From Chiefdoms To Empires

Class 6 | Social Science — History | Unit 3

Class 6 Unit 3 History

Unit 3. From Chiefdoms to Empires

Learning Objectives

• To know the factors responsible for the rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas.
• To understand the evolution of Indian polity from Chiefdoms to Kingdoms.
• To recall the greatness of Mauryan Empire.
• To learn the main features of the administration and the nature of the society & economy during that time.
• To gain the knowledge on Ashoka's policy of Dhamma.
• To examine the causes for the decline of Mauryan Empire.

Importance of Sixth Century BC (BCE)

During the sixth Century BC (BCE) many territorial states emerged. This Led to the transformation of socio – economic and political life of the people in the Gangetic plains. A new intellectual awakening began to develop in northern India. Mahavira and Gautama Buddha represented this new awakening.

Role of iron in a changing society

Iron played a significant role in this transformation of society. The fertile soil of the Gangetic Valley and the use of iron ploughshares improved agricultural productivity. In addition, iron facilitated craft production. Agrarian surplus and increase in craft products resulted in the emergence of trading and exchange centres. This in turn paved the way for the rise of towns and cities. Thus, knowledge in the use of iron gave Magadha an advantage over other Mahajanapadas. Thus, the Magadha could establish an empire of its own.

Gana - sanghas and Kingdoms

There were two kinds of government in north India during the sixth century BC (BCE)

• Gana - sanghas – non-monarchical states.
• Kingdoms – monarchies

The term gana means people of equal status. Sangha means assembly. The gana - sanghas covered a small geographical area ruled by an elite group. The gana sanghas practiced egalitarian traditions. A kingdom means a territory ruled by a king or queen. In a kingdom (monarchy), a family, which rules for a long period becomes a dynasty. Usually these kingdoms adhered to orthodox Vedic traditions.

Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

Janapadas were the earliest gathering places of men. Later, Janapadas became republics or smaller kingdoms. The widespread use of iron in Gangetic plain created conditions for the formation of larger territorial units transforming the janapadas into Mahajanapadas.

Sixteen Mahajanapadas ("Great Countries")

Sixteen Mahajanapadas dotted the Indo- Gangetic plain in the sixth century BC (BCE). It was a transition from a semi – nomadic kinship - based society to an agrarian society with networks of trade and exchange. Hence an organized and a strong system of governance required a centralised state apparatus.

There were four major Mahajanapadas

• They were Magadha in Bihar
• Avanti in Ujjain
• Kosala in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and
• Vatsa in Kausambi, Allahabad.

Among the four Mahajanapadas, Magadha emerged as an empire.

The Causes for the Rise of Magadha

Magadha was located on the lower part of the Gangetic plain. The plain was fertile which ensured the rich agricultural yield. This provided regular and substantial income to the state. The thick forests supplied timber for construction of buildings and elephants for army. Abundance of natural resources especially iron enabled them to equip themselves with weapons made of iron. Growing trade and commerce facilitated movement of people as well as settlement of people in centres of arts and crafts. The outcome was urbanization and emergence of Magadha as an empire.

Dynasties of Ancient Magadha

Four dynasties ruled over Magadha Empire.

• The Haryanka dynasty
• The Shishunaga dynasty
• The Nanda dynasty
• The Maurya dynasty

Haryanka Dynasty

Magadha's gradual rise to political supremacy began with Bimbisara of Haryanka dynasty. Bimbisara extended the territory of Magadhan Empire by conquests and by matrimonial alliances with Lichchhavis, Madra and Kosala. His son Ajatasatru, a contemporary of Buddha, convened the first Buddhist Council at Rajagriha. Udayin, the successor of Ajatasatru, laid the foundation of the new capital at Pataliputra.

Shishunaga Dynasty

Haryanka dynasty was succeeded by the Shishunaga dynasty. Kalasoka, a king of Shishunaga dynasty, shifted the capital from Rajagriha to Pataliputra. He convened the second Buddhist Council at Vaishali.

