Vedic & Classical India: Pantheon, Vedas & Philosophy

Ashoka c. 268 – 232 BC Mauryan emperor whose remorse after Kalinga turned his reign toward Buddhist rule and stone edicts. Brahmi Script Abugida The ancestor script of South and Southeast Asia, carved on Ashoka's pillars from the 3rd century BC. Devanagari Abugida Abugida of northern India descended from Brahmi, used to write Hindi, Sanskrit, Marathi, and Nepali. Indus Valley Civilization 3300 BC – 1300 BC Bronze Age civilization in northwestern South Asia famous for urban planning and drainage. Maurya Empire 322 – 185 BC India’s first great unification, whose emperor Ashoka carved his repentance into rock across the realm. Tamil Script Abugida The South Indian script whose 3rd-century BC inscriptions are the earliest Brahmi evidence in the south. Tibetan Script Abugida The script of the Himalayas, created in the 7th century to translate Buddhism from Sanskrit.

Amaravati Realm / Site Amaravati Heavenly city in Indian mythology, abode of Indra. Atharvaveda Sacred Text The fourth Veda, a collection of spells, charms and healing lore alongside hymns of philosophical speculation. Bhagavad Gita Sacred Text The Song of the Lord, Krishna's counsel to the warrior Arjuna on the eve of battle, the most read scripture of Hinduism. Brahmapura Realm / Site Brahmapura Celestial city of Brahma in Indian mythology. Buddhist Tradition Mythology within Buddhism, focused on enlightenment and deities. Cambodian Tradition Mythology of Cambodia, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Indian Tradition Mythology of India, centered on Hindu gods like Vishnu. Indonesian Tradition Mythology of Indonesia, blending animism and Hindu-Buddhist elements. Jain Tradition Mythology within Jainism, focused on non-violence and liberation. Jataka Tales Sacred Text The stories of the Buddha's former lives, moral fables in which every tale ends with the Buddha naming himself. Kailasa Realm / Site Kailasa Sacred mountain in Indian mythology, abode of Shiva. Karma Concept The principle of cause and effect in mythologies like Indian , governing moral actions. Mahabharata Sacred Text The longest epic poem in the world, the war of the Bharata cousins framed by the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. Nirvana Realm / Site Nirvana Buddhist state of ultimate liberation and peace. Pali Canon Sacred Text The complete scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, preserved in the Pali language as the "Three Baskets", the Tipitaka. Ramayana Sacred Text Valmiki's epic of Rama, Sita and Ravana — the model of duty, devotion and dharma for half a continent. Ramcharitmanas Sacred Text Tulsidas's "Lake of the Deeds of Rama", the Awadhi retelling of the Ramayana that became the most recited book of North India. Reincarnation Concept The cycle of rebirth in mythologies like Indian and Buddhist , tied to karma. Rigveda Sacred Text Ancient Indian hymns of creation and divine praise. Samaveda Sacred Text The Veda of melodies, the hymnal of the sacrificial chant and the root of Indian sacred music. Shambhala Realm / Site Shambhala Mythical hidden kingdom in Tibetan Buddhism. Soma Artifact A divine drink in Indian mythology, associated with immortality and ritual. Thai Tradition Mythology of Thailand, blending Hindu and Buddhist elements. Vedas Sacred Text The four oldest scriptures of Hinduism, revealed to the rishis and preserved for millennia by exact oral recitation. Yajurveda Sacred Text The Veda of sacrificial formulae, the handbook of the priests who performed the great rituals.

Indra Deity King of the Vedic gods, wielder of the thunderbolt vajra, who slew the dragon Vritra and released the waters. Shiva Deity The Hindu destroyer and regenerator, lord of yoga and the dance, whose drum and fire make and unmake the cosmos. Vishnu Deity The preserver of the Hindu trimurti, who descends into the world as avatars whenever dharma fails.

