Category: Social Studies

Introduction

The Kalinga War is regarded as the bloodiest conflict ever waged. Emperor Ashoka, the most important leader of the Mauryan empire, engaged in the battle. He was the son of Mauryan Empire official Bindusara and the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. Except for the Kalinga region, the Mauryan empire ruled over all of India. The feudal Nanda Empire reigned over the state of Kalinga. Emperor Ashoka launched an invasion of Kalinga to take control of the region after numerous failed efforts. Ashoka engaged in it as his first and final major engagement because of his growing disenchantment with the conflict’s aftermath.

Background and Causes of War

Chandragupta, Bindusara, and Ashoka were the three notable Mauryan emperors. The Mauryan Empire grew during Chandragupta Maurya’s reign, encompassing all of modern India. The Kalinga State, located on the East Coast close to the modern state of Odisha, was the sole sovereign state that could not be captured. The Nanda Empire previously dominated the state of Kalinga until 321 BCE. It achieved independence before the Mauryans took control. Despite numerous attempts by Chandragupta Maurya and Bindusara, the Mauryan Empire was unable to retake Kalinga. After various brutal battles between the brothers, Ashoka has been crowned Emperor and is determined to subjugate Kalinga.

There were many talented, serene, and competent people in the Kalinga state. With a strong navy and numerous ports for trade, the area was likewise prosperous and thriving. It was simpler for them to travel to Southeast Asia to establish economic relations because it was located on the East Coast. The Kalinga state is thought to have been viewed as a threat to the Maurya Empire since it had a good opportunity to obstruct communication between the Mauryan capital, Pataliputra, and the Central Indian region. The Bay of Bengal region, which the Mauryans viewed as another threat, was also brought under Kalinga’s rule. The Mauryans, who governed all of India except for Kalinga, saw it as a matter of political status as well.

Ashoka attempted to negotiate with the King of Kalinga, but he resisted giving up power. In the eighth year of his rule, Ashoka attacked Kalinga because he had no other choice. The Kalinga War ended in 261 BCE, while historians are unsure of when it began.

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Main Battle/Events of the Battle

• Historians concur that the Dhauli Hills were the site of the start of the Kalinga War. The Daya river flows by the Dhauli hills. It is believed that the Daya river in modern-day Odisha, India, was filled with the blood of the massacre victims. 
• A little over 100,000 people died, and Ashoka imprisoned 1,50,000 Kalinga warriors. With 60,000 footmen, 700 war-trained elephants, and 1000 cavalry, the Kalinga army was well-prepared. 
• Compared to the Mauryan military, the Kalinga state’s military strength still seemed insufficient. The Mauryans had about 60,000 warriors, nearly 1700 war horses, and thousands of elephants prepared for battle.
• However, the state of Kalinga engaged in battle with the Mauryans and battled valiantly till the very end. 
• Finally, the Mauryans defeated them with their formidable military might. The Mauryan kingdom was able to acquire Kalinga, fulfilling Ashoka’s ambition.

For more help, you can Refer to Lesson 7 – Ashoka, The Emperor in Social Studies Class 6. Checkout the video Lesson for a better understanding

Significance of the Kalinga War.

• Emperor Ashoka triumphed in the conflict handily, but he was unable to comprehend the carnage he saw. The loss of so many people and the destruction of so much property severely saddened Ashoka. 
• He understood how his insatiable desire for power had rendered him so blind that he had continued to pillage and destroy Kalinga. 
• There weren’t many people left in Kalinga to rule, despite his desire to do so. Ashoka was overcome with sorrow and guilt after seeing thousands of people killed and deported, as well as the suffering, bloodshed, and misfortune of the Kalinga.
• This experience forever altered his heart. He adopted Buddhism and vowed to pursue the Dhamma-Vijaya and Ahimsa (non-violence) paths (win people with Dhamma). 
• This was Ashoka’s first and last significant conflict. The empire’s military growth was subsequently halted, and he instituted a new program of 40 years of rule based on love, peace, non-violence, and harmony.
• In his Edicts, Ashoka recorded his comments on the Kalinga War, saying that 1,50,000 civilians and warriors from both sides perished in the conflict. Additionally, he sculpted images of the Dhamma into the pillars and rocks. He dispatched adherents to various nations to spread the Dhamma and preach Buddhism to advance a non-violent way of life.

Summary

One of the bloodiest and most vicious conflicts in history, the Kalinga war will always be remembered. Emperor Ashoka vowed to invade and conquer Kalinga after numerous attempts to get the independent kingdom of Kalinga included in the vast Mauryan Empire failed. Despite having a powerful army of its own, Kalinga’s army was nothing in comparison to the Mauryan army. In a brutal struggle, the Mauryans subsequently defeated Kalinga. He was sorrowful and repentant after seeing Kalinga’s suffering and devastation. He then decided to spread Buddhism by adhering to the Dhamma and the path of non-violence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How did Ashoka come to Power?
Ans. According to popular belief, the ministers of the late monarch Bindusara picked his son Ashoka to succeed him as ruler of the Mauryan Empire. After gaining control, Ashoka killed one of his brothers by burning Susima alive in a pit of charcoal. It’s also thought that he put 99 of his brothers to death following that.

2. How many Edicts were Engraved by Ashoka? What was there in Ashoka’s Edicts?
Ans. Ashoka carved 33 edicts, which are still visible in modern-day India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal. In his Edicts, Ashoka outlined his insights, the motivation behind his conversion to Buddhism, the methods he used to spread Buddhism within and outside modern-day India, the moral and social perception of Buddhism, and his contributions to society and the welfare of animals.

3. How many Categories of Edicts can be Found?
Ans. Based on their sizes and their medium, Edicts could be divided into four main categories. Sizes might be major or minor, and a middle size can be either a Rock or a Pillar. The engraving of Minor Edicts came first, then Major ones. Similarly. Before Pillar inscriptions, there were inscriptions on rocks. As a result, there were four different types of edicts: minor rock edicts, minor pillar edicts, major rock edicts, and major pillar edicts.

4. What is Dhamma?
Ans. The Buddha’s teachings, known as Dhamma in Buddhism, discuss learning the skill of letting go of unhappiness and suffering, or dukkha. Buddha taught that enlightenment can be attained through adhering to the Dhamma. To achieve the desired outcome, daily practice is required.

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Introduction

The principles of liberty, equality, and democratic rights fueled a yearning for change in the societies of other European nations during the French Revolution. The spread of these ideas throughout Europe gave people in other nations hope that they might speak out against their oppressive, autocratic rulers and motivated them to launch nationalist movements for social change in their nations. However, the concepts of social change varied throughout European nations. Some desired gradual social change, while others wished for radical reform of the social order.

