Experience the life of Paleolithic Humans, the food they eat, the tools they used, how they lived etc.

Overview:

• --> Debate among historians about economic situation: stagnation/decline vs. continued prosperity.
• --> India's trade with the West unaffected by the fall of the Roman Empire.
• --> Trade expansion with Byzantine and Sassanid Empires; rise of Arab trade.
• --> Continued inflow of gold and silver into India despite absence of gold coins for currency.
• --> Growth of agriculture, construction of bunds and wells, expansion of cultivation.
• --> Decline of long-distance trade within India, affecting trade guilds and shrenis.
• --> Emergence of small towns catering to local trade.
• --> Travel bans beyond India proper not seriously enforced, with active Indian participation in overseas trade.
• --> Brisk trade between South India, Southeast Asia, and China from the sixth century onwards.
• --> Indian merchants organized in guilds like Manigramam and Nandesi.
• --> Cultural exchange: Indian traders, priests introduced Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia.
• --> Main Indian port for Southeast Asia trade: Tamralipti (Tamluk) in Bengal.
• --> Overland trade with China via Tibet, shifting to maritime routes due to changing political dynamics.
• --> Growing presence of Indian traders in Persian Gulf and Red Sea areas.

Overview:

• --> Active participation of Brahmans, Jains, Buddhists, and Arabs in learning.
• --> Translation and transmission of Indian works on mathematics, medicine, and astronomy to the Arab world.
• --> Main centers of learning: Benaras, Nalanda, Vikramasila, Mithila, Deccan, and South India.
• --> Study subjects: Vedic learning, logic, grammar, literature, mathematics, and medicine.
• --> Rajsekhara's account of primary schools in every village, middle schools in important villages.
• --> Rise of regional languages and literatures: bhakti hymns and saint lives.
• --> Development of Tamil literature; beginnings of literary activity in Bengali, Assamese, and Oriya.

Overview:

• --> The caste system was an ancient social structure in India.


• --> It organized society into four main varnas: Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.


• --> Each varna had distinct roles and responsibilities.


• --> The system also included sub-castes based on occupation and regional differences.

Brahmans and Rajputs:

• --> Brahmans held high social status as priests and scholars.


• --> They received large-scale revenue-free lands and held key administrative positions.


• --> Rajputs emerged as warrior clans, claiming Kshatriya status through alliances and military prowess.


• --> The caste system exhibited flexibility with social mobility and the emergence of new castes.

Shudras, Dalits, and Slaves:

• --> Shudras were primarily agricultural laborers and artisans, with varied social status.


• --> Dalits faced severe social discrimination, performing menial tasks.


• --> Slavery existed, with rules for emancipation based on service and circumstances.

Overview:

• --> Traditional attire included dhoti and sari, with variations for different social classes.


• --> Ornamentation was popular among both men and women.


• --> Vegetarianism was common, with occasional consumption of meat during festivals.

Amusements:

• --> Popular pastimes included fairs, festivals, and wrestling bouts.


• --> The society enjoyed activities like animal fights and gardening excursions.

Overview:

• --> India witnessed diverse religious movements and philosophical beliefs.


• --> Major religions included Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.


• --> Buddhism emerged as a prominent religion, emphasizing the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.


• --> Jainism preached non-violence (ahimsa) and asceticism.


• --> Chaitanya Mahaprabhu founded the Bhakti movement, promoting devotion to Krishna.


• --> Kabir and Guru Nanak spread ideas of unity and social harmony.

Notable Figures:

• --> Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) - Founder of Buddhism, known for his teachings on suffering and enlightenment.


• --> Mahavira - Founder of Jainism, preached principles of non-violence and spiritual purity.


• --> Adi Shankara - Philosopher who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.


• --> Kabir - Mystic poet who blended elements of Hinduism and Islam.


• --> Guru Nanak - Founder of Sikhism, preached monotheism and equality.

Influence on Society:

• --> Religious movements promoted social equality and challenged caste discrimination.


• --> They fostered literary and artistic achievements, influencing cultural practices.


• --> Akbar (the Great) promoted religious tolerance and cultural synthesis.


• --> Aurobindo Ghosh advocated spiritual evolution and integral yoga.

Overview:

• --> Hinduism saw a revival and expansion during this period, while Buddhism and Jainism faced decline.


• --> Buddhist and Jain monks were occasionally persecuted, and some of their temples were taken over or converted.


• --> Instances include the conversion of the Puri and temple near Qutub Minar from Buddhist and Jain origins to Hindu.


• --> Despite challenges, Buddhism continued in eastern India under the patronage of Pala rulers.

Internal Developments in Buddhism:

• --> Buddhist practices became more ritualistic and included mystical elements like mantras and austerities.


• --> This shift led to the belief in attaining supernatural powers through rituals and secret rites.


• --> Similar practices were adopted by Hindu yogis like Gorakhnath, who attracted followers from lower castes.

Jainism:

• --> Jainism remained popular among trading communities and received patronage from rulers like the Chalukyas and Paramaras.


• --> Magnificent Jain temples, such as the Dilwara temple at Mt. Abu, were built during this period.


• --> Jainism reached its peak in South India during the ninth and tenth centuries.


• --> The Jain doctrine of the four gifts and royal patronage contributed to its popularity.

Revival of Hinduism:

• --> Hinduism expanded with Siva and Vishnu becoming primary deities and the construction of grand temples.


• --> Local gods and goddesses were assimilated into Hinduism, reflecting a process of cultural synthesis.


• --> The rise of Siva and Vishnu worship signified cultural integration amidst societal disintegration.

Sankara:

• --> Sankara, born in Kerala, founded Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy of non-dualism where God and the created world are one.


• --> He upheld the Vedas as sources of true knowledge and promoted devotion to God as a path to salvation.


• --> Sankara's philosophy influenced intellectual circles but did not widely impact the masses.

Ramanuja:

• --> Ramanuja assimilated Bhakti into Vedic tradition, emphasizing the grace of God and the path of surrender (prapatti).


• --> He opened the path of salvation to all, including lower castes, bridging the gap between Bhakti movements and Vedic orthodoxy.


• --> Ramanuja's teachings spread widely, influencing later thinkers and making Bhakti accessible to all sections of Hindu society.