The period after Indus Valley Civilisation

Kings, Farmers, and Towns - Early States and Economies- The period after Indus Valley Civilisation 

After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, significant changes occurred in the Indian subcontinent. The Vedas and other literary works are invaluable sources for understanding this period.

Development After the Harappan Civilization-

The decline of the Harappan Civilization led to the emergence of agricultural settlements, pastoral communities, and new modes of disposing of the dead. The composition of the Rigveda also took place during this period.

The Mahajanapadas-

In the 6th century BCE, 16 powerful kingdoms known as Mahajanapadas emerged. Magadha, Koshala, Vatsa, and Avanti were among the most powerful. Magadha became the most powerful Mahajanapada under the rule of Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Mahapadma Nanda.

Mauryan Empire-

The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE. The empire had five major political centers: Pataliputra, Taxila, Ujjayini, Tosali, and Suvarnagiri. Asoka, Chandragupta's grandson, propagated dharma to hold the empire together.

Asokan Inscription-

Asokan inscriptions, deciphered by James Prinsep in 1838, provide valuable information about Asoka's reign. The inscriptions reveal Asoka's anguish and change in attitude towards warfare.

Limitations of Inscriptions-

Inscriptions have technical limitations, such as faint or damaged letters. They may not record significant events or reflect the lives of marginalized groups.

Emergence of Concept Kingship-

Different rulers established their empires, giving rise to new kingdoms, communities, and towns.

Emergence of New Kingdoms-

New kingdoms emerged in the Deccan and further south, including the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. Satavahanas and Shakas derived revenues from long-distance trade.

Emergence of New Communities-

Historians examined stories of Jatakas and Panchatantra to understand common people's views on rulers. Strategies for increasing agricultural production developed, leading to the emergence of different communities.

Emergence of Towns and Trade-

Several urban centers emerged in the subcontinent from the 6th century BCE. People traded artifacts, and guilds regulated production and marketing.

Important Terms-

- Janapada:- The land where people belonging to a clan or tribe settled.

- Dhammo Mahanatta:- Officer appointed by Ashoka to spread the message of his Dharma.

- Matriliny: -Descent traced through the mother.

- Tamilakam:- The ancient Tamil country, including parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

- Megaliths:- Stone structures built over graves in South India.

- Vellators:- Big zamindars.

- Agrahara:- Land granted to Brahmanas.

Timeline-

- 600-500 BCE: Emergence of Mahajanapadas

- 544-492 BCE: Reign of Bimbisara

- 492-460 BCE: Tenure of Ajatsatru

- 269-231 BCE: Reign of Ashoka

- 201 BCE: Kalinga war

- 335-375 CE: Reign of Sumudragupta

- 375-415 CE: Reign of Chandragupta-II

- 1784: Asiatic Society (Bengal) founded

- 1810: Colin Mackenzie collects over 8,000 inscriptions

- 1838: Brahmi script deciphered by James Prinsep

- 1877: Alexander Cunningham publishes Asokan inscriptions

- 1886: First issue of Epigraphia Camatica

- 1888: First issue of Epigraphia Indica

- 1965-66: D.C. Sircar publishes Indian Epigraphy and Indian Epigraphical Glossary

It's important to understand that,the period after the decline of the Harappan Civilization saw several significant developments in the Indian subcontinent. The composition of the Rigveda, one of the most sacred Hindu texts, took place during this time. Archaeological evidence suggests the emergence of agricultural settlements, pastoral communities, and new modes of disposal of the dead. The most important development, however, was the emergence of various kingdoms and empires from the 6th century BCE onwards.

The Mahajanapadas, or the great states, were the earliest kingdoms to emerge in the Indian subcontinent. These states were mentioned in early Buddhist and Jaina texts. The 16 Mahajanapadas included Vajji, Magadha, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara, and Avanti. Magadha became the most powerful Mahajanapada, with its capital in Rajagaha (Rajgir) and later in Pataliputra (Patna).

The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE, marked the beginning of a new era in Indian history. The empire was vast, with its capital in Pataliputra. The Mauryan rulers, including Ashoka, implemented a uniform administrative system and promoted the spread of Buddhism. Ashoka's inscriptions, found throughout the empire, provide valuable information about the Mauryan period.

The Gupta Dynasty, which emerged in the 4th century CE, marked the beginning of a new era in Indian history. The Guptas established a vast empire, with its capital in Pataliputra. The Gupta rulers, including Chandragupta II, promoted the arts, literature, and science. The Gupta period is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Indian history.

The emergence of new kingdoms, communities, and towns marked a significant development in Indian history. The Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas emerged as powerful kingdoms in the Deccan and southern India. The Satavahanas and Shakas derived revenues from long-distance trade. The Kushanas ruled over a vast kingdom and considered themselves gods.

The emergence of new communities, including large landholders, small peasants, and landless agricultural laborers, marked a significant development in Indian society. The use of iron-tipped plows and irrigation systems led to an increase in agricultural production. The emergence of guilds or shrenis, which regulated production and marketed goods, marked a significant development in Indian trade.

The emergence of towns and trade marked a significant development in Indian history. The use of silver, copper, and gold coins facilitated trade, and the introduction of the first gold coins by the Indo-Greeks marked a significant development. The Gupta rulers issued some of the most spectacular gold coins in Indian history.

In conclusion, the period after the decline of the Harappan Civilization saw several significant developments in Indian history, including the emergence of kingdoms, communities, and towns. The Mauryan and Gupta empires marked significant developments in Indian history, and the emergence of new kingdoms, communities, and towns marked a significant development in Indian society.

In conclusion, the period after the decline of the Harappan Civilization was marked by significant developments in Indian history, including the emergence of kingdoms, communities, and towns. The Mauryan and Gupta empires played a crucial role in shaping Indian history, with their administrative systems, economic policies, and cultural achievements. The emergence of new kingdoms, communities, and towns led to the growth of trade, commerce, and urbanization, laying the foundation for India's rich cultural heritage. Overall, this period was a transformative era in Indian history, marked by significant social, economic, and cultural changes that continue to influence Indian society today.