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Satavahana Dynasty Rulers :- *Simuka] - - Founder of the dynasty - Succeeded by his brother Krishna (Kanha) *Kanha] - - He is identified with the "Kanha-raja"of "Satavahana-kula" mentioned in a Nashik cave inscription - He extended the empire to further south and was succeeded by Simuka’s son Satkarni-I. *Satakarni] - - He was the third of the Satavahana kings and was the first powerful Satavahanas, the first Satavahana king to expand his empire by military conquests. - He conquered Kalinga after the death of Kharavela. - After annexing the Godavari Valley, he assumed the title of ‘Lord of Dakshinapatha’. - His queen was Nayanika who wrote the Naneghat inscription which describes the king as 'Dakshinapathapati'. - *Hala] - - King Hala compiled the Gatha Saptashati. Called Gaha Sattasai in Prakrit, it is a collection of poems with mostly love as the theme. Around forty of the poems are attributed to Hala himself. - Hala’s minister Gunadhya composed Brihatkatha. *Sivasvati] - - During his reign that the Western Satraps invaded Northern Maharastra and Vidarbha and occupied the districts of Pune and Nashik, forcing the Satavahanas to abandon their capital Junnar and Paithan) in the vicinity of Aurangabad. *Gautamiputra Satakarni] - - He is considered the greatest king of the Satavahana dynasty. - He defeated the Greeks, Pahlavas (Indo-Parthians) and the sakas. - He defeated Nahapana, an important king of the Western Satraps. - He is also called 'Ekabrahmana' . - His mother was Gautami Balasri and hence his name Gautamiputra (son of Gautami). - He was succeeded by his son Vasisthiputra Sri Pulamavi or Pulamavi II. *Vasishthiputra Pulamavi] *Vashishtiputra Satakarni] - - Inscription in a cave at Kanheri witnesses the marriage between Rudradaman I's daughter and Vashishtiputra Satakarni. He was defeated by his father-in-law in the battle that causes a serious effect on Satavahana power and prestige. *Shivaskanda Satakarni] *Yajna Sri Satakarni] - He was lover of trade and navigation. He issued coins in which ships were depicted. *Vijaya] - - He was the last ruler of Satvahanas dynasty https://www.instagram.com/p/B_hCXLMnrQ_/?igshid=tbcqdew3ctn3

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Kaziranga National Park - Natural World Heritage Site In India 1) Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India. 2)The sanctuary hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceros es. 3) Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for conservation of avifaunal species. 4) Kaziranga is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, criss-crossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, and the park includes numerous small bodies of water. 5) On 1 June 1905, the Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest was created. The park was given official status by the central government on 11 February 1974. 6) In 1985, Kaziranga was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unique natural environment. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_g-zlxnCCs/?igshid=ykk2tb7y5t8z

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Satavahana dynasty : 1) The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka, according to the Puranas, the Satavahana king killed the last Kanva ruler and presumably took possession of his kingdom. 2) The Satavahanas were also called/the Andhra dynasty it chiefly comprised of modern-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. At times, their rule also included parts of Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Their capital cities varied at different times. Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati were its capitals. 3) They were the first native Indian rulers to issue their own coins with the portraits of the rulers. This practice was started by Gautamiputra Satakarni who derived the practice from the Western Satraps after defeating them. The coin legends were in Prakrit language. Some reverse coin legends are in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. 4) The administration of the Satvahana dynasty : i} Rajan or the king who is the ruler ii} Princes or Rajas who had their names inscribed on coins iii} Maharathis, who had the power of granting villages and also had the privilege of maintaining marital relations with the ruling family. iv} Mahasenapati v} Mahatalavara 5) Agriculture was the backbone of the economy during the rule of Satvahana kings. 6) The Satvahanas belonged to Hindu religion and Brahmanical caste. The Language used during that period was “Prakrit” which is a modern version of the Indo-Aryan Language. 7) They performed Aswamedha Yajnas and gave donations to Brahmanas. Conse­quently, Buddhism too spread in this period. At many places, the Buddhist caves, chaityas and stupas were built. 8) Chaitya was a large hall with a number of columns. The Vihara had a central Hall. One could enter this hall by a doorway from a varandah in front. P. S. - Rulers in next post. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_g9yXhnGbH/?igshid=f0ikxerlvhyz

