Kings, Farmers and Towns
Questions and Answers
2 mark questions
Question 1.
Why was the Mauryan empire regarded as a major landmark in early Indian history? (Delhi
2015)
Answer:
The Mauryan empire was regarded as a major landmark in early Indian history because for the
first time Chandragupta Maurya founded a vast empire which extended to far North West to
Afghanistan and Baluchistan. Moreover, historians think that the messages on the Asoka
inscription were very different from the other contemporary rulers.
Question 2.
Why is the 6th century BCE often regarded as a major turning point in early Indian history?
(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The 6th century BCE is regarded as a major turning point in early Indian history for the following
reasons:
● It is an era associated with early states, cities, the growing use of iron, the development
of coinage, etc.
● This era witnessed the growth of diverse systems of thoughts like Buddhism and
Jainism.
Question 3.
Why is James Prinsep’s contribution considered as the historic development in Indian
epigraphy? (HOTS; Delhi 2015)
Answer:
James Prinsep was an officer in the mint of the East India Company. He contributed a lot in the
Indian epigraphy by deciphering two scripts, viz, Brahmi and Kharosthi in the earliest
inscriptions and coins.
Question 4.
How were the coins used in the 1st century CE? Give two examples. (All India 2015)
Answer:
The Kushana rulers issued the first gold coins in the 1st century. For example:
● The widespread use of gold coins indicates that the enormous value of the transactions
was taking place.
● Hoards of Roman coins were found in South India which indicates that trade was
extended beyond political boundaries.
Question 5.
How did Kushana rulers exemplify themselves with the high status? (All India 2015)
Answer:
The Kushana rulers washed to project the notions of kingship in their coins and sculpture.
Colossal statues of Kushana rulers have been found installed in a shrine at Mat near Mathura
and in Afghanistan. Many Kushana rulers adopted the title ‘Devaputra’ or ‘Son of God’.
Question 6.
How have the Prashastis drawn the factual information about the Gupta rulers? (All India 2015)
Answer:
Prashastis were an important source for reconstructing the histories of Gupta rulers. Historians
tried to draw factual information from such compositions. These were composed in praise of
kings in particular and patrons in general by poets. Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta,
composed the Prayag Prashasti (also known as Allahabad pillar inscription) where he described
Samudragupta as the most powerful king of Gupta Empire who was equally powerful like God
and protector of his poor subjects.
Question 7.
Mention any two features of the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Two main features of the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire were:
1. There were five major political centres in the empire viz, Pataliputra, Taxila, Ujjayini,
Tosali and Suvamagiri.
2.
3. The administrative control was strongest in areas around the capital and the provincial
centres and these centres were carefully chosen by the kings.
Question 8.
How did Magadha become the most powerful mahajanapada between 6th and 4th century
BCE? Give two reasons.
(All India 2014)
Answer:
Historians explained the reason behind the emergence of Magadha as the most powerful
mahajanapada in the following ways:
● Agriculture was very productive in Magadha.
● Magadha was rich in iron mines which provided resources for tools and weapons.
Further, elephants were found in large number in this region.
Question 9.
Explain why the communication along both land and riverine routes was vital for the existence of
the empire during the period of Mauryan. (Compartment 2013)
Answer:
During the Mauryan period, communication along both land and riverine routes was vital for the
existence of the empire because:
● The Mauryan empire was a very vast empire. Thus, for political control, military activity
and people’s movement, both land and riverine routes were required.
● Communication through roadways and waterways were necessary for trade and
commerce and also for the exchange of ideas and knowledge, etc.
Question 10.
Mention any two pieces of evidence which referred to Asoka as the most popular ruler of the 6th
century BCE.
(Compartment 2012)
Answer:
Asoka was the most popular ruler of the 6th century BCE as:
● Historians found that the messages on Asokan inscriptions were very different from that
of the most rulers and suggested that he was more powerful, industrious and humble
than the other rulers.
● Asoka tried to hold his vast empire together by propagating Dhamma, the principles that
were universally accepted by all.
Question 11.
Who deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts? What important facts were revealed through
these scripts? (Compartment 2011)
Answer:
James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in 1838.
