Tag: Ancient

Introduction

The discovery of iron led to a revolution in Indian agriculture. By the end of the Chalcolithic Age, the Indian subcontinent had been using iron for around 2500–3000 years. Now, during this time, the tools made of iron and steel were stronger and more efficient than those made of bronze. Manufacturing iron tools enhanced farming and contributed to a bigger economy.

The creation of iron farming implements greatly facilitated the agricultural process and contributed to a larger increase in farm produce. People were able to adapt to a stable existence at that time through commercial farming (trade between other nations) and subsistence farming, which helped people produce in huge amounts. Iron implements contributed to the prosperity of tiny kingdoms in a similar manner.

Indian Iron History from a Historical Perspective

In India, evidence of iron tools has been found in megalithic (big stone) burial sites. These sites in India comprised modern-day Karnataka and Kerala in the south, extended to some parts of central India and trans-Vindhyas. In many of these sites, the use of iron perhaps started by the end of the Neolithic and during the Chalcolithic age. 

Our Rig Veda and Yajur Veda contain references to the process of obtaining metal from ores. Iron was the third metal mentioned in Rig Vedic hymns, after gold and silver. Iron utilisation saw rapid development around 1400 BCE. Early evidence of iron smelting was thought to have been produced by tribal craftspeople in several places. 

Agriculture and the Iron

Agriculture underwent a turning point with the invention of iron. People have now begun to create powerful, long-lasting, and simple-to-form tools and weapons with this metal. 

This allowed them to create a compact, extremely sharp, and lightweight instrument that was challenging to craft out of stone or copper. Sickles, axes, spades, and plough shares are a few examples of significant tools. They could now plough difficult land thanks to these.

As agricultural output increased, people started to stay put in one location for longer periods of time, as opposed to moving around in search of food and water. The size of kingdoms also grew as a result. 

The king was now in need of money or taxes from the population to maintain his country. Farmers became the principal taxpayers because agriculture was one of the kingdom’s most productive industries. The monarchs used to encourage farmers by making arrangements for canals, wells, and tanks to boost farm output to increase the revenue from this field.

Iron Tools

The use of iron tools fundamentally altered human life. A new type of permanent community emerged with the large-scale production of tools. The provision of military equipment like iron swords and other weapons that were utilised by armies and soldiers for fighting wars and conflicts, not only changed agriculture but also established the groundwork for large kingdoms and empires. Since the idea of communities had begun to take hold, individuals had started to build their spheres of influence.

People, now, began establishing ties with other nations as well. The development of agriculture and the subsequent creation of surplus grain opened the door for thriving trades. Tools were traded for grain, which resulted in the growth of trade customs. Over time, as trade increased, coins started to be used in transactions. Numerous Roman coins have been discovered by archaeologists in India.

Summary

The discovery of iron altered the course of history. Its discovery was unexpected, but its expansion took centuries. The tribals of India carried the traditions from antiquity to the modern era. When the famous Damascus sword was being prepared with indigenous steel-making technology, India was the workshop of the entire world. The invention of the iron in some ways created the groundwork for a civilization that was more civilised. However, as with any historical event, there were ups and downs in India’s iron history due to a variety of internal and external factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.How did Early Humans Discover Iron and use it for Tools?
Ans: Humans had figured out how to extract iron from rocks and turn them into implements made of iron. Iron was first discovered in rocks, or iron ore, which was melted at extremely high temperatures. The iron was heated and hammered while in contact with charcoal, resulting in the iron being stronger and more durable.

2.What Effects did the Iron Age have on Human Life?
Ans: The development of iron tools aided in making farming easier and more efficient. Farmers could plough tougher soil, allowing them to harvest new crops and free up time for more leisure activities. Throughout the Iron Age, new crop and livestock varieties were introduced at various times.

3. How did Early People’s lives Alter between the Bronze and Iron Ages?
Ans: Around 1200 BCE was the start of the Bronze Age. Tools from this era were constructed of bronze. Iron, which was more durable and powerful than bronze and so brought about the Iron Age, soon took its place.

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.

  Image source 

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

Human desires are not constrained in any way. People are driven by lust, avarice, and rage. There is an Ashram system in place to help us overcome all the negative aspects of our lives. Since ancient times, the Ashram system has existed throughout India. They held the view that the ashram system enables a man to live a happy, healthy life. Moreover, by adhering to the Ashram system, one can acquire spiritual understanding, education, and life principles.

What is An Ashram? 

One of the facets of the Hindu notion of Dharma is the Ashrama system. It is also a component of the ethical theories found in Indian philosophy, where it is connected to the Purusartha, or four proper human life aims, including satisfaction, happiness, and spiritual emancipation. The individual lifespan was split into four phases under the Ashram system. The individual’s fulfilment and growth were each period’s main objectives.