Abhinavagupta 950–1016 · Indian Abhinavagupta Indian philosopher (c. 950–1016 CE), key figure in Kashmir Shaivism and aesthetics. Abhinavagupta’s Aesthetics Topic Indian philosophy of art, experience. Adi Shankara 788–820 · Indian Adi Shankara Indian philosopher (c. 8th century), founder of Advaita Vedanta . Advaita Vedanta Topic Indian philosophy of non-dualism. Ahimsa Concept Jain and Hindu principle of non-violence. Anekantavada Concept Jain concept of non-absolutism and multiple perspectives. Asanga Indian Asanga Indian Buddhist philosopher (4th century), known for Yogacara . Bhartrihari Indian Bhartrihari Indian philosopher (c. 5th century), known for philosophy of language. Bhartrihari’s Language Topic Indian philosophy of language and meaning. Brahman Concept Hindu concept of ultimate reality. Buddha’s Four Noble Truths Topic Core Buddhist philosophy. Buddhism School Philosophical and spiritual tradition from India. Buddhist Anarchism Topic Fusion of Buddhism, anarchist principles. Buddhist Ethics Topic Ethical principles of Buddhism. Candrakirti 600–650 · Indian Candrakirti Indian philosopher (c. 600–650), known for Madhyamaka. Dharma Concept Indian concept of duty, cosmic order. Dharmakirti Indian Dharmakirti Indian Buddhist philosopher (c. 7th century), known for Buddhist logic . Dharmakirti’s Logic Topic Buddhist system of logical reasoning. Dignaga 480–540 · Indian Dignaga Indian Buddhist philosopher (c. 480–540 CE), founder of Buddhist logic . Dignaga’s Epistemology Topic Buddhist philosophy of knowledge. Dogen 1200–1253 · Japanese Dogen Japanese philosopher (1200–1253), known for Zen Buddhism. Gangesa Indian Gangesa Indian philosopher (13th century), founder of Navya-Nyaya . Gangesha Indian Gangesha Indian philosopher of Navya-Nyaya. Gautama Buddha 563 BCE–483 BCE · Indian Gautama Buddha Indian philosopher (c. 563–483 BCE), founder of Buddhism . Hindu Ethics Topic Ethics of Hindu moral systems. Hindu Thinkers Indian Hindu Thinkers Collective term for philosophers of Hindu traditions. Hinduism School Indian philosophy and spiritual tradition. Jaimini Indian Jaimini Indian philosopher of Mimamsa. Jain Era Jain Philosophy of Jainism (c. 6th century BCE–present). Jain Ethics Topic Ethical principles of non-violence, asceticism. Jain Logic Topic Indian philosophy of non-absolutism. Jain Thinkers Indian Jain Thinkers Collective term for Jain philosophers. Jayanta Bhatta 850–910 · Indian Jayanta Bhatta Indian philosopher (c. 9th century), known for Nyaya philosophy. Kanada 200 BCE–160 BCE · Indian Kanada Indian philosopher of Vaisheshika. Kapila Indian Kapila Indian philosopher of Samkhya. Karma Concept Indian concept of action and consequence. Kashmir Shaivism Topic Non-dualistic Hindu philosophical tradition. Kukai 774–835 · Japanese Kukai Japanese philosopher (774–835), known for Shingon Buddhism. Kumarila Bhatta Indian Kumarila Bhatta Indian philosopher (c. 7th century), known for Mimamsa . Madhava 1340–1425 · Indian Madhava Indian philosopher (c. 1340–1425), known for Dvaita Vedanta. Madhva Indian Madhva Indian philosopher of Dvaita Vedanta. Mahavira Indian Mahavira Indian philosopher of Jainism. Mimamsa Topic Hindu philosophy of ritual, epistemology. Mimamsa Ritual Topic Hindu philosophy of ritual, duty. Nagarjuna 150–250 · Indian Nagarjuna Indian philosopher (c. 150–250 CE), known for Madhyamaka. Nagarjuna’s Madhyamaka Topic Buddhist philosophy of the middle way. Nirvana Concept Buddhist concept of ultimate liberation. Nyaya School Indian philosophy of logic and epistemology. Nyaya Topic Indian philosophy of logic, epistemology. Nyaya Logic Topic Indian system of logical reasoning. Patanjali Indian Patanjali Ancient Indian sage, author of Yoga Sutras. Prabhakara Indian Prabhakara Indian philosopher (7th century), key figure in Mimamsa school. Raghunatha Siromani 1477–1547 · Indian Raghunatha Siromani Indian philosopher (c. 1477–1547), known for Navya-Nyaya. Ramanuja Indian Ramanuja Indian philosopher (1017–1137), known for Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. Ramanuja’s Visistadvaita Topic Indian philosophy of qualified non-dualism. Shankara 788–820 · Indian Shankara Indian philosopher (c. 788–820), known for Advaita Vedanta. Shankara’s Advaita Topic Indian philosophy of non-dualism. Shinran 1173–1263 · Japanese Shinran Japanese Buddhist philosopher (1173–1263), founder of Jodo Shinshu, emphasized faith in Amida Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama Indian Siddhartha Gautama Indian philosopher, founder of Buddhism. Vaisheshika Topic Indian philosophy of atomism and realism. Vaisheshika Atomism Topic Indian philosophy of atomistic reality. Vasubandhu 300–399 · Indian Vasubandhu Indian Buddhist philosopher (4th–5th century), known for Yogacara . Vedanta School Indian philosophical tradition based on Upanishads. Vedanta Topic Indian philosophy of spiritual unity. Vedanta Monism Topic Indian philosophy of non-dual reality. Vedic Era Vedic Philosophy of ancient India (c. 1500–500 BCE). Visistadvaita Topic Hindu philosophy of qualified non-dualism.

