SSC - CHSL

Combined Higher Secondary Level

STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION

VOLUME – II

General Awareness
 Index

Polity
1. Introduction 1
2. Historical Background 1
3. Making of the constitution 3
4. Sources, Parts and schedules of constitution 4
5. Feature and the preamble 10
6. The union and its territory 11
7. Citizenship &Fundamental rights 12
8. DPSP & Fundamental duties 13
9. President & vice president 14
10. The prime minister & the council of minister 17
11. The Parliament 19
12. Constitutional & Non constitutional commissions 22
13. The supreme court & High court 24
14. The state 28
 Governor, CM, Legislature
15. Panchayati Raj Institutions 30

Indian History

 Ancient India
1. Introduction 32
2. Indus valley civilization 32
3. Vedic – culture 34
4. Buddhism, Jainism, Magadh 37
5. Mauryan Period 40
6. Different Dynasty’s of ancient India 42
7. Foreign Invasions 43
8. Gupta Empire 45
9. Harshvardhana Reign 47
10. The Deccan & South India 48
 Medieval India
1. The Palas & Arab Invasion 51
2. Sultanate Period 52
 Slave dynasty
 Khilji Dynasty
 Tughlaq Dynasty
 Sayyad Dynasty
 The Lodi Dynasty
3. Vijay nagar Empire 57
4. Mughal Period 57
 Babar
 Humayun
 Akbar
 Jahangir
 Sahanjahan
 Aurangzeb
5. Maratha Empire 60

 Modern India
1. The advent of the Europeans 61
2. East India company rule in India 62
3. The Revolt of 1857 62
4. Indian National congress & its phases 63
5. Socio - Religious Movement 65
6. The Gandhian Era 67
7. From Cripps mission to freedom 69
 Geography
1. Physiography of India 75
2. Drainage system of India 76
3. Indian climate & soils 78
4. Natural vegetation & wildlife 79
5. Agriculture of India 80
6. Natural resources 81
7. World Geography 82
 Economics
1. Basics of Economics 89
2. Demand & Supply concept 89
3. Sectors of Indian Economics 92
4. National Income 94
5. Market, cost, Revenue 94
6. Economic planning of India 95
7. Banking & Insurance 98
8. Inflation 102
9. Indian Tax system 102
10. Socio – Economic indicators 104
11. International organization 105
12. Different Schemes 105
13. Population & Poverty 109

