With the beginning of the Later Vedic Age the social life of the Indians underwent some major changes (particularly in north India). These changes continued taken place even after Later Vedic Age about 400 A.D.
(i) The most important of these changes was that Varna system was fully established during this period (400 B.C. to 400 A.D.) The Brahmanas were the supreme in this four-fold divisions of the society. Earlier they were just-one by the system categories of priest. But now they became synonymous with the total priesthood.
(ii) The sacrificing tradition was perpetuated by the Varna (The Brahmanas). It is speculated the priest of non-Aryan origin were also taken into-the-Brahmanas Varna.
(iii) Kshatriyas were second in social hierarchy or ranks. They were warrior class who ruled over society or state and protected the poeple. It may be said that Rajan in earlier period became Kshatriya in Later Vedic Age or earlier epic age.
(iv) Some of the historians declare that in Mahabharata age the relationship that existed that Brahmanas and the Kshatriyas were not cordial. There were instances of tensions and conflicts among them on the question of supremacy in society. At the same time stress was laid on the close co-operation between the two to maintain order and kept other Varnas subordination.
(v) The third social rank was given to Vaishyas. They engaged themselves in productive activities such as agriculture, different crafts and trade. They paid tribute to Kshatriyas and Dan (donation) to Brahmanas.
(vi) The common social roots of these three Varnas are reflected in the fact that they were entitled to put on sacred thread and were called twice-born (Dvij).

Almost all the hill-stations in India were developed by the British. The hill stations were an important aspect of the colonial urban development. They were set-up and developed to fulfil the needs of the British army. Shimla was founded during the course of Gurkha War (1815-16). Similarly the British developed Mount Abu during the Anglo-Maratha War of 1818. They snatched Darjeeling from the rulers of Sikkim in 1835.

The hill-stations were very important for the British as they fulfilled the following objectives:
(i) They were strategic places for the stay of troops.
(ii) They facilitated defence and guard of the frontiers.
(iii) They were the best places to launch campaign against enemy rulers.
(iv) The temperate and cool climate of the hill-stations was suitable for the British who associated hot weather with
epidemics.
(v) The hill-stations served as cantonments for the army in the hills. They also protected the army from diseases like
cholera and malaria.
(vi) The hill stations were developed as sanitoriums. These were the places where soldiers could be sent for rest,
recreation and recovery from diseases.
(vii) They were frequently visited by British rulers like the Viceroys. Most of the British officials moved to hill stations
during the summer season. In 1864, John Lawrence, the then Viceroy of India, officially moved its council to Shimla. The
official residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army was also in Shimla.
(viii) The hill-stations, provided many opportunities for recreation. They served as picnic-spots, tea-parties, race and visits
to the theatre.
(ix) The hill-stations were important for the economy of the British. They had tea and coffee plantations in the nearby
areas. So they had a large number of immigrant labour.

Lingayats and their contribution:

1. A popular movement which arose during the twelfth century was the Lingayat or Virshaiva Movement.
2.  Its founder was Basava and his nephew, Channabasava, who lived at the court of the Kalachuri kings of Karanataka.
3. They established their faith after bitter disputes with the Jains.
4. The Lingayats are worshippers of Lord Shiv a.
5.  They strongly opposed the caste system and rejected fasts, feats, pilgrimage and sacrifice.
6.  In the social sphere, they opposed child marriage and allowed remarriage of widows.

The mansabdari system introduced by Akbar was a unique feature of the administrative system of the Mughal Empire. The term mansab (i.e. office, position or rank) in the Mughal administration indicated the rank of its holder (mansabdar) in the official hierarchy.

Shudraka was an Indian king and playwright. Three Sanskrit plays are ascribed to him - Mrichchhakatika

According to the ‘two-nation theory’ advanced by the Muslim League, India consisted of not one but two ‘people’, Hindus and Muslims. That is why it demanded Pakistan, a separate country for the Muslims. The Congress opposed this theory and the demand for Pakistan. But several political developments in 1940s, the political competition between the Congress and the Muslim League and the British role led to the decision for the creation of Pakistan.

(a) By 1832, the Santhals had settled in the Damin-i-Koh area. Santhal settlements now expanded rapidly. Forests were rapidly cleared for agriculture. As cultivation expanded the Company got more revenue.
(b) But the Santhals gradually became dissatisfied. They found they were not getting their due and were being exploited. The sate was levying heavy taxes on them.
(c) Moneylenders charged them high rates of interest and took over their land when they were unable to pay.
(d) zamindars also had began to increase their hold over their area. Thus they revolted against the exploitation of the zamindar, moneylenders and the state.
(e) After the revolt, the British created the Santhal Pargana from the districts of Bhagalpur and Birbhum. It was believed that the creation of a new state and passing of special laws for their protection would conciliate the Santhals
                           

Harappan Civilisation is also known as Indus Valley Civilisation. It is the oldest Civilisation of India.
• There is no consensus about the chronology of the Harappan Civilisation. Various scholars have given different dates about this period.
• According to Sir John Marshall, “this civilisation flourished between 3250 and 2750 BCE”.
• It was Daya Ram Sahni, who first discovered the sites of Harappan in 1921. The main centres of this civilisation are in Pakistan. The same famous sites of this civilisation (now in Pakistan) are Mohenjodaro and Chanhudaro.