Learn More about The System of Ashram. Check out more videos in Class 6th Social Science Lessons

How Does An Ashram Work? 

The four guiding principles for ashram operations are Dharma, Artha, Kama, and finally Moksha. These four principles are the only ones that guide a person throughout their entire existence. Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha all refer to virtue, riches, willingness, and liberation respectively. To attain the purpose of life, order is crucial. First, there is Dharma, which fulfils the definition of the term. In various life circumstances, this life principle functions in a distinct way. The source of all human values, it is.

The second tenet is that Artha represents prosperous accomplishments. Achievements might include developing skills, habits, and moral principles for living. Therefore, attaining artha necessitates a moderate level of motivation. It alludes to the notions shaped by societal conditioning and influencing personal desire. Such cultural conceptions vary in their profundity and tenacity. Because they are shared by a huge number of individuals within the community, which endures even as individuals come and go, they are more expansive and long-lasting than personal goals. Therefore, attaining Artha necessitates a moderate level of motivation.

The third principle is the Kama, which represents people’s openness to receiving anything. Each person has different desires. Time and experience both have the power to lessen or manage it. The Kama Principle is the ideal illustration for inspiring someone.

Bringing a man to Moksha is the ultimate objective of the Ashram system. It means that people are free. The existence of desires is non-existent. People are not affected by the things that harm their bodily and emotional well-being. There is only knowledge and spirituality, and nothing else. All ashrams, though, employ spiritual doctrine.

Importance of An Ashram in Ancient Indian Society 

When entering a new stage of life, people prepare themselves by taking a break in an ashram. It was very important in controlling how ancient people lived. According to the Ashrams’ idea, four stages of life are classified in antiquity.

Significance of Brahmacharya

The beginning of life is referred to as Brahmacharya. Through the ceremony of upanayana, a child enters the cycle of Ashrams of life phases and is regarded as a reborn kid. The ceremony will be performed by a boy who is eight years old. Children are educated about the Vedas, Indian customs, and several disciplines during this period. Ashram’s goal is to help people develop their personalities.

Significance of Grihastha

In this era of life, a boy transitions from childhood into adolescence. He got married and started a family. However, they must serve the public, which necessitates both them and the birds and animals.

Significance of Vanaprastha

At the age of fifty, Vanaprashta, the following stage of life, begins. At this point, he must depart from both the village and his family. He has to go to the wilderness by himself to meditate. This is the method for purifying the soul.

Significance of Sannyasa

After the vanaprastha occurred at the age of 75, the ultimate stage of life began. At this point, one forgets about all ties to the outside world and serves God.

Education in Ashrams

The optimum location for learning is an ashram, as was previously discussed. A child studies the Vedas and spirituality, starting at the level of Brahmacharya. He then discovers how to get rid of cravings of life. In the instance of Grihastha, he learns to shoulder both his family’s responsibilities and his obligation to assist the entire world. In the Vanaprastha stage, a person serves not only the world but also the younger generations by passing on knowledge and wisdom. He learns to give his life to God in the Sannyasi stage and begins working for God. Additionally, he learns to let go of his tie to his family and the cosmos.

Summary

The Ashram system is the foundation of Indian history and culture. A person’s mental and physical development is greatly aided by the ashram. The objectives of ashrams, however, are currently at odds with the way of life of the younger generations. People neglect to fulfil their obligations to both the nation and the rest of society. Without understanding life stages, a person cannot function in society or experience inner happiness. Therefore, there is a need to swiftly raise awareness of ashrams among the current generation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is taught through an Ashram?
Ans. A person’s personality grows in an ashram, and his spirit becomes serene and pure. Additionally, yoga and other forms of physical exercise as well as Indian cultural ideals are taught in an ashram.

2. Which of the Ashrams is nowadays performed by the people?
Ans. The current generation’s primary goals are to settle down and get married. Therefore, everyone today performs on the Grihastha stage of Ashrams.

3. What is the main target of life to be achieved by the system of Ashrams?
Ans. One aspect of Hinduism’s Dharma concept is the Ashrama system. Additionally, it is a part of Indian philosophy’s ethical beliefs, where it is paired with the four legitimate aims of Purushartha, which are fulfilment, happiness, and spiritual liberation.

4. How many types of Ashrams are there in our life?
Ans. The beginning of life is referred to as Brahmacharya. In this stage of life, a boy transitions from childhood into adolescence, gets married and starts a family. This period is called grihastha. At the age of fifty, Vanaprashta, the next stage of life, begins. After the vanaprastha occurred at the age of 75, the ultimate stage of life, sannyasa, begin.