Ancient India - Ridhima Mehta (Part one)
State Religon
Other influences such as during the Muslim rule in India which was 12th century and onwards Islam came the state religion in the North side of India.
Post-Gupta Period and Regional Kingdoms - Different kingdoms like the Cholas, Chalukyas, and others, supported Hinduism. Places in India such as South India believed in Buddhism and Jainism, but Hinduism remained the state religion in most places.
Gupta Empire (c. 320 CE - 550 CE) - During the Gupta empire which is also referred as the "golden age". They were great supporters of the Hindu religion. They worshiped gods such as Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Maurya Empire (c. 321 BCE - 185 BCE - During the Maurya empire Ashoka's region accepted their religion as Buddhism as the state religion. After the Kalinga war they started promoting Buddhism teachings promoting non-violence, tolerance, and moral ethics.
During the Vedic Period (1500 BCE - 500 BCE)- the state religion was based on Vedic tradition which including praying to gods. This religion was a form of the Hindu religion. They used to worship on Agni (god of fire), Indra (god of war and weather), and Varuna (god of sea and water).
Science
Architecture: Ancient Indian architecture have well planned sturctues including legendary temples and places along with cities of the Indus vally.The Vastu Shastra, an ancient text, tells us principles of architecture, spatial arrangements, and design.
The Stupa, temples (such as those at Khajuraho and Ellora), and forts built by various Indian dynasties tells us about their advanced knowledge in construction techniques, astronomy, and geometry.
Engineering: Ancient India's knowledge of engineering, especially in the construction of temples, roads, and cities. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, they have an underground water system.
Botany: Ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda and Ayurveda included of medicainal plants. Indian scholars studied plants and how it healed people back them creating deltailed classifications for them.
Sage Patanjali's work on plants and natural substances contributed to early botany.
Chemistry: Ancient Indian scholars practiced Rasa Shastra, which was the study of alchemy, metal treatment and the preparation of medicines. Rasayana was a branch of Ayurveda which focused on making medicines for rejuvenation and longevity.
Metallurgy: They were pioneers in the extraction and use of metals, especially iron. The Iron Pillar of Delhi (around 4th century CE) is a example of ancient Indian metallurgy. The pillar is made from a single piece of iron.
Indian artisans also known for producing high-quality steel, particularly Wootz steel, which was than used in making wood weapons.
Medicine: Ayurveda is known as Ancient Indian medicine which balances in the body through a combination of diet, herbal treatments, and physical exercise. Sushruta, known as the "father of surgery," wrote the Sushruta Samhita, gives us procedures and the importance of hygiene and conditions during surgery.
Charaka: Charaka, is known for his work on internal medicine. His Charaka Samhita gives us descriptions of various diseases, treatments and medical ethics.
Astronomy: Aryabhata (476–550 CE) India's most contributions. He gave a theory that earth rotaes on its axis and moves due to the movement of the stars.
Madhava of Sangamagrama other mathematicians developed trigonometric functions, laying the foundation for calculus.
Indian astronomers also created very accurate astronomical fingers.
In mathematics Ancient India invented the concept of 0 and the the decimal system. The concept of Pi was also invented in Ancient India. Machinations such as Brahmagupta and Bhaskara II contributed to the development of Algebra. Aryabhata and Varahamihira developed trigonometric concepts such as the sine function, and used them to calculate astronomical positions.
Agricultural Intensification
It is an important part in Ancient India for the development of it's economy and society. Early India farmers grew crops such as rice, wheat, barley, millets and legumes using tools like wooden ploughs. As Ancient India developed, the development of techniques like the irrigation system were developed to manage water sources in areas that that uncertain rainfall. The Indus Valley cavillation had well organized river and canal systems. The use of Iron tools like ploughshares, and sickles improved the quality of the work and improved efficacy. The Mauryan and Gupta empires were a found of agriculture development though land revenue systems, irrigation projects and infrastructure development. Agriculture production were by producing crops and supported by crop rotation. The state played a important role in agriculture growth with rulers overseeing waterworks and land revenue.
Centralized government
In Ancient India the king was the main figure in the government and was often viewed as a divine or a simi-divine figure who had both political and religious authority. A hierarchical system of offered managed different aspects of the empire including revenue collection, law enforcement, military affairs and infrastructure. This was to maintain order across the territory. Different states relied on land revenue and taxes for trade, agriculture, and industry to fund the administration and military. The kings role was to justice and maintain order. Centralized empires like the Mauyas and Gupta's invest in roads, postal systems and other infrastructure to maintain communications across cast areas. This enabled efficient governance, tax collection and military mobilization.
Class Structure and Writing
Indus Valley Script: This was the earlist known form of writing in India which comes from the Indus Vally civilization ( around 2600-1900BCE). It has been seen on seals, pottery and other artifacts.
Vedic texts: After the decline of the Indus Vally civilization during the Vedic period, the foundartion of Hindu texts of Hindusim occored. The Vedas were passed down generations before Sanskrit. This text includes hymns, rituals, philoopiphcal teachings and stories of gods and heros.
Epics and Literature: Ramayana and Mahabharat are the most famous literature both which was written in Sanskrit. Ramayana tells a story of Ram and Sita while Mahabharat tells a story of struggle.
