SAMPLE COPY

ANCIENT HISTORY
BPSC CCE, JPSC, UPPSC, BPSC TRE,
For
Bihar Judicial Services Examination Etc.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh

HOD, Ancient History
VKSU, ARA

McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited

AVAILABLE AT YOUR BOOKSTORES

OR
VISIT WWW.BPSCCONCEPTWALLAH.COM
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Preface

Aspirants preparing for various examinations conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)
are often faced with the daunting task of mastering a vast array of topics, with Ancient History being a
crucial segment. This book on Ancient History has been meticulously crafted to cater specifically to the
requirements of BPSC examinations, such as the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), Teacher
Recruitment Exam (TRE), Bihar Judicial Services Examination, and others.
The content of this book delves into the depths of Ancient Indian history, focusing extensively on
pivotal areas such as Neolithic sites, the emergence and spread of Buddhism and Jainism, the illustrious
Mauryan dynasty, and the scholarly legacy of institutions like Nalanda and Vikramshila university .
Recognizing the significance of these topics in BPSC exams, our primary aim has been to provide a
comprehensive coverage, ensuring that students are equipped with a thorough understanding of these
subjects.
To facilitate effective learning and assessment, each chapter concludes with a set of multiple-choice
questions (MCQs), meticulously designed to aid practice and evaluate the understanding of students.
These questions serve as invaluable tools for self-assessment and exam preparation, enabling aspirants
to gauge their proficiency in the subject matter.
It’s imperative to note that the information presented in this book is sourced from credible repositories,
including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI’s) publications and other reputable research papers
published in esteemed journals. Our commitment to accuracy and authenticity ensures that students
are equipped with reliable and verifiable information, crucial for excelling in competitive examinations.
Ancient History holds substantial weightage in BPSC examinations, with approximately 8 to 10
questions being dedicated to this subject. Understanding the importance of this segment, we have
endeavoured to provide a resource that not only covers the requisite syllabus comprehensively but also
enhances the conceptual clarity and analytical skills of the aspirants.
This book is a culmination of rigorous research, meticulous planning, and a steadfast commitment to
providing aspirants with a comprehensive resource for mastering Ancient History—an indispensable
component of BPSC examinations. It is our sincere hope that this book proves to be an invaluable
companion in your journey towards success in BPSC examinations.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh

HOD, Ancient History
VKSU, ARA
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4. Index
1. The Sources of Ancient Indian History 1-8

2. Stone Age 9-21

3. Chalcolithic Age 22-29

4. The Harappan Civilization 30-44

5. Vedic Age 45-65

6. Jainism and Buddhism 66-102

7. The Mahajanapadas and Magadhan Empire 103-114

8. Iranian and Macedonian Invasion 115-119

9. The Mauryan Empire 120-157

10. Post- Mauryan Period 158-181

11. Sangam Age 182-190

12. Gupta Empire 191-209

13. Post-Gupta Empire and Harsha’s Kingdom 210-221

14. States of the Deccan and South India 222-260

15. Test Your Knowledge 261-271

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1. THE SOURCES OF ANCIENT

INDIAN HISTORY

The sources for ancient Indian history can be classified under two main categories - the literary and the archaeological.
The literary sources include Vedic, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, and other literature besides foreign accounts, whereas the
archaeological sources include epigraphic (study of inscriptions), numismatic (study of coins), material remains,
archaeological explorations, and excavations.

LITERARY SOURCES
While the ancient Indians possessed knowledge of writing as early as 2500 BC, the oldest surviving manuscripts date
back to the fourth century AD and have been discovered in Central Asia.