Nanda Dynasty

Nandas were the first empire builders of India. The first Nanda ruler was Mahapadma. Mahapadma Nanda was succeeded by his eight sons. They were, known as Navanandas (nine Nandas). Dhana Nanda, the last Nanda ruler, was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya.

Mauryan Empire

Sources

Archaeological sources
Punch Marked Coins. Inscriptions
Edicts of Ashoka, Junagath Inscription

Secular Literature
Kautilya's Arthasastra
Visakadatta's Mudrarakshasa
Mamulanar's poem in Agananuru

Religious Literature
Jain, Buddhist texts and Puranas

Foreign Notices
Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa and Indica

Capital	Pataliputra (present day Patna, Bihar)
Government	Monarchy
Historical era	322 BC (BCE) TO 187 BC (BCE)
Important Kings	Chandragupta, Bindusara, Ashoka

Chandragupta Maurya

The Mauryan Empire was the first largest empire in India. Chandragupta Maurya established the empire in Magadha. Bhadrabahu, a Jain monk, took Chandragupta Maurya to the southern India. Chandragupta performed Sallekhana (Jaina rituals in which a person fasts unto his death) in Sravanbelgola (Karnataka).

Bindusara

Real name of Bindusara was Simhasena. He was the son of Chandragupta Maurya. Greeks called Bindusara as Amitragatha, meaning slayer of enemies. During Bindusara's reign Mauryan Empire spread over large parts of India. He appointed his son Ashoka as a governor of Ujjain. After his death, Ashoka ascended the throne of Magadha.

Ashoka

Ashoka was the most famous of the Mauryan kings. He was known as Devanam Piya meaning beloved of the Gods. Ashoka fought the Kalinga war in 261 BC (BCE). He won the war and captured Kalinga. The horror of war was described by the king himself in the Rock Edict XIII.

"Ashoka shines and shines brightly like a bright star, even unto this day,"
H. G. Wells, Historian

Chandasoka (Ashoka, the wicked) to Dhammasoka (Ashoka the righteous)

After the battle of Kalinga, Ashoka became a Buddhist. He undertook tours (Dharmayatras) to different parts of the country instructing people on policy of Dhamma. The meaning of Dhamma is explained in Ashoka's – Pillar Edict II

It contained the noblest ideas of humanism, forming the essence of all religions. He laid stress on

• Compassion
• Charity
• Purity
• Saintliness
• Self-control
• Truthfulness
• Obedience and respect for parents, preceptors and elders.

Ashoka sent his son Mahinda and Sanghamitta to Srilanka to propagate Buddhism. He also sent missionaries to West Asia, Egypt, and Eastern Europe to spread the message of Dhamma. The Dhamma-mahamattas were a new cadre of officials created by Ashoka. Their job was to spread dhamma all over the empire. Ashoka held the third Buddhist Council at his capital Pataliputra.

Edicts of Ashoka

The 33 Edicts on the pillars as well as boulders and cave walls made by the Emperor Ashoka, describe in detail Ashoka's belief in peace, righteousness, justice and his concern for the welfare of his people. The Rock Edicts II and XIII of Ashoka refer to the names of the three dynasties namely Pandyas, Cholas, the Keralaputras and the Sathyaputras.

Mauryan Administration

Centralized administration

King

The king was the supreme and sovereign authority of the Mauryan Empire. Council of ministers known as mantriparishad assisted the King. Assembly of ministers included a Purohit, a Senapathi, a Maha mantri and the Yuvaraja. King had an excellent spy system.

Revenue system

The land was the most important source of revenue for the state. Ashokan inscription at Lumbini mentions bali and bagha as taxes collected from people. The land tax (bhaga) collected was 1 by 6 of the total produce. Revenue from taxes on forests, mines, salt and irrigation provided additional revenue to the government. Much of the State revenue was spent on paying the army, the officials of the royal government, on charities and on different public works such as irrigation project, road construction extra.

