Ancient India Set – 3

The Milinda Panha, or ‘Questions of Milinda,’ is a Buddhist text dating back to 100 BCE, recording the dialogue between Indo-Greek king Menander I and the sage Nagasena.

The first Buddhist Council was held at Rajgir in 483 BCE during the reign of Ajatasatru and was presided over by Mahakassapa.

The Dharma Chakra in India’s national flag has 24 spokes representing the laws of dependent origination and termination.

The Eight-fold Path of Buddhism excludes ‘Right Desire’; it includes right view, aspiration, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

King Bimbisara of Magadha was a contemporary of Buddha. They were known to be friends, and Bimbisara offered protection to Buddha.

The Three Jewels (triratna) in Buddhism are Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, which followers take refuge in for guidance in their spiritual path.

Aryabhatta, an ancient Indian mathematician, and astronomer, is credited with the concept of zero and major contributions to algebra. India’s first satellite, Aryabhatta, honors his legacy.

The struggle between the Pallavas and Chalukyas began during Mahendravarman Is reign. He was defeated by Pulakesin II, who occupied part of his kingdom.

The Sunga dynasty succeeded the Mauryas, with Pushyamitra Sunga establishing this dynasty after overthrowing the last Mauryan ruler.

Vaikunta Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram was built by the Pallava king Nandi Varman II, with later contributions from Chola and Vijayanagara rulers. It features Dravidian architectural style.

The Bhakti movement in South India began with the Alwars in Tamil Nadu in the 7th century CE, who were Vaishnava saints.

The Indus Valley Civilization, dating from approximately 3000 BCE to 1800 BCE, is the oldest known civilization in the Indian subcontinent, known for its advanced urban planning and trade networks.

In 2012, fossils of Jurassic-era trees were reported from Chhattisgarh. The Sarguja region, known for its fossil reserves, yielded specimens estimated to be about 250 million years old.

Buddha’s first sermon, given to five monks, is known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, meaning the ‘Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma.’

Vardhamana Mahavira was called ‘Jina’, meaning ‘conqueror’, symbolizing his triumph over worldly desires.

Most historians agree that the Aryans were the first to invade India around 1700 BCE, arriving in waves during the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Gandhara School of art shows Greek influence, therefore, it is known as Indo-Greek art. The important features include Buddha depicted with Roman and Greek gods attributes, the addition of a moustache and beard, and certain proportional rules.

Buddhism teaches that desire leads to suffering, which in turn leads to rebirth. This is central to the Buddhist philosophy, taught by Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha.

Jaina literature is known as Angas, representing the earliest compilations of Mahaviras teachings. The first attempt to organize these texts occurred in the 4th century BCE.

A 10th-century inscription at the temple in Uttaramerur records the Chola village administration system, providing a rare insight into governance during that period.

Musiri was a major center for Roman trade during the Sangam Age, with evidence of Roman settlements and a temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus.

Shahjahan, famous for his architectural contributions, is called the Prince of Builders. His notable constructions include the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid, showcasing the Mughal architectural style.

Digambara, a sect of Jainism, contrasts with the other options which are sects of Buddhism. Digambara monks typically practice sky-clad asceticism.

Jamali, Mahavira’s son-in-law, was his first disciple and played an important role in early Jainism.

Chandragupta I was known as Lichchavi Dauhitra, meaning the daughters son of the Lichchavis, signifying his connection to the Lichchavi clan through marriage.