Unit 5: India in the 300 BCE

Table of Contents

Note on the Unit Title: The syllabus title is "India in the 300 BCE," but the topics cover the period from the 6th Century BCE to the 4th Century BCE (approx. 600-300 BCE). This period is a major turning point in Indian history.

1. Introduction (The 6th Century BCE)

The 6th Century BCE was an age of incredible social, political, and religious ferment. It is often called the "Second Urbanisation" in Indian history (the first being the IVC).

Key developments of this era:

2. Emergence of Mahajanpada, Rise of Magadha

i) Emergence of Mahajanapada

ii) Rise of Magadha

Out of the 16 Mahajanapadas, the kingdom of Magadha (in modern-day Bihar) eventually emerged as the most powerful, laying the foundation for India's first great empire.

Reasons for Magadha's Success:

  1. Economic: Vastly fertile plains (Ganga valley) and rich iron ore deposits (near Rajgir) which were used for better weapons and ploughs.
  2. Geographic: Its capitals were strategic. Rajgir was surrounded by five hills (natural fort). Pataliputra (later) was a "water fort" (Jaladurga) at the confluence of four rivers (Ganga, Son, Gandak, Ghaghra), controlling communication.
  3. Military: They were the first to use elephants on a large scale in warfare.
  4. Political: A succession of ambitious and ruthless rulers.
    • Haryanka Dynasty: Bimbisara (used matrimonial alliances to expand) and his son Ajatashatru (waged war to conquer Kosala and the Vajji republic).
    • Shishunaga Dynasty: Defeated the powerful Avanti kingdom.
    • Nanda Dynasty: Founded by Mahapadma Nanda, often called the "first empire builder of India." He defeated all remaining Kshatriya kingdoms. The last Nanda ruler, Dhana Nanda, was unpopular and was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya (who founded the Mauryan Empire, which begins our next paper).

3. Buddhism and Jainism

These were the two most prominent movements that arose in the 6th Century BCE against the old Vedic religion. They were both led by Kshatriya princes.

i) Jainism: Life & Teachings of Mahavira

ii) Buddhism: Life & Teachings of Gautama Buddha

Comparing Buddhism & Jainism:
Similarities: Both were Kshatriya princes, rejected Vedas/caste/rituals, believed in Karma/rebirth, and taught in common languages (Pali/Prakrit).
Differences: Jainism's concept of Ahimsa is far more extreme. Buddhism emphasizes the Middle Path, while Jainism advocates for strict austerity.

4. Alexander's Campaign in India

(327 BCE – 325 BCE)

In the 4th Century BCE, while Magadha was rising in the east, the northwest of India (Punjab region) was politically fragmented into many small, warring kingdoms.

The Invasion:

Effects of Alexander's Campaign:

  1. Political: By destroying the small kingdoms in the northwest, Alexander's invasion paved the way for political unification. Chandragupta Maurya took advantage of this power vacuum to conquer the region and establish the Mauryan Empire.
  2. Cultural (Indo-Greek Contact): It opened the first direct line of contact between India and Europe (Greece). This led to a fusion of cultures, most clearly seen later in the Gandhara School of Art (Greco-Buddhist art).
  3. Historical: It gave Indian history its first "anchor date." The date of the invasion (326 BCE) is a firm, known date in Greek records, which helps us date all other events in relation to it.

5. Exam Corner

Short Note: "Rise of Magadha" Short Note: "Alexander's Invasion" Long Question: "What were the main causes for the rise of new religious movements in the 6th Century BCE? Discuss the main teachings of Buddhism."