CHAPTER-33
Legacy in Science and Civilization
Ancient History of India
OLD NCERT
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Religious and Philosophical Landscape of Ancient India
Major Religions:
- Brahmanism (Hinduism): Dominant religion influencing art, literature, and society.
- Buddhism: Spread to East Asia and Central Asia, later declined in India.
- Jainism: Continued in India, contributing to art and literature.
- Christianity: Limited presence in ancient India.
The Varna System:
- State and religion enforced social hierarchy.
- Divine origin attributed to varna functions (priests, warriors, peasants, laborers).
- Punishments for violating varna roles.
- Varnas and Jatis (castes) became hereditary.
- Initially aided societal and economic growth.
- Bhagavad Gita emphasized fulfilling one’s dharma.
Philosophical Systems:
- Materialistic View:
- Samkhya system (Kapila, 580 BC): Soul’s liberation through knowledge.
- No belief in god, creation attributed to nature.
- Logic and debate fostered this school.
- Charvaka (6th century BC) and Lokayata philosophy.
- Idealist View:
- Upanishads: World as an illusion, seeking real knowledge.
- Appeal to Western thinkers due to modern challenges.
- Influence on German philosopher Schopenhauer.
Achievements of Ancient India
Crafts and Technology:
- Harappan Civilization (Bronze Age):
- Extensive use of fired bricks.
- Advanced town planning.
- Textile Dyeing:Development of vibrant and lasting colors.
- Steel Production:Began in 200 BC, exported as “wootz.”
Polity:
- Arthashastra by Kautilya:Offered strategies for complex administration.
- Emperor Ashoka:Championed peace and non-aggression.
Science and Mathematics:
- Sanskrit Grammar:Systematized by Panini (5th century BC) in “Ashtadhyayi.”
- Mathematics:
- Decimal system.
- Concept of zero (2nd century BC).
- Place value system (Arabic numerals originated from India).
- Astronomy:
- Aryabhata (476-500 AD): Introduced trigonometry concepts.
- Varahamihira (6th century AD): Proposed Earth’s rotation and moon’s revolution.
- “Suryasiddhanta”: Renowned astronomical text.
- Medicine:
- Ayurveda: Traditional medical system.
- Sushruta (2nd century AD): Surgical procedures documented in “Sushrutasamhita.”
- Charaka (2nd century AD): “Charakasamhita” – an encyclopedia of medicine.
Geography:
- Knowledge of Indian rivers, mountains, pilgrimage sites, and regions documented in epics and Puranas.
Artistic and Literary Legacy of Ancient India
Art and Architecture:
- Harappan Era:Skilled masonry and craftsmanship.
- Mauryan Empire:
- Polished pillars with animal statues (lion capital adopted as India’s national emblem).
- Ajanta Caves (2nd BC – 7th AD):Birthplace of Asian art, featuring cave temples and paintings.
- Gandhara Art (Afghanistan/Central Asia):Fusion of Indian, Central Asian, and Hellenistic styles.
- South Indian Temples:Influenced temple architecture in Southeast Asia.
Education and Literature:
- Harappan Writing System (mid-3rd millennium BC):Undeciphered script.
- Nalanda University:Major center for higher education, attracting students from across Asia.
- Rig Veda:Earliest Indo-Aryan literary work, offering insights into Aryan culture.
- Gupta Period:Flourishing of literature, including Kalidasa’s renowned play “Abhijanashakuntalam.”
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Strengths:Impressive achievements in art, science, and civilization.
- Weaknesses:Persistence of the caste system based on Brahmanical ideology.
- Social Stratification:Subordination of Shudras, untouchables, and women.
- Limited Impact of Universal Ideals:Ideals of world as a family (“vasudhaiva kutumbakam”) not widely adopted.
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