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Kanva dynasty 1) The Kanva dynasty or Kanvayana was a Brahmin dynasty that replaced the Shunga dynasty and ruled from 75 BCE to 30 BCE. 2) Vasudeva Kanva killed Devabhuti of Shunga dynasty and established the rule of Kanva dynasty, after whose Gotra the dynasty was named. 3) Bhumimitra ruled for fourteen years and was later succeeded by his son Narayana. 4) Narayana ruled for twelve years. He was succeeded by his son Susharman who was the last king of the Kanva dynasty. 5) Vasudeva (c. 75 – c. 66 BCE) Bhumimitra (c. 66 – c. 52 BCE) Narayana (c. 52 – c. 40 BCE) Susarman (c. 40 – c. 30 BCE) 6)The last king of Kanva dynasty was killed by Balipuccha, who founded the (Andhra dynasty) Satavahana dynasty. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_g0GWTnIKp/?igshid=1kjxmdzhd8j6d

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Great Himalayan National Park - Natural World Heritage Site In India The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), is one of India's national parks, is located in Kullu region in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the park was established in 1984. Himalayan National Park is a habitat to numerous flora and more than fauna, they are protected under the strict guidelines of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972; hence any sort of hunting is not permitted. In June 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The Unesco World Heritage Site Committee granted the status to the park under the criteria of "outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation". https://www.instagram.com/p/B_eVd_2nZve/?igshid=1czn5m4ockpkn

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Sunga Dynasty :- A] Pushyamitra Sunga : 1) Pushyamitra Sunga was Brahmin army chief of Brihadratha, the last king of the Maurya. During a military parade, he killed Brihadratha and established himself on the throne in 185 or 186 BC. 2) Pushyamitra Sunga’s capital was at Pataliputra. 3) He successfully countered attacks from two Greek kings namely, Menander and Demetrius. He also thwarted an attack from the Kalinga king Kharavela. He conquered Vidarbha. 4) He performed Vedic sacrifices such as Ashvamedha, Rajasuya and Vajapeya. 5) According to the Puranas, his reign lasted for 36 years. He died in 151 BC. B] Agnimitra : 1)Was Pushyamitra’s son who succeeded him to the throne. 2) His reign lasted from about 149 BC to 141 BC. 3) Agnimitra is the hero of Kalidasa’s poem, Malavikagnimitram. 4) His son Vasumitra succeeded him as king. C] Others : 1) Vasumitra’s successors are not clearly known. Different names crop up in several accounts such as Andhraka, Pulindaka, Vajramitra and Ghosha. 2) The last Sunga king was Devabhuti.He was preceded by Bhagabhadra {we know about the king Bhagabhadra by a Heliodorus pillar, which has been found in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh near modern Besnagar. Heliodorus was a Greek ambassador and he dedicated this pillar to God Vasudeva (Vishnu)} 3) Devabhuti was killed by his own minister, Vasudeva Kanva in around 73 BC. 4) This established the Kanva dynasty at Magadha from 73 to 28 BC. IMAGE 3/5 - Man on a relief, Bharhut, Shunga period. IMAGE 4/5 - Shunga royal family, West Bengal, 1st century BCE. IMAGE 5/5 - Heliodorus pillar https://www.instagram.com/p/B_eOOMtn7qN/?igshid=1c6bvlv5amwcy

