangir.
➢ Ashutosh Mukherjee (1864-1924) : He was an eminent lawyer and educationist. He was certainly a maker
of modem Bengal. At the early age of 25, he became a member of the Senate of the Calcutta University of
which be become the vice-chancellor for four terms.
➢ Mumtaz Mahal : She was the daughter of Asaf Khan, brother of Nurjahan. Her original name was
Arjumand Bano Begum, was married in 1.61.2 to Jahangir's son Prince Khurram (later on Emperor Shah
Jahan) and was given the name of Mumtaz Mahal (the ornament of the palace).)The marriage proved very
happy and Mumtaz bore to Shah Jahan fourteen children. It was on her tomb that Shah Jahan built the
unrivalled monument called the Taj Mahal.
➢ Nagasena : He was the Buddhist sage or philosopher who is mentioned in the Milindapanho (Dialogues of
Menander) as the learned person with whom Menander discussed the theories and principles of Buddhism.
➢ Mrs. Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949) : The most talented Indian lady, born of Bengali parents, was a poet and
orator who took a prominent part in Indian politics. She presided over the Kanpur session of the Indian
National Congress in 1925 and was the first lady to be appointed a state Governor in the Republic of India.
➢ Nana Sahib (Dhondu Pant): The adopted son of the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II. He played an important role
in the Revolt of 1857 at Kanpur. After the defeat of Tantia Tope and the recapture of Gwalior by the British
on 20 June, 1858, Nana. Sahib escaped and frustrated all British efforts of capture him. He died an unknown
death.
➢ Narsimha Varman : He was the most successful and distinguished king of the Pallava dynasty. The
Dharmaraja Temple at Mamalapuram and the temple of Kailashanath at Kanchi were built by him.
➢ Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) : He was the first Prime Minister of Independent Indian and is
known as the architect of modern India. He was born in Allahabad on November 14, 1889. In 1928 he became
the General Secretary of the Indian National Congress and in 1929 its President. At the Lahore session,
under his Presidentship was passed the Independence Resolution. He became President of the Congress
again in 1936, 1946 and in every session from 1951 to 1954. Nehru was not only a great statesman but a

136
 great orator. His Autobiography was published in 1936 which created world-wide interest. Other works are
India and the World, Discovery of India, Soviet Russia, Glimpses of World History, Unity of India and
Independence and After.
➢ Pandit Motilal Nehru (1861-1931) : A renowned Indian patriot, was born on 6th May, 1861 in Delhi. He
began his career as a lawyer at the Allahabad High Court, joined the Indian National Movement and started
a journal named The Independent to support the cause of Indian Nationalism. Along with C.R. Das, he
formed the Swarajist Party within the Congress. On behalf less of the Indian National Congress, he drew
up, in 1928, a report known as the Nehru Report on the future constitution of India.
➢ Sister Nivedita : A famous disciple of Swami Vivekananda, was an Irish lady named Miss Margaret Nobel.
➢ Nizamuddin Aulia : He was a Sufi saint who settled in Delhi during Akbar's time.
➢ Nurjahan : She was the consort of Emperor Jahangir. Her original name was Mehrunnisa. Jahangir
married her in 1611 and continued to be all powerful during the lifetime of Jahangir. After Jahangir's death
in 1627 she lost all her political power and lived a retired life in Lahore till her death in 1645.
➢ Pandit, Mrs. Vijayalakshmi : Born in 1900, was a talented daughter of Pandit Motilal Nehru. She held
many high offices after Indian kndependence including the post of India's High Commissioner in England
(1955-61) and India's Ambassador to the U.S.S.R. as well as to the U.S.A. She was the president of the U.N.
General Assembly in 1954.
➢ Panini : The celebrated Sanskrit grammarian, was the author of Ashtadhyayi.
➢ Govinda Ballabh Pant : He was one of the leading members and leaders of the Indian National Congress.
He became the Chief Minister in his native province of Uttar Pradesh after independence.
➢ Patanjali : He was the celebrated commentator on the Sanskrit grammar, the Ashtadhyayi of Panini on
which he wrote the famous commentary known as the Mahabhashya (The Great Commentary).

