Political History of Magadha

Of all the Mahajanapadas, Magadha eventually emerged as most powerful mainly because of its peculiar geographical location. It was bordered by Ganga River in North, Son River in West, Vindhya ranges in south and Champa in East. The natural barriers ..

Indian History: Notes on Jainism for UPSC Examinations

The reasons for development of new religions were as follows: The economy increasingly changed from pastoral to agro-based and importance of trade increased. Vaishyas which had third position in the Varna system provided support to both the new faiths viz. ..

Difference between Chaityas and Viharas

Viharas were for the purpose of living, Chaityas were assemblies for the purpose of discussions. Further, Chaityas were with Stupas, Viharas did not have stupas. Both early Chaityas and Viharas were made by woods and later stone-cut Chaityas and Viharas ..

Comparison of Buddhist Philosophy and Samkhya Philosophy

There are some basic points of agreement towards which both Samkhya-Yoga and Buddhism were drawn. Their approach is positive and pragmatic.  This positivistic attitude is reflected in their rejection of sacrificial ritualism, priests, God, etc. Buddha’s antipathy towards sacrifice and ..

Trikaya Doctrine of Buddhism

The Trikaya doctrine is a key Mahayana Buddhist teaching that explains the nature of Buddha as having three “bodies” or forms of manifestation. As expressed in early Buddhism, there was confusion around how Buddha could be enlightened yet still live ..

Summary of Buddha’s Teachings

The Buddhavamsa mentioned total 29 Buddhas of which 27 preceded Gautam Buddha and Maitreya is future Buddha to come. The current Kalpa has five Buddhas viz. Kakusandha, Koṇāgamana, Kassapa, Gautama and Maitreya. Buddha’s Life Gautam Buddha was born as Siddhartha. ..

Places Associated with Buddha’s Life and Buddhism

Astamahasthanas are eight great holy places associated with the life of Buddha.  These include four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha viz. Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagara and four other sites viz. Sravasti, Sankasya, Rajgir and Vaishali. ..

Vedic Era – Trivia GK

Kathopnishad deals with the dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama “Satyamev Jayate” India’s motto comes from “Mundaka Upnishad” Aitareya Brahman establishes Superiority of Brahmins. Shudra word comes in 10th Mandala of Rig-Veda, so this term also belongs to later vedic age. ..

Metals Known to Vedic People

The exact metal denoted by this word when used by itself, as always in the Rigveda, is uncertain. The most probable accepted candidate for the use of word Ayas were either Copper or Bronze. In Rigveda, Agni has been referred ..

Lopamudra

Lopamudra is also known as Kaushitaki and Varaprada, there is one hymn in the Rigveda is attributed to her. Lopamudra was created by sage Agastya with the most graceful parts of animals such as eyes of the deer etc.  She ..