We have decided to continue this series until Prelims 2019 as it has become the demand of the exam to continuously revise these factual details. Now students cannot rely on the last-minute effort.

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Key words related to History : Upanayana

Dynasty/era : Ancient India

Meaning : 1.Upanayana is one of the traditional saṃskāras (rites of passage) that marked the acceptance of a student by a guru (teacher) and an individual’s entrance to a school in Hinduism. 2.The sacred thread (yajnopavita) is received by the boy during this ceremony, that he continues wearing across his chest thereafter. The upanayana was restricted in many medieval Indian texts to the upper three of the four varnas (castes) of society — brahmins, kshatriyas and vaishyas.

Key words related to History : Kaivalya

Dynasty/era : Mahavira period

Meaning :  1.Kaivalya is a state of solitude, aloneness, isolation and detachment. The word is derived from the Sanskrit kevala, meaning “alone” or “isolated.” 2.It is a separation of purusha (Self or Soul) from prakriti (primal matter). The state of kaivalya is the main goal of Raja yoga. 3.It is a detachment and independence from relationships, egoism, attraction, aversion and the cycle of birth and death. One can achieve this state by performing austerities, yoga practice and discipline. One who achieves this state is called a Kevalin.