Literature
Vedic literature: Vedas are the compilation of prayers and hymns, offered by different families of poets and sages to
various gods. There are mainly the four Vedas i.e., Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda, and are entirely
in a different language called the Vedic language, which gradually evolved into classical Sanskrit.
™™The Rig Veda is a collection of 1,028 hymns (suktas) arranged in 10 books (Mandalas). The Rig Veda contains
the world’s oldest surviving poetry, some of them are of extraordinary beauty and philosophical depth.
¾¾The Sama Veda is composed of 1,875 poems, primarily taken from the Rig Veda, and organised based on
the requirements of musical notation.
¾¾The Yajur Veda provides comprehensive information on the precise execution of religious ceremonies and
rituals.
¾¾The Atharva Veda, the most recent of the Vedas, comprises hymns, some of which are borrowed from
the Rig Veda. Additionally, it includes incantations and enchantments that mirror elements of prevalent
beliefs and customs.
¾¾For the proper understanding of the Vedas, six Vedangas or limbs of Vedas were evolved. These are Siksha
(phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarna (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhanda (metrics), and Jyotisha
(astronomy).
™™The Vedangas were written in the form of precepts (or sutra). The most famous example of this style of writing
is Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, a book on grammar in eight chapters. It casts invaluable light on the society, economy,
and culture of his times.
™™In addition to the Vedas, the later Vedic literature comprises the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the
Upanishads. The Brahmanas provide detailed explanations of Vedic ceremonies, while the Aranyakas and the
Upanishads offer discussions on many spiritual and philosophical issues.
™™The two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata may also be used as a source. The Puranas, eighteen
in number, are mainly historical accounts. The major Puranas seem to have been finally compiled by circa AD
400. The Puranas explain the concept of time, introducing four ages or yugas - krita, treta, dwapara, and kali,
each spanning thousands of years. Matsya Purana is the oldest Puranic text.
™™The Ramayana, written by Valmiki is known as ‘Adi Kavya’ and is considered as the oldest epic of the world.
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Ancient History for BPSC

3. Consider the following statements:

d. Hiuen Tsang 4. Author of the Corpus
1. The Jaina texts were written in Pali and finally Inscriptionum Indicarum
compiled in the fourth century AD Volume III
2. The Sangam Literature constitutes religious
literature Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
3. The Sangam poems, praise various heroes and (A) a b c d
heroines 2 1 4 3
4. Rajatarangini was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri (B) a b c d
historian Kalhana in the 12th century CE 1 2 3 4
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? (C) a b c d
(A) Only 1 and 2 (B) Only 3 and 4 3 2 4 1
(C) Only 2, 3 and 4 (D) None of the above (D) a b c d
4. Consider the following statements: 1 4 3 2
1. Pliny’s Naturalis Historia tells us about trade 7. What is the limitation of inscriptional evidence?
between India and China
1. Letters are very faint so difficult to read
2. Hiuen Tsang had written about the establishment
2. It is not always easy to be sure about the exact
of a Buddhist monastery by Sri Gupta
meaning of the words used in inscriptions
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
3. They do not discuss everything that we may
(A) Only 1 (B) Only 2 consider significant
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the above statements is/are correct?
5. Who among the following published Indian (A) Only 1 and 2 (B) Only 3
Epigraphy and Indian Epigraphical Glossary in (C) Only 2 and 3 (D) 1, 2 and 3
1965-66?
8. Arthashastra, written by Kautilya, is divided into
(A) J. F. Fleet
how many books or Adhikarans (Chapters)?
(B) D. C. Sircar
(A) 12 (B) 14
(C) K. V. Subrahmanya Aiyar
(C) 15 (D) 18
(D) R. S. Bisht
9. Who among the following Indian rulers was a
6. Match List–I with List–II: contemporary of Alexander the Great?
(A) Bimbisara (B) Chandragupta Maurya
List I List II
(C) Ashoka (D) Pushyamitra Shunga
a. W. F. Libby 1. Decipherment of Ashokan
10. “The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea” was composed
inscription
by:
b. James 2. Carbon dating (carbon-14) (A) Ptolemy (B) Pliny
Prinsep technique (C) Herodotus (D) None of the above
c. J. F. Fleet 3. Composition of Si-Yu-Ki

