HISTORY ONE LINERS

PRE-HISTORIC INDIA
Paleolithic Age (2.6 million – 13. Domestication of animals
10,000 BCE) began.

1. The Paleolithic Age is the oldest 14. First human burials appeared.
stone age period.
15. Adamgarh (MP) and Bagor
2. It is divided into Lower, Middle, (Rajasthan) are key sites.
and Upper Paleolithic.
16. Bhimbetka continued to be
3. Homo erectus was the earliest inhabited.
human species in India.
17. Langhnaj (Gujarat) had
4. People were hunter-gatherers. Mesolithic burials with grave goods.

5. Tools were made of crude 18. Fishing and hunting were major
unpolished stone. activities.

6. Hand axes, cleavers, and 19. Rock paintings depicted animals

choppers were common tools. and humans.

7. Soanian culture (Punjab 20. Climate became warmer post-

region) is a key Lower Paleolithic Ice Age.
site.

8. Bhimbetka caves (MP) have

Paleolithic paintings. Neolithic Age (6,000 – 1,000 BCE)

21. Marked the beginning of

9. Hunsgi valley (Karnataka) had
early settlements. farming.

10. Kurnool caves (AP) show 22. Polished stone tools were
evidence of fire use. used.

23. Wheel invention revolutionized

transport.
Mesolithic Age (10,000 – 6,000
BCE) 24. Pottery-making began.

11. Also called the Middle Stone 25. Domestication of crops (wheat,
Age. barley).

12. Microliths (tiny stone tools) 26. Mehrgarh (Pakistan) is the

were used. earliest Neolithic site.
27. Burzahom (Kashmir) had pit 39. Jorwe (Maharashtra) had
dwellings. distinct pottery.

28. Chirand (Bihar) had bone tools. 40. Decline due to climate change &
invasions.
29. Paiyampalli (TN) had evidence
of Neolithic farming. 41. Bhimbetka has the oldest rock
art in India.
30. Koldihwa (UP) had early rice
cultivation. 42. Neolithic people buried dogs
with humans.

43. Paleolithic tools were made of

Chalcolithic Age (3,000 – 700 quartzite.
BCE)
44. Bhimbetka has over 700 rock
31. Copper + Stone tools were shelters.
used.
45. Neolithic people used bone
32. Also called the Copper Age. needles.
33. Agriculture and cattle rearing 46. Kayatha culture had mud-brick
expanded. houses.
34. First urban settlements 47. Piklihal (Karnataka) had
appeared.
Neolithic cattle pens.
35. Painted pottery was common. 48. Hallur (Karnataka) had iron
36. Ahar-Banas culture artifacts.
(Rajasthan) was prominent. 49. Navdatoli (MP) was a
37. Kayatha (MP) had copper Chalcolithic site.
artifacts. 50. Ahar culture had stone-built
38. Malwa culture (MP) was a houses
major Chalcolithic culture.
 INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION (IVC)
1. The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) 14. The civilization engaged in trade
flourished around 2500–1900 BCE. with Mesopotamia.

2. It is also called the Harappan 15. Seals made of steatite were

Civilization after its first discovered used for trade and identification.
site, Harappa.
16. The Pashupati Seal depicts a
3. The IVC was located in the figure resembling Lord Shiva.
northwestern region of the Indian
subcontinent. 17. The Dancing Girl statue is a
famous bronze artifact from
4. Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro.
Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Lothal,
18. The Bull Seal shows the
Kalibangan, and Rakhigarhi.
importance of bulls in IVC.
5. The civilization was spread across
modern-day India, Pakistan, and 19. The script of the IVC remains
Afghanistan. undeciphered.

6. Mohenjo-Daro means "Mound of 20. The people worshipped Mother

the Dead" in Sindhi. Goddess figurines.

7. The cities were known for their 21. Fire altars found at Kalibangan
advanced urban planning. suggest ritual practices.

8. Streets were laid out in a grid 22. The civilization practiced

pattern. agriculture with crops like wheat and
barley.
9. Houses were made of burnt
bricks of standardized sizes. 23. Cotton was first cultivated by the
Harappans.
10. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-
Daro was likely used for ritual 24. Ploughs were used for farming.
bathing. 25. Domesticated animals included
cattle, sheep, goats, and buffaloes.
11. The Granary at Harappa
suggests advanced food storage 26. Elephants and rhinos were known
systems. to them.
12. The IVC had a well-developed 27. Fish and shellfish were part of
drainage system. their diet.
13. Most houses had private wells 28. Pottery was wheel-made and
and bathrooms. painted with geometric designs.
29. Terracotta toys suggest a 46. Evidence of floods at Mohenjo-
playful culture. Daro suggests natural disasters.

30. Bead-making was a specialized 47. Later cultures (Cemetery H,

craft. Ochre Colored Pottery) succeeded
IVC.
31. Metallurgy included copper,
bronze, gold, and silver. 48. No clear evidence of a king or
centralized army exists.
32. No evidence of iron usage was
found. 49. No pyramids or ziggurats like
contemporary civilizations.
33. Lothal was an important port
city. 50. Burial practices included both
coffin and pot burials.
34. Dockyard at Lothal shows
maritime trade. 51. Grave goods like pottery and
ornaments were buried with the dead.
35. Dholavira had a sophisticated
water conservation system. 52. No grand monuments or temples
like in Egypt or Mesopotamia.
36. Rakhigarhi (Haryana) is the
largest Harappan site in India. 53. Public wells provided water to the
community.
37. Chanhu-Daro was a center for
bead-making. 54. Brick-lined drains were covered
for sanitation.
38. Surkotada had evidence of horse
bone. 55. Citadel and Lower Town division
seen in major cities.
39. Banawali (Haryana) had a
fortified citadel. 56. Fortified walls suggest defense
mechanisms.
40. Suktagendor was a trading
outpost near the Arabian Sea. 57. No clear evidence of warfare or
weapons.
41. Trade items included beads,
shells, and metals. 58. Copper tools like axes and knives
were used.
42. Weights and measures were
standardized. 59. Gold and silver jewelry indicates
wealth and craftsmanship.
43. Decline reasons include climate
change, river shifts, and invasions. 60. Shell bangles were commonly
worn.
44. Aryan Invasion Theory was
once linked to its fall (now debated). 61. Faience (glazed ceramic) was
used for ornaments.
45. Drought and deforestation may
have contributed to decline.
62. Lapis lazuli was imported from 80. Writing was mostly on seals and
Afghanistan. pottery.

63. Carnelian beads were highly 81. Harappan legacy influenced later
prized. Indian cultures

64. Evidence of tooth drilling suggests 82. No evidence of slavery unlike

early dentistry. Mesopotamia.

65. Seals with unicorn motifs are 83. Uniformity in city planning across
common. major sites.

66. Decline was gradual, not sudden. 84. Decline led to de-urbanization in
later periods.
67. Evidence of mixed farming (crops
+ animals). 85. Post-Harappan cultures were less
advanced.
68. Indus people used boats for trade
and transport. 86. Climate change (weakening
monsoon) may have caused decline.
69. No clear temples or religious
structures identified. 87. Ghaggar-Hakra River (possibly
Saraswati) was important.
70. Tree and animal worship may
have existed. 88. Indus seals found in Mesopotamia
prove trade links.
71. Peepal tree was possibly sacred.
89. Mesopotamian texts refer to
72. Bull imagery was prominent in art. "Meluhha" (possibly IVC).
73. Toy carts suggest knowledge of 90. Harappans used canals for
wheeled transport. irrigation.
74. Dice and board games were 91. No evidence of money or coinage.
played.
92. Barter system likely used for
75. Copper mirrors were used for trade.
grooming.
93. Harappans knew about tides
76. Stone weights were used for trade (Lothal dockyard).
measurements.
94. Terracotta figurines of animals
77. Shell workers’ quarter found at and humans found.
Chanhu-Daro.
95. Possible worship of a male god
78. Lack of monumental art compared (Pashupati seal).
to Egypt/Mesopotamia.

79. Harappan script has 400–600

symbols (still undeciphered).
 VEDIC AGE
Early Vedic Period (1500–1000 14. No caste system existed; only
BCE) varna distinctions (Brahmana,
Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra).
1. The Vedic Age began with the
arrival of the Aryans in India around 15. Women had respectable status;
1500 BCE. some participated in sacrifices.

2. The Rigveda, the oldest Vedic

text, belongs to this period.
Later Vedic Period (1000–600
3. The early Vedic people settled in BCE)
the Sapta Sindhu (Land of Seven
Rivers). 16. The focus shifted to the Ganga-
Yamuna Doab.
4. Indra (Purandara) was the chief
god of the Rigvedic Aryans. 17. Yajurveda, Samaveda,
Atharvaveda were composed.
5. Agni (fire god) was the
intermediary between gods and 18. Brahmins gained dominance
humans. due to ritual importance.

6. Varuna was the god of cosmic 19. Rajanya (Kshatriyas) became

order (Rta). the warrior class.

7. The society was tribal (jana) and 20. Vaishyas were farmers, traders,
pastoral. and artisans.

8. The family unit was called Kula, 21. Shudras were laborers serving
headed by the Grihapati. upper varnas.

9. Gramani was the village 22. Gotra system (lineage)

headman. emerged.

10. Sabha and Samiti were tribal 23. Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice)
assemblies. and Rajasuya (royal consecration)
became important.
11. Bali was a voluntary offering, not
24. King’s power increased,
a tax.
monarchy became hereditary.
12. Cows were the main measure of
wealth. 25. Iron (Shyama Ayas) was
introduced, aiding agriculture.
13. Yajnas (sacrifices) were
performed for prosperity. 26. Agriculture replaced pastoralism
as the main occupation.
27. Towns and trade began 42. Nishka was a gold
developing. ornament/currency.

28. Vidatha, Sabha, and Samiti lost 43. Gavyuti was a measure of
importance. distance.

29. Pushan became the god of 44. Grain (Yava) was a staple crop.
Shudras.
45. Gurukul system of education
30. Rudra (proto-Shiva) and existed.
Prajapati (creator god) gained
prominence. 46. Polygamy was practiced among
elites.

47. Child marriage was rare; women

Religion & Philosophy married post-puberty.

31. Upanishads (philosophical texts) 48. Sati was not prevalent.

emerged, discussing Atman &
Brahman. 49. Dasas/Dasyus were enslaved
tribes.
32. Moksha (liberation) became a
key concept. 50. Vaisya and Shudra distinction
became rigid.
33. Karma theory developed.

34. Brahmanas explained rituals.

Political System
35. Aranyakas were forest texts.
51. Rajan (king) was the tribal chief.
36. Soma was a sacred ritual drink.
52. Purohita (priest) advised the
37. Atharvaveda contains charms king.
and spells.
53. Senani (army chief) led warriors.
38. Gayatri Mantra is from the
Rigveda. 54. Gramani controlled village
administration.
39. Vedic gods were nature-based
(Indra, Agni, Varuna, Surya). 55. Sangrihitri was the treasurer.

40. Idol worship was absent in early 56. Balisa was a forced tax in later
Vedic times. Vedic times.

57. Janapadas (territorial kingdoms)

emerged.
Economy & Society
58. Kingship became hereditary.
41. Barter system was common.
59. Military organization improved
with chariots & iron weapons.
60. Dharmaraja was the upholder of 75. Jati (sub-castes) started
law. forming.