Judicial System

The king was the head of the Judiciary. He was the highest court of appeal. King appointed many judges subordinate to him. The punishments were harsh.

Military Administration

The king was the supreme commander of the army. A board of 30 members divided into six committees with five members on each, monitored

• Navy
• Armoury (transport and supply)
• Infantry
• Cavalry
• The war chariots
• The war elephants

Municipal Administration (Cities and Towns)

Board of 30 members divided into six committees. Each had 5 members to manage the administration of the city. Town administration was under Nagarika. He was assisted by Sthanika and Gopa.

Currency

Money was not only used for trade; even the government paid its officers in cash. The punch marked silver coins (panas) which carry the symbols of the peacock, and the hill and crescent copper coins called Mashakas formed the imperial currency.

Trade and Urbanization

Trade flourished particularly with Greece (Hellenic) Malaya, Ceylon and Burma. The Arthasastra refers to the regions producing specialized textiles – Kasi (Benares), Vanga(Bengal), Kamarupa (Assam) and Madurai in Tamilnadu.

Main Exports	Main Imports
Spices Pearls Diamonds Cotton textiles Ivory Works Conch Shells	Horses Gold Glassware Linen

Mauryan Art and Architecture

Mauryan art can be divided into two

• Indigenous Art – Statues of Yakshas and Yakshis
• Royal Art – Palaces and Public buildings, Monolithic Pillars, Rock cut Architecture, Stupas

Stupas

A Stupa is a semi – spherical dome like structure constructed on brick or stone. The Buddha's relics were placed in the centre of the dome.

Monolithic Pillar – Sarnath

The crowning element in this pillar is Dharma chakra.

Beginning of Rock cut Architecture

Rock – Cut Caves of Barabar and Nagarjuna Hills
There are several caves to the north of Bodh Gaya. Three caves in Barabar hills have dedicative inscription of Ashoka. And three in Nagarjuna hills have inscriptions of Dasharatha Maurya (grandson of Ashoka).

Reasons for the Decline of the Mauryan Empire

• Ashoka's successors were very weak.
• Continuous revolts in different parts of the empire.
• Invasion by the Bactrian Greeks weakened the empire.
• Last Maurya ruler Brihadratha was killed by his commander Pushyamitra Sungha who established Sungha dynasty.

Ancient name	Its Modern name
Rajagriha	Rajgir
Pataliputra	Patna
Kalinga	Odisha

Elsewhere in the world

The Great Wall of China is an ancient series of fortification. During third century BC (BCE) emperor Qin-Shi Huang linked these walls on Northern border to protect his empire.

An ancient temple in Olympia, Greece, dedicated to the god Zeus, constructed during fifth century BC (BCE), It is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Summary

• Sixth century BC (BCE) forms an important landmark as it witnessed the emergence of sixteen Mahajanapadas.
• Among the sixteen Mahajanapadas, Magadha emerged as an empire.
• Magadha was ruled by four dynasties- The Haryanka, the Shishunaga, the Nanda and the Maurya dynasty.
• Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan empire.
• Ashoka was the most famous of the Mauryan kings.
• Ashoka's pillar and Rock Edicts enlighten us on his ideas of Dhamma.

Glossary

Egalitarian a person who advocates the principle of equality for all. (சமத்துவம்) Monastery a building in which monks live and worship. (மடாலயம்) Treatise a written work dealing systematically with a subject. (ஆய்வுக்கட்டுரை) Horror a feeling of fear and anxiety (பேரச்சமும் நடுக்கமும்) Do you know

1. 16 Mahajanapadas
Kuru, Panchala, Anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Kasi, Kosala, Avanti, Chedi, Vatsa, Machcha, Surasena, Assaka, Gandhara and Kamboja.

2. Nalanda - UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nalanda was a large Buddhist monastery in ancient kingdom of Magadha. It became the most renowned seat of learning during the reign of Guptas. The word Nalanda is a Sanskrit combination of three words Na plus alam plus daa meaning no stopping of the gift of knowledge.

