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Epic

A long narrative poem recounting the deeds of heroic figures or the historical events important to a culture.

Vedas

The oldest scriptures of Hinduism, consisting of four texts: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, originally transmitted orally.

Upanishads

Ancient Indian texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism, discussing meditation, morality, and the nature of God.

Puranas

Ancient Hindu texts that encompass a wide range of topics, including mythological stories about gods and goddesses, as well as the history of the universe.

Mahabharata

An ancient Indian epic that narrates the struggle for power between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, featuring themes of duty, righteousness, and the complexity of human relationships.

Ramayana

A Sanskrit epic that tells the story of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his quest to defeat the demon king Ravana.

Silappadikaram

A Tamil epic that narrates the tragic story of Kovalan and his wife Kannagi, exploring themes of love and justice.

Manimekalai

A Tamil epic that follows the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi, discussing religious beliefs and the development of fine arts.

Kalidasa

One of the greatest playwrights of ancient India known for his works such as Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghaduta.

Stupas

Mound-like structures containing relics of the Buddha, signifying an important element of Buddhist architecture and worship.

Temple architecture

The design and construction of Hindu temples, which began to flourish during the Gupta period, including various structural components like garbhagriha, shikhara, and mandapa.

Aryabhatta

An ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the understanding of the solar system and developed methods for astronomical calculations.

Ayurveda

A traditional system of medicine originating from India, emphasizing balance in the body's systems and the use of natural remedies.

Metallurgy

The branch of science and technology concerned with the properties and production of metals, exemplified by artifacts like the Iron Pillar of Delhi.

Astronomy

The scientific study of celestial bodies, which in ancient India involved tracking planetary movements and understanding eclipses.

Mathematics

A field of study dealing with numbers, quantities, and shapes, which saw early advancements in ancient India including the decimal system and the concept of zero.