76. Buddhism & Jainism emerged

as reactions to rigid rituals.
Literature & Education
77. Sacrifices became expensive,
61. Vedas are Shruti (heard) texts. leading to criticism.
62. Smritis are remembered texts 78. Concept of Tapas (austerity)
(Dharmashastras, Puranas). gained importance.
63. Six Vedangas developed 79. Early republics (Ganas) like the
(Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Shakyas & Licchavis appeared.
Nirukta, Chandas, Jyotisha).
80. Transition to the Mauryan period
64. Panini’s Ashtadhyayi began.
systematized Sanskrit grammar.
81. Aryavarta was the land of
65. Oral tradition preserved Vedic Aryans.
texts.
82. Dharmashastras codified social
66. Gurudakshina was a teacher’s laws.
fee.
83. Vedic people used horses &
67. Brahmacharya was the student
chariots.
phase.
84. No temples or idol worship in
68. Upanayana was the initiation early Vedic times.
ceremony.
85. Rivers worshipped (Sindhu,
69. Women scholars like Gargi & Saraswati).
Maitreyi existed.
86. Soma plant was used in rituals.
70. Aitareya Brahmana mentions
political theories. 87. Guru-Shishya tradition was
strong.
71. Iron tools led to agrarian
expansion. 88. No concept of untouchability yet.

72. Trade with Mesopotamia 89. Vedic hymns composed in

declined. poetic meters.

73. Emergence of Mahajanapadas 90. Yajna rituals required fire

(16 kingdoms). altars.

74. Varna system became 91. Vedic Sanskrit is the oldest

hereditary. form.

92. Aghanya (cow) was sacred.

93. Mantras had mystical power. 97. Vedic hymns mention
constellations.
94. Vedic people believed in life
after death. 98. Early democracy in tribal
councils (Sabha, Samiti).
95. No strict vegetarianism (meat-
eating existed). 99. Vedic rituals influenced later
Hinduism.
96. Ashram system
(Brahmacharya, Grihastha, 100. The Vedic Age ended around
Vanaprastha, Sannyasa) developed 600 BCE, leading to the rise of
later. Mahajanapadas.
 MAHAJANAPADAS
Introduction & Overview 13. Sabha & Samiti declined; kings
became more powerful.
1. The Mahajanapadas were 16
powerful kingdoms that emerged
in 6th century BCE in ancient India.
Economy & Society
2. They mark the transition from
tribal republics to monarchical 14. Agriculture was the main
states. occupation (rice, wheat, barley).

3. Most Mahajanapadas were 15. Iron tools improved farming

located in the Indo-Gangetic plains. efficiency.

4. Buddhist texts (Anguttara Nikaya) 16. Trade & Urbanization

increased (use of coins like Punch-
and Jain texts (Bhagavati Sutra) list
the 16 Mahajanapadas. marked coins).

5. Magadha emerged as the most 17. Guilds (Shrenis) regulated

powerful among them. crafts and trade.

18. Vaishyas dominated trade and

commerce.
Political & Administrative
Features 19. Varna system became rigid;
Shudras faced discrimination.
6. Monarchies (Rajas) & Republics
(Ganas) were the two types of 20. Slavery (Dasas) existed but
Mahajanapadas. was limited.

7. Monarchies: Magadha, Kosala,

Avanti, Vatsa. Important Mahajanapadas
8. Republics: Vajji (Licchavis), 21. Magadha (Capital:
Malla, Shakya (Kapilavastu). Girivraja/Rajgir, later Pataliputra).
9. Capital cities became important 22. Kosala (Capital: Shravasti; ruled
(e.g., Rajgir in Magadha). by King Prasenajit).
10. Standing armies were 23. Avanti (Capital: Ujjain &
maintained for warfare. Mahishmati; powerful under
11. Taxation system became Pradyota).
structured (Bali, Bhaga, Shulka). 24. Vatsa (Capital: Kaushambi;
12. Officials like Senapati, Amatya, ruled by Udayana).
Gramika assisted kings. 25. Gandhara (Capital: Taxila;
influenced by Persian rule).
26. Kuru (Capital: Indraprastha; 39. Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)
earlier epic importance). was born in Vaishali (Vajji).

27. Panchala (Capital: Ahichhatra & 40. Buddha belonged to the

Kampilya). Shakya clan (Kapilavastu).

28. Malla (Republic; two capitals: 41. Second Buddhist Council held
Kushinara & Pava). at Vaishali.

29. Vajji (Licchavi) (Republic; 42. Ajatashatru patronized both

capital: Vaishali). Buddhism & Jainism.

30. Anga (Capital: Champa; later

merged with Magadha).
Warfare & Conflicts

43. Magadha vs. Kosala

Rise of Magadha (Ajatashatru vs. Prasenajit).

31. Geographical advantage: Fertile 44. Magadha vs. Vajji (Licchavis)

land & iron-rich regions. – Ajatashatru used
Mahashilakantaka (catapults).
32. Strategic capitals: Rajgir (hills)
& Pataliputra (riverine). 45. Avanti vs. Magadha – Later
absorbed by Shishunagas.
33. First powerful dynasty:
Haryanka (Bimbisara, Ajatashatru).

34. Bimbisara expanded Magadha Decline & Legacy

via marriages & conquests.
46. Alexander’s invasion (327
35. Ajatashatru defeated Kosala & BCE) weakened northwestern
Vajji. Mahajanapadas (Gandhara).

36. Shishunaga dynasty later ruled 47. Magadha continued dominance,

Magadha. leading to the Mauryan Empire.

37. Nandas further expanded 48. Republics declined due to

Magadha’s empire. monarchical expansion.

49. Urban centers like Pataliputra,

Vaishali, Ujjain flourished.
Religion & Philosophy
50. The Mahajanapadas laid the
38. Buddhism & Jainism emerged foundation for India’s first empires
as reactions to Vedic rituals. (Mauryas).
 JAINISM
Origin & Founders 12. Three Jewels (Triratna): Right
Faith, Right Knowledge, Right
1. Jainism was founded by 24 Conduct.
Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers).
13. Five Vows (Pancha Mahavrata):
2. The first Tirthankara was
Rishabhanatha (Adinath). - Ahimsa (non-violence)

3. The 23rd Tirthankara was - Satya (truth)

Parshvanatha (9th century BCE).
- Asteya (non-stealing)
4. The 24th and last Tirthankara
was Mahavira (6th century BCE). - Brahmacharya (celibacy)

5. Mahavira was born in 599 BCE - Aparigraha (non-possession)

(or 540 BCE) in Kundagrama 14. Karma Theory: Souls are
(Vaishali). bound by karma; liberation requires
shedding karma.

Life of Mahavira 15. Anekantavada (doctrine of

multiple viewpoints) promotes
6. Mahavira’s original name was tolerance.
Vardhamana.

7. His parents were King

Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Sects & Scriptures

8. At 30, he renounced his kingdom 16. Two main sects: Digambara

and became an ascetic. (sky-clad) and Shvetambara (white-
clad).
9. After 12 years of meditation, he
attained Kevala Jnana 17. Digambaras believe in complete
(omniscience). nudity for monks.

10. He died at 72 in Pavapuri (near 18. Shvetambaras wear white robes

Patna). and allow women monks.

19. Jain Agamas (Canons) are

sacred texts compiled by
Core Teachings Gandharas (disciples).

11. Jainism emphasizes Ahimsa 20. Kalpasutra is a key Jain text

(non-violence) as the supreme containing Mahavira’s teachings.
virtue.

Philosophy & Beliefs

21. Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul) 34. Jain councils:
are fundamental realities.
- 1st Council (300 BCE) at
22. Five Mahavratas for monks; Pataliputra (compiled teachings).
Anuvratas (smaller vows) for
laypeople. - 2nd Council (512 CE) at Vallabhi
(finalized scriptures).
23. Syadvada ("maybe" doctrine)
states truth is relative. 35. Gomateshwara (Bahubali)
statue at Shravanabelagola is a
24. Kevala Jnana is the highest major pilgrimage site.
form of knowledge (omniscience).

25. Moksha (liberation) is achieved

by shedding all karma. Jain Architecture & Literature

36. Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu)

are famous for marble carvings.
Practices & Rituals
37. Ellora & Ajanta caves have
26. Sallekhana (Santhara) is Jain sculptures.
voluntary fasting unto death.
38. Jain literature includes
27. Monks follow strict asceticism Acharanga Sutra, Tattvartha
(no possessions, begging for food). Sutra.

28. Paryushana is the most 39. Tattvartha Sutra by Umaswati is

important Jain festival (forgiveness). a key philosophical text.

29. Mahamastakabhisheka is a 40. Jain scholars: Kundakunda,

grand ceremony for Bahubali statue Hemachandra, Akalanka.
(Shravanabelagola).

30. Jains avoid root vegetables

(onions, garlic) to prevent harm to Jainism vs. Buddhism
microorganisms. 41. Jainism believes in soul
(atman), Buddhism denies it
(anatta).
Spread & Influence
42. Mahavira preached extreme
31. Jainism spread mainly in asceticism; Buddha advocated the
Magadha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Middle Path.
Karnataka.
43. Jainism remained confined to
32. Chandragupta Maurya became India; Buddhism spread globally.
a Jain monk in his later life.
44. Jain monks practice strict non-
33. Kharavela (Kalinga king) violence; Buddhist monks are less
patronized Jainism. rigid.
45. Jainism has 24 Tirthankaras; 47. Jains are influential in business
Buddhism has 28 Buddhas. & philanthropy (e.g., Tata, Birla
families).

48. Vegetarianism is strictly

Modern Jainism followed by Jains.
46. Fourfold Sangha: Monks 49. Major Jain communities:
(Sadhu), Nuns (Sadhvi), Laymen Marwaris, Gujaratis, Kannadigas.
(Shravaka), Laywomen (Shravika).
50. Jainism is one of the oldest
Sramana traditions still practiced
today.
 BUDDHISM

Origin & Founder

1. Founded by Siddhartha Buddhist Councils

Gautama (563-483 BCE) in
Lumbini (Nepal). 11. 1st Council (483 BCE): Rajgir –
Compiled Vinaya Pitaka & Sutta
2. Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya Pitaka.
under the Bodhi Tree (age 35).
12. 2nd Council (383 BCE): Vaishali
3. First sermon at Sarnath – Split into Theravada &
(Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta). Mahasanghika.

4. Died at Kushinagar 13. 3rd Council (250 BCE):

(Mahaparinirvana) at 80. Pataliputra – Ashoka sent
missionaries.
5. Called the "Buddha" (The
Enlightened One). 14. 4th Council (1st CE): Kashmir –
Divided into Mahayana & Hinayana.

Core Teachings (Dhamma)

Sects of Buddhism
6. Four Noble Truths:
15. Theravada (Hinayana): Oldest,
- Suffering (Dukkha) exists. Sri Lanka/SE Asia, Pali Canon.
- Cause of suffering (Tanha/desire). 16. Mahayana: "Greater Vehicle,"
- End of suffering (Nirodha). Bodhisattva ideal, China/Japan.