 Miscellaneous
 Miscellaneous & Static GK of India 112
 First millennium AD – 1 AD – 1000 AD
Indian History
Second millennium AD – 1001 – 2000
- The study of the past is called “History”. AD
- The English word history is derived from
the Greek word history meaning research Lithic Age or the stone Age (30,00,000
inquiry or investigation. BC – 1000 B.C.)
Ancient Indian can be studied under other
System of Dating: heads like Paleolithic Mesolithic, Neolithic
B.C.: B.C. is the acronym of before charts. and chalcolithic Period.
This is an English phrase meaning. ‘Before
the birth of (Jesus) Christ. Name of Time Life Implemen
the period style ts (Tools
Example: Gautam Budha was born in 563
period &
B.C. and died in 483 B.C.
Weapons)
A.D.: AD is the acronym of Anno Domini. This Paleolith 30,00,0 Hunter Chopper,
is a Latin phrase meaning in the era of the ic 00 BC to s and Chopping,
lord. 10,000 food Hand Axe,
B.C gather cleaver,
Example: Jesus Christ was crucified in 30 A.D.
Flake,
- Hazard Mohammad was born in 570 A.D.
tolls,
and died in 632 A.D.
Blade
 First decade of 20th century AD means – tools.
the period from 1901 AD to 1910 AD. Mesolith 9000 Hunter Microsite
Fifth decade of 20th century AD means ic B.C. – s and implemen
– the period from 1941. 4000 Herder ts
Eighth decade of 20th century AD means B.C s
– the period from 1971 AD to 1980 AD.
Last of 20th century AD means – the Neolithic 1000 Food – Polished
period from 1991 AD to 2000 AD. B.C – produc implemen
 First half of 20th century AD means – 1000 er ts
from 1901 AD to 1950 AD. B.C
Second half of 20th century AD means –
from 1951 AD to 2000 AD.
Harappan Age / Indus civilization
 6th Century BC means – 600 BC to 501
BC 2, 500 B.C – 1,750 BC
 4th Century BC means – 400 BC to 301 - Three names are proposed for the
BC civilization of Harappa age – Harappa,
 16th century AD means – 1051 AD to civilization, Indus civilization & Indus
1600 AD Saraswati civilization.
 20th Century AD means – 1901 - Harappa civilization was the
 Second millennium BC – 2000 BC – 1001 civilization of age.
BC - Harappa sites was discovered by
First millennium BC – 1000 BC – 1 BC Dayaram Sahni in 1921.
Regional Extension of Harappan Past Harappan Age – 2000 B.C. – 1000
Civilization B.C.
Region / State Archaeological sites - After 2000 B.C in the different origin of
Indian subcontinent the various regional
Afghanistan (1) Shor tlughai cultures come into existence.
(2) Mundigate. - These cultures were not urban culture
Pakistan Mehargarh, Kili ghul like Indus civilization but rural culture.
Muhanacl, Rama - Mohenjodaro was excavated in 1992 by
Ghumcli, R.D. Banerzee.
Dabarkoot, Balokot,
Sutkangendor. Important cities:
City River Archeologic
Punjab (Pakistan) Harappa, Jalipur,
al
Sanghanwala,
importance
Derawar,
Crhameriwal, (i) Harappa Ravi Mother
Saraikhola. goddess,
figurines, a
Sindh (Pakistan) Mohanjodara,
row of 6
Amari, Kathdizi,
granaries.
Chamhdaro,
Alimaracl, Jhangar. (ii) Mohanjodar Indus Great
o Granary,
Jammu Kashmir Mooda
great bath,
Haryana Vanawali, image of
Rakhigarhi. pashupati,
Mahadeva
Rajasthan Kalibanga,
image of
Ganeshwar,
Bearded
Hanumangarh,
man and
Mithal, Chhupar.
bronze
Uttar Pradesh Alamghirpur, image of a
Manpur, Bargaon, woman
Sanawli. dancer.
Gujarat Wholavira, Lothal, (iii) Lothal Bhargav Port city,
Surkotda, a Double
Bhagatrua, Rangpur burial,
Terracotta,
Maharashtra Daimabad.
those
figurines.
(iv) Chanhudaro Indus City without
a capital.
(v) Dhoolavira Indus City divided - Steatite was mainly used in the
into 3 parts manicure of seals.

(vi) Kalibangan Ghaghar Vedic – Culture (1500 B.C – 600 B.C)

