Encyclopaedia on India

In ancient India, the philosophical constructs that shaped societal norms and political governance were profound. Central to this discourse was the concept of Dharma, a guiding principle that dictated the moral and ethical duties of individuals, particularly kings. The king, as the embodiment of Rajadharma , was perceived as the protector of Dharma, charged with the responsibility to promote virtues such as goodness and religiousness among his subjects. This philosophical framework mandated that the ruler extend equal patronage to all religions, fostering a climate of inclusivity and mutual respect. The king's adherence to Dharma was not merely a personal commitment but a societal expectation, enforced through appointed officers known as dharmamahamatras and vinayasthitisthapakas. These officials played vital roles in monitoring the king's actions and ensuring that the principles of morality and justice permeated the social order. The king’s life was thus envisaged as one of...

Ujjain, often referred to as the "City of Temples," is one of India’s oldest cities, located in the Malwa Plateau Region of Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the eastern bank of the Shipra River, this historic city serves as the administrative center of the Ujjain District and Division. With its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance, Ujjain holds a special place in India’s historical narrative. Historical Significance The history of Ujjain traces back to ancient times, with references found in Hindu mythology and texts. The city became a prominent temple town as early as the Iron Age, rooted in an agrarian society. Around the 5th century BC, it transformed into a vital center for administration and politics. Ujjain was ruled by several dynasties, including the Haihayas, Mauryas, Satvahanas, Guptas, and Paramaras, showcasing a rich tapestry of governance through the ages. In the medieval period, it fell under the control of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughals. ...

The coins of the Pratihara Empire, particularly those associated with the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, represent a significant stage in the evolution of currency in early medieval India. This extensive period, approximately between AD 600 and 1000, is characterized by an elaborate and well-regulated currency system that arose in response to agricultural revenues and military needs. Inscriptional evidence indicates that there was a systematic approach to currency regulation, ensuring the Pratihara coins remained in circulation for an extraordinary duration. The longevity of the Pratihara coinage is remarkable; it reflects a vibrant economy where currency served not only local transactions but also facilitated trade with external markets. Coins from this era show a notable survival rate, suggesting that the volume of exchange transactions was substantial, potentially surpassing that of previous periods, including the Gupta era. Archaeological findings corroborate that the circulation of ...

Panchala, located in the Ganges-Yamuna Doab within the upper Gangetic plain of South Asia, was a powerful state that greatly influenced ancient India’s political landscape. It rose to prominence during the Vedic period, emerging as the second major political center after the Kuru Kingdom. The region was a hub of cultural and educational progress, home to notable Vedic schools such as the Shaunaka and Taittiriya traditions. During the Vedic era, Panchala was characterized by the presence of five notable clans: the Krivis, Turvashas, Keshins, Srinjayas, and Somakas. These clans played a pivotal role in both governance and military endeavours, with historical texts like the Mahabharata and the   Puranas documenting their contributions. The most illustrious member of the Somaka clan was King Drupada, whose daughter, Draupadi, became an essential figure in the epic narrative through her marriage to the Pandavas. This period ultimately reflected the dynamism of Panchala, which thrived...

The Murundas, a tribe of intriguing provenance, are believed to have emerged as a foreign influence in India, particularly during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. Primarily settled towards the east of the Ganges, they played a substantial role in the historical tapestry of the Utkal region, which corresponds to modern-day Odisha. The Murunda dynasty is thought to have succeeded the Mahameghavahana dynasty , creating a notable period of governance until their eventual supersession by the Nagas of Vindhyatabi and the Gupta Empire. Geographically, the Murundas emphasized their presence across six critical cities: Boraita, Koryagaza, Kondota, Kelyana, Aganagora, and Talarga. Their influence extended over the Chota-Nagpur plateau and parts of Central India, marking their significance in ancient Indian polity. The Vishnu Purana references the Murundas, associating them with a lineage of eleven princes who succeeded the Tusharas or Tokhari, further establishing their historical presence. Addi...

The Jnatrkas tribe, also recognized as the Natha or Naya clan, holds profound historical significance in the Indian subcontinent, primarily due to its connection with Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. Mahavira, known as the last Tirthankara of the Jains, emerged from this tribe and made substantial contributions to religious reform, establishing Jainism as one of the major religions in India. Settling in regions such as Vaishali, Kundagrama, and its suburb Kollaga, the Jnatrkas cultivated a lifestyle characterized by ethical adherence and spiritual discipline. They were known for their profound fear of sin, which motivated them to abstain from wicked deeds and refrain from causing harm to any living being. Consequently, the Jnatrkas practiced vegetarianism, aligning their dietary choices with their moral philosophy. The Jnatrkas also housed a religious establishment known as Duipalasa, located outside their settlement at Kollaga, which reflects their commitment to spiritual practi...

  The Daradas were a prominent tribe from the north-western part of ancient India, particularly associated with the region that encompasses parts of modern-day Kashmir. Historical texts, including the Mahabharata, articulate the involvement of the Daradas in significant military conflicts, notably their alliance with the Kauravas during the great Kurukshetra War. The Mahabharata describes their defeat at the hands of Vasudeva Krishna, who led an alliance against the Kauravas that included various tribes such as the Khasas, Sakas, Yavanas, Trigarttas, and Malavas. This indicates the strategic importance of the Daradas in the political and military landscape of their time. Epic and Puranic traditions suggest that the Daradas occupied the north-west frontier of Kashmir, illustrating their geographical and cultural significance within the region. Their historical relevance is further underscored by various names attributed to them, including Dardae and Derdai, reflecting their integr...