- Path to end suffering (Magga). 17. Vajrayana: Tibetan Buddhism,

tantric practices.
7. Eightfold Path (Middle Way):
Right View, Intention, Speech, 18. Zen Buddhism: Japan,
Action, Livelihood, Effort, meditation (Zazen).
Mindfulness, Concentration.

8. Three Jewels (Triratna):

Scriptures
Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha.
19. Tripitaka (Pali Canon):
9. Karma & Rebirth: Actions
determine future rebirths. - Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules).

10. Anatta (No-soul): No permanent - Sutta Pitaka (Buddha’s teachings).

self.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophy).
20. Jataka Tales: Stories of 33. Sangha: Monastic community.
Buddha’s past lives.
34. Pratityasamutpada: Dependent
21. Milinda Panha: Dialogue origination.
between King Menander &
Nagasena.
Buddhism vs. Jainism

Spread of Buddhism 35. Buddha rejected extreme

asceticism; Mahavira practiced it.
22. Ashoka sent missionaries to Sri
Lanka (Mahinda & Sanghamitta). 36. Buddhism denies soul (Anatta);
Jainism accepts it (Jiva).
23. Kanishka patronized Mahayana
Buddhism. 37. Buddhism spread globally;
Jainism remained in India.
24. Spread to China (via Silk Road),
Japan, Korea, Tibet.

25. Decline in India due to Brahmin Modern Buddhism

revival, Hun invasions, Islam. 38. Dalai Lama: Spiritual leader of
Tibetan Buddhism.

Buddhist Architecture 39. Vipassana: Meditation

technique.
26. Stupas (Sanchi, Amaravati) –
Relic mounds. 40. Major followers in Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Myanmar, Japan.
27. Viharas (monasteries) –
Nalanda, Vikramshila.

28. Chaityas (prayer halls) – Karle,

Ajanta.
MAURYAN EMPIRE
29. Rock-cut caves – Ajanta,
1. Founded by Chandragupta
Ellora.
Maurya in 322 BCE.

2. First pan-Indian empire.

3. Defeated the Nanda dynasty to

Key Concepts rise to power.

30. Dukkha: Suffering is universal. 4. Chanakya (Kautilya) was its

mastermind.
31. Anicca: Impermanence of life.
5. Arthashastra guided its
32. Nirvana: Liberation from rebirth. governance.
6. Capital at Pataliputra (modern 24. Declined after Ashoka’s death in
Patna). 232 BCE.

7. Ashoka the Great was its most 25. Last Mauryan ruler was
famous ruler. Brihadratha (assassinated by
Pushyamitra Shunga).
8. Kalinga War (261 BCE) changed
Ashoka forever. 26. One of the world’s largest
empires of its time.
9. Embraced Buddhism after
Kalinga. 27. Used a sophisticated taxation
system.
10. Spread Dhamma
(righteousness) across the empire. 28. Had a well-maintained road
network.
11. Built thousands of stupas and
pillars. 29. Encouraged agriculture and
irrigation.
12. Ashoka’s edicts were carved on
rocks and pillars. 30. Had a strict legal system.

13. Lion Capital of Ashoka is India’s 31. Ashoka banned unnecessary

national emblem. animal slaughter.

14. Had a vast spy network. 32. Promoted religious tolerance.

15. Divided into provinces ruled by 33. Greek ambassador

princes. Megasthenes visited
Chandragupta’s court.
16. Strong centralized
administration. 34. Chandragupta married Seleucus
Nicator’s daughter.
17. Trade flourished with Rome and
Greece. 35. Received 500 war elephants
from Seleucus in a treaty.
18. Megasthenes wrote about it in
*Indica*. 36. Ashoka’s inscriptions were in
Prakrit and Brahmi script.
19. Had a massive standing army.
37. Built hospitals for humans and
20. Used war elephants effectively. animals.
21. Chandragupta retired to 38. Had a council of ministers
Shravanabelagola as a Jain monk. (Mantriparishad).
22. Bindusara (Ashoka’s father) 39. Officers called *Mahamattas*
expanded the empire.
enforced Dhamma.
23. Ashoka sent Buddhist
40. Ashoka’s son Mahinda spread
missionaries worldwide. Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
41. Daughter Sanghamitta took a 46. Used a standardized system of
Bodhi tree sapling to Sri Lanka. weights and measures.

42. Decline due to weak successors 47. Trade routes connected to the
and financial strain. Silk Road.

43. Pushyamitra Shunga founded 48. Had a large bureaucracy for

the Shunga dynasty after its fall. efficient governance.

44. Mauryan art influenced later 49. Ashoka’s reign is considered

Indian sculpture. India’s golden age.

45. Ashokan pillars were made of 50. Left a lasting legacy in Indian
polished sandstone. history and culture.
 POST-MAURYAN HISTORY (200 BCE – 200 CE)
Political & Dynasties 12. Rudradaman I (130–150 CE)
issued the Junagadh inscription in
1. Shunga Dynasty (185–73 BCE) Sanskrit.
replaced the Mauryas after
Pushyamitra Shunga killed 13. Parthians (1st BCE–1st CE)
Brihadratha. ruled briefly; Gondophares
associated with St. Thomas.
2. Pushyamitra Shunga performed
the Ashvamedha Yagna to assert 14. Kushanas (1st–3rd CE) unified
power. North India; Kanishka was their
greatest ruler.
3. Agnimitra, his son, was the hero
of Kalidasa’s *Malavikagnimitram*. 15. Kanishka (78 CE) started the
Shaka era, patronized Buddhism
4. Kanva Dynasty (73–28 BCE) (4th Buddhist Council).
overthrew the Shungas; founded by
Vasudeva Kanva.

5. Satavahanas (1st BCE–2nd CE) Economy & Trade

ruled Deccan; Gautamiputra
Satakarni was their greatest king. 16. Silk Route trade flourished
under Kushanas.
6. Gautamiputra Satakarni called
himself "Destroyer of Shakas, 17. Kushanas issued gold coins
Pahlavas, and Yavanas." (Dinars) with Greek, Persian, and
Indian deities.
7. Satavahanas issued lead & potin
coins with bilingual (Prakrit & 18. Roman gold drain to India for
Brahmi) inscriptions. spices & silk mentioned in *Periplus
of the Erythraean Sea*.
8. Kharavela of Kalinga (1st BCE)
left the Hathigumpha inscription in 19. Satavahanas taxed trade &
Prakrit. agriculture; major ports: Bharuch,
Sopara.
9. Indo-Greeks (2nd BCE–1st CE)
were the first to issue gold coins in 20. Guilds (Shrenis) became
India. powerful in trade and banking.

10. Menander (Milinda) converted to

Buddhism; discussed in Religion & Culture
*Milindapanho*.
21. Mahayana Buddhism emerged
11. Shakas (1st BCE–4th CE) under Kanishka; Nagarjuna was a
established power in NW India; key philosopher.
Rudradaman I repaired Sudarshana
Lake.
22. Fourth Buddhist Council held in 30. Buddhist texts like
Kashmir under Kanishka. *Milindapanho* (Menander-
Nagasena dialogue).
23. Buddhist art flourished—
Gandhara & Mathura schools 31. Charaka (1st–2nd CE) wrote
developed. *Charaka Samhita* (Ayurveda text).

24. Gandhara Art was Greco- 32. Sushruta Samhita (surgery) was
Buddhist (Greek style + Buddhist compiled in this period.
themes).

25. Mathura Art was purely Indian,

depicting Buddha in Yaksha style. Foreign Accounts

26. Amaravati Stupa was built under 33. Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
Satavahanas. (1st CE) describes Indian ports &
trade.
27. Bhagavata cult (early
Vaishnavism) grew; Vasudeva- 34. Ptolemy’s Geography (2nd CE)
Krishna worship spread. mentions Indian cities.

28. Ajivikas & Jains also received

patronage. Decline & Legacy

35. Shungas revived Brahmanism

Literature & Science after Ashoka’s Buddhist dominance.

29. Sanskrit replaced Prakrit in 36. Kushana decline led to Gupta

inscriptions (e.g., Rudradaman’s Empire’s rise.
Junagadh). 37. Satavahanas declined due to
Shaka invasions.
 SANGAM AGE (300 BCE–300 CE)

Political & Social 13. Roman trade flourished; Roman

coins found in Tamilakam.
1. Sangam Age corresponds to
early historic Tamilakam (Tamil 14. Muziris (Kerala) was a major
country). Indo-Roman trading port.

2. Three Sangams (Academies) 15. Yavanas (Greeks/Romans)

were held in Madurai under traded wine, gold, and glass.
Pandyan patronage.
16. Exports: Spices, pearls, ivory,
3. Chera, Chola, Pandya were the silk, peacocks.
three major kingdoms.
17. Sangam texts mention guilds
4. Cheras ruled Kerala & Kongu (Perundaram) for trade.
region; capital: Vanji (Karur).

5. Silappadikaram mentions Chera

king Senguttuvan. Society & Religion

6. Cholas ruled Kaveri delta; capital: 18. Tolkappiyam (earliest Tamil

Uraiyur, later Puhar grammar) defines five landscapes
(Kaveripattinam). (Tinais).

7. Karikala Chola built the Grand 19. Four castes: Arasar (kings),
Anicut (Kallanai) dam. Vanigar (traders), Velalar (farmers),
Vellalar (laborers).
8. Pandyas ruled Madurai;
celebrated for pearls & trade. 20. Women poets like Avvaiyar were
respected.
9. Maduraikkanji describes Pandyan
king Neduncheliyan. 21. Jainism & Buddhism coexisted
with indigenous Tamil faiths.
10. Velir chieftains (like Athiyaman)
were minor rulers. 22. Murugan (Kartikeya) was the
chief Tamil deity.

23. Hero stones (Nadukkal) honored

Economy & Trade warriors who died in battle.

11. Agriculture was primary 24. Sati (Tippayadal) was practiced

occupation (rice, sugarcane, cotton). but not widespread.

12. Port cities: Puhar (Cholas),

Korkai (Pandyas), Muziris (Cheras).
Literature
25. Sangam literature includes 1. Sangam literature dates between
Ettuthogai (8 Anthologies) & 300 BCE - 300 CE.
Pattuppattu (10 Idylls).
2. It was composed in Old Tamil.
26. Tirukkural by Thiruvalluvar is a
Sangam-era ethical text. 3. Compiled in three Sangams
(academies) held in Madurai.
27. Silappadikaram (Epic of the
Anklet) by Ilango Adigal. 4. First two Sangams' works are
lost; only third Sangam works
28. Manimekalai (Buddhist epic) by survive.
Sattanar.
5. Agattiyam (by Sage Agastya) was
29. Akananuru & Purananuru the first Tamil grammar, now lost.
describe love & war themes.

30. Pathitrupathu praises Chera

kings. Major Works

6. Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies)

and Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls) are
Art & Architecture core Sangam texts.

31. Megalithic burials continued into 7. Tolkappiyam (by Tolkappiyar) is

early Sangam age. the oldest surviving Tamil grammar.

32. Rock-cut caves (like Pandya & 8. Tirukkural by Thiruvalluvar is part

Jain beds in Madurai). of later Sangam works.

33. Terracotta figurines depict daily 9. Silappadikaram and Manimekalai

life. are called Twin Epics (post-Sangam
but connected).

