Ancient India Workbook 2023

Workbook for Ancient Indian History
by
Farees Rahman
Faculty, InsightsIAS
www.insightsonindia.com
www.insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS IAS instacourses.insightsonindia.com

Unit-1: Stone Age
Why do we study ancient history?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Classification of Ancient Indian History:
1. Pre-History:
2. Proto-History:
3. History:

Sources of Ancient Indian History:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Classification of Stone Age:

Stone Age Sites:
Paleolithic Mesolithic Neolithic
Materials used for stone tools:

Features of Stone age:
Palaeolithic Mesolithic Neolithic
1. Economy:
2. Habitation:
3. Burial
practises:
Facts for prelims:
1. _______________________ is considered to be the oldest neolithic site.
2. Neolithic Pit dwellings are found in ___________________ and ____________________.
3. The early type of pottery belonging to Mesolithic age, found at the site of ______________
and ___________________________, is currently the oldest known pottery tradition in
South Asia.
4. Oldest hominid fossil evidence in the subcontinent is found from __________________.
5. The oldest evidence of dentistry is found at _________________________________.

Type of tools:
Palaeolithic Mesolithic Neolithic
Importance of tools in historical studies:

Neolithic revolution:
NEOLITHIC REVOLUTION

Estimated revision time: _________________________
Assignment-1:
1. What are Acheulian and Sohanian tools? (Pg 3 - TN History class 11th - new edition)
2. Where are neolithic ash mounds found? (Pg 9 - TN History class 11th - new edition)
3. Why was discovery of fire important to people of stone age?

Unit-2: Harappan Civilisation
Workbook for Ancient History by Farees Rahman
Time period:
3200-2600 BCE: EARLY HARAPPAN PHASE
2600-1900 BCE: MATURE HARAPPAN PHASE
1900-1700 BCE: LATE HARAPPAN PHASE
Extent:
WESTERN MOST:
EASTREN MOST:
NORTHERN MOST:
SOUTHERN MOST:

Type:
Largest:
Oldest:
First site to be excavated:
UNESCO World Heritage:
Origin:
1. Foreign origin theory:
2. Aryan Origin theory:
3. Indigenous origin theory:

Important Harappan sites:
Harappa – Daya Ram Sahni – Banks of river Ravi:
Mohenjo-daro – R.D Banerjee – Banks of Indus:

Kalibangan - B.B. Lal & K. Ghosh - Banks Of Ghaggar
Lothal - Sabarmati river
Chanhudaro -N.G. Majumdar - Sind.

DHOLAVIRA - R.S. BISHT.
SITE ARCHAELOGICAL FINDS
Bhagatrav Port
Bhirrana ➢ Graffiti of a dancing girl on pottery, which resembles a dancing girl
statue found at Mohenjo-Daro.
➢ Terracotta wheels with painted spokes
Daimabad ➢ Bronze Hoard

➢ Chariot, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino
Nageshwar Shell working site
Rakhigarhi Terrecotta wheels, toys, figurines, pottery. Large site, partially excavated.
Rangpur Seaport
Sanauli Burial site with 125 burials found
Shortugai Afghanistan
Surkotada Bones of a horse (only site)
Sutkagan Dor Bangles of clay, Westernmost known site of IVC
Important ports: ➢ Lothal - Dholavira - Sutkagan Dor
➢ Bhagatrav
➢ Rangpur
➢ Bala Kot/Kot Bala
➢ Kaj
➢ Kuntasi
What makes a civilisation?

Political features:
Administrative features:
➢ Age:
➢ Extent:
➢ Urban centres:
➢ Riverine:
➢ Proto-historic:
➢ Planned:

Economy:
➢ Agrarian Economy:
➢ Non-Agrarian Economy:
o Crafts
o Seals:
o Trade
o Imports
o Exports
o Others

Major Harappan inventions:
Button, Shipyard, Shipyard, Flush Toilet, Lost wax casting, Needle's eye, Seven stones.
Religious futures:
Others:

Burial Practices: 3 Major Forms
1. COMPLETE
2. FRACTIONAL
3. POST-CREMATION
Other Forms:
CIST/BIRCK CHAMBER:
POT:
COFFIN:
DOUBLE
Decline:
Theory: Evidences
Aryan Invasion
Flooding
Change In Course
Of the River
Physio- Chemical
Explosion
Malaria Epidemic
Massive
Earthquake

Increase In Aridity
Ecological Imbalance And Monsoon Link Theory
Nature of decline:
Harappan continuity:

Assignment-2:
1. From where did Harappans source the following raw material? (Pg 3 - TN History class 11th -
new edition)
Shell
Lapis lazuli
Carnelian
Steatite
Copper
2. Write the nature of Indus Valley pottery? (Pg 42 - Ancient Indian History by RS Sharma PDF
[Old NCERT])
3. Write the nature of Indus Valley figurines? (Pg 43 - Ancient Indian History by RS Sharma PDF
[Old NCERT])
Previous Years Questions:
1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water
harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into
connected reservoirs?
a) Dholavira
b) Kalibangan
c) Rakhigarhi
d) Ropar
2. Consider the following pairs:
Historical place : Well-known for
1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandra-ketugargh : Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts

Which of the pairs given above is correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3
3.

Unit-3: The Vedic age
(Workbook for Ancient Indian History by Farees Rahman)
EARLY LATER
VEDIC VEDIC
1000-1500 BCE 1000-600 BCE
SAMA, YAJUR,
RIG VEDA
ATHARVA
OVERLAPS WITH
OCP / PGW/ IRON AGE
CHALCOLITHIC CULTURE
CULTURES.
CLASSIFICATION OF SCRIPTURES:
SHRUTI SMRUTI
MEANING
AUTHOR
AUTHORITY
SUB-
CLASSIFICATION

SHRUTI SMRUTI
VEDAS UPA-VEDAS
•RIG •AYUR
•DHANUR
•SAMA •GANDHARVA
•STHAPATYA
•YAJUR
•ATHARVA
VEDNAGAS
•Siksha
BRAHMANAS •Chhanda
• Aitareya •Vyakarana
•Nirukta
•Samavidhana
•Shatapatha •Jyotisha
•Gopatha
•Kalpa
ARYANKAS DARSHANA
•GYANA •Samkhya
•KANDA •Yoga
•Nyaya
•Vaisheshika
•Mimamsa
UPANISHADS •Vedanta.
•Aitareya
•Chandogya
•Taittiriya
•Mundaka Shastras
Agamas
•Shaiva
•Vaishanava
•Shakta
Puranas
•Ramayana
•Mahabharata

POLITICAL FEATURES:
EARLY LATER
VEDIC VEDIC
NATURE
GEOGRAPHY
POLITICAL
ORGANISANTION
POLITICAL
AUTHORITY
TRIBAL
ASSEMBLIES
OFFICIALS

TERMS: POLITICAL
Dvija Vidata
Gahapati Sabha
Gotra Samiti
TERMS: OFFICIALS
Rajan Bhagadugha
Purohita Sangrahitri
Senani Mahishi
Vrajapati Akshavapa
Jivagribha Suta
Madhyamasi Kshata
Gramani Govikartana
Dampati/leulapa/gahapati Rathakara
Spasa Palagala

ECONOMIC FEATURES:
EARLY LATER
VEDIC VEDIC
NATURE
WEALTH
AGRICULTURE
TAXES
TRADE
ARTS
AND
CRAFTS

TERMS: ECONOMY
Bhaga Trapu
Bali Rajata
Sulka Hiranya
Nishkas/Hiranyapindas/ Manas Ayas
Sisa Syama Ayas
TERMS: ECONOMY (AGRICULTURAL)
Sira Khanitrima apah
Sita Yava
Datra Godhuma
Titau Vrihi
Surpa Tila
Kulya Kshata

SOCIAL FEATURES:
EARLY LATER
VEDIC VEDIC
VARNA SYSTEM
ASHRAMA
SYSTEM
GOTRA
SLAVERY
POSITION OF
WOMEN
POLITICAL RIGHTS
EDUCATION
CHILD MARRIAGE
WIDOW
REMARRIAGE
SATI

