Samacheer Kalvi 11th History Guide Chapter

1 Ancient India: Beginnings to Indus

Civilization
I. Select the correct answer

Question 1.
The period before the introduction of writing is called …………………….
a) Prehistoric period
b) Historic period
c) Palaeolithic period
d) Neolithic period
Answer:
a) Prehistoric period

Question 2.
The oldest period of history is ………………..
a) Paleolithic
b) Neolithic
c) Copper age
d) Iron age.
Answer:
a) Paleolithic

Question 3.
Paleolithic tools were first ………………. were identified in
a) 1860
b) 1863
c) 1873
d) 1883
Answer:
b) 1863

Question 4.
Bagor – 1 and Bagor – 3 in Sun Valley in Madhya Pradesh are …………………. Places where
civilization existed
a) Lower Paleolithic
b) Middle Paleolithic
c) Upper Paleolithic
d) Neolithic
Answer:
c) Upper Paleolithic

Question 5.
Mehrgar is associated with …………………… culture.
a) Paleolithic
b) Neolithic
c) Mesolithic
d) Copper Age
Answer:
b) Neolithic

Question 6.
…….. inscriptions refer to trade relations between Mesopotamia and Harappa.
a) Cuneiform
b) Hieroglyphics
c) Devanagari
d) Kharosthi
Answer:
a) Cuneiform

Question 7.
Barsahome ……………….. was the site of
a) Neolithic culture of Kashmir
b) Neolithic culture of Ganga plain
c) Neolithic culture of eastern India
d) Neolithic culture of south India
Answer:
a) Neolithic culture of Kashmir

Question 8.
Early Harappan period is …………………. is
a) 3000-2600 BC
b) 2600-1900 BC
c) 1900-1700 BC
d) 1700-1500 BC
Answer:
a) 3000 – 2600 BC

Question 9. An important means of livelihood for

the Harappan people was …………………….
a) Agriculture
b) Pottery
c) Handicrafts
d) Fishing
Answer:
a) Agriculture

Question 10.
The Indus Civilization declined from about ………………….
a) B.A.M. 1800
b) BC 1900
c) BC 1950
d) BC 1955
Answer:
b) B.A.M. 1900

II. Give short answer.

Question 1.
What are the evidences that help in the study of prehistory?
Answer:

 There is no written evidence to know about the earlier period of history

 Geological layers, stone tools, pottery tiles, bone tools, metal tools, rock paintings,
handicrafts etc. are the evidences that help in the study of prehistoric times.

Question 2.
How is the Paleolithic divided?
Answer:
The most ancient period in history is called Paleolithic. It
is divided into three parts. They are

1. Subdued period
2. Medieval period
3. Upper Paleolithic

Question 3.
Draw a short note on hominin.
Answer:

 Human ancestors that closely resembled modern humans were called hominins.
 The traces of their existence are found mostly in Africa.
 They are rare in India.
 The whereabouts of the hominin fossil discovered by explorer Bruce Foote at Athiram
site is unknown.

Question 4.
Medieval Culture : Reference diagram.
Answer:

 Sites associated with medieval culture are found in large parts of India.
 Animal hunting, gathering plant food and fishing were their main occupations.
 People of this period used fire. The dead spoke.
 Migration in search of animals and plants for food was an important characteristic of
medieval people.

Question 5.
How is the Harappan civilization divided into different phases?
Answer:
The Harappan civilization is divided into various phases as follows.

 Early Harappan B.C. 3000-2600

 Mature Harappa B.C.E. 2600 – 1900
 Later Harappan B.C. 1900-1700 The elements for an urban culture matured during the
Harappa period.

Question 6.
Perungulam : Draw a short note.
Answer:

 A special public space of Mokhnjadaro is the large bathing pool with a courtyard.
 There are walkways and stairs on all four sides of the pond.
 There were changing rooms, and drainage for water to come in and sewage to go out.
 This pool may have been set up for ritual bathing.

Question 7.
State the reasons for the decline of the Indus Civilization.
Answer:
Various theories are generally put forward for the decline of the Indus Civilization.

 The civilization declined due to climate change, decline in trade with Mesopotamia, and
frequent droughts.
 Disasters like floods and occasional earthquakes also contributed to the decline.
 Invasion of neighbors like Aryans also contributed to the decline of Indus Civilization.
 Over time these people migrated southwards and eastwards from the Indus region.
 Due to this the Indus civilization also fell.

III. Give a short answer

Question 1.
Write about Acheulean Chohanian tool technology.
Answer:
The early culture of the ancient people is divided into two traditions based on the stone tools they
used
1. Acheulian tradition
2. Soganian tradition
.
Acheulean Heritage:

 Acheulean tradition with hand axe-type tools.

 It is divided into three categories namely Early, Middle and Late Acheulean.
 The early Acheulean tradition includes a variety of spherical objects such as axes, knives,
and carving tools.
Soganian Legacy:

 Soganian legacy with today's pebble carving tools.

 Sogani tradition consisted of only cutting tools and tools for related work.
 It is known as the Sogani tradition because it prevailed in the watershed of the Sogan
River in present-day Pakistan.

Question 2.
Write the main features of Medieval India.
Answer:

 Mesozoic people lived in the open, in caves and rock basins.

 They were hunters and gatherers of food.
 They used small tools. The habit of using the ax decreased.
 Chert, jasper, chalcedene and quartz were used as raw materials in the production of
stone tools.
 Drilling tools and scraping tools were widely used for handling wood, animal skins, etc.

Question 3.
Mention the places where medieval civilization prevailed.
Answer:

 Sites of medieval civilization in India are found in large parts of India.

 This civilization was spread in all the sub-regions such as coastal area, sandy area, water
area, forest area, lake area, rock shelter, mountain and hilly area, estuary area.
 Baisra in Bihar, Langnaj in Gujarat, Bhagar 2 in Uttar Pradesh, Chobani Mando, Sarai
Nagar Raj Mahataka, Sanakana Kallu in Tam Tamama Andhra, Visakhapatnam and
Kippana Halli in Karnataka are the places where medieval civilization prevailed.
 Bagore, Dilwara, coastal areas of Mumbai in Rajasthan,
 In Tamil Nadu, Thoothukudi district in the eastern part of Terikunna (Semmyakunna) is
also a site of medieval civilization.

Question 4.
What are the salient features of medieval culture?
Answer:

 Medieval people lived in semi-permanent and temporary settlements.

 They lived in caves and open spaces.
 People of this period used fire. The dead spoke.
 Their artistry can also be seen from the evidence found at places like Bimpitka.
 Their fine tools helped them hunt small animals and birds.
 People decorated themselves with flowers and leaves.

Question 5.
State the boundaries of the region where the Indus Civilization prevailed.
Answer:
The Indus Civilization and its contemporary cultures
spread over 1.5 million sq km in India and Pakistan.
Boundaries:
  Satkagentore Settlements, located on the Pakistan-Iran border in the west,
 North Kilshartugai (Afghanistan)
 Alamburjir (Uttar Pradesh) in the East
 In the south, Taimabad (Maharashtra) is defined as the boundaries of the Indus
Civilization.

Question 6. Write about handicrafts contribution to Harappaneconomy.

Answer:

 Handicrafts were an important part of the Harappan economy.

 Craft activities include bead and ornament making, conch bangle making, and metal
work.
 Carnelian jasper, crystal steatite,
 Also in copper, bronze and gold metals
 They also made ornaments in conch, ceramic and flint.
 These are made in countless designs and with engravings.
 These were exported to Mesopotamia.