Social Change 

The French Revolution sparked a social upheaval that swept throughout the globe and gave rise to optimism for fundamentally altering how society was organised. Liberal, conservative, and radical political trends were all invited by the need for change in European society.

• Liberals: The group of people aimed to create a new society that would maintain equality between various religious sects and promote religious tolerance in the country. They opposed the hereditary rulers’ disproportionate influence. These liberals also felt that people’s rights should be preserved, and they called for an elected representative form of government free from the influence of rulers and higher officials in terms of how the law is interpreted by an impartial judiciary. 

Liberals supported the principle of equality, but unlike Democrats, they never advocated for the universal adult franchise. Instead of women and members of lower social classes, they preferred that the ability to vote be restricted to the society’s propertied men (poor).

• Radicals: Another group in society that called for a change in the social order was the radicals, although they went about it completely differently than the liberals did. They desired that the majority of the populace elect the government. They supported the women’s suffragette movement, which advocated for the extension of voting rights to women. 

Radicals questioned the advantages accorded to land and factory owners because they were opposed to the concentration of power in the hands of a small number of members of the affluent class and because this was causing inequality in society. In a sense, radicals desired to alter the underlying character of the social order.

• Conservatives: This group was made up of the ruling class, who at first rejected the “change” that liberals and radicals advocated in favour of the status quo, or that things should stay the same. However, with the French Revolution, they were willing to change, albeit slowly, and wished to save some of the traditional institutions in remembrance of the past. As a result, the nineteenth century saw a transformation in the ideological foundation for social development.

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                                                                                Image credit: Flickr

Social Change in Europe

European society underwent significant socio-economic development during the eighteenth century. This resulted from the Industrial Revolution’s expansion of industries, industrial districts, and railroads, which led to the emergence of new cities. On the one hand, this industrialization helped the European economy while also having an impact on society. As a result of this, people moved to newly established cities to work in factories. They were required to work long hours for meager pay. If the industrial job was seasonal or duration-based, unemployment became widespread, which also contributed to issues with sanitation and health.

Because some of these workers were also property owners and bosses, radicals and liberals consistently urged reform in response to the dreadful conditions in which they saw the workers. Instead of just the wealthy, they desired that all facets of society benefit from industrialization. They also thought that an educated and healthy workforce might boost the economy’s prosperity. But the old aristocracy and the Conservative government, which came to power in 1815, were causing them problems since they did not allow liberals and radicals to manage their companies as they desired. Therefore, revolutionaries from many European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and Russia, attempted to remove the ruling monarchs.

Implications

The following were two significant effects of the social change in Europe throughout the nineteenth century:

The rise of nationalism: The idea of nationalism became more common due to the socioeconomic transformation in Europe. To better the welfare of the populace, new reforms were implemented. Now, nationalist movements are not exclusive to Europe anymore. It was in European colonies where social revolution first emerged.

The coming of socialism: In Europe, socialism began to gain ground because it believed that the existence of private property was the source of all societal ills. Properties and production factors were supposed to be owned collectively under this arrangement. They fantasized about living in a society without classes here. Socialists accused capitalists of being solely concerned with their profit and not at all concerned with the well-being of workers. Therefore, capitalism was viewed as abusing workers.

Summary

After the French Revolution, revolutionary concepts began to spread throughout Europe during the nineteenth century. People began speaking up to abolish the previous social order, in which authority was confined to a small number of socially favored groups. As a result, there was a surge of social upheaval in European nations. People demanded changes in society in various ways, which were known as liberal, radical, and conservative approaches. With the end of monarchies and privileged landowners, these changes ultimately resulted in the emergence of nationalism and socialism throughout Europe.

FAQ’s

1. What was the Industrial Revolution?
Ans. The construction of factories and machinery, together with widespread manufacturing, is referred to as the “Industrial Revolution.” It caused the shift from producing items manually to producing them using machinery.

2. Why did Radicals want a Fundamental Change in Society?
Ans. The radicals were people who belonged to the lower class and had long been taken advantage of by the ruling class. They, therefore sought to end the social stratification in which the lower classes were consistently denied any advantages.

3. What do you understand by Capitalism?
Ans. An economic system known as “capitalism” was one in which private organizations or individuals, as opposed to the government, owned the means of production and the industries.

4. “Social change is Necessary”. How far do you agree with this Statement? Explain.
Ans. Yes, I agree that “social change is important.” As can be seen from the social changes in Europe from the eighteenth to the nineteenth centuries, these changes significantly altered the social structures of those nations. This transformation is unavoidable, and getting rid of ineffective components, enables citizens to take the required stand against social injustice. In a nutshell, societal change empowers people so they can improve society for the coming generations.

Introduction

Numerous social reforms were brought about by the French Revolution of 1789 in the eighteenth century. Slavery was abolished in French colonies during that time, which was a remarkable development. Feudalism in France’s “Ancient Regime” was characterised by a high prevalence of slavery. Due to Europeans’ reluctance to work as plantation labourers, France built overseas colonies in the Caribbean as part of imperialism and began the slave trade for these colonies. Slavery, however, became a topic of discussion after the era of absolute monarchy ended and the National Assembly was established, and it still holds sway today. But once the Jacobins gained power, this subject once more gained attention, and in the end, slavery was outlawed in 1794.

Slavery

Humans were objectified and treated as property held by a master in the phenomenon known as slavery. Basic human rights were denied to these slaves, who lived under their masters’ orders. From the sixteenth century, slavery was widespread in France. More than a thousand slaves were exported from Africa at the beginning of the seventeenth century, which marked the beginning of the slave trade. In the Caribbean colonies of Saint Domingue, Martinique, and Guadeloupe, French plantation owners had access to favourable climatic conditions for the cultivation of cash crops like tobacco, sugar, coffee, and indigo. While all of these plantations needed more labour, Europeans themselves were unwilling to relocate to these foreign countries and work in these plantations.

Due to the labour deficit, the triangular slave trade between Europe, Africa, and America was made possible (including north and south America). French traders used to set sail for Africa under this commercial system from French port cities like Bordeaux and Nantes. Slave merchants or dealers would purchase slaves from local chiefs in coastal areas of Africa, transport them inhumanely (with shackles and stamps) for three months across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean, and then sell them to plantation owners there.

These slaves were overused or exploited to satisfy the rising needs for indigo, sugar, and coffee. In reality, Bordeaux and Nantes, two French port cities, experienced increased economic prosperity as a result of their participation in the expanding slave trade. And this is how slavery became so entrenched in France and its colonies abroad.

