(i) Indus Valley Civilization, Major Dynasties, and South Indian History
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Major Sites: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Lothal
- Urban Planning: Town planning, drainage system, granaries, public baths
- Economy: Agriculture, trade (internal and external), crafts (pottery, metallurgy, bead-making)
- Social and Cultural Life: Religion, scripts (undeciphered), seals, art (terracotta figurines, sculpture)
- Decline Theories: Aryan invasion, climate change, river course changes
- Guptas
- Founders and Rulers: Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)
- Administration: Centralized governance, provincial administration, revenue system
- Golden Age Contributions: Art (Ajanta and Ellora caves), literature (Kalidasa, Aryabhata), science (astronomy, mathematics)
- Decline: Hun invasions, weakening of central authority
- Delhi Sultans
- Dynasties: Slave dynasty (Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, Balban), Khilji dynasty (Alauddin Khilji), Tughlaq dynasty (Muhammad bin Tughlaq), Sayyid dynasty, Lodi dynasty
- Administration: Iqta system, military reforms, market control policies
- Cultural Contributions: Architecture (Qutb Minar, Alai Darwaza), literature, art
- Decline: Weak successors, Timur’s invasion, rise of regional kingdoms
- Mughals
- Establishment: Babur’s victory at the Battle of Panipat
- Notable Rulers: Akbar (policy of religious tolerance, mansabdari system), Jahangir (art and culture), Shah Jahan (Taj Mahal), Aurangzeb (expansion and religious policies)
- Administration: Centralized governance, revenue system (Zabt, Zamindari), military organization
- Cultural Achievements: Mughal architecture (Red Fort, Jama Masjid), miniature paintings, music
- Decline: Wars of succession, weakening of central authority, British intervention
- Marathas
- Rise: Shivaji’s establishment of the Maratha Empire
- Administration: Ashtapradhan council, forts and military organization
- Key Battles: Battles of Panipat, conflicts with Mughals and British
- Decline: Internal conflicts, defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat, British domination
- Age of Vijayanagaram and Bahmani Kingdoms
- Vijayanagar Empire: Founders (Harihara and Bukka), key rulers (Krishnadevaraya), administration, economy (agriculture, trade), culture (architecture, literature)
- Bahmani Kingdom: Founding, major rulers, administration, cultural contributions (Persian influence)
- Conflicts and Decline: Conflicts with Vijayanagar, emergence of Deccan Sultanates
- South Indian History
- Key Dynasties: Cholas (Rajaraja I, Rajendra I), Pandyas, Cheras, Pallavas (Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman I)
- Contributions: Temple architecture (Brihadeshwara Temple, Shore Temple), literature (Sangam poetry), maritime trade
- Social and Cultural Life: Society, economy, religion (Hinduism, Jainism)
(ii) Change and Continuity in the Socio-Cultural History of India
- Ancient to Medieval Period
- Vedic Society: Social structure, religious practices, literature (Vedas, Upanishads)
- Buddhism and Jainism: Founders (Gautama Buddha, Mahavira), teachings, spread and impact
- Persian and Greek Invasions: Influence on art, culture, administration
- Gupta Period: Hindu revival, social structure, cultural achievements
- Medieval to Modern Period
- Islamic Influence: Integration into Indian society, architecture (Qutb Minar, tombs), administration
- Bhakti and Sufi Movements: Key figures (Kabir, Guru Nanak, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), teachings, impact on society
- Mughal Rule: Social hierarchy, cultural synthesis
- Colonial Period: Western education, social reforms (Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar), cultural exchange
- Modern to Contemporary Period
- Indian Renaissance: Socio-cultural reforms (Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj), literary contributions (Rabindranath Tagore)
- Post-Independence: Cultural policies, promotion of Indian languages and arts, changes in social structure
(iii) Characteristics of Indian Culture, Unity in Diversity
- Race
- Major Racial Groups: Aryan, Dravidian, Mongoloid, Negrito
- Ethnic Diversity: Significance, impact on society and culture
- Language
- Linguistic Diversity: Major language families (Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman, Austroasiatic), languages and dialects
- Constitutional Recognition: Official languages, Eighth Schedule of the Constitution
- Role in Unity and Diversity: Cultural identity, regional languages and integration
- Custom
- Traditional Customs and Practices: Religious, social, and cultural customs
- Festivals: Hindu (Diwali, Holi), Muslim (Eid), Christian (Christmas), Sikh (Baisakhi)
- Impact of Modernization: Changes in customs and practices
- Unity in Diversity
- Factors Contributing to Unity: Geographical, cultural, religious, linguistic
- Examples: National festivals, secularism, inter-state cultural exchange
- Challenges and Measures: Addressing regionalism, communalism, promoting national integration
(iv) India as a Secular State, Social Harmony
- India as a Secular State
- Constitutional Provisions: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles
- Role in Democracy: Equal treatment of all religions, non-interference in religious practices
- Challenges and Measures: Communalism, religious intolerance, government policies to promote secularism
- Social Harmony
- Importance: Cohesion in a diverse society, peaceful coexistence
- Government and Non-Government Initiatives: Schemes and programs, NGOs, community initiatives
- Role of Education, Media, and Civil Society: Promoting awareness, tolerance, interfaith dialogue
- Addressing Social Issues: Caste discrimination, regionalism, communalism
