HISTORY TERMS
Issue 2
February 2023
photography by
Drew
let the music into your
veins and allow your
body to flow like fluid.
dance is not just
movement but an art
of the body.
beauty in
dance.
INDEX
[Link]
Buddhism & Jainism 1
Terms from Vedas 4
Temple Architecture 7
Administration 9
Medieval Period 11
BUDDHISM & JAINISM
One of the oldest Buddhist schools, founded on traditional
Sthaviravada monastic principles, held the belief that Buddha was an
outstanding teacher, however mortal.
In Buddhism, "Arihant" refers to a spiritual practitioner who
Arihant has attained enlightenment or nirvana, often used
interchangeably with the term "Arhat."
Posadha(Uposa Posadha, in Buddhism, is a day of religious observance
marked by community gatherings, meditation, and
tha in Pali)
teachings, often coinciding with the new and full moons.
Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings in Mahayana
Bodhisattvas Buddhism who vow to attain Buddhahood for the benefit
of all sentient beings.
Madhyamaka is a Buddhist philosophical school that
emphasises the concept of "emptiness" (shunyata) as a
Madhyamaka
way to understand the nature of reality and overcome
suffering.
Dhamma Dhamma mahatmas" refers to great or revered
individuals in Buddhism who are considered to embody
Mahatmas
the teachings of the Dhamma (the Buddha's teachings).
The Sanskrit phrase "Paramita" refers to ‘perfection’.
Paramita According to the Bodhisattva tradition, attaining these
perfections leads to the ultimate wisdom, enlightenment
Sramana refers to a seeker, ascetic, or monk in ancient
Indian religions such as Jainism and Buddhism, who
Sramana
renounces worldly life and pursues spiritual goals through
meditation, study, and austerity.
Patimokkha is a set of rules or precepts for Buddhist
Patimokkha monks and nuns, outlining their code of conduct and
ethical principles.
Viharas are Buddhist monasteries or religious retreats,
Viharas where monks and nuns reside and practice meditation
and study the teachings of Buddhism
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Chaityas are Buddhist shrines or prayer halls, often
Chaitya containing a stupa, where Buddhists gather for
worship, meditation, and religious ceremonies
Skandhaka refers to a section or chapters of Buddhist
scriptures, particularly in the context of the Vinaya
Skandhaka
Pitaka, which contains rules and regulations for the
monastic community.
A sect that believed in the existence of transcendent
Buddhas and the possibility of attaining
Lokattarvada
enlightenment in a single [Link] was an offshoot
of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
Paribbājaka refers to a wandering ascetic or religious
Paribbajaka mendicant in ancient India, often associated with
non-Buddhist sects or spiritual traditions.
Paṭiccasamuppāda, also known as Dependent
Origination, is a key concept in Buddhism that
Paticcasamuppada explains the chain of causes and effects that lead to
the cycle of birth, suffering, and rebirth, highlighting
the interconnected nature of all phenomena.
Upāsaka refers to a lay Buddhist devotee, particularly
a male lay follower who has taken refuge in the Triple
Upasaka
Gem (the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha) and
observes certain precepts, but is not a monk.
Jātaka tales are stories that recount the previous lives
of the Buddha, illustrating his moral virtues and
Jataka
teachings through various incarnations before
attaining enlightenment.
The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the
traditional term for the Buddhist scriptures, which are
divided into three "baskets" or sections: the Vinaya
Tripitaka
Pitaka (rules for monks and nuns), the Sutta Pitaka
(discourses of the Buddha), and the Abhidhamma
Pitaka (philosophical and doctrinal analysis).
Bhikkhuni refers to a fully ordained Buddhist nun who
Bhikkhuni has taken vows to live according to the Vinaya, the
Buddhist monastic code.
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Syādvāda is the Jain doctrine of "conditioned predication"
or "partial standpoints," which asserts that truth can be
expressed from different perspectives and that any
Syadvada
statement may be true from a certain point of view, but not
necessarily from all points of view. This first occurs in the
writings of Bhadrabahu.
Anatta refers to the concept of "non-self" or the absence of
Anatta
a permanent, unchanging self or soul in individuals
The principle of non-absolutism or "many-sidedness,"
Anekantavada which teaches that truth and reality are complex and
multifaceted.
Refers to the "Ford-Makers" or spiritual teachers in Jainism
Tirthankara who have attained liberation and serve as role models for
Jain followers.
Also known as Santhara, it is the Jain practice of voluntarily
Sallekhana fasting to death, considered a means of spiritual
purification and detachment from worldly affairs.
“Nirgrantha" is an ancient term used to refer to followers of
Nirgrantha Jainism. It literally means "those without knots," symbolising
freedom from worldly attachments and karma.
A title meaning "conqueror" or "victor," used for the twenty-
Jina
four spiritual teachers in Jainism, including Mahavira.
The stages of spiritual development in Jainism. There are
fourteen Gunashtanas that represent the progress of a soul
Gunashtanas
towards liberation (moksha) based on the level of spiritual
purity and knowledge attained.
