Intellectual Awakening and Socio-Political Changes — Class 9 Social Science (Samacheer Kalvi)

TN State Board (Samacheer Kalvi) Class 9 Social Science, History — Chapter 4. The 6th century BCE: new religions, the rise of kingdoms, and the first empire.

1. About this lesson

The 6th century BCE was a period of exceptional intellectual and political change. New thinkers challenged orthodoxy — Zoroaster in Persia, Confucius and Lao Tze in China, Mahavira and Buddha in India. Meanwhile, the Mahajanapadas (16 great states) emerged, Magadha rose to power, and the Mauryan Empire became India's first imperial state under Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.

2. The Iron Age and agricultural revolution

• The second phase of civilization began when iron was discovered.
• Iron tools (especially the iron axe and iron plough) enabled the clearance of dense forest cover from the banks of the Ganges.
• In the Gangetic plain, iron plough agriculture required the use of bullocks.
• Sedentary agriculture led to permanent settlements and the emergence of Janapadas.

3. Zoroastrianism (Persia)

• Founder: Zoroaster (Zarathustra) of Persia.
• God: Ahura Mazda — "The Lord of Light." Ahura Mazda has seven qualities: Light, Good Mind, Right, Dominion, Piety, Well-being, Immortality.
• Ahura Mazda is Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent.
• Holy book: Zend Avesta — a collection of sacred literature containing prayers, confessions, myths, and laws.
• The language of Avesta bears similarity to Indo-Aryan (NOT Dravidian).
• The doctrines and rituals have similarities to the Vedas.
• Highest form of worship: Fire, worshipped as a symbol of the deity.
• Zoroaster taught that the great object of religion is the cultivation of morality. Highest religious conception: purity of thought, word, and deed.
• Human virtues meant much more than prayer — fighting evil, making efforts for good, assisting Ahura Mazda.

4. Confucianism and Taoism (China)

Confucius (Kong Fu-Tze)

• Born in Shantung province, China.
• Five Cardinal Principles: (1) Humaneness, (2) Righteousness, (3) Propriety, (4) Wisdom, (5) Trustworthiness.
• Wisdom grows from the family — the foundation of society is the disciplined individual in an orderly family.
• The superior man possesses three virtues: intelligence, courage, and goodwill.
• Children must obey parents, but any wrong command should be resisted.
• Good government needs: sufficiency of food, sufficiency of military equipment, and the confidence of the people in their ruler.
• His philosophy gave Chinese people awareness of their political rights and listed the government's duties.
• Pinyin system: Linguists developed "Pinyin" (spelled sounds) for writing Chinese names in Latin script. Kong Fu-Tse → Confucius (Latinized by European scholars).

Confucian Texts (The Five Classics)

Lao Tze and Taoism

• Lao Tze was the greatest pre-Confucian philosopher, born in 604 BCE (53 years older than Confucius).
• Disgusted with political corruption, he left China. Wrote Tao-Teh-Ching (5,000 words).
• Founder of Taoism.

5. Jainism

• Mahavira (meaning "Great Hero"): born in Kundagrama near Vaishali.
• Jains believe Mahavira came in a long line of Tirthankaras — he was the 24th and last Tirthankara. Rishabha was the first.
• Jainism was an ancient creed existing before Mahavira (unlike Buddhism which was entirely new).

Tri-Ratnas (Three Jewels of Jainism)

1. Right Faith: Belief in the teachings and wisdom of Mahavira.
2. Right Knowledge: Acceptance that there is no God; the world existed without a creator.
3. Right Action: Observance of five great vows — Ahimsa (non-violence), Honesty, Kindness, Truthfulness, Not coveting/desiring others' belongings.

Split: Digambaras and Svetambaras

Key facts

• The Magadha king influenced by Mahavira's teachings: Bimbisara.
• Gosala (founder of Ajivikas) was a friend of Mahavira.
• The statue of Bahubali (Gomateswara) — the tallest Jaina statue, located at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka.
• Pallava king Mahendra Varma was a Jain.
• Jaina Kanchi: Near Kanchi, with Jain temples; Thiruparuthi Kundram temple has ceiling paintings of Mahavira's life.
• Jainism declined due to: lack of royal patronage, severity, factionalism, and spread of Buddhism.

