Sufism: Tasawwuf, Khanqahs, Silsilas and the Chishti Tradition
Sufism is the English term for what Islamic texts call Tasawwuf. The article explains Sufism as a spiritual tradition that emphasized salvation through intense devotion and love for God. It also discusses the coming of Islam to India, Sharia, Zimmi, Jizya, the five pillars of Islam, Khanqahs, Silsilas, Chishti saints, Ziyarat, Qawwali, Sama, language and […]
Alvars and Nayanars: Bhakti Saints, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Mirabai, Shankaracharya and Lingayats
The article begins with the Alvars and Nayanars of Tamil Nadu, who were poet-saints of the 6th century. They travelled from place to place, singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods. Their importance lies not only in devotion, but also in the way they came from different social backgrounds, including Brahmanas, artisans, cultivators […]
The Guptas: Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, Administration, Art, Literature and Science
The Gupta Empire arose on the ruins of the Kushana Empire and established its control over a large part of the former territories of both the Kushanas and the Satvahanas. The Guptas may have been of Vaishya origin. The Guptas kept north India politically united for more than a century, from AD 335 to AD […]
The Satvahanas: Gautamiputra Satkarni, Administration, Religion, Architecture and Prakrit Literature
The Satvahanas succeeded the Mauryas in the Deccan and central India after a gap of about 100 years. The article connects them with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas, although it also notes an important difference: the Puranas speak of Andhra rule, while the name Andhra does not occur in Satvahana inscriptions. For exams, this […]
Central Asian Contacts: Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians and Kushanas
After the Mauryas, new kingdoms appeared in different parts of India. In eastern India, central India and the Deccan, the Mauryas were followed by native rulers such as the Shungas, Kanavas and Satvahanas. In north-western India, however, several ruling dynasties came from Central Asia. Among them, the Kushanas became the most famous. This article is […]
Mauryans: Administration, Taxation, Economy, Art, Architecture and NBPW Culture
The Mauryas are known in history for their centralized administration and elaborate taxation system. The Mauryan period belonged to the NBPW, or Northern Black Polished Ware, era. This article mainly explains the sources of Mauryan history, the structure of administration, the army, economic regulation, taxation system, punch-marked coins, art and architecture, and the spread of […]
The Mahajanapadas: Rise of Magadha, Haryanka, Nanda, Maurya and Ashoka’s Dhamma
From the 6th century BCE onwards, the widespread use of iron in eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar created conditions for the formation of large territorial states. In the age of Buddha, there were 16 large states called Mahajanapadas. Among them, Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti were considerably powerful. This article explains the factors behind […]
Jainism: Vardhamana Mahavira, Tirthankaras, Philosophy, Triratna, Sects and Royal Patronage
Jainism is one of the major religious and philosophical traditions of ancient India.This study guide covers Vardhamana Mahavira, the Jain Tirthankaras, core Jain philosophy, Anekantavada, Triratna, the five doctrines, Jain literature, monastic sects, and royal patronage. For competitive exams, key focus areas include Mahavira’s birth, Kaivalya, Tirthankaras, Ahimsa, Triratna, Digambara-Svetambara differences, Jain texts and royal […]
Buddhism: Life of Gautama Buddha, Teachings, Sangha, Tripitaka, Stupas and Buddhist Sects
Buddhism began with the teachings of Gautama Buddha, who is remembered as the Enlightened One. The topic explains Buddha’s life, his enlightenment, his philosophy, the formation of Sangha, rules for monks and nuns, Buddhist stupas, symbols, motifs and the rise of Mahayana and Hinayana traditions. Meaning of Buddha The word Buddha means the Enlightened One. […]
Later Vedic Period: Society, Polity, Rituals, Economy, Varnas and Four Ashramas
The Later Vedic Period marks the phase after the Rigvedic period. The compilation of all the Vedas other than the Rigveda is called the Later Vedic Period. This period is important for exams because many changes took place in society, polity, religion and economy. The importance of old tribal assemblies declined, royal power increased, rituals […]