➢ Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel (1875-1950) : A renowned Indian patriot and politician, was born on the
➢ 31 October, 1875 in Gujarat and began his career as a lawyer. He took a leading part in the Bardoli
Satyagraha movement. In 1931, he became the president of the Congress. He joined the "interim
Government" set up in 1946 as the Home Minister. He became the Home Minister and Deputy Prime
Minister after independence and known as the 'Iron Man of India' for his effective handling of the Princely
states after independence.
➢ Dr. Rajendra Prasad: He was the first President of the Republic of India. Born in Bihar in 1884, educated
at the Calcutta University, he began his career as an advocate and soon commanded a very large practice at
Patna High Court. Prasad became the president of Congress in 1934, 1939 and 1947; a minister in Nehru's
cabinet in 1947. From 1946 to 1949, he presided over the Indian Constituent cabinet in 1947. From 1946 to
1949, he presided over the Indian Constituent Assembly. In 1950, he was elected as the first President of
the Republic of India and re-elected in 1952 and again in 1957.
➢ Rana Pratap Singh : The son and successor of Rana Uday Singh of Mewar, ruled from A.D. 1572-597. A
great hero and a true patriot, he decided to stand against immense odds for the maintenance of the
independence of his native land, Mewar against the much superior resources of Emperor Akbar. He was a
Sisoc iya Rajput.
➢ Dr. Sarvapalli Radha Krishnan : Radha Krishnan was appointed as India's ambassador to the USSR in
1949. In 1962, he became the Second President of India. His birthday, Sept 5, is celebrated as Teacher's Day.
➢ Chakravarti Rajagopalachari : A prominent Indian politician, born in South India in 1879. He was the
General Secretary of the Indian Na,tional Congress in 1921-22 and was a member of the Congress Working
Commitee. Rajagopalachari was the Chief Minister of Madras from 1937-39 and again from 1952-54,
supported the idea of the partition of India into India and Pakistan as the price of Indian independence.
Chakravarti became the first Indian Governor of West Bengal in 1947-48 and then first Indian Governor
General of India from 1948-50, and was Home Minister of India from 1950 to 1951.

137
➢ Rajashekhar : He was the teacher of the Pratihara king. Mahendrapal (A. D. 890-910). Of his four dramas,
three are written in Sanskrit and one, named Karpura-Manjari in Prakrit.
➢ Ram Manohar Lohia (1910-1967) : A social and political revolutionary, he founded the Samajwadi Party
after difference of opinion with the Congress.
➢ Ramdas Samarth : The guru or preceptor of Shivaji (1627-80), exercised a great deal of influence in the
shaping of Shivaji's career and character.
➢ Ramakrishan Paramhansa (1834-86) : He was a very great spiritual teacher of the Hindus in modern
tunes. His Two-note worthy (the word) disciples were Keshavchandra Sen and Swami Vivekanand. ›-
➢ Madhav Govinda Ranade (1852-1904) : He became a devoted and enthusiastic member of the Prarthna
Samaj of Bombay. He was one of the founders of the Widow Re-Marriage Association in 1861.

➢ Lain Lajpat Rai (1865-1928): Indian national leader known as Lion of Punjab. Founder editor of Bande
Mataram, The Punjabee and The People. Died of injuries caused by police lathi-charge while leading a
demonstration against Simon Commission at Lahore in 1928. Author of Young India, The Arya Samaj and
England's Debt to India.
➢ Vikram Sarabhai (1019-1971) : Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, First Chairman of Indian
National Committee for Space Research, responsible for Equatorial Rocket Launching Station at Thumba
in Thiruvananthapuram.
➢ V.D.C. Savarkar (1883-1966): He founded Mitra Mandal aimed at achieving freedom by armed. rebellion,
founded Abhinav Bharat,- started Free Indian Society in England (London). Savarkar was arrested in Wasik
conspiracy case and sentenced to transportation for life and freed in 1937. He authored Indian war of
Independence.
➢ Shaikh Salim Chistt: A Sufi saint who dwelt at Sikri, near Agra. Akbar named his eldest son Salim in
honour of the saint.
➢ Shankaracharya: One of the greatest Hindu philosophers of the post-Gupta period, born in southindia in
the Sth century. He was famous for his commentaries on the classical Upanishadas, the Bhagavad Gita and
the Brahma Sutra of Badrayan on which he based, the doctrine of pure monism (advaita).
➢ Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan (1815-98) : He was a prominent leader of the Indian Muhammadans. Remained
loyal to the British during the Sepoy Mutiny (1857- 58), founded the MuhammatimAnglo-Oriental College
at Aligarh in 1875. In 1920, the college was raised to the status of University and called the Aligarh Muslim
University.
➢ Bhagat Singh (1907-1931): Known as Shahid-e-Azam, Founded Naujawan Bharat Sabha. Exploded bomb
in Central Legislative Assembly at Lahore on April 8, 1929. He was arrested and sentenced for life. He along
with Sukh Dev and Shivram Rajguru, was hawdion March 23, 1931 for participating in Lahore conspiracy.
➢ Lai Bahadur Shastri (1904-1966) : Prime Minister of India from May, 1964 to his death on 11 January,
1966. He was conferred Bharat Ratna posthumously. He was a martyr for the cause of peace between India
and Pakistan at Tashkent. Maulana Shaukat All :A prominent leader and politician amongst the Indian
Muhammadans. He along with his brother Muhammad Ali, led the Khilafat Movementin 1919-20. He also
joined the Indian National Congress and the non-cooperation movement.
➢ Rabindranath Tagore (1811-1941): Poet, novelist, patriot, educationist, essayist, painter and philosopher.
He founded Shantiniketan (now Viswabharati University) in West Bengal. The fist Asian to receive Nobel
Prize in Literature (for Gitanjaliin 1913), writer of National Anthems of India and Bangladesh. His other
works include Gora, Post Office, Home and the World etc.
➢ Tansen (1506-1589) : An exponent of Indian classical music, one of the Nay Ratnas in the court of Akbar.
(Real name-Ramtanu).
➢ J.R.D. Tata (1929-1993) : The doyen of Indian Industry for several years, father of Civil Aviation in India,
recipient of Bharat Ratna (1992) and UN Population Award (1992).

