History Test - 32

By 1900 BC many Indus cities had been abandoned. Historians believe things started to fall apart around 1700 BC. There were many factors which led to the collapse of Harrapan civilisation-

One important factor was the changes to the geography and climate of the area.

• Located on the bank of Indus River in the southern province of Sindh, Mohenjodaro was built around 2400 BC. It was destroyed at least seven times by the floods and rebuilt on the top of ruins each time as there is evidence of silt on houses and streets of the civilisation.
• The main cities were closely linked to the river, so changes in the river flow would have had a terrible effect on them. Repeated flooding may have led to a build-up of salt in the soil, making it hard to grow crops.
• It is believed that at the same time, the Ghagger Hakra River (another river in the area) dried up. People were forced to abandon many of the cities located along its banks, such as Kalibangan and Banawali.

Extra info-

• Harappan –The Indus valley civilisation is also called the Harappan culture. It was the first Indus site to be discovered and excavated in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni. The statuette representing a dancer found at Harappa suggests that dancing was also probably cultivated. The Harappa pottery consists of very fine wheel-made ware.
• Kalibangan- It was discovered by A.N. Ghosh in 1953. Decorated bricks are used in flooring only at Kalibangan. Fire pits are found in Lothal as well as in Kalibangan. The Kalibangan people ploughed agricultural land.
• Kotdiji- An archaeological site located near the Indus River in Pakistan. The origins of Kot Diji are recognized as belonging to the early Harappan period, which dates to about 3500 BCE. Although Kot Diji lasted through the Mature Harappan period (about 2600–1750 BCE).

Key Points

• Kalibangan, the ancient site of the Indus Valley civilization is located in northern Rajasthan state, northwestern India.
•  It was one of the main sites of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• The Kalibangan flourished for at least 450-600 years.
• The site contains both pre-Harappan and post-Harappan remains and therein can be seen the transition between the two cultures.
• Although the pre-Harappan culture worked copper and produced pottery, it had no writing system, and its ruins lack the orderly layout and use of baked brick that is found in the later Harappan sites.
•  Kalibangan is also a site which has given evidence of the earliest recorded “Earthquake”.
• The earthquake is dated back to 2600 BC and is considered to have contributed to the end of this remarkable site of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Additional Information

Sindh-

• It is an old Harappan site, located in Pakistan.
• It has sites such as Amri, Kot Digi etc.

Punjab-

• Punjab is the oldest Harappan site.  
• Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were located in present-day Pakistan's Punjab.
• Excavations reveal that some of the sites located in Punjab are  Ropar, Dera Ismail Khan, etc

Gujarat-

• The most important site in Gujarat is Dholavira.
• It means White Well. Other sites are Rangpur, Rozdi, etc.

Nalandais an ancient university and Buddhist monastic centre. Nalanda’s traditional history dates to the time of the Buddha (6th–5th centuries BCE) and Mahavira, the founder of the Jaina religion.

Important Points

Kumaragupta Ⅰwas the son and successor of Chandragupta Ⅱ.

• Adopted the titles of ‘Shakraditya’ and ‘Mahendraditya’.
• Performed ‘Ashwamedha sacrifices.
• Most importantly, helaid the foundation of Nalanda University which emerged as an institution of international reputation.
• At the end of his reign, peace did not prevail on the northwest frontier due to the invasion of the Huns of Central Asia. After occupying Bactria, the Huns crossed the Hindukush mountains, occupied Gandhara and entered India. Their first attack, during Kumaragupta Ⅰ’s reign, was made unsuccessful by prince Skandagupta.
• The inscriptions of Kumaragupta Ⅰ’s reign are – Karandanda, Mandsor, Bilsad inscription (oldest record of his reign)  and Damodar Copper Plate inscription.

Thus, it is clear that the University of Nalanda was set up byKumargupta I.

Key Points

Samudragupta(C.E. 335 – 375)

• Referred to as the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent. A. Smith.
• He was a magnificent empire builder and great administrator and the greatest among Guptas.
• His achievements, successes and 39 victories are mentioned by his court poet “Harisena”.
• He wrote a long inscription engraved in Allahabad in Sanskrit on the Ashoka Pillar known as “Prayag Prashasti”.
• Two types of rule were prevalent. Direct rule in Bengal, Bihar, U.P., and parts M.P. and indirect rule. After defeating the kings he returned the kingdom to them on conditions of
  • Tribute
  • Personal appearance in the court of Samudragupta
  • Had to marry their daughters with him.
• He performed an Asvamedha, adopted the title “Parakramanka”.
• He wrote poems and earned the title “Kaviraja”.
• He minted gold coins with his own image and Laxmi’s image, Garuda, Ashvamedha Yagya & playing the veena.
• Chandragupta II is also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
  • The drama ―Devichandraguptam” written by Vishakhadutta is about Chandragupta‘s succession by displacing his brother Ramagupta.
  • He defeated Shaka Rulers.
  • He made Ujjain his second capital.
  • He adopted the titles Vikramaditya.
  • He was the first Gupta king who issued silver coins.
  • Naratnas adorned his court. Famous poets like Kalidas, Amarasimha, Vishakhadatta and Physician Dhanvantri adorned his court.
  • Fa-Hien, the Chinese traveller visited India during his time (399 A.D.-410 A.D.)
  • The inscriptions engraved on the ―Iron Pillar at Mehrauli (near Delhi) give an account of his conquest.

