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AP History Mains

Q1) Give a brief account of different Buddhist philosophies and prominent Buddhist philosophers who played an instrumental role in the promotion of Buddhism in ancient Andhra.

Why this question?

Write an essay on the growth of Buddhism in Ancient Andhra Desha and the salient features of Buddhist Art and Architecture with examples. (2011)

Understanding the demand

This questions expects you to write briefly about different forms of Buddhist schools and prominent Buddhist philosophers who existed in ancient Andhra.

Introduction

Buddhism was a prominent force in Ancient Andhra patronised by multiple kings. It served as a rich centre and melting point in the development of different Buddhist schools by prominent philosophers of the time as listed below-

Body

Theravada-

  • Theravada or the way of elders flourished in the Telugu country for about 500 years after Dhamma was proclaimed in the 5th century B.C.
  • During this period, the objects of veneration were stupas and Buddhist symbols like Dharmachakra, Bodhi tree, Vajrasana etc.
  • Acharya Buddhaghosha played an instrumental role in the consolidation and practice of theory of Theravada hailed from Dhanyakataka in the Krishna valley.

Mahayana-

  • The Telugu country is celebrated for its contribution to Mahayana philosophy which flourished between the early years of the Christian era and the 5th century AD.
  • During this period Buddhism became a household faith in the Telugu country.
  • Acharya Nagarjuna revered as the second Buddha in Mahayana countries promoted this school of philosophy in Andhra.

Vajrayana-

  • It flourished in places like Dhanyakataka, Guntupalli, Sankaram and Ramathirtham.

Buddhist Philosopher

Contribution

Acharya Nagarjuna-

 

·        He was a systematiser of Mahayana school of Buddhism and propounder of Madhyamika school of Philosophy (Sunyavada)

·        His important literary works include Sunya-saptati, Vigraha Vyavarthani, Prahnaparamita sastra etc.

·        The Buddhist university in Vijayapuri, the Ikshvaku dynasty was named after him.

Aryadeva-

 

·        He was the disciple of Acharya Nagarjuna.

·        He occupied a prestigious position among the Mahayana philosophers.

·        His important treatises include Chatuhsastra and Cittavisuddhikarana.

Bhavaviveka

 

·        He propagated the teachings of Acharya Nagarjuna around south-west of Dhanyakataka.

·        His works include Prajna Lamp Sastra, Sankhya Tarka Jvala.

Dinnaga

 

·        He is a great logician and believed to have lived in the caves of Guntupalli.

·        A disciple of Vasabandhu, he practiced the Yogachara system and composed Pramana Samuchchaya.

Acharya Buddhaghosha

·        He hails from Mohanda Khetaka, the present day Guntur district.

·        He translated canons recorded in Sinhala into Plai.

·        His outstanding contribution ins Visudddhimagga, a manual for practitioners of meditation.

Conclusion:

The three phases of Buddhism and their propagators stimulated the creative genius of the people of the state that a brough a vibrant tradition of sculpture called as the Amaravati School of art.

Why this question?

Write an essay on the growth of Buddhism in Ancient Andhra Desha and the salient features of Buddhist Art and Architecture with examples. (2011)

Understanding the demand

This is quite a straight forward question and it involves almost nill analysis. Simply list down all the characteristics under the each side-heading that are relevant to this time period.

Introduction

The Satavahana dynasty ruled the Ancient Andhra Desha from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. The period of Satavahanas is considered to be an important era in the history of Ancient Andhra, as it witnessed significant developments in terms of social, religious, and economic conditions.

