Unit-2

History
 Vedas
• Vedas is derived from the Sanskrit that means knowledge.
• The word Veda is derived from the root word, “vid” meaning to know. Thus, Veda means
knowledge. According to the tradition, the Vedas were composed by several seers under inspiration.
Hence, they are not manmade (apaurusheya), but the heard ones (sruti). Ever since they were
composed, the Vedas have remained pure, and free from distortions.

• The Vedic texts are rather large and contain thousands of hymns. Each hymn is long and contains
numerous verses. In its finer aspects, Hinduism is about leading a balanced life and aiming for the
four chief aims of human life, namely meeting religious obligations, earning wealth, seeking
pleasure, and achieving liberation.
 Type of Vedas
• Ancient History is mainly derived from Vedic literature. They are known to form the basis of
classical Hinduism. There are four types of Vedas & all of them together are known as
Chaturveda.
• The Rig Veda: Book of Mantras
• The Sama Veda: Book of Chant
• The Yajur Veda: Book of Ritual
• The Atharva Veda: Book of Spell
 Rigveda
• The Rigveda is the oldest and most important of the Vedas and richly contributed to other Vedas.
• The Rigveda is divided into ten books which are known as Mandalas
• It is a collection of 10,600 verses and 1,028 hymns
• It is the oldest text in any Indo-European language
• It has originated from early as 1700 BC
• The Angiras (rishi family) has composed 35% of the hymns and the Kanva family who has
composed 25% of Rig Veda.
• Many verses of the Rig Veda are still used as very significant Hindu prayers and during rituals.
• It contains numerous secrets and clarifications about the origin of the world, the importance of
the Gods and a lot of advice for living a satisfying and successful life.
 Samveda
• The Samaveda is the second most important Veda in the Vedic triad and carries a great significance in
ritual singing because of their musical and lyrical quality. Its hymns are known as Samans, sung by the
Udgatris in specific meters. This is a complete translation of the Samaveda.

• It is true that the first scripture in the world is Rigveda and the other three Vedas have come out from
Rigveda. But even that can not undermine the significance of Samaveda. The literal meaning of ‘Sama’ is
a song. The mantras that have been compiled in Samaveda, are used during chanting's and invocations of
demigods and demi goddesses. There are a total of 1,875 invocations in Samaveda. Among them,
excluding 75, all of them are taken from Rigveda.

• Samaveda being the Veda of the musical genre has contributed significantly to the development of
Indian music. It can also be called the primary source of Indian music. Many aspects of Indian music
have been derived from Samaveda. In fact, various traditional musical instruments have been shaped by
the intent and content of Samaveda.
• SA, RE GA, MA, PA, DHA, NI, SA is also mentioned in Samaveda.
 Yajurveda
• The Yajurveda is called the book of forumulas. We have two separate English translations of the
Yajurveda. Both are useful for academic study. One is the translation of the White (Sukla)
Yajurveda presented in two parts covering 40 books, and the other the Black (Krishna)
Yajurveda
• covering seven khandas.
• We know that the Rigveda was composed in the Sapta- Sindhu region of the Northwestern
Indian subcontinent. Well, as for Yajurveda, it was composed in the Kurukshetra area (of
modern Haryana). Several historians opine that Yajur Veda was written from 1,400 BC to
1,000 BC.
 Atharvaveda
• The Atharvaveda is the most recent of the Veda qauartet. For a long time it was not even
considered a Veda. It contains mostly magical rituals to cast charms, spells, seek protection
against death and disease, attract lovers, or to cause or prevent harm.
• The ancient Indian wisdom shines brightest in the four Vedas, considered huge reservoirs of truth
and spiritual knowledge. Of all the four Vedas, which are the chief pillars of the sublime (Indian)
human wisdom, the name and entity of Atharva Ved shine sharp bright.It is said that the
atharnan's and Atharvan's are the procedures for everyday life.
• The fourth Veda Atharva Ved has been a late addition to the Vedic scriptures of Hinduism Well,
Atharvaveda is also referred to as Brahma Ved.
• Atharva Veda contains the prasises eulogizations of the gods & goddesses and the mantras about
medicine, science and philosophy. It is said that first & foremost, God had given the knowledge
of Atharva Ved to Maharishi Angira. After that, maharishi Angira gave this wisdom to lord Brahma.
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 Atharva Ved brought about Ayurveda.

 Atharva Ved has strengthened various medicinal techniques.
 Atharva Veda also contains information about the duties & responsibilities of husband & wife,
the rules of marriage and the correct method of respecting & revering each other.
 What is Vedic Culture
•Vedic culture most popularly known as Hinduism today, has spread everywhere and id followed
by over one billion people around the world. Every seventh person in the world is a follower of
the the Vedic tradition , which equals 13.7% of the population. Even now increasing number of the
•population, especially in west, are following its principles and avenues of spiritual Self-discovery,
such as yoga and its tenets.

