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Ancient India

Chandragupta Maurya

1. Introduction 2. Early Life of Chandragupta Maurya ✔ Born around 340 BCE in a humble background, possibly a Kshatriya or Shudra clan.✔ Discovered and trained by Chanakya, a scholar from Takshashila.✔ Led a rebellion against the Nanda Dynasty, eventually overthrowing Dhanananda (last Nanda ruler) around 321 BCE. 3. Chandragupta’s Conquests and Expansion ✔ Defeated […]

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Art and Culture

Nalanda University

Nalanda University, established by Kumaragupta I in the 5th century CE in Bihar, India, was the world’s first residential university, attracting scholars globally. It flourished under various dynasties, emphasizing Buddhist and secular studies until its destruction in 1193 CE. Revived in 2014, it continues to symbolize India’s academic heritage and influence.

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Art and Culture

Jataka Tales

1. Introduction 2. Structure & Content of Jataka Tales ✔ Number of Stories: 547 in the Pali Canon (Theravāda Buddhism).✔ Part of the Khuddaka Nikaya (Sutta Pitaka, Tripitaka).✔ Types of Stories: 3. Famous Jataka Tales Jataka Name Key Theme Lesson Vessantara Jataka Story of a generous prince who gave away everything Importance of charity and […]

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Art and Culture

Tripitaka

1. Introduction 2. Structure of the Tripitaka ✔ Tripitaka is divided into three sections: Pitaka (Basket) Meaning Contents Vinaya Pitaka Discipline Basket Rules for Buddhist monks and nuns (Sangha). Sutta Pitaka Teaching Basket Sermons (Suttas) of Buddha, including Dhammapada. Abhidhamma Pitaka Philosophy Basket Detailed analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology. 3. Detailed Explanation of Each […]

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Art and Culture

Aranyakas

The Aranyakas are Vedic texts from 800-600 BCE, serving as a bridge between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads. Focusing on meditation and spirituality, they emphasize inner self-realization over external rituals, influencing later Hindu thought and laying the groundwork for Vedanta philosophy.

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Art and Culture

Brahmanas

1. Introduction 2. Structure & Content of the Brahmanas ✔ Each Veda has its own Brahmana: Veda Associated Brahmana(s) Key Focus Rigveda Aitareya Brahmana, Kaushitaki Brahmana Origin of the universe, social duties, royal sacrifices. Samaveda Panchavimsha (Tandya) Brahmana, Jaiminiya Brahmana Rules for chanting Samaveda hymns in rituals. Yajurveda Taittiriya Brahmana, Shatapatha Brahmana Detailed explanation of […]

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Art and Culture

Timeline of Vedic Literature

1. Introduction 2. Timeline of Vedic Literature Period Vedic Texts Key Features 1500–1000 BCE Rigveda Oldest Veda, hymns dedicated to gods like Indra, Agni, and Varuna. 1200–1000 BCE Samaveda Collection of musical hymns, basis of Indian classical music. 1200–1000 BCE Yajurveda Details rituals and sacrifices, divided into Krishna (Black) and Shukla (White) Yajurveda. 1000–900 BCE […]

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Ancient India Art and Culture

Upanishads – Facts for Exams

1. Introduction 2. Number & Classification of Upanishads ✔ Total Number: Over 200 Upanishads, but 13 are considered the most important (Mukhya Upanishads).✔ Divided Based on Vedas: ✔ Most Famous Upanishads: 3. Key Philosophical Concepts in Upanishads ✔ Brahman – The Supreme Universal Spirit or Ultimate Reality.✔ Atman – The individual soul, which is eternal […]

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Art and Culture

Yajurveda – Facts for Exam

1. Introduction 2. Structure of Yajurveda ✔ Two Main Versions (Samhitas): ✔ Four Major Recensions (Shakhas): ✔ Contains Both Prose & Verse: 3. Key Features of Yajurveda ✔ Guide for Rituals: ✔ Role of Priests: ✔ Social & Religious Influence: ✔ Connection to Later Hinduism: 4. Importance of Yajurveda MCQs on Yajurveda Subjective Questions for […]

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Ancient India Art and Culture History

Samaveda

1. Introduction 2. Structure of Samaveda ✔ Total Verses: 1,875 hymns, mostly derived from Rigveda (except 75 original verses).✔ Divisions: 3. Key Features of Samaveda ✔ Musical Foundation: ✔ Ritualistic Importance: ✔ Relation to Rigveda: ✔ Early Religious Practices: 4. Importance of Samaveda MCQs on Samaveda Subjective Questions for Exams Conclusion The Samaveda is one […]