3. Megasthenese
He was the ambassador of the Greek ruler, Seleucus, in the court of Chandra Gupta. He stayed in India for 14 years. His book Indica is one of the main sources for the study of Mauryan Empire.

4. Grandeur of Pataliputra
The great capital city in the Mauryan Empire, which had 64 gates to the city with 570 watch towers.

5. Lion Capital of Ashoka
The Emblem of the Indian Republic has been adopted from the Lion Capital of one of Ashokas pillars located at Sarnath. The wheel from the circular base, the Ashoka Chakra is a part of the National Flag.

6. An Edict is an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority or a king.

7. The script of the inscriptions
At Sanchi – Brahmi
At Kandahar – Greek and Aramaic
At North Western part – Kharoshthi

8. The Junagarh and Girnar Inscription of Rudradaman records that the construction of a water reservoir known as Sudarshana Lake was begun during the time of Chandragupta Maurya and completed during Ashoka's reign.

9. Yakshas were deities connected with water, fertility, trees, the forest and wilderness. Yakshis were their female counterpart.

EXERCISES

Exercise I. Choose the correct answer

1. The Kingdom which was most powerful among the four Mahajanapadas

a) Anga b) Magadha c) Kosala d) Vajji

2. Among the following who was the contemporary of Gautama Buddha?

a) Ajatasatru b) Bindusara c) Padmanabha Nanda d) Brihadratha

3. Which of the following are the sources of Mauryan period?

a) Artha Sastra b) Indica c) Mudrarakshasa d) All

4. Chandra Gupta Maurya abdicated the thrown and went to Sravanbelgola along with Jaina Saint ______.

a) Badrabahu b) Stulabahu c) Parswanatha d) Rushabhanatha

5. ______ was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator.

a) Ptolemy b) Kautilya c) Xerxes d) Megasthenese

6. Who was the last emperor of Mauryan Dynasty?

a) Chandragupta Maurya b) Ashoka c) Brihadratha d) Bindusara Exercise II. Match the statement with the reason and Tick the appropriate answer

1. Statement (A) Ashoka is considered as one of India's greatest rulers.

Reason (R) He ruled according to the principle of Dhamma.

a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. c. A is true but R is false. d. A is false but R is true.

2. Which of the statements given below is/are correct?

Statement 1: Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler who unified entire India under one political unit.

Statement 2: The Arthashastra provides information about the Mauryan administration

a. only 1 b. only 2 c. both 1 and 2 d. neither 1 nor 2

3. Consider the following statements and find out which of the following statement(s) is (or) are correct.

1) Chandragupta Maurya was the first king of Magadha.

2) Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha.

a. only 1 b. only 2 c. both 1 and 2 d. neither 1 nor 2

4. Arrange the following dynasties in chronological order.

a. Nanda – Sishunaga – Haryanka – Maurya b. Nanda – Sishunaga –Maurya – Haryanka c. Haryanka - Sishunaga – Nanda - Maurya d. Sishunaga – Maurya – Nanda – Haryanka

5. Which of the following factors contributed to the rise of Magadhan Empire?

1) Strategic location

2) Thick forest supplied timber and elephant

3) Control over sea

4) Availability of rich deposits of iron ores

a. 1, 2 and 3 only b. 3 and 4 only c. 1, 2 and 4 only d. All of these Exercise III. Fill in the blanks

1. was the earliest capital of Magadha.

2. Mudrarakshasa was written by .

3. was the son of Bindusara.

4. The founder of the Maurya Empire was .

5. were appointed to spread Dhamma all over the empire.