ANSWERS:
Q.1 Q.2 Q.3 Q.4 Q.5 Q.6 Q.7 Q.8 Q.9 Q.10
A C A D B A D C B D
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4. THE HARAPPAN
CIVILISATION

The Harappan Civilisation was discovered in 1920-22 when two of its most important sites were excavated by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). These sites were Harappa (excavated by Daya Ram Sahni) on the banks of river
Ravi and Mohenjodaro (excavated by Rakhal Das Banerji) on the banks of river Indus.
™™In In 1924, John Marshall, who was serving as the Director-General of the ASI from 1902 to 1928, made a
public announcement about the discovery of a previously unknown civilisation known as the “Indus Valley.”
™™The Harappan Civilisation, one of the earliest civilisations in the world, has been dated between 2600 BC and
1900 BC based on archaeological finds. Evidence from archaeological discoveries suggests that this civilisation
had a considerably wider geographical reach outside the Indus Valley.
™™The Indus Valley Civilisation, sometimes referred to as the Harappan culture or the Mature Harappan culture,
derives its name from the first site where this distinctive culture was unearthed, known as Harappa.
™™The Indus Valley Civilisation, which emerged in India, is the earliest urban culture in the region and existed at
the same time as other ancient civilisations like Mesopotamia and Egypt. The culture was primarily secular,
with a minimal influence of religion. There was no presence of theocratic or organised religion, indicating that
religion did not dominate the community.
™™The emergence of the Harappan Civilisation was not sudden. The development of this culture was a lengthy
process that originated from earlier Neolithic village cultures. The utilisation of advanced technology to
harness the fertile plains of the Indus River is said to have led to a rise in agricultural output. Additionally, it
facilitated the establishment of trade connections with faraway places.
™™By approximately 2000 BC, various regional civilisations emerged in different regions of the subcontinent,
characterised by the utilisation of stone and metal implements. These were mostly characterised by their rural
nature.

ORIGIN AND EXTENT

The duration of the Harappan Civilisation is categorised into three distinct phases::
Early Harappan phase (3500 BC–2600 BC) – The area exhibited rudimentary urban planning through the construction
of mud structures, basic commercial activities, artistic endeavours, and craftsmanship. This time is alternatively
referred to as the Regionalisation Era. Early Harappan archaeological sites include Harappa, Kot Diji, Balakot, Amri,
and Bhirrana in Haryana.
Mature Harappan phase (2600 BC–1900 BC) – This stage is commonly referred to as the Integration Era. During
the urban period, distinct characteristics of a fully developed civilisation became evident. It was a time when highly
developed towns with standardised burnt brick constructions, both domestic and international trade, and numerous
forms of crafts thrived.
Late Harappan phase (1900 BC–1400 BC) – The Late Harappan phase is alternatively referred to as the Localisation Era.
Here, we observed a cultural disintegration of the preceding period. During this period of decline, numerous cities were
deserted and trade ceased, resulting in the progressive deterioration of important urban characteristics.
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Ancient History for BPSC

DO YOU REMEMBER?