a - The Aryans are supposed to have
migrated from central Asia into the
Indian subcontinent in several stages or
Common Features of Major Cities:
wages during 2000 B.C – 1500 B.C.
 Systematic town planning on the lines
- Boghazkai inscription, which mentions 4
of grid system.
Vedic goods Indra, Varuma, Mitra and
 Use of burnt bricks in constructions.
Nasatya.
 Underground drainage systems.
- The Group that came to India first
 Forfeited citadel (exception – settled in the present frontier province
chanpudaro)
and the Punjab – then called Sapt a
 Surkotada (Gujarat): The only Indus site Sindu i.e. region of seven rivers.
where the remains of a horse have
actually been found.
Vedic Literature:
 Main crops: Wheat & Barely; evidence
of cultivation of rice in Lothal and Vedic Literature comprises of four
Rangpur (Gujarat) only. litracy productions:
- Indus people were the first to produce (i) The samhitas or Vedas.
cotton in the world. (ii) The Brahmas.
- Lion was not known to Indus people. (iii) The Aram akas
- There was extensive inland & foreign (iv) The Upanishads.
trade.
- Foreign trade with Mesopotamia or The most important of Vedic literature are
sumeria. Vedas.
- A very interesting features of this - Vedas are called apaurasheya i.e. not
civilization was that iron was not known created by man but god – gifted and
to the people. Nitya i.e. existing in all eternity.
- Lothal was an ancient part of Indus
civilization. There are four Vedas:
- The Indus civilization was primarily Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Samaveda, Atthar
urban. Veda,
- The most commonly found figure is not (1) Rigveda:
that of mother Goddes. It the oldest tent in the world.
- The chief male deity was the ‘pasupati - The Rig Veda contains loz hymus and
Monadeva’ i.e. the lord of animals. 10560 Verses, divided inot 10 mandals.
- Humpless bull is represented in most of - The hymns of Rig Veda were recited by
the Indus seals. Hatri.
- The orgin of the ‘Swastika’ symbol can - Also contains the famous Gayatri
be traced to the Indus civilization. Mantra.
- Contemporary civilization of Indus
civilization Mesopotamia, Egypt and (2) The Yajur Veda – Is a Ritual Veda
china. - It is vided inot two parts Krishna
Yajurveda and Shukla Yajur Veda.
 - Rituals of Yajnas. Shad – darshan:
There are 6 schools of Indian Philosphy
(3) The Sama Veda – had 1549 Verses. known as the shad – darshans.
- This Veda is important for India Darshana Founder Basic Text
music.
- Book for chants. (1) Snakhya Kapila Sankhya
Darshan Sutra
(4) The Athar Veda: Contains Charms and
(2) Yoga Patanjali Yoga Sutra
Spells to word off evils and discuses.
Darshan
- Mantras for magic spells.
(3) Nyaya Akshapada – Mayaya
Darshan Gautama sutra
The Upanishadas:
- The upanishadas are philosophical texts. (4) Vaish Vluka Vaisheika
- They are generally called Vedanta. esika Kanada Sutra
- There are 108 upanishads. warshna
- Vrihadaranyaka is the oldest (5) Mimansa Vaimini Purva
upnishadas. Minasa
Sutra
Vedangas:
There are six Vedangas (6) Vedant Badarayana Bharma
(1) Shiksha Sutra
(2) Kalpa Sutras
(3) Vyakarana
(4) Nirukta Rig Vedic (1500 BC – 1000 B.C):
(5) Chanda - Rig Veda is the only source of knowledge
(6) Jyotisha for period.
- Rig Veda people, who called themselves
Mahakavyas: There are mainly two Aryans were confined in the are which
Mahakavyas. came to be known as Sapta Sinddhu i.e
(1) The Ramayana land of the seven rivers.
(2) The Mahabharata. - According to Rig Veda the famous
The Purana: The Purana means “The old”: Dassajan was the interaine war of the
- There are 18 famous ‘Puranas’ Aryans.
- The matsya purana is the oldest The Rig Veda speaks of assemblies such
puranic text. as the Sabha Samiti, Vidath, and Grana.
- The important puranas are the - Rig Vedic society comprised four
Bhagavata, the Vishnu. The vegu and Vramas, namely: Brahmana, Kshatriya,
the Brahmnda. Vaishya and Shudra.
- Teacher and priests were called
Brahmas, Rules and administrators were
called Kshatriyas and artisans and
laburses were reckoned or shudras.
- Child marriage was not in vogue.
- Milk and its product curd, butter and
ghee formed on important part of the
diet.
- The cow was already deemed Agnaya - Prajapati Become Supreme God.
i.e. not to be killed. - Land had become more valuable than
- Alcoholic drinks, Sura and soma were cows.
also consumed. - Rice, Barley, beans, sesame and wheat
- Indira, Agni Varuma were the most were cultivated.
Popular Duties of Rig Vedic Aryans. - Production of goods advanced as
- The Aryana crossed the nomadic stage. indicated by new occupations like
Yet, great important was attached to fisherman, washer man, dyers, door-
herds of cattle various animals were keepers and footmen.
domesticated.
- Tiger was not known but the wild Types of Hindu Marriage (vivah)
animals like – lion, elephant and bear Brahma vivaha Giving the girls to a
were known to them. man with dowry