Religious features:
Nature:
Factions:
Maruts Vasus
Rudras Adityas
Concept of Dharma and Rita:
Early Vedic gods:
Indra/Purandhara Usha
Agni Aditi
Varuna Aranyani
Soma Dyaus
Yama Vayu
Surya Prithvi

Later Vedic gods:
Sacrifices:
Geography:
Early vedic Later Vedic
Kubha
Krumu
Gomati
Sindhu
Vitase
Asikni
Parushni
Vipasha
Shutudri

Estimated revision time:
Assignment-3:
1. Vedas literally means ________________________ (Pg 23 - TN History class 11th - new

edition)
2. What is Zend Avesta? (Pg 23 - TN History class 11th - new edition)
3. Who are Panis? (Pg 30 - TN History class 11th - new edition)
4. Who is Haladhara? (Pg 54 - Ancient Indian History by RS Sharma PDF [Old NCERT])
5. What is Upanyana? Who were entitled to it? (Pg 56 - Ancient Indian History by RS Sharma
PDF [Old NCERT])
6. What is Dasarjana? (Pg 30 - TN History class 11th - new edition)
Previous year questions:
1. The “dharma” and “rita” depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India, In this context,
consider the following statements.
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and
to others.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it
contained.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2

2. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of
(a) Bhakti
(b) image worship and Yajnas
(c) worship of nature and Yajnas
(d) worship of nature and Bhakti
3. The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken
from
a. Katha Upanishad
b. Chandogya Upanishad
c. Aitareya Upanishad
d. Mundaka Upanishad
4. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people,
which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley
Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and
iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people
having been aware of this animal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3.

Unit-4: post-Vedic age/Mahajanapada period (600-325 BCE)

CAPITAL MODERN FACTS
LOCATION
ANGA CHAMPA MUNGER AND DURING THE RULE OF BIMBISARA, IT
BHAGALPUR WAS TAKEN OVER BY MAGADHA
BIHAR AND WEST EMPIRE.
BENGAL
KASI KASI BANARAS THIS CITY GOT ITS NAME FROM RIVERS
VARUNA AND ASI AS CITED IN THE
MATSYA PURANA.
GIRIVRAJA GAYA AND PATNA MAGADHA BECAME A CENTER OF

MAGADHA OR RAJAGRIHA JAINISM AND THE FIRST BUDDHIST
COUNCIL WAS HELD IN RAJAGRIHA.
IT WAS LOCATED IN MODERN AWADH

KOSALA SRAVASTI U.P REGION OF UTTAR PRADESH.
KAUSAMBI ALLAHABAD THIS WAS A CENTRAL CITY FOR

VATSA/ ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES.
VAMSA THERE WERE A PROSPEROUS TRADE
AND BUSINESS SCENARIO IN 6TH
CENTURY BC. AFTER THE RISE OF
BUDDHA, THE RULER UDAYANA MADE
BUDDHISM A STATE RELIGION.
THIS PLACE WAS A CENTER OF

SAURASENA MATHURA U.P KRISHNA WORSHIP. ALSO, THERE WAS
A DOMINANT FOLLOWERSHIP OF
BUDDHA.
IT WAS SITUATED TO THE WEST OF

MATSYA VIRATNAGAR JAIPUR THE PANCHALAS AND SOUTH OF THE
KURUS
ALSO KNOWS AS ASSAKA.

ASHMAKA PRATISTHAN GODAVARI PRATHISTHAN= PAITHAN
THE PEOPLE WERE HIGHLY TRAINED IN
GANDHARA TAXILA RAWALPINDI THE ART OF WAR.
SIGNIFICANT FOR INTERNATIONAL
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.
AVANTI UJJAINI OR MALWA/ M.P AVANTI WAS SIGNIFICANT IN

MAHISMATI RELATION TO THE RISE OF BUDDHISM.
CHEDI SOTHIVATI JAIPUR THIS WAS CITED IN THE RIGVEDA.