Movements Against Slavery

• Slavery was still a problem throughout the “Ancient Regime,” but it was criticised during the seventeenth century. Saint-Domingue, a French colony, was experiencing its slave insurrection at the same time that Haitian independence from France was being forged. As a result, Haiti became the first nation to be founded by slaves.
• After the autocratic monarchy was overthrown and a new constitution with the Rights of Man and Citizen was adopted, slavery became a contentious topic in the National Assembly during a time of political unrest. 
• Now, it was debatable as to whether or not all French subjects, including those living in French colonies, should be granted human rights. However, none of the legislation was enacted because the National Assembly was afraid of the opposition from the middle class’s wealthier members, who were actively engaged in the international slave trade.
• The National Convention outlawed slavery in 1794 after the Jacobins gained control, and a statute was passed to free all slaves in French colonies. This ordinance was maintained for 10 years until the time of the Directory, but due to improper enforcement, Napoleon Bonaparte repealed it in 1804 and reinstated slavery.
• In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, England, a nation that had long resisted slavery, exerted consistent pressure on other European nations to stop trading in slaves or people treated inhumanely. 
• However, other European nations, particularly France, continued to trade in slaves in secret. Additionally, a statute outlawing slavery was established in 1831, warning all European nations to outlaw the slave trade and insisting that coercive measures would be used against anyone found to be engaged in it. 
• The Second Republic of France‘s provincial administration formed a commission to outlaw slavery as a result of the monarchy’s decline, and on April 27, 1848, they officially proclaimed the institution’s abolition.

Summary

The French Revolution of 1789 was one of the great revolutionary events, bringing about several changes in France’s social and political landscape as well as those of neighbouring nations. The elimination of slavery in France and the slave trade in French colonies was one of the Revolution’s notable outcomes. With the expansion of colonization, colonial powers like France engaged in the slave trade due to the lack of manpower in the colonies for plantation work. As a result, people were exploitatively transported from Africa to America as slaves. However, with the start of the Second Republic of France in 1848, slavery was once again abolished as a result of England’s pressure on other European nations to outlaw it.

FAQs

1.What was the ‘Ancient Regime’ in France?
Ans. Before the French Revolution, France had a sociopolitical system known as the “Ancient Regime.” In this system, society was split into three estates, and the dictatorial ruler of the nation held absolute control.

2.What do you understand by Imperialism?
Ans. Imperialism is a strategy for spreading power and dominance through the military conquest of the lands and political systems of other nations.

3.Why was the National Assembly Apprehensive about the Middle Class Passing any Law against Slavery in the 1790s?
Ans. Members of the Third Estate, which included the wealthy middle class and others who relied on the slave trade for their economic development, made up the National Assembly itself. Therefore, despite some of its members’ criticism, the National Assembly was unable to pass any legislation to stop the slave trade.

4. What does the French Second Republic Mean?
Ans. The term “Second French Republic” refers to the republican government that was established in France for a second time in 1848 as a result of the collapse of the Orleans monarchy. In 1852, this Second Republic came to an end.

5.Why did Napoleon Reintroduce Slavery in 1804?
Ans. Napoleon wanted to increase French colonial influence in the Caribbean. He needed a lot of labourers to colonise the Louisiana region of North America. In fact, in 1804, he indulged in trade and reinstated slavery. In a sense, it served as his plan for enlarging the French empire.

Introduction

The third Mauryan emperor Ashoka, sometimes referred to as Ashoka the Great, reigned in ancient India from 268 to 232 BC. He was the second son of the Mauryan emperor Bindusar. Although he was not the heir of the Mauryan throne, he was more adored than his elder brother Sushima.  Ashoka was an ambitious ruler and a gallant warrior. Some folklores suggest that Ashoka conspired against all his siblings to reach the throne. However, he is not only known for his war abilities but for the realizations he had after the war of Kalinga that led him to accept the doctrines of Buddhism and spread peace around the world.

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Ashoka: The Great

Ashoka was born in the year 304 BC to Subhadrangi, daughter of a Brahmin. It is said that Ashoka spent his childhood away from the royal pleasures and in a village. However, he was trained with good morale and this made him popular among the crowd. He was loved by his people and received titles of honor from them. For several reasons, Ashoka was referred to as Ashoka the Great. Some of them are as follows:

• The largest empire in the Indian subcontinent was founded by Ashoka. 
• One of the largest armies was that of Ashoka, which included infantry, cavalry, and war elephants. 
• The greatest conquistador was Ashoka. He resolved never to use violence again after the Kalinga conflict and gave his life to Buddhism.
• He dispatched his son, daughter, and many missionaries to spread Buddhism over the continent. 
• He constructed countless viharas and stupas, the most notable of which is the enormous Sanchi Stupa, which UNESCO has listed as a World Heritage Site.

Ashoka: The Ruler

• Following his accession to the throne, Ashoka decided to expand his empire and carried out all the royal responsibilities outlined in Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
• This ongoing conflict lasted for eight years. Aside from these battles, he maintained good relations with other countries and maintained stability in all the regions that Chandragupta and Bindusar had previously controlled. 
• He gave himself the name “Devanampriya,” which means gods’ favourite.
• Kashmir and Kalinga, the only left-wing state in south India, were two targets Ashoka had long aimed to capture. His efforts were concentrated on Kalinga after he was successful in annexing Kashmir. The conflict significantly altered Ashoka’s life.

Ashoka’s War

The War of Kalinga was the largest and most well-known conflict during Ashoka’s rule. The Kalinga kingdom was a commercial state with easy access to the sea that was located in what is now the state of Odisha. In the year 260 BCE, Ashoka attacked Kalinga city. 

In India’s history, it was the bloodiest conflict ever. When Ashoka visited the battlefield to celebrate his victory after winning the war, he was horrified and deeply saddened by the scale of the carnage. At that very moment, he experienced a great conversion of heart and condemned war and all forms of violence after witnessing the devastation and feeling regret for the Kalinga. He swore he would never take up a weapon or use force of any kind. He subsequently adopted Buddhism as his religion, followed its path, and swore to disseminate the Buddha’s teachings.

Ashoka as a Devotee

Ashoka was dramatically altered by the Kalinga conflict. He converted to Buddhism and embraced the Dhamma, or Conquest by Dharma, philosophy. Ashoka erected several engraved rock and pillar edicts and thousands of stupas around India to publicise Buddha’s work and propagate his teachings. 

For people to adhere to the teachings and uphold the dharma, Ashoka’s rules and the Buddha’s teachings were etched on those pillars. One of the best-known dicta of dharma is the lion capital of the pillar at Sarnath, which eventually became the flag of India. Ashoka gave the order to erect 84,000 stupas throughout his territory, each housing the Buddha’s remains. Sanchi Stupa is among the most well-known stupas.

