Chandragupta Maurya History (322 – 297 BC): With the help of Chanakya, known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, Chandragupta overthrew the Nandas & established the rule of the Maurya dynasty. Built a vast empire, which included not only good portions of Bihar & Bengal but also western & northwestern India & the Deccan. This account is …
Rise & Growth of Magadha Empire Period of Magadha Empire: 6th Century – 4th Century BC.The extent of the Magadha Empire: Magadha embraced the former districts of Patna, Gaya & parts of Shahabad & grew to be the leading state of the time.Haryanka Dynasty: Originally founded in 566 BC by the grandfather of Bimbisara, but …
Jainism in India Founded by Rishabhanath. There were 24 Tirthankaras (Prophets or Gurus), all Kshatriyas. First was Rishabhanath (Emblem: Bull). The 23rd Tirthankar Parshwanath (Emblem: Snake) was the son of King Ashvasena of Banaras. His main teachings were: Non-injury, Non-lying, Non-stealing, and Non-possession. The 24th & the last Tirthankar was Vardhman Mahavira (Emblem: Lion). Vardhman …
Buddhism in India Buddha was born in 563 BC on the Vaishakha Poornima Day at Lumbini (near Kapilavastu) in Nepal. His father Suddhodana was the Saka ruler. His mother (Mahamaya, of the Kosala dynasty) died after 7 days of his birth. Brought up by stepmother Gautami. Married at 16 to Yashodhara. Enjoyed married life for …
Ancient Civilizations in India Indus Valley Civilization The Indus Valley Civilization was an ancient civilization thriving along the Indus River & the Ghaggar-Hakra River in what is now Pakistan & north-western India. According to radio-carbon dating, it spread from the year 2500 – 1750 BC. R.B. Dayaram Sahni first discovered Harappa (on Ravi) in 1921. …
Balaji Viswanath (1714-20): The First Peshwa He began his carrier as a small revenue official & was given the title of Sena Karte (a marker of the army) by Shahu in 1708. He became Peshwa in 1713 & made the post the most important & powerful as well as hereditary. He concluded an agreement with …
Shivaji (1627-80) Shivaji was the son of Shahji & Jijabai & was born in the fort of Shiver. Shivaji inherited the Jagir of Poona from his father in 1637. His guru was Ramdas Samrath After the death of his guardian, Dadaji Kondadev, in 1647, he assumed full charge of his Jagir. He conquered many Forts …
Bahadur Shah I (1707-12) Muzam succeeded Aurungzeb after the latter’s death in 1707 He acquired the title of Bahadur Shah. Granted sardeshmukhi to Marathas but not Chauth Released Shahuji (son of Sambhaji) from prison (who later fought with Tarabai) Tried to make peace with Guru Gobind Sahib by giving him a high Mansab. After Guru’s …
Babur (1526 – 30) The foundation of the Mughal rule in India was laid by Babur in 1526. He was a descendant of Timur (from the side of his father) & Chengiz Khan (from the side of his mother). Babur was invited by Daulat Kahna Lodi & Alam Khan Lodi against Ibrahim Lodi Babur defeated …
Bahlol Lodhi : 1451-88 Bahlol Lodhi was one of the Afghan sardars who established himself in Punjab after the invasion of Timur. He founded the Lodhi dynasty. Jaunpur was annexed into Delhi Sultanat during his reign Sikandar Lodhi : 1489-1517 Sikandar Lodi was the son of Bahlol Lodhi who conquered Bihar & Western Bengal. Agra …
