B.A. Social Notes

                                          Pallavas Controversy about Origin Parthian Connection- According to one school, they were a branch of Parthians. But there is no evidence for the migration of the Parthians into the south. Vakataka Connection- Another school opines that the Pallavas were a branch of the Brahmin royal dynasty of the Vakatakas at the Deccan. But here again, there is no direct evidence of any connection between the Vakatakas and the Pallavas. Indigenous Origin- The third school maintains that it was an indigenous dynasty and rose to power after the dismemberment of the Ikshvaku kingdom. In other words, they were the indigenous Nagas. So, the Pallavas were possibly a local tribe who established their authority in the Tondainadu or the land of creepers. Political History Simhavishnu (560-590 A.D.)- He is considered the first important Pallava ruler, through Pall...

                                            Chalukya Pulakesin-I (543-66 A.D.)-- Founder of the Chalukya Dynasty, established a small kingdom with Badami-I (Vatapi) as its capital. Kirtivarman-I (560-597 A.D.)-- The son and successor of Pulakesin-I, expanded the kingdom by the war against the Kadambas of Banavasi and the Nalas of Bastar. Mangalesa (597-609 A.D.)-- On the death of Kirtivarman, his brother became the regent, since his son, Pulakesin-II was a minor. Mangalesa plundered the territories of Gujarat, Khandesh, and Malwa. Pulakesin-II (609-42 A.D.)-- Considered the greatest of the Chalukya rulers of Badami not only because of the problems he had to face while coming to the throne but also because of his subsequent military as well as diplomatic achievements. - He had to wage a civil war against his uncle, Mangalesa, who refused to hand over the power. - Though, Pul...

                                      Post Gupta Age  Harshavardhana Harsha was the second son of Prabhakara Vardhana , the first important king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty with its capital at Thaneswar . Pushyabhuti dynasty with its capital at Thaneshvar. Pushyabhuti were the feudataries of the Guptas but had assumed independence after the Huna invasions. Harsha was favored by his elder brother, Rajyavardhana, by both his father and the nobles, But Harsha expressed his reluctance to supersede his brother. Rajyavardhana who became the ruler had to face problems from the Makuhari ruler of Kannauj and husband of Rajyasri (daughter of Prabhakar), was murdered by Deva Gupta (the ruler of Malwa), who in alliance with Sasanka (ruler of Gauda or Bengal) now occupies Kanauj and imprisoned Rajyasri. Rajyavardhana, therefore, undertook a campaign against Deva Gupta and killed him but he was deceived...

                                  Post Mauryan India There are multiple causes for the decline of the Mauryan empire such as weak successors, the partition of the empire, and administrative abuses after Ashoka's reign. After the death of Ashoka, his successors were not able to keep the vast Mauryan Empire intact. Kalinga declared its independence and in the farther south, the Satavahanas established their independent rule. Sunga and Kanvas The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga , who was the commander-in-chief under the Mauryas. He ascended the throne of Magadha in 185 B.C . Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism. He performed two ashawamedh sacrifices. After the death of Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra was a great conqueror. He was also the hero of the play Malavikagnimitram written by Kalidasa. During their rule, there was a revival of Brahminical influence. The Bhagavata rel...

                         Rise of Heterodox Sects Numerous religious sects arose in the middle Gangetic basin in the sixth century B.C. We here of as many as 62 religious sects in this period. Jainism and Buddhism were very important. Causes of Rise of Religious Movement In post -Vedic times, society was clearly divided into four varnas- Brahmanas, vaishyas, and shudras . Each varna was assigned well-defined functions, although it was emphasized that varna was based on birth and two higher varnas were given some priviledges.  Naturally the varna-divided society seems to have generated tensions. The Kshatriyas, who acted as rulers, reacted against the domination of the priestly class called brahamanas , who claimed various priveges. It was one of the causes of the origin of new religions. Vardhamana Mahavira who founded Jainism, and Gautama Buddha, who founded Buddhism, belonged to the kshatriya clan, and both disputed ...

                                                Indus Valley Civilization Indus valley civilization developed at two centres-Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Harappa is situated in the Montogmery district (now in Pakistan) which is about 180 kilometres from Lahore.This site was larger than Mohenjodaro and from the point of view of culture it gives us more source material to draw from.Another main centre of Indus valley civilization was Mohenjodaro which is situated in the Larkana district of Sindh. Mohenjodaro literally means the 'Mound of the Dead'.The distance between the two significant towns of Harappa culture is about 650 kilometres. Other Centres- Apart from Harappa and Mohenjodaro,the remains of Indus Valley Civilization have been discovered at various other sites -Chanhudaro,Amri,Lohun-jo-Daro,Naal and Rupar.Jhukar and Kelat are towns planned in a very systemati...