COMPLETE_INDIAN_HISTORY

Indian History Study Notes

UNIT 1: Ancient History

• Prehistoric India: Divided into Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages; major periods include Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic.

• Historical Records: Kalhana's Rajtarangini (12th Century) is noted as the first historical documentation.

• Cohesive Forces: Water cohesion and adhesion properties in biological context.

UNIT 2: Indus Valley Civilization

• Discovery: Indus cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro date back to 2500 BCE.

• Urban Planning: Well-planned streets with advanced drainage systems.

• Trade: Engaged in trade with Mesopotamia and Egypt.

• Agriculture: Wheat and barley were primary crops grown.

UNIT 3: Early Vedic and Post-Vedic Ages

• Vedic Literature: Rig Veda is a key historical source, divided into Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads.

• Aryan Invasion: Theories suggest migration around 1500 BCE, forming the basis of Vedic culture.

UNIT 4: Mauryan Empire

• Chandragupta Maurya: Founded the Mauryan dynasty and established Pataliputra as the capital.

• Ashoka the Great: Known for spreading Buddhism and the edicts he left behind promoting moral governance.

UNIT 5: Medieval History

• Delhi Sultanate: Rise of various dynasties, including Mamluk, Khalji, and Tughlaq.

• Major Events: Notable figures include Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughlaq; significant revolts like Vellore Mutiny.

UNIT 6: The Rise of Nationalism

• Indian National Congress: Established 1885; early leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

• Moderate Phase: Focus on constitutional reforms, the emergence of extremism.

UNIT 7: Gandhi's Era

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Led by Gandhi following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

• Salt March: Featured civil disobedience against British salt laws in 1930.

• Quit India Movement: Launched in 1942 demanding an end to British Rule.

UNIT 8: Post-War Developments

• Indian Independence Act (1947): Led to partition and independence.

• Gandhi's Role: Advocated for non-violence, unity among Hindus and Muslims.

• Communal Tensions: Increased stress between communities leading to divisions during partition.

UNIT 9: Revolutionary Movements

• Revolutionaries: Key figures like Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose sought independence through militancy.

• HRA and Later Groups: HRA's involvement in bombings and other revolutionary acts against British.

UNIT 10: British Colonial Policies

• Cripps Mission (1942): Aimed to garner Indian support during WWII, but failed to provide adequate autonomy.

• Government of India Act (1935): Introduced provincial autonomy and a federal system.

Additional Notes

• Maintain focus on key figures, events, and legislation for a comprehensive understanding of India’s history leading to independence.

• Understand the socio-economic, political, and religious contexts of movements for a holistic view.