Question 7.
What do you know about the 'beliefs of the Harappan people'?
Answer:

 The Harappans worshiped nature and worshiped the royal tree.

 The flint figures found there resemble the Mother Goddess.
 Velvi pedestals have been found in Kalibangan.
 The Harappans buried their dead. Burial procedures were elaborate.
 Evidence of cremation has also been found.
 Harappan burial pits have yielded pottery, jewellery, copper glass and beads.
 They express their belief in life after death.

IV. Give detailed answer:

Question 1.
Explain prehistoric India.
Answer:

There is no written evidence to know about the prehistory. The history of this period can be
known on the basis of archaeological evidence such as stone tools, pottery tiles artefacts, metal
tools found in various parts of India.
Prehistoric period as far as India is concerned can be classified as
1. Paleolithic
2. Medieval
3. Neolithic
4. Metal Age
.
Paleolithic Age :
It is
1. Lower Paleolithic (up to 60,000 years ago)
2. Middle Paleolithic B.C.E. 3,85,000 – 40,000)
3. Upper Palaeolithic period BC. 40,000-10,000)

 Prehistoric human settlements are often located near bodies of water.

 In ancient times people hunted animals and gathered edible plants and tubers for their
food. They are also called foragers
.
 Nothing is known about the language and communication of ancient people.

Middle Ages:

 It appeared in 10,000 BC. From the paintings found in the rock caves we can learn about
the social life and economic activities of the medieval people.
 For gathering food and hunting, they used small tools up to 5 cm long.
 Bows and arrows were used for hunting and the habit of living in one place for long
periods began to develop.
 Industries such as cultivation and animal husbandry started.

Neolithic Age:

 Between 7000 – 5500 BC.

 Agriculture, animal husbandry, polishing tools and pottery using wheel were new
elements of culture of this period.
 They formed village societies. Instead of thatched huts, mud stone huts were erected.
 They buried the dead. They wore cotton and woolen clothes.
 Wheat, barley, paddy, millet etc. are cultivated.

Metal Age:

 Copper and bronze were used during this period. They invented the technique of smelting
metal.
 Copper Age culture flourished in various parts of India. The Harappan culture is a part of
the Copper Age culture.
 Bronze and brass objects, flint figurines and pottery have been found at Baiyampally in
Tamil Nadu.
 Copper Age and Iron Age were contemporary in South India. Black and red colored
potsherds, iron spade, sickle small weapons are found in the grave pits.

Question 2.
Compare the Lower and Middle Ages cultures
Answer:

Lower Paleolithic Medieval period

It is estimated to have started two million years ago. Estimated to have existed between 3,85,000 – 40,0
Homo erectus lived during this period Homo erectus also lived during this period.
They also lived in central India, south-eastern part of India, Places lived in the plains of rivers including Narm
near Chennai Godavari, Krishna and Yamuna.
They lived by hunting and gathering yams, nuts and fruits. Lived as hunters and food gatherers.
They lived in open fields, river valleys and caves. They lived in open fields, caves and rock basins.
They made stone-carving axe, mini-axe carving tool, splitting These tools are small. In the manufacture of stone
tool, chopping tool. used the technique of preparation of stone.

Question 3.
'In tool technology, the Upper Palaeolithic brought about innovation' – Clarify.
Answer:

 Advances in human cognitive abilities can be seen in the Upper Paleolithic.

 Stone-cutting workshops flourished during this period.
 Innovation in tools technology.
 Stone tools, like knives and swords, were edged and made of bone.
 During the Upper Palaeolithic, flint tools were introduced.
 Different types of silicon-rich raw materials were used to make these.

Question 4.
Explain the salient features of Early Neolithic cultures.
Answer:
Beginning of Neolithic Age :
1. The Neolithic Age was the beginning of agriculture and domestication of animals.

Distribution:
The oldest evidence of the Neolithic culture is found in the prosperous region of Egypt,
Mesopotamia, the Indus region, the Ganges Valley, and China.
Period: BC 10,000 – 5,000

Agriculture:

 Domestication of plants and animals increased the production and supply of food grains
and fodder.
 Alluvial soils brought down by rivers improved agriculture and gradually increased the
amount of surplus in grain production.

Neolithic Revolution:

 Large villages appeared. Pottery industry flourished. Surplus food production was the
most important reason for the emergence of ancient civilizations. Permanent settlements
were built.
 Hence the cultural developments of this period are collectively known as the Neolithic
Revolution.

Question 5. '
The Neolithic culture of Kashmir belongs to the period of Harappan civilization'. Establish the
claim.
Answer:

 The Neolithic and Harappan civilizations in Kashmir are contemporaneous.

 Barsahome, an important research site from this period, is proof.
 They lived in egg-shaped pit houses. Sheep and goats were domesticated animals in
Kashmir during the Neolithic period.
 The Neolithic people from Barshahome traded with the Harappans.
 Seeds for wheat, barley, peas and lentils were found during the excavations.
 The use of pulses suggests their connection with Central Asia. It can be assumed that they
may be related to the Harappan civilization.

Question 6.
Where did Neolithic culture prevail in South India? Mention its important components.
Answer:
Neolithic Age in South India :
Distribution Areas :

 It is found that the Neolithic culture prevailed in the northwestern parts of Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu…
 Neolithic culture prevails in Godavari, Krishna, Pannaaru, Tungapathrai and Cauvery
plains and Sanganakallu, Thekkalakoda, Brahmagiri, Maski, Biklikal, Vadkal, Heminge
and Kallur in Karnataka.

Key Components:

 Some early Neolithic sites have ash mounds.

 More than 200 sites have been identified as part of the Neolithic complex.
 Utnur, Palvoi in Andhra Pradesh, Kotekkal, Kupkal and Patikal in Karnataka have such
ash mounds.
 Fine ash and microbially decomposed cow dung layers are found in these areas.
 Houses and burial mounds around the ash mound are evidence of human habitation.

Question 7.
Why is Indus Civilization called Harappan Civilization
? Answer:

 In the north-western part of India and in Pakistan. AD The civilizations and cultures that
emerged during the period of 3000 are collectively known as the Indus Civilization.
 Harappa is also known as Harappan civilization as it is the first place where this
civilization was identified .
 The Harappan civilization is divided into different phases. Early Harappa, Mature
Harappa and Later Harappa are divided into three phases.
 The elements for an urban culture matured during the Harappan period.
 It is known as the Harappan Civilization because the first civilization was found in a
place called Harappa, although the civilization was found in many places through
excavations around the Indus Valley.
Question 8. Write about
the planned cities of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro
. Answer:
Harappa:

 Walled character, well-planned streets, alleys and sewerage are notable features of
Harappan cities.
 The Harappan people used fired and unfired bricks and stones for building their houses.
 The cities had a frame design. Sewerage drains were constructed in plan circular order.
 Houses were built of mud bricks and sewers of burnt bricks.
 Houses had more than one floor.

Mohanjataro :

 Mohanjataro is a well-planned city on a high platform. It consisted of a different graded

area, the fort area and the lower town.
 The houses had a bathroom with a floor made of baked bricks and proper sewage
drainage.
 Some houses have staircases to indicate that there was an upper floor.
 The houses had many rooms. Many houses had a courtyard with rooms around it.
 A building at Mohenjo Daro is identified as a storage warehouse.

