Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Answers

Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 7

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 7 The Medieval India: The Cholas.

These Solutions are part of Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions. Here we have given. Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 7 The Medieval India: The Cholas.

EXERCISES

I. Short Answer Questions :

Question 1.
Mention the significance of inscriptions for providing information about the Cholas.
Answer:
The inscriptions provide the following information about the Cholas.

  1. They tell us about the Chola administration.
  2. They record gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas.
  3. They inform us about the construction of a temple or the setting up of a new image of the deity.
  4. (Inscriptions on temple walls served the purpose of a public registrations by conserving a record of sales, mortageges and other forms of transfers of property rights in village lands.
  5. Inscriptions have preserved the decisions and agreements on meters of public importance.

Question 2.
Who established the rule of the Cholas ?
Answer:
Chola ruler Vijayalya (AD 846-871) established Chola rule in Tamil land with Tagore as his capital during the middle of ninth century.

Question 3.
Why did Rajaraja undertake a naval expedition against Ceylon and Maldives ?
Answer:
Rajaraja (AD 985-1012)was a brilliant general and attacked the kingdoms of Pandyas and Cheras and parts of Mysore. This area was the main region of activities of Arabian traders. In order to strengthen his power along the coast of South India, he took out a naval expedition and attacked both Ceylon and Maldives islands.

Question 4.
Name any three great rulers of the Chola dynasty.
Answer:

  1. Rajaraja I (AD 985-1012)
  2. Raj endra Chola (AD 1012-1044)
  3.  Rajadhiraj Chola (AD 1044-1052)

Question 5.
Give any two achievements of Rajendra Chola.
Answer:

  1. He defeated Mahipala, king of Bengal and adopted the title of Gangaikonda.
  2. With a huge navy he defeated Shrivijaya king and solved the problem of Indian merchants who were in trouble by the merchants of Shrivijaya.

Question 6.
Name the new capital built by Rajendra Chola.
Answer:
The new capital was Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.

Question 7.
Why did the Cholas build a strong naval fleet ?
Answer:
The Cholas built a strong naval fleet, in order to keep a strong control over the trade activities of Arabian traders with the Indian merchants of the southern coastal region.

Question 8.
What made the Chola administration strong and effective?
Answer:
The Cholas system of administration was highly organised and efficient, the king as the pivot of all administration. There was central government, provincial government and local self-government including ‘ur’ – assembly of normal villages, ‘Sabha’- assembly of Brahmins and ‘nagaram’ – the assembly of merchants. All this well distributed and managed system of administration became strong and effective.

Question 9.
Name the two languages promoted by the Cholas.
Answer:
The two languages promoted by the Cholas were Sanskrit and Tamil. Poems and plays were also written in Tamil by leading poets and dramatists. The works of Tamil writers were collected in eleven volumes which are known as ‘Tirumurais’.

Question 10.
Name any two features of temple built by the Cholas.
Answer:
The chief features of Chola temples are their massive vimanas or towers and spacious courtyards. Most of the Chola temples were built in the Dravidian style.

Question 11.
Which is the best example of Chola temples ?
Answer:
The best example of Chola temple is the Brihadeshvara or Shiva temple at Tanjavur.

Question 12.
What is known as the ‘gopuram’ ?
Answer:
The ‘gopuram’ is the structure of entrance of the temple.

Question 13.
To what use was the temple put during the Chola period?
Answer:
The temple in the Chola kingdom was the center of social activity. The money donated by the people was used for decoration and maintenance of the temples. Some temples also participated in inland and overseas trade. The temples also provided employment to large number of people and also provided food, clothing and housing facilities and education. Medical aid and hospitals were also established by the temples.

Question 14.
Name one important literary source that gives information about the Cholas. Name the author of this text and the ruler, whose exploits its describes.
Answer:
Kalingattuparani is an important literary source about the Cholas. It was a war song by Jayankondar, the court poet of Kulottunga. It celebrates the victory of Kulottunga Chola I over the Kalinga King, Anantavarman Chodaganga in the Chola-Kalinga war. Kulottunga Chola I is the hero of this magnificent work.

Question 15.
Name the last ruler of the Cholas.
Answer:
Rajadhiraj Chola (AD 1044-1052) was the last great ruler of Chola dynasty.

Question 16.
Who finally defeated the Cholas ?
Answer:
Cholas were defeated by Chalukyas in AD 1052, in the famous battle of Koppam.