Exercise IV. State True or False 1. The title Devanam Piya was given to Chandragupta Maurya. 2. Ashoka gave up war after his defeat in Kalinga. 3. Ashoka's Dhamma was based on the principle of Buddhism. 4. The lions on the currency notes is taken from the Rampurwa bull capital. 5. Buddha's relics were placed in the centre of the Stupas. Exercise V. Match the following

a. Gana
b. Megasthenese
c. Chanakya
d. Dharmayatras

a. 3 4 1 2 b. 2 4 3 1 c. 3 1 2 4 d. 2 1 4 3 Exercise VI. Answer in one or two sentences

1. Mention any two literary sources of Mauryan period.

2. What is a stupa?

3. Name the dynasties of Magadha.

4. What were the sources of revenue during Mauryan period?

5. Who assisted Nagarika in the administration of towns?

6. What do you know from the Rock Edicts II and XIII of Ashoka?

7. Which classical Tamil poetic works have the reference of Mauryans?

Exercise VII. Answer the following

1. What did Ashoka do to spread Buddhism? (Write any three points)

2. Write any three causes for the rise of Magadha.

Exercise VIII. HOTS

1. Kalinga war became a turning point in Ashoka's life. How?

2. Write any five welfare measures you would do if you were a king like Ashoka?

Exercise IX. Picture study

This is the picture of an Ashokan edicts.

a. What are edicts?

b. How are Ashokan edicts useful?

c. Where were these edicts inscribed?

d. Name the script used in Sanchi Inscription.

e. How many Rock Edicts are there?

Exercise X. Who am I

1. I belonged to Haryanka dynasty. I extended territory by matrimonial alliances. My son is Ajatasatru – who am I?

2. I played a significant role in the transformation of society. I am used in making ploughshare - Who am I?

3. I was known as Devanampiya. I embraced the path of peace - Who am I?

4. I established the first largest empire in India. I performed Sallekhana. Who am I?

5. I am found in the Lion capital of Ashoka. I am at the centre of our national flag. Who am I?

Exercise XI. Decipher the code – The Mauryan Empire

A 1	B 2	C 3	D 4	E 5	F 6	G 7	H 8	I 9	J 10
K 11	L 12	M 13	N 14	O 15	P 16	Q 17	R 18	S 19	T 20
U 21	V 22	W 23	X 24	Y 25	Z 26

1. The first dynasty that ruled over Magadha was (8, 1, 18, 25, 1, 14, 11, 1).

2. empire was the first largest empire (13, 1, 21,18, 25, 1).

3. laid the foundation of the new capital at Pataliputra (21, 4, 1, 25, 9, 14).

4. was one of the main exports (19, 16, 9, 3, 5, 19).

5. became later the most renowned seat of learning (14, 1, 12, 1, 14, 4, 1).

6. Revenue from agricultural produce was called (2, 8, 1, 7, 1).

7. The horror of war was described in (18, 15, 3, 11, 5, 4, 9, 3, 20)

8. Greeks called Bindusara as (1, 13, 9, 20, 18, 1, 7, 1, 20, 8, 1)

9. The crowning element in Saranath Pillar is (4, 8,1, 18, 13, 1, 3, 8, 1, 11, 18, 1)

10. Council of ministers were known as (13, 1, 14, 4, 18, 9, 16, 1, 18, 9, 19, 8, 1, 4)

Exercise XII. Activity

1. Field trip to Museum

2. Movie show – about Ashoka and Chandragupta.

Exercise XIII. Map Work

1. Mark the extent of Ashokan Empire.

2. Mark the following places on the river map of India

• a. Taxila
• b. Pataliputra
• c. Ujjain
• d. Sanchi
• e. Indraprastha

Exercise XIV. Life Skill

1. Make a model of Ashoka Chakra.

2. Make a model of Sanchi Stupa.

3. Draw and colour our National Flag.

Exercise Answer Grid

Name the two kinds of government in North India during 6th century B.C (BCE)
Who conducted second Buddhist council at Vaishali?
What is the modern name for Kalinga?
Town was administrated by ______
Where was the third Buddhist council convened by Ashoka?
Name any two major Mahajanapadas.
Which inscription records the construction of Sudarshana lake?
Who was the last Nanda ruler?
Name the silver coin which were in use during Maurian period?

References

Romila Thapar, Early India: From the Origins to 1300 AD. Penguin, 2015.

