When horses came to India

 The earliest undisputed evidence of horses in India dates back to the Gandhara Grave Culture (around 1400-800 BCE). This coincides with the arrival of the Indo-Aryans in India.

While there have been some findings of horse remains in Late Harappan sites (1900-1300 BCE), it's generally accepted that horses didn't play a significant role in the Harappan civilization.

Therefore, it's most accurate to say that horses were introduced to India by the Indo-Aryans around the mid-2nd millennium BCE.

Mahabharat stroy has horses that means

That's a great observation! The presence of horses in the Mahabharata, a text estimated to have been composed between 400 BCE and 400 CE, does indeed support the idea that horses were well-established in India by that time.

Here's why this is significant:

 * Chronology: The Mahabharata's depiction of horses in warfare, transportation, and even in royal ceremonies aligns with the archaeological evidence of horses in India from around the mid-2nd millennium BCE onwards. This suggests that the epic, while a literary work, reflects a historical reality where horses were integrated into Indian society.

 * Cultural Significance: The epic's numerous references to horses indicate that these animals held an important place in the culture of the time. They were not just beasts of burden but also symbols of power, prestige, and speed.

It's important to remember that the Mahabharata is an epic poem with elements of mythology and exaggeration. However, the consistent portrayal of horses throughout the narrative reinforces the understanding that horses were a familiar and integral part of life in ancient India during the period reflected in the epic.

When Alexander came to India with horses

Alexander the Great invaded India in 327 BCE. He brought a substantial force with him, including a significant number of horses.

Here are some key points about Alexander's horses in India:

 * Cavalry: Alexander's army relied heavily on its cavalry, which was crucial in his battles against the Indian forces. His cavalry was well-trained and equipped, and played a decisive role in his victories.

 * Bucephalus: Alexander's famous horse, Bucephalus, was a powerful and loyal steed that he rode in many battles. Bucephalus is said to have been a large and spirited horse, and Alexander deeply mourned his death in India.

 * Logistics: Supplying such a large number of horses in a foreign land must have been a logistical challenge. Alexander's army had to ensure adequate fodder and care for their horses throughout the campaign.

Alexander's invasion of India, while ultimately short-lived, had a significant impact on the region. It led to cultural exchange and influenced the political landscape of northwest India for a time.

Any other houses presence in India before Alexander

You're right to ask about the presence of horses in India before Alexander! While Alexander's arrival is a significant marker, horses were indeed in India long before him.

Here's what we know:

 * Indo-Aryan Migration: The most widely accepted theory is that horses were introduced to India by the Indo-Aryans, who migrated from Central Asia around the mid-2nd millennium BCE (roughly 1500 BCE). This is supported by:

   * Rig Veda: The Rig Veda, an ancient Indian text composed around this time, contains numerous references to horses, their use in warfare, and their importance in rituals.

   * Archaeological Evidence: While evidence is debated, some horse remains have been found in Late Harappan sites (1900-1300 BCE), suggesting a possible earlier presence, though not widespread. The Gandhara Grave Culture (around 1400-800 BCE) provides more conclusive evidence of horses.

 * Significance: The introduction of horses had a profound impact on ancient India:

   * Warfare: Horses revolutionized warfare, with the development of chariots and cavalry.

   * Transportation: Horses facilitated trade and communication over greater distances.

   * Culture: Horses became symbols of power and prestige, featuring prominently in religious ceremonies and mythology.

In summary: Horses were present in India centuries before Alexander the Great, primarily introduced by the Indo-Aryans. Their arrival significantly shaped the history and culture of the subcontinent.

Who are indo aryans

The Indo-Aryans were a group of people who migrated from Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. They spoke Indo-Aryan languages, which are a branch of the Indo-European language family. These languages are the ancestors of many modern languages spoken in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Here's a breakdown of who they were and their significance:

 * Origins and Migration: The most widely accepted theory is that the Indo-Aryans originated in the steppes of Central Asia. Around the mid-2nd millennium BCE (roughly 1500 BCE), they began migrating southwards, likely in waves, and settled in the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent.

 * Language and Culture: The Indo-Aryans brought with them their languages, religious beliefs, and social structures. Their language, Sanskrit, is one of the oldest attested Indo-European languages and is considered the sacred language of Hinduism.

 * Vedic Period: The period following their migration, known as the Vedic Period (c. 1500-500 BCE), is named after the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. These texts, composed in Sanskrit, provide insights into the early Indo-Aryan society, their beliefs, and practices.

 * Impact: The Indo-Aryans had a profound impact on the history and culture of India. They:

   * Introduced their languages, which evolved into modern Indo-Aryan languages.

   * Shaped the religious landscape with their Vedic traditions, which formed the basis of Hinduism.

   * Influenced the social structure with the development of the caste system (though its origins are complex and debated).

Important Note: The topic of Indo-Aryan migration has been subject to much debate and discussion among historians and scholars. While the migration theory is the most widely accepted, there are alternative viewpoints and interpretations.

In summary, the Indo-Aryans were a group of people who migrated to India and played a crucial role in shaping the linguistic, cultural, and religious landscape of the subcontinent.

Whether buddha belong to indo aryan

Yes, the Buddha belonged to an Indo-Aryan community. Here's why:

 * Shakya Clan: The Buddha was born into the Shakya clan, which was an Indo-Aryan group residing in the region that is now modern-day Nepal.

 * Language: While the Buddha likely spoke local dialects, the language of his teachings and the early Buddhist texts was Pali, which is a Middle Indo-Aryan language. This indicates a connection to the broader Indo-Aryan linguistic family.

