☸️ Chapter 04 · Ancient India · Indian History
Mahajanapadas, Jainism & Buddhism
16 Mahajanapadas, rise of Magadha; teachings of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha — complete UPSC & PSC notes.
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Sub-Topics
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Practice MCQs
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PYQs
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📌 What You Will Learn in This Chapter
✅ 16 Mahajanapadas — names, capitals, locations
✅ Rise of Magadha — Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Nanda dynasty
✅ Jainism — 24 Tirthankaras, Mahavira’s life & Triratna
✅ Buddhism — Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Nirvana
✅ Four Buddhist Councils & spread of Buddhism
✅ Jain & Buddhist art — stupas, viharas, chaityas
📚 Chapter Sub-Topics — Click to Read
Topic 01
16 Mahajanapadas & Rise of Magadha
16 Mahajanapadas, Magadha’s rise under Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Nanda dynasty — political history.
Topic 02
Jainism — Mahavira & Teachings
24 Tirthankaras, Mahavira’s life, Triratna, Anekantavada, Ahimsa, Jain sects — Digambara vs Shvetambara.
Topic 03
Buddhism — Gautama Buddha & Teachings
Life of Buddha, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Nirvana, Buddhist councils, spread of Buddhism.
Topic 04
Buddhist Councils & Spread of Buddhism
Four Buddhist councils, Ashoka’s role, spread to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Central Asia.
Topic 05
Jain & Buddhist Art & Architecture
Stupas, viharas, chaityas, Sanchi Stupa, Ajanta-Ellora, Jain temples — art and architecture.
Topic 06
Comparison & Quick Revision
Jainism vs Buddhism comparison table, key facts, complete chapter revision checklist.
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