Vishti refers to forced labor that was considered a source of income for the state during the Gupta period, functioning as a sort of tax paid by the people.
A term from the Delhi Sultanate referring to a department called Diwan I Bandagan (Department of Slaves) established during the reign of Firoz Shah Tuglaq, where 'Bandas' meant slaves.
A system introduced during the Delhi Sultanate by Iltutmish, dividing the empire into Iqtas assigned to nobles and officers in lieu of salary, similar to a feudal system.
A system of joint ownership of land by tribal lineage in the Chota Nagpur plateau, prevalent during the British period.
A large area of land demarcated for the Santhals around the Rajmahal hills during the British period.
Shramana refers to a practitioner or ascetic in Buddhism who follows a path of renunciation and self-discipline, striving for spiritual awakening through meditation, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Shramanas live a monastic life dedicated to the teachings of the Buddha and the liberation from suffering.
Tolkappiyam was developed during the Sangam Period.
The Noble Eightfold Path leads to enlightenment and Nibbana in Buddhism, guiding practitioners towards spiritual awakening.
Keywords that pertain to the governance and administrative practices relevant to UPSC, CDS, and CAPF examinations.
They have been frequently asked in past UPSC examinations, indicating their relevance and importance.
Specific terms or phrases that are crucial for understanding and answering questions in the examinations.
Hastimalla was a Jain poet in the court of the Solanki rulers.
A medieval term for a catapult, used in warfare.
Troops directly recruited by the Mughal emperor, known as Gentleman troopers, with salaries higher than regular troopers but lower than Mansabdars.
Sant Bhasha is the language of the Nirguna mystics, associated with the Bhakti Movement.
Ibadat Khana was built during the Mughal period under Akbar.
Siddhas, or sittars, were monotheistic figures in Tamil regions during the Bhakti Movement who condemned idolatry.
A Persian water wheel used in the irrigation of land during the Early Medieval period.
Historical terms provide context and background necessary for answering questions related to Indian history in the examinations.
Maitreya is a bodhisattva in Buddhism who is prophesied to appear on Earth in the future, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.
Pahi-kashta refers to farmers during the Mughal period who did not own land. They were distinct from Khud Kashta, who owned their own farmland and lived permanently in villages.
Land classifications in South India where Nancai refers to wet fields, Puncai to dry fields, and Tottakal to garden lands.
Ghatika was a famous education and learning center during the Pallava period, located in Kanchipuram.
Kshemeshwara was the court poet of Mahipala of Kannauj.
Manigramam and Nanadesi were guilds of Indian merchants during the Hoysala period in South India.
A Hundi is a bill of exchange used as remittance instruments to transfer funds, as credit instruments to borrow money, and for trade transactions.
Khud Kashta are farmers who own their own farmland in the village and reside there permanently, engaging in agricultural work.
A Mirasidar refers to a person who held land within a community ownership system known as Miyasi, before the British advent in Madras, and was designated as a revenue payer to the state.
Lay followers, such as Upasaka and Upasika, support the monastic community and engage in Buddhist practices without renouncing social obligations.
Banjaras were traders who played a significant role in trade during the Delhi Sultanate, particularly under Alauddin Khilji.
A type of warehouse or godown during the Mughal period where goods were collected, stored, and distributed.
An Indian agent or merchant associated with the East India Company during the British period.
Ibadat Khana, built by Akbar in 1575 at Fatepur Sikri, is a House of worship where he held discussions with scholars of various religions including Christianity, Hinduism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.
Tolkappiyam is a Tamil grammar text developed during the 2nd Sangam assembly, significant in the Sangam Period.
Bhumisparsha Mudra symbolizes Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara.
In Ibadat Khana, Akbar held discussions with scholars of Christianity, Hinduism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.
Therigatha refers to the verses of the Elder Nuns in Buddhism, which include some verses found in NCERT books.
Keywords that relate to social structures, cultural practices, and societal issues relevant to UPSC, CDS, and CAPF examinations.
Bhavabhuti was a famous Indian dramatist, poet, and scholar during the 8th century.