Later Vedic period: 100 B.C – 600 B.C Daiva vivaha Giving the girls to
- During the eater Vedic period the Aryan the priest himself in
Settlements covered virtually the whole lieu of his fees.
northern Indira – Aryavarta.
Arsha Vivaha Giving the girl to a
- The center of culture now shifted from
man after accepting
Saraswati to Ganges.
- The expansion of people towards the a bride-price
east in indicate in a legend of Sataptha Prajapatya Vivaha Giving the girls to a
Brahamana. man without
- Large kingdom and stately cities made
demanding a bride-
their appearances in the later Vedic
price
period.
- In Taittariya Brahmas we notice the Gandharva Vivaha Love marriage
theory of the divine origin of Kingship.
- The military officials of the Rig Vedic Asura Vivaha Marriage with a
times the Semanj and the Grramini. purchased girl.
- The Sthapati being entrusted with the
Rakshasa Vivaha Marriage with the
duty of administering.
daughter of a
- Adhikrita was the village officials.
- The popular control over the affairs of defeated king or
the Kingdom was exercised through with a kidnapped
Sabha and Samiti. girl.
- The Earliest references to the 4 Paishacha Vivaha Marriage to a girl
Ashrams:
seducing or raping
Brahmachrya, Grihastha, Vanprastha
her.
and Sanyasa is found in the Jobala
uponishad.
- Woman were prohibited to attend the
political Assemblies.
- The earlier divinites Indra and Agni were
relegated inot the background while
prajapati, Vishnu and Rudra.
 14 Asmaka Pratisthan Bank of
SI. Mhajanapa Capital Modern / Paithan Godavari
No das location
15 Vajji Vaishali Vaishali
.
16 Malla Kusinara Deria &
1. Anga Champa Manager
UP
and
Bhagalpu
r Religious Movements & (600 BC –
2. Magadh Grivraja / Gaya and 400 BC)
Rajagis Patna Buddhism: (563BC – 483BC
Buddha’s Life:
3. Kasi Kasi Banaras - Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism,
was born in 563 B.C on the Vaisaka
4. Vastsa Kausambh Allahaba purnima day at Lumbinivana/Nepal in
i d the Sakhya Kshatriya clan.
5. Kasala Sravasti Eastern - His father suddhodhana was the
Uttar republic on king of Kapilvastu and
mother Mahamaya was a princess of
Pradesh
Kollia Republic.
6. Surasena Mathura Mathura - After his mother’s early death. He was
bught up by his step mother and Aunt
7. Panchala Ahichatra Western Mahaprajapati Gautami.
and Uttar - His father married him at an early age to
Kampilya Pradesh yasudharva (Shankya dynesty) from
whom he had a son Rahul.
8. Kuru Indraprast Merrut &
- At the age of 29, he renounced home, thi
ha S.E.
was his Mahabhinish Kramana.
Haryana - His first teacher was alara Kalama.
9. Mtsya Virat Jaipur
Nagar Buddhist Councils:
Buddhist Council held in India
10 Chedi Sothivati / Budelhan
Banda da Buddh Patron Venue Chairman Ye
ist ar
11 Avanti Ujjan / Madhya
Mahismati Pradesh Counc
il
& Malwa
First Ajatash Rajgrih Mahakash 48
12 Gandhar Taxilla Rawalpin
tru a yap 3
di
B.C
13 Kamboj Pooncha Rajori & .
Hajra
(Kashmir)
 Secon Kalasho Vaishali Sabbakam 38  He was a contemporary of Goutama
d ka i 3 Buddha.
B.C  He married the princess of Kasala and
Madra.
Third Ashoka Patliput Mogaiputr 25
ra a 0
B.C Buddhism
Biddha’s life
Fourth Kanishk Kundal Vasumitra 72
a ban AD  Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism,
(Kashim was born in 563 BC (widely accepted),
r)
on the vaisakha Purnima day at
Lumbinivana (Rummindehi District
Nepal) in the sakya Kshatriya clan.
Buddhist Literature:  His fater suddhodhana was the
Pali Text: republican king of kapilvastu and
Tripitaka: mother Mahamaya was a princess of
kollia republic.
(1) Vinay pitaka – Monastic code
 After his mother’s early death, he was
(2) Sutta Pitaka – Buddha sayings
brought up by his stem mother and aunt