10. Pathinenkilkanakku (18 minor

Decline & Legacy works) includes ethical texts.
34. Kalabhras disrupted Sangam
kingdoms (3rd–6th CE).
Themes & Content
35. Pallavas & later Pandyas
revived Tamil culture post-Sangam. 11. Sangam poems are divided into
Akam (love) and Puram (war/valor).

12. Akananuru (400 love poems)

and Purananuru (400 war poems)
are key collections.
SANGAM LITERATURE
13. Kurunthogai (400 short poems)
focuses on love.
14. Natrinai (400 poems) deals with
both love and war.
Religion & Culture
15. Paripadal (70 poems) praises
gods like Murugan and Vishnu. 26. Murugan (Kartikeya) was the
chief Tamil god.

27. Indra, Varuna, and Krishna were

Social Life also worshipped.

16. Sangam texts describe five 28. Jainism and Buddhism

geographical landscapes (Tinai): coexisted with Tamil traditions.

- Kurinji (hills), Mullai (forests), 29. Velvi (sacrifices) and ancestor

Marutham (farmlands), Neithal worship were common.
(coasts), Palai (desert).
30. Temples were simple; later
17. Four castes mentioned: Arasar evolved into grand structures.
(kings), Antanar (priests), Vanigar
(traders), Vellalar (farmers).

18. Women poets like Avvaiyar, Kings & Polity

Kakkaipadiniyar, and Ponmudiyar 31. Chera, Chola, and Pandya kings
contributed. were patrons of Sangam poets.
19. Sati (Tippayadal) was practiced 32. Karikala Chola built the Grand
but not compulsory. Anicut (Kallanai) dam.
20. Hero stones (Nadukkal) honored 33. Senguttuvan (Chera) conducted
fallen warriors. a Himalayan expedition.

34. Neduncheliyan (Pandya) was

Economy & Trade praised in Maduraikkanji.

21. Muziris (Kerala) was a major 35. Athiyaman was a famous Velir
port for Roman trade. chieftain.

22. Yavanas (Greeks/Romans)

traded gold, wine, and glass for Literary Style
spices and pearls.
36. Similes, metaphors, and
23. Puhar (Kaveripattinam) was the hyperbole are common in Sangam
Chola port city. poetry.
24. Korkai was the Pandyan pearl- 37. Kuruntokai uses conciseness
fishing center. (Kurai) as a poetic device.
25. Barter system and Roman coins
were used.
38. Ainkurunuru (500 short poems) 45. Jivaka Chintamani is a Jain epic
was composed by 5 poets. by Tirutakkadevar.

39. Purananuru contains royal

eulogies and war ethics.
Decline & Legacy
40. Akam poems use natural
imagery to depict human emotions. 46. Sangam period declined due to
Kalabhra invasion (3rd-6th CE).

47. Pallavas and later Pandyas

Post-Sangam Works revived Tamil literature.

41. Silappadikaram (by Ilango 48. Sangam works influenced

Adigal) tells the story of Kannagi. medieval Bhakti literature.

42. Manimekalai (by Sattanar) is a 49. Tamil Sangam was revived in

Buddhist epic. 20th century for Tamil studies.

43. Tirukkural covers aram (virtue), 50. UNESCO recognized

porul (wealth), inbam (love). Tolkappiyam as a world literature
classic.
44. Naladiyar (400 verses) teaches
moral values.
SATAVAHANA DYNASTY (1st CENTURY BCE – 3rd
CENTURY CE)

1. Ruled Deccan region with capitals 11. Major ports: Bharuch, Sopara,
at Pratishthana (Paithan) and Kalyan.
Amaravati.
12. Taxation system included *Kara*
2. Founder - Simuka (1st century (land tax) and *Sulka* (customs
BCE), overthrew Kanvas. duty).

3. Gautamiputra Satakarni (106-130

CE) was their greatest king.
Religion
4. Called himself *"Destroyer of
Shakas, Pahlavas, and Yavanas"* 13. Patrons of Hinduism (performed
in Nashik inscription. Vedic sacrifices like Ashvamedha).

5. Vashishtiputra Pulumavi 14. Also supported Buddhism

expanded trade with Romans. (donated to Amaravati,
Nagarjunakonda stupas).

15. Naneghat inscription by Queen

Administration Naganika mentions Vedic rituals.

6. Decentralized rule with feudal

lords (*Maharathis*,
*Mahasenapatis*). Art & Architecture

7. Issued lead & potin coins with 16. Amaravati Stupa (Andhra) has
exquisite marble carvings.
bilingual (Prakrit-Brahmi)
inscriptions. 17. Chaitya at Karle (Maharashtra)
8. Grama (village) was the smallest was built under Satavahana
administrative unit. patronage.

18. Terracotta art flourished

(human/animal figurines).
Economy

9. Prosperous trade with Roman

Empire (pearls, spices, ivory Literature & Language
exported). 19. Prakrit was official language
10. Roman gold coins found in (used in inscriptions).
Deccan show trade volume. 20. Gunadhya wrote *Brihatkatha* in
Paishachi language (lost work).
21. Hala compiled *Gatha
Saptasati* (700 Prakrit love poems).
Decline & Legacy

24. Defeated by Shakas in early 3rd

Social Structure century CE.

22. Caste system was flexible; 25. Legacy: Bridged North-South

Brahmins held high positions. cultures; influenced
Chalukya/Kakatiya art.
23. Women like Queen Naganika
participated in administration.
 GUPTA PERIOD (319 CE - 550 CE)

Political History 12. Officials: Kumaramatyas

(ministers), Sandhivigrahika (foreign
1. Founded by Sri Gupta, minister).
established by Chandragupta I (319-
335 CE).

2. Chandragupta I started the Gupta Economy

Era (319-320 CE).
13. Gold coins (Dinara) were
3. Samudragupta (335-375 CE) was extensively minted.
called the "Napoleon of India" by
historian V.A. Smith. 14. Silver coins were rare; mainly
copper & gold circulated.
4. Allahabad Pillar Inscription by
Harisena details Samudragupta’s 15. Agriculture was the backbone;
conquests. irrigation improved.

5. Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) 16. Trade with Rome declined but

(375-415 CE) defeated the Shakas. continued with Southeast Asia.

6. Fa-Hien visited India during 17. Guilds (Shrenis) controlled crafts

Chandragupta II’s reign. & trade.

7. Kumaragupta I (415-455 CE)

founded Nalanda University. Religion
8. Skandagupta (455-467 CE) 18. Brahmanism revived (Vedic
repelled the Huna (Hephthalite) rituals, Bhagavatism).
invasions.
19. Bhagavad Gita gained
9. Decline began after Skandagupta prominence.
due to Huna invasions & weak
successors. 20. Vaishnavism & Shaivism
became popular.

21. Buddhism declined but was

Administration patronized (Nalanda).
10. Decentralized administration 22. Jainism flourished in regions like
with provinces (Bhuktis), districts Gujarat.
(Vishayas).

11. Land grants to Brahmins

(Agraharas) & officials began in this Literature
period.
23. Sanskrit became the court
language.
Foreign Relations
24. Kalidasa wrote
Abhijnanasakuntalam, Meghaduta, 37. Fa-Hien’s account describes a
Raghuvamsa. peaceful, prosperous India.

25. Vishakhadatta wrote 38. Trade links with Sri Lanka,

Mudrarakshasa (political drama). Southeast Asia.

26. Vishnu Sharma composed

Panchatantra (moral stories). Decline & Legacy
27. Amarasimha wrote Amarakosha 39. Huna invasions weakened the
(Sanskrit lexicon). empire.

40. Later Guptas ruled smaller

Science & Technology regions until 550 CE.

28. Aryabhata wrote Aryabhatiya 41. Cultural golden age influenced

(mathematics, astronomy). later Indian dynasties.

29. Decimal system & zero were

developed.

30. Sushruta Samhita (surgery) was

Pallava Dynasty (275 CE
compiled.
- 897 CE)
31. Iron Pillar of Delhi (Mehrauli)
shows advanced metallurgy.

1. Pallavas ruled South India with

their capital at Kanchipuram.
Art & Architecture
2. Founder - Simhavishnu (575–600
32. Nagara style of temple CE), established Pallava
architecture began. dominance.
33. Dashavatara Temple (Deogarh) 3. Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE)
is an early Gupta temple. was a scholar-king and patron of
34. Buddhist art flourished at Ajanta arts.
& Ellora. 4. Converted from Jainism to
35. Vishnu, Shiva, & Durga Shaivism under Appar
sculptures became prominent. (Tirunavukkarasar).

36. Coin art depicted kings as

hunters, musicians, etc.
5. Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) Religion
(630–668 CE) defeated Pulakeshin
II (Chalukyas) in 642 CE. 17. Shaivism & Vaishnavism
flourished.
6. Founded Mamallapuram
(Mahabalipuram). 18. Bhakti movement spread under
Nayanars & Alvars.
7. Dantidurga (Rashtrakuta) ended
Pallava supremacy in the 8th 19. Jainism & Buddhism declined
century. but existed in pockets.

8. Last ruler - Aparajitavarman (9th 20. Mahendravarman I wrote the

century), defeated by Cholas. Sanskrit play *Mattavilasa
Prahasana*.

Administration
Literature
9. Highly centralized monarchy with
hereditary succession. 21. Sanskrit & Tamil literature
thrived.
10. Divided into Mandalam
(provinces), Kottam (districts), Nadu 22. Dandin, a Pallava court poet,
wrote *Dashakumaracharita*.
(villages).
23. Bharavi wrote *Kiratarjuniya*
11. Sabha & Ur were local self-
governing bodies. (epic poem).

12. Military titles: *Dandanayaka* 24. Tamil Bhakti hymns by

(commander), *Senapati* (general). Nayanars (Appar, Sambandar) and
Alvars.

25. Copper-plate charters (e.g.,

Economy *Kasakudi Plates*) detail land
grants.
13. Agrarian economy with
advanced irrigation (tanks, canals).

14. Trade with China, Southeast Art & Architecture

Asia, and Rome.
26. Mahabalipuram
15. Ports: Mamallapuram, (Mamallapuram):
Nagapattinam.
- Shore Temple (UNESCO site).
16. Guilds (Nagaram) controlled
trade and crafts. - Pancha Rathas (monolithic rock-
cut temples).

- Arjuna’s Penance (giant bas-

relief).
27. Kailasanatha Temple 38. Defeated by Cholas (Aditya I) in
(Kanchipuram) – built by the 9th century.
*Narasimhavarman II*.
39. Influenced Chola temple
28. Dravida temple architecture architecture.
originated under Pallavas.
40. Pallava Grantha script evolved
29. Mandagapattu inscription – first into modern Tamil & Malayalam.
Pallava rock-cut temple.
41. Simhavishnu defeated
30. Frescoes at *Kanchi Kalabhras to revive Tamil culture.
Kailasanatha* depict Shiva’s
dances. 42. Narasimhavarman I sent a naval
expedition to help Sri Lankan prince
Manavarma.

Foreign Relations 43. Pallava coins featured the *bull

and lion* symbols.
31. Conflict with Chalukyas
(Badami) – prolonged Deccan wars. 44. Aihole inscription mentions
Pulakeshin II’s defeat by
32. Narasimhavarman I invaded Narasimhavarman I.
Vatapi (Chalukyan capital).
45. Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
33. Maritime ties with Sri Lanka, (Kanchipuram) has sequential
Cambodia, Java. historical panels.
34. Sent embassies to China (Tang 46. Trimurti Temple
dynasty). (Mahabalipuram) depicts Brahma,
Vishnu, Shiva.

