History of Chhattisgarh from Vedic Age to Gupta Period | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Introduction

• In ancient times, Chhattisgarh was referred to as Dakshina Kosala.
• The area of Chhattisgarh is mentioned in the ancient epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• From the 6th to the 12th centuries, rulers like Sharabhpurias, Panduavanshis, Somavanshis, Kalachuris, and Nagavanshis ruled over the Chhattisgarh region.
• The Bastar region in Chhattisgarh was invaded by Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga Chola I from the Chola dynasty in the 11th century.

Vedic Age

• Vedic Age Timeframe: The Vedic Age, spanning from 1500 to 500 BC, marks the period of Aryans settling in India.
• Aryan Homeland: Max Muller's theory suggests Central Asia as the probable homeland of the Aryans.
• Meaning of Aryan: While "Aryan" literally means high-born, it primarily denotes a linguistic affiliation.
• Vedas Significance: The term "Veda" originates from "vid," signifying knowledge. Vedas, the oldest literary works, consist of Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharva Veda, with Rig Veda being the oldest.
• Classification of Scriptures: Vedas fall under the category of Sruti, while the Vedangas, comprising six disciplines, include:
  • Siksha - Phonetics
  • Kalpa - Rituals
  • Vyakarana - Grammar
  • Nirukta - Etymology
  • Chhanda - Metrics
  • Jyotisha - Astronomy

Rigveda

• Content: Rigveda comprises 1028 hymns categorized into ten Mandalas (Chapters).
• Hymn Singing: Priests called Hotris chanted Rig Vedic hymns.
• Epochs of Literature: Sruti literature pertains to the Sathyayuga, Smriti to the Treatayuga, Puranas to the Dwaparayuga, and Tantras to the Kaliyuga.
• Opening Line: Rigveda commences with the verse "Agnimele Purohitam." The famous Gayatri Mantra, attributed to Vishwamitra, is found in Rigveda.

The Vedas

• Yajurveda: Focuses on rituals and sacrifices. It is divided into SuklaYajurveda and Krishna Yajur Veda.
• Sama Veda: Concentrates on music and songs, sung by priests known as Udgatri.
• Atharva Veda: Comprises spells and incantations. It includes Ayurveda for medicinal knowledge.
• Rigveda: The 10th Mandala features the Purusha Sukta hymn explaining the caste system's origins.

Upanishads and Puranas

• Upanishads: Philosophical texts, totaling 108 in number, focusing on profound knowledge. Mundaka Upanishad includes the famous phrase 'Satyameva Jayate'.
• Brahdaranya Upanishad: Pioneered teachings on Transmigration of Soul and Karma.
• Puranas: 18 in number, divided into Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma Puranas. Bhagavata Purana, with 18 skandas, narrates Sri Krishna's childhood in the 10th skanda.
• Skanda Purana: The largest among the Puranas, while Brahmapurana is also called Adipurana.

Ancient Vedic Society

• Economic System: Wealth measured in cattle. Rigvedic tribes known as Jana, composed of various clans (vis).
• Social Structure: Family (kula) was fundamental, led by a Kulapa. 'Visah' constituted clusters of gramas.
• Tribal Assemblies: Rig Vedic period saw assemblies like Sabha, Samiti, Vidhata, and Gana.
• Religious Beliefs: Rigvedic religion centered on primitive animism. Deities included Indra, Agni, Varuna, Yama, and Savitri.

Historical Events

• The Battle of Ten Kings, mentioned in Rig Veda, occurred over the division of the River Ravi's waters, fought on its banks. Indra was known as Purandara.

Overview of Vedic Period

• The Panis, an ancient group during the Vedic era, specialized in cattle breeding.
• Varuna was revered as the Vedic deity responsible for upholding truth and moral order. Indra, on the other hand, was known as a prominent deity associated with warfare and rainfall.
• Key religious figures during the Rig Vedic period were Vasishta and Visvamitra.

Later Vedic Period

• The later phase of the Vedic period witnessed significant transformations and developments.

Societal Shifts

• During this period, there was a notable transition towards settled agricultural communities.
• The emphasis on rituals and sacrifices increased, reflecting a more structured religious practice.

