Summary: Ancient Indian History
Tracing the Beginning: There is no conclusive evidence as to when pre historic man, made his debut in Indian sub continent. However from ongoing archaeological findings it seems that use of metals such as copper was prevalent in concentrated as well as isolated settlements. These advancements are believed to have paved way for the highly urbanized settlements which flourished in North West India from 3000 BC to 1500 BC.
Harappan Civilization: This civilization is also widely known as Indus Valley Civilization owing to the proximity of major towns to River Indus. However the recent archaeological findings have revealed that this civilization was not just confined to Indus Valley. In south it extended to Gujarat and Maharashtra whereas in East, settlements having characteristics of Indus culture have been found as far as Uttar Pradesh. Harappa and Mohenjo – Daro (both situated in Modern Day Pakistan) were the first of the Indus Valley Civilization towns to be discovered. Well planned towns with brick structures and meticulously laid out drainage system are the testimony that these towns were urban in nature. Some structures give an indication that merchant trade was highly developed during these times. Harappans were worshippers of male and female deities along with worshiping trees and animals. How the Harappan culture came to an end is still a matter of debate and till date remains an unresolved mystery.
Vedic Civilization: A new civilization which had its roots in Vedas ushered in with the coming of Aryans. The origin place of Aryans is yet a hot topic of discussion among historians. It is believed that they were nomadic pastoral people belonging to Central Asia who later started migrating towards Europe and other parts of Asia. They made their way in the Indian sub continent and initially settled in Punjab. Thereafter they moved eastwards and percolated throughout the Gangetic Valley. Sanskrit was the language of Aryans. They primarily worshiped the elements of nature (varuna – God of Winds, Indra – the God of rain etc.) The Vedic civilization is split into early Vedic age and later Vedic age which extends up to 600 BC. Two great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata were composed during Later Vedic Age. The society had a monarchial setup with king (Rajan at the helm of affairs). Brahmins wielded a significant influence on all aspects of society during later Vedic Period. Caste system was also a significant emergence during Vedic Period.
Age of Mahajanpadas: From 600 BC events can be arrange with linearity as proper evidence to support them is available through Buddhist and Jainism scriptures. Complexity of Vedic religion and discrimination among the masses are considered to be primary reason for Buddhism and Jainism gaining prominence from 600 BC. Moreover there were strong kingdoms who gave patronage to Buddhism and Buddhist Monks. Emergence of 16 Mahajanpadas (based on clans) was the noteworthy development of this period. The concept of Republic was introduced in some of these Mahajanpadas.
Alexander Invades India: Most phenomenal foreign invasion on Indian sub continent was the one when Alexander the Great (Greece) was on a mission to conquer the world. However after difficult victory against Porus (Ruler of kingdom between Rivers Jhelum and Chenab) he halted his campaign and on the way back, died in Babylon.
Mauryan Empire – Ashoka The Great: By the time of Alexander’s death, Magadha (Modern Day Patna) was the centre of power in Indian sub continent. Magadha was ruled by mighty Nandas at that time. Amidst this turbulent times a dynamic young man Chandragupta Maurya emerged on the scene. He snatched away Punjab and Sindh from the Greeks. Later on he overthrew the Nanda empire and laid the foundations of Mauryan Empire. Alexander’s feudal lord Selucus Nicator tried to attack Chandragupta but was defeated and as a consequence the Mauryan Empire witnessed a westward extention upto Afghanistan. Patliputra was the capital of Mauryan Empire. A strong Monarchial system supported by extensive bureaucracy dedicated to welfare of subjects was the hallmarks of Mauryan administration under Chandragupta. Bindusara followed Chandragupta Maurya. No major geographical extention pursuits were undertaken by Bindusara. His rule was more of a consolidation of Chandragupta Maurya’s legacy. Bindusara was succeeded by his son Ashoka. The reign of Ashoka was the first instance when the major part of contemporary India came under one rule. Ashoka was not just the greatest of Mauryan kings but also the most popular and widely respected king in the History of India. The most significant event in Ashoka’s life was the war with Kalinga. On witnessing widespread massacre and misery after this war Ashoka decided to embark on the path of non violence and accepted Buddhism. He made extra ordinary efforts for the propagation of Buddhism in India and abroad. Several rock edicts lay testimony to his patronage for Buddhist monks. Soon after Ashoka’s demise the Mauryan successors could not hold grounds which led to disintegration of mighty Mauryan Empire.