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Samrat Ashok and Chankya Samrat Ashok - 1) Ashoka was the third ruler of the illustrious Maurya dynasty. He was born to Mauryan King Bindusara and his queen Devi Dharma (aka Subhadrangi or Janapadkalyani). Ashoka married Devi, the daughter of a tradesman from Vidisha. Ashoka and Devi had two children, son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra. 2) Ashoka’s empire consisted most of India, South Asia and beyond, stretching from present day Afghanistan and parts of Persia in the west, to Bengal and Assam in the east, and Mysore in the south. 3) Buddhist literature document Ashoka as a cruel and ruthless monarch who underwent a change of heart after experiencing a particularly gruesome war, the Battle of Kalinga (the battle of Kalinga became a turning point in his life. Ashoka personally led the conquest and secured victory) . 4) After the war, he embraced Buddhism, he followed the directives of Brahmin Buddhist gurus Radhaswami and Manjushri and started propagating Buddhist principles throughout his kingdom. 5) Owing to his benevolent nature as a ruler, he was given the title ‘Devanampriya Priyadarshi’. 6)The five chief provinces under Ashoka’s reign were the Uttarapatha(Northern Province) with its capital at Taxila; Avantiratha (western province) with its headquarters at Ujjain; Prachyapatha (eastern province) with its centre at Toshali and the Dakshinapatha (southern province) with its capital as Suvarnagiri. The central province, Magadha with its capital at Pataliputra was the administrative centre of the empire. 7) One of his stupas, the Great Sanchi Stupa, has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNECSO. The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath has a four-lion capital, which was later adopted as the national emblem of the modern Indian republic. The Dharma Chakra adorning the Ashok stambh has been made a part of the Indian National Flag. Chankya : 1) Teacher of Chandragupta Maurya, who was also his Chief Minister. Brahmin by birth, he was a teacher and scholar at Taxila. 2)Other names are Vishnugupta and Chanakya and ‘Indian Machiavelli”. 3)He wrote Arthashastra which is a treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cFvUNHapa/?igshid=s6x50eytfajn

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Mauryan Empire – Rise of the Mauryan :- Chandragupta, with the help of an intelligent and politically astute Brahmin, Kautilya usurped the throne by defeating Dhana Nanda in 321 BC. A] Founder of Mauryan Empire – Chandragupta Maurya :- 1) It is generally accepted that Chandragupta was an orphaned boy born into a humble family who was trained by Kautilya (aka Chanakya). 2) Greek accounts mention him as Sandrokottos. 3)Alexander had abandoned his India conquest in 324 BC and within a year, Chandragupta had defeated some of the Greek-ruled cities in the north-western part of the country. 4)Kautilya provided the strategy while Chandragupta executed it. They had raised a mercenary army of their own and defeated Dhana Nanda and laid the foundations of the Maurya Empire in about 321 BC. 5) In 305 BC, he entered into a treaty with Seleucus Nicator (a general of Alexander who ruled over northwest India) in which Chandragupta acquired Baluchistan, eastern Afghanistan and the region to the west of Indus. 6) He also married Seleucus Nicator’s daughter. In return, Seleucus Nicator got 500 elephants. Seleucus Nicator avoided a war with the mighty Chandragupta. 7) Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador at Chandragupta’s court. His reign lasted from 321 BC to 297 BC. He abdicated the throne in favour of his son, Bindusara and went to Karnataka with Jain monk Bhadrabahu. 8) He had embraced Jainism and is said to have starved himself to death according to the Jain tradition at Shravanabelagola. B] Second Ruler of the Mauryan Empire – Bindusara :- 1) Son of Chandragupta. 2) He ruled from 297 BC to 273 BC. 3) Also called Amitraghata (Slayer of foes) or Amitrochates in Greek sources. 4) Deimachus was a Greek ambassador at his court. 5)He had appointed his son, Ashoka as the governor of Ujjain. 6)Bindusara is believed to have extended the Mauryan Empire to Mysore as well. IMAGE 2/4 -Statue of Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. IMAGE 3/4 - Chandragupta, from an Indian postage stamp. IMAGE 4/4 - A silver coin of 1 karshapana of the Maurya empire, period of Bindusara Maurya. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Uv_16HsfO/?igshid=73jpu6qicuab

