Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 29, 2026

Araghatta, as described in early Indian texts, was an advanced irrigation device based on a rotating wheel fitted with a series of pots or containers. As the wheel turned—often powered by animals or flowing water—the pots dipped into a water source, lifted water continuously, and emptied it into channels, ensuring efficient and sustained irrigation, especially for agriculture in riverine regions.

Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty in the early 5th century CE. His accounts provide valuable information on the political stability, administrative system, social conditions, and the flourishing state of Buddhism under Gupta rule, reflecting a period of peace and prosperity in India.

Gautama Buddha was commonly known by the epithets Shakyamuni (the sage of the Shakya clan) and Tathagata (one who has thus attained enlightenment). The term Nayaputta refers to Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, and not to Buddha.

In ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were prominent coastal ports known for extensive maritime trade. Sangam literature and foreign accounts describe them as major centres of overseas commerce with the Roman world, Southeast Asia, and West Asia, facilitating the export of pearls, spices, textiles, and other valuable goods.

In the period between the decline of the Gupta Empire and the rise of Harshavardhana (late 6th–early 7th century CE), Northern India witnessed political fragmentation. The Guptas of Magadha, Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, Maukharis of Kanauj, and Maitrakas of Valabhi were contemporary ruling powers.

The Paramaras of Malwa and the Yadavas of Devagiri emerged much later in the early medieval period.