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➢ Tata Jamshedji (1850-1940) : Parsi industrialis and philanthropist. Father of Indian industry, founded
Tata Iron and Steel Company in Bihar.

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 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 59 - Governors and Viceroys
GOVERNORS AND VICEROYS
➢ Robert Clive (1757-60): Governor of Bengal from 1757-60 and again from 1765-67; Started dual
government in Bengal in 1765; He forbade the servants of Company from indulging in private trade and
made payment of internal duties obligatory; Bengal white mutiny by white brigades at Allahabad and
Monghyr, they were arrested and tried.
➢ Warren Hastings (1772-85): Introduced settlement of land revenue in 1772 (farming out lands to the
highest bidder); Made appointments of collections and other revenue officials; Codified Hindu and Muslim
laws; Foundation of Asiatic society of Bengal with the help of William Jones in 1784; After his return to
England in 1785, impeachment proceedings were initiated against him in the House of Lords but after a
long trial of 7 years he was eventually acquitted; Dual government was abolished by him in 1772; In 1772,
he created a Diwani and Faujdari Adalat; In 1776, Manu's law was translated into English-code of Gentoo
laws; In 1791, William Jones and Colebrook prepared Digest of Hindu Laws; The regulating Act 1773
appointed him the first governor general; First Anglo-Maratha war took place; Wilkins translated Gita and
Hitopadesa in English.
➢ Lord Cornwallis (1786-93) : During his tenure, in 1791, Sanskrit College, Benaras was founded by
Jonathan Duncan; The permanent settlement introduced in 1793; The police system was introduced; The
districts Faujdari Adalats presided over by Indian Judges were abolished and in their place four circuit
courts were established presided by European covenanted servants; Cornwallis code was introduced. It was
based on separation of powers; The collector was divested of judicial and magisterial powers; he was the
head of revenue administration.
➢ Lord Wellesley (1793-98) : Described himself as the Bengal Tiger; Created the Madras Presidency after
the annexation of the Kingdoms of Tanjore and Carnatic; Introduced the system of subsidiary alliance; The
states that signed the alliance were Hyderabad in 1798 followed by Mysore, Tanjore, Awadh, Peshwa,
Bhonsle, Sindhia, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mecheri , Bundi, Bharatpur, Berar; Signed treaty of Basse with the
Peshwa and fought second Anglo-Maratha war.
➢ Lord Minto (1807-13): Signed treaty of Amritsar in 1809 between Ranjit Singh and the English.
➢ Lord Hastings (1813-23) : He was made Marquess of Hastings due to his success in the Gorkha war of
theAnglo Nepalese war; Signed treaty of Sagauli in 1816 after defeating Gorkha leader Amar Singh;
Abolished Peshwaship and annexed his territories in the Bombay Presidency after the third Anglo-Maratha
war (1818); Introduction of Ryotwari settlement in Madras Presidency by governor Thomas Munro (1820);
Mahalwari (villageCommunity) system of land revenue was made in North-West province by James
Thomson.
➢ Lord Amherst (1823-28) : Received by the Mughal Emperor (Akbar II) on terms of equality in 1827;
Signedtreaty of Yandaboo in 11,826 with lower Burma or Pep by which British merchants were allowed to
settle in southern coast of Burma and Rangoon.