•Vedic culture is the indigenous culture of India. It is not merely a code of religion but a way of
living with something for anyone, regardless of what level of consciousness of inquiry into
spiritual truths that a person may have.
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•The Vedic Age was between 1500 BC and 600 BC. This is the next major civilization that occurred
in ancient India after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization by 1400 BC. The Vedas were
composed in this period and this gives this age the name. The Vedas are also the chief source of
information about this era. The Vedic Age started with the coming of the Aryans or Indo-Aryans.
 Ancient Instutions
•India is known to be one of the oldest civilizations in the world. In fact, India was a center for
higher learning in ancient times.

 India contributed immensely in the field of Mathematics, Astrology, Astronomy, and other
sciences. Vedic science was so advanced that it could be compared with the present day’s
scientific inventions.

 Education held great prominence in Indian society since the Vedic period. Gurukuls and ashrams
were the main centers of learning.

 In fact, many universities flourished in ancient India, including the world-famous Takshashila
and Nalanda universities.

 Students from far off regions (including foreign lands) came to study in India’s old universities.
These universities in ancient India are true examples of our glorious past.
 Important Ancient Instutions
• Taxila Or Takshashila University
• Takshashila or Taxila was a world-famous university in India. It was located in the ‘Gandhara’ region
of ancient India, presently in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi district. It is believed that the Kuru prince
Duryodhana founded the Takshashila University at the birthplace of his mother, Gandhari. In fact, this
region finds mention in the great Indian epic of ‘Mahabharata.’
• Many great Indian physicians, astronomers, grammarians, politicians, rulers, and authors studied at the
Taxila University of ancient India. Takshashila University was home to over 10500 students. Who
came from worldwide to attain specialization in Vedas, Philosophy, Grammar, Ayurveda, Surgery,
Agriculture, Astronomy, Astrology, Commerce, Warfare, Music, and Dance.
• Moreover, the Taxila University imparted specialization in over 64 different fields. The age eligibility
criterion at Taxila University was put at 16 years.
• A student enrolled at this ancient University in India was allowed to choose
• any subject of his choice. Taxila was a residential campus at which thousands of teachers taught. It
was founded about 2700 years ago.
 Nalanda University
• Nalanda University is regarded as one of the oldest universities in ancient India. It was one of
the leading centers for higher learning in ancient India. It was founded by Shakraditya of the
Gupta dynasty during the early 5th century. So, Nalanda University is over 2000 years old.
• Nalanda University was located in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. Its ruins can be found
seven miles north of Rajgriha in Bihar. It attracted students from far off regions regarding Tibet,
China, Persia, Greece, and beyond.
• Nalanda University imparted education in various disciplines using highly formalized methods
of Vedic learning. It even taught the principles of Buddhism. It attracted Buddhist monks from
far and near. It mainly dealt with the Mahayana branch of Buddhism
• Over 10,000 students studied in this ancient University in India. About 2000 teachers imparted
education to these students.
• Subjects taught included Mahayana Buddhism, Vedas, Sanskrit, Logic, Grammar, Medicine,
Samkhya, and other subjects in every learning field.
• The Nalanda University housed an extensive library that was spread across three large multi-
storeyed buildings. Many sacred manuscripts were stored in these libraries.
 Vikaramshila University
• Vikaramshila university was one of the old Indian Universities. It was founded by Pala king
Dharmapala in the later 7th century BCE. It was located in the northern Magadha region that is
50 km east of Bhagalpur in Bihar.
• Students from all across the country and even foreign lands came to study at this ancient
University of India. More than 100 teachers taught over 1000 students in this ancient Indian
University.
• Vikaramshila University housed several temples. About 108 scholars were appointed as the in-
charge of these temples.
 Mithila University
• Although Mithila University is not mentioned in India’s mainstream history records, it was an
important center of learning in India since King Janak, the father of Sita.

• Mithila University was a center of the Brahmanical system of education. It is claimed that King
Janak used to held religious conferences where Sages and the learned took part.

• It has been recorded that this University taught various different subjects, including literature, and
fine arts, Vedas science subjects, Nyaya Shastra, and more. Nyaya and Tarka Shastra gained the
main prominence at this University.

• A famous Indian mathematician and scholar, Gangesha Upadhaya of the 12th century, founded a
New Logic school at this place where he scripted down Tattva Chintamani.
 Important Ancient Temples And Their
Founders
• Konark Sun Temple Is In Odisha
• The 13th century temple dedicated to the Sun god, Konark Sun Temple is a marvel. Built in the
Kalinga architectural style, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Sun god is seen
on a chariot with 24 wheels.Kailasa Temple, Maharashtra.

• One of the most intriguing and fascinating ancient temples of India, the Kailasa Temple in
Ellora,Maharashtra should be in your bucket list.
• Dilwarailwara Temples, Rajasthan. Located in Mount Abu, the Jain Temples are beautiful to look at.
The Vimal Vasahi Temple here is the oldest of the lot, built in the year 1032.Shore Temple, Tamil
Nadu.
 The Temples Of Hampi, Karnataka
• The Group of Monuments at Hampi are also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The Vittala temple the stone chariot is the most iconic symbol of Hampi.