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1) Avanti, kingdom of ancient India, in the territory of present Madhya Pradesh state. The area was for a time part of the historical province of Malwa. About 600 BCE the Avanti capital was Mahismati (probably modern Godarpura on the Narmada River), but it was soon moved to Ujjayini (near present-day Ujjain). 2) According to the Puranic accounts, the Haihayas were the earliest rulers of Avanti, who captured the region from the Nagas. Initially, they ruled from Mahishmati. Some accounts place Ujjayini as the capital of Avanti.Later, the whole janapada was divided into two parts with the capitals at Mahishmati and Ujjayini. 3) The Haihayas were a confederation of five clans, the Vitihotras, the Bhojas, the Avantis, the Tundikeras and the Sharyatas. Later, the Haihayas were better known by their dominant clan - the Vitihotras. 4) Pradyota was contemporary to Gautama Buddha.He was also known as Chandapradyota Mahasena. The Mahavagga described him as cruel and according to the Majjhima Nikaya, Ajatashatru, the king of Magadha fortified Rajagriha to protect it from an invasion led by Pradyota. He also waged war on Pushkarasarin, king of Takshashila. 5) Prodyota had two sons, Gopala and Palaka. He was succeeded by Palaka. According to Jaina accounts Palaka ascended to the throne on the day of passing away of Mahavira. He destroyed Pradyota dynasty of Avanti [IMAGE 2/3] 6) In the 4th century BCE, the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta annexed Avanti to his empire. The edicts of his grandson Ashoka mention four provinces of the Mauryan empire, of which Ujjain was the capital of the Western province.During the reign of his father Bindusara, Ashoka served as the viceroy of Ujjain. 7) A copper uninscribed coin of Ujjayini. [IMAGE 3/3]. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SUqwlH4jF/?igshid=1vnpwmq5tg1na

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3) Dyansty :- A] Haryanka Dyansty : a} Bimbisara (other name Sreniya) (558 BC – 491 BC) - Son of Bhattiya. - Contemporary and follower of the Buddha and admirer of Mahavira. - Had his capital at Girivraja (Rajgir). - Was the first king to have a standing army and practice of using matrimonial alliances to strengthen his political position. - He had three wives: Kosaladevi (King of Kosala’s daughter and the sister of Prasenjit), Chellana (daughter of the Lichchavi chief of Vaisali) and Khema (daughter of the king of Modra, Punjab). - Most notable conquest by Bimbisara was that of Anga. - The officers occupying high posts were divided into three – executive, military and judicial. b} Ajatasatru (492 BC - 460 BC) - Son of Bimbisara and Chellana. - He killed his father and became ruler. - He convened the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha just after the death of Buddha in 483 BC. - Won wars against Kosala and Vaishali. c} Udayin : - Son of Ajatasatru. - Shifted the capital to Pataliputra (Patna). - Last of the major Haryanka rulers. - Succeeded by three kings – Aniruddha, Manda and Nagadasaka. B] Sisunaga Dynasty :- a} Sisunaga : - Was the viceroy of Kasi before becoming king of Magadha. Capital was at Girivaraja. - He annexed Avanti and brought an end to the long rivalry between Magadha and Avanti. - Later shifted the capital to Vaishali. b} Kalasoka : - Son of Sisunaga. - Kalasoka shifted the capital to Pataliputra. - He conducted the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali. - He was killed in a palace revolution that brought the Nanda dynasty to the throne. C] Nanda Dynasty :-This was the first non-Kshatriya dynasty. The first ruler was Mahapadma Nanda who usurped the throne of Kalasoka. a} Mahapadma Nanda : - He is called the “first historical emperor of India.” /Sarva Kashtriyantaka” (destroyer of all the kshatriyas) and “Ekrat”. b} Dhana Nanda : - He was the last Nanda ruler. - He is referred to as Agrammes or Xandrames in Greek texts. - He was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya along with Chanakya, which led to the foundations of the Maurya Empire in Magadha. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_PPu5dnFtc/?igshid=z04rbjnwg2dv

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1) Magadha was one of the most prosperous kingdoms of ancient India and one of the most prominent ‘mahajanapadas.’ For many years, Pataliputra was the capital of Magadha (it is situated in modern Bihar) . The kingdom was bounded by Ganges in the north, river Champa in the east, and river Son in the west. According to ancient texts, Brihadratha was the earliest known ruler of Magadha. The kingdom was also ruled by King Bimbisara, under whom Magadha flourished. 2) Jarasandha, who was a descendant of Brihadratha founded the empire in Magadha. Both are talked about in the Mahabharata. 3) Magadha had huge copper and iron deposits. Because of its location, it could easily control trade. 4) Had a large population which could be used for agriculture, mining, building cities and in the army. 5) Champa was important in the trade with South-East Asia, Sri Lanka and South India. 6) Magadhan society had an unorthodox character. It had a good mix of Aryan and non-Aryan peoples. 7) IMAGE 2/3 - Maurayan and Premauryan soldiers from the Sanchi Stupa IMAGE 3/3 - Magadhan and Maurayan soldiers P. S - Dyansty in next post. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_PN5RqHHfD/?igshid=6g5yjar7ehcu