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➢ Lord William Bentinck (1828-35) : First governor general of India by Government of India Act 1833;
Known as benevolent goyernor general; Banned practice of Sati in 1829, suppressed Thugi in 1830 (military
operation led by William Sleeman); Banned female infanticide; Created the province of Agra in 1834; English
was to be courtlanguage in higher courts but Persian continued in lower courts; In 1830, annexation of
Cachar took place; In 1831, rebellion of Mysore took place; In 1831, rebellion of Titu Mir and Kola took place;
Abolished w provincial circuit courts; a separate Sadar Diwani Adalat was set up in Allahabad and Sadar
Nizamat Adalat in Delhi; Education reforms. Appointed Macaulay as president of committee of public
instruction.
➢ Sir Charles Metcalfe (1835-36) : He was calledLiberator of Press; Abolished restriction on press.
➢ Lord Auckland (1836-42) : Tripartite Treaty was signed between the Company, Ranjit Singh and Shah
Shuja; First Afghan war started; Mandavi state was annexed.
➢ Lord Ellenborough (1842-44) : Annexation of Sind to British Empire (1843); Charles Napier was replaced
by Major Outram as the resident in Sind; Slavery abolished.
➢ Lord Dalhousie (1849-56) : Introduced the policy of Doctrine of Lapse or `Law of Escheat' which postulated
that Indian states having no natural heir would be annexed to the British Empire. The Indian states thus
annexed were, Satara (1848), Jaipur and Sambhalpur (1849), Baghat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1853)
and Nagpur (1854); Introduced Wood' dispatch known as the Magna Carta of English education in India
prepared by Charles Wood, the i president of the Board of Control in 1854. On education, it suggested a
scheme of education from the primary to the university level; It recommended establishment of Anglo-
vernacular schools in district, government colleges in important towns; and universities in presidency towns;
and introduction of vernacular language as medium of instruction; Boosted up the development of railways—
laid the first railway line in 1853 from Bombay to Thane and second from Calcutta to Raniganj; Gave a great
impetus to post and telegraph. Telegraph lines were laid (first line from Calcutta to Agra); Organised a
separate Public Works Department by diverting the military board of this power; Shimla was made summer
capital and army headquarter; Hindu Remarriage Act was passed in 1856; Annexed Awadh in 1856 on
excuse of misgovernment when Nawab Wajid Ali Shah refused to abdicate; In 1853, recruitment of the
covenanted civil service by competitive examination; A post office act was passed in 1854. Postage stamp
was issued for the first time; In 1855, the Santhal uprising took place; Abolition of the title of Nawab of
Carnatic.
➢ Lord Canning (1856-62) : Revolt of 1857; Queen Victoria's proclamation and passing of the Indian Act of
1858; Foundation of the universities of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras in 1857; Indigo revolt in Bengal in
1859-60; Bahadur Shah was sent to Rangoon; Enactment of Indian Penal Code; Indian Council Act, 1861 ;
Enactment of Code of Criminal Procedure.
➢ Lord Elgin (1862-63) : Suppressed the Wahabi Movement.
➢ Sir John Lawrence (1864-69) : Famine commission was constituted; Followed a policy of rigid non-
interference in Afghanistan called Policy of Masterly Inactivity; Set up high courts in Calcutta, Bombay and
Madras (1865).
➢ Lord Mayo (1869-72) : Wahabi and Kuka movement was active; Mayo was murdered.
➢ Lord Lytton (1876-80) : Passing of the Royal Title Act of 1876 and the assumption of the title Empress on
India (Qaiser-i-Hind) by Queen Victoria; Holding of Delhi Durbar in 1877; Passing of the vernacular press
act of 1878 which empowered a magistrate to call upon the printer and publisher of any vernacular
newspaper to enter into an undertaking not to publish any news which would create antipathy against the
government; Passing of the Arms Act of 1878; Lowering of the maximum age from 21 years 'to 19 years for
the civil services examination, an attempt to prevent Indians from entering civil services; Appointment of
first famine commission under Sir Richard Stratchy; Policy of Masterly Inactivity towards Afghanistan was
replaced by Forward Policy; Started statutory civil services; Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1878; In 1879,
treaty of Gandamak.