Political Changes

• Power dynamics evolved, leading to the rise of kingdoms and monarchies.
• Rulers began asserting authority over larger territories, marking a shift from the decentralized tribal governance of the early Vedic period.

Religious Evolution

• New deities emerged, reflecting the changing societal needs and beliefs.
• Yajnas (sacrificial rituals) gained prominence as a means of communication with the divine.

Intellectual Advancements

• Philosophical concepts such as the Upanishads flourished, delving into metaphysical inquiries and spiritual truths.
• Intellectual pursuits expanded, contributing to the richness of Vedic literature and thought.

Later Vedic Phase Overview

• The Later Vedic Phase spanned from 1000 BC to 600 BC.
• Painted Grey Ware (PGW) was a distinctive pottery type utilized by the Later Vedic people.
• These Aryans were acquainted with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
• Rice emerged as a primary dietary staple in India during this period.
• The term 'Rashtra', denoting territory, originated during this era.
• References to 'Sudras' and 'Gotra' are found in Rigveda and Atharvaveda respectively.
• The concept of Kingship first appeared in Aitareya texts.
• 'Soma', an intoxicating drink, was mentioned in the 9th Mandala of Rig Veda.
• Rigveda contains mentions of 'Varna' and the societal fourfold division.
• 'Varnashranadhrama' and the 'Doctrine of Trimurti' are detailed in Jabla and Maitrayani Upanishads.
• The Rig Veda's 10th Mandala discusses the origin of the Universe.
• Key functionaries like Purohita Senani and Vrajapati assisted kings in daily governance.
• 'Manusmrithi', authored by Manu, served as the first legal code in ancient India.
• William Shyma Shastri translated 'Arthasastra' into English.
• 'Bali', a tax, was levied by Vedic kings.
• Aryans introduced iron, horses, sugarcane, and pulses to India.
• Prajapati and Rudra held significant positions in the Later Vedic pantheon.
• Monarchy was the prevalent form of governance during this period.

Magadhan Empire

• The Magadhan Empire emerged in the 6th century BC, originating within the context of 16 Mahajanapadas in North India. Among these, four royal dynasties played significant roles: the Haryankas of Magadha, the Ikshvakus of Kosala, the Pauravas of Vatsa, and the Pradyotas of Avanti.
• Haryankas of Magadha: Bimbisara, the founder of the Haryanka dynasty in Magadha, established his rule by defeating rivals. Notably, Bimbisara was a contemporary of Buddha, showcasing the historical context of the era.
• Rise to Prominence: Under Ajatasatru, Magadha ascended to become a dominant power in North India, marking the inception of Magadhan Supremacy. The capitals of the Magadhan kingdom were Pataliputra and Rajagriha, with Magadha located in the region around modern-day Patna, Bihar.
• Succession and Dynastic Shifts: Sisunaga overthrew the Haryankas and established the Sisunaga dynasty. His successor, Mahapadma Nanda, ushered in the Nanda dynasty. Udayin, who followed Ajatasatru, is credited with founding the city of Pataliputra.

Persian Invasion

• The Achaemenian king of Persia, Darius (522 – 486 BC), conquered regions east of the Sindhu River in 518 BC.
• Persian rule over Indian territories endured until 330 BC.
• Xerxes, a Persian ruler, incorporated Indians into his army.
• The Kharoshti script was introduced to India during this era.

Alexander's Invasion

• Alexander, born in 356 BC, was the son of King Philip II of Macedonia.
• His mother was Olympias, hailing from Epirus.
• Under the tutelage of Aristotle, Alexander ascended to the throne in 336 BC.
• He notably triumphed over the Persian ruler Darius III in battle.
• Alexander established the renowned city of Alexandria in Egypt.
• In 326 BC, he vanquished Porus, the ruler of Punjab, and annexed Taxila following the battle of Hydaspes along the river Jhelum.
• Invited by Ambhi, the ruler of Taxila, Alexander embarked on a campaign into India.
• Tragically, Alexander succumbed to malaria at the young age of 33 in Babylon.
• His cremation took place in Alexandria, and he was known as Shehansha in Persia and Sikandar-I-Asam in the Indo-Pak region.
• Seleucus Nicator, initially an ally of Alexander, emerged as his last general in India.
• After Alexander, his son Alexander IV assumed the Macedonian throne.
• Aristotle, renowned as Alexander's mentor, is revered as the father of Politics, Biology, Taxonomy, and the Science of Logic.