R.S. Sharma, India's Ancient past. Oxford University Press, 2005.

Upinder Singh, A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India. Pearson, 2008

ICT CORNER

History from Chiefdoms to Empires

This activity for Maps based on Vector database is a INTERACTIVITY ATLAS which helps to know about Comparative History, Political, Military, Art, Science, Literature, Religion and Philosophy in the world.

Step 1 Open the Browser and type the URL given (or) Scan the QR Code.

Step 2 World History Atlas page will appear.

Step 3 You will enter any kingdom period or political period (ex. Magadha Empire).

Step 4 You will get vector database map.

URL http://geacron.com/home-en/

List of Authors and Reviewers

Domain Experts
Doctor Manikumar K.A. Professor (Retaird), Deportment of History, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli District.

Reviewers
A. Karunanandam, Former H.O.D., Department of History, Vivekananda College, Chennai.
Ravichandran S.L. Associate Professor (Retaird), Raju's College, Rajapalayam.
Appanasamy M. Advisor, Textbook Society, TNTB and ESC, Chennai.

Authors AND Content Writers
Gomathi Manickam S. B.T. Assisttant, GHSS, Old Perungalathur, Chennai.
B. Srinivasan BT Asst., GHS, Krishnagiri.
Nancy Needhima, Research Scholar, Loyola College Institute, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

Academic Co-ordinators
Sujatha M. Senior Lecturer, DIET, Chennai.
Joy Christy N. B.T. Asst., T. Kallupatti Block, Madurai.

ICT Co-ordinator
Nagaraj D. BT Asst., (History), GHSS, Rappoosal, Pudukottai

EMIS Technology Team
R.M. Satheesh State Coordinator Technical, TN EMIS, Samagra Shiksha.
K.P. Sathya Narayana IT Consultant, TN EMIS, Samagra Shikaha
R. Arun Maruthi Selvan Technical Project Consultant,

Art and Design Team
Illustration K.T. Gandhirajan, Chennai. Tamil Virtual Academy.
Layout Arokiyam Felix
Wrapper Kathir Arumugam
QC Manohar Radhakrishnan
Co-ordination Ramesh Munisamy

Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers

Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.

I. Choose the correct answer

1. The Kingdom which was most powerful among the four Mahajanapadas

a) Anga b) Magadha c) Kosala d) Vajji

Answer: b) Magadha

Explanation: Among the four major Mahajanapadas (Magadha in Bihar, Avanti in Ujjain, Kosala in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Vatsa in Kausambi, Allahabad), Magadha emerged as an empire.

2. Among the following who was the contemporary of Gautama Buddha?

a) Ajatasatru b) Bindusara c) Padmanabha Nanda d) Brihadratha

Answer: a) Ajatasatru

Explanation: His son Ajatasatru, a contemporary of Buddha, convened the first Buddhist Council at Rajagriha.

3. Which of the following are the sources of Mauryan period?

a) Artha Sastra b) Indica c) Mudrarakshasa d) All

Answer: d) All

Explanation: The sources of Mauryan Empire include Kautilya's Arthasastra, Visakadatta's Mudrarakshasa, and foreign notices including Indica.

4. Chandra Gupta Maurya abdicated the thrown and went to Sravanbelgola along with Jaina Saint ___.

a) Badrabahu b) Stulabahu c) Parswanatha d) Rushabhanatha

Answer: a) Badrabahu

Explanation: Bhadrabahu, a Jain monk, took Chandragupta Maurya to the southern India. Chandragupta performed Sallekhana in Sravanbelgola (Karnataka).

5. ___ was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator.

a) Ptolemy b) Kautilya c) Xerxes d) Megasthenese

Answer: d) Megasthenese

Explanation: Megasthenese was the ambassador of the Greek ruler, Seleucus, in the court of Chandra Gupta. He stayed in India for 14 years.

6. Who was the last emperor of Mauryan Dynasty?

a) Chandragupta Maurya b) Ashoka c) Brihadratha d) Bindusara

Answer: c) Brihadratha

Explanation: Last Maurya ruler Brihadratha was killed by his commander Pushyamitra Sungha who established Sungha dynasty.

