Sangam Literature: A Glimpse into Ancient Tamil Culture Sangam literature represents one of the richest traditions in ancient Indian literature, originating from the Tamil-speaking regions of South India. These classical Tamil texts were composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE during what is often referred to as the Sangam period. This body of work is … Read more
Arthashastra: An Ancient Indian Treatise on Statecraft The Arthashastra, attributed to the ancient Indian scholar Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), is one of the most significant texts on governance, economics, and military strategy from ancient India. Written around the 3rd century BCE, the Arthashastra serves as a comprehensive guide for rulers, covering various … Read more
Introduction to Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana The Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana, often referred to simply as the Mahapurana, is one of the most significant texts in Jain literature. Composed by the revered Jain scholar Acharya Jinasena in the 9th century, and later completed by his disciple Gunabhadra, this text is a monumental work that recounts the lives of 63 … Read more
Introduction to Avadanashataka The Avadanashataka is a celebrated Buddhist text composed of a hundred Avadanas, or stories, that convey moral and ethical lessons. Written in Sanskrit, this collection of narratives is a crucial part of Buddhist literature, illustrating the principles of karma, compassion, and spiritual practice through engaging tales. Each story serves to teach and … Read more
Introduction to Parishishtaparvan The Parishishtaparvan, also known as the “Sthaviravali,” is an important Jain text that belongs to the post-canonical literature. Written by the renowned Jain scholar Hemachandra in the 12th century CE, this epic text is a rich source of historical and religious narratives that provide insight into the lives of notable Jain monks … Read more
Introduction to Nettipakarana The Nettipakarana is an ancient Buddhist text that holds a crucial place in the Theravāda tradition. Traditionally attributed to Mahākaccāna, one of the Buddha’s chief disciples, this text serves as a guide for interpreting the Buddha’s teachings. While it is not part of the Pāli Canon, the Nettipakarana is highly respected for … Read more
In this section, you’ll find detailed explanations for UPSC Solved Previous Years Questions from the 2023 ancient history section. It is designed to help you, basically all the UPSC aspirants understand the reasoning behind the correct answers, enhancing their preparation for the exam. By analyzing these solved questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into the types … Read more
Buddhism, one of the major religions originating in ancient India, has evolved over centuries into various sects and schools. These divisions arose from differing interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings, leading to the development of distinct doctrines and practices. Understanding these sects is crucial for UPSC CSE aspirants, especially within the context of Ancient History, as … Read more
The Mahasanghikas (Mahāsāṃghikas) were one of the earliest and most influential schools of Buddhism. Emerging during the first schism within the Buddhist monastic community, they played a pivotal role in the development of Mahayana Buddhism. Here’s a deeper exploration of their origins, beliefs, and impact: Origins and Historical Context: First Schism: A schism is basically a … Read more
Dhanyakataka, also known as Dhānyakaṭaka or Amaravati, is an ancient city located in the present-day state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It played a significant role in the history of Buddhism, particularly as a prominent center for the Mahasanghikas, one of the early Buddhist schools. Historical Significance: Buddhist Center: Dhanyakataka flourished as a major Buddhist center … Read more