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Social conditions-

  1. The first class consisted of the Maharathis, Mahabhojas and Mahasenapatis. They formed the highest class in the society.
  2. The second class consisted of both officials and non-officials. Among the officials were Amatyas and Mahamatras and Bhandagarikas. To the non-official class belonged the Naigama (merchant), the Sarthvaha (head of a caravan of traders) and the Sresthin (head of a trade guild).
  3. To the third class belonged the Lekhaka (scribe), Vaidya (physician), Halakiya (cultivator), Suvarnakara (goldsmith) and Gandhika (druggist).
  4. To the fourth class belonged the Vardhaki (carpenter), Malakara (gardener), Lohavanija (blacksmith) and Dasaka (fisherman).
  5. During the rule of the Satavahanas, Brahmanism gained ascendency and the four-fold caste system tend to become more rigid.
  6. Though the society was patrilineal, high status was accorded to women as evident in the dominant role of royal ladies like Naganika, Balasri in the affairs of the state.

Religious conditions-

  1. Both Hinduism and Buddhism flourished side by side.
  2. The Satavahana kings were Brahmans and they performed many sacrifices as evident in the Nanaghat inscription of Nayanika.
  3. The Satavahana kings worshipped Samkarshana, Vasudeva, Indra, the Sun and the Moon.
  4. Such names as Naga, Sarpa and Sarpila point to the prevalence of serpentworship.”
  5. Buddhism received patronage by the state. Acharya Nagarjuna, founder of Madhyamika doctrine of the Buddhist philosophy lived at the court of Gautamiputra Yajnasri.

Economic Conditions-

  1. During the period from Pulumayi II to the reign of Siri-Yana, there was not only commercial intercourse with the far east but also the colonization of that area.
  2. During the Satavahana period, foreign trade and commerce flourished which was supported by the discovery of large number of roman coins in the Krishna Valley.
  3. The important market towns of Andhra included Kontakoddyla, Koddura and Allosygne.

The currency of the country consisted of Karshapanas which were both silver and copper. Suvarna, a gold coin, was equal to 35 silver Karshapanas.

Conclusion:

The Satavahanas left a lasting legacy in the form of rich cultural heritage, art, literature, and religious practices, which continue to be remembered even today.

Why this question?

Briefly describe political fortunes and cultural contribution of Ikshvakus? (APPSC 2016).

We can expect similar questions on Vishnukundins and Salankayanas.

Understanding the demand

Simply list out all the characteristics of the mentioned keywords in the question.

Introduction

Vishnukundins who began as vassals to the Vakatakas established themselves as a strong force to reckon in the Deccan part of Indian peninsula. The real founder of this dynasty is considered to be Govinda Varma.

Body

Administrative aspects

  1. Empire was divided into a number of Rashtras and Vishayas.
  2. Members of the royal family were appointed as viceroys.
  3. The king was the highest court of appeal .
  4. Army was divided into a fourfold division- Officer incharge of elephant forces (Hastikosa), Officer in-charge of land forces (Virakosa)

Social conditions

  1. Varna system became more rigid by this time. Varna Sankarya prevention became the duty of kings now.
  2. Remuneration to Brahamanas in form of Agraharas or Manyas started in this period. And these Agrahara villages enjoyed tax exemptions.
  3. Varna system followed their profession meticulously and no one accepted non-native professions.

Religious conditions

  1. They were ardent Patrons of Hinduism.
  2. Vedic ceremonies like Rajasuya, Sarvamedha, Aswamedha were conducted.
  3. Some of the rulers referred to themselves as ‘Parama Mahesvaras’, ruling on behalf of family diety Sri Parvata Swami.
  4. Both Saivism and Vaishnavism received equal patronage.
  5. Due to the growth of Vedic and Puranic Hinduism, Buddhism has lost importance among king and common people.

Literature

  1. They established colleges for Vedic learning.
  2. Vikramendra Varma I was described as Mahakavi- a great poet in a record.
  3. Janasraya Chando Vichiti was attributed to Madhava Varma.

Sanskrit enjoyed royal patronage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Vishnukundins were a notable dynasty in the history of South India that left a lasting impact on the region’s administration, religion, and literature. Their adherence to Hinduism, promotion of Vedic learning, and support for Sanskrit literature helped shape the cultural and religious landscape of the Deccan plateau.

Why this question?

Describe the contribution of Eastern Chalukyas to literature, art and architecture. (APPSC-2016)

Understanding the demand

This is a direct question and involves no major analysis. Simply write list of all the major contributions made by Eastern Chalukyas to the respective fields asked in the question.