(3) Abhidhamma pitaka – Religious
Mahaprajapati Gautami.
discourse of Buddha.
 His father married him at an early age to
Yasodhara (Princess of shakya dynasty)
Milindapanho – Questions of Milinda. from whom he had a son Rahul.
Dipavamsha and Mahavamsha – The great  Four sights an old man, a diseased
Chronicles of Sri Lanka. person, dead body and a ascetic proved
to be a turning point in his carrier.
Sanskriti Texts:  At the age of 29, he renounced home,
Buddha Charita, Soundranamda, Sutra this was his Mahabhinishkramana (great
Lankar, Sariputra, Prakaran & Vajra Suchi – going forth) and became a wandering
Ashwagosha. Mahavirbhosha shustra – ascetic.
Vasumitra, Modhgamika, Karika and  His first teacher was Alara Kalama
Prajnaparimita Karika – Nagarjuna etc. (Sankhyaphilosopher) from whom he
learnt the technique of meditation.
Rise of Magadha:
- The political history of India from 6th Great Events of Symbols
century BC onwards the history of Buddha’s life
struggle between four states: Magadh,
Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti for Supremacy. Janma (Birth) Lotus and bull
- The kingdom of Magadha emerged to be Mahabhinishkramana Horse
the most powerful one and succeeded in
(Renunciation)
founding an empire.
Haryanaka Dynasty: 544 B.C – 412 B.C Nirvana/Sambodhi Bodhi tree
Bimbisara (Shramika): 544 B.C – 492 B.C (Enlightenment)
 He was the founder of Haryana dynasty.
 Magadha came into prominence under
the leadership of Bimbisara.
 Dharmachakra Wheel Name Symbol
Pravartana (First
Risabha Bull
sermon)
Ajit Nath Elephant
Mahaparinirvana Stupa
(Death) Parsh Wonath Serpent
Mahavira Lion
 His nex teacher was Udraka Ramputra
 At the age of 35, under a pipal tree at
The Principles of Jainism as Preached by
Uruvella (Bodh Gaya) on the bank of
Mahavira:
river Nirajana (modern name Falgu) he
(i) Reject the authority of the Vedas and
attained Nirvana (enlightenment) after
Vedic rituals.
49.
(ii) Did not believe in the existence of god.
(iii) Believed in Karma and the
Sects of Budhism: Transmigration of soul.
Hinyana – Itsfollows believed in the orginal (iv) Laid great emphasis on equality.
teaching of Buddha.
They favoured Pali language.
Jain Ye Venu Chairm Patr Result
Mahayana – its Followers believed in the cou ar e an on
heavenlines of Buddha.
ncil
They favoured sanskriti language.
Vajrayana – Its followers believed that 18th 30 Patli Sthulab Cha Compi
salvations could be best obtained by 0 putra hodra ndra lation
acquiring the magical power, which they B Gup of 12
called vajra. C ta angas
Mau
Jainism (599 B.C – 527 B.C) rya
- According to Jain tradition there were
24 Thirth Amkaras. The first being 2nd 51 Vaila Devard - Final
Rishabhadeva / Adinath & last being 2 bhi hikshn compil
Mahavira. A asrama ation
- The Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavat D na of 12
Purana describe Rishabha as an angas
incarnation of Narayana. and 12
- Parsh wanath’s four main teachings upang
(chaturthi)
as.
(i) Arimsa
(ii) Satya
(iii) Asteya Sects of Jainism: There are two sects
(iv) Aparigraha (i) Shvetamibaras : Those who put on
white robes
Mahavira adopted all those four teachings (ii) Digambaras: Those who were stark
and added one more that is Brahmacharya naked.
to it:
Examples of Jain Architectural: (4) Aparigraha
(i) Gumphas i.e. caves e.g. Hathigumpha, (5) Brahmcharya.
Baghogumpha etc.
(ii) Dilwara temples e.g. Vimala vashashi Types of Knowledge:
temple, Tejapala temple – Mount Abu. There are five types of knowledge:
(iii) Temples – Girnar & Paulitana (Gujarat) (1) Mati Jhana
(iv) Pravapuri temple, Rajgriha temple – (2) Shruto Jhana
Bihar. (3) Avadhi Jhana
(v) Statue of Gometeshwar/Bahubali – (4) Manah paryaya Jhana
Shravangola (Karnataka). (5) Keval Jhana