Post Mauryan Period: Brihadratha was the last Mauryan king who was assassinated by his Brahmin commander – in chief Pushyamitra sunga who in turn started the Sunga dynasty rule over India. Kanva dynasty followed the Sunga dynasty. South India during this time was ruled by mighty Satvahana dynasty. Kingdoms of Cheras, Pandyas and Cholas ruled deep South. Greeks, Parthians, Sakas and Kushanas periodically invaded India during this period. The North West frontier of India went under Kushana rule. Kanishka was the most popular Kushana king. Kanishka was also admired on the line of Ashoka for his efforts to popularize Buddhism. He had his capital in Modern Day Peshawar.
Gupta Age: Guptas were another prominent dynasty which ruled ancient India. Founded by Chandragupta, its stronghold regions were the one in modern day Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Samudragupta followed Chandragupta who has been acclaimed for his acquisition campaigns and brought almost north and central India under his command. He was a dynamic and a powerful king known for his administrative prudence and love for art and music. Chandrahupta II also known as Vikramaditya further extended the geographical boundaries of Gupta empire. His successors Kumaragupta and Skandagupta consolidated their ancestors legacy. The time span of Gupta rule is considered as golden period in Indian history. Hinduism was at its peak during Gupta Age.
Post Gupta Period: With the loosening of Gupta hold, several small independent kingdoms emerged in North India. Among several foreign invasions Hunas were the most significant who made inroads into Gupta empire and established their supremacy. Huna ruler Tormana followed by his son Mihirakula subjugated North India. They were cruel and barbaric. Yasodharan of Malwa and Baladitya of Magadha checked their rise and drove away Mihirakula.
Harshvardhana: Another influential king Harshvardhana emerged on the scene at the start of 7th century. With his capital at Kannauj, he brought under his rule large part of Northern India. However in an attempt to grab Deccan region he was defeated by Pulakesin II the Chalukya king. Harsha is respected as much as Ashoka and Samudragupta. Hiuen Tsang was the Chinese traveler who visited India during Harsha’s rule.
Chalukyas of Badami: Chalukyas were a force to reckon with in South India. Pulakesin I was the first ruler of this dynasty. He was succeeded by his son Kirtivarman. Most notable of Chalukya Kings was Pulakesin II (son of Kirtivarman). He was successful in many conquests with most prominent being the one of checking Harshavardhanas entry into Deccan. However Pulakesin II was killed in a battle by Pallava King Narsimhavarman I. His son Vikramaditya I restablished the lost glory of Chalukyas by defeating Pallavas, Pandyas, Cheras and Cholas. He was succeeded by his son Vinayaditya and then grandson Vijayaditya. His son Vikaramaditya II defeated the Pallavas and captured their capital Kanchi. He also drove away the Arabs who invaded Chalukyan kingdom during that time. The end of Chalukyan dynasty came during the rule of his son Kirtivarman II who was dethroned by his warlord Dantidurga who founded the Rashtrakuta rule.
The Pallava Rulers: The kingdom of Pallavas in earlier times was the one between Rivers Krishna and Cauvery. In the last quarter of the 6th century AD Sinhavishnu was the Pallava king who ruled this kingdom. He was followed by his son Mahendravarman. Although a capable ruler, Mahendravarman faced defeats against Chalukya king Pulakesin II. His successor Narsimhavarman II finally managed to crush the Chalukyan power in that region. The Pallava rule reached its Zenith during the reign of Narsimhavarman II. Architectural creations were the hallmark of his rule. However after his death the Pallava kingdom disintegrated and Cholas inflicted a crushing defeat on the erstwhile Pallava king Aparajita.
Conclusion: The period of ancient Indian history is marked by various regional powers becoming super powers and various individual centric campaigns leading to foundation of dynasties. The period till end of 9th century AD also witnessed the emergence of three prominent religions viz. Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The indigenous power centres had to contend with not just domestic revolts but also had to repel foreign invasions. Various art forms and architecture too flourished during this period.