Introduction

The Eastern Chalukyas, who ruled over the region of present-day Andhra Pradesh from the 7th to the 12th centuries, made significant contributions to the development of literature, art and architecture in the region.

Body

Literature

  1. Early Telugu literature was at its zenith during this period.
  2. Vipparla Inscription of Jayasimha I and the Lakshmipuram inscription of the Mangi yuvaraja were the earliest Telugu inscriptions of Eastern chalukyas found in 7 century AD.
  3. Telugu poetry makes its early appearance in the Addanki, Kandukur and Dharmavaram inscriptions of Pandaranga, Army Chief of Vijayaditya III, in the later half of the 9th century.
  4. Nannaya Bhattaraka: Nannaya Bhattaraka is considered the first poet of Telugu literature and wrote the first significant work in Telugu, “Mahabharatamu,” during the 11th century. His work helped standardize the Telugu language and grammar.
  5. Palkuriki Somanatha: Palkuriki Somanatha was a Telugu poet who lived in the 12th century and is known for his contributions to Telugu literature, including “Basava Puranam” and “Panditaradhya Charitra.”

Contribution to Art & Architecture

Becasuse of the widespread Shiva devotional cult throughout the kingdom, the Eastern Chalukya rulers constructed large number of temples.

  1. Vijayadita II is credited with building 108 temples. The temples had beautiful mural paintings also.
  2. Yuddhamalla constructed a Kartikeya temple in Vijayawada.
  3. Bhima I constructed the magnificent Draksharama and Chalukya Bhimavaram (samalkot) temples.
  4. Following in the footsteps of the Pallava and Chalukyas, the Eastern Chalukyas developed their architectural styles, which can be seen in the Pancharama shrines (particularly the Draksharama temple) and Biccavolu temples.
  5. The Golingeshvara temple in Biccavolu features intricate sculptures of deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Agni and Surya.

Vijayawada, Jenupadu, Penugonda (West Godavari), and Munugodu were also important Jain centers at the time.

Conclusion:

Through their patronage of the arts and their own artistic endeavors, the dynasty helped to standardize the Telugu language and grammar, and to create a rich legacy of temple architecture and artwork.

Why this question?

Estimate the contribution of the poet Nannaya for the development of Telugu language and literature. (APPSC-2008)

Understanding the demand

This question demands the student to write the contributions made by the Poet Nannaya for the development of Telugu language literature. List out any of his important works as well as write all the features that he introduced in language and literature of Telugu.

Introduction

Nannaya is considered to be the “Adi Kavi” or the first poet of Telugu literature, and his work “Mahabharata” written in the 11th century is credited with standardizing the Telugu language and grammar.

Body

Contribution by Nannaya to Telugu language and Literature

  1. Nannaya’s style is in Draksha Paka, simple , sweet and graceful.
  2. Nannaya’s work showcased a new vocabulary, syntax, and grammar rules that formed the basis of the modern Telugu language.
  3. His language delicately responds to emotion and gracefully adjusts itself to the changing action of the story, and to the varying moods of the actors.
  4. Nanniah wrote the Bharata in ‘Champu ’. His prose is of two varieties , one simple and the other more complicated, but always less artificial and c umbrous than the stilted stateliness of kavya prose.
  5. In his vocabulary, he employs two -thirds Sanskrit and one -third Telugu words. This use of Sanskrit had helped to enrich Telugu language.
  6. Jakkanna, a later poet , characterises his poetry as ‘Rasabandhura Bhavabhi Ramamu’- beautiful ideas in bright emotional setting .
  7. He synthesized different dialects of Telugu and formed a new language that is widely used today.

He began his epic with a Sanskrit Sloka of praise . His example was copied by Ranganatha and – others , till Tikkanna set a new fashion.

Conclusion:

His writing style and language usage were influential in shaping the subsequent works of Telugu literature, and his contributions are considered crucial to the development of Telugu language and literature.
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