Question 17.
Give an example of sculpture during the Chola period.
Answer:
The Cholas excelled in making images of gods and goddesses made of stone and bronze; e.g., the bronze image of Lord Shiva as ‘Nataraja’ – Lord of Dance, is an excellent work of art.

Question 18.
Who wrote the Tamil Ramayana ?
Answer:
Kamban wrote the Tamil Ramayana.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 19.
Name the book written by Kamban.
Answer:
Kamban wrote Tamil Ramayana in the beginning of 12th century.

Question 20.
Name any two literary works (literary sources) to reconstruct the age of Imperial Cholas.
Answer:

  1. Kalingattuparani and
  2. Kalladam.

Question 21.
Name any two archaeological sources to reconstruct the age of Imperial Cholas.
Answer:

  1. Brihadeswara Temple.
  2. Hundreds of inscriptions both in Tamil and Sanskrit the Chola kingdom.

Question 22.
Under whose rule, the Cholas rose to imperial greatness towards the end of the 10th century AD?
Answer:
Under the ruler ship of Sundara Chola’s son, Rajaraja I, the Cholas rose to Imperial greatness towards the end of the 10th century AD.

Question 23.
Mention any two victories won by Cholas under Rajaraja I.
Answer:
Annexation of Kalinga and Maldives.

Question 24.
Who among the Chola kings adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’?
Answer:
Rajendra I, adopted the title of‘Gangaikonda’. Gangakundrapuram or Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.

Question 25.
What names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola kingdom :
(a) Province, and
(b) the District?
Answer:
Following names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola kingdom :(a) The Province was named as Mandalams.
(b) The District was named as Nadu.

Question 26.
What was the method of electing members of the village assembly under the Cholas?
Answer:
The method of electing members of the village assembly was as such-name-slips of the candidates were thrown and mixed up in a pot, from which they were drawn one by one a small boy. The results were announced by the village-priest.

Question 27.
Mention any two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas.
Answer:
Following are the two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas :

  1. To regulate water supply.
  2. To provide education to children.

Question 28.
Give one evidence to suggest that Cholas constructed magnificent temples.
Answer:
The Brihadeswara Temple, also known as Rajarajeshwara Temple at Thanjavur.

Question 29.
Who translated the Ramayana into Tamil?
Answer:
Kamban translated the Sanskrit epic Ramayana into Tamil.

Question 30.
Name the two scholars (one Buddhist and another Jain) who made rich contribution to Tamil literature.
Answer:
Jain scholar Amrit Sagar and Buddhist scholar Buddhamitra.

Question 31.
Mention any two sources of revenue of the Chola rulers.
Answer:
The two sources of revenue of the Chola rulers were :

  1. The land-revenue, that was fixed at 1/6 of the gross produce.
  2. The taxes on trade, mines, hand-looms water courses and the costumes i.e., duties on imported goods.

Question 32.
Give two evidence to suggest that the Cholas employed their resources in public work projects.
Answer:
Two evidence that suggest the Cholas employed their resources in public work projects are as follows :

  1.  The Cholas spent huge sums on irrigation projects such as canals, tanks, dams and wells.
  2. The Cholas also constructed roads which were a great boost to the economy of the land-trade, commerce and communication.

II. Structured Questions.

Question 1.
With reference to the sources of information about the Cholas, give the significance of the following :
(a) Chola Inscriptions.
(b) Brihadeshwara Temple.
Answer:
(a) ChoIa Inscriptions—The inscription provide the following information about the Cholas.

  1. They give information about the Chola administration. For example, the Uttaramerur inscription gives information on the village administration, taxation and land revenue.
  2. They record gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas. Copper-plate inscriptions are the records of grants of villages, plots of land or other privileges to individuals or institutions by the Cholas. For example, the Leyden grant (so called as they are preserved in the Museum of Leyden in Holland) of Parantaka Chola and those of Parakesari Uttama Chola are among the most important.
  3. They tell us about the construction of a temple or the setting up of a new image of the deity.
  4. Some inscriptions have preserved the decisions and agreements on matters of public importance. These include royal orders on taxation and land revenue resolutions of village assemblies, judgement delivered against persons guilty of theft, murder and other crimes.
  5. Inscriptions on temple walls served the purpose of a public registrations by conserving a record of sales, mortgages and other forms of transfers of property rights in village lands.