With the deciphered script, we know about the political, economic history and specially, the
contribution of the king of that period.
Question 12.
Mention any two ways in which the inscriptions of land grants help us to understand rural
society in ancient times.
(All India 2008)
Answer:
In ancient times, many land grants were recorded as inscriptions. We know these from:
● Many land grants were given to religious institutions or Brahmanas. Some feel land
grants were done to extend agriculture to new areas.
● There were regional variations in the sizes of land donated, ranging from small to vast
stretches of uncultivated land and the rights were given to donees, i.e. the recipients of
the grant.
4 mark questions
Question 13.
Critically examine the limitations of the inscriptional evidences in understanding political and
economic history of India. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Inscriptions are important source to know history. But there are certain limitations of inscriptions.
These were:
1. Several thousands of inscriptions were discovered, but not all of them were deciphered or
translated.
2. Generally, inscriptions were composed in praise of kings and patrons, e.g. Prayaga Prashasti
was composed in Sanskrit by Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta. From this inscription,
we know about the generosity, administrative capabilities of the king Samudragupta who was
described as equal to different deities.
3. The context of the inscription invariably projected the perspective of the person who
commissioned it. But it was not recorded what we consider politically and economically
significant facts of that period. For example, routine agricultural practices, the joys and sorrows
of common people were not mentioned in these inscriptions. History is not only the histories of
kings, it includes different social groups and even marginalised sections of our society.
4. From mid-20th century historians’ become more interested in political and economic changes
of society (e.g. the ways in which different social groups emerged). This lead to fresh
investigations of old sources and in this respect, inscription had its own limitations to interpret
political and economic history of India.
Question 14.
Historians have used a variety of sources to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan Empire.
State any four such sources. (All India 2015, 2013)
Answer:
Historians have used a variety of sources to reconstruct the history of Mauryan Empire. These
were:
● Things found in archaeological excavation, specially sculpture are regarded as an
important source.
● Contemporary works like writings of Megasthenes, Arthashastra by Chanakya are
important sources regarding that period.
● The Mauryas were also mentioned in later Buddhist, Jaina, Puranic and Sanskrit
literature.
● Moreover the inscriptions of Asoka on rocks and pillars are regarded as the most
valuable sources.
Question 15.
mat is the role played by the coins in the decipherment of Kharosthi script? (All India 2012)
Answer:
The role played by the coins in the decipherment of Kharosthi script was: Analysis of
Indo-Greek Coins The coins of Indo-Greek kings who ruled over the north-western part of the
sub-continent in c. second century BCE. were analysed by the epigraphists.
Comparison with Greek Script The Indo-Greek coins contain the names of kings written in
Greek and Kharosthi scripts. The Kharosthi script was compared with the Greek one.
The European scholars who could read Greek, compared it with Kharosthi. There were few
similarities e.g. letter ‘a’ was used in both scripts for writing names such as ‘Apollodotus’. James
Prinsep identified the language of Kharosthi as Prakrit. After that, it became possible to read
longer inscriptions easily
Question 16.
Explain briefly the notions of kingship during Kushana and Gupta empire. (Compartment 2011)
Answer:
In the 1st century BCE Kushanas ruled over a vast kingdom extended from Central Asia to
North-West India. Their history has been reconstructed from inscriptions and textual traditions.
The notions of kingship they wished to project are perhaps best evidenced in their coins and
sculpture. The colossal statues of Kushana rulers were found in Mathura and Afghanistan.
According to some historians, this trend indicates that Kushanas thought themselves like God.
Several Kushana rulers assumed the title ‘Devaputra’ or ‘Son of God’, perhaps they were
influenced by the Chinese leaders who called themselves ‘Sons of Heaven’.
On the other hand, histories of the Gupta empire have been taken from literature, coins and
inscriptions, including Prashastis. Prashastis were composed in praise of kings and patrons in
general. The famous Prayaga Prashasti composed by Harisena, the court poet of
Samudragupta, is a powerful document to know about the Gupta rulers.
Question 17.