II. Match the statement with the reason and Tick the appropriate answer

1. Statement (A): Ashoka is considered as one of India's greatest rulers. Reason (R): He ruled according to the principle of Dhamma.

a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. c. A is true but R is false. d. A is false but R is true.

Answer: a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation: Ashoka was the most famous of the Mauryan kings and he undertook tours instructing people on policy of Dhamma, which contained the noblest ideas of humanism.

2. Which of the statements given below is/are correct? Statement 1: Chandragupta Maurya was the first ruler who unified entire India under one political unit. Statement 2: The Arthashastra provides information about the Mauryan administration

a. only 1 b. only 2 c. both 1 and 2 d. neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c. both 1 and 2

Explanation: The Mauryan Empire was the first largest empire in India established by Chandragupta Maurya, and Kautilya's Arthasastra is mentioned as one of the sources of the Mauryan period.

3. Consider the following statements and find out which of the following statement(s) is (or) are correct. 1) Chandragupta Maurya was the first king of Magadha. 2) Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha.

a. only 1 b. only 2 c. both 1 and 2 d. neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b. only 2

Explanation: Rajagriha was mentioned as the capital of Magadha (modern name Rajgir), but Chandragupta Maurya was not the first king of Magadha as earlier dynasties like Haryanka, Shishunaga and Nanda ruled Magadha before the Mauryas.

4. Arrange the following dynasties in chronological order.

a. Nanda – Sishunaga – Haryanka – Maurya b. Nanda – Sishunaga –Maurya – Haryanka c. Haryanka - Sishunaga – Nanda - Maurya d. Sishunaga – Maurya – Nanda – Haryanka

Answer: c. Haryanka - Sishunaga – Nanda - Maurya

Explanation: Four dynasties ruled over Magadha Empire in chronological order: The Haryanka dynasty, The Shishunaga dynasty, The Nanda dynasty, The Maurya dynasty.

5. Which of the following factors contributed to the rise of Magadhan Empire? 1) Strategic location 2) Thick forest supplied timber and elephant 3) Control over sea 4) Availability of rich deposits of iron ores

a. 1, 2 and 3 only b. 3 and 4 only c. 1, 2 and 4 only d. All of these

Answer: c. 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation: Magadha was located on the lower part of the Gangetic plain (strategic location), thick forests supplied timber and elephants for army, and abundance of natural resources especially iron enabled them to equip themselves with weapons.

III. Fill in the blanks

1. ___ was the earliest capital of Magadha.

Answer: Rajagriha

2. Mudrarakshasa was written by ___.

Answer: Visakadatta

3. ___ was the son of Bindusara.

Answer: Ashoka

4. The founder of the Maurya Empire was ___.

Answer: Chandragupta Maurya

5. ___ were appointed to spread Dhamma all over the empire.

Answer: Dhamma-mahamattas

IV. State True or False

1. The title Devanam Piya was given to Chandragupta Maurya.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ashoka was known as Devanam Piya meaning beloved of the Gods.

2. Ashoka gave up war after his defeat in Kalinga.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ashoka fought the Kalinga war in 261 BC (BCE). He won the war and captured Kalinga. After the battle of Kalinga, Ashoka became a Buddhist.

3. Ashoka's Dhamma was based on the principle of Buddhism.

Answer: False

Explanation: It contained the noblest ideas of humanism, forming the essence of all religions, not just Buddhism.

4. The lions on the currency notes is taken from the Rampurwa bull capital.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Emblem of the Indian Republic has been adopted from the Lion Capital of one of Ashokas pillars located at Sarnath.

5. Buddha's relics were placed in the centre of the Stupas.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Buddha's relics were placed in the centre of the dome of a Stupa.