Ashoka’s Administration:

• The kingdom of Ashoka was split into provinces, which were further subdivided into villages by Visayas and Janpadas. 
• The provinces of his dominion were separated into five. 
• Magadh was the central Province, and each Province was independent, given a certain amount of autonomy.
• He adhered to the ideal of non-violence and had as his goal the welfare and security of his citizens. 
• Amatya and appointed officials, who all directly answered to the king, were trusted and knowledgeable authorities in charge of overseeing all administrative and judicial functions. 
• He had a competent and organised government.

Summary

One of the most amazing and legendary monarchs of ancient India was Ashoka. He gained much of his notoriety following the Battle of Kalinga when he decided to stop fighting. As the monarch who abstained from battle, he is well-known throughout history. Ashoka ruled over the whole Indian subcontinent and created the largest empire in historical India. After the Battle of Kalinga, he converted to Buddhism and became its most ardent supporter. To promote the teachings of Buddhism, he dispatched many missionaries and carved numerous stone edicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.What was Ashoka’s Dhamma?
Ans. Dhamma is best understood as instructions, and Ashoka’s Dhamma were guidelines for a more ethical social order. It was an order that needed to be obeyed for the good of society.

2.What were the messages given by Ashoka for the Betterment of Society?
Ans. The messages given by Ashoka for the betterment of society were:

• Respecting everyone’s cast. 
• Being gentle with the poor. 
• Doing welfare of citizens. 
• Respecting each religion.

3. Where is Kalinga located in Present Day?
Ans: Kalinga included a large part of present-day Odisha, north-easter regions of Andhra Pradesh, and large portions of Chhatisgarh.

Introduction

In the past, there have been numerous empires that included several kingdoms and were ruled by various dynasties. These three are connected on the one hand, while also having certain differences on the other. A dynasty can play a crucial role in both an empire and a kingdom. The terms “dynasty” and “empire” are more frequently used interchangeably, as in “Mughal empire or Mughal dynasty.” Similar to a kingdom, an empire is a state or nation governed by an emperor, respectively. Additionally, there are numerous ways in which these terminologies differ from one another.

What is an Empire?

An empire is a type of political system in which one state uses territorial conquests to expand and consolidate its dominance over a sizable territory while subjugating other states and nations, or a group of states and countries. An empire is often ruled by an emperor, however, there are instances in history where an empire has existed without a specific ruler. One such instance is the “British Empire” in India. In this approach, an empire is a group with a single sovereign authority and a centralised structure where the emperor had ultimate control. The idea of an empire’s emergence prepared the path for imperialism. In imperialism, nations dispatch a military expedition to other nations to build colonies.

What is a Dynasty?

A dynasty is a series of successive heads of the same family who rule over an empire or a kingdom. Primogeniture, or the idea that the eldest son of the king would inherit the throne, is typically the foundation of the succession process in dynasties. When a dynasty was deposed by members of another family or lineage, it came to an end. The dynasties are “hereditary,” meaning that rather than aptitude or skill, the powers are passed down through the generations depending on birth. The fact that a male is typically anticipated to ascend as the next monarch rather than a female shows how more “patriarchal” the idea of the dynasty was.

 What is a Kingdom?

A kingdom is a country or area that is governed by an absolute monarch (a king or queen), who makes decisions that affect the entire country. A kingdom may be a portion of an empire, where the emperor may delegate control of a particular territory to any of his kin. Multiple dynasties may succeed a single kingdom, although a kingdom cannot be exclusively connected with one dynasty. For administrative purposes, the kingdoms are further divided into provinces, where several officials are appointed and used to report to the monarch.

The idea of a kingdom originated in India during the later Vedic period, when janapadas, a tribal society, evolved into mahajanapadas and were eventually referred to as a kingdom. As numerous kingdoms began to compete for power, continual conflicts began.

What is the difference between an Empire, Dynasty and Kingdom?

Empire	Dynasty	Kingdoms
A political entity ruled by an emperor is an empire.	A succession of kings from the same family or bloodline is referred to as a “dynasty.”	A kingdom is a territory under a king or queen.
A wide area of land was made up of an empire. Even a few kingdoms could belong to an empire.	A dynasty has nothing to do with the geographic area. Rather a dynasty rules over a empire or kingdom.	The size of a kingdom might vary depending on its territorial scope.
Someone who may or may not be related to the ruler rules an empire.	Regardless of the circumstances, a dynasty is always made up of members of the same family.	A monarch may be chosen by the members of a certain key official and group or may inherit the throne from his or her family.

Examples-Ancient India

• The first indigenous empire of India, the Empire-Mauryan Empire, ruled over the whole Indian subcontinent from 321 BCE until 185 BCE. 
• The Gupta Empire, often known to rule during the Golden Age of Indian history, ruled over what is known as ancient India from the fourth to the sixth centuries BCE.
• Several dynasties, including the Nanda, Haryanka, Pandya, Pallava, Maurya, and Sunga dynasties, existed in ancient India. 
• Kingdom- Magadha was one of the illustrious kingdoms of prehistoric India.
• There were several other kingdoms present during the period, including Avanti, Vatsa, Kosala, Kuru, etc.

Summary

A political entity ruled by an emperor is an empire. A succession of kings from the same family or bloodline is referred to as a “dynasty.” A kingdom is a territory under a king or queen. The first indigenous empire of India, the Empire-Mauryan Empire, ruled over the entire Indian subcontinent from 321 BCE until 185 BCE. There were several other kingdoms present during the period, including Avanti, Vatsa, Kosala, Kuru, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was the Gupta Period called the Golden Age of India?

Ans. Economic prosperity and outstanding accomplishments in the fields of science, technology, art, architecture, literature, mathematics, religion, and philosophy were witnessed throughout this time. The Gupta era is therefore known as the “Golden Age” of Indian history.

2. Is there any Country in the World which is still Ruled by Kings and Queens?

Ans. Yes, there are 44 countries in the world which have a monarchial system of governance. Where a monarch is considered as the head of state. United Kingdom, UAE, are popular examples.

3. Do we have an Empire or Kingdom Existing in India Today?

Ans. No, there is no longer an empire or kingdom in India. Now that we have a democratic system of governance, those who labour for the general benefit of the populace directly or indirectly elect the nation’s leaders.

Introduction

During the Mughal era, the Mughals established the idea of Watan jagirs, where Watan denotes the realms of the local kings in that region and jagir denotes the land gift. After repeated conflicts with the Mughals, these regional kingdoms, in a sense, recognized their suzerainty over them. Akbar, who understood the value of Rajput support in enabling him to consolidate and expand his kingdom, initiated this watan jagir policy throughout his rule. He, therefore, made an effort to win the Rajputs’ allegiance by putting the Watan Jagir philosophy into practice by providing them with important posts with lots of autonomy.

What is Watan Jagir?