1. Consider the following statements regarding ‘The (A) Elephant (B) Rhinoceros
Indus Valley Civilisation’: (C) Cow (D) None of the above
1. It developed gradually from earlier Neolithic village 6. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?
cultures
(A) Chanhudaro (B) Desalpur
2. It was predominantly a secular civilisation and
the religious element, though present, did not (C) Kot Diji (D) Sohgaura
dominate the scene 7. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1. Alexander Cunningham was the Director-General
(A) Only 1 (B) Only 2 of the Archaeological Survey of India at the time of
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2 the discovery of Harappa and Mohenjodaro
2. Alexander Cunningham is regarded as the father of
2. A horned deity engraved on a terracotta cake has
Indian archaeology
been recovered from-
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A) Banawali (B) Dholavira
(A) Only 1 (B) Only 2
(C) Lothal (D) Kalibangan
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Consider the following statements regarding the
Harappan site ‘Sanauli’: 8. Consider the following statements regarding
‘the technology and crafts of the Harappan
1. Sanauli is an archaeological site located in Madhya Civilisation’:
Pradesh
1. The copper object was found at Ganeshwar
2. It has brought to light burials belonging to the
Indus Valley Civilisation 2. The Harappans were acquainted with the use of
iron
3. Some of the burials are found with animal bones
3. Cotton textiles were produced in India during the
Which of the above statements is/are correct? Harappan period as shown by artefact evidence
(A) Only 1 (B) Only 2 and 3 4. Bronzesmiths constituted an important group of
(C) Only 1 and 3 (D) 1, 2 and 3 artisans in the Harappan society
4. With reference to the Archaeological sites of the Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following (A) Only 1 and 2 (B) Only 2 and 3
pairs: (C) Only 1, 3 and 4 (D) All of the above
Archaeological site Findings
9. Nageshwar and Balakot settlements are famous
1. Kalibangan — Wooden carved drain for
2. Lothal — Terracotta model of (A) Specialised centres for making shell objects
bullock cart
(B) Water harvesting system
3. Mohenjodaro — Piece of woven cotton
(C) Cotton Textile
cloth
(D) None of the above
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(A) Only 1 and 3 (B) Only 2 10. “R-37” is a primary burial site (cemetery) with
skeletons found in an extended position at
(C) Only 2 and 3 (D) 1, 2 and 3
(A) Kalibangan (B) Hulas
5. Which one of the following animals was not
represented on the seals and terracotta art of the (C) Mandi (D) Harappa
Harappan culture?

ANSWERS:
Q.1 Q.2 Q.3 Q.4 Q.5 Q.6 Q.7 Q.8 Q.9 Q.10
C D B A C D B C A D
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6. JAINISM AND
BUDDHISM

CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

Jainism and Buddhism emerged as significant spiritual movements in ancient India, transitioning from the later Vedic
era. Rooted in the ethical and philosophical inquiries of the time, both Jainism and Buddhism offered alternative paths
to spiritual liberation. They challenged the ritualistic practices and hierarchical structures prevalent in Vedic society,
emphasizing individual enlightenment and non-violence.
Varna-divided society
In post-Vedic times society was divided into four varnas- Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Each varna was
assigned well-defined functions, although it was emphasized that Varna was based on birth and the two higher varnas
were given some privileges.
™™The Brahmanas, endowed with the responsibilities of sages and instructors, asserted their pre-eminent
position within society. The post-Vedic texts contained numerous examples of these individuals enjoying such
privileges. In the Varna hierarchy, the Kshatriyas were positioned second, followed by the Vaishyas, while the
Shudras were placed at the lowest level.
™™An individual of higher varna was regarded as more privileged and purer. Even the punishment for an offender
was decided in accordance to his/her Varna, such that the prescribed punishment becomes more severe for an
offender of lower varna. It appears that the Varna-divided society had unavoidably aroused tensions.
™™The Kshatriyas, who assumed the role of governing class, responded bitterly to the Brahmanas’ ritualistic
dominance and spearheaded a protest movement against the Varna system. The Kshatriyas’ response to
the Brahmanas’ dominance, as a priestly class was a contributing factor to the emergence of new religions.
Both Gautama Buddha and Vardhamana Mahavira were members of the Kshatriya clan and contested the
Brahmanas’ authority.
New Agricultural Economy
The introduction of a new agricultural economy in north-eastern India, including the densely forested regions of eastern
Uttar Pradesh and northern and southern Bihar, was the true impetus for the emergence of these new religions.
™™A new agricultural economy emphasizing on animal husbandry, emerged during the sixth century BCE. As this
agricultural economy was based on iron ploughshare, it required the use of bullocks and livestocks, in order to
flourish. Thus, it pressed on the need to preserve the animal husbandry.
™™With the growth in agriculture, the demand for drought animals also increased. Earlier the animals were
being sacrificed for the sake of religious rituals, were now being utilized for the agricultural purposes. Thus,
the principle of non-violence advocated by Jainism and Buddhism, was highly accepted by the settled agrarian
community.
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Jainism and Buddhism

