Thursday, May 23, 2024

Ancient Indian history

#ancientindianhistory #NandaDynasty #Maurya #Magadha #aseevagam #AJIVIKA
The Transition from the Vedic Period to the Sramana Movement and the Historical Focus on Magadha
The End of the Vedic Period and the Beginning of the Sramana Movement
The period around 600 BCE marks a significant transition in Indian history from the Vedic period to the rise of the Sramana (or Samana) movement. The Vedic period, characterized by the composition of the Vedas and the predominance of Brahmanical rituals, gave way to the emergence of various heterodox sects that challenged the established religious order. The Sramana movement included influential traditions such as Jainism, Buddhism, and Aseevagam, which emphasized asceticism, non-violence, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The Sixteen Mahajanapadas and Their Consolidation
Initially, the Indian subcontinent was divided into sixteen major kingdoms known as the Mahajanapadas. These were significant political and cultural centers, including:
1. Anga
2. Magadha
3. Kashi
4. Kosala
5. Vajji (or Vriji)
6. Malla
7. Chedi
8. Vatsa (or Vamsa)
9. Kuru
10. Panchala
11. Matsya (or Machcha)
12. Shurasena
13. Assaka (or Asmaka)
14. Avanti
15. Gandhara
16. Kamboja
Over time, these kingdoms underwent a process of consolidation, resulting in the prominence of four main kingdoms: Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala, and Magadha. Among these, Magadha emerged as the most powerful and historically significant, eventually giving rise to the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.
The Historical Focus on Magadha
The prominence of Magadha in historical texts and studies is largely due to its significant political, cultural, and economic influence. Several factors contributed to Magadha's dominance:
1. Geopolitical Position: Magadha's location in the fertile Gangetic plains and control over key trade routes contributed to its economic prosperity and political power.
2. Influential Rulers: Magadha produced some of the most notable rulers in Indian history, including Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Chandragupta Maurya, and Ashoka the Great.
3. Religious Significance: Magadha was a crucial center for the Sramana movement. Both Buddhism and Jainism found strong footholds here, with Buddha and Mahavira spending significant periods in the region.
Due to these factors, historical narratives have often centered on Magadha, overshadowing other contemporary kingdoms.
The Forgotten South Indian Dynasties
Historical narratives have frequently focused on North Indian dynasties and kingdoms, often neglecting the rich history of South Indian dynasties. This oversight has resulted in a limited understanding of the full spectrum of Indian history.
Prominent South Indian Dynasties:
1. Cholas: Known for their remarkable naval power and contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
2. Pandyas: One of the oldest South Indian dynasties, with significant influence in Tamil culture and history.
3. Cheras: Played a crucial role in the spice trade and maintained extensive trade links with the Roman Empire.
4. Satavahanas: Acted as a bridge between North and South India, contributing to the cultural and economic exchange.
The Division of the World into 56 Nations
In ancient Indian cosmology and geography, the world was often conceptualized as being divided into 56 regions or nations. This division is symbolic and reflects the extensive knowledge and interactions ancient Indians had with various cultures and regions beyond their immediate surroundings. These 56 nations included not only the well-known kingdoms and empires of the Indian subcontinent but also extended to regions interacting through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange.
The transition from the Vedic period to the Sramana movement marked a pivotal change in Indian religious and philosophical thought, influencing the course of history. While Magadha’s dominance is well-documented due to its significant contributions to Indian culture and politics, the historical narrative has often marginalized other regions, particularly South Indian dynasties. Recognizing the contributions of these dynasties provides a more comprehensive understanding of India's rich and diverse historical tapestry. This broader perspective is essential for appreciating the complex and interconnected nature of ancient Indian civilization and its influence on the world.
The Historical and Cultural Tapestry of the Mauryan and Nanda Dynasties
The intricate history of the Mauryan dynasty and its connections to the Nanda dynasty reveals a rich tapestry of political shifts, familial ties, and philosophical influences that shaped ancient India. This narrative highlights how these dynasties were influenced by both Brahmanism and Samanam (which includes Jainism, Buddhism, and Aseevagam), and how these influences continued to affect their rule and legacy.
The Rise of Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, rose to power with the strategic guidance of his mentor Chanakya (also known as Kautilya). Together, they overthrew the Nanda dynasty, which was known for its immense wealth and power but also for its oppressive rule.
Blood Relations Between the Nanda and Mauryan Dynasties
Historical accounts suggest that Chandragupta Maurya had familial ties to the Nanda dynasty. According to some sources, Chandragupta was a son of one of the Nanda king's brothers, indicating that the Mauryan takeover was not a complete break from the Nanda lineage but rather a shift within the same extended family. This implies a blood relationship between the Nanda and Mauryan dynasties, demonstrating that the transition of power was a continuation with new leadership.
Religious Influences: Brahmanism and Samanam
The period was marked by significant religious diversity and philosophical evolution. The term Samanam encompasses Jainism, Buddhism, and Aseevagam, all of which emphasized non-violence, asceticism, and spiritual liberation.
Chandragupta Maurya's Conversion:
Although initially influenced by the Brahmin Chanakya and Brahmanism, Chandragupta eventually embraced Jainism. According to Jain traditions, he abdicated his throne, became a Jain monk, and spent his final years in Karnataka, adhering to rigorous ascetic practices.
Ashoka the Great:
Chandragupta’s grandson, Ashoka the Great, is renowned for his profound impact on Indian history. Ashoka's mother was a follower of Aseevagam, which influenced his compassionate policies. After the devastating Kalinga War, Ashoka converted to Buddhism, promoting non-violence and compassion. His reign saw the establishment of veterinary clinics and the abolition of animal sacrifice, reflecting his commitment to Buddhist and Aseevagam principles.
Ashoka's administration was marked by his efforts to integrate and respect various religious traditions.
He established four capitals, each representing one of the major religious traditions:
1. Pataliputra (Brahmanism)
2. Sarnath (Buddhism)
3. Vaishali (Jainism)
4. Sankisa (Aseevagam)
These capitals symbolized his inclusive approach and recognition of the diverse spiritual landscape of his empire. The symbols of these four traditions are represented in India's national emblem, showcasing their lasting legacy.
Linguistic Connection: The Tamil Word "Nandan"
The term "Nandan" in Tamil, meaning "son," is similar to "Kumaran," which also means "son" in Tamil. This linguistic connection suggests a cultural overlap and shared familial terminology across different regions and dynasties in ancient India. The use of the term "Nandan" reflects the Tamil influence and linguistic practices prevalent during these periods.
Nanda’s earlier dynasty was Shisunaga -which translates as child or son of nagas.
The intricate relationship between the Nanda and Mauryan dynasties illustrates a complex web of familial ties, political strategies, and cultural exchanges. Chandragupta Maurya’s rise to power, facilitated by Chanakya, marked the beginning of the Mauryan dynasty, which maintained certain continuities with the Nanda rule due to their blood relationship.
The religious landscape of the time was equally complex, with significant influences from both Brahmanism and Samanam (Jainism, Buddhism, and Aseevagam). Chandragupta's eventual conversion to Jainism and Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism and Aseevagam principles highlight the dynamic interplay of religious philosophies that shaped the governance and cultural ethos of the Mauryan Empire.
This historical narrative underscores the rich tapestry of ancient Indian history, where dynastic politics, religious evolution, and cultural interconnections played pivotal roles in shaping the subcontinent's legacy.
Surendran R