Question 9.
Draw a short note on the following focusing on the Indus Civilization.
Answer:
(a) Pottery
(b) Trade and Exchange
(c) Weights and Measures
(d) Seals and Inscriptions
(a) Pottery

 The Harappans used a variety of baked pottery for their daily needs.
 The pottery was painted in a mixture of dark red and black.
 A cup with a narrow handle adapted to be carried in the hand.
 Pottery can be found in many types such as cups, plates, bowls, etc., which have a
pointed tip and a well widened bearing area.
 Their paintings record fish scales, intersecting circles, angular squiggly lines and lateral
bands, geometric elements, plants, and animals.
 Pottery belonging to the Harappan civilization is well-fired and delicately carved.

(b) Business and Transactions :

 Trade and exchange played an important role in Harappa's economic activities.

 The Harappan people had close trade relations with Mesopotamia. They also interacted
with people of other cultures in India.
 Seals and artifacts from Harappa have been found in Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, and Iran,
where the Sumerian civilization existed.
  Cuneiform inscriptions indicate trade relations between Mesopotamia and Harappa.
 Harappan jars have been found in Oman, and Harappan seals, weights, amulets, and
beads have been found in Mesopotamia.
 Carnelian, vitreous, copper, gold and various types of wood were exported from Harappa
to Mesopotamia.
 The Harappans came into contact with other parts of India, obtained raw materials and
further processed them into production.
Nickel objects found in the Harappan civilization are also a proof of the connection with
Mesopotamia.

(c) Weights and Measures :

 Accurate weighing stones and measuring houses were used in Harappa for commercial
transactions.
 Crystalline, cube-shaped weight stones have been found from Harappan sites.
 Weight stones symbolize the binary system.
 The ratio of weight doubling is as follows: 1:2:4:8 16:32.
 This method may have been used to weigh jewelry and metals.
 A measuring stick was also used in such a way that the small weight measurement makes
one inch = 1.75 cm in today's measurement.

(d) Stamps and Typography :

(a) Seals :

 Seals made of steatite, copper, flint and ivory have been found in abundance in the
Harappan civilization.
 Stamps may be used for symbolic identification on objects undergoing transportation.
 They may be used to indicate the owner of objects.

(b) Spelling :

 Even today we are unable to decipher the Harappan script.

 More than 5000 character sequences have been documented.
 The script, believed to be the longest ever found at Harappa, consists of 26 symbols.
Many scholars believe that it may belong to the Dravidian language family.

Question 1.
Compare Indus Civilization and Tamil Civilization :
Answer:

 The first manifestation of urbanization in Indian history was the Indus Civilization.
 While the Indus Civilization was an important cultural system in northwest India,
numerous cultures existed in other, different parts of India.
 The meaning of the Indus alphabet is yet to be ascertained.
  In ancient inscriptions found in South India, inscriptions written in thin keralas and some
place names are put forward as evidence to establish the relationship between the Indus
civilization and the Tamil culture.
 There is much archaeological evidence of continuous human habitation in Tamil Nadu
and South India since medieval times.
 Some of these communities may have migrated from the Indus region.

Question 2. Explore
India was a mixture of different cultures during Harappan
civilization. Answer:

 Many groups lived in the Indus region, including pastoralists, agriculturists, hunter-
gatherers, and traders.
 Such people may have spread from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Gujarat to
Arunachal Pradesh during this period.
 While the Indus civilization flourished in the north-western part of India, different
cultures were flourishing in other regions.
 They lived as hunters and gatherers in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent
(Kerala) and Sri Lanka.
 Harappans who had knowledge of boat transport may have had contact with South India.
But there is no clear archaeological evidence for it.
 The northern part of South India, especially Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, were
involved in Neolithic cultures with pastoral and plow-based agriculture.
 While the Neolithic culture was spread in Kashmir – Ganga Valley, Central India and
East India, the Copper Age culture prevailed in the Deccan and Western India.
 Thus, India was a mixed land of various cultures during the Harappan civilization.
Lesson 2:Ancient India: Copper Age, Paleolithic, Iron Age, Vedic
Age Cultures
I. Select the correct answer

Question 1.
Name the major collection of scriptures.
a) Brahmanas
b) Sangitas
c) Aranyakas
d) Upanishads
Answer:
b) Sangitas

Question 2.
What is the name of the Upper Gangetic plain?
a) Gurupanchalam
b) Gangaicham Valley
c) Indus Valley
d) Videkha
Answer:
a) Gurupanchalam

Question 3.
Adhichanallur ………………. Located in the district.
a) Coimbatore
b) Tirunelveli
c) Thoothukudi
d) Vellore
Answer:
c) Thoothukudi

Question 4.
Observe the following parallels.
(i) Senani – general
(ii) Kramani – village leader
(iii) Bali – given voluntarily
(iv) Priest – governor
Which of the above combinations is incorrect?
a) (i)
b) (ii)
c) (iii)
d) (iv)
Answer:
d) (iv) Priest – Governor
Question 5.
Assertion (Go): There is no evidence of child marriage in early Vedic period
Reason (Ka): Women were excluded from rituals in later Vedic times
a) Statement and Reason are correct. Reason explains the statement.
b) The statement and reason are correct. But the reason does not explain the statement,
c) the statement is correct. The reason is incorrect.
d) Both statement and reason are correct.
Answer:
b) Statement and reason are correct. But reason does not explain the claim,

II. Give short answer.

Question 1.
Arrange the literature of Vedic period.
Answer:

 The word Veda is born from the word Vid.

 Vedas are four – Rig , Yajur, Sama and Atharvana. Of which the Rig Veda is the oldest.
 Apart from this, religious literature such as Brahmanas , Upanishads, Aranyakas and
epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata are Vedic period literature.

Question 2.
Write about Gent Avesta.
Answer:

 This Persian-Iranian book called Zent Avesta is the holy book of Zoroastrianism.
 This book tells a lot about the land where people who spoke Indo-Iranian languages lived
and their gods.
 The book also contains references to the North and North-West regions of India.
 This book contains sufficient supporting evidence to know about the early habitats of the
Aryans outside the Indian subcontinent.

Question 3.
Outline the position of women in the early Vedic period.
Answer:

 Women were given equal opportunities in spiritual and intellectual development as

compared to men.
 Women poets like Apala, Vishwavara, Khosa, Lopamudra-Katha also lived in the Rig
Veda period.
 It is noteworthy that there was no child marriage or conspiracies during the Rig Veda
period.

Question 4.
Write about Rigvedic Gods.
Answer:
  The people of Rig Vedic period worshiped the natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain,
thunder and lightning.
 Prithivi-Earth, Agni-Fire, Vayu-Wind, Varuna-Rain and Indra-Thunderbolt were popular
in Rigvedic period.
 Goddesses like Aditi and Ushas were worshiped during this period.
 There were no temples or idol worship in the earlier Vedic period. Various rituals were
followed during the worship.

Question 5.
What did Neevir know about the Iron Age of India?
Answer:

 The Iron Age of North India corresponds to the Painted Gray Pottery culture.
 More than 1000 locations have been identified.
 The dwellings of this period were large in size. They show the massive population
growth that took place in the northern Indian regions.
 Iron Age in South India is a Paleolithic ware with Ema symbols.

III. Give a short answer

Question 1.
Briefly describe the Copper Age cultures of South India.
Answer:

 There is no evidence of a fully fledged Copper Age culture in South India.

