History of India-II

The paper on History of India-II is a core paper with five credits, and covers various themes of the history of India. It is undoubtedly, a significant phase in the course of ancient Indian history. It not only witnesses the transformations from tribal polity to the emergence of empires but also saw the changes and continuities in the religious traditions of India. The Brahamanic tradition faced the first philosophical challenge from the Upanishads which was followed by the rise of heterodox sects. The ideals of Shramana were institutionalized in the Brahamanical social structure with the concept of Ashrams of life. The period under discussion also underwent a change in the socio-economic structures of the society. To make a thorough understanding of economic relations between different stakeholders, urban expansion and impact of outside forces in changing the economic patterns of Indian society, form a key objective of this module. The period is an epoch-making one so far as the developments in Art, literature and Architecture are concerned. The emergence of new political powers from central Asia laid a profound impact on the literature and architecture as well. The cultural acculturation and emergence of new schools of art are remarkable. The course offers a first-hand information and understanding about the rich cultural heritage of our past. It will enable the students to have a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the Indian culture. It is very important for the students of history in particular and for all those who are papering for different kind of the civil service examinations.

Week-1: Agrarian and Non-Agrarian Economy

Expansion of Agrarian Economy: Production Relations

Agriculture Production and land revenue in south India and Deccan

Urban growth: North India, Central India and the Deccan; Craft Production: Trade and Trade Routes; Coinage

Trade and Urbanization during post-Mauryan period (North India)

Week-2: Non-Agrarian Economy and Social Structure

Trade and Urbanization in Peninsular India

Social Stratification: Class, Varna, Jati, Untouchability

Class, Kinship, Varna, and Caste

Gender, Family, and Household

Week-3: Social Change And Political Developments

North Indian and Deccan Social Transformations: Varna, Caste, and Gender

Beyond Varnas: Subordination and Conflict

Sources for the study of Mauryan period

Foundation and Expansion of Maurya Empire (325-185 BCE)

Week-4: Mauryan State

Administration under Mauryas

Asoka’s Dhamma

Decline of Mauryan Empire

Economy of the Mauryan period

Week-5: Central Asian Contacts

Post Mauryan India

Kushana’s

Post-Mauryan period: impact

Satvahana rule in India

Week-6: South Indian Economy

Agrarian Expansion and Land-grants

Agrarian Expansion and Land Grants: Impact

The Problem of Urban Decline: Patterns of Trade

The Problem of Urban Decline: Patterns of Trade

Week-7: Social Change

Varna

The New Social order: The Emergence of Jatis

Changing Norms of Marriage

Gupta Polity

Week-8: Post-Gupta Polities

Post-Gupta Polities

The Chalukyas of Badami

Dharma, Varnaashram

Purusharthas

Week-9: Social Institutions and Religious Developments

Samaskara-I

Samaskara-II

Mahayana Buddhism-I

Mahayana Buddhism-II

Week-10: Puranic Religious Traditions

Puranic Traditions-I

Puranic Traditions-II

Beginning of Tantricism

Shakitism

Week-11: Development in Language and Art

Sanskrit Language: Origin and Development

Languages of Pali, Prakrit and Tamil

Scientific Developments and Practical Treatises

Understanding Evolution of Indian art

Week-12: Development of Art

Different Schools of Art: Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati

Art and Architecture: Caves and Stupas

The Mauryan Art

Art under Guptas

Week-13: Change in Economic Structure and Development of Regional Art

Temple Architecture: 300-750 CE

Sculpture and Painting: Regional styles (up to circa 300 CE)

Guild System During Ancient India: Emergence and Growth

Guilds: Functions and Role

Development of Philosophy During Ancient India