The Rajputs remained the Mughals’ greatest obstacle to extending and establishing their empire during this time. Mughals devised the concept of Watan jagirs to address this. Even though the Mughal kings prevailed in the fight, they did not acquire the kingdom of the victorious ones under this system. Instead, the king of that particular region or province was permitted to continue ruling his kingdom as long as he was willing to submit to the Mughal emperor. According to this idea, a king continued to rule his kingdom while the Mughal emperor was in charge. These monarchs eventually received a significant amount of authority in their watan jagirs.

One of the intriguing things about this watan jagir was that it wasn’t hereditary, so if the king of a watan jagir dies, his successor won’t get the entire watan; instead, the portion of it will be given to him by his mansab. The Mughals used to exert authority over Rajput monarchs in this manner.

How did Watan Jagirs rise under Rajputs

Gaining the respect and confidence of the Rajputs was crucial for the Mughals to grow their empire. As a result, the Mughals made an effort to win the support of the Rajputs by deepening their relations with them, giving them important positions in the government and army, adopting non-interference policies in their internal matters, and giving them watan jagirs. Rajput-Mughal ties were well-managed before Shajahn’s rule, but things started to deteriorate after Aurangzeb assumed the throne of the Mughals. And this started to worry both the Mughal elite and the Rajput kings.

Although Watan Jagir was first implemented by Akbar, it was effectively entrenched under Jahangir’s rule. Rajput’s rajas of Amber and Jodhpur, for example, received great autonomy to rule their watan. Some of these Rajput rajas provided the Mughals with steadfast service. They received outside jagirs (the nearby ones) or subas as payment for their service, in addition to their watan jagirs. The Subedari of Gujarat and Malwa were greeted by Raja Ajit Singh of Jodhpur, and the Subedari of Malwa was held with Sawai Raja Jai Singh of Amber.

As Mughal power waned, these Rajput monarchs began expanding their domains by conquering the regions surrounding their watans, which were portions of imperial or Mughal lands. The Rajputs of Jodhpur’s conquest of Nagpur and Amber‘s takeover of Bundi are two instances of this type of expansion.

Roles and Duties

• Chiefs from the Rajput tribe held important positions in the Mughal era. Raja Todarmal, Birbal, Man Singh, and other significant Rajputs from the Mughal government and army are a few noteworthy instances. 
• During Akbar’s rule, Raja Todarmal was in charge of the revenue administration. In the area of revenue administration, he made changes. As a result, the entire revenue structure he created was known as “Todar Mal’s Bandobast.” 
• Birbal, the emperor’s principal advisor and the head of the Mughal army, was another significant Rajput in Akbar’s court. Another significant general in the Mughal army was Raja Man Singh.

Rise and Decline

• The Mughal-Rajput relations were badly harmed by Aurangzeb’s accession to the throne since his predecessors had done a great job of maintaining them because they understood how significant the Rajputs’ assistance was to the expansion of their empire. 
• The policies of Aurangzeb underwent numerous revisions. The ‘watan jagirs’ territories granted to Rajput kings were taken away, they were denied crucial positions, and the government began meddling in their internal and religious issues. 
• These were all offences by the Rajputs. They then began planning an attack on the Mughals. Rajputs began to lose prominence in this way.
• At the same time, Rajputs and Mughals were being overthrown by Marathas, who had begun to take control of the position. Thus, the Rajput influence as well as the subsequent Mughals came to an end, and the Maratha confederacy emerged in India.

Summary

Due to a pressing political need for two of the major governing elites of northern India to strengthen their positions, Mughal-Rajput relations emerged during the sixteenth century. The allocation of watan jagirs to Rajput rulers with some authority was a significant step toward this arrangement. These Rajput kings gradually began expanding their watan jagirs by annexing the surrounding lands. But as the empire continued to grow, this partnership began to experience problems by the seventeenth century. Both the collapse of the Rajputs and the declaration of the independent regional kingdom were facilitated by internal strife among the Rajputs. In the end, the dominance of the Mughal-Rajput ties faced a significant threat from the advent of the Maratha.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 1.Who were the Rajputs?
Ans. The Kshatriya clan of the Varna system gave rise to the Rajputs. These Rajputs were primarily warriors who participated in conflicts and battles. They are responsible for the area’s defence.

2. How did Aurangzeb’s religious policy offend the Rajputs?
Ans. Since the Rajput kings were all Hindu, Aurangzeb sought to convert all of India to Islam. He conducted numerous actions against Hindus to achieve this purpose, including the imposition of Jaziyah, the destruction of temples and idols, and discriminatory tolls for Hindu traders. The Rajput kings were upset by all of these actions, and they began to lose faith in the Mughals.

3. What were the revenue reforms known as Todarmal Bandobast?
Ans. A tool called a jarib was used to measure the land. According to its quality, the land was split into good, intermediate, and terrible areas. One of the goods had a fixed revenue over ten years. The collection of taxes had to be done kindly. The payment was cancelled in the event of a natural calamity.

Introduction

The Mughal Dynasty, which controlled India from the 16th to the 18th century, was founded by Babur. It is one of India’s longest-reigning dynasties was the Mughals. Except for a few regions in south India, they controlled most of the Indian subcontinent. One of India’s most powerful dynasties, the Mughals were the first to rule the nation on their own. Before the Mughals, all earlier dynasties originated outside of India and maintained their cultural allegiance to their nations. They governed for 200 years and seven generations, claiming India as their nation. 

The Mughal emperors who governed India are as follows-

Babur

Babur (1526-30)

• Babur was the son of Umar Sheikh Mirza, the former ruler of Fergana, which is situated to the north of the Hindukush Mountain. He was only 12 years old when he ascended to power.
• Babur‘s Timurid lineage has led him to look toward India constantly. Punjab was important to him because Taimur formerly ruled there.
• He advanced deeper into northwest India, conquering Sialkot and Lahore.
• Babur was waiting for the ideal time to conquer the interior of India. To assault Ibrahim Lodi, he received an invitation from Dauat khan Lodi.
• Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the pivotal battle of Panipat (1526) and took control of Delhi, and Agra.
• Babur imported gunpowder to India, which led to a new style of warfare.
• He defeated Afghans in Ghagara, Rajputs of Chanderi (1528), Rana Sanga at the Battle of Khandwa (1527), and Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of Panipat (1526). (1529).
• Babur laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India.

For more help, you can Refer to Lesson 4 –The Mughal Empire in Social Studies Class 7. Checkout the video Lesson for a better understanding.