(b) Brihadeshwara Temple — The Brihadeshwara temple is the finest monument of a splendid period of South Indian history and the most beautiful specimen of Tamil architecture. The temple has been declared as a World Heritage City by UNESCO. It is one of the best specimens of Dravidian style of architecture. The main structure of the temple has a great building to temples. The taxes on land were collected by the officials from the village councils. vimana (tower) and is crowned by a massive dome consisting of a single block of stone. The massive temple building is covered from the base to the top with sculptures and decorative mouldings. The shrine houses a gigantic Shiva Lingam, cut in a monolithic rock.

Question 2.
With reference to the Chola period explain the following”
(a) Taxes imposed by the Cholas.
(b) Administration of the Kingdom,
(c) The three types of village assemblies.
Answer:
(a) The revenue of the Chola Kingdom came from taxes on land and produce of the land and tax on trade. Part of the revenue was kept for the king and the rest was used for public works.

(b) The administration was highly organised and divided into central, provincial and local self governments in order to get better results.

(c) The three types of village assemblies were as follows: (0 ‘ur’ — the assembly of common villages.

  1.  ‘Sabha’ — the assembly of Brahmins.
  2. ‘nagaram’ — the assembly of merchants.

Question 3.
With reference to the Chola Administration, write short notes on :
(a) The King, the chief administrator
(b) Local Self-Government
Answer:
(a) The King was the pivot of administration with the help of the council of ministers. The King also went on tours to observe the public problems.

(b) Cholas were good administrators. They believed in local self-government. In many of the villages the administration was carried out, not by the government officials but by the villagers themselves. These villages had three types of village assemblies, namely, the ur, the sabha and the nagaram. There are long inscriptions on the walls of some of the village temples giving details of how the ur and sabha were organised.

Question 4.
Study the picture of the Brihadeshwara Temple and answer the following questions :
Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 7
(a) Who built this temple ? Brihadeshwara Temple
(b) To which deity is the temple dedicated ?
(c) Mention two special features of this temple.
Answer:
(a) Brihadeshvara temple at Tanjavur was built by the Chola King Rajaraja-1.
(b) It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
(c)

  1. The main structure of the temple has a great vimana or tower consisting of 13 successive stores rising to a height of 190 feet.
  2. Its top is crowned by a massive dome of a single block of stone about 25 feet high and weighing about 80 tons.

Question 5.
With reference to the South Indian temples answer the following questions :
(a) The role of the temple as an employer.
(b) The role of the temple as a landlord.
(c) The role of the temple as centers of learning.
Answer:
(a) The temple provided employment to large number of people in various types of works and means of livelihood to a large number of people. The temples used to take care of the welfare of its workers by providing food, 128 clothing and housing facilities and by arranging groper education and establishing hospitals.

(b) The temple owned large areas of land, so the temple authorities worked as big landlords.

(c) Various types of people from different communities came together in the temple and discussed several matters of public problems and views. This resulted in the promotion of knowing and learning the various aspects of social structure and state of progress.

Question 6.
With reference to Chola literature, write on the following:
(a) Kalingattuparani
(b) Religious and secular literature.
Answer:
(a) It is a 12th century poem and a war song by Jayankondar, the court poet of Kulottunga I. It is the most fascinating historical work in Tamil literature which celebrates the victory of Kulottunga Chola I over the Kalinga King, Anantavarman Chodaganga in the Chola-Kalingawar. It gives a vivid and a graphic description of battle scenes and also provides details about the route taken by Kulottunga’s army. It is hailed as one of the masterpieces of Tamil literature with its majestic styles and diction,

(b) Tamil Ramayan and stories from Ramayana and Mahabharat are the religious literature. The secular literature are treaties on grammar by Buddhamitra and Rawankashi.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

7. Write short notes on the following :
Question 7(a).
The revenue system of the Cholas.
Answer:
The revenue of the Chola kingdom came from — taxes on land and the produce of the land, and tax on trade. Part of the revenue was kept for the king. The rest was used on public works, such as the building of roads and tanks, on salaries of officials, on paying for the upkeep of the army, and on the building to temples. The taxes on land were collected by the officials from the village councils.

Question 7(b).
Copper-plate grants.
Answer:
The inscriptions of the Chola are in the form of Copper-plate grants, inscribed on the walls and pillars of temples. The Copper-plate grants known by the names. Anbil and Karandi as well as the Kanyakumari stone inscription give long legendary genealogies which indicate the Solar origin of the Chola dynasty. Another set of Copper-plate contains 31 copper sheets. These plates are written in Sanskrit and Tamil. They record a grant made to a temple by Rajendra Chola I.