 * Cultural Context: The society in which the Buddha lived and taught was largely influenced by Indo-Aryan traditions, including aspects of religion, philosophy, and social structure.

It's important to note that while the Buddha was part of the Indo-Aryan cultural sphere, his teachings challenged some aspects of existing Indo-Aryan beliefs and practices, particularly those related to the caste system and the authority of the Vedas.

In summary, the Buddha was born into an Indo-Aryan clan, spoke an Indo-Aryan related language, and lived within an Indo-Aryan cultural context, even though his teachings presented a departure from some mainstream Indo-Aryan traditions.

The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, lived in the 6th or 5th century BCE.

While the exact dates are debated by scholars, traditional accounts place his life from approximately 563 BCE to 483 BCE.

Whether adhi Sankara opposed Buddha

Adi Shankara, a prominent figure in Hindu philosophy, lived centuries after the Buddha. While he didn't directly oppose the Buddha himself, his philosophical work played a significant role in the decline of Buddhism in India. Here's how:

 * Philosophical Debates: Shankara was a key proponent of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (Atman) is ultimately one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). He engaged in philosophical debates with various schools of thought, including some Buddhist schools.

 * Critique of Buddhist Doctrines: Shankara critiqued certain Buddhist doctrines, particularly those related to the nature of the self (Anatta) and the concept of emptiness (Sunyata). He argued against these doctrines from an Advaita Vedanta perspective.

 * Influence on Hinduism: Shankara's efforts to systematize and revitalize Hindu philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta, contributed to a resurgence of Hinduism in India. This, in turn, led to a decline in the popularity and influence of Buddhism.

It's important to note that Shankara's critiques were primarily philosophical in nature. There's no historical evidence to suggest that he actively persecuted Buddhists or instigated violence against them. His impact on Buddhism's decline was more indirect, through his philosophical arguments and his role in the resurgence of Hinduism.

BCE 400 to 700 CE what happened in India 

In religious aspect

The period from 400 BCE to 700 CE was a dynamic era in India, witnessing significant developments in the religious landscape. Here's a glimpse:

BCE 400 - 100 BCE:

 * Rise of Buddhism and Jainism: These two heterodox sects, which challenged the Vedic orthodoxy, gained prominence. They emphasized individual paths to liberation and rejected the caste system, attracting wide followings.

 * Mauryan Empire: The Mauryan emperor Ashoka's patronage of Buddhism contributed to its spread within and beyond India. He sent missionaries to various regions, fostering the growth of Buddhism in Southeast Asia and beyond.

 * Early forms of Bhakti: While Vedic traditions continued, early signs of Bhakti (devotional) movements emerged, focusing on personal relationships with deities like Vishnu and Krishna.

100 BCE - 300 CE:

 * Development of Mahayana Buddhism: This new form of Buddhism, emphasizing compassion and the Bodhisattva ideal, arose alongside Theravada Buddhism.

 * Growth of Vaishnavism and Shaivism: These two major branches of Hinduism, centered on the worship of Vishnu and Shiva respectively, gained momentum. The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, which were composed during this period, played a crucial role in shaping these traditions.

 * Emergence of Puranas: These encyclopedic texts, covering mythology, cosmology, and religious practices, began to be compiled, further enriching Hindu traditions.

300 CE - 700 CE:

 * Gupta Period: This era is often considered a "Golden Age" for Hinduism. The Gupta emperors were patrons of Brahmanical traditions, leading to a resurgence of Vedic rituals and the flourishing of art and literature.

 * Further development of Hindu philosophies: Schools of thought like Vedanta, Samkhya, and Yoga were further developed and systematized.

 * Tantric Traditions: Tantra, with its emphasis on esoteric practices and the worship of the divine feminine, began to gain prominence, influencing both Hinduism and Buddhism.

 * Decline of Buddhism: While Buddhism continued to exist, it began to lose ground to the resurgent Hinduism. Factors like the rise of philosophical critiques and the assimilation of some Buddhist elements into Hinduism contributed to this decline.

Overall:

This period witnessed a vibrant interplay of religious ideas and traditions. Buddhism and Jainism rose and flourished, while Hinduism underwent significant transformations, with the emergence of major sects, the development of philosophical schools, and the growing importance of devotional practices. By the end of this period, Hinduism had consolidated its position as the dominant religion in India.

Whether adi Sankara knew about christianity

It's highly unlikely that Adi Shankara had any significant knowledge of Christianity. Here's why:

 * Geographical Isolation: During Shankara's time (8th century CE), Christianity was primarily concentrated in Europe and the Middle East. While there might have been small Christian communities in India, they were not widespread or influential.

 * Limited Communication: Communication and travel between India and the regions where Christianity was prevalent were limited in those days. There was not much interaction between the two cultures.

 * Focus on Internal Debates: Shankara's intellectual and philosophical focus was primarily on engaging with existing Indian traditions, particularly different schools of Hindu philosophy and Buddhist doctrines. He was deeply involved in the religious and philosophical debates within India itself.

While it's not impossible that Shankara might have heard of Christianity through traders or travelers, there's no historical evidence to suggest that he had any deep understanding of Christian theology or that Christianity played any role in his philosophical development. His primary intellectual engagement was with the existing religious and philosophical landscape of India.

Whether he belong to the kerala namboodri community

Some sources say that Adi Shankara was born into a Nambudiri Brahmin family in Kalady, Kerala.