History of Maharashtra

[Cobra Arbok]

Hello everyone. Between contributing to other threads and my frequent bans, It has been a while since I made a new history thread. So today I am doing one on the history of Maharashtra, which arguably has one of the richest histories not only in India but in the entirety of South Asia.

Chalcolithic- Human settlements in Maharashtra begin during the chalcolithic period around 3800 BC The first Chalcolithic people to settle in Maharashtra was the Savalda culture. several Savaldan settlements have been excavated, the most notable of which in Inamgaon. Although there are very few structures still left standing, archeologists have discovered some significant artifacts.

Archeologists first excavating Inamgaon

Foundation for rectangular house 2200-2300 BC

circular dwelling pit 3000-2300 BC

Pottery excavated from Inamgaon, 1800-1600 BC

Burial ern belonging to the Jorwe Culture dating back to 1000 BC

Here are some very good articles/books on Inamgaon settlement and Jorwe culture
https://books.google.com/books?id=H...&ved=0CDUQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=Daimabad&f=false
https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/19138/AP-v14n1-139-146.pdf?sequence=1


Another major settlement was Daimabad. Like Inamgaon, not much is left in terms of physical structures, but some very important artifacts have been found.

bronze statue of man racing bulls found in Daimabad, circa 2500 bc.

Two bronze statues of water buffaloes on wheeled platforms, 2500 BC

Bronze statue of elephant, also 2500 BC

(top left of image shows the fourth artifact, a =n intricate statue of a rhinoceros dating from the same period.


Of course, it does not take a professional archeologist to notice the similarities between those artifacts and IVC sites throughout Pakistan and India. The Daimabad horde can be used as evidence that during the later Harrapan phase, IVC culture had spread to the deccan. Of course, that is a more controversial theory. Personally, I was very impressed when I first saw these artifacts. Despite being found in a relatively small site, they are comparable to artifacts found at larger sites such as Dholavira and Rakhigari.

TO BE CONTINUED
@Indus Pakistan @Taimur Khurram @Talwar e Pakistan @UnitedPak @niaz @Rusty @Theparadox @DANCING GIRL @third eye @Tshering22 @Nilgiri @Rajesh Kumar @Suriya @HariPrasad @AyanRay @surya kiran @jaiind @Śakra @Tea addict @Peaceful Civilian @pothead @KapitaanAli @Rollno21 @Sam. @Tom M @Cherokee @scorpionx @KAL-EL

 

[HariPrasad]

India is a cradle of civilization. So as we explore more, we shall keep finding more and more evidences which shall confirm what we believe about this civilization.

 

[Cobra Arbok]

Hey everyone. I was intending on finishing this thread earlier, but I had to leave the Tallahasse area due to Hurricane Michael, and since than I have been caught up with other obligations, so I decided to take a small break. Sorry for the delay.
Late Ancient-Early Medieval period.

By about 200 BC, most of Maharashtra was ruled by the Buddhist Pravarapura-Nandivardhana dynasty. It was at this time that Maharashtra's iconic rock-cut caves were built. These are known as being some of the most amazing feats of architecture not just in India, but the entire medieval world.
Ajanta caves- the earliest of the great rock-cut caves of Maharahstra. The date of the first phase of construction was likely between 100-200 bc.

cave 9, one of the oldest Ajanta caves. Has an ancient Chaitya-style worship hall and stupa

One of the earliest caves at Ajanta completed before 150 BC
Some of the earliest paintings at Ajanta Cave 10

Shrine of Buddha dating between 100-200 BC

Ajanta cave 12. Built around 200 BC as a Vihara, or refuge.

The later phase of the Ajanta Caves were built between the fifth and sixth centuries AD

Cave 19

cave 20
http://www.remotetraveler.com/ajanta-caves/
Elephanta caves-located on the Elephanta Island off the coast of Mumbai, the Elepahanta caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that have impressed foreign travelers for centuries. The island goueese t its name from the Portuguese after an elephant statue was found. The Portuguese used the island as a military base, and Portuguese soldiers caused heavy damage to many of the caves.

Elephant statue that gave the caves its name. Obviously, it has been heavily damaged.
Although most of the caves were built between the 5th and 6th century BC, five Shaivate Caves and a Buddhist Stupa could date as far back as 200 BC.