141
➢ Lord Ripon (1880-84) : Passing of the First Factory Act in 1881 for the welfare of child labour; Repeal of
Vernacular Press Act in 1882; Foundation of Local Self Government (1882)—passing of local self government
acts in various provinces during the period 1883-84; Holding of first decennial and regular census in 1881
which put the total population at 254 million; Appointment of an education commission under Sir William
Hunter in 1882; The Liberty Bill controversy, 1883-84 relating to passing of a bill framed by the law member
of the viceroys council Sir C.P. Liberty, which abolished judicial disqualification based on race; Famine code
of 1883; Financial decentralisation; the source of revenue was divided into imperial, provincial and divided;
Rendition of Mysore.
➢ Lord Duferin (1884-88) : Foundation of Indian National Congress; Third Anglo-Burmese war; In 1886,
upper Burma was annexed; Aitchison committee; Commented on the Congress being a microscopic minority.
➢ Lord Lansdowne (1888-94): Passed the Age of Consent Act in 1891 which forbade marriage of girl below
12; In 1891, second Factory Act was passed; In 1892, Indian Council Act was passed; In 1893, Dufand
Mission was sent to Kabul.
➢ Lord Elgin II (1894-99) : Famine in part of Rajasthan—Lyall commission appointed to look into the cause
of famines.
➢ Lord Curzon (1899-1905): Creation of .a new province called the North-West Frontier Province;
Appointment of police commission under. Sir Andrew Frazer to inquire into the police administration in
1902-03; It recommended increment in salaries, and creation of a department of criminal intelligence;
Appointment of Universities Commission in. 1902 under Sir Thomas Releigh and passing of Indian
Universities Act 1904. It provided for the increase in official control over universities by enhancing
nominated member over elected ones; Creation of a new department of commerce and industry; Passing of
Ancient Monuments Protection. Act in 1904 for the preservation of India's cultural heritage. This was
followed by the foundation of Archaeological Survey of India; Appointed Mac Donnell Commission of Famine
in 1900. Appointment of Moncrieff Commission on Irrigation in 1902; His biography has been written by
Ranaldshay—the Life of Lord Curzon; Partition of Bengal.
➢ Lord Minto II (1905-10) : S.P. Sinha was appointed a member of governor general's council; Act of 1909;
In 1906, Arundale committee on political reforms submitted its reports.
➢ Lord Hardinge (1910-16) : Coronation durbar in 1911 at Delhi in honour of George V; A separate state of
Bihar and Orissa was created in 1911; A bomb was thrown as he was entering Delhi at Chandni Chowk;
Capital shifted to Delhi in 1911; 1912, Islington Committee on civil services; Kamagata Maru incident; BHU
was founded; In 1916, Saddler committee on universities was appointed; Human sacrifice practiced by
Khonds was abolished; Tilak founded Home Rule League.
➢ Lord Chelmsford (1916-21) : Foundation of women's university at Poona; Hunter commission on Punjab
wrongs; Chamber of Princes established in 1921; Home Rule League formed by Annie Besant; Rowlatt
committee submits its report; Third Afghan war started; Aligarh Muslim University founded in 1920.
➢ Lord Reading (1921-26) : Foundation of Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh by K.B. Hedgewar at Nagpur in
1925; Beginning of Indianisation of the officer's cadre of the Indian Army; Railway Budget was separated
from Central Budget in 1921; Indian Sandhurst committee on Army reforms was appointed in 1925. It
submitted its report in 1926; Lee Commission on public services appointed in 1924, report submitted in
1924; Hilton Young committee on currency (1926); Visva Bharti University started by Rabindra Nath
Tagore; Train robbery at Kakori.
➢ Lord Irwin (1926-31) : Popularly known as Christian Viceroy, Appointment of the Indian States
Commission under Harcourt Butler (1927) to recommend measures for the establishment of better relations
between the Indian states and the Central Government, Deepavali declaration (1929) that India would be
granted dominion status in due course, Royal Commission on Indian Labour was appointed in 1929, gave
its report in. 1931; Sarda Act was passed in 1929. Marriage of girls below 14 and boys below 18 years of age
was prohibited; Indian School of Mines opened in Dhanbad; Royal Commission on Agriculture constituted
in 1927; Simon Commission arrived in Bombay; Meerut conspiracy case; Jinnah formulated 14 points after