CAPITAL MODERN FACTS
LOCATION
KURU INDRAPRASTHA MEERUT MONARCHY TO REPUBLIC
AHICHCHATRA & U.P GOVERNANCE SHIFTED FROM

PANCHALA KAMPILYA MONARCHY TO REPUBLIC
AHICHCHATTRA(NORTH)
AND KAMPILYA (SOUTH)
POONCHA RAJORI AND REPUBLIC
KAMBOJA HAZARA
MALLA KUSINAGAR U.P REPUBLIC
VAJJI/ VRIJJI VAISHALI EASTREN REPUBLIC

INDIA
Other minor republics: Sakyas of kapilavastu, Kolliyas of Ramagrama, Lichchavis, Bhaggas of

Sumsuma, Kalamas of Kesapattu, Videhas of Mithila, Nayas of Kundalagrama
Political features Republics or Gana-Sangha or Gana-Rajya:
1. Nature:
2. Composition:
3. Nature of Kingship:
4. Decision making:
5. Sources of information:

Political features of monarchies:
1. Centralised:
2. Despotic:
3. Hereditary:
4. Semi-Divine:
5. Imperialistic:
6. Officials:
7. Military state:

Economic Features:
1. Agriculture:
2. Crafts:
3. Trade and Commerce:
4. Coinage:
5. Urbanisation:
➢ Six Mahanagaras:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Achaemenian/Persian invasions:
1. Cyrus (588-530 ac) of Persia was the greatest conqueror in the history of the ancient Orient.
He was the first foreign conqueror who led an expedition and penetrated well into India. All
Indian tribes to the west of the Indus right up to the Kabul region submitted to Cyrus and
paid him tribute.
2. Cambyses (530-522 BC) undertook the policy of conquest but did not follow the progressive
policy adopted by his father.
3. Darius I (522-486 BC), the grandson of Cyrus, conquered the Indus valley in 518 BC.
Herodotus states that India was the twentieth satrapy of Darius. He mentions that Darius
sent a naval expedition under Skylas to explore the Indus. Sind and a portion of the Punjab
lying east of the Indus formed a part of his Indian conquest.
4. Xerxes and Darius-III used India soldiers for their expeditions.
Macedonian /Greek invasions:
1. Alexander succeeded Philip in 334 BCE.

2. Disunity among Indian tribes.
3. Ambhi of Taxila, supported and submitted to Alexander.
4. Battle of Hydapses(Jhelum): Porus fought barvely but lost. Alexander admired the courage
and resotred his territory.
5. He later crossed Akesines(Chenab) and Hydraotes (Ravi). Then returned back.
Impact of invasions:

Rise of Magadha:
1. Political factors:
2. Economic factors:
3. Strategic factors:
4. Socio-Cultural factors

Magadhan Dyansties:
HARYANKA DYNASTY:
• BIMBISARA
• AJATASHATRU
SHISHUNAGA DYNASTY:
• SHISUNAGA
• KALASOKA
NANDA DYNASTY:
• MAHAPADMANANDA (EKRAT)
• DHANANDA
MAURYA DYNASTY:
• CHANDRAGUPTA MAURYA
• BINDUSARA
• ASHOKA
SHUNGA:
• PUSHYAMITRA SUNGA
KANVA DYNASTY:

Unit-5: Mauryan age (325-185 BCE)
Chandragupta Maurya:
➢ Nick names:
➢ Overthrew:
➢ Mentored by:
➢ Conquests:
➢ Visitor:
➢ Abdication:
Bindusara:
➢ Nick names:
➢ Conquests
➢ Revolts:
➢ Visitors :
➢ Patronage:
Ashoka:
➢ Nick names:
➢ Governor:
➢ Conquests:

➢ Dhamma:
➢ Buddhist missions:
Later Mauryan rulers:
➢ Dasharatha
➢ Samprati
➢ Shalishuka
➢ Devavarman
➢ Shatadhanvan
➢ Brihadratha

Political and administrative features:
➢ King:
➢ Administrative set up:
o Council of Ministers:
o Adhyaksha:
o Amatyas:
o Military:
o Espionage:
o Revenue administration:
o Judicial and Police departments:

o Provincial Administration:
Provinces
• Princes/Arya Putras/ Yuvarajas
Districts
• Pradeshika
• Rajuka
• yukta
Grama
• Gramika
▪ Central Province
▪ Uttarapatha
▪ Dakshinapatha
▪ Anvatipatha
▪ Prachayapatha
o Municipal Administration:
o Foreign relations:
o Palace administration:

Mauryan List of Adhyaksha’s:
AKSHAPATALA DEVATA
GO AYUDHAGARA
KHANYA/AKARA KOSAHA
LAKSHANA LAVANA
LOHA NAAVA
PANYA PATTANA
RATHA SITA
SULKA SUVARNA
ASHVA BANDANAGRA
DHYUT GANIKA
HASTYA KOSHTAGARA
KUPA MANA
PATTYA PAUTHAVA/POTWA
SAMASTHA SUNYA
SURA SUTRA
VIVITA

Mauryan Administration as per Megasthenes:
➢ Book:
➢ Capital city:
➢ Central administration:
➢ Military administration:
➢ Municipal administration:
REGISTER OF BIRTHS TRADE AND

MANUFACTURE &
AND DEATHS COMMERCE
SALES SUPERVISION
FOREIGNERS
CITY HEAD =
INDUSTRIAL ARTS. ASTYONOMI SALES TAX

Economic features:
➢ Agriculture:
➢ Crafts:
➢ Taxation:
Bhaga Shadbhaga
Bali Ayudhiya
Shulka Vaidharana
Kara Pratikara
Senabhaktam Gulma
Pravesya Nishkramya
Vartani Dwarabahirikadeya
Parsvam Prakriya

➢ Guilds:
o Features:
o Natures of labourers:
➢ Trade and commerce:
o Imports:
o Exports:
o Trade routes:

➢ State monopolies:
➢ Coinage:
➢ Money lending:
➢ Urban centres:

Societal features:
➢ Varna system:
➢ Condition of women:
➢ Slavery:
➢ Major religions:
Societal Observations of Megasthenes:
➢ Caste
➢ Slavery
➢ Overall nature:

Ashoka’s Dhamma:
What is Dhamma?
What is its purpose?
Contents:
Do’s Don’ts
Propagation:

Ashokan edicts:

➢ Major Rock Edicts:
➢ Major Pillar edicts -
➢ Minor Rock and Pillar Edicts
➢ Kalinga Edicts
➢ Sohgaura copper plate inscription
➢ Mahasthan Stone Inscription
Features of Edicts:
➢ Language and script:
➢ Content:
➢ Historical significance:

Arthashastra:
➢ Author:
➢ Books:
➢ Contents:
Decline of Mauryan empire:

Assignment-5:
1. What is the significance of Junagadh rock inscription? Who does it belong to? (Pg 59 - TN
History class 11th - new edition)
2. What is the significance of Hatigumpha rock inscription? Who does it belong to? (Pg 64 - TN
3. Where was the third buddhist council held? What are its important features? (Pg 66 - TN
4. What is the significance of Dharma Yatras? (Pg 90 - Ancient Indian History by RS Sharma PDF
[Old NCERT])
1. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?
“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his
own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very
severely.”
(a) Ashoka
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Krishnadeva Raya
2. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka)
mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?
(a) Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazagrhi
(d) Sohgaura

Unit-6: Megalithic age (800-400 BCE)
and
Sangam age (400 BCE- 200 CE)
What are Megaliths?
Types of Megaliths:
➢ Dolmen: This is a type of megalith which is made in single chamber tomb, usually consisting
of three or more upright stones supporting a large flat horizontal capstone. Dolmens were
usually covered with earth or smaller stones to form a barrow. But in many cases that
covering has weathered away, leaving only the stone “skeleton” of the burial mound intact.
➢ Cairn cricle: A Cairn is a human-made pile of stones, often in conical form. They are usually
found in uplands, on moorland, on mountaintops, or near waterways. In modern times
Cairns are often erected as landmarks. In ancient times they were erected as sepulchral
monuments or used for practical and astronomical purposes. These vary from loose, small
piles of stones to elaborate feats of engineering.
➢ Cromlekh: Cromlekh is a British word used to describe prehistoric megalithic structures,

where crom means “bent” and llech means “flagstone”. The term is now virtually obsolete
in archaeology, but remains in use as a colloquial term for two different types of megalithic
monument.

