CTET-2026 साठी प्राचीन इतिहास (Ancient History)हा विषय सामाजिक अध्ययन (Social Studies) व बालकांचा समाजाविषयीचा आकलन (Child Understanding of Society) यासाठी अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा आहे.
या घटकांतून भारताच्या सांस्कृतिक, सामाजिक, धार्मिक आणि नैतिक मूल्यांचा उगम कसा झाला हे समजते.
या अभ्यासघटकामध्ये :
- सिंधू घाटी संस्कृतीतील नगररचना व आर्थिक जीवन
- वैदिक काळातील समाजव्यवस्था, धर्म व राजकीय रचना
- जैन व बौद्ध धर्मांचे तत्त्वज्ञान, अहिंसा व समता
या सर्वांचा अभ्यास CTET परीक्षेच्या दृष्टीने concept-based questions साठी उपयुक्त ठरतो.
प्रस्तावना
भारतीय प्राचीन इतिहास (Indias Ancient History) हा CTET-2026 परीक्षेसाठी अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा भाग आहे. या कालखंडातून भारतातील सांस्कृतिक, सामाजिक, धार्मिक आणि राजकीय विकासाची पायाभरणी झाली.
या लेखात आपण तीन प्रमुख घटकांचा अभ्यास करणार आहोत –
- Indus Valley Civilization (सिंधू संस्कृती)
- Vedic Period (वैदिक काळ)
- Jainism & Buddhism (जैन व बौद्ध धर्म)
हे topics Child Understanding of Society, History Pedagogy आणि General Awareness साठी उपयुक्त आहेत.
👉 प्राचीन भारताचा इतिहास – संपूर्ण अभ्यासक्रम (CTET-2026)
NCERT अधिकृत वेबसाईटवरील इयत्ता 6 वी इतिहास पुस्तक
1. Indus Valley Civilization (सिंधू घाटी संस्कृती)
कालखंड (Period):
👉 Around 2500 BCE – 1750 BCE
👉 Also known as Harappan Civilization
महत्त्वाची ठिकाणे :(Ancient History)
- Harappa (Pakistan)
- Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan)
- Dholavira (Gujarat)
- Lothal (Gujarat)
- Kalibangan (Rajasthan)
Urban Planning -नगररचना:
Indus Valley Civilization ही world’s earliest urban civilizations पैकी एक होती.
- Well-planned cities
- Grid pattern roads
- Burnt bricks (भाजलेल्या विटा)
- Underground drainage system ⭐⭐⭐
👉 Great Bath (मोहेंजो-दारो) – public bathing system
👉 Granary (धान्यकोठार) – Harappa
Economic Life (आर्थिक जीवन):Ancient History
- Agriculture – wheat, barley
- Domestication of animals
- Trade with Mesopotamia
- Use of seals (मोहोर)
Religion & Beliefs (धर्म):
- Worship of Mother Goddess
- Pashupati Seal – proto-Shiva
- Tree and animal worship
Script & Art:(Ancient History)
- Indus script – undeciphered
- Terracotta toys
- Bronze statue – Dancing Girl
Decline of Civilization (पतन):
Possible reasons –
- Climate change
- Floods
- Decline in trade
- Aryan migration (theory – debated)
2. Vedic Period (वैदिक काळ)
कालखंड (Period):
- Early Vedic Period – 1500 BCE – 1000 BCE
- Later Vedic Period – 1000 BCE – 600 BCE
Sources (Sources of Knowledge):
- Vedas – Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda
- Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads
Early Vedic Period (ऋग्वैदिक काळ):
Society (समाज):
- Pastoral society
- Simple life
- Varna system – flexible
Political Life:
- Raja (King)
- Sabha & Samiti – democratic elements
Economy:
- Cattle wealth (Gau-dhan)
- Limited agriculture
Religion:
- Nature worship –
- Indra (rain & war)
- Agni (fire)
- Varuna (cosmic order)
Later Vedic Period (उत्तर वैदिक काळ):
Social Changes:
- Rigid Varna system
- Emergence of caste hierarchy
- Position of women declined
Economy:
- Agriculture dominant
- Iron tools usage
- Land ownership
Religion:
- Rituals & sacrifices increased
- Brahmins became powerful
- Concept of Karma & Moksha
3. Jainism & Buddhism (जैन व बौद्ध धर्म)
These religions emerged as a reaction against Vedic rituals, caste system, and animal sacrifices.
Jainism (जैन धर्म)
Founder:
👉 Vardhaman Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)
👉 Born in 540 BCE
Core Principles (Triratna):
- Right Faith (सम्यक दर्शन)
- Right Knowledge (सम्यक ज्ञान)
- Right Conduct (सम्यक चरित्र)
Main Teachings:
- Ahimsa (non-violence) ⭐⭐⭐
- Truth
- Non-stealing
- Non-possession
- Celibacy
Sects:
- Digambara
- Shvetambara
Contribution:
- Emphasis on morality
- Stress on self-discipline
Buddhism (बौद्ध धर्म)
Founder:
👉 Gautama Buddha
👉 Born in 563 BCE at Lumbini
Four Noble Truths (चार आर्य सत्य):
- Life is suffering
- Cause of suffering is desire
- Suffering can be ended
- Eightfold Path leads to salvation
Eightfold Path (अष्टांग मार्ग):
- Right View
- Right Resolve
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
Key Concepts:
- Middle Path
- Nirvana
- No caste discrimination
Spread of Buddhism:
- Supported by Ashoka the Great
- Spread to Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Southeast Asia
Buddhist Councils:(Ancient History)
- First Council – Rajgir
- Second – Vaishali
- Third – Pataliputra
Comparison: Jainism vs Buddhism
| Aspect | Jainism | Buddhism |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Mahavira | Gautama Buddha |
| Ahimsa | Extreme | Moderate |
| God | No creator God | No creator God |
| Path | Self-discipline | Middle Path |
CTET Exam Perspective (Exam Oriented Points):
✅ Indus Valley – urban planning & drainage
✅ Vedic period – social changes
✅ Jainism – Ahimsa
✅ Buddhism – Four Noble Truths
✅ Education values & moral teaching relevance
निष्कर्ष
Indian Ancient History reflects the evolution of Indian society, culture, religion, and values.
From scientific urban planning of Indus Valley, to philosophical depth of Vedic thought, and ethical teachings of Jainism & Buddhism, India’s ancient past offers valuable lessons for teachers and learners.
CTET-2026 साठी हा भाग conceptual clarity + value education दोन्ही दृष्टीने अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा आहे.