Classical to Post-Classical India

Flashcards covering the shift in culture and politics in India from the classical to post-classical era.

Gupta Empire

One of the last large-scale empires fully controlled by native Indian rulers.

Hinduism

The dominant religion in Classical India, though Buddhism and other religions like Jainism were also practiced.

Post-Classical India

After the decline of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century, India fragmented into smaller regional kingdoms that continued to develop local culture and trade, leaving northern India vulnerable to outside invasions and new forms of rule.

Brahmins

Priests

Kshatriyas

Kings, Rulers, Warriors

Vaisyas

Merchants, Craftsmen, Landowners, Skilled Workers

Sudra

Farm Workers, Unskilled Workers, Servants

Dalits (Untouchables)

Street Sweepers, Human/Animal Waste Removers, Dead Body Handlers, Outcastes

Bhakti Reform Movement

Religious & social reform movement around a few specific Hindu gods that prioritized an individual-focused path to spirituality, regardless of one’s birth or gender from 7th-17th century CE

Bhakti Reform Movement

Movement that contributed to the rise of vernacular literature, as many of the movement’s saints taught and wrote in regional languages rather than Sanskrit.

Bhakti

"Love & Devotion"

Rajput Kingdoms

Muslim garrisons controlled the major towns and cities; the countryside was in control of the Hindus.