Science & Technology 47. Yali (mythical beast) sculptures

originated in Pallava art.
35. Introduced stone architecture in
South India. 48. First structural temples in South
India were Pallava-built.
36. Perfected rock-cut temples
before structural ones. 49. Pallava influence seen in
Southeast Asian temples (Angkor
37. Advanced irrigation systems Wat style).
(e.g., *Grand Anicut* repairs).
50. Last inscription by
Aparajitavarman (896 CE) marks
the dynasty’s end.
Decline & Legacy
 POST-GUPTA PERIOD (600-1000 AD)

Political History 14. Pallavas (3rd-9th century) built

shore temples at Mahabalipuram
1. Harshavardhana (606-647 AD)
ruled North India from Kannauj 15. Cholas rose under Vijayalaya
(850 AD) capturing Tanjore
2. Harsha's empire collapsed after
his death without an heir 16. Eastern Gangas ruled Odisha
(Kalinga)
3. Tripartite Struggle (8th-10th
century) between Palas, Pratiharas 17. Kashmir was ruled by Karkota
and Rashtrakutas dynasty (625-855 AD)

4. Pala Dynasty (750-1162 AD)

ruled Bengal/Bihar under Gopala
Administration
5. Dharmapala established
Vikramshila University 18. Feudalism became prominent
with land grants
6. Pratiharas (8th-11th century)
ruled western India from Kannauj 19. Mandalas (provinces) and
Vishayas (districts) administrative
7. Mihira Bhoja (836-885 AD) was units
the greatest Pratihara ruler
20. Copper plate grants recorded
8. Rashtrakutas (753-982 AD) ruled land donations
Deccan from Manyakheta

9. Amoghavarsha I (814-878 AD)

wrote Kavirajamarga (first Kannada Economy
poetry) 21. Decline in trade compared to
10. Chalukyas of Badami (543-753 Gupta period
AD) were replaced by Rashtrakutas 22. Self-sufficient village economies
emerged

23. Jital (silver coins) and Dramma

Regional Kingdoms
(copper coins) were used
11. Gurjara-Pratiharas stopped Arab
invasions into India 24. Guilds continued to regulate
trade and crafts
12. Palas had maritime trade with
Southeast Asia

13. Rashtrakutas defeated Arabs in Religion

Battle of Rajasthan (738 AD)
25. Bhakti Movement gained 39. Khajuraho Temples built by
momentum (Alvars and Nayanars) Chandellas

26. Adi Shankaracharya (788-820 40. Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu)

AD) established Advaita Vedanta by Solankis

27. Four Mathas established at

Sringeri, Puri, Dwaraka, Badrinath
Science & Technology
28. Tantric Buddhism flourished in
Bengal 41. Aryabhata II wrote
Mahasiddhanta
29. Decline of Buddhism except in
Bengal and Bihar 42. Sridhara wrote mathematical
treatise Patiganita
30. Jainism flourished under
Rashtrakutas (Ellora caves) 43. Iron pillar at Delhi (4th century)
shows metallurgical skills

44. Water management systems

Literature improved in South India

31. Sanskrit remained court

language
Foreign Relations
32. Regional languages developed:
Kannada, Tamil, Telugu 45. Arab invasions of Sindh (712
AD) by Muhammad bin Qasim
33. Bhavabhuti wrote Sanskrit plays
like Malati-Madhava 46. Indian numerals (including zero)
reached Arab world
34. Rajasekhara wrote
Kavyamimamsa (Sanskrit poetics) 47. Cultural exchanges with
Southeast Asia increased
35. Tamil Bhakti literature by
Nayanars and Alvars 48. Sailendra dynasty of Java built
Borobudur temple

Art & Architecture

Decline & Legacy
36. Nagara style temples developed
in North India 49. Turkish invasions began with
Mahmud Ghazni (1000 AD)
37. Dravida style temples evolved in
South India 50. Regional identities strengthened
during this period
38. Kailasa Temple (Ellora) carved
from single rock
 DELHI SULTANATE (1206-1526 AD)

Foundations & Slave Dynasty 13. Introduced Dagh (branding of

(1206-1290) horses) and Chehra (descriptive
rolls)
1. Founded by Qutub-ud-din Aibak
in 1206 after Muhammad Ghori's 14. Created first standing army in
death Indian history

2. Aibak was called "Lakh Baksh" 15. Fixed price control system for
(giver of lakhs) for his generosity essential goods

3. Aram Shah was Aibak's 16. Established Diwan-i-Mustakhraj

incompetent successor (revenue collection)

4. Iltutmish (1211-1236) saved the 17. Built Alai Darwaza (gateway to

Sultanate from Mongols Qutub complex)

5. Introduced "Iqta system" (land 18. Defeated Mongols in Battle of

revenue assignment) Amroha (1305)

6. Completed Qutub Minar started 19. Malik Kafur led Deccan

by Aibak campaigns (1307-1311)

7. Issued pure Arabic coinage 20. Market reforms monitored by

(Tanka and Jital) Shahna-i-Mandi

8. Razia Sultan (1236-1240) was

first and only woman ruler
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414)
9. Balban (1266-1287) introduced
"Sijda" and "Paibos" (prostration) 21. Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq built
Tughlaqabad Fort
10. Established "Diwan-i-Arz"
(military department) 22. Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-
1351) was "Man of Ideas"

23. Token currency (copper coins)

Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320) failed disastrously

11. Jalal-ud-din Khilji founded 24. Shifted capital from Delhi to

dynasty at age 70 Daulatabad (1327)

12. Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) was 25. Created Diwan-i-Kohi

most powerful ruler (agriculture department)
26. Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388) 41. Barid-i-Mumalik was intelligence
built maximum canals chief

27. Established Diwan-i-Khairat 42. Shiqdars controlled districts

(charity department)
43. Muqaddams were village
28. Introduced hereditary slavery headmen

29. Built Firoz Shah Kotla and Hauz 44. Kharaj (land tax) was main
Khas revenue source

30. Timur's invasion (1398) 45. Jizya tax on non-Muslims strictly

weakened the Sultanate imposed

Sayyid & Lodi Dynasties (1414- Military

1526)
46. Ariz-i-Mumalik headed military
31. Khizr Khan founded Sayyid department
dynasty (1414)
47. Permanent army introduced by
32. Bahlul Lodi established Lodi Alauddin
dynasty (1451)
48. Elephant corps important in
33. Sikandar Lodi founded Agra city battles
(1504)
49. Used Tartar bow as primary
34. Shifted capital from Delhi to weapon
Agra
50. Cavalry was most prestigious
35. Ibrahim Lodi last Sultan (killed at wing
Panipat 1526)

36. Introduced "Gunpowder" in

Indian warfare Economy

51. Sericulture introduced from

China
Administration
52. Multani merchants dominated
37. Sultan was supreme authority trade

38. Ulema influenced state policies 53. Hundi system (bills of exchange)
developed
39. Wazir (prime minister) headed
civil administration 54. Major exports: textiles, indigo,
spices
40. Diwan-i-Risalat dealt with
religious matters
55. Sarai (rest houses) built along 69. Diwan-i-Khas for literary
trade routes gatherings

70. Development of Urdu began

Society 71. Amir Khusrau called "Parrot of

India"
56. Four social classes: Muslims,
Hindus, Dhimmis, Slaves 72. Wrote "Khazain-ul-Futuh"
(Alauddin's conquests)
57. Sati practiced among Rajputs
73. Zia-ud-din Barani wrote Tarikh-i-
58. Purda system became common Firoz Shahi
59. Ashraf (noble) and Ajlaf 74. Minhaj-us-Siraj wrote Tabaqat-i-
(commoner) division Nasiri
60. Sufi saints influenced social 75. Sanskrit works translated to
harmony Persian

76. Sufi literature flourished in

Architecture regional languages

61. Indo-Islamic style emerged 77. Nizam-ud-din Auliya's

discourses recorded
62. Qutub Minar (239 ft) tallest brick
minaret

63. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque first Religion

mosque in India 78. Sufism gained popularity
64. Octagonal tombs introduced by 79. Chishti order most influential
Lodis
80. Nizam-ud-din Auliya famous Sufi
65. Use of lime mortar in saint
construction
81. Bhakti movement countered
66. Jamaat Khana Masjid at caste system
Nizamuddin Dargah
82. Kabir, Nanak preached harmony
67. Lodi Gardens contain tombs of
Lodis 83. Jizya tax imposed except by few
Sultans

84. Idgahs built for Eid prayers

Literature
85. Urs celebrations at Sufi shrines
68. Hasan Nizami wrote Taj-ul-
Maasir
 MUGHAL EMPIRE (1526-1857)

Foundations & Early Rulers 14. Navratnas included Birbal,

(1526-1556) Tansen, Todar Mal

1. Founded by Babur after 1st Battle 15. Todar Mal introduced Zabti
of Panipat (1526) system (land revenue)

2. Babur wrote autobiography 16. Sulh-i-Kul (peace with all) was

Tuzuk-i-Baburi in Chagatai Turkish his policy

3. Introduced gunpowder warfare in 17. Defeated Rana Pratap at

India Haldighati (1576)

4. Humayun lost to Sher Shah Suri

at Chausa (1539) & Kannauj (1540)
Jahangir (1605-1627)
5. Exiled to Persia for 15 years
18. Executed Guru Arjan Dev (5th
6. Regained throne in 1555 but died Sikh Guru)
in 1556
19. Married Nur Jahan (real name
7. Sher Shah Suri built Grand Trunk Mehr-un-Nissa)
Road & introduced Rupee coin
20. Established Zanjir-i-Adl (chain of
justice)

Akbar (1556-1605) 21. Captain Hawkins & Sir Thomas

Roe visited court
8. Crowned at age 13 under Bairam
Khan's regency 22. Mughal painting reached peak
under him
9. Won 2nd Battle of Panipat (1556)
against Hemu 23. Defeated Rana Amar Singh of
Mewar (1615)
10. Introduced Mansabdari system
(1574)

11. Din-i-Ilahi (1582) was his Shah Jahan (1628-1658)

syncretic religion
24. Built Taj Mahal (1632-53) as
12. Abolished Jizya tax (1564) and mausoleum for Mumtaz
pilgrim tax
25. Constructed Red Fort (Delhi) &
13. Built Fatehpur Sikri as new Jama Masjid
capital (1571-1585)
26. Peacock Throne cost twice Taj
Mahal's expense
27. Faced Portuguese in Bengal 43. Empire formally ended after
(1632) 1857 Revolt

28. War of Succession (1657-58)

among sons
Administration

44. Padshah was absolute monarch

Aurangzeb (1658-1707)
45. Mansabdari combined
29. Reimposed Jizya tax (1679) civil/military ranks

30. Destroyed Kashi Vishwanath 46. Zat determined salary, Sawar

Temple (1669) indicated cavalry

31. Executed Guru Tegh Bahadur 47. Subedar governed provinces

(9th Sikh Guru, 1675)
48. Diwan headed revenue
32. Fought Marathas for 27 years department