142
 Nehru report; Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt dropped bombs in the Legislative Assembly; Gandhi
started his Dandi March; Chittagong armoury field; First round table conference without the Congress took
place; Gandhi-Irwin pact; Gandhi left for London to participate in 2nd round table conference.
➢ Lord Wellington (1931-36) : Communal award in 1932; Third round table conference in 1932; White paper
on political reforms in India was published in 1933; Burma and Aden were separated from the British
Empire in 1935; Orissa, Bihar and Sind were made new states.
➢ Lord Linlithgow (1936-43) : August offer by viceroy in which he declared the dominion status as the
ultimate goal. of British policy in India; At its Haripura session (1939) Congress declared Poorna Swaraj
ideal to cover native states and British India; In 1940, individual Civil Disobedience Movement; 1942, Cripps
mission came; C. Rajagopalachari formula proposed; Congress starts Quit India Movement.
➢ Lord Wavell (1943-47) : Wavell plan, Shimla conference where Congress represented by Maulana Azad;
Rin Mutiny (1946); Interim Government was formed (2 September 1946); Prime Minister of Britain Clement
Atlee announced independence of India by June 1948 (20 February 1947); Cabinet Mission (1946); 16 August
1946, Muslim League began direct action day.
➢ Lord Mountbatten (1947-48) : Earlier proposed plan, L e., total dismemberment of the Indian Territory
but soon left the idea; Made it clear to the Princely states that they shall not be granted separate
independence and they will have to join either India or Pakistan; His plan to make India free on 15 August,
1947 is also known as June 3rd Plan.

C. Rajagopalachari (1948-50) : First Indian governor general

143
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 60 - Miscellaneous FACTS I

DAY 60 - MISCELLANEOUS FACTS I

Peasant Movements
Tribal Revolts

Lower Caste/Caste Movements and Organisation

o Famous Newspapers and Journals

o Famous Books

PEASAND AND TRIBAL MOVEMENTS

Peasant Movements

Movement Place Year Leaders

Indigo Revolt Bengal 1859 Bishnu and Digambar Biswas

Pabna Bengal 1870 Ishwar Roy, Sabu Pal, Khoodi

Mollah

Ramosi Movement Maharashtra 1879 Vasudev Balwant Phadke

Bijolia Rajasthan 1913 Sitaram Das, Vijay Pathik Singh

Champaran Bihar 1917 Gandhiji

Kheda Gujarat 1918 Gandhiji and Vallabh Bhai Patel

Moplah Kerala 1921 Sayyad Ali and Sayyid Fazl

Bordoli/Borsad Gujarat 1928 Vallabh Bhai Patel

Tebhaga Bengal 1946 Kamparan Singh, Nyamat Ali

144
 Telengana A.P. 1946 Kumaraiya and Sundaraiya

UP Kisan Sabha U.P. 1918 Indra Narayan Dwivedi and Gauri

Shanl Mishra

Avadh Kisan Sabha U.P. 1920 Baba Ramachandra

Eka Movement Avadh 1921 Madari Pasi

Forest Satyagrah South India 1931 NV Rama Naidu, N G Ranga

All India Kisan Lucknow 1936 Sahajanada Saraswati

Sabha

Tribal Revolts

Tribal Revolts

Tribe Year Leaders Cause

Chuar 1766-72 Raja Jagannath Excess Revenue demand, Bengal

famine

Bhills 1817 Sewaram Agrarian hardship

Hos 1820 - British occupation of Singhbhum

Ramosi 1822 Chittur Singh, British Rule

Pratap Singh,
Dattaraya patkar

Ahom 1828-33 Gomadhar British occupation

Kunwar

Khasi 1829-32 Tiruth Singh British occupation

Kol 1831-32 Buddhu Bhagat Land transfer to outsiders

Santhals 1855-56 Sidhu and Kanhu British Rule

Naikda 1858 Rup Singh For Dharma Raj against ban Joria
Bhagat on grazing and timber

Bhuyanand 1867-68 Ratna Nayak Installation of British protege on

throne British intervention

Kacha Nagas 1882 Sambhuden British intervention

Munda 1899 Birsa Munda Land system, Missionary activity

(Ulgulan)
and forced labour

145
 Bhills 1913 Govind Guru A temperance and purification
movement

Oraons 1914 Jatra Bhagat and Religious Reason

other
(Tana Bhagat)
Bhagats

Koyas/Rampas 1922-24 Alluri Sitaram British Rule

Raju

Naga 1932 Jadunang (1905- A reformist movement later directed

31) and Rani
against excess of British rule
Gaidinliu

Lower Caste/Caste Movements and Organisation

Lower Caste/Caste Movements and Organisation

Movement/Organisation Year Place Founder

Satya Shodhak Samaj 1873 Maharashtra Jyotiba Phule

Aravippuram Movement 1888 ARavippuram, Shri Narayan Guru

Kerala

Shri Narayan Dharma 1902-03 Kerala Shri Narayan Guru, Dr. and
Paripalana Yogam Kumaran Asan Palpu
(S.N.D.P.) Movement