Kumaragupta II was an emperor of the Gupta Empire. An image of Gautama Buddha at Sarnath notes that he succeeded Purugupta who was most likely his father.

Nalanda is an ancient university and Buddhist monastic centre. Nalanda’s traditional history dates to the time of the Buddha (6th–5th centuries BCE) and Mahavira, the founder of the Jaina religion.

Important Points

Kumaragupta Ⅰwas the son and successor of Chandragupta Ⅱ.

• Adopted the titles of ‘Shakraditya’ and ‘Mahendraditya’.
• Performed ‘Ashwamedha sacrifices.
• Most importantly, helaid the foundation of Nalanda University which emerged as an institution of international reputation.
• At the end of his reign, peace did not prevail on the northwest frontier due to the invasion of the Huns of Central Asia. After occupying Bactria, the Huns crossed the Hindukush mountains, occupied Gandhara and entered India. Their first attack, during Kumaragupta Ⅰ’s reign, was made unsuccessful by prince Skandagupta.
• The inscriptions of Kumaragupta Ⅰ’s reign are – Karandanda, Mandsor, Bilsad inscription (oldest record of his reign)  and Damodar Copper Plate inscription.

Thus, it is clear that the University of Nalanda was set up byKumargupta I.

Key Points

Samudragupta(C.E. 335 – 375)

• Referred to as the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent. A. Smith.
• He was a magnificent empire builder and great administrator and the greatest among Guptas.
• His achievements, successes and 39 victories are mentioned by his court poet “Harisena”.
• He wrote a long inscription engraved in Allahabad in Sanskrit on the Ashoka Pillar known as “Prayag Prashasti”.
• Two types of rule were prevalent. Direct rule in Bengal, Bihar, U.P., and parts M.P. and indirect rule. After defeating the kings he returned the kingdom to them on conditions of
  • Tribute
  • Personal appearance in the court of Samudragupta
  • Had to marry their daughters with him.
• He performed an Asvamedha, adopted the title “Parakramanka”.
• He wrote poems and earned the title “Kaviraja”.
• He minted gold coins with his own image and Laxmi’s image, Garuda, Ashvamedha Yagya & playing the veena.

Chandragupta II is also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya.

• The drama ―Devichandraguptam” written by Vishakhadutta is about Chandragupta‘s succession by displacing his brother Ramagupta.
• He defeated Shaka Rulers.
• He made Ujjain his second capital.
• He adopted the titles Vikramaditya.
• He was the first Gupta king who issued silver coins.
• Naratnas adorned his court. Famous poets like Kalidas, Amarasimha, Vishakhadatta and Physician Dhanvantri adorned his court.
• Fa-Hien, the Chinese traveller visited India during his time (399 A.D.-410 A.D.)
• The inscriptions engraved on the ―Iron Pillar at Mehrauli (near Delhi) give an account of his conquest.

Kumaragupta II was an emperor of the Gupta Empire. An image of Gautama Buddha at Sarnath notes that he succeeded Purugupta who was most likely his father.

The answer is Janakiharanam.

Important Points

• Janakiharanam was written by Kumaradasa.
• Janaki is another name of Sita and Haranam mean abduction.
• This book is about theabduction of Sita by Ravana when she along with Rama and Lakshmana living in a forest,exiled from his kingdom.

Thus, it is clear that the drama Janakiharanam was not written by Kalidas.

Additional Information

• Kalidas (5^th century CE):
  • Kalidas was a Sanskrit poet and dramatist, probably the greatest Indian writer of any epoch.
  • Kalidas was contemporary to the Chandra Gupta II (380 CE - 415 CE) of the Gupta Dynasty.
  • The six works identified as genuine are the:

The capital of Magadha was shifted from Rajagaha to Pataliputra in the Fourth century BCE.

Key Points

• The shift of the capital from Rajagaha to Pataliputra marked a significant event in the history of ancient India, indicating the rising importance of Pataliputra, which is modern-day Patna, Bihar.
• Pataliputra was chosen for its strategic location at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers, making it an ideal center for political and economic activities.
• This shift occurred during the reign of the Haryanka dynasty, under the rule of King Udayin, who iscredited with founding Pataliputra.
• The city of Pataliputra eventually became a prominent cultural and political hub of ancient India, serving as the capital for several major dynasties, including the Maurya and Gupta empires.
• The geographical advantages of Pataliputra, such as its accessibility to the Ganges river system, facilitated trade and communication, contributing to its prosperity and significance in ancient Indian history.