Humayun

Humayun (1530-40 & 1555-56)

• Humayun is the son of Babur, and he gained control post the demise of King Babur.
• He initially had a tough time due to the abrupt death of Babur. 
• Also, the elderly Afghans were regaining their footing, and an Afghan soldier named Sher Shah Suri became the Mughal empire’s main enemy. Humayun had to deal with many challenges.
• During the battles of Chausa (1539) and Kannauj (1540), Humayun was defeated and hence, he had to depart for Iran after leaving Delhi.
• He gradually took over Lahore and Delhi after Sher Shah’s demise.
• He passed away in 1556.

Akbar

Akbar (1556-1605)

• Akbar was the son of King Humayun and under the leadership of Bairam Khan, Akbar ascended to the throne following the death of Humayun.
• He defeated Hemu at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 with the aid of Bairam Khan, regaining control of Delhi.
• In India, Akbar is regarded as the most significant and influential Mughal emperor.
• He implemented a policy of religious tolerance and used marriage as a diplomatic tool to solidify his connection with the Rajput kings. A Hindu princess was his bride.
• During Akbar’s reign, the Mughal empire grew rapidly. From 1556 to 1605, he ruled over the whole Indian subcontinent.
• Jizyah was dismissed, and Hindu rajas were assigned to positions of authority in his court.
• He founded an Order called Din-e-Ilahi that was based on the Muslim Sufi brotherhood and was open to everyone.

Jahangir

Jahangir (1605-27)

• Jahangir was King Akbar’s son who ascended to the throne in 1605, post the death of King Akbar.
• Because he was the son of a Rajput princess, he followed the policy of fostering stronger ties with Hindu emperors.
• His biggest accomplishment was seizing control of Mewar, which Akbar had previously been unable to do.
• The ruler of Mewar was Rana Amar Singh, and despite Jahangir’s three repeated assaults, he was unable to overthrow Rana.
• When a cease-fire was finally reached, Karan Singh, the son of Rana Amar Singh, visited Jahangir and was warmly welcomed by the emperor.
• He recovered his Mewar domains and made Karan sing a Mansabdar of 5000 ranks.
• In 1627, he passed away.

Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan (1627-58)

• Shah Jahan was the son of King Jehangir and in 1627, he was crowned emperor.
• He began expanding the Mughal sphere of influence in the south. He took control of Bijapur and Golkonda.
• Shah Jhan had a passion for architecture and constructed the Taj Mahal, Moti Masjid, Jami Masjid, and the Red Fort in Delhi.
• Paintings and literary works flourished during his era. In his court, he keeps a magnificent collection of jewels.
• He controlled the Mughal empire until his son Aurangzeb rose in rebellion and imprisoned him for the rest of his life in 1658.
• In jail, he passed away.

Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb (1658-1707)

• He was one of Shah Jahan’s four sons. He imprisoned his father, the emperor, and had all of his brothers murdered. Furthermore, he ruled for a very long time (1658-1707).
• In 1663, he put an end to the Ahom uprising, which broke out again in 1680.
• He laid down severe policies, that were implemented against Sikhs and Hindus.
• Aurangzeb faced opposition from Shivaji and the Marathas.
• He murdered Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh in front of a throng as part of his extremely harsh attitude toward Sikhs.
• He was an orthodox king who once more began the Jizya and imposed high levies.
• After his death in 1707, the Mughal empire collapsed under the weight of his policies, which had brought his enemies together.

Mughal Tradition of Succession

• Compared to other dynasties, the Mughal tradition of succession was particularly unique.
• Primogeniture, the custom of selecting the firstborn son to succeed the parents as monarch, was not practised by the Mughals.
• The Mughals adhered to Timurid norms, which mention each son’s equal claim to the throne. Coparcenary inheritance is the term used.
• The Mughal dynasty’s violent power struggles were because of the equal claim of each son to the same throne. A new revolt sprang out whenever the emperor appeared frail or passed away, and princes began battling with one another for the throne.
• There were several plots and brutal fights during the Mughal succession.
• The emperor used to assign his sons the roles of governors and split his territories among them. The princes had duties to curb the rebellion and protect the empire.
• However, as the princes grew more powerful, they frequently revolted against the monarch and occasionally engaged in conflict among themselves.

Summary

India was made into a vast empire by the Mughals, and during their rule, there were numerous administrative and cultural changes. Hindu rajas were permitted to work in the Mughals’ intricate bureaucracy. The Mughals made their contemporary Rajput rajas into high officers known as Mansabdar and for the first time established a good relationship with them. Mansabdars were aristocrats with the authority to levy taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.Who was Todar Mal?
Ans: Todar Mal was the revenue officer in Akbar’s court and was highly regarded by the emperor. He was a truthful person.

2.What does the term Sulh-i-Kul mean?
Ans: The word, which means “global peace,” is Persian. This was begun by Akbar; it forbade discrimination based on religion. In Akbar’s view, justice applied to all people.

3.What modifications to the nature of warfare did Babur make?
Ans: Babur introduced gunpowder to India.

Introduction

Babur founded the Mughal empire in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat. In order to establish the empire, Babur had to command a number of military campaigns. Expeditions of Babur include-

• The Battles of Khanwa (1527)
• The Battles of Chanderi(1528)
• The Battles of  Ghagra (1529).

It took almost two decades for Akbar, who rose to the Mughal throne in 1556, to establish his authority and bring central and northern India under his control. His reign saw some significant military campaigns, such as the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 and the Battle of Haldighati. A number of military conquests were led by Akbar’s successors, Jahangir, Shahjahan, and Aurangzeb, to further the empire’s reach in Mewar, Deccan, Kangra, and Bengal.

Mughal Military Campaign

Gunpowder tactics, in which the Mughals employed cannons to beat their enemies, and well-trained cavalry were the reasons behind the military campaigns’ success. We shall examine in depth the three occasions when the Mughal military campaigns refused to carry on campaigns due to the fear of seasons in those regions.

• A campaign headed by prince Murad Bakhsh in Balkh
• Mughal’s Military campaign in Kashmir
• Mughal Conquest of Assam

A Campaign Headed by Prince Murad Bakhsh in Balkh

• The Mughal emperor Shahjahan led a military expedition in the seventeenth century under the command of his younger son prince Murad Bakhsh to conquer the Uzbek city of Balkh (modern-day Afghanistan). 
• This territory belonged to the Mughals and was taken by Uzbeks under Babur. Balkh’s monarch fled as soon as the Mughal army arrived, and Murad quickly took control of the region.
• Murad eventually made the decision to leave the area. So, he asked for permission to move away from that location.
• Winter was about to arrive in Central Asia at the time, and it was difficult to survive with a sizable force. This was the reason for the request for relocation.
• It was very challenging for them because of the surrounding snow, which could close roads for months and complicate logistics by making it difficult to feed both the sizable army and the horses used for the cavalry.
• Shahjahan rejected his son’s petition and instructed him to stay in position. Murad still left his subordinates there and began his return trip.
• As a result of this, Shahjahan expelled Murad from his court and his mansab was called.