The Dadni system was a method of loan payment or advance money given to officials during the Mughal period.
A revenue system for the maintenance of village tanks.
Ghatika served as an important center for education and learning during its time.
The Pāli equivalent of Parivrajaka is Paribbajaka, referring to a wandering ascetic.
They provide clarity and context for each keyword, aiding in better understanding and retention for the exams.
Shreni refers to professional bodies of jewelers, weavers, ivory carvers, and salt-makers formed during the Gupta and Sangam periods to regulate production quality, establish ethical business practices, ensure fair wages and prices, and operate cooperatively.
Village headmen in medieval India; Mahattaras were in northern India while Pattakilas were in western India.
Nirvana is best explained as the extinction of the flame of desire or the end of desires.
Paramis are the qualities emphasized in Southern traditions, while Paramitas are recognized in Eastern and Northern traditions of Buddhism.
Terms associated with literary works, authors, and movements relevant to UPSC, CDS, and CAPF examinations.
To provide a comprehensive list of important terms that have been asked in UPSC, CDS, and CAPF examinations.
Combined Defence Services, which is an examination for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces.
Taniyurs were large villages and distinct revenue units under the Chola dynasty.
Miyasi refers to the community ownership system of land that existed before the British rule in Madras.
It indicates the questions that have been asked in both CDS/CAPF and UPSC examinations.
Kulah darans refers to the pointed cap (Kulah) worn by the Sayyids during the Delhi Sultanate.
A Mauza is a revenue collection unit in a Pargana district during the Mughal period.
Fanam refers to coins that were the regular unit of currency in medieval Travancore, extensively used for trading in South India, and the words Fanam and Panam mean money, still used as a synonym for wealth in Kerala.
Ibadat Khana, built by Akbar in 1575 at Fatepur Sikri, is a house of worship where discussions were held with scholars of various religions.
Nirvana is best explained as the extinction of the flame of desire, representing the ultimate goal in Buddhism.
Upasaka refers to a lay follower of Buddhism who supports the monastic community while not being initiated into renunciatory groups.
Central Armed Police Forces, which are a part of the Indian security system.
Eripatti, or tank land, is a special category of land in South India that was donated by individuals, with the revenue set aside for the maintenance of the village tank.
Parivrajaka means 'Roaming ascetic' or a wandering religious mendicant, applicable to Buddhist and Jain monks as well as Hindu sannyasins.
Shramana refers to a wandering ascetic in Jainism and Buddhism, often associated with renunciation and spiritual practice.
Monks live in monasteries near villages and towns to draw on the support of the lay community, fostering a connection with those who practice Buddhism.
Terms associated with trade practices, economic policies, and financial systems relevant to UPSC, CDS, and CAPF examinations.
The majority of questions asked in UPSC exams are related to the keywords associated with Jainism and Buddhism.
To cover key terms that are essential for the UPSC Prelims 2023 and 2024.
Paramitas are qualities whose attainment leads to the bodhisattva path in Buddhism, representing the qualities necessary for becoming a self-Enlightened Universal Buddha, varying across traditions.
Uparika refers to officials during the Gupta period who governed Bhuktis, or provinces, and should not be confused with Upari from the Maratha period.
Theris are women nuns in Buddhism.
Terms that relate to land revenue systems, taxation, and agricultural policies relevant to UPSC, CDS, and CAPF examinations.
Union Public Service Commission, which conducts examinations for various civil services in India.
Cultural movements reflect significant changes and developments in society, which are often tested in the examinations.
Upari is a category of tenancy tenure held under the Maratha regime, distinguishing it from Uparika of the Gupta period, who ruled over provinces.
Ghatika was prominent during the Pallava period.
Keywords that pertain to various religions, their practices, and historical significance relevant to UPSC, CDS, and CAPF examinations.
Keywords help in identifying important concepts and topics that are frequently tested in the examinations.
The Paramitas represent the qualities necessary for individuals on the Bodhisattva path to achieve enlightenment and become a Universal Buddha.