33. Died during Deccan campaigns 49. Mir Bakshi headed military
department
34. Zabt system collapsed in his
reign 50. Qazi-ul-Quzat was chief justice

35. Last powerful Mughal ruler

Economy

Later Mughals (1707-1857) 51. Taccavi loans for farmers

36. Bahadur Shah I (1707-12) made 52. Dam was basic copper coin
peace with Marathas (40=1 rupee)

37. Farrukhsiyar granted 1717 53. Major exports: cotton, spices,

Farman to EIC indigo

38. Muhammad Shah (1719-48) 54. European companies got trade

called "Rangila" rights

39. Nadir Shah invaded (1739), took 55. Bengal was richest province
Peacock Throne

40. Battle of Plassey (1757) under

Alamgir II Society

41. Shah Alam II granted Diwani 56. Turani, Irani, Afghans,

rights (1765) Hindustani factions

42. Bahadur Shah Zafar last Mughal 57. Sati practiced but discouraged
(1837-57)
58. Child marriage prevalent 78. Ramcharitmanas written under
Akbar
59. Purdah system among elites
79. Padshahnama chronicled Shah
60. Hookah became popular Jahan

80. Ain-i-Akbari detailed

Art & Architecture administration

61. Persian+Indian fusion style

62. Charbagh gardens (Taj Mahal) Religion

63. Pietra dura inlay work 81. Din-i-Ilahi had 18 disciples

64. Buland Darwaza (Fatehpur Sikri) 82. Ibadat Khana debates (Fatehpur
Sikri)
65. Moti Masjid (Agra Fort)
83. Jizya abolished by Akbar,
66. Bibi Ka Maqbara (Aurangabad) reimposed by Aurangzeb

67. Jahangiri Mahal (Agra Fort) 84. Sikh Gurus persecuted after 5th
Guru
68. Shalimar Gardens (Lahore)
85. Temple destruction policy under
69. Humayun's Tomb first garden
Aurangzeb
tomb

70. Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra)

Science & Technology

86. Firoz Shah's astrolabe in Delhi

Literature
Museum
71. Abul Fazl wrote Akbarnama
87. Jantar Mantar built later by
72. Badauni wrote Muntakhab-ut- Sawai Jai Singh
Tawarikh
88. Medicine advanced (Unani
73. Jahangir wrote Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri system)

74. Dara Shikoh translated 89. Waterworks in palaces

Upanishads
90. Cannons like "Zamzama" used
75. Hindi literature by Tulsidas,
Surdas
Decline & Legacy
76. Persian court language
91. Mansabdari corruption
77. Urdu developed in military
weakened army
camps
92. Maratha rise drained treasury

93. Regional powers like Awadh

became independent

94. European companies gained

influence

95. Last 150 years were nominal

rule

96. Cultural synthesis influenced

modern India

97. Administrative systems adopted

by British

98. Mughlai cuisine developed

99. Urdu became lingua franca

100. 1857 Revolt ended nominal

Mughal rule
 BHAKTI MOVEMENT IN SOUTH INDIA

Foundations & Early Saints 13. Promoted emotional devotion

(bhakti) over rituals
1. Originated in 6th-7th century CE
in Tamil Nadu 14. Rejected caste discrimination
and priestly dominance
2. Comprised two main groups:
Alvars (Vaishnavite) and Nayanars 15. Prapatti (surrender to God)
(Shaivite) doctrine by Alvars

3. Alvars were 12 Vaishnava poet- 16. Shaiva Siddhanta philosophy

saints developed

4. Nayanars were 63 Shaiva poet-

saints
Major Saints
5. Andal was the only female Alvar
17. Thirumalisai Alvar - advisor to
6. Nammalvar considered greatest Pallava kings
Alvar (wrote Tiruvaymoli)
18. Tirumangai Alvar - reformed
7. Appar (Tirunavukkarasar) temple worship
converted Pallava king
Mahendravarman I 19. Sambandar - child prodigy who
performed miracles

20. Sundarar - wrote devotional

Key Texts & Literature songs with humor

8. Divya Prabandham - Alvar hymns 21. Karaikkal Ammaiyar - first

(4000 verses) woman Nayanar

9. Tevaram - Nayanar hymns by

Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar
Social Impact
10. Tiruvachakam by
Manikkavasagar (Shaiva text) 22. Women participation: Andal,
Karaikkal Ammaiyar
11. Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar
23. Lower caste saints: Nandanar
(biographies of Nayanars)
(Shaiva), Tiruppan Alvar
12. Composed in Tamil (not (Vaishnava)
Sanskrit)
24. Temple entry rights advocated

25. Bhakti vs Jnana debate initiated

Philosophical Contributions
Temple Connections Key Concepts

26. Ranganathaswamy Temple 39. Anbe Sivam (Love is Shiva) -

(Srirangam) - Alvar center Appar's teaching

27. Nataraja Temple 40. Saranagati (total surrender) -

(Chidambaram) - Nayanar center Alvar concept

28. Vishnu temples celebrated 41. Arul (divine grace) central to

Divya Desams (108 sacred sites) theology

29. Shiva temples celebrated 42. Jivanmukti (liberation while

Paadal Petra Sthalams (275 sites) living) ideal

Later Influence Historical Impact

30. Inspired Virashaiva movement in 43. Pallava & Chola kings

Karnataka patronized movement

31. Impacted North Indian Bhakti 44. Chola bronzes depict Bhakti
through Ramananda saints

32. Ramanuja (11th c.) 45. Inscriptions record temple

systematized Vishishtadvaita donations by saints

33. Madhva (13th c.) continued 46. Ended Jain/Buddhist dominance

Vaishnava tradition in South

47. Tamil devotional literature

golden age
Cultural Legacy

34. Music tradition: Oduvars still

sing Tevaram Comparisons

35. Dance forms like Bharatanatyam 48. Unlike North, less confrontation
incorporated themes with orthodoxy

36. Temple architecture reflected 49. More temple-centered than

Bhakti ideals North Indian Bhakti

37. Festivals: Margazhi (Tamil 50. Earlier than North Indian Bhakti
month) celebrations

38. Tiruvarur Temple Chariot festival

continues tradition
by centuries

11. Guru Nanak (1469-1539) -

Founder of Sikhism
BHAKTI MOVEMENT IN
12. Preached "Naam Japna, Kirat
NORTH INDIA Karni, Vand Chakna"

13. Ravidas (15th century) -

Foundations & Context Cobbler-saint of Varanasi

1. Emerged as a protest against 14. Compositions included in Guru

caste hierarchy and ritualistic Granth Sahib
Brahmanism 15. Dadu Dayal (1544-1603) -
2. Flourished between 12th-17th Rajasthan saint preaching non-
centuries parallel to Sufi movement sectarianism

3. Promoted personal devotion 16. Founded Dadu Panth

(bhakti) over ritualistic worship emphasizing formless God

Major Saints & Their Teachings Vaishnavite Saints

4. Ramananda (15th century) - 17. Vallabhacharya (1479-1531) -

Pioneer of North Indian Bhakti; Proponent of Pushti Marg
disciple of Ramanuja 18. Worshipped infant Krishna (Bal
5. First to teach in vernacular Hindi Gopal)
instead of Sanskrit 19. Surdas (1483-1563) - Blind poet
6. His 12 disciples included Kabir, of Braj Bhasha
Ravidas, Sena (barber) 20. Composed Sur Sagar
7. Kabir (1440-1518) - Most (devotional poems on Krishna)
influential Nirguna saint 21. Mirabai (1498-1546) - Rajput
8. Rejected caste, idol worship, princess devoted to Krishna
scriptures ("Pothi padh padh jag 22. Composed "Payoji Maine Ram
mua") Ratan Dhan Payo"
9. Composed dohas (couplets) and 23. Tulsidas (1532-1623) - Wrote
sakhis (witnessings) Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi
10. Followers later formed Kabir 24. Popularized Ram Bhakti in North
Panth India
25. Narsinh Mehta (15th century) - 37. Kirtan (devotional singing)
Gujarati saint known for "Vaishnav became popular
Jan To"
38. Ragamala paintings depicting
bhaktas emerged

Philosophical Aspects 39. Doha tradition perfected by

Kabir
26. Two main streams: Nirguna
(formless God) and Saguna (with 40. Bhakti poetry set to classical
form) ragas

27. Nirguna saints: Kabir, Nanak,

Dadu - rejected idol worship
Historical Significance
28. Saguna saints: Surdas, Mira -
worshipped Vishnu/Krishna 41. Provided Hindu response to
Islamic Sufism
29. Concept of "Harijan" (children of
God) emerged 42. Syncretic traditions like Kabir's
teachings emerged
30. Emphasized equality of all
before God 43. Guru Granth Sahib compiled
many Bhakti hymns

44. Influenced later reformers like

Social Impact Dayanand Saraswati

31. Challenged Brahminical 45. Sikh Gurus continued Bhakti

dominance traditions

32. Promoted women's spiritual

participation (Mirabai, Lalla Ded)
Key Concepts
33. Bhakti literature democratized
spiritual knowledge 46. "Jivatma-Paramatma" union
concept (Mira's poetry)
34. Sant Mat tradition influenced
Sikhism 47. "Sahaja" - spontaneous devotion
(Kabir's teaching)
35. Langar system popularized by
Nanak 48. "Nirbhaya Bhakti" - fearless
devotion (Mira's example)

49. "Raganuga Bhakti" - following

Cultural Contributions emotions (Surdas)

36. Developed vernacular literature 50. Legacy seen in modern Hindu

(Hindi, Braj, Awadhi) reform movements
 MARATHAS

Rise of the Marathas 13. Chauth (25% tax) – Protection

money from non-Maratha territories.
1. Shivaji Bhonsle (1627–1680)
founded the Maratha Empire in 14. Sardeshmukhi (10% extra tax) –
1674. Claimed as hereditary right.

2. Coronation at Raigad (1674) 15. Fort-based governance – Over

declared him *Chhatrapati* 300 forts controlled by Marathas.
(sovereign ruler).
16. Navy under Kanhoji Angre –
3. Hindavi Swarajya ("Self-rule of Dominated the Konkan coast.
Hindus") was his vision.

4. Defeated Afzal Khan (1659) using

guerrilla tactics. Peshwa Era (1713–1818)

5. Battle of Pratapgad (1659) was 17. Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720)

his first major victory. – First powerful Peshwa.

6. Escape from Agra (1666) – 18. Baji Rao I (1720–1740) –

tricked Aurangzeb by hiding in a "Greatest cavalry general" after
fruit basket. Shivaji.

7. Built Sindhudurg Fort to 19. Battle of Palkhed (1728) –

strengthen naval power. Defeated Nizam-ul-Mulk.

8. Ashtapradhan Mandal – Council 20. Panipat Campaign (1761) – Led

of 8 ministers under Shivaji. by Sadashiv Rao Bhau.

9. Peshwa (Prime Minister) led 21. Third Battle of Panipat (1761) –

administration after Shivaji. Crushing defeat by Ahmad Shah
Abdali.

22. Peshwa Madhav Rao I (1761–

Administration & Military 1772) – Revived Maratha power.

10. Mavala soldiers – Backbone of 23. Confederacy System – Semi-

Maratha infantry. independent Maratha chiefs (Holkar,
Scindia, Bhonsle).
11. Guerilla warfare (Ganimi Kava)
– Key to Maratha success.