Additional Information

• Rajagaha, known today as Rajgir in Bihar, was the first capital of Magadha, one of the major kingdoms in ancient India, before the capital was moved to Pataliputra.
• The strategic relocation of the capital to Pataliputra also reflected the shifting power dynamics and the expansion of the Magadha Empire under its ambitious rulers.
• Pataliputra's significance continued to grow, especially during the Mauryan empire, when it served as the seat of power for rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka the Great.

Key Points

• Harishena composed the 'Prayaga Prashasti' in Sanskrit.
• This inscription is also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
• It is a eulogy written for Samudragupta, the Gupta emperor, and is an important source of historical information about his reign. 

Additional Information

• Krishna: This option is incorrect because Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism, is not historically associated with the composition of Sanskrit inscriptions or eulogies.
• Samudra Gupta: Although the Prayaga Prashasti is about Samudra Gupta, celebrating his accomplishments and reign, he himself did not compose it.
• It was Harishena, his court poet and minister, who authored this inscription.
• Harshvardhana: Harshvardhana was a ruler of a much later period (7th century AD) and had no direct connection to the composition of the Prayaga Prashasti.
• He is known for his patronage of Buddhism and for his own literary contributions, but not for this particular work.
• In conclusion, Harishena, the court poet and minister of Samudragupta, is the correct composer of the 'Prayaga Prashasti'.
• This inscription is a significant historical document that provides insight into the achievements and the extent of Samudragupta's empire, showcasing Harishena's literary talent and the cultural achievements of the Gupta period.

Key Points

• Bimbisara: He was known for his administrative innovations and the expansion of the Magadha Kingdom.
• His policies laid the groundwork for the future prosperity and expansion of Magadha.
• Ajatasattu: The son of Bimbisara, Ajatasattu, continued his father's expansionist policies and played a significant role in further consolidating the power of Magadha.
• His reign is marked by further territorial acquisitions and the strengthening of Magadha's military.
• Mahapadma Nanda: As the founder of the Nanda dynasty, Mahapadma Nanda was instrumental in extending the boundaries of Magadha and establishing it as a powerful empire.
• His administrative and military strategies significantly contributed to the power and prosperity of Magadha.

Additional Information

• Chandragupta: While Chandragupta Maurya was a significant figure in Indian history, founding the Mauryan Empire after the downfall of the Nanda dynasty, the texts specifically highlighting the early rise of Magadha focus on the earlier rulers.
• Asoka: Asoka, one of India's greatest emperors, belonged to the Mauryan dynasty and was known for his role in spreading Buddhism. However, the establishment of Magadha's power is attributed to the rulers before him.
• The power of Magadha, as attributed by Buddhist and Jaina texts, is primarily due to the policies and actions of Bimbisara, Ajatasattu, and Mahapadma Nanda.
• These rulers' contributions to the administrative, military, and economic strengthening of Magadha laid the foundational stones for what would become one of the most powerful empires in ancient India.

Key Points

Ashtadhyayi

• Ashtadhyayi, authored by Panini, is a foundational work on Sanskrit grammar.
• It systematically presents the grammatical rules of Sanskrit in a concise and organized manner.
• This seminal text is considered the earliest work on descriptive linguistics and has greatly influenced the study of grammar in the Indo-European language family. 
• Ashtadhyayi stands out as a work dedicated to the intricacies of Sanskrit grammar, distinguishing itself from other options that focus on performing arts, legal codes, and medical knowledge.

Additional Information

• Natyashastra: The Natyashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance, and music. Attributed to Bharata Muni, it is not a work on grammar but rather focuses on the aesthetic and technical aspects of performing arts.
• Manusmriti:  Manusmriti, also known as the Laws of Manu, is an ancient legal text among the many Dharmashastras of Hinduism. It deals with the topics of social conduct, ethics, and law, rather than grammar.
• Sushruta Samhitas: The Sushruta Samhita is an ancient Sanskrit text on medicine and surgery.
• Attributed to Sushruta, it is one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine.
• It focuses on medical knowledge rather than grammatical rules.

Key Points

• Sanchi is famous for its Great Stupa, which is one of the oldest stone structures in India and an important monument of Indian Architecture.
• It was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolizing high rank, which was intended to honor and shelter the relics.
• The Sanchi Stupa stands as a symbol of Buddhist art and architecture, and it has been a central reference for the spread of Buddhism throughout the Indian subcontinent.
• The site was forgotten for centuries, rediscovered in 1818 by British India officer General Taylor, and subsequently restored by the British. It gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1989, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
• The site is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is not just one stupa but a complex of several stupas, monasteries, temples, and pillars, all of which span various development phases of Buddhist art and architecture.