Akshardham Temple 2005 · Delhi, India Modern Hindu temple in Delhi, India (2005), with intricately carved sandstone. Ashoka Architect Ancient Indian patron. Ashoka Pillars Emperor Ashoka Ancient stone pillars with Buddhist inscriptions. Badami Cave Temples Karnataka, India Rock-cut Hindu and Jain temples in Karnataka, India. Besakih Temple Bali, Indonesia Hindu temple complex in Bali, Indonesia (14th century CE), with stone and thatch. Borobudur Stupa Java, Indonesia Buddhist monument in Java, Indonesia (9th century CE), with stone and reliefs. Boudhanath Stupa Kathmandu, Nepal Buddhist stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal (circa 6th century CE), with a massive mandala dome. Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur, India Chola dynasty masterpiece. Brihadeeswarar Temple 1010 CE · Thanjavur, India Hindu temple in Thanjavur, India (1010 CE), with granite and towering vimana. Brihadisvara Temple 1010 · Thanjavur, India Chola dynasty temple with towering gopuram. Cham Architecture Movement Hindu-Buddhist style of Champa, Vietnam, 4th–13th centuries. Cham Craftsmen Architect Artisans of the Champa civilization in Vietnam, known for Hindu temples. Cham Towers Vietnam Hindu temples in Vietnam (circa 7th–13th century CE), with brick towers and carvings. Chedi Element Buddhist stupa-like structure in Southeast Asian architecture, symbolizing spiritual significance. Chennakesava Temple Belur, India Hoysala Hindu temple. Chola Period Chola Indian architecture from 850–1250 CE. Chola Style South Indian architecture with grand stone temples. Chola Architecture Movement South Indian style known for Dravidian temples. Chola Craftsmen Architect South Indian temple builders. Dashavatara Temple Deogarh, India Hindu temple in Deogarh, India, built c. 6th century. Dieng Plateau Temples Java, Indonesia Hindu temples in Java, Indonesia (circa 8th century CE), with stone structures. Durga Temple Aihole Aihole, India Hindu temple in Aihole, India, 7th century. Ellora Caves 1000 CE · India Rock-cut monastery-temple complex in India (circa 600–1000 CE), with Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain elements. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Tamil Nadu, India Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India, built by the Chola dynasty. Gangaikonda Temple Tamil Nadu, India Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India, a Chola dynasty masterpiece. Gedong Songo Java, Indonesia Hindu temple complex in Java, Indonesia (8th–9th century), with hilltop shrines. Gopuram Element Monumental ornamented gateway tower of South Indian temple architecture, rising in stepped, sculpted tiers. Gupta Period Gupta Indian architecture from 320–550 CE. Gupta Architecture Movement Indian architecture, 4th–6th century. Harappa Pakistan Ancient city in Pakistan, 2600–1900 BCE. Hindu Architecture Movement Indian temple architecture, 6th century–present. Hindu Kush Regional Style Architecture with mud-brick houses and forts. Hindu Kush Craftsmen Architect Central Asian builders. Hoysala Craftsmen Architect Indian artisans known for ornate Hindu temple architecture. Hoysaleswara Temple Karnataka, India Hindu temple in Karnataka, India. Indo-Saracenic Style Colonial Indian architecture blending Islamic and Hindu styles. Indraprastha India Legendary ancient city in India, associated with the Mahabharata. Indus Craftsmen Architect Ancient artisans of the Indus Valley Civilization, known for urban planning. Indus Valley Regional Style Architecture with mud-brick cities and drainage systems. Indus Valley Architecture Movement Architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization, 2600–1900 BCE. Jagannath Temple Puri, India Hindu temple in Puri, India (circa 12th century CE), with a towering shikhara. Jago Temple East Java, Indonesia Buddhist-Hindu temple in East Java, Indonesia (circa 13th century), with terraced structure. Jetavanaramaya Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Buddhist stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka (3rd century CE), with brick masonry. Kailasa Temple Ellora, India Rock-cut Hindu temple in Ellora, India (circa 8th century), a monolithic marvel with intricate carvings. Kamakhya Temple Assam, India Hindu pilgrimage site. Kandariya Mahadeva Khajuraho, India Medieval Hindu temple. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple 1030 CE · Khajuraho, India Hindu temple in Khajuraho, India (circa 1030 CE), with intricate stone carvings. Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi, India Hindu temple in Varanasi, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Khajuraho Temples 1150 CE · India Hindu and Jain temples in India (circa 950–1150 CE), with erotic carvings and nagara architecture. Kidal Temple East Java, Indonesia Hindu temple in East Java, Indonesia (circa 13th century CE), with andesite stone. Konark Sun Temple 1290 CE · Odisha, India Hindu temple in Odisha, India (circa 1290 CE), designed as a chariot with carved wheels. Leshan Giant Buddha 803 CE · Sichuan, China Rock-carved Buddha statue in Sichuan, China (713–803 CE), 71 meters tall. Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar, India Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, India (circa 11th century CE), with a towering shikhara. Madurai Meenakshi Temple Madurai, India Hindu temple in Madurai, India, 12th–18th century. Madurai Temple Madurai, India Hindu temple in Madurai, India (6th–16th century CE), with stone gopurams and carvings. Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu, India Temple complex in Tamil Nadu, India, 7th–8th centuries. Mallikarjuna Temple Andhra Pradesh, India Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India, built c. 7th century. Mandapa Element Hindu temple hall. Maurya Period Maurya Indian architecture from 322–185 BCE. Meenakshi Temple Madurai, India Hindu temple in Madurai, India (6th–17th century CE), with stone gopurams and carvings. Meru Tower Element Tiered temple tower in Hindu architecture. Mohenjo-Daro Sindh, Pakistan Indus Valley city. My Son Vietnam Cham Hindu temples in Vietnam (4th–13th century CE), with brick towers and carvings. Nirvana House Monument Conceptual or private residence, location unclear, contemporary. Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu, Nepal Hindu temple in Kathmandu, Nepal (circa 5th century CE), with a pagoda-style roof. Penataran Temple Java, Indonesia Hindu temple in Java, Indonesia (13th century CE), with stone and reliefs. Prambanan Java, Indonesia Hindu temple complex in Java, Indonesia (9th century CE), with stone towers and carvings. Pura Luhur Uluwatu Bali, Indonesia Hindu temple in Bali, Indonesia (11th century CE), with stone carvings and ocean views. Raja Raja Chola Architect Indian ruler and patron (c. 947–1014), known for commissioning Dravidian temples. Rupa Maha Thupa Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Buddhist stupa. Ruwanwelisaya 140 BCE · Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Buddhist stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka (140 BCE), with brick and plaster. Sambisari Temple Yogyakarta, Indonesia Hindu temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (9th century CE), with stone and volcanic rock. Sanchi Stupa Madhya Pradesh, India Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh, India (circa 3rd century BCE), with carved gateways. Seokguram Grotto 751 CE · South Korea Buddhist cave temple in South Korea (circa 751 CE), with a granite Buddha statue. Shaolin Temple 495 CE · Henan, China Buddhist monastery in Henan, China (495 CE), famed for martial arts and Zen Buddhism. Shikhara Element Towering spire in Hindu temple architecture. Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon, Myanmar Buddhist stupa in Yangon, Myanmar (circa 6th century CE), with gold-plated dome. Singhasari Temple East Java, Indonesia Hindu temple in East Java, Indonesia (circa 13th century CE), with stone reliefs. South East Asian Regional Style Architecture with stilted houses and Hindu-Buddhist temples. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Tamil Nadu, India Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India (circa 10th century CE), with expansive gopurams and courtyards. Stupa Element Domed structure for Buddhist relics or meditation. Stupa Construction Technique Traditional Buddhist architectural technique for creating dome-shaped reliquary structures. Sukhothai Ancient Thai city (circa 13th–14th century CE), with brick temples and Buddha statues. Sun Temple Modhera 1026 CE · Gujarat, India Hindu temple in Gujarat, India (circa 1026 CE), with intricate stone carvings and a stepped tank. Swayambhunath Kathmandu, Nepal Nepalese Buddhist stupa. Tanah Lot Bali, Indonesia Hindu temple in Bali, Indonesia (16th century CE), with stone on rocky outcrop. Taxila Stupa Taxila, Pakistan Ancient Buddhist stupa in Taxila, Pakistan, part of a historic city. Tirta Empul 926 CE · Bali, Indonesia Hindu water temple in Bali, Indonesia (circa 926 CE), with sacred springs and bathing pools. Todaiji Temple 728 CE · Nara, Japan Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan (728 CE), with timber and bronze Buddha. Ulun Danu Beratan 1633 CE · Bali, Indonesia Hindu temple in Bali, Indonesia (1633 CE), with thatched roofs and lake setting. Vedic Architecture Theory Ancient Indian design principles based on Vastu Shastra. Vimana Element Tower over sanctum in Hindu temples. Virupaksha Temple Hampi, India Hindu temple in Hampi, India (circa 7th century CE), with a towering gopuram. Vishvakarma Architect Mythical Hindu architect, revered as the divine craftsman in Indian mythology. Wat Chedi Liam 1297 CE · Chiang Mai, Thailand Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (circa 1297 CE), with a stepped pyramid stupa. Wat Si Sawai Sukhothai, Thailand Hindu-Buddhist temple in Sukhothai, Thailand (circa 13th century CE), with Khmer-style prangs.