Mahavira’s life: Maurya Period (322 BC – 185 B.C)

 Mahavira was born in 540 B.C inavillage Sources for Mauryan History:
kundgrama was vaishali in Bihar. (A) Literacy Sources:
 His father’s name is Siddhartha Kautilya’s Arthasatra:
 His mother’s name is Trishala was the It is a tratise on government and polity. It
sister of Chetaka, The king of Vaishali. gives a clear and Methodobgiol analysis
 Mahavira was married to Yashoda and a of political and economic conditons.
produced a daughter Amonja
Priyadarshani whose husband Jamali Megasthenese’s Indica:
became the first disciple of Mahvira. Megashenese was the ambassador of
 At the age of 30, after the death of his selecuss Nikotar in the court of Chandra
father, he renounced his family became Gupta Maurya.
an ascetic and proceeded in search of Visakha Datta’s Mudra Rakshasa:
truth. It was written during Gupta Period.
- Mahavira delivered his first sermon at
Pava to his 11 disciples. Later, he Buddhist Literature:
founded a Jain Sangha at Pawa. - Indian Buddhist text Jatakas reveal a
- At the age of 72 in 468 B.C, he passed general picture of socio economic
away at Pavapuri near Bihar sharif in conditions of Mauryan Period.
Bihar. - Ceylonese Buddhist chronicles
Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa describe
Triratna i.e. Three Gems of Jainism: the part played by Ashoka. In spreading
(1) Samyak Shradha/Viswas (Right Faith): Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
It is the belief in thirathankaras.
(2) Samyak Jhon: It is the knowledge of the (B) Archacological sources:
Jain creed. There are rock edicts, pillar edicts and
(3) Samyak Karma: It is the practice of the cave inscription located at several places
5 vows of Jainism. in the Indian sub-confident. Their
importance came to be appreciated only
Pancha Mahavaratas i.e Five vows of after their description by James prince in
Jainism: 1837 and also the identification of
(1) Ashimsa Ashoka as the Authors of these edicts in
(2) Satya the beginning of the 20th century.
(3) Asteya
Origin of the Mauryas: brothers and spared Tissa the youngest
- Mudrakshasa of Vishakhadatta uses one.
the terms Vrishal, Kulhina. - Under Ashoka, The Mauryan Empire
- The Junagarh Rock inscription of reached its climax. For the first time,
Rudradaman has some indirect the whole of the sunto – continent
evidence. leaving out the extreme – south, was
- Mauryas belonged to the Moriya tribe under imperial control.
and were certainly of a low caste. - Ashoka fought the kalinga war in 261
B.C. in 9th years of his coronation.
Chandra Gupta Maurya: 322 B.C. – - The king was moved by the massacre in
this war and therefore abandoned the
298 B.C
policy of physical occupation in favor of
- Chandra Gupta dethroned that last
policy.
manda ruler dhananand and occupied
- Ashoka sent missionaries to the
patliputra in 322 BC with the help of
kingdom of the Cholas & the Pandya’s
Kautilya.
and five states ruled by Greek kings.
- In 305 B.C, Chandragupta Maurya
- He sent missionaries to Ceylon (Sri
defeated seleucus Nikator, who
Lanka) & Burma.
surrendered a vast territory including
Aria, Gedrosia and paropamisadac
(Kabul), in Return for 500 elephants. Ashoka’s Dhamma:
- Megasthenese was the Greek - After the Kalinga war, Ashoka
Ambassador sent to the court of propagated Dhamma or moral low
Chandra Gupta Maurya by selecus across his empire.
Nikator. - Dhamma was a way of life, a set of
- Chandra Gupta became a Jain and went principles and a conduct that is 22 to be
to Srauanabegola slow starvation. adopted.
- Trade flourished, Agriculture was
regulated, weights and measures were Later Mauryas: 232 B.C – 185 B.C
standardized and money come into use. - After Ashoka’s death in 232 B.C, There
were 7 kings within a span of 5 years.
Bindusara: 298 – 273 B.C: - After him, the Mauryan Empire was
- Chandra Gupta Maurya was succeeded divided into two parts western &
by his son Bindusara. Eastern.
- Bindu Sara, known to the Greeks as - The western part come to be ruled by
amitrochates i.e. Slayers of foes. Kunala.
- Bindusara asked of Syria to send some - The eastern part come to be ruled by
sweet wine, dried figs and a sophist. Dasaratha.
Amtiochus I sent wine and figs but - The last Mauryan king Brihatratha, was
politcly replied that Greek associated by pushyamitra Sunga, his
Philosopheres are not for sale. commander in chief.
- Bindu Sara Patronised Ajvikas.

Ashoka 273 – 232 B.C:

- According to Buddhist tradition Ashoka
ururped the throne after killing his 99
Mauryan Administration: Agriculture:
Central administration: - The chief of Agriculture department
The Mauryan government was a centralized was known as ‘Sitadhyaksha.’
bureaucracy of which the nucleus was the - Then there was separate irrigations
king. department as well which looked after
According to Kautilya there are 7 elements of a network of canals.
states:
(1) Raja (The King) Post Mauryan India:
(2) Amatya (The Secretaries) - After the successors of Ashoka failed to
(3) Janapada (Territory) keep the empire intact, various small
(4) Durg (Fort) kingdoms emerged in the face of Indian
(5) Kosha (The treasure) subcontinent.
(6) Sena (Army) - The mauryan dynasty was soon
(7) Mitra (Friend) replaced by the Sunga dynasty.