V. Match the following

1. Match the Following

a. Gana	1. Arthasastra
b. Megasthenese	2. religious tours
c. Chanakya	3. people
d. Dharmayatras	4. Indica

Answers: a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2

VI. Answer in one or two sentences

1. Mention any two literary sources of Mauryan period.

Answer: Kautilya's Arthasastra and Visakadatta's Mudrarakshasa are two important literary sources of the Mauryan period.

2. What is a stupa?

Answer: A Stupa is a semi-spherical dome like structure constructed on brick or stone. The Buddha's relics were placed in the centre of the dome.

3. Name the dynasties of Magadha.

Answer: Four dynasties ruled over Magadha Empire: The Haryanka dynasty, The Shishunaga dynasty, The Nanda dynasty and The Maurya dynasty.

4. What were the sources of revenue during Mauryan period?

Answer: Land was the most important source of revenue. Revenue from taxes on forests, mines, salt and irrigation provided additional revenue to the government.

5. Who assisted Nagarika in the administration of towns?

Answer: Nagarika was assisted by Sthanika and Gopa in the administration of towns.

6. What do you know from the Rock Edicts II and XIII of Ashoka?

Answer: The Rock Edicts II and XIII of Ashoka refer to the names of the three dynasties namely Pandyas, Cholas, the Keralaputras and the Sathyaputras.

7. Which classical Tamil poetic works have the reference of Mauryans?

Answer: Mamulanar's poem in Agananuru has reference to the Mauryans.

VII. Answer the following

1. What did Ashoka do to spread Buddhism? (Write any three points)

Answer: Ashoka undertook tours (Dharmayatras) to different parts of the country instructing people on policy of Dhamma. He sent his son Mahinda and Sanghamitta to Srilanka to propagate Buddhism. He also sent missionaries to West Asia, Egypt, and Eastern Europe to spread the message of Dhamma.

2. Write any three causes for the rise of Magadha.

Answer: Magadha was located on the lower part of the fertile Gangetic plain which ensured rich agricultural yield. The thick forests supplied timber for construction and elephants for army. Abundance of natural resources especially iron enabled them to equip themselves with weapons made of iron.

VIII. HOTS

1. Kalinga war became a turning point in Ashoka's life. How?

Answer: Ashoka fought the Kalinga war in 261 BC (BCE) and won the war capturing Kalinga. The horror of war was described by the king himself in the Rock Edict XIII. After the battle of Kalinga, Ashoka became a Buddhist and transformed from Chandasoka (Ashoka, the wicked) to Dhammasoka (Ashoka the righteous). He then undertook tours instructing people on policy of Dhamma which contained the noblest ideas of humanism.

2. Write any five welfare measures you would do if you were a king like Ashoka?

Answer: Based on Ashoka's principles of Dhamma, welfare measures would include: promoting compassion and charity among people, ensuring purity and saintliness in governance, practicing self-control and truthfulness in administration, encouraging obedience and respect for parents and elders, and spreading the message of peace and righteousness through educational tours and officials.

📝 Summary

1. The sixth century BC (BCE) marked a transformation in northern India with the emergence of territorial states, new intellectual awakening represented by Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, and the evolution from chiefdoms to empires in the Gangetic plains.
2. Iron technology played a crucial role in societal change by improving agricultural productivity through iron ploughshares, facilitating craft production, and leading to the rise of trading centers, towns and cities in the fertile Gangetic Valley.
3. Two types of government existed in north India: Gana-sanghas (non-monarchical states ruled by elite groups practicing egalitarian traditions) and Kingdoms (monarchies following orthodox Vedic traditions where ruling families became dynasties).
4. Sixteen Mahajanapadas emerged in the Indo-Gangetic plain during the sixth century BC (BCE), with four major ones being Magadha in Bihar, Avanti in Ujjain, Kosala in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Vatsa in Kausambi, among which Magadha emerged as an empire.
5. Magadha's rise to empire status was facilitated by its fertile location in the lower Gangetic plain, abundant natural resources including iron and timber, rich agricultural yields, thick forests providing elephants for the army, and growing trade and commerce leading to urbanization.