Rise of cities and use of coins in north-eastern India

During this era, there was a significant increase in the number of cities in north-eastern India. These included
Kaushambi, located near Allahabad, Kushinagara, and Banaras in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Vaishali, Chirand, and Rajgir
in Bihar. In addition to other urban centres, these cities were home to several skilled craftsmen and merchants, who
adopted the usage of coins for the first time.
™™Punch-marked coins, regarded as the oldest coinage, originated in the 5th century BC. The use of these coins
were first started in the eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The utilisation of coinage inherently
promoted the exchange of goods and services, hence augmenting the significance of the Vaishyas.
™™The rise of an agrarian economy favoured the expansion of trade and commercial activities, which led to the
emergence of guilds. The formation of guilds strengthened the Vaishya community economically. However,
their social status was not in accordance to their financial status. Thus the Vaishyas strived for such a religion,
which should improve their social status.
Support for Jainism and Buddhism
Both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha received considerable support from the Vaishyas. The merchants, known as the
Setthis, presented generous offerings to Gautama Buddha and his followers, due to multiple factors such as-
™™First, During its early days, Jainism and Buddhism de-emphasized the existing varna structure.
™™Second, they advocated the principle of non-violence, with an aim to terminate conflicts among various
kingdoms and thereby stimulating trade and commerce.
™™Third, the Dharmasutras, which are Brahmanical law books, strongly criticized the practice of lending money
on interest. But in the flourishing trade and economy, the Vaishyas used to lent money and earn interest, due
to which they were usually condemned, so they wanted to raise their social standing.
Use of common language
All the religious treatises of the Vedic religion were composed in Sanskrit, the language of the privileged. However, the
new religions gave importance to languages like Prakrit, Pali, and Ardha Magadhi.
Complex Rituals
Vedic philosophy had lost its original purity and it was reduced to a bundle of cumbrous rituals. The complex rituals and
sacrifices advocated in the later Vedic period were not acceptable to the people. The superstitious beliefs and mantras
confused the people. The rites and rituals were painfully elaborate and awfully expensive. The common man developed
a great dislike for these rituals.
Discriminatory social order
The caste system had become rigid and brutal. There were strict restrictions on food, drink, and marriage. Women
neither enjoyed social mobility nor religious freedom. Both Buddhism and Jainism offered them a respectable place.
Strong reaction against various forms of private property
™™The accumulation of coins made of copper, silver and even gold by few people, led to an increase in the social
differences, which caused a lot of distress and suffering for most of the people. Thus, people in general wanted
to return to the austere ideals, which did away with new types of possessions and new ways of living.
™™Both Jainism and Buddhism, advocated to live a simple and austere life. The followers were abstained from
touching silver and gold. They were allowed to receive only as much of offerings, as was enough to keep their
bodies and souls together. So, they rebelled against the materialistic culture prevalent in the Gangetic basin.
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Ancient History for BPSC

VARDHAMANA MAHAVIRA AND JAINISM

He was born in 540 BC at the village of Kundagrama, which is near Vaishali and is the
same as Basarh in Vaishali (Bihar). he has been mentioned as “Nigantha-Nataputra” in
the Pali text, which means “The naked ascetic of the Jnatrika clan.”
Siddhartha, his father, was the leader of the well-known Kshatriya Jnatrika clan of
Vajji-sangha. Trishala, his mother, was the sister of Chetaka, a famous Lichchhavi
prince from Vaishali. They had ties with the royal family of Magadha as well.
™™The Shvetambara tradition highlights that, Vardhamana was conceived by
a Brahmana named Rishabhadatta, in the womb of his wife Devananda.
However, Shakra (Indra) transplanted the embryo into the womb of Trishala,
as it has been asserted that all the Tirthankaras had to be of Kshatriya origin
and so a Brahmana woman shouldn’t give birth to the future tirthankara.
™™The Acharanga Sutra describes Vardhmanna’s parents as followers of
Parshvanath, the 23rd tirthankara.
Vardhamana Mahavira
™™Some Jain stories say that Mahavira was married to Yasoda. In the beginning,
Mahavira was a materialistic man, but when he was 30, he gave up everything to become a monk in search of
the truth.