Ancient Shrine of Lord Shiva at Elephanta

Ancient Shaivasa cave

Engraving of Shiva bringing the Ganga to Earth
Wedding of SHiva and Parvati

Cave 1,also known as main cave. Largest of the Elephanta caves, completed between 500-600 ce.

Shiva temple in East Wing

Ellora Caves
The latest of the great rock caves were the Ellora Caves, built in three phases between 500 ce to 1000 CE.

Cave 10, also known as Carpenter's cave, one of the later Buddhist caves.
And finally, cave 16, the Kailasa temple. built between 700-800 CE, this humongous Shiva temple is a truly impressive feat of architecture, to say the least

The way this temple was built into the face of solid rock still baffles scientists to this day. In fact, this would be impressive even today with modern technology. The Kailash temple was even used as evidence by the TV show Ancient Aliens and other conspiracy theorists as evidence of extraterrestrial intervention in the ancient world.

Keep in mind that these caves were mostly built between 500-700 CE, during the dark ages of Europe. SOme of them were even built as early as 200 BC. Hence, it is safe to say that these structures were absolutely unprecedented at the time, and remain some of the world's greatest architectural feats even today. The presence of these caves support my view that modern-day India was one of the world's most ancient and advanced civilizations that lasted for thousands of years.

TO BE CONTINUED
@Indus Pakistan @Taimur Khurram @Talwar e Pakistan @UnitedPak @niaz @Rusty @Theparadox @DANCING GIRL @third eye @Tshering22 @Nilgiri @Rajesh Kumar @Suriya @HariPrasad @AyanRay @surya kiran @jaiind @Śakra @Tea addict @Peaceful Civilian @pothead @KapitaanAli @Rollno21 @Sam. @Tom M @Cherokee @scorpionx @KAL-EL @Rusty @Pluralist @DANCING GIRL @Mugwop @Iqbal Ali @KAMDEV @SuvarnaTeja

 

[SuvarnaTeja]

Hey everyone. I was intending on finishing this thread earlier, but I had to leave the Tallahasse area due to Hurricane Michael, and since than I have been caught up with other obligations, so I decided to take a small break. Sorry for the delay.
Late Ancient-Early Medieval period.

By about 200 BC, most of Maharashtra was ruled by the Buddhist Pravarapura-Nandivardhana dynasty. It was at this time that Maharashtra's iconic rock-cut caves were built. These are known as being some of the most amazing feats of architecture not just in India, but the entire medieval world.
Ajanta caves- the earliest of the great rock-cut caves of Maharahstra. The date of the first phase of construction was likely between 100-200 bc.

cave 9, one of the oldest Ajanta caves. Has an ancient Chaitya-style worship hall and stupa

One of the earliest caves at Ajanta completed before 150 BC
Some of the earliest paintings at Ajanta Cave 10

Shrine of Buddha dating between 100-200 BC

Ajanta cave 12. Built around 200 BC as a Vihara, or refuge.

The later phase of the Ajanta Caves were built between the fifth and sixth centuries AD

Cave 19

cave 20
http://www.remotetraveler.com/ajanta-caves/
Elephanta caves-located on the Elephanta Island off the coast of Mumbai, the Elepahanta caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that have impressed foreign travelers for centuries. The island goueese t its name from the Portuguese after an elephant statue was found. The Portuguese used the island as a military base, and Portuguese soldiers caused heavy damage to many of the caves.

Elephant statue that gave the caves its name. Obviously, it has been heavily damaged.
Although most of the caves were built between the 5th and 6th century BC, five Shaivate Caves and a Buddhist Stupa could date as far back as 200 BC.

Ancient Shrine of Lord Shiva at Elephanta

Ancient Shaivasa cave

Engraving of Shiva bringing the Ganga to Earth
Wedding of SHiva and Parvati

Cave 1,also known as main cave. Largest of the Elephanta caves, completed between 500-600 ce.

Shiva temple in East Wing

Ellora Caves
The latest of the great rock caves were the Ellora Caves, built in three phases between 500 ce to 1000 CE.