 Perforated pandhams and kendhi-shaped pandhams have been found at some places.
 Stone tools have continued to be used in these areas.
 Agriculture and animal husbandry have been the livelihood of the people of this period.
 Small grains, pulses. Kollu etc. were cultivated.
 These people lived by collecting fruits, leaves and tubers.

Question 2.
List the geographical distributions of the early Vedic period.
Answer:
In the Indian subcontinent, the early Vedic Aryans lived in parts of eastern Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Punjab, and western Uttar Pradesh.

Question 3. Outline the social divisions of the Rig Vedic period.

Answer:

 Vedic Aryans used the term 'varna' to denote color and caste from non-Aryans.
 Rig Veda mentions 'Arya Varna' and 'Dasa Varna'.
 Dasas and Dasyus were treated as slaves and captured.
 Later they came to be known as Shudras.
 In the society, there were groups like warriors, religious priests and common people.
  By the end of the Rig Vedic period, Shudras were a distinct sect. Slaves were given as
gifts to priests.

Question 4.
Examine the nature of pastoral society.
Answer:

 Pastoral societies were initially nomadic and later settled.

 They started farming.
 Cattle were considered sacred.
 It became a part of commodity exchange and redistribution.
 Animal husbandry is a subsidiary industry of agriculture.
 A pastoral community's assets were assessed based on the number of cattle and other
animals.

Question 5.
Show the differences between early Vedic society and post Vedic society.
Answer:

Differences between Early Vedic Society and Post Vedic Society

Early Vedic society Post-vedic society
1. Matches elements of Copper Age cultures. Matches elements of Iron Age cultures.
2. Brownish yellow pottery associated with Copper Age
Gray (painted) pottery was found.
culture was found.
3. Society has remained egalitarian in nature. Later social differences emerged.
4. Women held a respectable place in society. Participated in In later Vedic times that right was denied to them. The status
sacrifices and rituals. of women in society was degraded.
5. Animal husbandry was an important economic activity and
Agriculture was emphasized.
cattle were considered property.
Prajapati became the main deity. The gods Agni and Indra
6. Indra is the most important god
lost their influence.

IV. Give detailed answer:

Question 1.
Describe the brownish yellow pottery culture in India.
Answer:

Brownish Yellow Pottery Cultures:

Brownish yellow pottery associated with the Copper Age culture was found in North India.

Pottery:
The brownish yellow culture includes jars, containers, plates, and wide bowls.

Period:
Period of brownish yellow pottery culture B.C. 2600 BC to 1200 upto.
Copper Artifact Culture:
It is also known as Copper Artifact Culture because of the abundance of copper figurines and
other objects found at the sites.

Crops:
Paddy, Barley, Peas and Legumes were grown.

Animal Husbandry:
They reared oxen, cows, goats, sheep, horses, dogs and pigs.

House:
They lived in houses with a roofed roof and walls built of mud on wooden planks. They also
made ornaments and clay figures in baked clay. This culture is a rural culture.

Question 2.
To discuss about Paleolithic excavations of Tamil Nadu.
Answer:
Paleolithic researches were conducted at Adhichanallur, Baiyampally, Kodumanal.

Adichanallur:
22 km from Tirunelveli. In 1876, Andru Jahar excavated at Adichanallur in Tuticorin district.
Excavations began under the supervision of Alexander Reenbar through the efforts of then
District Collector AJ Stewart and linguist Robert Caldwell.

We can get to know about the lifestyle of the Paleolithic people through the discovery of cloths,
pottery, nails, iron tools including weapons, some quarries, some gold jewelry, bronze mummies
of domestic animals, cloth and wooden materials.

Baiyampally:
Baiyampally is a village belonging to Tirupattur taluk of Vellore district.
Excavations in 1906 unearthed black and red pottery. Eemathathis have been found in large
numbers.
The period of this culture was determined by radiocarbon dating to B.A.M. 1000 is predicted.

Kodumanal :
40 km from Erode. Kodumanal lies on the north bank of Noyyal River, a distant tributary of
Cauvery River.
Excavations were carried out in 1980, 1990 and 2012.
Pottery, weapons, tools, ornaments, beads and gemstones were excavated.

Pottery heaps containing shells, bangles, remains, kiln ash and Tamil Brahmi ingots have been
found. Emakuzhis, Thazhis and Karpadukhi Burials have also been excavated.
A mesenteric stone found near a burial pit is believed to be of Paleolithic age.
The texts found in the excavations at Kodumanal belong to the period of Sangamyya texts.
Question 3.
Write an essay on Vedic politics and administration.
Answer:
Government System:

 The Vedic system of government is the polity of the caste society.

 The head of the ethnic group was the political head. He was called Rajan (King).
 Rajan lived in a multi-pillared palace. He gifted cattle, chariots and gold ornaments to the
priests.
 Rajan became a traditional leader.
 The main function of the king is to protect the ethnic groups. He protected people's
property.
 He had power over the land and over the people.
 He was close to common people. He dined with them in public.

Administration:

 In the Vedic period there are organizations like sabha, samiti, vidhata and gana.
 A sabha is a body of elders or selvars.
 A samiti is a place where people gather. Vidhaa is a system of ethnic groups. They
performed military and religious functions.
 The kings sought the support of the sabha and samiti for their activities.
 The clergy gained their influence by advising, encouraging and praising the king.
 Senani is the army chief. Sacrifice was acquired either automatically or by compulsion.
 The officer who controlled the territory was called Rajapati. He would help the leaders of
the squads called Kulapa or Gramani. The head of the villages is also the villager.
Chapter 3 Emergence of Regional
Kingdoms and Formation of New
Sects
I. Select the correct answer

Question 1.
Buddha delivered his first teaching in …………….
a) Sanchi
b) Varanasi
c) Sarnath
d) Lumbini
Answer:
c) Sarnath

Question 2.
The Buddhist text that mentions the meeting between Ajata
Chatru and Buddha is …………..?
a) Sivakacintamani
b) Acharanga Sutra
c) Kalpasutra
d) Samanabalasutta
Answer:
d) Samanabalasutta

Question 3.
Bhagvati Sutra is a ………………… book. Performed in
a) Buddhism
b) Jainism
c) Ashivagam
d) Veda
Answer:
b) Jainism

Question 4.
……………………… played an important role in improving the
agricultural system.
a) Iron
b) Bronze
c) Copper
d) Brass
Answer:
a) Iron

Question 5.
The government that grew stronger in North India during the 16
Mahajanapadas was …………. is
a) Kosala
b) Avanti
c) Magadam
d) Guru
Answer:
c) Magadam

II. Give short answer:

Question 1.
Write the triptychs that support our study.
Answer:
Tripitakam compiled in Pali language. They are

1. verb,
2. toilet,
3. They are Abhidhamma Pitakam.

Question 2.
State what you know about 'dependence'.
Answer:

 Indian materialism thinkers are primarily 'dependent'.

 He established a systematic philosophical system.
 He developed the thought of Yayuravada. He questioned
the authority of the Vedas.
 He believed that knowledge can be gained through
experience.

Question 3.
What is the theme of Mahavira's teachings?
Answer:
  Ahimsa is the central concept of Mahavira's teachings. No
other religion emphasizes non-violence as much as Jainism
does.
 Jainism denied the existence of God and opposed idolatry.
 Mahavira said that one cannot attain salvation by
worshiping God or by doing prayers.
 He said that only by leading a simple and virtuous life, one
can escape from miseries.