Sanskrit and Pali: Sanskrit was the main language of many text including the Vedas, epic and philosophical stories. Pali is a language which became important for the Buddhist scriptures.
Brahmins: This class was responsible for religious rituals, and education. They were considered the highest class.
Kshatriyas: This class was defined as the warrior and ruler class responsible for protecting and governing the land.
Vaishyas: The merchant and agriculture class who were responsible for trade, commerce and farming.
Shudras: This was the laboring class who worked as artisans, laborer and service providers. This class was considered the lowest class.
Specialization in Occupation
Administration and Governance:
As kingdoms and empires grew larger administrative roles got important. These roles were often performed by individuals who belonged to the Kshatriya or Vaishya Varnas, depending on the region and time period.
Tax collectors, scribes, and bureaucrats were responsible for managing the empire’s finances, collecting taxes, recording events, and ensuring that the kingdom ran smoothly.
Royal officers or advisors were specialists in governance, law, and diplomacy.
Military and Warfare:
Ancient Indian societies, especially those under the rule of large empires like the Mauryas and Guptas, required a specialized class of soldiers and military strategists. Kshatriyas (warriors) were trained in martial arts and military tactics and were responsible for defending the kingdom or empire.
Specialized military engineers and artillery experts worked on the construction of war machines and war equipment.
Science and Knowledge:
Ancient Indian society produced a large number of scholars who specialized in various fields such as knowledge, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature. Scholars like Aryabhata (mathematics and astronomy), Sushruta (surgery), and Charaka (medicine) in these fields.
Astrologers and astronomers have specialized in astronomy which was important for calendar making, predicting seasons for agricultural purposes, and for spiritual and religious rituals.
Religious Specialization:
Ancient India’s religion and spirituality played a crucial role in occupation specialization. The Brahmins, at the top of the social hierarchy, were primarily responsible for religious rituals, spiritual guidance, and the preservation of sacred texts. Their occupation included roles like priests, teachers, and scholars.
Priests (Brahmins) were specialized in performing sacrifices, maintaining temples, and conducting spiritual ceremonies, while monks and ascetics (such as those in Buddhism and Jainism) specialized in meditation, teaching, and religious discourse.
Architects and Sculptors: The construction of temples and religious monuments required specialized labor. Sculptors, stone carvers, and architects were tasked with creating religious statues, temples, and other structures, many of which are still admired for their artistic excellence today.
Crafts and Artisanship: The artisans had skills in specialized crafts. Textile production: India is known for its cotton, silk, and woolen fabrics. Cities like Taxila and Pataliputra became known for their textile industries, including cotton weaving and dyeing.
Pottery: The Indus Valley Civilization is renowned for its advanced pottery and ceramic techniques, which were used for both practical and ceremonial purposes.
Metalworking: India’s ancient metallurgists were known to make high-quality iron, copper, and bronze items. The Wootz steel made in ancient India was famous and was later traded with other cultures.
Urbanization and Trade: As ancient Indian societies became more urbanized, the need for specialized occupations increased. Cities like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Pataliputra, and Ujjain were the centers of trade, craft production, and administration.
Trade: India's trade routes were connected to Centeral Asia, Middle East, and Southeast Aisa help for the rise of merchant classes and specialized occupations in commerce and transportation.
Specialized traders or merchants dealt with specific goods, such as spices, textiles, and metals. The development of markets and marketplaces in cities allowed for the specialization of commercial activities.
Agriculture: Agriculture is the foundation of ancient Indian society, and specialized occupations this area was important for the population. While farmers are important to the economy and specialized in irrigation, crop cultivation, and tool-making emerged to support agricultural activities.
Merchants and Trade
Role of Merchants were to organized long distance trade deals travailing for months or years to facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas. Merchants often formed trade associations which provided mutual support and protection and helped regulate commerce and set standards for goods.
The Silk road: India was an important part of the Silk road which was linked with China, central Asia, The middle east and Europe. Indian merchants exported goods such as spices, cotton textiles, ivory and important stones in exchange for silk, horses, glassware and gold.
Maritime Trade routes: On the coastline of India were major ports such as Oman, Malabar, Camby, Arikamedu, and kalyan which acted as gateways for maritime trade with Southeast Asia, The Arabian peninsula and East Africa. They used the Indian ocean to trade goods like spices, pearls, stones and sandalwood.
Indian Ocean Trade: India established a trade network across the Indian ocean trade different types of things such as species with Southeast Asia, The Persian Gulf, and the coast of Africa.
The main things they used to trade are species like black pepper, cardamon, cinnamon and turmeric. Textiles such as cotton, silk and wool. Important Stones and metals like diamonds, sapphires and emeralds along with gold and silver. Ivory and Timber which included ivory from elephants and as well as high quality timber for construction and ship building.
Agriculture goods: The main trade within India was exchanging agriculture products such as grains, species, textiles and cattle. The fertile plains of Ganges, Indus and Deccan rivers made farming an important activity for the economy.
Crafts and Artisanal Goods: India was known for its cotton and silk. The famous Indigo dye, handwoven fabrics, pottery, metalwork and jewelry were produced by skilled people and trade was high.
Urban Markets: The major cities such as Pataliputra, Taxila, Ujjain and Madurai were the trade centers of the country. The markets were organized and goods were traded in local bazaars and weekly markets.