The Mauryan Empire (321-185 BC)

The Arthashastra by Kautilya and Indika by Megasthenes serve as crucial sources for understanding the Mauryan Empire.

•  Chandragupta Maurya started Mauryan Empire. Not much is known about his early life. He is thought to be from the Moriya Clan, which is why he was called Maurya. Some say his mother, Mura, was from a lower social class, which is why he got the name Maurya. In certain writings, he is known as Vrishala. He plotted with Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta), who was Nanda's minister, to overthrow the final Nanda ruler, DhanaNanda. 
•  In 321 BC, Chandragupta Maurya became king. He battled Selucus in 305 BC. Selucus gave up and sent an envoy, Megasthenese, to Chandragupta Maurya's court. Chandragupta's Governor Pushygupta created the famous Sudarshana lake. Chandragupta Maurya converted to Jainism, stepped down from the throne for his son Bindusara, and spent his final days in Sravanabelagola (Near Mysore), where he died in 298 BC. Chandragupta Maurya led the first-ever political unification of North India. 
•  Bindusara followed the Ajivika sect and was known as Amitragatha.  

Ashoka: The Great Mauryan Emperor

Early Life and Reign

• Ashoka took the throne in 273 BC and ruled until 232 BC, bearing the title 'Devanampriya Priyadarsi,' meaning the beloved of the gods, a name attributed to him in the Maski and Gujara Edicts.
• Tradition suggests Ashoka's ascent to power involved the elimination of 99 brothers. He stands out as the first Indian ruler to inscribe his edicts on stone.

Conversion to Buddhism

• Following the devastating Kalinga War in 261 BC, Ashoka, appalled by the bloodshed, embraced Buddhism, a change catalyzed by Upagupta or Nigrodha, a disciple of the Buddha.
• His dedication to Buddhism prompted the establishment of Dharmamahamatras for propagating the faith.

Contributions to Buddhism

• Under Ashoka's patronage, Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka and Nepal, earning him the moniker 'Constantine of Buddhism.'
• His Kalinga Edict famously proclaimed the idea that all humans are akin to his own children.

Legacy and End of Reign

• Devanampriya Tissa of Ceylon was Ashoka's inaugural Buddhist convert.
• After a 40-year rule, Ashoka passed away in 232 BC. The emblem of the Indian Republic derives from the four-lion capital atop one of Ashoka's pillars in Sarnath.

Administrative and Historical Significance

• Ashoka's reign marked the inception of rock-cut architecture in India.
• Upon Ashoka's demise, the Mauryan Empire faced downfall, culminating in Brihadratha's demise and the rise of the Sunga Dynasty under Pushyamitra Sunga in 185 BC.
• Megasthenes, an early foreign traveler to India, documented the existence of seven castes during the Mauryan era, shedding light on the historical and social structure of that time.
• Within Mauryan governance, 'Stanika' denoted a form of taxation, showcasing the administrative intricacies of the period.

Post Mauryan Period

After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, a series of dynasties emerged in ancient India, shaping the political landscape of the subcontinent.
Let's delve into the significant dynasties that followed the Mauryas:

Sunga Dynasty (185-71 BC)

• Sunga Dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Sunga, who was the chief of the army for the final Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha.
• Kalidasa wrote the play Malavikagnimitram, which narrates the romance between Agnimitra, the son of Pushyamitra, and Malavika.
• The last ruler of the Sunga dynasty was Devabhuti.

Kanva Dynasty (72 BC – 27 BC)

• Kanva dynasty was established by Vasudeva Kanva in 72 BC after defeating the final Sunga ruler, Devabhuti.
• This dynasty governed for a span of 45 years.
• Vasudeva, Bhumimitra, Narayana, and Susuman were the rulers of the Kanva dynasty.

Cheta (Cheti) Dynasty of Kalinga

• The Cheti Dynasty was believed to have been established by Maha Meghavahana.
• The Hatigumbha inscription of Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga, provides information about the Chedis of Kalinga.
• Kharavela followed the teachings of Jainism.