Cave 10, also known as Carpenter's cave, one of the later Buddhist caves.
And finally, cave 16, the Kailasa temple. built between 700-800 CE, this humongous Shiva temple is a truly impressive feat of architecture, to say the least

The way this temple was built into the face of solid rock still baffles scientists to this day. In fact, this would be impressive even today with modern technology. The Kailash temple was even used as evidence by the TV show Ancient Aliens and other conspiracy theorists as evidence of extraterrestrial intervention in the ancient world.

Keep in mind that these caves were mostly built between 500-700 CE, during the dark ages of Europe. SOme of them were even built as early as 200 BC. Hence, it is safe to say that these structures were absolutely unprecedented at the time, and remain some of the world's greatest architectural feats even today. The presence of these caves support my view that modern-day India was one of the world's most ancient and advanced civilizations that lasted for thousands of years.

TO BE CONTINUED
@Indus Pakistan @Taimur Khurram @Talwar e Pakistan @UnitedPak @niaz @Rusty @Theparadox @DANCING GIRL @third eye @Tshering22 @Nilgiri @Rajesh Kumar @Suriya @HariPrasad @AyanRay @surya kiran @jaiind @Śakra @Tea addict @Peaceful Civilian @pothead @KapitaanAli @Rollno21 @Sam. @Tom M @Cherokee @scorpionx @KAL-EL @Rusty @Pluralist @DANCING GIRL @Mugwop @Iqbal Ali @KAMDEV @SuvarnaTeja

Great post. Thanks for tagging me.

Ellora has Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples side by side.

These temples were constructed as late as 10 century CE.

This is a huge slap on the folks who like to claim that dharmic religions didn't get along.

 

[KAMDEV]

Hey everyone. I was intending on finishing this thread earlier, but I had to leave the Tallahasse area due to Hurricane Michael, and since than I have been caught up with other obligations, so I decided to take a small break. Sorry for the delay.
Late Ancient-Early Medieval period.

By about 200 BC, most of Maharashtra was ruled by the Buddhist Pravarapura-Nandivardhana dynasty. It was at this time that Maharashtra's iconic rock-cut caves were built. These are known as being some of the most amazing feats of architecture not just in India, but the entire medieval world.
Ajanta caves- the earliest of the great rock-cut caves of Maharahstra. The date of the first phase of construction was likely between 100-200 bc.

cave 9, one of the oldest Ajanta caves. Has an ancient Chaitya-style worship hall and stupa

One of the earliest caves at Ajanta completed before 150 BC
Some of the earliest paintings at Ajanta Cave 10

Shrine of Buddha dating between 100-200 BC

Ajanta cave 12. Built around 200 BC as a Vihara, or refuge.

The later phase of the Ajanta Caves were built between the fifth and sixth centuries AD

Cave 19

cave 20
http://www.remotetraveler.com/ajanta-caves/
Elephanta caves-located on the Elephanta Island off the coast of Mumbai, the Elepahanta caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that have impressed foreign travelers for centuries. The island goueese t its name from the Portuguese after an elephant statue was found. The Portuguese used the island as a military base, and Portuguese soldiers caused heavy damage to many of the caves.

Elephant statue that gave the caves its name. Obviously, it has been heavily damaged.
Although most of the caves were built between the 5th and 6th century BC, five Shaivate Caves and a Buddhist Stupa could date as far back as 200 BC.

Ancient Shrine of Lord Shiva at Elephanta

Ancient Shaivasa cave

Engraving of Shiva bringing the Ganga to Earth
Wedding of SHiva and Parvati

Cave 1,also known as main cave. Largest of the Elephanta caves, completed between 500-600 ce.

Shiva temple in East Wing

Ellora Caves
The latest of the great rock caves were the Ellora Caves, built in three phases between 500 ce to 1000 CE.

Cave 10, also known as Carpenter's cave, one of the later Buddhist caves.
And finally, cave 16, the Kailasa temple. built between 700-800 CE, this humongous Shiva temple is a truly impressive feat of architecture, to say the least

The way this temple was built into the face of solid rock still baffles scientists to this day. In fact, this would be impressive even today with modern technology. The Kailash temple was even used as evidence by the TV show Ancient Aliens and other conspiracy theorists as evidence of extraterrestrial intervention in the ancient world.

