India Classical Period (700BCE-200BCE) â€“ Introduction

India Classical Period (700BCE-200BCE) â€“ Introduction

Bijoy Misra
03/17/2021

India Classical Period (700BCE-200BCE) â€“ Introduction

The post-vedic Classical Period in India was path-breaking in Indian culture in its analytic depth. It began a process of comprehensive codification of empirical and scientific knowledge in all disciplines. While the compilation of ritual procedures was completed through the BrAhmaNa literature, massive texts of mathematics and geometry were compiled from the astronomical observations. Rules for the operation of the family in society, economics and social conduct were coded through the Dharmashastra. Rules of administration and jurisprudence were compiled through the Arthashastra. The first formal grammar was compiled to help formalize Sanskrit language (Figure 1.). The coded documentation of the musical features in prosody resulted in the unique chhandashastra. The drama and the performance features in music, dance and theater were coded and compiled.

Figure. 1 Panini, the first formal grammarian of the World, fifth century BCE.

The period saw the consolidation of two grassroot belief systems which operated independently of the Vedic belief system. Theory of a self-contained universe was propounded by Mahavira and gave rise to Jainism. The power of healing through acceptance was preached by the Buddha resulting in the massive popularity of Buddhism Figure 2.

Figure 2. The Buddhaâ€™s sermon at Sarnath (from the Wikipedia), stone carving 3rd century BCE

Politically, the north India was governed as a complete State divided in urban centers called janapadas. South India developed a material culture based on agriculture and trade. The country was opulent. Large residential universities attracted students all around the world. Much of the original research in mathematics, astronomy and the health sciences developed in the period. Indiaâ€™s prominence attracted invasions by Alexander from Greece. He was followed by followed by the Huns and the Sakas.

Iron technology developed with the invention of the production technique of rust-free iron. Stone carvings created monuments and cave palaces (Fig 3). Stone inscriptions were created giving rise to the development of formal script. High end industrial products in silk, gold and ivory dominated the export trade.

Figure 3. Ashokaâ€™s lion emblem (3rd century BCE), adopted by Modern India.

Ayurvedic therapy and treatment reached new heights with massive compilation of diseases, symptoms and remedies Surgical procedures were prescribed and performed. People were generally happy and the country was peaceful.

Dr. Bijoy Misra serves as the President of India Discovery Center and compiles the project on "Evolution of Indian Culture: Pre-history to 1947AD"

More information and updates on the project are available at https://www.facebook.com/Evolution-of-Indian-Culture-An-IDC-Project-107749391111922

More information on India Discovery Center is available at https://www.indiadiscoverycenter.org

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