Describe briefly any two strategies for increasing agricultural production from 6th century BCE to
6th century CE.(Delhi 2010)
Answer:
To increase the agricultural production, some strategies were adopted from 6th century BCE to
6th century CE. These strategies were:
● There was a shift to plough agriculture. The iron-tipped ploughshare was used to turn
the alluvial soil in areas which had high rainfall.
● Irrigation through wells, tanks, canals were started to irrigate fields to increase
agricultural production.
Question 18.
Describe briefly the sources used for reconstructing the history of the Gupta rulers. (All India
2010, Delhi 2009)
Answer:
The Gupta rulers established a vast empire in the 4th century which was reconstructed from
various sources. These sources are explained in the following ways:
Inscriptions Inscriptions are writings engraved on hard surfaces like stones, metals, etc. These
are generally composed in praise of kings in particular, and patrons in general by the poets. For
example, Allahabad pillar inscription or Prayaga Prashasti were composed in Sanskrit by
Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta in praise of him.
Coins Coins are also an important source of reconstructing the history of Gupta rulers, as they
include elements like scripts, images and the context in which they are found. Some of the most
spectacular gold coins were issued by the Gupta rulers. These coins facilitated long distance
transactions from which the expansion of trade and commerce was known.
Literature Historians attempted to draw factual information from the compositions of Prashastis.
Those who composed these, often treated them as works of poetry, rather than an account that
were literally true. These were written in praise of king and patron in general. Thus, historians
have to constantly assess the statements made in inscriptions to judge whether they are true
plausible or exaggerations.
Prashastis They contribute prominently in reconstructing the histories of the Gupta rulers, e.g.
Prayaga Prashasti was composed in Sanskrit for Samudragupta.
8 mark questions
Question 19.
Explain the main features of the Mauryan administration. (All India 2017)
or
Explain any four sources to reconstruct the history of Mauryas, Examine the system of Mauryan
administration. (Delhi 2016)
What type of source have been used to reconstruct the history of Mauryan empire? Explain with
suitable examples. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
For sources to reconstruct the history of Mauryas, Historians have used a variety of sources to
reconstruct the history of Mauryan Empire. These were:
● Things found in archaeological excavation, specially sculpture are regarded as an
important source.
● Contemporary works like writings of Megasthenes, Arthashastra by Chanakya are
important sources regarding that period.
● The Mauryas were also mentioned in later Buddhist, Jaina, Puranic and Sanskrit
literature.
● Moreover the inscriptions of Asoka on rocks and pillars are regarded as the most
valuable sources.
System of Mauryan Administration The growth of Magadha culminated in the emergence of the
Mauryan empire. Chandragupta Maurya who founded the empire (321 BCE), extended control
as far North-West as Afghanistan and Baluchistan, and his grandson Asoka, arguably the most
famous ruler of early India, conquered Kalinga (present-day coastal Odisha).
There were five major political centres in the empire i.e. the capital Pataliputra and the provincial
centres of Taxila, Ujjayini, Tosali and Suvarnagiri, that are all mentioned in Asokan inscriptions.
Due to Vastness of the empire administrative system of this empire was not uniform. It is likely
that administrative control was strongest in areas around the capital and the provincial centres.
These centres were carefully chosen, both Taxila and Ujjayini being situated on important
long-distance trade routes, while Suvarnagiri (literally, the golden mountain) was possibly
important for tapping the gold mines of Karnataka.
Communication along both land and riverine routes was vital for the existence of the empire. It
is obvious that the army was an important means for ensuring the latter.
Megasthenes mentions a committee with six subcommittees for coordinating military activity. Of
these, one looked after the navy the second managed transport and provisions, the third was
responsible for foot-soldiers, the fourth for horses, the fifth for chariots and the sixth for
elephants. The activities of the second subcommittee were rather varied-arranging for bullock
carts to carry equipment, and recruiting servants and artisans to look after the soldiers.
Asoka also tried to hold his empire together by propagating Dhannna, the principles of which
were simple and virtually universally applicable. This, according to him, would ensure the
well-being of people in this world and the next. Special officers, known as the Dhamma
Mahamatta, were appointed to spread the message of Dhamma.
Question 20.