Keep in mind that these caves were mostly built between 500-700 CE, during the dark ages of Europe. SOme of them were even built as early as 200 BC. Hence, it is safe to say that these structures were absolutely unprecedented at the time, and remain some of the world's greatest architectural feats even today. The presence of these caves support my view that modern-day India was one of the world's most ancient and advanced civilizations that lasted for thousands of years.

TO BE CONTINUED
@Indus Pakistan @Taimur Khurram @Talwar e Pakistan @UnitedPak @niaz @Rusty @Theparadox @DANCING GIRL @third eye @Tshering22 @Nilgiri @Rajesh Kumar @Suriya @HariPrasad @AyanRay @surya kiran @jaiind @Śakra @Tea addict @Peaceful Civilian @pothead @KapitaanAli @Rollno21 @Sam. @Tom M @Cherokee @scorpionx @KAL-EL @Rusty @Pluralist @DANCING GIRL @Mugwop @Iqbal Ali @KAMDEV @SuvarnaTeja

Great article, keep it up .

 

[Asian.Century]

Mahastara armies defeated by West Muslim forces - land was captured many times by Muslims ruled over again and again and then left alone.

 

[SuvarnaTeja]

Mahastara armies defeated by West Muslim forces - land was captured many times by Muslims ruled over again and again and then left alone.

But you could not erase and destroy the past as our history was set in stone. Literally.

 

[padamchen]

Hey everyone. I was intending on finishing this thread earlier, but I had to leave the Tallahasse area due to Hurricane Michael, and since than I have been caught up with other obligations, so I decided to take a small break. Sorry for the delay.
Late Ancient-Early Medieval period.

By about 200 BC, most of Maharashtra was ruled by the Buddhist Pravarapura-Nandivardhana dynasty. It was at this time that Maharashtra's iconic rock-cut caves were built. These are known as being some of the most amazing feats of architecture not just in India, but the entire medieval world.
Ajanta caves- the earliest of the great rock-cut caves of Maharahstra. The date of the first phase of construction was likely between 100-200 bc.

cave 9, one of the oldest Ajanta caves. Has an ancient Chaitya-style worship hall and stupa

One of the earliest caves at Ajanta completed before 150 BC
Some of the earliest paintings at Ajanta Cave 10

Shrine of Buddha dating between 100-200 BC

Ajanta cave 12. Built around 200 BC as a Vihara, or refuge.

The later phase of the Ajanta Caves were built between the fifth and sixth centuries AD

Cave 19

cave 20
http://www.remotetraveler.com/ajanta-caves/
Elephanta caves-located on the Elephanta Island off the coast of Mumbai, the Elepahanta caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that have impressed foreign travelers for centuries. The island goueese t its name from the Portuguese after an elephant statue was found. The Portuguese used the island as a military base, and Portuguese soldiers caused heavy damage to many of the caves.

Elephant statue that gave the caves its name. Obviously, it has been heavily damaged.
Although most of the caves were built between the 5th and 6th century BC, five Shaivate Caves and a Buddhist Stupa could date as far back as 200 BC.

Ancient Shrine of Lord Shiva at Elephanta

Ancient Shaivasa cave

Engraving of Shiva bringing the Ganga to Earth
Wedding of SHiva and Parvati

Cave 1,also known as main cave. Largest of the Elephanta caves, completed between 500-600 ce.

Shiva temple in East Wing

Ellora Caves
The latest of the great rock caves were the Ellora Caves, built in three phases between 500 ce to 1000 CE.

Cave 10, also known as Carpenter's cave, one of the later Buddhist caves.
And finally, cave 16, the Kailasa temple. built between 700-800 CE, this humongous Shiva temple is a truly impressive feat of architecture, to say the least

The way this temple was built into the face of solid rock still baffles scientists to this day. In fact, this would be impressive even today with modern technology. The Kailash temple was even used as evidence by the TV show Ancient Aliens and other conspiracy theorists as evidence of extraterrestrial intervention in the ancient world.

Keep in mind that these caves were mostly built between 500-700 CE, during the dark ages of Europe. SOme of them were even built as early as 200 BC. Hence, it is safe to say that these structures were absolutely unprecedented at the time, and remain some of the world's greatest architectural feats even today. The presence of these caves support my view that modern-day India was one of the world's most ancient and advanced civilizations that lasted for thousands of years.