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Buddhist Philosophy/Teachings of the Buddha : 1) It teaches the Middle Path renouncing extreme steps like indulgence and strict abstinence. 2) The four noble truths (Arya Satya) in Buddhism are: - Dukkha - The world is full of sorrow. - Samudaya - Desire is the root cause of all sorrow. - Nirodha - Sorrow can be conquered by conquering desire. - Magga - Desire can be conquered by following the eight-fold paths (Ashtangirka Marga). 3) The eight-fold path is: - Right understanding - Right resolve - Right speech - Right action - Right living - Right efforts - Right thought - Right self-concentration. 4) The Tri Ratnas of Buddhism are: Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. - Buddha: the highest spiritual potential in everyone. - Dhamma: the teachings of Buddha (Pali for Sanskrit Dharma or righteousness) - Sangha: order of monks who follow Buddhism. 5) The five precepts are as follows: - Refrain from taking life. - Refrain from taking what is not given. - Refrain from the misuse of the senses. - Refrain from wrong speech. - Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind. 6) Buddha did not believe in God or the soul. Stressed on karma and ahimsa. He was against the varna system. Buddha taught in Pali. 7)Buddhism spread to several countries outside India. China adopted Buddhism in the 1st century AD. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_JuHVkHB3o/?igshid=1selnmur3pbms

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1) Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha.(The term ‘Buddha’ means ‘enlightened one’.) 2) Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha at Lumbini near Kapilavastu (in present Nepal) in 566 BC. He was the son of Suddhodhana and Mahamaya. Suddhodhana was the chief of the Sakya clan. Due to this, Buddha was also known as ‘Sakyamuni’. His mother died either giving birth to him or after seven days. Siddhartha was brought up by his maternal aunt, Prajapati Gautami. This gave him the name ‘Gautama’. He was married to Yashodhara and had a son, Rahula. 3) He left his home at the age of 29 to become an ascetic. This event is called Mahabhishkramana. 4) The idea of renunciation occurred to the Buddha after he saw four different states of man – sick man, old man, corpse and ascetic. 5) Buddha wandered for seven years and at the age of 35 attained enlightenment at Uruvela while meditating under aThe Bodhi Tree on the banks of the river Niranjana. This tree came to be known as Bodhi Tree or Bodhi Fig Tree ("tree of awakening") is a large and ancient sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) 🖼️{IMAGE 2}🖼️ and the place became Bodh Gaya (in Bihar). 6) He gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi. This event is called Dharmachakra Pravartana/ Dhammachakkappavattana. 7) He died in 483 BC under a Sal tree in Kushinagar (in UP). This event is called the Mahaparinirvana. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_JqN7MHFuT/?igshid=it19u0cth8qm

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1) Vardhaman Mahavira (539- 467 B.C.) Considered the last Tirthankara. 2) He was born at Kundagrama near Vaisali. His parents were Kshatriyas. Father – Siddhartha (Head of Jnatrika Clan); Mother – Trishala (Sister of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka). (Chetaka’s daughter married Haryanka King Bimbisara). He was married to Yasoda and had a daughter Anojja or Priyadarsana. 3) At the age of 30, Vardhaman renounced his home and became a wandering ascetic. He taught a simple doctrine: men and women who wished to know the truth must leave their homes. “All beings,” said Mahavira “long to live. To all things life is dear.” 4) He also observed self-mortification. After 13 years of penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kevala Jnan. He attained this at Jimbhikagrama village under a sal tree aged 42. This is called Kaivalya. Thereafter, he was called Mahavira, Jina, Jitendriya (one who conquered his senses), Nigrantha (free from all bonds) and Kevalin. 5) He preached his teachings for 30 years and died at Pava (near Rajagriha) aged 72. His birth is celebrated as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak and his nirvana (salvation) is observed by Jains as Diwali. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_HRnn-nMYV/?igshid=ixf61iv03n5f

