History Questions and Answers

The emperor Ashoka belonged to the Maurya Dynasty. He was the third emperor of the dynasty.  Ashoka ruled in the period of 268 BCE to 232 BCE in the third century. Initially, his nature was that of an expansionist. In the quest of expanding Mauryan Empire, he made a military conquest in Kalinga which resulted into countless loss of life and human suffering. Historians christen this war as the bloody Kalinga War. But, that war transformed Ashoka completely. Seeing the blood bath all around, affected Ashoka immensely. Soon he resolved to shun the root of violence to assert authority on kingdoms and embraced Buddhism.

Saka era, also known as the Shaka Era, is hailed as one of the most important historical calendars that began in 78 A.D. The Saka kings, who were originally the tribes of Central Asia,  had established this era. The Sakas became successful in establishing their own dynasties across the length and breadth of India. However, they were mainly found in the north-west region, particularly present-day Gujarat and Rajasthan. The first victory of these rulers is known to be the victory of the Kshatrapa king, Rudradaman I over the Western Kshatrapas. This victory paved the way for the Sakas to consolidate their power.

Bimbisara was the best representative of the Magadh-period political system. Almost everything that was done to expand and strengthen the Magadh Kingdom and  help people live peacefully, was done during his reign. Being born in 6th century BCE, he was the first Maharaja of Haryanka dynasty. Some rulers believed that overall development was associated with the Maurya dynasty, but in fact, it had originally started in Bimbisara's reign. Through intermarriage, Bimbisara was able to make diplomatic connections, where he as a king was able to marry off his daughter to King Prasenajit son. Bimbisara was the supporter of the important religions of that time —Jainism and Buddhism. This person is said to have encouraged the teachings of Buddha and was related to Gautama Buddha as he provided him with shelter during his journeys.

In Vedic tradition, there are four Vedas. Among all these Vedas, Rigveda happens to be the oldest Veda. The importance of Rigveda can be easily understood from the single fact that it has got the distinction of being the most revered and oldest book in the world. It is a collection of liturgical hymns and poems which is the starting point of Vedic literature. It is part of the big category of Hindu holy books called Vedas and has some of the deepest teachings and practices of the spiritual world.

The Rigveda, a word of reverence and oldest existing document in the world, is a collection of liturgical hymns and poems which is considered as the beginning of Vedic literature. Among the ocean of hymns in Rigveda, Gayatri Mantra happens to be the most popular formula in Hinduism. The followers of this mantra chant Gayatri chant very often.

The Battle of Ten Kings, popularly known as Dasarajna, is one of the most important events mentioned in the Rigveda. This battle is known to be mentioned in the 7th Mandala(Book 7), Hymn 18 of Rigveda. The Dasarajna war took place along the Ravi River in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent over the control of the region. In the opinions of historians, this battle is the earliest in the recorded history of mankind.  The narration of this conflict plays a significant role in understanding the political and social dynamics of ancient Indian civilization.

This battle is believed to be a conflict between the Bharata tribe, led by Sudas and an association of ten tribes. The Druhyus, the Purus and the Druhyus were the main tribes of this coalition.

Guru Ram Das is recognized for laying the foundation for the entire city called Amritsar. He happened to be one among the spiritual giants and a vital face in developing Sikhism and its fold at the end of the 16th century, i.e in 1581. Guru Ram Das had this vision in his mind, a place for worship where people could converge for purposes of spirituality and community. The foundation lectures of the Amritsar were deposited conversant with what was soon going to be known as "Amrit Sarovar" or the "Pool of Nectar" after which genesis got the name of the city.

The development of Amritsar very much marked the people's history in Sikh. Guru Ram Das had this dream of a place where people would meet, irrespective of which caste or religion one belongs to, in true peace and solidarity. The city grew very soon into the heart of Sikh spirituality and culture.

The famous Sufi saint of India Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya was born in the town of Badayun in the present state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Born in 1238 CE, his life later went on to make a significant difference in the spiritual and cultural scenario of the subcontinent.

Though born in Badayun, Sheikh Nizamuddin spent a large part of his life in Delhi, where he grew in spiritual influence. The house where he dwelled and died in Delhi is the Nizamuddin Dargah, which still thrives to this day as a pilgrimage and destination for visitors seeking blessings and peace. These places had a very special role during Sheikh Nizamuddin's birth, his birthplace Badayun would have been significant in instilling early experiences in him.

The ancient city of Vallabhi, the capital of Maitraka rulers, is now situated in present-day Gujarat state in India. It was at the heart of an important dynasty ruling over Saurashtra between the 6th-8th centuries CE. This city was a center for culture, polity, and economics during the heyday of these rulers. It was under the Maitrakas that Vallabhi flourished as a great center of trade and commerce, thanks to its location close to the Arabian sea. This city was known for its competent craftsmen and bustling markets and for its glorious cultural life. Vallabhi became a great center of learning and faith with many Buddhist and Jain scholars, the dynasty gaining the reputation of being particular in the patronage of different religious and intellectual movements, making Vallabhi a city of great influence on culture and spirituality.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar laid the foundation for the Independent Labour Party in the year 1936. More so, he was the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. This political party registered a significant milestone in Dr. Ambedkar's quest for the social, economic, and political rights of the communities just as much marginalized, particularly those belonging to the Dalit castes (previously referred to as 'untouchables').

Dr. Ambedkar was filled with a mix of emotions when he decided to form the Independent Labour Party, for at that time he happened to be severely aggrieved with the condition of life lived by the oppressed classes of India. Working within the framework of both Indian National Congress and other bodies, Ambedkar yet felt that their activities did not sufficiently cover those of the Dalits or laborers and retreated to further agitate for the needs of these much ignored communities suffering under the aegis of Hindus of upper cast.

In 1938, when Subhas Chandra Bose was the president of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), he appointed the National Planning Committee (NPC). Such an effort was significant against the backdrop of India's struggle for independence, as it emphasized planning for India's economic future, particularly after emancipation from British colonial rule.

He further propounded the idea that political freedom would never be given without economic independence, and considered economic planning as the lifeblood of a country's development. India's economy at that time was predominantly agrarian and backward, with little industrial growth, but mostly conditioned by British colonial policies of the time that did not cater to the needs of India, but rather to interests from Britain. A true believer of socialism, Bose had a vision of India, which would be built economically in a manner that it would serve all its citizens, especially the economically backward sections.