12. Land revenue system (Ryotwari) Battles & Expansion

– Direct tax collection from farmers.
24. Battle of Sinhagad (1670) –
Tanaji Malusare’s heroic capture.
25. Battle of Kolhapur (1659) – 38. Temples & forts – Shaniwar
Defeated Bijapur forces. Wada (Pune), Raigad, Pratapgad.

26. Treaty of Purandar (1665) – 39. Bharud (folk theatre) –

Signed with Mughals (Jai Singh). Promoted by Sant Tukaram.

27. Sambhaji (1680–1689) – 40. Ganesh Chaturthi public festival

Captured & executed by Aurangzeb. – Popularized by Shivaji.

28. Rajaram & Tarabai – Led

resistance against Mughals.
Key Figures
29. Maratha-Mughal War (1681–
1707) – Weakened Aurangzeb. 41. Ahilyabai Holkar – Ruled Malwa,
built temples.
30. Bajirao II (1796–1818) – Last
Peshwa, defeated by the British. 42. Mahadji Scindia – Dominated
North India post-Panipat.

43. Nana Phadnavis – "Maratha

Decline & British Conquest Machiavelli," skilled diplomat.

31. First Anglo-Maratha War (1775– 44. Sambhaji Maharaj – Martyred by

1782) – Ended with Treaty of Aurangzeb.
Salbai.
45. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi –
32. Second Anglo-Maratha War Fought British in 1857 (Maratha
(1803–1805) – Scindia & Bhonsle legacy).
defeated.

33. Third Anglo-Maratha War

(1817–1818) – Peshwa surrendered Military & Economy
to British. 46. Light cavalry (Bargi raids) –
34. Treaty of Bassein (1802) – Disrupted enemy supply lines.
Peshwa accepted British 47. Fort artillery – Strategic use in
supremacy. Western Ghats.

48. Trade with Portuguese –

Legacy & Culture Controlled Konkan ports.

35. Hindu Pad Padshahi – Marathas 49. Banking & finance – Facilitated
revived Hindu political power. by Sahukars (moneylenders).

36. Peshwa Daftar – Archives in 50. Legacy in modern India –

Inspired freedom fighters like Tilak.
Pune, key historical source.

37. Marathi literature flourished –

E.g., Ramdas’ Dasbodh.
 THE ADVENT OF 13. Mainly traded in spices (pepper,
cinnamon) from Malabar.
EUROPEANS
14. Defeated Portuguese at Battle of
Hooghly (1759).
Portuguese in India (1498–1961) 15. Pulicat was their headquarters in
1. Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut India.
(1498) via Cape of Good Hope. 16. Declined after Anglo-Dutch
2. First European power to establish Treaty (1824).
trade in India.

3. Pedro Álvares Cabral established British (1600–1947)

first Portuguese factory at Cochin
(1500). 17. East India Company (EIC)
founded in 1600.
4. Alfonso de Albuquerque captured
Goa (1510), becoming its governor. 18. Sir Thomas Roe got trading
rights from Jahangir (1615).
5. Policy of Blue Water (Cartaze
system) controlled Indian Ocean 19. First factory at Surat (1613),
trade. later Madras (1639).

6. Built forts at Diu, Daman, 20. Battle of Plassey (1757) – Clive

Bombay, Hooghly. defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah.

7. Introduced tobacco cultivation in 21. Battle of Buxar (1764) secured

India. Bengal for EIC.

8. Inquisition (1560) persecuted 22. Dual Government (1765–1772)

non-Christians in Goa. in Bengal by Clive.

9. Lost dominance to Dutch/British 23. Permanent Settlement (1793) by

by 17th century. Cornwallis.

10. Liberated by India in 1961 24. Doctrine of Lapse (1848) by

(Operation Vijay). Dalhousie annexed princely states.

25. 1857 Revolt led to Crown rule

(1858).
Dutch (1602–1825)

11. Dutch East India Company

(VOC) formed in 1602. French (1664–1954)

12. Established first factory at 26. French East India Company

Masulipatnam (1605). formed in 1664.
27. First factory at Surat (1668), 30. Lost all Indian territories by 1954
headquarters at Pondicherry. (de facto 1763).

28. Dupleix pioneered "subsidiary

alliance" strategy.
Danish (1620–1845)
29. Carnatic Wars (1746–1763) vs
British: 31. Established Tranquebar (Tamil
Nadu, 1620).
- 1st War (1746–48): French
captured Madras. 32. Sold settlements to British in
1845.
- 2nd War (1749–54): British won at
Arcot (1751).

- 3rd War (1756–63): Defeated at Other Europeans

Wandiwash (1760). 33. Austrians briefly occupied
Nicobar Islands (1778–1784).
 ADVENT OF BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY TO THE
1857 REVOLT

Early British Presence (1600- 11. Diwani Rights granted to EIC

1740s) over Bengal, Bihar, Orissa (1765)

1. East India Company (EIC) 12. Dual Government system

founded on December 31, 1600 by introduced in Bengal (1765-1772)
Royal Charter
13. First Governor-General of
2. First EIC factory established at Bengal: Warren Hastings (1773)
Surat (1613) with permission from
Jahangir 14. Regulating Act of 1773: First
parliamentary control over EIC
3. Sir Thomas Roe secured trading
rights from Mughals (1615-1619) 15. Pitts India Act (1784):
Established Board of Control
4. Fort St. George (Madras) built in
1639 16. First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-
69): Ended in stalemate
5. Bombay acquired as dowry from
Portuguese (1661), transferred to 17. Second Anglo-Mysore War
EIC in 1668 (1780-84): Hyder Ali died, Tipu
continued
6. Job Charnock founded Calcutta
(1690) 18. Third Anglo-Mysore War (1789-
92): Tipu lost half territory
7. EIC received zamindari rights for
19. Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
three villages including Calcutta
(1698) (1799): Tipu Sultan killed

8. Battle of Plassey (1757): Robert 20. Subsidiary Alliance introduced

Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah by Wellesley (1798)

9. Mir Jafar became puppet Nawab

after Plassey Administrative Reforms (1773-
10. Battle of Buxar (1764): EIC 1853)
defeated combined forces of Mir 21. Permanent Settlement
Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah introduced in Bengal (1793)
Alam II
22. Ryotwari System introduced in
Madras (1820)
Company Rule Expansion (1765- 23. Mahalwari System introduced in
1799) NW Provinces (1822)
24. Charter Act of 1813: Ended EIC 41. Sati abolished by Bentinck
trade monopoly (1829)

25. Charter Act of 1833: Governor- 42. Female Infanticide banned

General of India created (1830)

26. Doctrine of Lapse introduced by 43. Widow Remarriage Act (1856)

Dalhousie (1848) by Dalhousie

27. Wood's Despatch (1854): 44. English Education Act (1835) by

Foundation of modern education Macaulay

28. First Railway line opened 45. Religious Disabilities Act (1850)
(Bombay to Thane, 1853)
46. Caste Disabilities Removal Act
29. Telegraph introduced (1851) (1850)

30. Postal System reformed (1854) 47. Christian missionaries allowed

freely after 1813

48. Bethune School founded (1849)

Annexations under Dalhousie
(1848-1856) 49. Medical colleges established in
Calcutta/Madras (1835)
31. Satara annexed (1848)
50. Hindu Widows' Remarriage
32. Sambalpur annexed (1849) Association founded (1856)
33. Jaitpur annexed (1849)

34. Baghat annexed (1850) Economic Exploitation

35. Udaipur annexed (1852) 51. Drain of Wealth theory later
36. Nagpur annexed (1854) articulated by Dadabhai Naoroji

37. Awadh annexed (1856) 52. Deindustrialization of Indian

textile industry
38. Doctrine of Lapse most
controversial policy 53. Indigo cultivation forced on
farmers
39. Railway Minute of 1853 laid
foundation for Indian railways 54. Opium trade with China became
major revenue source
40. General Service Enlistment Act
(1856) angered sepoys 55. Land revenue systems
impoverished peasants

56. Zamindars became revenue

Social-Religious Reforms collectors under Permanent
Settlement
57. Commercialization of agriculture 72. Mangal Pandey's rebellion at
began Barrackpore (March 1857)

58. Famines became frequent 73. Meerut Uprising (May 10, 1857)
(Great Bengal Famine 1770)
74. Delhi captured by rebels (May
59. Railways initially built for raw 11, 1857)
material transport
75. Bahadur Shah Zafar proclaimed
60. Tribal uprisings against land Emperor
alienation
76. Kanpur massacre under Nana
Saheb

Military Causes of 1857 Revolt 77. Lucknow Residency besieged

61. General Service Enlistment Act 78. Jhansi's Rani Lakshmibai joined
(1856) required overseas service revolt

62. Caste privileges in army being 79. Kunwar Singh led revolt in Bihar
eroded
80. Tantia Tope was prominent
63. Poor pay compared to British Maratha leader
soldiers

64. No promotion prospects for

Indian sepoys Suppression and Aftermath

65. Annexation of Awadh hurt many 81. Delhi recaptured (September

sepoys' families 1857)

66. Rumors about cartridges 82. Lucknow relieved (March 1858)

greased with cow/pig fat 83. Jhansi fell (April 1858)
67. Martial races theory emerging 84. Tantia Tope captured and
68. Ratio of Indian to British troops executed (1859)
became dangerous 85. Bahadur Shah exiled to
69. Military punishments were harsh Rangoon

70. Loss of extra allowances after 86. Government of India Act 1858
annexations ended Company rule

87. Queen's Proclamation

(November 1, 1858)
Immediate Causes of 1857 Revolt
88. Indian Army reorganized
71. Enfield rifle cartridges
89. Divide and Rule policy
controversy
formalized
90. Racial discrimination increased 95. Tantia Tope: Nana Saheb's
post-revolt general

96. Kunwar Singh: 80-year-old

leader from Bihar
Key Leaders of 1857
97. Begum Hazrat Mahal: Ruled
91. Mangal Pandey: First martyr at Awadh during revolt
Barrackpore
98. Maulvi Ahmadullah: Prominent
92. Bahadur Shah II: Symbolic Muslim leader
leader in Delhi
99. Bakht Khan: Commander at
93. Nana Saheb: Led Kanpur Delhi
uprising
100. Rao Tularam: Rewari leader in
94. Rani Lakshmibai: Jhansi's Haryana
warrior queen
 INDIAN FREEDOM STRUGGLE (1857–1947)

Revolt of 1857 & Early 11. INC was founded in 1885 by

Movements A.O. Hume (first session in Bombay
under W.C. Bannerjee).
1. The Revolt of 1857 is also called
the First War of Independence. 12. Dadabhai Naoroji wrote "Poverty
and Un-British Rule in India".
2. Mangal Pandey triggered the
revolt at Barrackpore (March 29, 13. "Swaraj" was first demanded by
1857). Dadabhai Naoroji (1906, Calcutta
Session).
3. Bahadur Shah II was declared the
last Mughal emperor during the 14. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was the
revolt. political guru of Mahatma Gandhi.

4. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi died 15. Surendranath Banerjee founded

fighting the British at Gwalior (1858). the Indian National Association
(1876).
5. Tantia Tope was captured and
executed in 1859. 16. Lal-Bal-Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal
Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra
6. The British Crown took over India Pal) led the Extremist phase.
from the East India Company in
1858 (Government of India Act, 17. Tilak started Ganesh Chaturthi &
1858). Shivaji festivals for mass
mobilization.
7. Queen Victoria’s Proclamation
(1858) ended the Doctrine of Lapse. 18. "Swaraj is my birthright, and I
shall have it" – Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
8. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
advocated for widow remarriage 19. Partition of Bengal (1905) was
(Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, done by Lord Curzon.
1856).
20. Swadeshi Movement (1905–
9. Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded 1908) began as a protest against
the Brahmo Samaj (1828). Bengal Partition.

10. Syed Ahmed Khan founded the

Aligarh Movement and MAO
College (1875). Revolutionary Movements &
Militant Nationalism

21. Chapekar Brothers assassinated

Indian National Congress (INC) & W.C. Rand (1897).
Moderates (1885–1905)
22. Khudiram Bose was hanged for 35. Non-Cooperation Movement
attempting to kill Kingsford (1908). (1920–22) was called off after
Chauri Chaura (1922).
23. Madan Lal Dhingra
assassinated Curzon Wylie (1909) 36. Swaraj Party (1923) was formed
in London. by Motilal Nehru & C.R. Das after
NCM suspension.
24. Anushilan Samiti & Jugantar
were revolutionary groups in 37. Simon Commission (1927) was
Bengal. boycotted because it had no Indian
member.
25. Rash Behari Bose organized the
Delhi-Lahore Conspiracy (1912). 38. Lala Lajpat Rai died due to
injuries from Lathi charge (1928)
26. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru & during Simon protests.
Sukhdev were hanged for Lahore
Conspiracy Case (1931). 39. Nehru Report (1928) proposed
Dominion Status for India.
27. Chandrashekhar Azad died in
the Alfred Park shootout (1931). 40. Purna Swaraj Resolution was
passed at the Lahore Session
28. Kakori Conspiracy (1925) was (1929) under Jawaharlal Nehru.
led by Ram Prasad Bismil &
Ashfaqulla Khan.

29. Surya Sen (Masterda) led the Civil Disobedience Movement &
Chittagong Armoury Raid (1930). Round Table Conferences

30. Bhagat Singh & Batukeshwar 41. Dandi March (March 12–April 6,
Dutt threw bombs in the Central 1930) started the Salt Satyagraha.
Legislative Assembly (1929).
42. First Round Table Conference
(1930) had no Congress
participation.
Gandhian Era (1917–1947)
43. Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
31. Gandhiji’s first Satyagraha in allowed Gandhiji to attend the
India – Champaran (1917). Second RTC (1931).
32. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) 44. Communal Award (1932)
was Gandhiji’s first hunger strike. introduced separate electorates for
33. Rowlatt Act (1919) led to the Dalits.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April
45. Poona Pact (1932) was signed
13, 1919).
between Gandhi & Ambedkar to
34. General Dyer ordered the reserve seats for Dalits.
Jallianwala Bagh firing.
46. Government of India Act (1935) 59. Direct Action Day (August 16,
introduced Provincial Autonomy. 1946) led to Calcutta Riots by
Jinnah.
47. First Congress Socialist leader –
Acharya Narendra Dev. 60. Last Viceroy of India – Lord
Mountbatten.
48. Subhash Chandra Bose was
elected Congress President in 1938
& 1939 (Tripuri Session).
Partition & Independence
49. Bose resigned and formed the
Forward Bloc (1939). 61. Mountbatten Plan (June 3,
1947) proposed partition.

62. Indian Independence Act (1947)

Quit India Movement & Post-War was passed by British Parliament.
Developments
63. India became independent on
50. Quit India Movement (1942) was August 15, 1947.
launched after the failure of Cripps
Mission. 64. Pakistan was formed on August
14, 1947.
51. "Do or Die" slogan was given by
65. First Governor-General of India
Gandhiji for Quit India.
– Lord Mountbatten.
52. Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the
Congress flag at Gowalia Tank 66. First Indian Governor-General –
(1942). C. Rajagopalachari (1948).

53. Indian National Army (INA) was

first formed by Mohan Singh & Rash Women & Tribal Revolts
Behari Bose.
67. Rani Gaidinliu led the Naga
54. Subhash Chandra Bose revived revolt against the British.
the INA in 1943 in Singapore.
68. Begum Hazrat Mahal led the
55. INA’s women regiment was revolt in Awadh (1857).
called Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
69. Sarojini Naidu was the first
56. "Delhi Chalo" & "Jai Hind" were Indian woman President of INC
slogans given by Bose. (1925).
57. Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946) 70. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
weakened British control. played a key role in the Salt
58. Cabinet Mission (1946) Satyagraha.
proposed a three-tier system for
India.
Press & Literature Key Leaders & Their
Contributions
71. "Kesari" (Marathi) & "Maratha"
(English) were newspapers by Bal 78. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad –
Gangadhar Tilak. Youngest INC President (1923),
Education Minister.
72. "Hind Swaraj" (1909) was
written by Gandhiji. 79. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel –
Unification of India (Iron Man of
73. "Gita Rahasya" was written by India).
Bal Gangadhar Tilak in jail.
80. Rajendra Prasad – First
President of India.
Miscellaneous 81. Jawaharlal Nehru – First PM,
74. First Indian to pass ICS – "Tryst with Destiny" speech.
Satyendranath Tagore (1864). 82. Bhikaji Cama – Hoisted the first
75. First Muslim President of INC – Indian flag abroad (1907, Germany).
Badruddin Tyabji (1887). 83. Veer Savarkar – Founded
76. First session of INC outside Abhinav Bharat Society.
India – Belgaum (1924, Gandhiji
84. Alluri Sitarama Raju – Led the
presided). Rampa Rebellion (1922–24).
77. Last session of INC before 85. Birsa Munda – Led the Munda
independence – Meerut (1946). Rebellion (1899–1900).
SOCIO-RELIGIOUS REFORM MOVEMENTS

Brahmo Samaj & Raja Ram 10. Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV)

Mohan Roy Schools were established to
promote Vedic education.
1. Raja Ram Mohan Roy is called
the "Father of Modern India" and
founded the Brahmo Samaj (1828).
Prarthana Samaj & Reformers
2. Brahmo Samaj opposed idol
worship, casteism, and sati— 11. Prarthana Samaj (1867) was
leading to the abolition of Sati founded by Atmaram Pandurang in
(1829). Bombay.

12. M.G. Ranade & R.G.

3. "Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin" (1804)
was written by Raja Ram Mohan Bhandarkar were key leaders of
Roy advocating monotheism. Prarthana Samaj.

4. Debendranath Tagore founded 13. Focused on women’s education,

Tattvabodhini Sabha (1839) and widow remarriage, and opposing
revitalized Brahmo Samaj. caste discrimination.

5. Keshub Chandra Sen split

Brahmo Samaj into Brahmo Samaj Ramakrishna Mission &
of India (1866). Vivekananda

14. Ramakrishna Paramahansa

Arya Samaj & Swami Dayanand emphasized universal harmony of
Saraswati religions.

6. Swami Dayanand Saraswati 15. Swami Vivekananda founded

founded Arya Samaj (1875) with the the Ramakrishna Mission (1897).
slogan "Back to the Vedas". 16. Vivekananda’s famous speech
at the World’s Parliament of
7. Arya Samaj rejected idol worship,
casteism, and child marriage. Religions (1893, Chicago).

8. "Satyarth Prakash" was written by 17. Ramakrishna Mission worked for

Dayanand Saraswati. education, healthcare, and rural
upliftment.
9. Shuddhi Movement aimed at
reconverting people to Hinduism.
Theosophical Society & Annie
Besant
18. Theosophical Society (1875, 27. Contrasted with Aligarh
New York) was founded by Madame Movement—Deoband was anti-
Blavatsky & Colonel Olcott. Western education.

19. Annie Besant popularized it in

India and started the Home Rule
Movement (1916). Sikh Reform Movements

20. Promoted ancient Hindu 28. Singh Sabha Movement (1873)

philosophies and universal aimed to purify Sikhism from Hindu
brotherhood. influences.

29. Akali Movement (1920s) fought

for control of Gurudwaras from
Aligarh Movement & Sir Syed corrupt Mahants.
Ahmed Khan
30. Shiromani Gurudwara
21. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founded Prabandhak Committee (SGPC,
the Aligarh Movement and MAO 1925) was formed after the
College (1875). movement.

22. Advocated modern education for

Muslims to counter British
discrimination. Parsi Reform Movements

23. Opposed Indian National 31. Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha

Congress initially, fearing Hindu (1851) was founded by Dadabhai
dominance. Naoroji, S.S. Bengalee.

24. "Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq" was a journal 32. Worked against Parsi orthodox

started by Sir Syed for social practices like child marriage and
reforms. priesthood dominance.

Deoband Movement & Islamic Jyotiba Phule & Satyashodhak

Reforms Samaj

25. Darul Uloom Deoband (1866) 33. Jyotiba Phule founded

was founded by Muhammad Qasim Satyashodhak Samaj (1873) for
Nanautavi & Rashid Ahmed lower caste rights.
Gangohi. 34. "Gulamgiri" (1873) by Phule
criticized caste oppression.
26. Focused on Islamic orthodoxy
and anti-British resistance. 35. Opened the first school for girls
(1848) in Pune with Savitribai Phule.
Narayana Guru & Self-Respect Temple Entry & Anti-Caste
Movement Movements

36. Sri Narayana Guru led reforms 45. Temple Entry Proclamation
in Kerala, promoting "One Caste, (1936) by Travancore King allowed
One Religion, One God". all Hindus into temples.

37. SNDP Yogam (1903) worked for 46. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led the
Ezhava community upliftment. Mahad Satyagraha (1927) for Dalit
water rights.
38. Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25)
fought for temple entry rights of 47. Harijan Sevak Sangh (1932)
lower castes. was founded by Gandhiji for Dalit
welfare.

Periyar & Dravidian Movement

Miscellaneous Reforms
39. E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar)
founded the Self-Respect 48. Radhakanta Deb founded the
Movement (1925). Dharma Sabha (1830) opposing
abolition of Sati.
40. Opposed Brahmin dominance,
casteism, and Hindi imposition. 49. Vedanta Society was founded
by Swami Vivekananda to spread
41. Justice Party (1916) later Hindu philosophy.
became the Dravidar Kazhagam
(1944). 50. Indian Social Conference (1887)
was founded by M.G. Ranade to
discuss social reforms.
Women’s Reform Movements

42. Pandita Ramabai founded Arya Key Contributions Summary

Mahila Samaj (1882) and Mukti
Mission for widows. ✅Brahmo Samaj – Women’s rights,
anti-Sati, modern education.
43. Sarla Devi Chaudhurani started
the Bharat Stree Mahamandal ✅ Arya Samaj – Vedic revival,
(1910) for women’s education. Shuddhi, anti-casteism.

44. Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain ✅ Aligarh Movement – Muslim

founded Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ modern education.
School (1909) in Bengal.
✅ Phule & Ambedkar – Anti-caste,
Dalit empowerment.

✅ Ramakrishna Mission – Social

service & spiritual unity.