History (Building, Painting and Books) Part - 1

Iron Pillar at Mehrauli
- Composition and craftsmanship
- Inscription referring to King Chandra
- Corrosion resistance and scientific studies
- Cultural and religious significance of metalworking

Stupas
- Great Stupa at Sanchi: History and evolution
- Components: Anda (dome), Harmika, Chhatri (umbrella), Toranas (gateways)
- Relic casket within stupas
- Pradakshina patha: Circumambulation path
- Influence of rulers on stupa design (Ashoka, Mauryan dynasty)
Hindu Temples
- Garbhagriha: The inner sanctum
- Shikhara: Tower above the sanctum
- Mandapa: Assembly hall
- Early Hindu temples: Bhitargaon temple (brick and stone construction)
- Development of temple architecture across regions
Monolithic Temples
- Mahabalipuram: Temples carved out of single stones
- Influence of Dravidian architecture and Pallava dynasty
Cave Architecture
- Ajanta Caves: Buddhist monasteries and detailed paintings
- Ellora Caves: Blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jaina rock-cut architecture

Ajanta Cave Paintings
- Depiction of stories from the Jatakas (Buddha’s previous lives)
- Use of natural pigments and techniques
- Themes: Buddhist religious narratives, everyday life, divine imagery
- Artistic significance and cultural impact on later Indian art
Sanchi Carvings
- Depictions on toranas (gateways) of Buddhist symbols, religious narratives
- Integration of local cultural traditions into Buddhist art

Sanskrit Epics
- Ramayana
  - Composed by Valmiki
  - Story of Rama’s exile and battle with Ravana
  - Key themes: Dharma, duty, and divine intervention
- Mahabharata
  - Composed by Vyasa
  - Story of the Kauravas and Pandavas, the battle of Kurukshetra
  - Key sections: Bhagavad Gita (dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna)
  - Ethical dilemmas and complex character motivations
Tamil Epics
- Silappadikaram
  - Composed by Ilango
  - Story of Kannagi and her quest for justice after her husband’s wrongful death
  - Combination of historical events and mythology
- Manimekalai
  - Composed by Sattanar
  - Story of Kovalan and Madhavi’s daughter, Manimekalai
  - Continuation of the narrative from Silappadikaram
Panchatantra
- Collection of moral fables using animals as characters
- Spread and influence of stories across cultures
Jatakas
- Stories depicting the previous lives of Buddha
- Often depicted in art, especially at Buddhist religious sites
Meghaduta by Kalidasa
- Sanskrit poem depicting a cloud as a messenger between separated lovers
- Reflection of human emotions through nature
- Classical Sanskrit poetry and its emphasis on natural metaphors

Aryabhata’s Contributions
- Astronomy: Explanation of eclipses, Earth’s rotation causing day and night
- Mathematics: Near-accurate calculation of the circumference of the Earth, introduction of zero
Sushruta Samhita
- Foundational text on surgery and medicine
- Detailed descriptions of surgical techniques and procedures
- Influence on ancient and modern medical practices
Charaka Samhita
- Text on medicine and Ayurveda
- Contributions to the development of Indian medicine

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