The Depressed Class 1906 Bombay V.R. Shinde

Mission Society

Bahujan Samaj 1910 Satara, Mukundrao Patil

Maharashtra

Justice (Party) Movement 1915-16 Madras, Tamil C.N. Mudaliar, T.M. Nair
Nadu and P.Tyagaraja Chetti

Depressed Class Walfare 1924 Bombay B.R. Ambedkar

Institute (Bahiskrit
Hitkarini Sabha)

Self-Respect Movement 1925 Madras Tamil E.V. Ramaswami Naiker

Nadu

Harijan Sevak Sangh 1932 Pune Mahatma Gandhi

146
Newspapers and Journals

Newspapers and Journals

Newspaper/Journal Founder/Editor

Bengal Gazette (1780) James Augustus Hikki

(India's first newspaper)

Kesari (Marathi - 1881) B.G. Tilak

Maratha (English - 1881) B.G. Tilak

Sudharak G.K. Gokhale

Amrita Bazar Patrika (1868) Sisir Kumar Ghosh and Motilal Ghosh

Vande Mataram (1906) Aurobindo Ghosh

Native Opinion V.N. Mandalik

Kavivachan Sudha Bhartendu Harishchandra

Rast Goftar (first newspaper Dadabhai Naoroji

in Gujarati)

New India (Weekly) Bipin Chandra Pal

Statesman Robert Knisht

Hindu (English-Madraas- Vir Raghavacharya and G.S. Aiyar

1878)

Sandhya B.B. Upadhyaya

Vichar Lahiri Krishnashastri Chiplunkar

Hindu Patriot Girigh Chandra Ghosh (later Harish Chandra Mukherji)

Som Prakash Ishwar Chhandra Vidyasagar

Yugantar Bhupendranath Datta and Barinder Kumar Ghosh

Bombay Chronicle Firoze Shah Mehta

Hindustan M.M. Malaviya

Mooknayak B.R. Ambedkar

Comrade Mohammad Ali

Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq Sir Sayyed Ahmed Khan

Al-Hilal Abul Kalam Azad

Al-Balagh Abul Kalam Azad

147
 Independent Motilal Nehru

Punjabi Lala Lajpat Rai

New India (Daily) (1914) Annie Besant

Commonweal (1914) Annie Besant

Star Paper of Muslim League

Pratap Ganesh Shankar vidyarthi

Essays in Indian Economics M.G. Ranade

Samvad Kaumudi (Bengali) Ram Mohan Roy

Mirat-ul-Akhbar Ram Mohan Roy (first Persian newspaper)

Indian Mirror Devendranath Tagore

Nav Jeevan M.K. Gandhi

Young India (1919) M.K. Gandhi

Harijan M.K. Gandhi

Prabudha Bharat Swami Vivekananda

Udbodha Bharat Swami Vivekananda

Indian Socialist Shyamji Krishna Verma

Talwar (in Berlin) Briendra Nath Chattopadhyaya

Free Hindustan (in Tarak Nath Das

Vancouver)

Hindustan Times K.M. Pannikar

Kranti Mirajkar, Joglekar, Ghate

Books

Books

Book Author

Causes of the Indian Mutiny Sir Sayyed Ahmed Khan

Ghulam Giri Jyotiba Phule

To all fighters of freedom, why Socialism J.P. Narayan

Pakhtoon Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

Problems of the East Lord Curzon

148
My Indian years Lord Hardinge II

Economic History of India R.C. Dutt

Pather Panchali Bidhuti Bhushan Banerji

The Spirit of Islam Sayyed Ameer Ali

Precepts of Jesus Ram Mohan Roy

A Gift of Monotheists Ram Mohan Roy

Satyarth Prakash Swami Dayanand

Anand Math Bankim C. Chatterji

Devi Chaudharani Bankim C. Chatterji

Sitaram Bankim C. Chatterji

The Indian Struggle S.C. Bose

Poverty & Un-British Rule in India Dadabhai Naoroji

The Spirit of Islam Sayyed Ameer Ali

A Nation in the Making S.C. Anerji

Unhappy India Lala Lajpat Rai

The Indian was of Independence V.D. Savarkar

India Divided Rajendra Prasad

The Discovery of India J.L. Nehru

Neel Darpan Dinbandhu Mitra

Hind Swaraj M.K. Gandhi

What congress and Gandhi have done to the B.R. Ambedkar

untouchables

149
 MPPSC PRELIMS 2020
ATMANIRBHAR PROGRAM
PRELIMS QUICK REVISION NOTES
HISTORY
DAY 61 - Miscellaneous FACTS II
o Post-Congress Organizations
o FAMOUS Cases
o Major Reforms/Acts