Explain the agricultural practices followed by the cultivators to increase productivity from C 600
BCE to 600 CE. (All India 2017)
or
To what extent were agricultural practices transformed from 6th century BCE? Explain briefly.
(Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Agricultural practices were transformed from 6th century BCE onwards because of increasing
burden of taxes imposed by state. The kings demanded considerable taxes from the subjects,
from 6th cent ury BCE onwards.
In order to fulfil this demand for more taxes, the farmers started finding new means to increase
the production of their crops.
These new means were:
Shift Towards Plough Agriculture Agriculture practices were significantly transformed by the shift
to plough agriculture which spread in fertile alluvial river valleys such as those of the Ganga and
the Kaveri.
Use of Iron-Tipped Ploughshare In the areas of high rainfall, the use of iron-tipped ploughshare
turned the alluvial soil into highly fertile ground.
Use of Paddy Transplantation Paddy transplantation technique was used in which seeds were
first broadcast then the saplings were transplanted in water logged fields. This ensured a higher
ratio of survival of saplings and higher yields and dramatically increased the production of paddy
crop. Although, this process requires high degree of manual labour.
Use of Irrigation to Increase Productivity Irrigation was another strategy to increase agricultural
production. The irrigation was done through wells and tanks and sometimes the canals were
used.
Communities as well as individuals organised the construction of irrigation works. The process
of construction of irrigation was often recorded in the inscriptions by the kings.
The use of such technologies led to an increase in agricultural production which ultimately led to
a growing differentiation amongst people engaged in agriculture. The large landholders and
village headmen emerged as powerful figures who exercised control over the cultivators or
agricultural labourers. Thus, there was a remarkable change in the field of agriculture from 6th
century BCE.
Question 21.
Explain the system of land grants and trade from 600 BCE to 600 CE. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
From the early centuries, the grants of land were recorded in inscriptions. Some inscriptions
were recorded in copper plates. The records that have survived, give us the following facts:
● The land grants were given to religious institutions or to Brahmanas. The Brahmanas
were usually exempted from paying land revenue and other due to the king. The
Brahmanas were . often given the right to collect these
dues from the local people.
● Women were not supposed to have independent access to resources like land. But
aristocrat women like Prabhavati Gupta, daughter of Chandragupta II had access to
lands.
● All the people in rural areas had to obey the new land of the village and pay him all the
taxes.
● Some historians claim that land grants were indicative of weakening political power, as
kings were loosing control over their samantas. Sometimes, kings tried to win allies by
making grants of land.
● Land grants provide some insight into the relationship between cultivators and the state.
● The system of trade from 600 BCE to 600 CE can be explained in the following ways:
● Land and river routes criss-crossed the sub-continent and extended in different
directions from the 6th century BCE. The ruler tried to control these routes by
offering protection for a price.
● These different routes were transversed by the peddlers who travelled on foot.
But the merchants travelled with caravans of bullock carts and pack-animals.
● There were seafearers. Their ventures
were risky but highly profitable.
● Successful merchants, designated as Manattuvan in Tamil and Setthis and
Satavahanas in Prakrit w’ere very rich.
● A wide range of goods were carried from one place to another. These were salt,
grain, cloth, metal ores and finished products, stone, timber, medicinal plants,
spices and pepper and textiles. All these were transported across the Arabian
sea to the Mediterranean.
Question 22.
What does Asokan inscriptions tell about the Mauryas? Describe the limitations of the
inscriptional evidences. (All India 2016)
or
To what extent the epigraphists face limitations of inscriptional evidence? Explain. (Delhi 2014,
2009)
Answer:
Asoka was the first ruler who inscribed his messages on stone surfaces i.e. natural rocks and
polished pillars.
The major rock edicts explain the Mauryans administration specially about Asoka. Some of the
important inscriptions are discussed below:
● The name of Asoka was not mentioned in the inscriptions. Instead, the titles viz,
‘Devanampiya’ (beloved of the God) and ‘Piyadassi’ (pleasant to behold) were
mentioned.
● Asoka condemned the desire for fame and glory. He stressed on popularity of Dhamma.
