Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

Originally a follower of Jainism and known as Bitti Deva, he came under the influence of the Hindu philosopher Ramanujacharya, converted to Hindu Vaishnavism and took the name "Vishnuvardhana".

• Vishnuvardhana was originally a follower of Jainism and known as Bitti Deva.
• Later, he came under the influence of the Hindu philosopher Ramanujacharya, converted to Hindu Vaishnavism and took the name "Vishnuvardhana".

Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, attained enlightenment while meditating under a sacred fig tree, known as the Bodhi tree or Peepal tree, in Bodh Gaya.

The Upanishads often describe the Earth and the universe as manifestations of the divine or supernatural reality (Brahman), rather than just physical elements.

Many social evils like the denial of equal opportunity and exploitation prevailed in Kerala due to rigid caste hierarchy. Discrimination was apparent in clothing, occupation, dwellings, language and even names. Women were denied equal opportunities. It is this social condition that prompted Swami Vivekananda to describe Kerala as a 'lunatic asylum'.

Evil customs and practices existed in all parts of India and the social reform movements that were organized to eradicate them. Vaikunta Swamikal was one of the earlier social reformers in Kerala. He was born at Shastamkoyil in Kanyakumari.

During that period, the Avarnas (lower caste people) were prohibited from drawing water from the wells used by the Savarnas (upper caste people). Vaikunta Swamikal challenged this social abuse by digging wells, which were free for use by everyone irrespective of caste. He also began the practice of inter-dining (Samapanthibhojanam) where people collected and cooked rice, cereals and vegetables and dined together, irrespective of their caste.

Sree Narayana Guru was one of the social reformers in Kerala. Elimination of the caste system was the primary aim of Guru's social activities. He toiled for communal harmony. The declaration of Guru that the caste of humanity is being humane, created new waves in the society. His aim was to mould the society into a civilized one.
The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam was founded in 1903 to propagate the teachings of Guru.

Chalukyas of Badami was the earliest Chalukyan Empire founded by Pulakesin-I in sixth century AD. It ruled mostly over Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Shaivism and Vaishnavism religions flourished during the reign of Chalukyas of Badami.

Sants gave the message of equality to people. They taught humanity. They preached that people should live together in harmony, unity and love. Their work resulted in social awakening. They taught how to live in the face of foreign invasions.

The 10th century AD marks the important changes in the realm of ideas and belief in Islamic religion- the rise of Sufi mystic orders. The Sufis were organized in 12 orders or Silsilahs. A Silsilha was generally led by a prominent mystic who lived in a Khanqah or hospice along with disciples.

The Satvahana Empire or Andhra Empire was a royal Indian dynasty based on Dharanikota and Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh as well as Junnar (Pune) and Prathisthan (Paithan) in Maharashtra. The territory of the empire covered much of India from 230 BCE onward. The Satavahanas were also the first rulers to make land grants to Brahmanas, although we find more instances of such grants being made to Buddhist monks. The Satavahanas adopted the policy of promoting immunities to Brahmanas and monks, mainly to promote agriculture.

He expanded his kingdom to include not only Konkan, Birar, Saurashta and Malawa, but also many new areas. He had titles such as ‘Trisamudratoyapitavahana’ and ‘Shatavahana Kulayashapratishtapanakara’. 

It is known that the Pandya rulers initially followed Jainism for a short period of time in history. After the decline of the Kalabhra rule, Hinduism was once again revived and Buddhism and Jainism began to decline. The Pandyan kings had patronized Vaishnavism, Saivism, and Jainism.

• Manu Smriti is considered to be the oldest Smriti.
• It is variously dated to be from the 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
• It presents itself as a discourse given by dharma topics such as duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and others

Kalilah wa Dimna, a book containing a collection of fables is an Arabic version of the Panchtantra.

Seleucus Nicator was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya. Megasthenes was his ambassador. After defeat of Seleucus Nicator Megasthenes stayed back at Chandragupta Maurya’s court. His book ‘Indica’ is an important source for the study of India during the Maurya period.