Chapter_6_The_Age_of_Reorganisation.pptx

Chapter_6_The_Age_of_Reorganisation.pptx

• 1.
  The Age ofReorganisation • Grade 7 – Exploring Society: India and Beyond • “By continuous living tradition and a vital power of rejuvenescence, this land has readjusted itself through unnumbered transformations.” • — Jagdish Chandra Bose (1917)
• 2.
  Introduction • • Periodafter the Mauryan Empire’s decline (185 BCE onward) • • Known as the Age of Reorganisation due to emergence of many new kingdoms • • Political instability + cultural growth = dynamic transformation
• 3.
  Major Dynasties • •Śhungas – North & Central India • • Sātavāhanas – Deccan region • • Chedis – Kalinga (Odisha) • • Cholas, Cheras & Pāṇḍyas – South India • • Indo-Greeks, Śhakas, Kuṣhāṇas – Foreign dynasties
• 4.
  Śhunga Dynasty • •Founder: Puṣhyamitra Śhunga • • Revival of Vedic rituals (Aśhvamedha Yajña) • • Patronised Sanskrit literature & art – Bharhut Stūpa • • Period of religious coexistence
• 5.
  Sātavāhanas • • PowerfulDeccan dynasty (2nd cent. BCE – 3rd cent. CE) • • Capitals: Amrāvati & Pratiṣṭhāna (Paithan) • • Prosperity from trade with Rome; coins show ships • • Queens like Gautamī Balaśhrī played key roles • • Supported Hindu, Buddhist & Jain traditions
• 6.
  Chedis of Kalinga •• Prominent ruler: King Khāravela (monarch & Jain devotee) • • Udayagiri–Khandagiri Caves – rock-cut architecture • • Hāthīgumphā inscription records his deeds & religious tolerance
• 7.
  Southern Kingdoms • •Cholas – King Karikāla; built Kallaṇai (Grand Anicut) • • Cheras – Traders with Rome and West Asia; spice exporters • • Pāṇḍyas – Based at Madurai; known for pearls and naval power • • Sangam Literature – poems on love, valor & justice
• 8.
  Indo-Greeks & Śhakas •• Indo-Greeks settled in north-west India post- Alexander • • Coins show mix of Greek and Indian deities (Vāsudeva, Lakṣhmī) • • Śhakas (Indo-Scythians) followed them; introduced Śhaka Samvat calendar (used even today)
• 9.
  Kuṣhāṇas • • Origin:Central Asia; most famous ruler Kaṇiṣhka (2nd cent. CE) • • Patron of Buddhism & art • • Controlled Silk Route → flourishing trade • • Art styles: • - Gāndhāra – Greek influence (gray stone, realistic figures) • - Mathurā – Indian style (red sandstone, round figures)
• 10.
  Cultural Highlights • •Rise of Sanskrit literature – Mahābhārata & Rāmāyaṇa • • Fusion of Greek and Indian artistic traditions • • Spread of religious tolerance and multiculturalism
• 11.
  Summary • • Post-Mauryaperiod = fragmentation & reorganisation • • Rise of regional powers & foreign dynasties • • Flourishing trade, art, literature, and religious thought • • Integration of cultures created a unique Indian identity