Central Asian Contacts and their Results

Introduction

The Central Asian Contacts studies about several invasions of the Greeks, Shakas, Parthians, and Khushans. The invasion by Mongols was considered one of the first central Asian contacts that results in the cultural renaissance in India.

The contacts were established in 200 BCE and they became as massive as the Mauryas and Mughals. This type of contact affects the political scenario of the country along with other socio-economical aspects.

What is Central Asian Contact?

The Empire of Mauryas was considered the largest empire and during this period India witnessed contact with central Asia. It helped India a lot in terms of major gains and widespread contacts.

The emergence of central Asian contacts started majorly after the Mauryan age. It introduces Greeks, Shakas and Kushanas to the Indian culture and as a result, social life was completely changed. The culture got mixed and it generated many new cultures that became constant and affects the growth of the nation in every aspect.

Different Central Asian Contacts

Many Invasions took place after the end of the Mauryan empire, however, the most important among them are-

• Bactrian Greeks − The first invasion was done by the Greeks, which occurred after the 200BCE. They cross the Hindukush and it happened because the Scythian tribes pushed them to invade India. The ruler of that time, King Ashoka was not so strong that he can stop the attack.

  They eventually occupied a larger part of the North Western side of India in initial period of 2nd century BC. They pushed forward the Ajodhya to pataliputra. However, maybe they failed to untidily rule the Nation but they were considered crucial because they are the first ones to bring gold coins in India.

• The Shakas − After the Greeks, the shakes ruled the region and they successfully took over the control of a larger part of India compared to the greeks. In 58 BC Vikramaditya defected from them and from then the Vikram era started. One of the most popular rulers of Shaks was Rudradaman 1. He was famous because he was the first person who repairs the Sudarsana Lake, which is situated in Kathiawar. He was also a great lover of Sanskrit.

• The Parthians − The Parthians ruled India from 19AD to 45 AD. The most famous Parthian King was Gondophernes and in his period the Christian Missionary under St Thomas visited India for the 1st time. The inscriptions of Takht-e-Bhai details more information about the Parthians.

• The Kushans − They were the ruler who came from the North-central portion of Asia that was close to China. The empire includes a major portion such as a part of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan alongside almost the whole of India. The most famous king of them who had a major impact in this region was Kanishka.

• The Gupta Dynasty − The Gupta dynasty was considered to have had a huge impact on the culture of India. The first two rulers of them are Sri Gupta, who founded the Gupta Dynasty and the other one was Ghatotkacha. Other than them, Chandragupta, Samudragupta, and Kumargupta were also among the famous ruler.

Results of the Contacts

The impact of the Central Asian Contacts left a huge mark on the lives of India and leads the way in generating a completely new culture in terms of trading, agriculture, military types of equipment, and Politics.

• Agriculture and pottery − the concept of the brick wall was introduced and pots with different shapes were made because of the contacts. The agricultural sector also witnessed development in terms of technology.

• Trading − The direct contact between India and Central Asia made trading easier. The trading between the Roman Empire and India started after the contact.

• Military equipment − Because of central Asia contacts the military equipment changed and new modern techniques were introduced. The use of Horses became much more popular and tunic turbans and trousers became a part of the culture.

• Politics − The idea of a ruler and kingship started changeling with time because of it. New political posts were also introduced during that phase.

• Society − Society was enriched with a lot newer culture and as a result, they got absorbed in Society and created a completely new society.

• Religion − With the central Asia contact some new religious view was introduced. During this period Buddhism also originated.

• Sculpture − Different invasions lead to different types of sculpture styles, which provide much information about the phase.

Conclusion

The result of central Asian contact was huge because it changed the culture of India permanently. From agriculture to trading, pottery to literature and even science and technology, everything was affected by the new contacts. However, in major cases, they left a positive impact on society. Eventually, they left a positive impact on their lives.

FAQs

Qns 1. What are the most crucial events that shaped central Asian culture?

Ans. The most important historical events that changed the culture of central Asia happened between the 8th to 10th centuries. The first one was the conquest of central Asia by Arabs, which was a victory over China and as a result, it imposed Islam and its culture in this region.

Qns 2. What makes central Asia famous?

Ans. Central Asia is mainly known for its rich culture and historical impacts. However, two things make it more famous, the origin of higher mathematics and the modern form of medicines.

Qns 3. When were stitched clothes and boots introduced in India?

Ans. In India, the first evidence of stitched clothes was found during the Mauryan dynasty. It was found in a woman's statue and the evidence of long boots was also available. The Mauryan dynasty was considered between the phases of 322 to 185 BC.

Qns 4. Who was the founder of the Gupta Empire?

Ans. The Gupta Empire was founded between 240 to 280 CE by Sri Gupta. After him, Ghatokacha and Chandragupta ruled the region.