6. Buddhism

Life of Buddha

Core Teachings

• Identified the founder of a new sect who exemplified simplicity and self-denial: Buddha.
• He who practices the Eightfold Path can attain the highest and purest state of mind.
• Buddha established the Buddhist Sangha (Holy Order of Monks). Bhikshus (monks) and Bhikshunis (nuns) spread the faith.
• The third Buddhist Sangha was held at Pataliputra in 250 BCE — decision to send missions abroad.

Hinayana vs Mahayana

Decline of Buddhism

1. Later texts written in Sanskrit (difficult for common people; originally in Pali/Prakrit).
2. Split into Hinayana and Mahayana — image worship blurred lines with Hinduism.
3. Lost royal patronage during the Guptas (Gupta kings were Vedic followers).
4. Huns invasion — Toramana and Mihirakula eliminated Buddhists in NW India.
5. Turkish invasions (Mahmud of Ghazni) almost wiped out Buddhism.

Buddhism's Impact on Modern India

• Gandhi and Ambedkar influenced by Buddha's teachings (opposition to caste).
• Late 19th century Buddhist revival in South India (Theosophical Society).
• Ayotheethass Pandithar championed Buddhist revival in Tamil Nadu.

7. Ajivikas

• Founder: Gosala (a friend of Mahavira, NOT Confucius).
• An atheistic sect that rejected the Karma theory.
• Had a small presence in Southern India (NOT Western India).
• Under the Cholas, a special tax was levied on them.
• Outlines of Ajivika doctrine found in three Tamil texts: Manimekalai (Buddhist), Nilakesi (Jain), Sivajnanasiddhiyar (Saivite).

8. Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Magadha

Janapadas → Mahajanapadas

• Clusters where particular clansmen were dominant → Janapadas (NOT Pre-Mauryan states).
• Linguistic and cultural commonality prevailed in Janapadas; in Mahajanapadas, different social and cultural groups lived.
• Northern India (Kabul Valley to Godavari) witnessed the rise of 16 states = Mahajanapadas.
• The 6th century BCE witnessed the establishment of kingdoms, oligarchies, and chiefdoms.
• Gana-Sanghas had two strata: Kshatriya Rajakula and dasa-karmakara.

The 16 Mahajanapadas

Kasi, Kosala, Anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Surasena, Assaka, Avanti, Gandhara, Kamboja.

Rise of Magadha

Mauryan Administration

• Under Magadha king, Mahamatriyas functioned as secretaries to ministers.
• Key officials: Bhugadugha (collector of taxes), Paligola (courtier), Takshan (carpenter), Purohita (chaplain), Gramani (village leader).
• Mauryans had a Nagaraka for urban administration.
• Rig Vedic title 'Rajan' replaced by impressive terms: Samrat, Ekrat, Virat, Bhoja, Arasan.

9. The Mauryan Empire

Chandragupta Maurya

• Inspired by Alexander's invasion; raised an army.
• Defeated the Nanda king in 321 BCE — began the Mauryan dynasty.
• The Nandas were the first non-Kshatriya dynasty in northern India (NOT the Mauryas).
• Nanda's attempt to build an imperial structure was cut short by Chandragupta Maurya (NOT Ashoka).
• Defeated Seleucus (Alexander's general). Seleucus' envoy Megasthenes wrote Indica — a key record of Mauryan polity and society.
• Areas of present-day Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and Makran surrendered without resistance.
• According to Jaina tradition, Chandragupta became an ardent follower of Jainism (NOT Buddhism) and abdicated in favour of his son Bindusara.
• Bindusara extended the empire up to Karnataka.