Question 4.
State the difference between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
Answer:

Janapadas Mahajanapathas
1. Jana means ethnic groups 1. Mahajana is a large regional government
2. More than one Janapada
2. The place where the ethnic group has set its foot is called
Janapatam
is an annexed territory.
3. Tax system not found 3. Tax system not found
4. Land, People, Government, Sovereignty required for a
country
4. Government sovereignty for a country is not found here
Found here.

Question 5.
Write the importance of Nagapattinam in the Buddhist history
of Tamil Nadu.
Answer:

 A Buddhist temple was built at the request of a Chinese

king during the reign of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman
II.
 Chinese monk Wu-qing visited this Buddhist monastery.
 B.A. In 1006 during the reign of Rajaraja I, Srivijaya king
Mara Vijayothunga Varman built a Buddhist temple at
Nagapattinam.

III. Give a short answer

Question 1.
Estimate the contribution of iron in forest regeneration.
Answer:

 Aryans around B.C. By 1000 they started migrating

eastwards.
 As they moved eastward, they encountered dense forests.
 Iron played an important role in reforestation.
 The fertile soil of the Gangetic plains and the use of iron
poles improved agricultural production.
 Iron also played an important role in increasing the
production of handicrafts such as pottery, woodwork, and
metalwork.
 RS Sharma suggests that iron axes and iron plows led to
the massive expansion of land in the northern Gangetic
basin.

Question 2.
What were the reasons for the emergence of cities in the
Gangetic plains?
Answer:

 After the arrival of the Aryans, the forests in the Gangetic

region were destroyed.
 The agricultural sector expanded with the use of iron
technology.
 Settlements were formed.
 The Ganges Valley is fertile and suitable for agriculture
and commerce. So people started settling here more and
more.
 Agricultural surplus, industrialization, and commercial
growth led to the emergence of cities in the Gangetic
plains with a growing population.
 Hence the Ganga plains became urbanized easily.

Question 3.
Write about the cities that developed after the second
urbanization
Answer:
Agricultural, surplus, industrial and commercial growth and
increasing population led to the emergence of cities in the
Gangetic plains.
It is referred to as the second urbanization in Indian history.

Cities formed on the Ganges:

 Political and administrative centers like Rajakrigam,

Siravasti, Kausambi, Chamba.
 Commercial hubs like Ujjain, Thaksin
 Holy places like Vaisali came into existence.

Question 4.
P.A.M.U. Identify the mystics of the fifth and sixth centuries.
Answer:

 B.A.M. In the 5th and 6th centuries a certain intellectual

flourishing arose as a result of the questioning of some of
the mystics.
 It was during this period that thinkers appeared who
questioned the Vedic ideas.
 Prominent among them were
Gosala
Gautama
Buddha Mahavira Ajita Kesakambali.
 The teachings of these monks spoke to the needs of a
society that was rapidly changing with new forms of
government, the creation of urban centers, the growth of
industries, and long-distance trade.
 These intellectuals questioned the Vedic concepts of soul,
mind and body.
 Through it, new religions were given rise to.

Question 5.
Mention the influence of Jainism in Tamil Nadu.
Answer:

 B.A. Jainism spread in Tamil Nadu from 3rd century.

 In the hills around Madurai and other places there are
caves where Jain monks used to stay.
  A strong influence of Jainism can be felt in the early Tamil
literature (Naladiyar, Pasamozhi, Sivaka Chintamani,
Yaperungala Karikai, Nilakesi ).
 B.A. A Dravidian Jain Sangha was founded by Vajranandhi
in Madurai in 470 AD.
 As Jainism spread in Tamil Nadu, many Jain temples were
also built.
 Thiruparduthikunram temple near Kanchipuram with
beautiful ceiling paintings is one of the Jain temples.

IV. Give detailed answer:

Question 1.
P.A.M.U. What were the reasons for the intellectual flourishing
in the sixth century?
Answer:
Reasons for Enlightenment C:
P.A.M.U. The sixth century was a period of intense intellectual
turmoil.
Reasons for this rise:
1. State formation and strictness of Vedic religion shows
freedom of thought and action.
Extremism arose as a revolt against religious practices.
2. The emergence of territorial identities drove socio-economic
and political changes.
The disaffected Mettukudi people moved towards the Magadha
or Avathika religions that flourished in the central Gangetic
plains.
3. Vedic religion did not fully spread to all sections of the
society.
So it was not difficult for the people to follow the newly formed
religions.
4. Due to urbanization and commercial expansion, new class
emerged like merchants, Seths (Lanawalas) and bankers.
It demanded a merit status equal to its economic merit status.
5. A segregated lifestyle in ashrams was permitted in the Vedas
only for Brahmins.
It was the grievance of the Satriyas that they were not allowed
that privilege.
Due to the above reasons, P.A.M.U. In the 6th century there
was a flowering of knowledge.

Question 2.
Explain about blessing. Also note its distribution in India.
Answer:
Aashivakam:
The monks of that time worked in groups. Aashivakam is
believed to have evolved from one such group. According to
Buddhist records, Nanda Vacha was the originator of the sect
called Asivakam. He was followed by Giza Samgika and Makali
Kosalar.

Kosalar-Mahaveerar encounter:
Makali Kosalar is the most headstrong of the benefactors. He
met Mahavira in Nalanda. They split after six years due to
doctrinal differences.

Revival Theory:
Gosalar went to Siravasti and was patronized by a potter
woman named Halahala. He believed in the doctrine of revival.
Siravasti was the leader of the Asivaka faction. They believed in
the theory of corruption. Basic principle means canon or rule.

The six inescapable aspects

are: gain, loss, pleasure, suffering, life and death.
Purana Kassapar, Bakhuta Kachayanar:
After the demise of Kosala, two propagandists named Purana
Kassapar and Bakhuta Kachayanar revived it.

Puranakassara's point:
Actions have neither good nor bad elements. There is no harm
in torture, injury, or murder. Self-control, self-control, and true
speech are of no use. Because everything is predestined.
Therefore, he says, humans cannot change anything by their
actions.
His view is that the only option is inaction.

Bhagudachayanar's Commentary:
He believed that the world was made up of seven substances.
Ajitha Kesakampali:
He believed that every human being is made of four basic
elements: fire, water, air and consciousness.
When the body perishes after death, both the wise and the
foolish are completely destroyed. He says they don't live after
death.

Wealthy non-ascetic disciples like potters and bankers were

blessed. Although the influence of Aashivaka was less
compared to Buddhism and Jainism, it spread all over the
country.

Question 3.
Explain the split in Jainism.
Answer:
About 500 years after the death of Mahavira. In 79-82 AD, two
factions emerged in Jainism, Digambaras and Swetambaras.

Digambaras:
When Magadha was hit by a severe famine, some Jain monks
led by Bhadrabahi went south to continue their severe fasts.
They were called Digambaras (clothed or naked). (They were
without clothes)

Svetambaras:
Those who were in Magadha under the leadership of
Sthulapatras were called Svetambaras. They wore white
clothes. This sect weakened Jainism in Magadha. Pataliputra
Conference:
After Bhadrabaku's death the Stulabhadras held a big
conference at Pataliputra. Compiled Jain ethics consisting of 12
parts.

Question 4.
Describe the Buddha's numerical path.
Answer:
Siddhartha (Buddha) who wandered in search of truth attained
enlightenment at the age of 35. His teachings are known as the
Four Great Truths – the Numerical Path.
Four great truths:
 1. The great truth about suffering
2. The great truth about the cause of suffering
3. The great truth about the end of suffering
4. The great truth about the path to liberation from suffering
(the numerical path) is also.