• The Virupaksha Temple at Hampi was built in the seventh century by the Chalukya rulers.

• The austere, grandiose site of Hampi was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar.
Its fabulously rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which won the admiration of travellers
between the 14th and 16th centuries. Conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565, the city was
pillaged over a period of six months before being abandoned.
• We are an ancient nation and our monuments and architectural wonders antiquities. Let’s preserve it, not for
religious reasons or for a political edge but to be able to share it with our coming generations so that they
can marvel at the magnificence of these edifices just like we are able to.
 Kailasha Temple
•A mammoth and impressive structure carved out of a single rock, the Kailashnath, or Kailasa, temple is the
16th cave among the 34 stunning caves of Ellora,Believed to be built in the eighth century, this majestic
temple is built in the Pallava style.
•Architects started from the top of the mountain and worked downward to carve the structure. The
painstaking process removed more than 200,000 tons of volcanic rock between 757 and 783 A.D.,
according to archaeologists. Kailasa Temple is one of 34 caves in the area carved from solid rock. Other
similar caves date back as early as 300 B.C.

•In modern terms, it would take around 200 days, working at 24 hours per day, to excavate the entire site
using contemporary technology.

•That doesn’t take into account the elaborate carvings all over the monolithic structure
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 The sky God Varuna, fire God Agni, and the Sun God Surya were some of the other chief deities
who were important in the Rig Veda beside
• older Aryan deities.
 The God of storms andmountains Rudra, as cited in the Rig Veda is the origin for Lord Shiva,
the Hindu God.
 Lord Vishnu who is one of the Trimurti of Hindu Godswas also a minordeity, as mentioned in
the Rig Veda.
 The universally famous Gayatri mantra (Savitri) is also in Rig-Veda.
 The varna system, Four-folddivision of society are mentioned in this Vedic text.
 Dilwara Temples:- Mount Abu, Rajasthan
•These Jain temples built between the 11th and 13th centuries are located about 2.5 km from
Mount Abu in Rajasthan. There are five temples in a single complex, each with a distinct identity,
and dedicated to different Tirthankaras. Collectively known for the handiwork of intricate
craftsmanship, each temple is unique in its architecture and cultural relevance. The stunning use of
marble that can be seen in the exquisite detailing in the ceiling, doorways, and pillars is a reminder
of the skill and splendour that went into building these marvelous temples.
•The five temples—VimalVasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanatha Temple, and
Mahavir Swami Temple are considered among the most remarkable Jain pilgrimage sites in the
world.
 Sanchi Stupa
•Located on a hilltop at Sanchi in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, the Sanchi Stupa was
built between the 3rd century BC and the 12th century AD. This ancient temple of India is
supposed to be one of the oldest stone structures in India. It was built under the supervision of
Emperor Ashoka’s wife and daughter. It has a large hemispherical dome, surrounded by four
gateways called Toranas. These four intricately designed gateways face four different directions,
each symbolising love, trust, courage, and peace.

•The magnificence of this stone structure lies in its size— 16 metres high and 37 metres wide. It
preserves the relics of the Buddha and has also garnered itself a place on the list of
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
 Tungnath Temple
•Standing at a height of 3,680 metres (12,073 feet), the Tungnath temple is the highest Shiva temple
in the world and among the most ancient temples in India. Thanks to its elevation, it is also the
highest of the Panch Kedar temples, the others being Madhyamaheshwar, Kedarnath, Rudranath, and
Kalpeshwar. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas to venerate Shiva and seek
his pardon. This ancient temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It’s made of
black rock and the construction style is similar to that of the temple in Kedarnath.While there are a
dozen shrines of other gods surrounding the temple, it is quite small in size—only 10 people are

allowed in at a time.
 Monuments
• Monuments are structures that have been created to honor a significant individual or event. India is
home to a vast number of these historical structures, each with its own unique story and
significance.

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the designation and maintenance of
Monuments of National Importance in India.
 The Taj Mahal :-India's Crown Jewel

• The Taj Mahal is situated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

• This monument stands proudly on the shores of the Yamuna River.

• The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

• It is a quintessential example of Indo-Islamic architectural style.

• The Taj Mahal is adorned with beautiful domes and arches.

• It is crafted from pristine white marble.

• The chief architect of the Taj Mahal was Ustad-Ahmad Lahori.

• The construction of the Taj Mahal commenced in 1632 A.D. and was finished in 1648 A.D.
India Gate :-A National Symbol of India and Gateway of India :-A Symbol of Mumbai

• India Gate was originally known as the All India War Memorial.

• It serves as a memorial for the 84,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the First World
War and Third Anglo-Afghan war while fighting for the British Empire.

• Gateway of India – A Symbol of Mumbai

• The Gateway of India is situated in the bustling city of Mumbai.

• It was built to celebrate the arrival of British King-Emperor George V in India on December 2,
1911.