Ashoka the Great

• The rock edicts are reliable sources for the Mauryan Empire, particularly the Dharmic rule of Ashoka.
• 33 edicts: 14 major rock edicts, 7 pillar edicts, 2 Kalinga edicts.
• Became an ardent Buddhist after meeting monk Upagupta.
• Kalinga edict: Ashoka expresses horror and sorrow over war deaths. Declares he would not tolerate death/captivity of even a hundredth of those killed in Kalinga.
• Steps to spread Buddhism:
  • Protected animal life; built animal hospitals; forbade animal sacrifice.
  • Sent son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
  • National Emblem (four lions) is a replica of the Ashoka pillar at Saranath.

Education

• Monasteries and temples served for imparting education.
• Nalanda: A great monastery built by the Magadha Empire; supported by revenues of 100 villages; free board and lodging. Offered Buddhist and Vedic literature, logic, grammar, medicine, philosophy, astronomy.

10. Worked examples

Example 1. Name the holy book of Zoroastrianism. Zend Avesta.

Example 2. What are the Tri-Ratnas of Jainism? Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Action — taught by Mahavira.

Example 3. Who wrote Indica and about which empire? Megasthenes, about the Mauryan polity and society.

Example 4. Hinayana vs Mahayana — which one worshipped Buddha as God? Mahayana (Greater Vehicle). Hinayana regarded Buddha as a Guru.

Example 5. Who was the first important king of Magadha? Bimbisara (NOT Ajatashatru — Ajatashatru was his son).

11. Book-back questions (Samacheer Kalvi)

I. Choose the correct answer

1. Founder of a new sect who exemplified simplicity and self-denial — (a) Buddha / (b) Lao-tze / (c) Confucius / (d) Zoroaster. Ans: (a) Buddha.

2. The Magadha king influenced by Mahavira's teachings — (a) Dhananandha / (b) Chandragupta / (c) Bimbisara / (d) Shishunaga. Ans: (c) Bimbisara.

3. Northern India (Kabul to Godavari) witnessed the rise of 16 states — (a) Mahajanapadas / (b) Gana-sanghas / (c) Dravida / (d) Dakshinapatha. Ans: (a) Mahajanapadas.

4. Tri-Ratna are the three principles taught by — (a) Buddha / (b) Mahavira / (c) Lao-tze / (d) Confucius. Ans: (b) Mahavira.

5. The account throwing light on Mauryan polity and society — (a) Marco Polo / (b) Fahien / (c) Megasthenes / (d) Seleucus. Ans: (c) Megasthenes.

6. (i) Mahamatriyas functioned as secretaries to ministers. (ii) Megasthenes' Indica is a useful Mauryan record. (iii) Nanda's imperial attempt cut short by Ashoka. (iv) Chandragupta became an ardent Buddhist. — (a) (i) correct / (b) (ii) correct / (c) (i) and (ii) are correct / (d) (iii) and (iv) correct. Ans: (c). (iii-wrong: cut short by Chandragupta; iv-wrong: Chandragupta became a Jain.)

II. Fill in the blanks

7. Zend Avesta is a collection of sacred literature.
8. In Gangetic plain, iron plough agriculture required bullocks.
9. Jains believe Mahavira came in a line of Tirthankaras — 24th and last.
10. Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) — Mahabodhi temple exists there.
11. Rock edicts are reliable sources for the Dharmic rule of Ashoka.

III. Find out the correct statement

12. (a) Bronze tools removed dense forest cover → Wrong. Iron tools. (b) Ajivikas had presence in western India → Wrong. Southern India. (c) Clansmen clusters = Pre-Mauryan states → Wrong. They were Janapadas. (d) Kashi, Kosala, Magadha were powerful → Correct.

13. (a) Ajatashatru was first important king of Magadha → Wrong. Bimbisara was first. (b) Bimbisara succeeded in comprehensive administration → Correct. (c) Mauryas were first non-Kshatriya dynasty → Wrong. Nandas were first. (d) Nanda's attempt cut short by Ashoka → Wrong. Cut short by Chandragupta Maurya.