The Mantri Parishad: The Shunga Dynasty : 185 BC – 73 B.C

The king was assisted by Mantri Parishad, - The founder of Sunga dynasty was
whose members included: pushyamitra Shunga.
(i) The Yuvaraja (The crown prince) - He had Assassinated the last Mauryan
(ii) The purohita (The chief priest) rule, Brihadratha to capture the throne.
(iii) The Senapati (The commander in chief) - The southern parts were under the
- Mauryan administration was the satvahans.
maintenance of a huge army. - The Northern western areas were facing
- Army was carried by a board of 30 Bactrian Greek invasions.
officers divided into 6 committee. - Pushyamitra was as supporter of
- Tax collected from peasants varied Brahmanical traditions.
from ¼ to 1/6 of the produce. - He received the practice of
- The state also provided irrigation Ashwamedha Yojna.
facilities and charged water tax. - He also contributed in construction of
- Sohgaura copper plate inscription and the Buddhist stupa at Barhut.
Mahasthana inscription deal with the - After the death of Pushyamitra, his son
relief measures to be adopted during a Agnimitra became ruler.
famine. - The last ruler of Sunga dynasty was their
9th ruler Devabhuti. He was murdered by
Society: this minister Vashudeva Kanva.
Kautilya’s ‘Arthshastra’ looked upon the - Patanjali Author of the ‘Mahabhashya’.
Shudras as on Aryan community which is
distinguished from malechha or Non-Aryan Kanva Dynasty: - (73 BC – 28 BC):
community. - It was founded by Vasudeva Kanva. This
- Through Megasthenese sated that dynasty was Brahmin in caste.
there were no slavery in India. - The kingdom at the time of vasudeva
- Woman occupied a high position and Kanab was much reduced in this extant.
freedom in the Mauryan society. - The last king of canvas was seaman.
The Satvahana Dynasty 60 B.C – to - Shisunaga was succeeded by
225 A.D Kalashoka.
- Gautamiputra Satakarni was the - His region is important because he
greatest of the Satavahana rulers. convened the second Buddhists
- He extended the Satavahana rule by council in Vaishali (383 B.C)
defeating the Shaka rulers Naha-Pana of
western India. Nanda – Dynasty (344 BC – 323 BC)
- The Satvahna capital was situated at - The Shisunaga dynasty was
Pratisthana. overthrown by Mahapadma who
- Simuka was the founder of the established a new line of kings known
Satavahana dynasty. as the Nandas.
- PUlamavi III, its 30th ruler, was the last - Mahapadma is known as
Satwahna ruler. Sarvakshatrantak.
- Satvahana started the practice of - The puranas call Mahapadma extrat
donating land. i.e. the sole monarch.
- He sent a royal physician Jivaka to Ujjain, - Mahapadma was succeeded by this
when Avanti king Pradyota was suffered eight sons. Dhananda was the last
by Jaunclice. one.
- He built the city of new ‘Rajagriha.’ - It was during the rule of Dhananda
that the Invasion of Alexander took
Ajat Shatru (Kunika) 492 B.C – 460 B.C place in North West in 326 B.C.
- Bimbisara was succeeded by his son
Ajatshatru. Foreign Invasions:
- Ajat Shatru killed his father is seized (1) Indian / Persian Invansion – Darivs
the throne. Invasion (518 B.C)
- The Vajji confederation was - The achaemenian ruler darius /
ajatshatrus target of attack. Penetrated into North West India in
- He built the fort of Rajagriha and a 518 B.C. and annexed Punjab, west of
watch fort (Jaladurga). India and Sindh.
- This province was the most fertile
Udaiyum 460 B.C – 440 B.C: area of the Iranian empire.
- A Jatshatru was succeeded by his son - The Indo-Iranian contact lasted for
Vdayin. about 200 years.
- He laid the foundation of the city - It gave an impetus to Indo-Iranian
Patliputra and shifted the capital from trade & commerce.
Rajgriha to Patliputra.
- Vdayin was succeeded by amurddha, (2) Macedonia – Invasion – Alexander
Munda and Naga dasax. Invasion (326 B.C)
- Alexander the great was a great king
Shishunaga Dynasty: 412 B.C – 344 B.C: & general who conquered the Persian
Nag Dasak: Nag Dasak was unworthy rule so Empire.
the People got disgusted and elected - Alexander succeeded his father Philip
shishungga the king. to the throne of Macedonia, he was
- Shishunaga was the destruction of the only 20 years of age.
the pradyota dynasty of Avanti.
 - The rulers of Taxila and Abhiard Buddhist text ‘Milindapanho’ – In which
submitted but porus refused to do so. philosophical questions asked Milinda
- Alexander then crossed the Jhelum by to Nagasena.
a trick porus was defeated in the
battle that followed, but alexander The Sakas Dynasty (1st Century B.C. 4th
treated him very generously for his Century AD)