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1) Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live lives of harmlessness and renunciation. 2) The Jain tradition has a succession of great teachers or Tirthankaras. There were 24 Tirthankaras the last of which was Vardhaman Mahavira. The first Tirthankara is believed to be Rishabhanath or Rishabhadev.(All the Tirthankaras were Kshatriyas by birth.) 3) Jainism was taught in Pali and Prakrit thus was more accessible to the common man as compared to Sanskrit. 4) Jains believe that animals and plants, as well as human beings, contain living souls. Each of these souls is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion. It was accessible to people of all castes. 5) Two elements of the world: Jiva (conscious) and Atma (unconscious). 6) Triratnas of Jainism: - Right faith - Right knowledge - Right conduct The 5 mahavratas (the 5 great vows) : - Ahimsa (non-violence) - Satya (truth) - Asteya (no stealing) - Parigraha (no acquiring property) - Brahmacharya (abstinence/celibacy as the ideal) 7) When Bhadrabahu left for South India, Sthulabahu remained in the North with his followers. Sthulabahu changed the code of conduct and said that white clothes could be worn. Thus, split Jainism into two sects: - Swetambaras: White-clad; Northerners - Digambaras: Sky-clad (naked); Southerners. 8) Jain Councils : - First council - Held at Pataliputra in the 3rd century BC.Presided by Sthulabahu. - Second Council - Held at Vallabhi in Gujarat in 512 CE. Presided by Devardhigani. 12 Angas were compiled here. (Agamas are texts of Jainism based on the discourses of the tirthankara.) 9) Jains are strict vegetarians and live in a way that minimises their use of the world's resources. For Jains, lacto-vegetarianism is mandatory. Food is restricted to that originating from plants, since plants have only one sense ('ekindriya') and are the least developed form of life, and dairy products. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Eags5pqT9/?igshid=1cfwn9e77ik08

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Ancient India had several kingdoms in the 6th century BC. This era saw socio-economic growth along with religious and political developments crossways the Indo-Gangetic plain. These settlements led the growth from Janapadas to Mahajanpadas. By 6th BC, the focus of chief political activity moved from the western part of Gangetic plain to the eastern part. The main reason for this shift was the fertile lands, better climate and topography condition bestowed with rainfall and rivers. In fact, it was the augmented use of iron tools and weapons that empowered small states to develop as a kingdom which is later known as Mahajanapadas. Each Mahajanapada had a capital city. Most of them had forts built around them for protection from other kings. Regular armies were maintained by these new kings or Rajas. They also collected taxes from the people. Usually, the tax on crops was 1/6th of the produce. This was known as Bhaga or share. List of Mahajanapadas and their capital - 1) Anga - Champa 2)Magadh - Girivraja| Rajagriha 3)Kasi - kasi 4)Vatsa - Kausambi 5)Kosala - Sravasti 6)Saurasena - Mathura 7)Panchala - Ahichchatra and Kampliya 8)Kuru - Indraprastha 9)Matsya - Viratnagar 10)Chedi - Sothivati 11)Avanti - Ujjaini or Mahismati 12)Gandhar - Taxila 13)Kamboja - Pooncha 14)Ashmaka or Assaka - Pratisthan/ Paithan 15)Vajji - Vaishali 16)Malla - Kusinara https://www.instagram.com/p/B_CMRdFJ7ie/?igshid=ajzgkgx98toy

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Later Vedic Period or Painted Grey Ware Phase (1000 BC – 600 BC) During this time, the Aryans moved eastwards and occupied western and eastern UP (Kosala) and Bihar. Kingdoms like Mahajanapadas were formed by amalgamating smaller kingdoms. The Varna system of social distinction became more distinct. This became less based on occupation and more hereditary. The four divisions of society in decreasing social ranking were: Brahmanas (priests), Kshatriyas (rulers), Vaishyas (agriculturists, traders and artisans), and Shudras (servers of the upper three classes). Child marriages became common. Agriculture was the chief occupation. Industrial work like metalwork, pottery and carpentry work also was there. Prajapati (creator) and Vishnu (preserver) became important gods. Importance of prayers diminished and rituals and sacrifices became more elaborate. The priestly class became very powerful and they dictated the rules of the rites and rituals. Because of this orthodoxy, Buddhism and Jainism emerged towards the end of this period. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_AZlEcJ3ok/?igshid=1aihyodf8866x