Satavahanas (235 BC – 100BC)

• Satavahanas were the dominant rulers succeeding the Mauryas. They were also referred to as Andhras.
• The Satavahanas, Indian rulers, added their mother's name to theirs. The most notable leader among them was Gautamiputra Satakarni.
• Belonging to the Brahmana caste, the Satavahanas elevated Nagarjuna Konda and Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh as significant centers of Buddhist culture.
• The Satavahanas favored two primary structures: the temple known as Chaitya and the monastery named Vihara.
• Lead coins were predominantly minted by the Satavahanas, and their official language was Prakrit.

Indo Greeks

• First, the Greeks known as Indo-Greeks entered India. 
• The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander, and he ruled from Sakala in Punjab (Modern Sialkot). 
• Indo-Greeks were the pioneers in issuing gold coins in India. 
• They introduced Hellenistic art features to India during their rule. 
• Menander converted to Buddhism under the guidance of the Buddhist monk Nagasena (Nagarjuna). 
• Indo-Greeks were the first to mint coins with the images of kings. 
• Around 190 BC, Demetrius, the king of Bactria, invaded India and was nicknamed the Second Alexander. 
• Although Demetrius was called the Second Alexander, the Indian ruler who truly embraced this title was Alauddin Khilji. 
• Indo-Greeks were the innovators of military governorship in India. 

The Parthians (19 – 45 AD)

• Parthians, also known as Pahalavas, were Iranian. Gondophernes was the most significant of the rulers of the Parthians.
• Thomas is believed to have come to India to spread Christianity during the time of Gondophernes.

The Sakas (90 BC – Ist AD)

• Sakas, also known as Scythians, were rulers in ancient India.
• The first Saka king in India was Maues or Moga, who established Saka dominance in Gandhara.
• Rudra Daman I, a prominent Saka ruler in Western India, is well-known.
• Rudra Daman I's notable deeds are documented in his Junagarh inscription from 150 AD.
• The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman is significant as it is the earliest Sanskrit inscription.
• Ujjayini served as the capital city of Rudradaman.

Kushans

• Kushans, also called Yuch-chis or Kushans, migrated to India from North Central Asia.
• The initial significant Kushana monarch was Kujala Kadphises or Kadphises I.
• The renowned Kushana leader was Kanishka.
• Kanishka rose to power in 78 AD, marking the commencement of the Saka Era.
• Kanishka's capital was Peshawar or Purushapura.
• Kanishka organized the fourth Buddhist council in Kashmir.

Gupta Empire

• Founded by Sri Gupta, with Ghatotkacha as the second ruler.
• Chandra Gupta I, the true founder, ascended the throne in 320 AD, adopting the title Maharajadhiraja and establishing the Gupta Era on 26 February 320 AD.

Samudra Gupta and Chandragupta II

• Samudra Gupta, succeeding Chandragupta I in 335, is known for his conquests detailed in the Allahabad Pillar inscription (Prayagaprasasti), also termed 'Linchchavi Dauhitra'.
• Described as the 'Indian Napoleon' by V.A. Smith, he was a skilled Veena player, poet, and held the title 'Kaviraja'.
• Chandragupta II, known as Vikramaditya, was a significant ruler who defeated Rudradaman II, with his era compared to illustrious ages in other civilizations.

Contributions and Achievements

• Chandragupta II's court housed the 'Nine gems' or 'Navratnas', including renowned figures like Kalidasa and Varahamihira.
• Skandagupta Vikramaditya, the last great ruler, notably defeated the Hunas, while Vishnu Gupta was the final ruler until 570.
• The Gupta period is equated to the Golden Age in India's history, marked by advancements in various fields.

Cultural and Academic Influence

• The Guptas patronized art, architecture, and various schools of art like Gandhara, Madhura, and Andhra, leaving a legacy in Indian temple architecture and painting.
• Aryabhatta's mathematical contributions, Varahamihira's works, and Kalidasa's literary prowess enriched Gupta academia.
• Nalanda and Taxila stood as prominent universities during this period, nurturing scholars and physicians like Vaghbhatta.