➢ Cist: A cist or kist was used as encasements for dead bodies. It might have associations with
other monuments. It would not be uncommon to find several cists close with each other in
the cairn or barrow. The presence of ornaments within an excavated cist, indicate the
wealth or prominence of the interred individual.
➢ Menhir: A Menhir is a stone Monolithic standing vertically. It could also exist as part of a
group of similar stones. They have different sizes with uneven and square shapes, often
tapering towards the top. Menhirs are widely distributed across different continents viz.,
Europe, Africa, and Asia, but are most commonly found in Western Europe; in particular in
Ireland, Great Britain and Brittany. Their origin dates back to pre-history. They are members
of a larger Megalithic culture that flourished in Europe and beyond.
➢ Stone Circle: A Stone Circle is a monument of standing stones arranged in a circle usually
dated to megalithic period. The arrangement of the stones may be in a circle, in the form of
an ellipse, or more rarely a setting of four stones laid on an arc of a circle. The type varies
from region to region.

Megalithic sites:
Nature of burials:
Megalithic Polity:
Megalithic subsistence:
➢ Agriculture
➢ Crafts

➢ Trade
Megalithic social organisation:
Religious beliefs:
Megalithic culture as a foundational phase of history in south India:

The age of Sangam:
The three Sangams:

Corpus of Sangam literature:
TOLKAPPIYAM
ETTUTOGAI
PATTUPPATTU
PATHINENKILKANAKKU
SILAPPATHIGARAM
MANIMEGALAI
SIVAGA SINDAMANI

Sangam age dynasties:
Polity and administration:
➢ King:
➢ Officials:
o AMAICHAR
o PUROHITAR
o SENAPATHIYAR
o THUTHAR/DUTAR
o ORRAR/ARRAR
o Sabha/ Manaram:

➢ Provincial administration:
o MANDALAM
o NADU
o UR
o PERUR
o SIRUR
o MUDUR
o PATTINAM
o PUHARWAS
➢ Revenue administration:
o Land Revenue:
o Measure of Land:
o Measure of grain:
o Customs:
o War booty:
➢ Military administration:

FIVE-FOLD GEOGRAPHIC DIVISION OF SANGAM AGE:
DIVISION REGION DEITY OCCUPATION
KURINJI
MULLAI
MARUDAM
NEYDAL
PALAI
Economic features:
➢ Agriculture:
➢ Crafts:

➢ Observations in Periplus of Erythrean sea:
Societal features:
➢ Varna:
ARASAR
ANTHANARS
VANIGARS
VELLALAS

➢ Women:
➢ Religion:
Assignment-6:
1. Thoroughly go through Lesson 5 – Page 81-87 TN History class 11th - new edition)

Unit-7: post-Mauryan age (200 BCE – 300 CE)
Satavahanas:
Simuka
Sri Satkarni-I
Hala
Gautamiputra
Satkarni
Vasishtiputra
Pulamayi-I
Yajnasri
Satkarni

Indo-Greeks:
Menander
Antialcidas
Sakas:
Rudradaman-I
Parthians:
Gondophernes

Kushanas:
Kujula Kadphises
Vima Kadphises
Kanishka
Huvishka
Vasudeva

Post Mauryan Polity:
Post-Mauryan Economy:
➢ Agriculture:
➢ Arts and crafts:
➢ Expansion of trade:

➢ Guilds:
o Sreni/Sangha
o Nigama
o Sartha
o Puga
o Pramukha/ Jetha/ Mukhyas/Adhyakshas
o Samukahitavadins
o Karyachintaka:
➢ Coinage:

➢ Urban centers
Post-Mauryan Society:
Assignement-7:
1. How did arrival of foreign dynasties impact India? (Pg 106 - Ancient Indian History by RS
Sharma PDF [Old NCERT])

Unit-8: Gupta Age (300 CE – 600 CE)
Sri Gupta
Chandragupta-I
Samduragupta
Chandragupta-II
Kumaragupta-I
Skandagupta

Political and administrative features:
➢ King:
➢ Administrative set up:

MAHABALADHIKRITA
MAHADANDANAYAK
MAHAPRATIHAR
MAHASANDHIVIGRAHAK
DANDAPASHIKA
BHANDAGARADHIKRETA
MAHAPAKSHA-PATALIK
RANABHANDAGARIKA
VINAYASTHITISANSATHAPAK
SARVADHYAKSHA
MAHASHWAPATI
MAHANARAPATI
MAHAMAHIPILAPATI
VINAYAPURA
YUKTAPURUSHA
KHADYATPAKIKA
AKSHAPATALADHIKRITA
➢ Provincial Administration:
Provinces
Districts
Grama

➢ Local officials:
Adhisthana Samvyavahari
Maharattaras Ayuktakas
Ashta-kufadhi Karanikas Gramika
Saulkika Gaulmika
Agraharika Dhruvadhikaranika
Bhandagaradhikrita Talavataka
Utkhetayita Pustapafa
➢ Land grants:
o Brahmadeya
o Agrahara
o Devadana
Impact of land grants:

Economic features:
➢ Agriculture:
Kshetra Bhusam-pad/janapada sampad
Khila Ardhakhila & khilu
Aprahata Usara
Vasti/Vastubhu Hajjika-khila-bhumer/Panika
Gapata/Gopata Sarah Devomatrika
Bardhya Adevomatrika
Bardhya Vapi, Tadaga, Drighula
Khaya Ghatiyantra and Araghatta
Jalanirgamah Ustapala
Angula, Hasta, Adhavapa, Kulyavapa, Dronavapa, Pataka, Nivartana, Humi and Padavarta.

➢ Taxation:
Bhaga Halivakara
Bhoga Sulka
Kara Klipta/Upakilpta
Bali Dharmasadbhaga
Udranga/Udianga Uparikara
Hiranya Vata-Bhuta
Vishti
➢ Guilds:
➢ Crafts:

➢ Coinage:
➢ Urban centres:
Societal features:
➢ Varna system:
➢ Position of women:
➢ Religions:

India as observed by Fa-Hien:
➢ Major places visited:
➢ Political Condition and Administration:
➢ Social Condition:
➢ Religious Condition:
➢ Other major observations:

Gupta age as the golden age of ancient Indian history:
➢ Political factors:
➢ Economic factors:
➢ Socio-cultural factors:

Gupta age as the classical age of Sanskrit development:
KALIDASA:
ABHIJNANASHAKUNTALA (D), VIKRAMORVASHIVAM (D), MALAVIKAGNIMITRAM (D),RAGHUVAMSHA

(P), KUMARASAMBHAVA (P), MEGHADUTA(P) ITU SAMHARA (P).
VISHAKADUTTA: MUDRARAKSHASA and DEVICHADRAGUPTAM
SHUDRAKA: MRICHAKATIKAM
BHASA: SWAPNAVASAVDATTA
DANDIN: KAVYADARSHANA & DASAKUMARCHARITA
VATSYAYANA: NYAYA SUTRA BHASHYA AND KAMASUTRA
AMARASIMHA: AMARAKOSHA
BHARATA MUNI: NATYASHASTRA
VISHNU SHARMA: PANCHATANTRA
Kamandaka: Nitisara
Decline of Gupta empire:

Assignment-8:
1. What were the different type of land tenures prevalent during the Gupta age? (Page 112 -
TN History class 11th - new edition)
2. What were the important aspects of mining and metallurgy during Gupta period? (Page 114
- TN History class 11th - new edition)
1. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of
the following statements is correct?
(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
(c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.
(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.
2. With reference to the history of India, the terms ''kulyavapa" and "dronavapa" denote
(a) measurement of land

(b) coins of different monetary value
(c) classification of urban land religious rituals
(d) religious rituals

Unit-9: Harshavardhana and post-Gupta Age (600 BCE – 900 CE)
➢ Dynasty:
➢ Founder:
➢ Capital:
Harshavardhana:
➢ Shifted capital to:
➢ Military expeditions:
➢ Administration:

➢ Kannauj Assembly:
➢ Prayag Assembly:
➢ Authored:
➢ Patronised:
➢ Economy:
➢ Society:

Feudalism in India:
➢ Factors for rise of feudalism:
➢ Features:
➢ Samanta system:

➢ Types:
Mahasamanta
Mahabhogi
Pradhana-Samanta Bhogikapalaka
Anurakta-Mahasamanta Bhogika/ Bhogapatika
Apta-Samanta Satru-Samanta
Prati-Samanta Pranam-Agamana
Abhyantarasiddhi Sekhara and Mauli
➢ Impact of feudalism:

India as observed by Hiuen-Tsang (Xuan Zang):
➢ Book:
➢ Major places visited:
➢ Political Condition and Administration:
➢ Economic condition:
➢ Social Condition:
India as observed by Yijing (I-tsing):

Pallavas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas:
Pallavas:
➢ Capital: Kanchipuram
➢ Founder: Simhavishnu
➢ Important Rulers: MAHENDRAVARMAN I, NARASIMHAVARMAN I(VATAPIKONDA),

NARASIMHAVARMAN II.
➢ A large number of Bhramadeya and Devadana:
➢ A long-drawn-out struggle with Chaulyas.
Chalukyas:
➢ Capital: Badami (Vatapi)
➢ Founder: Pulakesin-I
➢ Important Rulers:Pulakesin-II, Vikramaditya.
➢ Aihole Inscription
➢ Struggle With Pallavas, Defeated Kadambas Of Banavasi, Gangas Of Talakad And Defeat Of
Harsha.
➢ Hiuen Tsang Visited.

Pallava-Chalukya struggle:
Causes Consequences

Rashtrakutas:
➢ Capital: Manyakhet(Malkhed)
➢ Founder: Dantidurga
➢ Important Rulers: Dantidurga, Amoghavarsha-I, Kirshna-I
➢ They Defeated Gurajaras Pratiaharas, Gangas And Chalukyas Of Vengi.
Economy Society

Assignment-9:
1. With reference to Harsha’s administration, who were the following officials:

Avanti Drighadvajas
Simhananda Banu
Kuntala Mahapratihara
Skandagupta Sarvagata
Bhogapathi/ayuktha/pratpalaka-purusha
(Page 127 - TN History class 11th - new edition)
2. With reference to Pallava administration, who were the following officials:

Amatyas Mantrins
Mantri Mandala Rahaysadhikrita
Manikkappandaram-Kappan Kodukkappillai
Kosa-adhyaksa Adhikarna Mandapa
Dharmadhikarins Karanadandam/ Adhikaranadandam
(Page 146 - TN History class 11th - new edition)

1. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the
country’s economy, which of the following statements is /are correct?
1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief
administrative authority on them.
2. The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
3. The guild had judicial powers over its own members.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general
conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following
statements is/are correct?
1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.

2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments
for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of
the feudal system?
1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Workbook for Ancient Indian History

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Why do we study ancient history?

Classification of Ancient Indian History:

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Paleolithic Mesolithic Neolithic

Materials used for stone tools:

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Palaeolithic Mesolithic Neolithic

Facts for prelims:

1. _______________________ is considered to be the oldest neolithic site.

2. Neolithic Pit dwellings are found in ___________________ and ____________________.

4. Oldest hominid fossil evidence in the subcontinent is found from __________________.

5. The oldest evidence of dentistry is found at _________________________________.

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Palaeolithic Mesolithic Neolithic

Importance of tools in historical studies:

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3. Why was discovery of fire important to people of stone age?

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3200-2600 BCE: EARLY HARAPPAN PHASE

2600-1900 BCE: MATURE HARAPPAN PHASE

1900-1700 BCE: LATE HARAPPAN PHASE

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First site to be excavated:

UNESCO World Heritage:

1. Foreign origin theory:

2. Aryan Origin theory:

3. Indigenous origin theory:

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Harappa – Daya Ram Sahni – Banks of river Ravi:

Mohenjo-daro – R.D Banerjee – Banks of Indus:

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Lothal - Sabarmati river

Chanhudaro -N.G. Majumdar - Sind.

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SITE ARCHAELOGICAL FINDS

Daimabad ➢ Bronze Hoard

What makes a civilisation?

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Ecological Imbalance And Monsoon Link Theory

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Previous Years Questions:

2. Consider the following pairs:

Historical place : Well-known for

1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines

2. Chandra-ketugargh : Terracotta art

3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts

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1000-1500 BCE 1000-600 BCE

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2. Neolithic Pit dwellings are found in _ and __.