Kings, Farmers and Towns Important short and long question Class 12 History Chapter-2 Book-Themes in Indian History-I

 

Question - Describe the main features of the administration of the Maurya Empire?

Answer - 

Administration of the Maurya Empire  

There were 5 major political centers of the Maurya Empire, the capital was Pataliputra 

Four provincial centers

1) Takshila 

2) Ujjaini 

3) Tosali

4) Swarngiri 

Major works 

• To run the empire, it  was essential to maintain transportation through both land and river routes.

• Arrangements were made for food and drink for the travellers.  Army was a major source of security.  There was one committee and six sub-committees for conducting military activities. 

• One of these committees was responsible for managing the navy. 

• The second one's job was to manage transport and catering 

• The third was for infantry troops 

• The fourth one looked after the horsemen

• The fifth committee used to control the charioteers and the sixth committee used to control the elephants.

Question:  Express your views on the economic and political achievements of the Maurya Empire?

Answer - 

Political achievement of Maurya Empire: -

• Five political centers, capital - Pataliputra

• The rule extended to Afghanistan and Balochistan in the northwest 

• strong military system 

• better intelligence system

• There was one committee and six sub-committees for the management of military activities.

Economic achievements of the Maurya Empire: -

• Sculpture 

• Business 

• Agriculture

• Sculpture

• gold mine

Question:   Discuss the contribution of Ashoka in Indian history?

Answer -

• Ashoka is considered the most famous ruler of early India 

• Ashoka conquered Kalinga (Orissa) 

• Ashoka was the first emperor to have messages for his officials and subjects inscribed on natural stones and polished pillars 

• Ashoka propagated Dhamma through his inscriptions

• Through Dhamma, he taught respect for elders, generosity towards ascetics and Brahmins, benevolent treatment to slaves and respect for other's religion and traditions.

• From Ashoka's inscriptions it is known  that there were five major political centres of the Maurya Empire  and its capital was Pataliputra

• Ashoka tried to keep his empire united 

• Ashoka appointed officials called Mahamattas to propagate Dhamma 

Question -   What are records? Explain with reasoning their importance and limitation in writing history?

Answer - 

• Inscriptions are engraved on hard surfaces like stone, metal or pottery.  They have special importance in writing history.  Inscriptions are the main sources of evidence of history.

• Through the records, epigraphists have received the following information: 

1. Language of the past 

2. Names of kings 

3. Date of record 

4. Important information like message of record etc. is obtained

Limitations of records in writing history -  

• lightly engraved letters 

• Loss of letters due to breakage of records 

• not getting the real meaning 

• Not understanding the language of the record 

• Lack of information about everyday life

Question -  Between the 6th century and 4th century B.C. Magadha became the most powerful Mahajanapada. How?

Answer -

Reasons for Magadha becoming the most powerful Mahajanapada –

1. Fertile land 

2. Iron Mine 

3. Availability of elephants in the forests 

4. Transportation by rivers 

5. A worthy ruler 

Question -  What were the main features of Ashoka's Dhamma?

Answer -

• respecting elders 

• to practice non-violence 

• Being Kind to Slaves and Servants

Question: According to the descriptions of Megasthenes, what was the system for conducting military activities in the Maurya Empire?

Answer -

• There was a committee and six sub-committees for the management of military activities.  The work of all these committees was divided. 

• The army had all types of troops  like navy, infantry, cavalry etc.

• Elephants were also used in the army

Question:  Explain in detail the main sources of information about the Maurya Empire?

Answer -

1. Coins and inscriptions of Ashoka 

2. Chanakya's Arthashastra 

3. Indica of Megasthenes

4. Jain Buddhist Literature

Question:  Discuss the limitations of archival evidence in understanding the political and economic history of India?

Answer -

• non availability of complete records 

• break of record 

• light letters 

• records not being read

Question:  Throw light on the three main characteristics of ancient Indian Mahajanapadas?

Answer - 

• Most of the Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings  

• Each Mahajanapada had its own capital

• The capital was often surrounded by a fort

Question -  What information do we get from the records?  Explain any three points?

Answer -

• Records record the achievements, activities or ideas of the people who created them 

• These contain details of the activities of kings and donations made by men and women to religious institutions. 

• We can find the date of construction in the record, the date of construction is engraved in it

Question -   What was the Divine King tradition? Explain.

Answer -

• Some kings tried to portray themselves as god-like 

• The Kushan ruler had his huge statue installed in the temples 

• Some rulers used to add the title of Devputra before their names to show themselves as divine kings. 

Question:  Write three characteristics related to agriculture of Maurya Empire?

Answer -

• The plow was used to increase the yield 

• In areas with heavy rainfall, iron ploughs were used 

• For irrigation, water was taken from wells, ponds and canals

Question –  Throw light on the importance of coins in Indian history?

Answer -

• Coins were used to facilitate trade 

• Punch-marked coins of silver and copper were first minted and used

• Gold coins were issued on a large scale by the Kushan kings in the first century AD 

• The most magnificent gold coins were issued by the Gupta rulers

Question:   Write any three facts about the chieftaincies that emerged in South India?

Answer - 

• Chiefdoms like Chola, Chera and Pandya emerged in South India.  These kingdoms were very prosperous.

• Many chieftains and kings raised revenue through long-distance trade

• Information about them is available from Tamil Sangam texts.