bravery (battle of vitasata i.e. Modern
Jhelum, Greek-Hydaspes – 326 B.C.) (1) There were two distinct groups of
- Alexander had to return from this Sakas – Northern Satraps who ruled
place as his soldier refused to go any from Taxila, and the western satraps
further. who ruled over Maharashtra.
- The battle of Jhelum & Sakria had (2) The founder the Saka rule in India in
opened their eyes and they were the 1st Century B.C. was Maues. And
afraid of the great Magadhan Empire his successor Azesi, is considered to
across the Beas. be founder of the ‘Vikarama Era’.
- Alexander reached Babylon in 323 BC (3) The most famous of the Shakra rulers
where he died at the age of 33. was Randradaman. He is known to
have undertook the repairs of the
The Chedis / Chetas of Kalinga (1st Sudarshana Lake, which was originally
century B.C.) but it during the reign of Chandra
(1) Kalinga rose to power under the king Gupta Maury.
Khravela.
(2) He was a Jain as Mentioned in his The Parthians: (1st Century B.C – 1st
incriptions. Century A.D)
(3) He made various conquests known a.  The Parthians was Iranians in origin.
(4) Hathigumpha inscription located in  Gondophernes / Gondophares as a
the Udaygiri hills near Bhuvneshwar, Parthian ruler. He is believed it have
Orissa. taken up chritianity by association with
St Thomas.
The Bactrian Indo – Greeks (2nd  The Kushanas: (1st Century Ad – 3rd
Century B.C) Century AD)
 After death of Alexander in 323 B.C,  There were two successive dynasties in
Various Greeks settled on the north- the Kushanas.
west an boarder of India. - The first dynasty was founded by
 The rulers of Bacteria are called the Kadphises.
Bactrian – Greeks, because they were - This had two kings, Kadphises I and II or
Hellenistic (Greek) in their Ancestry. Vima Kadphises.
 During the time of Pushyamitra Sanga - Kanishka was the greatest Kushan king
the invaders were ruled by Demetrius. who spread his kingdom beyond the
 The most revered Indo – Greek ruled by western Himalayas also. He
Demetrius. popularized Buddhism in Tibet, China &
 He has been referred to as king Milinda Central Asia.
who finds mention in the famous.
Sangam Age (1st – 3rd Century):  King Neduncheliyans also known as
The first Sangam, is believed to be held at Aryappadai kadantha Neduncheliyan.
Madurai, attended by gods & legendary He order the execution of kovalan.
sages. The Curse of Kovalan’s wife Kennagi
The second Sangam was held at burnt and destroyed.
Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyan survives
from this. Sangam Lietrature:
The third Sangam at Madurai was founded The Sangam literature includes.
by Mudathiru Maran. Tolkappiyam, Ettulogai, Pattu,
pathinenkillkandakku, and two epics named
During the sangam age, it was ruled by three silappathigaram & Manimegalai.
dynasties the cheras, cholas & Pandyas.
Sangam polity & administration:
Cheras:  The king was assisted by a wide body of
 The capital of cheras was Vanji and officials who were catogarized into five
their important seaports were Tondi & councils.
Misery.  They were ministers (amaichar), priests
 They had the Palmyra flowers are their (Anthanar), envoys (Thuthar), military
garland. commanders (Senapathi), & Spice.
 The insignia of cheras is the “bow and
Arrow.” Economy of the Sangam Age:
 The pugalur miscription of the 1st  Agriculture was the chief occupation
century AD has reference to three where rice was the most common crop.
generations of chera rulers.  The handicraft included weaving, metal
 The important rulers of cheras was works and carpentry, ship building &
senguttuvan who belonged to 2nd making of ornaments using beads, stones
century A.D. & Ivory.
 These were in great demand of all above
Cholas: products in the internal & external trade
 Their capital was firstly at vraiyur & later as this was at its peak during the sangam
shifted ot PUhar (Tanjore) period.
 King Karikala was a famous king of the  The port city of puhar became an
Sangam Cholas. important place of foreign trade, as big
 The insignia of Cholas was “tiger.” ships entered this port containing
 Patina appall portrayr his life & military precious goods.
conquests.
 Mony Sangam poems mention the Gupta A Empire / Dynasty (319 AD –
Battle of Venni where he defeated the 540 AD).
confederacy of cheras, Pandyas & The Gupta period is popularly known as the
eleven minor chieftains. “Golden age of India.”

Pandyas: The Gupta Empire was founded by Sri Gupta.

 Their capital was Madurai. He was then succeeded by Ghatotkacha.
 Their Insignia was the “carp” (Fish).