The most important annual Jain festival, known as the
"Festival of Repentance" or "Feast of Forgiveness," during
Paryushana
which Jains seek forgiveness for any harm caused to
others.
"Nyayavada" refers to the Jain philosophy of logic and
epistemology, which emphasises the importance of logical
Nyayvada
reasoning and argumentation in understanding the nature
of reality and attaining spiritual knowledge.
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In Jain philosophy, it refers to the "substance" or the
basic building blocks of the universe, which include
Dravya
jiva (soul), ajiva (non-living matter), and various
other categories.
A type of microscopic beings or organisms
Nigoda according to Jain cosmology, which are considered
the smallest and least evolved forms of life.
Antaraya A type of karma in Jainism that obstructs or hinders
the progress of the soul towards liberation, causing
karma
suffering and preventing spiritual advancement
TERMS FROM VEDAS
Rigveda
Rta Cosmic order or natural law, according to Rig Veda
Mitanni Concept of friendship and reciprocity
Brahmana Text explaining the ritualistic teachings.
Sukta Hymn or verse in praise of a deity.
Mandala Book or chapter of the Rigveda.
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Samaveda
Udgaata Singer who chants the Samaveda melodies
Sama Melody or musical chant used in rituals.
Gana Group of singers who chant the Samaveda.
Upasamhara Conclusion of a Samaveda chant
Prastava Introductory chant in the Samaveda
Yajurveda
Priest responsible for the physical aspects of
Adhvaryu
rituals.
Hotr Priest who recites hymns from the Yajurveda
Udgatr Priest who chants the Samaveda hymns
Priest who recites the prose texts and
Brahman
explanations during rituals.
Shrauta Rituals performed according to the Yajurveda.
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Atharvaveda
Atharvan Name of a sage and also a term for a priest
Angirasa Name of a sage and a lineage of priests
Kshema Well-being, prosperity, or welfare
Vasishtha Name of a sage and a lineage of priests
Mantra Sacred chant or incantation, also found in other Vedas
Puranas And Upanishads
Ancient tales or legends, often containing cosmological
Purana
and genealogical information.
Philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and
Upanishad
the self.
Philosophical system based on the teachings of the
Vedanta
Upanishads.
Atman The individual soul or self
Jnana Yoga Path of knowledge or wisdom
Karma Yoga Path of action or selfless service
Bhakti Yoga Path of devotion or love for the divine
Adhyatma Spiritual knowledge or the study of the self.
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TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
Sanctum sanctorum or innermost sanctum of a temple
Garbhagriha
where the main deity is housed.
The tower or spire, typically over the sanctum
Shikhara
sanctorum, in a Hindu temple architecture.
The tower above the Garbhagriha in a Hindu temple,
Vimana
often ornate and elaborately carved.
Pillared hall or pavilion in front of the Garbhagriha in a
Mandapa
Hindu temple.
Towered entrance gatehouse at the entrance of a Hindu
Gopuram temple complex, often monumental in scale and richly
decorated.
Vestibule or antechamber between the Garbhagriha
Antarala
and the Mandapa in a Hindu temple.
Circumambulation (परिक्रमा) path around the sanctum
Pradakshina Patha
sanctorum in a Hindu temple.
Rock-cut temple architecture style where the entire
Shila Shikhara
temple is excavated from a single rock.
Pot-like structure often seen at the top of temple towers,
Kumbha
symbolising the primordial waters and the source of life.
Decorative finial or the topmost point of a temple tower,
Kalasha
often in the shape of a pot or pitcher
Gaja Prishta A type of temple tower with a curved shape resembling
Vimana the back of an elephant.
Partial hall or pavilion in front of the Garbhagriha in a
Ardha Mandapa
Hindu temple.
Gudi Another term for a temple, especially in South India.
The "face of glory" or decorative motif often found on
Kirti Mukha
temple exteriors.
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"Sandhara" refers to a style of temple architecture
where the walls of the temple are complete and
intact, with stone blocks or bricks forming a
Sandhara
continuous wall around the sanctum sanctorum. This
style is in contrast to "Nirandhara," where the walls
are open or have perforations
A pavilion or hall dedicated to the Nandi bull, usually
Nandi Mandapam
in front of the main temple.
Panchayatana A temple architectural style where four subsidiary
Style shrines are built around a central main shrine.
The local legend or myth associated with a temple's
Sthala Purana
founding and deity.
Tulsi Manas A temple dedicated to Lord Rama, known for its
Mandir association with the Ramcharitmanas.
Amalaka is a decorative, disk-like motif often found
crowning the shikharas (spires) of Hindu temples. It
Amalaka symbolises the cosmic axis and is sometimes
interpreted as representing the sun or the wheel of
time.
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ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
A regional governor or administrator in ancient India,
Uparikas overseeing specific territories on behalf of the central
authority.
A title used in ancient India for a royal officer or official
Kumaramatya who was in charge of the prince's education, training,
and overall welfare
Mahattaras Feudal lords during the Gupta period.
