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UPSC Exams Ancient History Notes
UPSC Exams Ancient History Notes
The Indian sub-continent, which consists of India, Nepal and Pakistan, has a rich tradition in history. There are different types of cultures which have been developed in the various areas of India. The ancient Indians have been following rituals and customs for many years. They were also fond of literature and arts as well as music and dance. In fact they were very much interested in these subjects as it was considered necessary for them to distinguish themselves from other nations who also had their own art forms.
Ancient Indians had more than one name for the person who heads a state. A ruler is called Rajan, Maharaja, Samrat, Chakravartin etc.
The ancient Indians had more than one name for the person who heads a state. A ruler is called Rajan, Maharaja, Samrat and others. The rulers were called raja as well as maharaja because they were kings or chieftains (mahajans) but also traders (rajas).
The people who lived in India at that time were divided into two groups: the Aryans or light-skinned people on one side and dark-skinned Dravidians on another side. The Aryans lived in the north-west part of India while Dravidians lived south of them near present day Tamil Nadu and Kerala
A Raja was considered to be a kshatriya and so also a Dhanika (trader).
A Raja was considered to be a kshatriya and so also a Dhanika (trader). He had the right of conducting trade with foreign countries, which he often did. He had a personal army known as Vijaya-rajas. The duties of the Raja included protecting his people from enemies, keeping them safe from robbers and criminals, administering justice through courts or other forms of formal authority over people in his kingdom or state under him.
The Puranas have classified kings into four groups. They are as follows, 1) Deva rajas or those of divine origin, 2) Manushya rajas or those of human origin, 3) Asura rajas or those of demoniac origin and 4) Gandharva rajas or those of celestial origin. These groups were subdivided into sixty-four sections.
The Puranas have classified kings into four groups. They are as follows, 1) Deva rajas or those of divine origin, 2) Manushya rajas or those of human origin, 3) Asura rajas or those of demoniac origin and 4) Gandharva rajas or those of celestial origin. These groups were subdivided into sixty-four sections.
There is a great difference between these four types and their characteristics:
Deva Raja: He was born from a god (e.g., Indra). He has control over all gods and goddesses including Vishnu and Shiva; he also has complete control over his subjects; he can dispense justice to them at will by making them happy with wealth or happiness etc., in addition to being immune from any disease caused by evil spirits like Rakshasa etc..
The Sakas according to the Puranas were included in these groups. But they were not included in the list of kings mentioned in the Mahabharata. This may indicate that they came to India after the Mahabharata period.
The Sakas according to the Puranas were included in these groups. But they were not included in the list of kings mentioned in the Mahabharata. This may indicate that they came to India after the Mahabharata period.
The Puranas have been dated back to between 800-200 BCE and contain legends about many kings and heroes, including:
Ashvatthama (one of his exploits was killing a lion with his bare hands)
Yudhishthira (he is described as being fair-skinned with curly hair)
According to some scholars ancient Indian political organization was patriarchal and kinship had its base in blood relationship. The whole family formed a single corporate body led by the eldest male member called paterfamilias. He was practically a monarch within his own family circle.
According to some scholars, ancient Indian political organization was patriarchal and kinship had its base in blood relationship. The whole family formed a single corporate body led by the eldest male member called paterfamilias. He was practically a monarch within his own family circle. The king was the head of the state and he had to consult his ministers before making any decision or performing any act which could be detrimental to their interests.
In addition to being head of state, kings also had to hold office as prime minister or finance minister for appointing officials at different levels within their kingdom (state). These included judges, administrators and even advisers who worked under them directly or indirectly through subordinate positions such as tax collectors etc.,
Land was divided into three parts - 1) Gramani (village), 2) Khanda (districts), 3) Desha (country). Among these three villages were considered most important and enjoyed independence to quite an extent.
The village was the basic unit of political organization, economic organization and social organization. It was also the basic unit of religious organization.
The village was divided into three parts - 1) Gramani (village), 2) Khanda (districts), 3) Desha (country). Among these three villages were considered most important and enjoyed independence to quite an extent.
Conclusion
The ancient Indians were a highly organized political society. They were united as a nation and governed themselves by their own laws which were not found anywhere else in the world. The most important feature of their political structure was the king who was considered an incarnation of God on earth. In order to ensure peace and security for his people, he took special care that everything was kept in order and all quarrels between people ended amicably. According to the Indian writers, there existed three classes: Brahmanas (priests), Kshatriyas (lords) and Vaishyas (merchants). The latter two did not have any privileges but they could hold public office or reside wherever they liked.
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