This is one of the most important chapters for UPSC Prelims exam.
Important points to remember –
Philosphical Systems
1.Elements of materialist philosophy are found in the Samkhya System of Kapila- He believed that soul can attain liberation only through Real knowledge ,which can be acquired through-
a) observation
b) inference
c) words
This system doesn’t recognize the existence of God.
The world has been created by Nature.
2.Lokayata philosophy was propounded by Charvaka in 6th Century B.C.
-What cannot be experienced through sensual organs does not exist.
-Gods don’t exist.
3.Idealist system of philosophy – evolved because of decline in tarde,handicrafts and urbanism.
-It taught that the world is an illusion.
–Upanishads asked people to abandon the world and strive for real knowledge.
German philosopher –Schopenhauer – said that Upanishads consoled him in this life and would console him even after death.
Crafts and Technology
-Indians were expert in dyeing and making different colours.eg- Ajanta Paintings
-Indians were expert in steel making– first developed in India.It was called wootz in later times.
-Steel swords were in great demand in Asia and Eastern Europe.
Polity
–Arthashastra – Kautilya
-India- the only other country other than Greece to make experiments in some kind of democracy
Science and Mathematics
-Astronomy made great progress as planets came to be regarded as Gods.
-Study became essential because their movements were connected with seasons which were important for agriculture.
-The first result of the scientific outlook of Indians was the production of Sanskrit grammar.
-4th century BC- Panini– systematized the rules governing Sanskrit-Ashtydhyayi.
-3 significant contributions in field of Mathematics-
a) Notation System
b) Decimal System (first epigraphic evidence in 5th century AD)-Indians first to use.
c) Zero
-Indian numerals are called Arabic in English,but Arabs call them “hindsa”.
-Aryabhata(476-500 AD) was acquainted with decimal system.
-Chinese learnt decimal system from Buddhist missionaries and Western world from Arabs.
–Zero– discovered by Indians in 2nd century BC.- used in Arabia from 873 AD.
–Algebra developed by both India and Greece but western world learnt it from Arabs who acquired it from India.
–Brick constructions of Harappa-Proof of knowledge of measurements and geometry.
–Sulvasutras– 5th century BC- knowledge of measurements and geometry
-2nd century BC- Apastamba -produced practical geometry for construction of altars at which kings could offer sacrifices- described- Acute angle,Right angle,Obtuse angle.
Aryabhata
-Aryabhata- produced rule for finding the area of a triangle-led to Trignometry.
-Aryabhata calculated planet positions based on Babylonian method.
-Aryabhata discovered the cause of lunar and solar eclipses.
-Aryabhata measured correct circumference of earth based on speculation.
-Aryabhata-Pointed out that sun is stationary and the earth rotates.
-Book- Aryabhatiya
–Suryasiddhanta– most famous work of this period- by Varahamihira-on astronomy
Varahamihira-
-Book- Brihatsamhita
-stated that moon rotates round the earth and the earth rotates round the sun.
-used several Greek works to explain astronomy.
Chemistry
-Invention of lasting colours
-discovery of blue colour in India
-First in the world to manufacture Steel.
Medicine
-Study of anatomy
–Atharva Veda – earliest mention of medicines
-Magical charms and spells for cure of diseases
-2nd Century AD- 2 scholars of Ayurveda– Sushruta and Charaka
–Sushrutasamhita-mentions cure of cataract,stone diseases.etc,emphasis on diet and cleanliness
–Charaksamhita-encyclopaedia of Indian medicines-mentions fever,leprosy,hysteria,and tuberculosis.,mention of plants and herbs
Geography
-Indians had little knowledge of geography outside india
-Knew about China and western countries
-some knowledge of navigation
-craft of shipbuilding
Art and Literature
–Monolithic pillars by Ashoka– famous for shining polish-matches that of Northern Black Polished Ware
-Cave temples of Ajanta and Ajanta paintings
-Ajanta- birth place of Asian art(2nd century BC to 7th century AD,Most paintings belong to Gupta period)
–Gandhara- focal point of spread of Indian art into Afghanistan and central asia
– Gandhara Style= Indian art + central Asian art + Hellenistic art
-Gandhara art gave first statue of Buddha
-Temple of Ankorvat– Cambodia and temple at Borobudur in Java – modelled on South Indian temples
–Rig Veda– earliest specimen of Indo-Aryan literature
-Gupta period- works of Kalidasa- Abhijanashakuntalam,Malavikagnimitam etc