IV. Match the following

V. Answer briefly

14. Hinayana and Mahayana — Hinayana: original creed, Buddha as Guru, no idol worship, Pali. Mahayana: Buddha as God, Bodhisattva, idols, Sanskrit, patronised by Kanishka.
15. Tri-Ratnas — Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Action (five great vows: ahimsa, honesty, kindness, truthfulness, non-coveting).
16. Ajatashatru — Son of Bimbisara, murdered father, ascended 493 BCE, strengthened Rajagriha fort, built Pataligrama fort, died 461 BCE.
17. Kalinga Edict — Ashoka's horror at war deaths; would not tolerate even a fraction of that suffering again.
18. Ashoka's steps to spread Buddhism — Met Upagupta, became Buddhist, animal hospitals, forbade sacrifice, sent Mahendra & Sanghamitra to Ceylon, Saranath pillar (national emblem).

VI. Answer under each caption

19. Zoroastrianism — Founder: Zoroaster (Persia). God: Ahura Mazda (Lord of Light). Teaching: cultivation of morality, purity of thought/word/deed. Highest worship: Fire.

20. Gautama Buddha — Original name: Siddhartha. Birth: Lumbini Garden (567 BCE). Enlightenment: Bodh Gaya, peepal tree. First sermon: Saranath, Varanasi.

VII. Answer in detail

21. Five Cardinal Principles of Confucius — Humaneness, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, Trustworthiness. Wisdom from family; superior man = intelligence + courage + goodwill. Good government = food + military + people's confidence. Political rights awareness.

22. Compare Jainism and Buddhism —

    • Similarities: Both revolts against Brahminical Hinduism, originated in Eastern India, rejected Vedas, denied God, upheld non-violence, dismissed caste, followers from mercantile class.
    • Differences: Jainism older (23 Tirthankaras before Mahavira), Buddhism entirely new. Jains ascribe life to plants/stone/water (Buddhists don't). Jains: extreme asceticism; Buddha: middle path. Digambaras discard garments; Buddha renounced that. Buddhism had greater missionary zeal. Buddhism vanished from India; Jainism still a living faith.

12. Common mistakes

• Mistake: The first important king of Magadha was Ajatashatru. Fix: Bimbisara was the first important king. Ajatashatru was his son.
• Mistake: Bronze tools cleared the Ganges forests. Fix: Iron tools cleared the dense forest cover.
• Mistake: The Nandas were cut short by Ashoka. Fix: Cut short by Chandragupta Maurya.
• Mistake: Mauryas were the first non-Kshatriya dynasty. Fix: The Nandas were the first non-Kshatriya dynasty.
• Mistake: Chandragupta became a Buddhist. Fix: Chandragupta became an ardent Jain; abdicated for Bindusara.
• Mistake: Ajivikas had presence in Western India. Fix: Ajivikas had presence in Southern India.
• Mistake: Zend Avesta language = Dravidian. Fix: Avesta language bears similarity to Indo-Aryan.
• Mistake: Confucius belonged to Persia. Fix: Confucius belonged to China (Shantung province).

13. Quick revision

• History Ch 4 · Intellectual Awakening and Socio-Political Changes (6th century BCE).
• Zoroastrianism: Zoroaster, Ahura Mazda, Zend Avesta, fire worship.
• China: Confucius (5 principles, family), Lao Tze (Taoism, Tao-Teh-Ching).
• Jainism: Mahavira (24th Tirthankara), Tri-Ratnas, Digambaras/Svetambaras, Bahubali (Shravanabelagola).
• Buddhism: Siddhartha, Four Great Sights, Bodh Gaya, Eightfold Path, Hinayana (Pali) vs Mahayana (Sanskrit, Kanishka).
• Ajivikas: Gosala, rejected Karma, Southern India.
• Mahajanapadas: 16 states. Magadha: Bimbisara → Ajatashatru.
• Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta (321 BCE), Megasthenes (Indica), Ashoka (edicts, Dhamma, Mahendra/Sanghamitra to Ceylon).
• Nalanda: Great monastery, 100 villages' revenue, free education.