Number Routes:

1. good faith
2. good will
3. Prosperity
4. Good deed
5. Good lifestyle
6. Nice try
7. Good thoughts

Good meditation is a number path.

 Buddha did not mention or talk about God.

 Neither accept nor deny the existence of God.
 Buddhism rejected the caste system and emphasized
equality.
 It taught love and non-violence among all.
 It supported business and thrift.
 Sale of weapons, live animals, meat, alcohol and poison is
not permitted. He preached the moral principles possible
for conduct and sowed the principle of equality.

Question 5.
What are the reasons for the decline of Buddhism in India?
Reasons for decline of Buddhism in India:
Answer:
1. Religious division.
The sects of Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Tantrayana and
Sahajayana made Buddhism lose its authenticity.
2. Language change.
Buddhist messages which were spread in Pali and Prahritham
were carried in Sanskrit language during Kanishkar's reign. It
fell between the laity and Buddhism.
3. Loss of state patronage.
After the time of Harshavardhana, Buddhism lost royal
patronage. Vedic religion received state patronage. This paved
the way for the decline of Buddhism.
4. Bhakti Movement in North India.
Ramanuja and Ramananda, spiritualists of the Bhakti
movement, upheld the glory of Vedic religion. This affected the
development of Buddhism.
5. Invasion of the Huns.
The Huna rulers Thorama and Mikurakula hated the Buddhists.
They destroyed the Buddhists who lived in Northwest India.
6. Resistance of the Rajputs.
The Rajput kings were ardent supporters of the Vedic religion.
So they started persecuting and killing the Buddhists. This led
to the decline of Buddhism.
7. Neighbor invasion.
Finally Arabs and Turkic invasions drove the Buddhist monks
out of India to Nepal, Tibet and Sri Lanka.
As a result, Buddhism gradually disappeared from India.

Chapter 4 State and Empire

Formation
I. Select the correct answer

Question 1. Who discovered the meaning of the Brahmi

inscriptions on Ashoka's pillars
?

Question 2.
Who is known as the first king of Magadha? Haryana dynasty
……………………
a) Bimbisara
b) Ajatasatru
c) Ashoka
d) Mahapadma Nandar
Answer:
a) Bimbisara

Question 3.
Who was the king of Magadha when Alexander invaded India?
a) Mahapadma Nandar
b) Dhana Nandar
c) Bindu Sarar
d) Bimbisarar
Answer:
b) Dhana Nandar

Question 4.
A comprehensive historical book written in Pali, found in Sri
Lanka called ……………………… is an important piece of
evidence to help us learn about the Mauryan Empire.
a) Mahavamsa
b) Dipavamsa
c) Pramanam
d) Mudrarakshasa
Answer:
a) Mahavamsa

Question 5.
Visakhatatta's play ………………… tells about Chandragupta and
his accession to the throne of the Magadha Empire.
a) Mudraraksama
b) Rajatarangini
c) Arthasastra
d) Indika
Answer:
a) Mudraraksama

Question 6.
……………….. written by Megasthenes describes the court of
Chandragupta and his administration.
a) Indika
b) Mudrarakshasam
c) Ashtadhyayi
d) Arthasastra
Answer:
a) Indika

Question 7.
………………….. is a guide book on good governance.
a) Arthashastra
b) Indica
c) Rajatarangini
d) Mudraraksha
Answer:
a) Arthashastra

II. Give short answer:

Question 1.
How did Bimbisara expand the Magadha Empire?
Answer:

 Bimbisara is known as the first king of Magadha in the

Haryanka dynasty.
 He expanded the boundaries of the Magadha Empire
through marriages and wars.
 King Prasenajit of Kosala got Kashi as a dowry by giving his
sister in marriage.
 He married Lichavi and Madra princesses. He annexed the
Anga by military force. Thus Bimbisara expanded the
Magadha empire.

Question 2.
Make a note about Mahapadma Nanda.
Answer:

 Mahapadma Nanda was the first king of the Nanda Empire.

 Chisunaga killed the king and seized the throne.
  The empire expanded considerably under the Nandas.
 The wealth and power of the Nandas increased during his
time. It was terrifying to the enemies.

Question 3.
Why did Alexander the great return the throne to Porus?
Answer:

 Borus ruled the region between the banks of the Jhelum

and the Beas.
 Alexander's historic Battle of the Hydaspes against King
Porus.
 At the end of the battle Porus was arrested by Alexander.
 Later Alexander, impressed by Porus's dignity, returned his
throne on the condition that he accept his suzerainty.

Question 4.
What are the main characteristics of a centralized government?
Answer:

 Greek historians refer to the Mauryan state as a

centralized state.
 Centralized government means that the same type of
administrative system prevailed throughout the vast areas
of the empire.
 But given the communication and transportation facilities
of those days, there must have been decentralized
administrative systems.

Question 5.
Give a brief note on the literary evidence which helps in the
study of the Maurya government.
Answer:

 The Artha Sastra written by Kaladilyar (Sanakya) clearly

explains the political administration of the Mauryas.
 Indika by Megasthanish – of Chandragupta – deals with
government administration.
 Visakhadatta's play Mudrarakshasam.
 There are also literary evidences like Brahmanas
and Mahavamsa .
Question 6.
In what ways does Alexander's invasion constitute a turning
point in Indian history?
Answer:

 Alexander's invasion marked the beginning of a

relationship between India and the Western world that
would continue for centuries to come.
 Greek traders and artisans came to India through four
trade routes.
 It helped establish direct communication between India
and Greece.
 It created a new style in Indian governance and arts.

III. Give a short answer

Question 1.
State the characteristics of the city revealed by archaeological
findings.
Answer:

 Through archaeological excavations, we can learn about

the appearance of the city, the structure of the city and
the construction of buildings.
 The metals known to the people of that time, the tools
they used, the technology they used, can tell the character
of the people.
 Archaeological finds in the Gangetic region have provided
evidence of the nature of the urban centers that
developed in the region.

Question 2.
Explain the features of the Ganga Valley Monarchies.
Answer:

 B. Cow. From the 6th century to the 3rd century BC, North
India witnessed many important political changes.
 There were conflicts between ethnic groups for rule in the
Gangetic plains.
  The victor led to the rise of monarchy in the Gangetic
plains.
 They ruled by high positions called Chakravarti or Ekrat.
 Kashi was originally powerful in monarchical states.
 Later on, Magadam became powerful and manifested his
personality.

Question 3.
Mention the effects of Alexander the Great's invasion of India.
Answer:

 Alexander's invasion led the Indians to establish Greek

satraps in the northwestern part of the continent.
 Great trade routes were opened to the West.
 Thus Greeks and artisans came to India.
 It helped in establishing direct communication between
India and Greece.
 Political unity took place in North India under the Mauryas.
 The system of small governments came to an end.

Question 4.
What do we know about Ashoka's invasion of Kalinga?
Answer:

 The Kalinga War was fought to capture Kalinga, which had

broken away from Magadha.
 An important event of Ashoka's reign was the Kalinga War
fought during his reign.
 Tens of thousands were killed and wounded in the war.
 This war must have been more brutal than any other war.
 After the war Ashoka annexed Kalinga to the Mauryan
government.

Question 5.
Describe the extensive clothing trade during the Mauryan
period.
Answer:

 They engaged in spinning and weaving of cotton clothes

with cotton available from all over the country.
 There was a lot of clothing business.
  Various types of cotton fabrics were produced, from the
rough type used by the common people to the finer type
used by the nobility and royalty.