Chellana, the daughter of Chetaka was married to Bimbisara, the king of

Magadha.

™™Vardhamana travelled around for more than twelve years, begging, praying, and living a very simple life. At
first, he only wore one piece of clothing. After thirteen months, he dumped all his clothes and lived his whole
life naked. For the first six years, Makkhali Gosala, another ascetic, accompanied him in his austerity. But due
to their philosophical differences, they parted away and then Gosala founded the Ajivika cult.
™™He attained perfect knowledge (Complete Intellect) or kaivalya at the age of 42 under a sal tree on the bank of
the River Rijupalika near Jrimbhikagrama.
™™He triumphed over his distress and pleasure through Kaivalya, due to which he came to be known as Mahavira
(the great soul) or Jina (the winner), and his disciples were called as Jainas. At first, they were identified as
Nirgranthas, which means “free from bonds.”
™™Soon after his obtaining Kaivalya, Mahavira was visited by Indrabhuti Gautama who became his first pupil or
disciple and was raised to the position of the head Gandhara or a chief Pontiff. But according to Shvetambaras
Jain traditions Jamali, the son-in-law of Mahavira was his first pupil or follower.
™™He preached his philosophy for almost thirty years, during which he visited various places like Kosala,
Magadha, Mithila, Champa, and many more.
™™In 468 BC, he died at the age of 72 at Pawapuri, a place near present-day Rajgir in the Nalanda District of Bihar.

Tirthankaras
According to the Jain story, the establishment of Jainism dates back to early ages and the founder of the
Jain religion is thought to have been Rishabhanath, also known as Aadinath. Over a period of time, the
Jain philosophies were preached by the twenty-four Tirthankaras in a successive manner.
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7. THE MAHAJANAPADAS
AND MAGADHAN EMPIRE

From the sixth century BC, Iron was widely used in eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar. There was also a surplus
of food grains. This helped in meeting the state’s military and administrative needs, and facilitated the formation of
a large territorial state. Because of Iron weapons, the warrior class now played an important part. The emergence of
major provinces, concentrated around urban centres bolstered the concept of territoriality. The citizens exhibited a
profound loyalty towards the Janapada, or the specific region they were associated with, rather than towards the Jana,
or the particular tribe they were a part of.

THE MAHAJANAPADAS
Improved tools and weapons enabled these Janapadas to expand their territory and evolve into Maha-janapadas.
During the time of the Buddha, there existed 16 expansive kingdoms known as Maha-janapadas. The majority of them
were located north of the Vindhyas and stretched from the north-west frontier to Bihar. Among these, Magadha,
Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti appear to have wielded significant authority.
™™In the later Vedic period itself, many Janapadas and Maha-janapadas seems to exist. The names of at least nine
Janapadas have been mentioned in the Vedic literature.
™™However, by the time of the 6th century BC, Panini mentioned as many as 22 different Janapadas.
™™According to Buddhist literature Anguttara Nikaya and Jain text Bhagwati Sutra there were 16 Mahajanapadas.
™™Out of the total 16 Mahajanapadas, three were in Bihar- Magadha, Vajji, and Anga. The Magadha and Anga
plains were the parts of middle Ganga plain. The first reference to the Anga and Magadha occurs in Atharva
Veda, where they are mentioned along with Gandhari and Mujavats.
™™Both Magadha and Anga show habitation around the fifth century BC. Vajji, lying north of the Ganges,
witnessed the rise of 8 clans. The Lichchhavis were the most powerful of them and established their capital at
Vaishali.
™™According to the Buddhist literature, some Janapadas followed the monarchical system or Rajyas. These were
- Anga, Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Kashi, Chedi, Matsya, Avanti and Gandhara.
™™There were also non-monarchical states which were called as Gana-Sanghas or republics. The terms gana-
sanghas have been used interchangeably in the Ashtadhyayi and Majjhima Nikaya. These were - Vajji, Malla,
Sakyas of Kapilavastu, Koliyas of Ramagrama, and Moriyas of Pipphalivana.
™™Gana-sangha employed an oligarchical style of governance. In contrast to monarchies, where power was
hereditarily acquired by a king, this system was governed by a ruler who was elected and assisted by a
substantial council or assemblies consisting of leaders from significant clans and families.
™™The Gana-sangha system was certainly more democratic than monarchy, though the common man had no
participation in the administration.
Anga
The kingdom of Anga encompassed the present-day districts of Munger and Bhagalpur, located in the eastern region.
The Ganges formed its northern border, while in the west, the Champa River, corresponding to the Chandan River,
served as the boundary between Anga and Magadha.
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The Mauryan Empire