TO BE CONTINUED
@Indus Pakistan @Taimur Khurram @Talwar e Pakistan @UnitedPak @niaz @Rusty @Theparadox @DANCING GIRL @third eye @Tshering22 @Nilgiri @Rajesh Kumar @Suriya @HariPrasad @AyanRay @surya kiran @jaiind @Śakra @Tea addict @Peaceful Civilian @pothead @KapitaanAli @Rollno21 @Sam. @Tom M @Cherokee @scorpionx @KAL-EL @Rusty @Pluralist @DANCING GIRL @Mugwop @Iqbal Ali @KAMDEV @SuvarnaTeja

You should also do a piece on those Buddhist prayer caves cut into the rock faces of cliffs in inner Maharashtra. I've ridden past them many times. Even slept in one at night during the monsoons. Amazing. Stories upon stories, one above the other. A lot like The Hills Have Eyes .....

Cheers, Doc

 

[KAMDEV]

Mahastara armies defeated by West Muslim forces - land was captured many times by Muslims ruled over again and again and then left alone.

That is part of our history.

 

[Asian.Century]

But you could not erase and destroy the past as our history was set in stone. Literally.

I am just saying the above article is good but Muslim invasion and rule was also great for Mahastara, history should be fairly mentioned, dont do the British thing who erase, lie and built thier own versions of history.

Balanced honest and truth is a fact and should remain controversial free.

 

[padamchen]

Great post. Thanks for tagging me.

Ellora has Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples side by side.

These temples were constructed as late as 10 century CE.

This is a huge slap on the folks who like to claim that dharmic religions didn't get along.

Do you know there is an ancient temple in Baku, Tajikistan that used to first be a Zoroastrian fire temple, and then had Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Sikh inscriptions and devotees praying at it?

5 (or 7) natural gas fueled fires ....

Cheers, Doc

 

[SuvarnaTeja]

Do you know there is an ancient temple in Baku, Tajikistan that used to first be a Zoroastrian fire temple, and then had Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Sikh inscriptions and devotees praying at it?

5 (or 7) natural gas fueled fires ....

Cheers, Doc

Great.

I know Baku in Azerbaijan. Is there one in Tajikistan too?

 

[padamchen]

Great.

I know in Baku Azerbaijan. Is there one in Tajikistan too?

Sorry Azerbaijan. My mistake.

Cheers, Doc

 

[Cobra Arbok]

Mahastara armies defeated by West Muslim forces - land was captured many times by Muslims ruled over again and again and then left alone.

not exactly true. maharashtra was ruled by aurangzeb for a short period of time, but their forces were soon defeated by shivaji. Marathis are proud and fierce people who have successfully defeated many invaders and at one point even ruled the entire subcontinent from bengal to peshawar for a short period of time, an achievement few other peoples can claim. Obviously the marathas have been defeated such as during panipat, but maharashtra itself was never conquered and ruled for long periods of time. as i said, only the tughlaqs and aurangzeb did that, for barely over a century combined. Anyway, this thread is open to all. If you have something interesting to contribute about muslim rule of maharashtra, you are more than welcome to post it. With that being said, there are very few muslim monuments in maharashtra as famous as the hindu and buddhist rock-cut caves.

 

[padamchen]

not exactly true. maharashtra was ruled by aurangzeb for a short period of time, but their forces were soon defeated by shivaji. Marathis are proud and fierce people who have successfully defeated many invaders and at one point even ruled the entire subcontinent from bengal to peshawar for a short period of time, an achievement few other peoples can claim. Obviously the marathas have been defeated such as during panipat, but maharashtra itself was never conquered and ruled for long periods of time. as i said, only the tughlaqs and aurangzeb did that, for barely over a century combined. Anyway, this thread is open to all. If you have something interesting to contribute about muslim rule of maharashtra, you are more than welcome to post it. With that being said, there are very few muslim monuments in maharashtra as famous as the hindu and buddhist rock-cut caves.

I agree. For the most fiercely Hindu nationalist people of India, you will find the least amount of Sanghi chutyapa here.

Shivaji Maharaj's forces had thousands of native Muslims fighting for their land against foreign invaders.

Cheers, Doc