Excellent fabrics were produced in Kashi, Bengal,
Kamrupam and Madurai .
 Cloth, wool, silk etc. were also imported from places like
China and Sri Lanka.

Question 6.
Draw a note on the commodities traded between India and
West and Central Asia.
Answer:

 The Arthasastra gives a list of agricultural products, items

sold in domestic and foreign trade.
 Fabrics from various parts of India and from places like
China and Sri Lanka include wool, silk, incense sticks,
animal skins and Navaratna stones.
 Auri (dye), ivory? Tortoise shell, pearls, perfumes and rare
woods were exported to Egypt.

IV. Give detailed answer:

Question 1.
Explain the evidence that helps us to know about the Mauryan
Empire.
Answer:
There are many types of evidence available to know about the
Mauryan Empire.
1. Literary Sources
2. Archaeological Evidence
3. Ashoka's Inscriptions
4. Other Evidence

1. Literary Sources :

 Brahmanas, the Hindu religious literature

 The Mahavamsam , a Pali text found in Sri Lanka ,
contains references to the Mauryan Empire.
  Sanakya's Artha Sastra gives a clear account of the
political administration of the Mauryas.
 Visakhatatta's play Mudrarakshasam is another great
literary evidence.

2. Archaeological Evidence :

 It is an important evidence to know about the early period

of history.
 Through archeological excavations, it is possible to learn
about the cityscape, the structure of the city, and the
construction of buildings.
 The metals known to the people of that time, the tools
they used, the technology they used, and information
about the culture of daily life can also be known.

3. Inscriptions of Ashoka:

 All Inscriptions of Maurya | The commandments begin by

mentioning a great king.
 When the meaning of several inscriptions was discovered
one by one, B. Cow. In 1915 it was confirmed that the king
was Ashoka. This
made possible the reconstruction of Mauryan history.

4. Other Evidence :

 Jeenaghat rock stele near Kirnar in Gujarat – Excavated

during the reign of Rudradhaman. This is the message.
 It indicates that the Mauryan empire extended far west to
Gujarat. .
 Chandragupta remained known in many parts of the
country for more than four centuries after his death.
 The importance of oral storytelling traditions is confirmed.
They now occur as reliable historical evidence.

Question 2.
Describe the main elements of the Mauryan polity.
Answer:
  Greek historians describe the Mauryan state as a
centralized state and a uniform administrative system
prevailed throughout the vast areas of the empire.
 The hierarchy consisted of villages, towns, provincial
capitals, and major cities.

Provincial Administration:

 The head of state is the king.

 Ministers and clergy to assist the king. There were
secretaries called Mahamathyas.
 Thalinaka Pataliputra was administered directly.
 The rest was divided into four major provinces namely
Suvarnagiri, Ujjain, Thakshelam and Dosali and ruled by
the king's representatives.
 There was similar financial revenue and financial
management. Tax collection was the responsibility of
Samahartha. He looked like a finance minister.
 It is the responsibility of the treasury manager to manage
the documents related to tax collection.
 In each department, there were numerous
superintendents and subordinate officers attached to the
central and local administrations.

District, City and Village Administration:

 The district administration was under the authority of the

Commissioner. Officers called Gopa were in charge of five
to ten villages.
 The administration of the city rested with the Nagaraka.
 Villages were somewhat autonomous. Each village
functioned under the authority of a gramani.

Source of Income:

 There were warehouses to store agricultural produce to

increase the income of the agriculture sector which was
very important in the economy. There were restricted
market facilities.
 There were other tax revenues including land tax,
irrigation tax, house tax, customs tax and entry tax.
  Forests and mines monopolized salt production were
important sources of revenue.

Source of Justice:

Justice was delivered through the courts. There were two types
of courts namely dharmasthiya and kandhakosandana.

Dharmasthiya:

Investigated cases related to citizenship including marriage and

inheritance. It consisted of three judges and three Amartyas
who were well versed in religious laws.

Gandhakosandhana:

 Its mission is to eliminate anti-social elements and various

types of crime. This too had three judges and three
secretaries.
 There was a method to detect anti-social behavior.
 Punishment for crimes was severe.
 The Mauryan Empire has been a good example of
humanity and compassion.

Question 3.
What do we know about Persian influence on India?
Answer:
Persian contact influenced the art, writing system, architecture,
economy and administration of ancient India.

Script:
The most important influence was the development of the
Kharoshti script used in the north-western part of India. This
Karoshi script was used by Ashoka for his inscriptions in the
Gandhara region.

It is derived from the Aramaic used in the Aghia Meenite

Empire. Like Aramaic, Kharoshdi is a right-to-left script.

Coinage:
The Persian silver coin called the Sikhloi was modeled on this
region. The oldest coins of India date back to the Mahajanapada
period, the Indian word for coinage being "garsa" from the
Persian language.

Inscription:
Ashoka's inscribed edicts may have been modeled on the
inscribed edicts of the Achaemenid king Darius.

Architecture:
Mauryan art and architecture bear traces of Persian influence.
The Mauryan Pillars of Ashoka are similar to those found in the
Achaemenid Empire.

The bell-shaped finials on the crests of the pillars, especially the

lion finials of the Sarnath pillar and the bells of the Rampurval
pillar, are similar to the finials found on aquiminite pillars.

Question 4.
Tell us about Ashoka's inscriptional edicts.
Answer:

 Ashoka's inscriptional edicts are the most reliable

evidence for information about the Mauryan Empire.
 The 14 important rock inscribed edicts are known as the
Kalinga Edicts.
 2 Inscriptions
 7 Pillar Inscription Commands
 Inscribed inscriptions on some small rocks
 A total of 33 inscribed inscribed inscribed on very few
small pillars have been found.
 The geographical spread of these Mauryan inscriptions
shows the extent of a large empire ruled by Ashoka.

The second edict states the territories outside the boundaries of

his empire. They are; “The Cholas, Pandyas, Sathya Putras,
Kerala Putras (Seras), Tamiraparani, Yona (Yavana) King
Antiochus (Antiochus) were the kings of the countries near
Antiochus.

These edicts emphasize Ashoka's belief in peace, fairness and

justice and his concern for the welfare of the people.
 By rejecting violence and war and emphasizing peace and
dharma, Ashoka completely rejected the prevailing ideology of
the time that an emperor should expand and strengthen his
empire through wars.