Kautilya’s Arthashastra is compared with “The Prince” of Machiavelli, the great

Italian thinker. Niccolo Machiavelli wrote about political treatise in his book, The
Prince. Chanakya is known as the Indian Machiavelli.

Slaves captured in war Slaves bought with money Slaves given as gifts
Slaves born of Slave mothers Slaves as a result of judicial decree (dandapranitah)* Slaves who hold themselves
Slaves for paying off debts Slaves for their own accord for want of food Slaves inherited as the ancestral property
*Note: However as per UPSC prelims 2022 answer key a person could not be a slave as a result of judicial
punishment.
™™According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Slavery was a recognized institution, and the legal relationship between
master and slave was clearly defined. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. But if a son
born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son.
™™However, according to Megasthenes, there was no slavery in India.
Saptanga Theory of State
Chanakya propounded the Saptanga principle in his classical work “Arthashastra”. Through this, he explained the
7 organs of the state as equal to the organs of the body, which together maintain the political balance.

™™The state can work well, only when all these seven organs do their work properly and with cooperation.

State Organs Meaning Equivalent Body Parts

Swami King Head
Amatya Minister Eye
Janapada Territory Legs
Durga Fortification Arm
Kosha Treasury Mouth
Danda Army Strengths Brain
Mitra Alliances Ear
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Ancient History for BPSC

™™After the Mauryans, the throne of Magadha was adorned by the Shungas, who were Brahmans.
™™The Shungas governed over Pataliputra and central India, and they conducted several Vedic rituals to signify
the resurgence of the Brahmanical lifestyle. The Kanvas followed them as their successors.

MAURYAN ART (PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS ASKED IN BPSC (MAINS))

1. Throw light on Mauryan Art and analyze its impact in Bihar. [60‐62 BPSC/2019]
2. Discuss the features of Mauryan art and architecture and its relationship with Buddhism. [64th BPSC/2018]
3. Discuss the salient features of Mauryan Art. [53‐55 BPSC/2012]
4. Analyze the salient features of Mauryan art and architecture. [47 BPSC/2007]
5. Critically examine the chief characteristics of the Mauryan Art. [45 BPSC/2002]
6. Identify the main features of the Mauryan Art as found from Bihar. [42 BPSC/1999]
7. What are the distinctive features of Mauryan Sculpture? [40 BPSC/1995]
8. Write an essay on the art and paintings of Bihar. [39 BPSC/1993]
9. Describe the chief characteristics of Mauryan art. [67 BPSC/2022]
10. Describe the salient characteristics of Mauryan art. [CDPO/2022]
11. Write Short notes on the art and architecture of the Mauryan period [69 BPSC/2024]

