SOCIAL SCIENCE LIVE - Ideas and Early States | CLASS 9 | AEGON LEARNING #onamexam2024

Aegon Class 9・2 minutes read

The chapter discusses the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism in sixth-century India, along with the significance of the Early States of India, focusing on Magadha and the Maurya Kingdom. The text highlights the Saptanga Theory for governing a successful nation introduced by Kautilya in the book Arthashastra, and the transformative impact of King Ashoka embracing Buddhism and promoting peace and tolerance.

Insights

  • Buddhism and Jainism were two significant religious beliefs that emerged in India in the sixth century, contributing to the diverse spiritual landscape of the region.
  • The Saptanga Theory introduced by Kautilya emphasized the essential components for governing a successful nation, highlighting the importance of leadership, administration, finance, justice, fortification, allies, and territory in the Mauryan Kingdom's governance structure.

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Recent questions

  • What are the two new religious beliefs in India?

    Buddhism and Jainism

  • What were the Early States in India known for?

    Ideas and religious beliefs

  • Who founded the Maurya Kingdom?

    Chandragupta Maurya

  • What is the Saptanga Theory?

    Seven essential components for governing a country

  • What did King Ashoka promote after conquering Kalinga?

    Peace and tolerance

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Emergence of Buddhism and Jainism in India

  • The chapter discusses two new religious beliefs that emerged in India in the sixth century: Buddhism and Jainism.
  • These new ideas and religious beliefs are referred to as Ideas and Early States in the chapter.
  • The Early States in India were the first nations that existed, with 16 kingdoms known as Mahajanapadas.
  • The most powerful among the 16 Mahajanapadas was Magadha, which became strong due to fertile soil, iron ore, and elephants used in war.
  • Magadha's strength was also attributed to the Ganga River and its tributaries, which facilitated transportation of goods.
  • Kings like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru ruled Magadha, belonging to the Hariyanka and Sishunaga dynasties.
  • The Maurya Kingdom was established with Magadha as its center, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE.
  • Chandragupta Maurya's minister, Kautilya or Chanakya, wrote the book Arthashastra, which includes the Saptanga Theory for governing a country.
  • The Saptanga Theory outlines the seven essential components for a successful nation, including Swami, Amatya, Kosa, Danda, Durgam, Mitram, and Janapada.
  • The chapter concludes by encouraging students to study the second chapter on the plain vegetation inside the Himalayas and to bring friends to the next class.

18:37

Mauryan Empire: Ashoka's Peaceful Reign and Trade

  • Arthasastra is a book by Kautilya, introducing the Saptanga Theory, defining a nation's needs.
  • King Ashoka, a powerful Mauryan king, conquered Kalinga, leading to a change of heart after witnessing the devastation of war.
  • Ashoka embraced Buddhism, promoting peace and tolerance through his Ashoka Stamma program.
  • The Mauryan kings divided India into provinces, appointing governors to rule each part.
  • The Mauryan army consisted of infantry, Gajasena (elephant division), Guard Cavalry, chariots, and navy.
  • Ashoka's Dhamma emphasized respect for elders, teachers, kindness to slaves and the sick, and peaceful coexistence.
  • Trade flourished during the Mauryan era, evidenced by Punch Marked Coins and goods transported via land, sea, and rivers.
  • Sethis and Satvahakar were traders during the Mauryan period.
  • In Greece, city-states like Eden, Sparta, Corinth, and Athens emerged, with Eden known for an early form of democracy.
  • Eden's system of governance allowed citizenship for all males over 30, excluding slaves, women, artisans, and foreigners.

38:34

Early city-state: exclusive meetings for men.

  • A city-state consists of a city and surrounding agricultural villages, with the first form of Eden being a city-state where only men above 30 years of age gathered for special meetings, excluding women, slaves, and outsiders.
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