Draw a timeline.
V. Draw a timeline of the major events of the empire building
period.

program years
1. Invasion by Cyrus (Persian Emperor). B.A.M. 530
2. The Nandas established their empire in Magadha B. Cow. 362 AD
3. Alexander's invasion B. Cow. 326 AD
4. Chandragupta Foundation of Maurya Empire B. Cow. 321 AD
5. Defeat of Seleucus by Chandragupta B. Cow. M. 301
6. Succession of Bindusara after Chandragupta B. Cow. 297 AD
7. The Third Buddhist Sangha was assembled under the leadership of Ashoka B. Cow. 250 AD
8. Death of Ashoka B.A. M. 231
Chapter 5 Society Formation in
South India
I. Select the correct answer

Question 1.
Karikalan is the son of ……………..
a) Senkannan
b) Katungo
c) Young Chenny
d) Athiyaman
Answer:
c) Young Chenny

Question 2.
Which of the following pairs is incorrect?
i) Thaliyalankanam – Nedunchezhiyan
ii) Pattinappalai – Uruthirangannanar
iii) Gajabaku – Sri Lanka
iv) Thiruvanchikalam – Cholar
a) i)
b) ii)
c) iii)
d) iv)
Answer:
(d) iv) Thiruvanchikalam – Cholar

Question 3.
…………….. Rajasuya conducted the Yaga.
a) Perunakilli
b) Mudukudumi Peruvaluthi
c) Simuka
d) Atiyaman
Answer:
a) Perunakilli

Question 4.
Indra Vikaram mentions …………………..
a) Manimegalai
b) Silappathikaram
c) Ashoka inscription
d) Cherar coin
Answer:
a) Manimegalai

Question 5.
The Iksavaks were strong in ……………….. region.
a) Andhra – Karnataka
b) Odisha
c) Deccan region
d) Banavasi
Answer:
a) Andhra – Karnataka

Question 6.
Read the following statements and find out the false statement.
i) Kalapras refer to Kaliarasas.
ii) Kalapras advocated Saivism.
iii) Pallavars and Pandyas were defeated by Kalapras.
iv) The Iksavaks supported Vedavelvis.
a) i)
b) ii)
c) iii)
d) iv)
Answer:
(c) iii) Kalapras defeated Pallavar and Pandyar.

II. Give short answer.

Question 1.
Explain barter system.
Answer:
Barter is a method of giving more than one's needs to others
and getting the things one needs instead of what one needs.
Although coins were used in trade, barter was more common.
Question 2.
What do you know from Maduraikanji?
Answer:
Maduraikkanji mentions Mudukudumi Peruvluthi and another
nobleman Thaliyalang Kanathu Seruvena Neduncheliyan and
some other Pandya kings.

Question 3.
What do you know about Goat Theory?
Answer:
The son of King Neduncheralathan. Cheran is known as
Adukotpat Cheralathan. He lived as a victorious king with
victory (Adu) as his principle (Gotpadu).

III. Draw a small note

Question 1.
Five divisions of Tamil land during Sangam period.
Answer:
Tamil Nadu was divided into five main regions of Kurinji, Mullai,
Marutham, Neythal and Balai in the background of the
Departmental theory.

1. Kurinji – hilly and hilly region.

2. Mullai – Forest and forested area.
3. Marutham – field and field dependent area.
4. Weaving – The sea and maritime sector.
5. Palai – Sand and sandy arid region.

Question 2.
The greatest of the Chola kings
Answer:
Karikalan.
Karigalan, the son of Young Chet Senni, is known as the
foremost of the Chola kings of the Sangam period.
“Pattinapalai” describes his reign in detail. Karikalan's major
military victory was defeating the Cheras and the Pandyas and
the eleven Velir clan leaders who helped them in the battle of
Venni.
He is praised for cutting down the forest, for increasing the
fertility by cutting a pond, and for making agriculture grow by
building a dam on the Cauvery, cutting canals and providing
irrigation facilities.

Question 3.
Write down the achievements of Gautami Putra Satakarni.
Answer:

 Gautamaputra Satakarni is the greatest king among the

Sathavana kings.
 After defeating the Saga king 'Nagapana', he re-issued
Nagapana's coins with his royal seal.

The Nashik Inscription of his mother, Gautama Balasri, states

that he conquered the Sagar Baghalvars and the Yavanas. It is
also said that he performed the famous Ashwamedha Yaga.

Question 4.
Differences between Kilar and Velir.
Answer:
Kihar :
A Kihar is the head of a village or a small area and then the
head of an administrative unit known as Nadu. They are the
leaders of tribal communities living in specific places.

Velirs :
The Velirs controlled the hilly forest tracts of various
geographical features, especially those lying between the fertile
territories of the Moovendras.

IV. Give detailed answer:

Question 1.
Give your reasons in support or against the statement “Political
system of Union period was chieftaincy before the formation of
government”.
Answer:
There are many different opinions among scholars regarding
the political structure of the Chera, Chola and Pandya kingdoms
during the Sangam period. An early and widely accepted view
is that Sangam society was a society with a well-structured
state.

A. The arguments put forward in support of their opinion are as

follows:

 Social divisions did not emerge.

 Boundaries were not clearly defined.
 It is necessary for the formation of a state. Agricultural
growth and agricultural surpluses were hampered by
devastating wars.
 There is no evidence of taxation as in the northern Indian
states.

Cow. Reasons put forward by opponents of the above opinion:

 If we read the Sangha literature deeply, we will know that

differences have appeared in the social life of the Maruta
region.
 Graeco-Roman texts attest to the influence and
attachment of Movenders to their land.
 The main focus of peripheral literature is the wars waged
to expand territories.
 It is noted that taxes were levied on commercial highways
and at the port of Cauvery Poomapattinam.
 B. Cow. Beginning in the late 1st century BC, Cow. By the
third century, trade played a major role.

Question 2.
Describe the administrative structure of Moovendra
governments.
Answer:
During the Sangam period, the Chera, Chola and Pandyar kings
known as Moovenders controlled most of the agricultural lands,
trade routes and cities.
Chola:

 They had under their control the central and northern

parts of Tamil Nadu.
 The heartland of their rule was the estuary of the river
Cauvery.
  This was later called the Chola region. Their capital is
Vrayyur. (Located near Tiruchirappalli city.
 Also Bukhar or Kaveripoompattinam was also an important
port.
 Chola's symbol is tiger.

Adder:

 They ruled the central and northern Kerala regions and the
Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.
 Vanji is their capital. The east coast ports of Musiri and
Thondi were under their control.
 Some scholars identify Thiruvanjaikalam, a town in Kerala,
as Vanchi.
 The symbol of the Cheras is the bow and arrow.

Pandyar:

 Ander from Madurai. Located at the confluence of the

Tamirabarani River with the Bay of Bengal, Korkai was
their main port.
 It is famous for pearl bathing and conch collection. Kolkai
is mentioned as Kolkoi in the notes of the Periplus.
 Pandiyar's symbol is fish.
 According to tradition the Pandyas supported Tamil
Sanghas and compiled Sangha texts.

Question 3.
Who are Kalaprars? What can be learned about them from the
Phulangurichi inscription?
Answer:
The period between Sangam period, Pallavar and Pandyan
period (approximately 300-600 AD) is known as Kalaprar period
in the history of Tamil Nadu.

As the Kalapras conquered Tamil Nadu and defeated the

traditional governments of Tamil Nadu, the Moovendras, this
period was described by the early historians as the medieval
rule of the Kalapras and a dark period.
Many of the best elements of Tamil culture emerged during this
period. It was during this period that the classic Tamil literature
Thirukkural along with eighteen other books were composed.

The best copies of Silapathikaram and Manimekalai also belong

to this period.

This phase is a period of transition leading to a receiving

change.

As a result of these changes, Cow. After the sixth century, the

Pallavas in northern Tamil Nadu and the Pandyas in the
southeast gave way to form a state and society.

Initially the kings of these countries supported Jain Buddhism.

But they gradually came under the influence of the Vedic
Puranic religions which were revived by the Saiva-Vaishnava
devotional movement.

One of the mid-fifth century inscriptions found at Phulangurichi

in Sivaganga district mentions the names of two kings, Sendan
and Koortan.

Although there is no record of their family descent, some

scholars regard them as Kalapra kings. B. Cow. The rule of the
Kalapras appears to have been brought to an end by the
Pandyas during the third quarter of the sixth century.