● Dhamma included respect towards elders, generosity towards Brahmanas and those
who renounced worldly life, treating slaves and servants kindly and respect for religions
and traditions other than one’s own.
Limitations of inscriptional evidence are:
Technical Limitations: Sometimes letters are very faintly engraved and thus doubts arise for
inscriptions may be damaged or letters missing.
Damaged or Missing Letters: Sometimes important letters are damaged or missing in the
inscription. It makes the work for epigraphists more difficult.
Lack of Clarity: It is not always easy to be sure about the exact meaning of the words used in
the inscriptions, some of which may be specific to a particular place or time. So, scholars are
constantly debating on alternative ways to read inscriptions.
Undeciphered Inscriptions: Thousands of inscriptions have been discovered, but not all have
been deciphered, published and translated. Many inscriptions were destroyed and what we
have today’ probably a fraction of it.
Non-relevance of Inscriptions: Inscriptions were composed in praise of kings and patrons in
general. Not everything that is economically or politically important was recorded in the
inscriptions, e.g. routine agricultural practice, the joys and sorrow of common man were not
mentioned in the inscriptions. Thus, it is difficult for the epigraphists to give the complete picture
of a society by relying on inscriptions only.
Question 23.
What do you mean by’ Numismatics?
How has the study of coins helped the Numismatists to reconstruct possible commercial
networks? (All India 2014, 2010)
Answer:
Numismatics is the study of coins, including visual elements such as scripts and images,
metallurgical analysis and the contexts in which they have been found.
The study of coins has helped the numismatists to reconstruct the possible commercial
networks in the following ways:
Introduction of Coinage for Trade Facilitation: To some extent, exchanges were facilitated by the
introduction of coinage. A wide range of goods like salt, grain, cloth, metal ores and finished
products, stone, timber, medicinal plants, etc were carried from one place to another. These
certainly required some kind of currency for exchange.
Hence, these led to the development of coinage across the trading cultures.
Excavation of Punch-marked Coins across the Sub-continent: Punch-marked coins made of
silver and copper (16th century BCE onwards) were amongst the earliest to be minted and
used. These have been recovered from excavations at a number of sites throughout the
sub-continent. Numismatics have studied these and other coins to reconstruct possible
commercial networks.
Kings, Merchants and Bankers as Issuing Authority: Attempts made to identify the symbols on
punch-marked coins with specific ruling dynasties, including the Mauryas, suggest that these
were issued by kings. It is also likely that merchants, bankers and towns people issued some of
these coins.
Similarity of Kushana Coins with those of Greeks and Parthians: The first gold coins were
issued in 1st century CE by the Kushanas. These were virtually identical in weight with those
issued by contemporary Roman emperors and the Parthian rulers of Iran have been found from
several sites in North India and Central Asia.
Close Connections with Roman Empire: The widespread use of gold coins indicates the
enormous value of the transactions that were taking place. Besides, hoards of Roman coins
have been found from archaeological sites in South India. It is obvious that networks of trade
were not confined within political boundaries. South India was not a part of the Roman empire,
but there were dose connections through trade.
Question 24.
How do the modern historians explain the development and growth of Magadhan power?
Explain briefly. (All India 2012)
Answer:
Between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, Magadha (in present-day Bihar) became the most
powerful mahajanapada. Modern historians explain this development in a variety of ways:
● Magadha was a region where agriculture was especially productive.
● Besides, iron mines (in present-day Jharkhand ) were accessible and provided
resources for tools and weapons.
● Elephants, an important component of the army, were found in forests in the region.
● Also, the Ganga and its tributaries provided a means of cheap and convenient
communication.
However, early Buddhist and Jaina writers who wrote about Magadha attributed its power to the
policies of individuals, ruthlessly ambitious kings of whom Bimbisara, Ajatashatru and
Mahapadma Nanda are the best known, and their minister, who helped implement their policies.
The two capitals, i.e. Rajagriha (Rajgir) and Pataliputra (Patna) of Magadha had their own
advantages. Rajagaha was a fortified settlement, located amongst hill, thus, was not easily
captured. Pataliputra was easily communicable through the Ganga and its tributaries.