Mughal’s Military Campaign in Kashmir

In 1586, the Chak dynasty of Kashmir was overthrown by the Mughal emperor Akbar.A military expedition to conquer Kashmir was planned under the leadership of Muhammed Qasim Khan. Because of the harsh winter, Mughal troops gradually began to refuse to advance during the capture of Kashmir, forcing Qasim Khan to go out and fight with the enemies on his own. The Mughal soldiers in Kashmir struggled to survive the bitter weather, rough terrain, and unbearable conditions with little to no food supplies.

The Mughal warriors were used to a hotter, more open environment, hence this campaign was difficult for them.

Mughal Conquest of Assam

• The Mughal marched in Assam and Aurangzeb dispatched an army in 1662 with Mir Jumla as its supreme commander.
• The Mughals 1663 sent an army to Assam. The Mughal army successfully conquered the region and compelled the Ahoms to seek sanctuary in the highlands.
• At the conclusion of this campaign, Aurangzeb sent an order to Assam from the Mughal court to select two officials to serve as subedar and faujdar. But, due to the difficulties of the climate they had to endure during the conquest, such as rain and floods, the commanders declined to take the position.
• Ahom took advantage of the circumstance and left their hiding place to begin attacking the Mughal invaders after seeing the helplessness of the Mughal forces.
• In addition, the warriors’ line of communication with one another and the supply of food grains were disrupted by the constant, heavy rain.
• The imperial army fled from Assam as a result of all of these.

Summary

The Mughal military campaigns began in the latter part of the fourteenth century and lasted virtually until the seventeenth. Even though the Mughals were successful in almost all of their conquests, they occasionally faced difficulties in the form of internal insurrection and persistent external pressure. Additionally, environmental considerations presented challenges for the Mughal army. As a result, campaigns like those in Kashmir and Balkh by Murad occasionally had to be abandoned due to unfavourable circumstances. Although many difficulties were faced by the Mughals, their reign is still considered the most powerful in the history of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Who were the Ahoms?
Ans: The tribal communities that moved to Assam were known as Ahoms. They conquered Assam’s traditional landowner elite, known as bhuiyans. The Chhutiyas and Koch-Hajo were also captured by them in the sixteenth century. In the end, they conquered a number of local tribes and established a new, sizable state in the Brahmaputra valley.

2.When and between whom was the Haldighati Fight Fought? Who Emerged Victorious from the Conflict?
Ans: In 1576 CE, Rana Pratap and Akbar’s Rajput armies engaged in combat at Haldighati. Rana Pratap was defeated by the Mughal army under Raja Man Singh’s leadership.

3.Who was Faujdar in the Mughal Era?
Ans: The head of a garrison in the military was known as the “Faujdar” during the Mughal dynasty. These faujdars were later elevated to the position of district chiefs, or sarkars, during Akbar’s rule.

Introduction

Numerous developments occurred at the turn of the 19th century. The world witnessed the effects of modern ideas after the French Revolution, and a wave of modern thought swept the globe. Science witnessed a number of inventions and an influx of contemporary ideas. Two of these cutting-edge concepts rose to the top. A liberal and a radical were ones and the same. These concepts were the result of the industrial revolution’s mechanisation of manufacturing. The liberal philosophy supported the development of property through increasing output.

Industrial Society and Social Change

With the development of the steam engine, the manufacturing process underwent a dramatic transformation, sparking the industrial revolution. The ancient feudal societies were transformed into industrial societies at the height of the industrial revolution in the early 19th century. England was the first European nation to transition into an industrial civilization, and it was here that the first industries were established.

It was a period of building new industries, new cities, and enlarged railroads. It caused a movement from the countryside to the metropolis in pursuit of factory labour, bringing both men and women to the workplace. The unemployment rate rose as the number of workers rose. Long working hours and low pay made it difficult to improve living circumstances. Cities’ housing and sewage issues worsened, and slums began to develop. Instead, because they could now turn their labour into wealth, the workers saw the industrial revolution as a chance to improve their social status.

Coming of Socialism in Europe

The social dynamic shifted as industrial societies emerged in Europe. Villagers abandoned farmland and moved to cities in quest of employment. By the middle of the nineteenth century, socialism had spread throughout Europe. Even though they were creating jobs for people and amassing property for their own use rather than for the benefit of others, socialists were opposed to private ownership. 

Socialists supported local government control over the land. Varied socialists held different opinions; some believed that socialism could be attained by individual effort. The earliest socialists aimed to establish collective production and create a cooperative society; thinkers like Robert Owen and William Morris were among them. Others thought that creating cooperatives fell under the purview of the government.

Following the arrival of Karl Marx, socialism underwent significant growth. He was a German sociologist who immigrated to Britain and rose to prominence as a socialist. He asserted that large manufacturers and private property owners control the current industrial society. He referred to that class as the “capitalist” class and asserted that these powerful capitalists exploit their employees. He referred to contemporary industrial civilization as a capitalist one. It was communism that Marx ultimately wanted to see in society. Marx urged the working class to seize control of the state until communism was achieved because of this.

What is Socialism?

The idea of socialism gained popularity in the 19th century, although its roots may be seen in the writings of classical philosophers like Plato, who discussed a communal society in his work “Republic.” A theory that favours collective ownership above private ownership is known as socialism. In socialism, the society as a whole has authority over the property for the benefit of all of its members. It is not individualistic; instead, it views the community as a whole and emphasises communal goods.

The idea of socialism as an ideology was never fully explored by earlier thinkers like Saint Simon and Robert Owen, who instead focused on collective community. It wasn’t until Karl Marx and his work the critique of political economy that socialism emerged as the dominant ideology.

Marx’s central thesis is that there will inevitably be a class war between the capitalist class and the working class, which will lead to a revolution. One significant way that socialism differs from capitalism is that it emphasises economic equality together with social and political equality.

Spread of Socialism

Marx was crucial in making socialism more widely accepted. In 1864, he created the First International or International Working Men’s Association. It was a group of labour leaders who weren’t fully dedicated to socialism or revolution. This demonstrates Marx’s determination to spread the concept of socialism. The socialist movement had spread throughout Europe by the 1870s. The First International was continued as the Second International on July 14, 1889, due to its success. It was an alliance of socialist and labour parties that carried on the first international mission.

Workers began forming worker unions and cooperatives throughout Europe, particularly in nations like England, Germany, France, and Italy. They formed groups and began organising to fight for their rights, better living and working circumstances, and pay that was fair. The labour union and other labour organisations in England were combined to become the labour party in 1905. The social democratic party took power in Germany. In 1905, the French Socialist Party was also established. The goal of all the numerous types of socialism that emerged over time was to put an end to the class struggle.