Post-Congress Organizations

Organization Year Founder

Anti Non-Cooperation Association 1920-21 Purshottam Das Thakurdas

Jorhat Sarvajanik Sabha 1893 Ras Behari Ghosh

Raja Mundari Social Reforms 1978 Virsalingam

Association

Anti-Circular Society - K.K. Mtra

Lok Sewa Mandal - Lala Lajpat Rai

Independent Congress Party 1926 Madan Mohan Malaviya

United India Patriotic Association - Sayyed Ahmed Khan

British Association of Awadh - Raja Shiv Prasad Sahu

Liberal Association - Sapru, Jayakar and Chintamani

Indian Liberal Federation 1919 S.N. Benerji

Federation of Indian Chambers of 1927 G.D. Birla and Thkurdas

Commerce and Industry
(FICCI)

Hindustan Sewa Dal 1928 J.L. Nehru and S.C. Bose

Praja Party - Akram Khan, Fazuil Haq and Abdur

Rahman Hindu Association - Annie Besant

South India Federation 1935 N.G. Ranga and Namboodiripad

Unionist Party - Fazal Hussain

150
 Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh 1925 K.B. Hedgewar
(RSS)

All India Untouchability League of 1932 M.K. Gandhi

Harijan Sewak Sangh

Hindu Mahasabha 1917 Revived by M.M. malaviya

Jana Sangh 1956 Shyama Prasad Mukherji

Indian Mohammadan Association 1878 Amir Ali

Mohammadan Literacy Society 1863 Abdul Latif

Deccan Educational Society - Tilak and Agarkar

Famous Cases

Famous Cases

Case Date Accused

Nasik Conspiracy 1909-1910 Vinayak Savarkar

Alipore Case 1908 Aurobindo Ghosh

Hawrah Case 1910 Jatin Mukherjee

Dacca Case 1910 Pulin Das

Delhi Case 1915 Amir Chand, Awadh Bihari and Bal

Mukund

Lahore Case 1929-1930 Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Banaras Case 1915-1916 Sachin Nath Sanyal

Kakori Case 1925 Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqullah

Khan

Major Reforms/Acts

Major Reforms/Acts

Year Reforms/Acts During the Significance

1829 Prohibition of Lord William Supported by Raja Rammohan Roy.

Sati Bentick
and Female

151
 infanticide

1848 Doctrine of Lapse Lord Dalhousie Adoption of sons by rulers in the

absence of their natural heirs was
banned.

1856 Window Lord Canning Legalized the marriage of Hindu

Remarriage window, Supported by
Act Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar.

1883 IIbert Bill Lord Canning Envisaged association of Indians with

the administration at higher
level.

1861 Indian Councils Lord Ripon To bring Indian and European

Act magistracy on equal footing.

1892 Indian Councils Lord Lansdown Membership of central legislative

Act councils was enlarged.

1909 Morley-Minto Lord Minto-II Separate electorater to widen the gulf

Reforms between Hindus & Muslims.

1919 Dyarchy Lord Chelmsford Meaning dual system of Govt.

1919 Jallianwala Bagh Lord Chelmsford Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh in

Massacre Amritsar by General Dyer.

1919 Rowlatt Act Lord Chelmsford Extraordinary powers were given to

suppress the freedom struggle
with General Dyer as the
Commandant.

1928 Simon Lord Irwin To report working of the reforms;

Commission recommended dyarchy in
provinces; India to be constituted
as a federation and Indianisation
of armed forces.

1931 Gandhi-Irwin Lord Irwin Congress callsed off the agitation and
Pact agreed to participate in the
Second Round Table Conference.

1932 Communal Lord Willingdon Envisaged Communal representation

Award for depressed classes besides
Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs.

1932 Separate Lord Willinigdon Communal Award

electorater

1935 Government of Lord Willingdon Provided for a federal type of

India Act constitution.

1942 Cripps Mission Lord Linlithgow Proposed Dominion status for India
afte the Second World War.

152
1945 INA Trial Lord Wavell INA prisoners of war were trialed at
Red Fort, Delhi and Bhulabhai
Desai defended them.

1945 Wavell Plan Lord Wavell Envisaged constitution of executive

council in such a way as to give
representation to all major
communities in India.

1946 Cabinet Mission Lord Wavell Envisaged establishment of

Plan constituent Assembly to frame
the constitution;.

1947 Mountbatten Lord Partition Plan

Plan Mountbatten

1947 Indian Lord India partitioned and attained

Independence Mountbatten independence.
Act

153