It was a form of labour where individuals were
Vishti required to work without payment, often as a form of
taxation or as a penalty for certain offences
Land grants given to Brahmins in South India,
Agraharas providing them with housing and support for their
religious and cultural activities
A person who is responsible for negotiating or
Sandhivigrahika mediating in disputes, especially in ancient Indian
legal and administrative contexts.
Vishayapatis These were the officials involved in the judicial system.
Bhukti An unit of administration during the Gupta period .
Mahanandanayaka Head of the Judicial System during Gupta period.
A term used in ancient India to refer to the Greeks or
Yavana
Hellenistic people
Dhamma- "Dhamma-Mahamatas" were officials appointed by
Emperor Ashoka to oversee the administration and
Mahamatas
propagation of Buddhism in his empire.
Rajukas were officers appointed by Emperor Ashoka
Rajukas to enforce his Dhamma policy and ensure the welfare
of his subjects
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High-ranking officials in ancient Indian kingdoms,
including during the Mauryan Empire. They were
Amatyas
responsible for assisting the king in governance,
administration, and decision-making.
Sannidhata was in charge of collecting revenue,
Sannidhata managing the treasury, and overseeing financial
transactions on behalf of the king or the state
Term used in ancient India to refer to a householder or
head of a household. In the context of Buddhism, it
Gahapati
was used to refer to a lay supporter of the monastic
community.
A royal consecration ceremony performed by ancient
Rajasuya Yajna
Indian kings, especially in the Vedic period
The Vajapeya Yajna was believed to confer strength
and vitality to the performer, especially the king, and
Vajapeya Yajna
was often performed by rulers to enhance their power
and prestige.
The Ashvamedha Yajna was a royal horse sacrifice
ritual in ancient India, symbolising the king's
Ashvamedha sovereignty. A specially selected horse was allowed to
Yagna roam freely for a year, and if unchallenged, it was
sacrificed in a grand ceremony, signifying the king's
supremacy.
A royal messenger or courier in ancient India,
responsible for delivering important messages,
Rajjugahaka
commands, or decrees on behalf of the king or the
royal court.
A superintendent or overseer of trade and commerce
in ancient India. This official was responsible for
Panyadhyaksa
regulating and supervising commercial activities,
markets, and trade routes.
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MEDIEVAL PERIOD
A shrine or tomb of a revered religious figure, especially in
Ziarat
Islamic contexts. It is a place of pilgrimage and devotion.
A drum house or a place where drums (naqqara) are
played. In the context of Mughal and Indian palaces, it was
a building or a part of the palace complex where
Naqqar Khana
musicians would play drums to announce important
events, arrivals of dignitaries, or the presence of the
emperor
Podu is a term used in the context of shifting cultivation,
Podu
especially in the tribal regions of India
A "hundi" was a type of bill of exchange used in trade and
finance in medieval India and the Islamic world. It served
Hundi as a credit instrument, allowing merchants and traders to
conduct business across long distances without the need
for physical currency.
Sulh-i-kul was a policy of universal tolerance and
Sulh-i-kul
acceptance of all religions and sects, promoted by Akbar,
A title used in medieval Islamic states, including the Delhi
Amir-i-Hajib Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, for the chief
chamberlain or master of ceremonies
Shiqdar was a Mughal officer responsible for maintaining
Shiqdar
law and order in a district.
Amil was a revenue officer or revenue collector in the
Mughal administration. The Amil was responsible for
Amil
assessing and collecting taxes from the local population
on behalf of the imperial treasury.
A type of inn or caravanserai where travellers, traders, and
Sarai pilgrims could rest, eat, and stay overnight. Sarais were
often located along major trade routes
Periyapuram Big towns and large cities
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"Dastak" was a system of pass or permit used during the
Mughal era in India. It allowed officials or travellers to
Dastak
pass through controlled areas or checkpoints by showing
the dastak to the authorities
"Fanam" was a unit of currency used in various parts of
South India, particularly in the region of Kerala, during
Fanam medieval times. The fanam was a small gold or silver
coin, and its value varied depending on the region and
time period.
"Uppayam" typically refers to revenue or taxes collected
Uppayam
by the state or local authorities in medieval South India.
"Kulah daran" is a Persian term used in medieval Indian
administrative contexts, especially during the Mughal
Kulah daran era. It refers to a headman or village chief who was
responsible for the administration and governance of a
village or a group of villages.
"Khalisa" referred to lands that were directly owned and
managed by the Mughal emperor or the state. These
Khalisa
lands were exempt from taxation and were considered
the personal property of the emperor
"Munjaniq" is an Arabic term that refers to a type of
Munjaniq
catapult or siege engine used in medieval warfare
A hereditary landholder or noble who held a grant of land
Mirasidar from the emperor. Mirasidars were granted land in return
for military service or other obligations to the state.
An officer responsible for overseeing mines and minerals.
The Damin-i-Kuh was in charge of managing the
Damin-i-kuh
extraction and production of minerals such as gold,
silver, copper etc.
Land revenue assessment system where the revenue
Diku demand was fixed based on the productivity of the land
and the prevailing market rates.
Dagh was a branding or marking system used in the
Dagh Mughal Empire to mark horses, especially those
belonging to the royal stable or used in the imperial army
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