Summary

The philosophy of socialism first appeared in Europe in the 19th century. It was brought on by the negative consequences and declining living conditions of industrial workers. According to socialism, a state is a tool for the exploitation of the working class. The concept of class conflict is central to socialism. It asserts that the stronger class has always been taken advantage of by the dominant class. The worker class is taken advantage of by capitalists in today’s capitalist society.

FAQs

1.What is the difference between Socialism and Capitalism?
Ans. According to capitalism, a person is free to amass as much wealth as he likes, and it would be under his control. Capitalism gives primacy to the right to property. Socialism rejects the idea of concentrating wealth in the hands of a small number of people and is opposed to private ownership. Socialism gives the group a higher priority than the individual.

2.What type of Government did the Socialists Support?
Ans. To socialists, the government should assist in the creation of cooperatives and fight to improve a lot of the working class, according to socialists. Socialists favour public management of the available resources.

3.Explain Fabian Socialism.
Ans. This particular brand of socialism emerged in Britain. Instead of discussing the revolution to bring about socialism, it focuses on political parties and seeks to gain power through their sway.

Introduction

The pivotal event that fundamentally altered the nature of politics on a worldwide scale was the Russian Revolution. The Bolsheviks, a Marxist revolutionary group, destroyed the Tsarist government in Russia while the world watched in horror. Early in 1917, the Revolution began, and it lasted until 1923. Two revolutions and the start of a civil war in Russia were part of this insurgent period. It developed over time as a result of the Tsar’s monarchical government’s inefficiency and dishonest practices, growing dissatisfaction among racial minorities, peasants, the military, and workers, Russia’s involvement in World War I, and the dire state of the Russian economy. All of these issues ultimately resulted in a violent Revolution.

Economic and Social Conditions

Before the Russian Revolution of 1917, society was split into royalty and aristocracy, which made up only 12.5% of the population, and peasants, who made up about 82% of the population and the working class, which made up 4%. Russia was unable to participate in the huge Industrial Revolution that other regions of Europe saw. Thus, the middle-class population in Russia did not increase significantly. Only 1.5% of the population was represented. 

Due to the lack of middle-class people, a small number of people have come to control much of the money and power. As a result, the powerful population was ruled by autocratic kings. The majority of the landowners were members of the nobility and royalty. Therefore, those who suffered the most during the Tsarist dictatorship were the rural peasantry and the urban working class. Early 19th-century Russia had extremely low social conditions, from the life expectancy rate to literacy, schools, roads, hygiene, and sanitation.

Russia began to experience industrialization in the early 20th century. It resulted in a number of political and social reforms. Still, agricultural labour was more important in Russia. The peasants who farmed the land were released from serfdom in 1861 by the earlier Tsar Alexander II, but they were never given the opportunity to become proprietors. They laboured in the fields of other landowners since they lacked land. As the government paid the landowners, peasants were given land to work on. The peasants were consequently compelled to reimburse the government for this money. Their discontent was unrestrained. Due to the fact that the majority of lands were privately owned, the peasants attempted to protest this injustice and called for land reform at the beginning of the 20th century. Poor, disgruntled peasants began to migrate to cities almost as soon as the 19th century ended. They were exposed to cosmopolitan ideology and industrialised urban culture.

Policy of Russification

The “Russification” strategy of the Tsar forced numerous nationalities to renounce their culture and languages, which infuriated them. Even Russians had a limited range of privileges. They were supposed to carry out all their responsibilities and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the rulers. As a result, Tsar Nicholas II’s rule was becoming less and less popular with the populace, which had earlier supported him with slogans like “One Tsar. One Church. One Russia.”

The First World War

In 1914, the First World War added fuel to the already-burning inferno. Russia’s decision to join the conflict increased the need for industry workers to generate war materials. The already irate employees grew enraged. People in general were backing the workers because they shared their opposition to Russia’s involvement in the conflict. The unskilled peasants enrolled as factory workers, while the workers were forced to serve in the military. Millions of Russian soldiers died in World War I before the end of 1916. Russia experienced a severe famine that affected the entire nation. Because of the paucity of military supplies and equipment, which made their defeats worse, the military also began to revolt.

Implications

The military was ordered by the administration to shoot the demonstrators, but they refused. The Russian army’s uprising in February 1917 in and around Petrograd served as the catalyst for the revolution. The troops believed that if the Tsar resigned, Russia’s situation would improve. As a result, the Tsar relinquished his position of authority, and the Russian Provisional Government, which served capitalist interests, took over. The outcomes did not satisfy the working-class folks. Later, the working class joined forces with the extreme-left Bolsheviks to start the infamous October Revolution, which was followed by the Russian Civil Wars, which ultimately resulted in the foundation of the Soviet Union.

Summary

The Russian Revolution was a noteworthy occurrence that forever changed the course of human history. Beginning with the February Revolution, it underwent a number of changes that eventually resulted in the October Revolution, the Russian Civil War, and the transfer of power to the Bolshevik party, which created the Soviet Union. Before the revolution, Russian society was in a precarious state. The Tsarist regime’s careless, dishonest, and inadequate governance, Russia’s involvement in World War I despite its economic ruin, the growing discontent of the peasants, workers, militaries, and ethnic minorities, and differences in political opinions among various groups all contributed to the legendary Russian Revolution of 1917.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1.Before the 1917 Revolution in Russia how was the Situation of Socialist Parties?
Ans. Prior to 1914, the Russian government outlawed all political parties, although in the late 19th century, the Socialists were still actively operating in Russia’s rural districts. The socialists founded the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party in 1898. It adhered to Marxist principles. In 1900, the Socialist Revolutionary Party was also founded.

2.What is Duma and why was it Built?
Ans. Following the people’s strike, the Tsar published the “October Manifesto,” in which he proposed creating a democratic, elective parliament that would give the people more control. The name of this democratic legislature was Duma. However, the Tsar disbanded the first two Dumas because he believed they were not working with him.

3.How did the Revolutionary Tribunal Operate?
Ans. The Revolutionary Tribunals were established during the Russian Revolution and Civil War in order to combat the counter-revolutionaries. It was attempting to stop the elements who wished to destroy the revolution while also advancing it unhindered. When the Provisional Government of Russia was unable to administer justice for the Russian people, it operated as a supporting institution.

4.What Function did the Church Services during the Russian Revolution?
Ans. The Russian Orthodox Church collaborated with the Tsar. By claiming that the Tsar was chosen by God in their official theology, they strengthened the dictatorial rule of the Tsar. They claimed that any demonstrations against their “little father” would be viewed as an insult. Churches received funding for advancing the Tsar’s agenda.