ANSWER:
The art created during the Mauryan Empire’s dominance, over the majority of the Indian subcontinent between 322
and 185 BCE is known as Mauryan art. It marked a significant shift in Indian art from the use of wood to stone. The
Mauryan kings, especially Ashok, supported this form of royal art.
Salient Characteristics of Mauryan Art:
The art and architecture of the Mauryan Empire constitute the culminating point of the progress of Indian art. The
period was marked by the mature use of stone and the production of masterpieces. The Mauryan period art and
architecture except that of the relics of the palace of Chandragupta Maurya at Pataliputra is mainly Ashokan.
According to the writings of the Greek diplomat Megasthenes, Pataliputra, the capital—surrounded by a wooden wall
pierced by 64 gates and 570 towers—rivaled the splendors of contemporaneous Persian sites such as Susa and Ecbatana.
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Gupta Empire

Art
The Gupta period is often referred to as the Golden Age of ancient India. Despite the decrease in the number of towns in
northern India, due to the downturn in commercial activity during the Gupta period, the Guptas still had a substantial
amount of gold and issued the highest number of gold coins.
™™The Princes and affluent individuals allocates a portion of their earnings to provide financial assistance to
those involved in the fields of art and literature. Both Samudragupta and Chandragupta II were benefactors
of art and literature.
™™Samudragupta’s coinage depicted him playing the lute, known as the veena. Chandragupta II’s court was
embellished with nine distinguished academics, referred to as the Navratnas.
™™Buddhism significantly influenced the development of art throughout the Mauryan and post-Mauryan
periods. This resulted in the construction of vast stone columns, the excavation of exquisite caverns, and the
erection of towering stupas or memorial towers. The stupas were observed as hemispherical constructions
resting on circular foundations, predominantly constructed from stone.
™™Fa-Hien documented the existence of a copper statue of the Buddha that stood at a height of 25 metres.
However, its current whereabouts are unknown. A bronze statue of the Buddha, dating back to the Gupta
period, measuring about two metres in height, was found at Sultanganj near Bhagalpur.
™™During the Gupta era, exquisite sculptures of the Buddha were crafted at Sarnath and Mathura.
™™During the Gupta dynasty, the Guptas were patrons of Brahmanism and commissioned the creation of pictures
depicting deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and other Hindu gods. The primary deity was depicted as being of
significant size, whilst the attendants and lesser gods were portrayed in a reduced proportion.
™™During the Gupta period, temples were made of bricks and stone. Some of the prominent brick temples were
at Bhitargaon in Kanpur, Bhitari in Ghazipur, and Deogarh near Jhansi (in Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh).
™™The Dashavatara Vishnu Temple in Deogarh was constructed during the early sixth century CE. This temple is
a prime illustration of the architectural style that was prevalent throughout the late Gupta Period. This temple
follows the architectural style known as panchayatana.
™™Some of the prominent temples during the Gupta period were the Parvati Temple of Nachna-kuthara (in
Panna District, Madhya Pradesh) and Kankali Devi temple and Vishnu temple (Tigwa, Madhya Pradesh).

Ajanta Paintings
The Ajanta paintings are considered the most exceptional example
of Buddhist art during the Gupta period. While encompassing the
time span from the 1st to the 7th century AD, the majority of these
paintings originated during the Gupta era. The artworks portray several
occurrences in the life of Gautama Buddha and the Bodhisattvas.
™™The themes of the paintings were the events from the life of the
Buddha, the Jatakas, and the Avadanas. Some paintings such
as Simhala Avadana, Mahajanaka Jataka, and Vidhurpundita
Jataka cover the entire wall of the cave.
™™Chaddanta Jataka was painted in the early Cave No. 10 with
many details and events described in the Pali text.
™™The depictions of Padmapani Bodhisattva and Vajrapani
are often seen in Ajanta. However, the most well-preserved
paintings can be found in Cave No. 1. The portrayals of
Padmapani and Vajrapani in Cave No. 1 are considered to be among the most intact paintings in Ajanta.

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