In Pursuit of Truth

IN PURSUIT OF TRUTH


b1
What is Truth? Is it something which can be proved like a scientific experiment or is it a very subjective thing.? Is there a God? True or False Do you believe there is only one God.? b4 
Truth is not something that can be proved like a scientific experiment, it can only be felt,it can be seen by the inner eye. Perceiving truth is a very personal experience. The spiritual masters, yogis and people with pure heart and pure conscience can know the truth. Ask a politician or a greedy businessman to go near such yogis and the yogis can read them inside out, they can see their nakedness, know their various drama’s. 
We call man a social animal. In the animal kingdom there are so many animals living in groups. The lions,elephants,hyenas etc., There have their own group rivalry but you find them that they don’t kill their own kinds. 
Man is the only social animal who kill and torture their own breeds. 
The major conflicts in today’s as well as yesterday’s world were in connection with the possessions.The day that man started possessing, conflicts arose. Land, Gold and women are the major possessions and when we look at the history, these were the chief reasons for war and conflicts. Let us take a leaf out of some of the greatest epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana, Iliad and Odyssey. In Mahabharata the fight was for the possession of the land. In Ramayana the fight was for possessing Sita. In Iliad the fight was for possessing ‘Helen’ of ‘Troy’. Even among these epics we find many parts of Homer’s work were copied from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The truth is ‘Homer’ was a great copy cat.
 Some of the greatest liars were the presidents and prime minister’s of various countries. In recent years George W Bush and Tony Blair lied to the world about the weapons of mass destruction being possessed by Iraq. 
Using this super lie they went and conquered Iraq. 
The USA had been hunting for Osama bin Laden. The Pakistan’s Army chief and other politicians denied and lied to the world that Osama is somewhere in the Afghan caves or Sudan and finally when he was killed the whole world came to know the truth. One of the super lie is ” Slavery is non existent in today’s world” All the rich and super powers control the world.In order to keep the themselves rich and powerful they appoint their stooges as heads of states of different countries. If they find real men llike Saddam Hussein or Muammar Qaddafi they will bend all rules, topple their government, kill them and enslave their countries.
 The truth is all blue collar and white collar workers are the modern day slaves to the super powers. 
There is a uncanny methodology by which they operate. They will claim as if they are the chief upholders of human justice and human rights. They will not involve themselves directly but they will supply all kinds of machinery, equipments and weapons to mercenaries and other militias to topple the governments. They think they are the upholders of the ‘Dharma’ and it is their moral duty to fight the evil. 
But the truth is, they are controlling the world’s media and the world is in flames because of few men’s greed. 
Today the greedy men are exploring the space and the planets. He is exploring the Arctic and the Antarctic region to find precious metals and fossil fuels, so that he can trade more,make money and remain as a super power. Some mantra are coined by these powers and those are Globalization,Liberalization and Privatization. Very soon all these concepts has to go. These Super powers must understand the concept of Level-playing field. It will be difficult and odd to so many countries to compete in these race against the superior technological advances of these countries. It is like a healthy man running against the handicaps.
 The real truth is life on earth is for man to experience trial and tribulation.
You are left out in this complex world and someone is recording your every move, every act and every thought. Just imagine ‘National Security Agency’ of the USA can snoop over every email and telephonic conversation. Imagine ‘What God can do?’ b3
 If you truly believe in God and if you believe that he is omnipresent, omniscience and omnipotent the man’s lies, his debauchery, greed will have to be answered. The real truth is there is life after physical death. To reach after the life after death,one has to pass the test of God. If you had secured the pass mark, you will be taken to his kingdom. If you fail then you will be born again in this earth, that’s how few good men leave us and never come back and multitude of bad men are born again creating a hell on earth. The truth is every man has to surrender unto God and search for the truth within
. b5 Only one thing that can lead men for the pursuit of Truth and that is “Meditation” When the whole world meditates, we will have a brand new world, a meditative world, a peaceful world, a beautiful world, a creative world, a heaven, a paradise. b2