Question 8.
With the accession of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) began the most glorious epoch of the Cholas. In this context, explain briefly:
(a) His Conquests.
(b) His activities as a Great Builder and a Ruler.
Answer:
With the accession of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) began the most glorious epoch of the Cholas. In this context, the given headlines are described as below :

(a) Rajaraja defeated the Cheras and then he seized Madurai and captured the Pandya king Amarbhujanga. He also annexed Kalinga. He carried out powerful raids into the territory of Western Chalukyas also. He invaded the Island of Sri Lanka and annexed its northern parts. Towards the end of his reign he conquered Maldives. Thus, Rajaraja made himself the overlord of almost the whole of the present state of Tamil Nadu, parts of the State of Karnataka, its adjoining regions, Sri Lanka and other islands.

(b) Rajaraja I was also a capable administrator, a great builder and a patron of arts and literature. A chief mark of his administrative system was an expansion of rural self-governing institutions. He constructed the famous Brihdeswara Temple (also known as Rajarajeshwara Temple) at Thanjavur. He endowed and built some Vishnu temples also. He worshipped
Shiva, but was tolerant of other sects and religions, as is evident from the fact that he granted to a village to the Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattam in the Malay peninsula.

Question 9.
King Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) raised the Chola empire to the pinnacle of glory. In this context explain:
(a) His main Conquests.
(b) His attainments as a Great Builder.
Answer:
King Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) raised the Chola empire to the pinnacle of glory. In this context the given headlines are explained as under:

(a) His main Conquests : About 1017 AD, he annexed the whole of Sri Lanka. He organised the Pandya and Kerala territories and the Island of Sri Lanka into regular provinces of his empire. His armies marched through the northern region as far as the Ganga Valley. He overpowered Orissa and a portion of Eastern Bengal. To commemorate this event, he adopted the title of Gangaikonda and built a new Capital called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram, identified with Gangakundapuram. In 1025 AD, he despatched a naval expedition for the conquest of King Shailendra’s territories of Java and Sumatra.

(b) His attainments as a Great Builder : Rajendra I got constructed an artificial lake, near his new Capital. Its embankments were more than 25 kms. in length. It was filled with water from the Kolerun and Vellar rivers. He also constructed a splendid temple at Gangaikonda-Cholapuram. Its huge lingam (a symbol of generative power) of solid granite is very impressive.

Question 10.
Under Cholas, the ruler was the pivot on which turned the whole machinery of the state, but actual administration was not hightly centralised. In this context, explain briefly.
(a) The position of the Chola Monarch.
(b) The functioning of the autonomous rural institutions (Gram Sabhas).
Answer:
Under Cholas the ruler was the pivot on which turned the whole machinery of the state, but actual administration was not highly centralised. In this context given headlines are explained as under:

(a) The position of the Chola Monarch : The king was the pivot, around, which the whole system was based. The coronation Ceremony was marked by many festivities. The power and glory of the monarch was enchanced with the huge resources of the kingdom, vast palace establishment and splendour of the Court. The verbal orders of the King were reduced to writing, before they were communicated to the officials concerned.

(b) The functioning of the autonomous rural institutions (Gram Sabha) : Gram Sabha enjoyed full powers in the management of local affairs. The village assemblies administered justice within the village except the cases involving serious crimes. They regulated water supply, gathered such as temples, schools etc. They could sell or donate for religious purposes. Accounts were maintained with meticulous care. In case a defaulter embezzled money, he was severely dealt with.
The village assembly on its affairs with the help of smaller committees, each looking after specific matters such as the tanks, gardens, temples, justice and general management.

Question 11.
Discuss people’s social life under Imperial Cholas with reference to :
(a) Caste System
(b) Religion
Answer:
(a) The caste system very much prevailed in Southern India. Besides the prosperous Brahmins, merchants had emerged as a powerful class by virtue of their wealth. The social status of the lower castes was pitiable. They could not draw water from the common wells, nor were they allowed to enter temples.

(b) The Chola emperors were worshippers of Lord Shiva, but they were by no means intolerant of other sects and religions.

Question 12.
Write a brief not on the works of art and public works _ projects of the Chola rulers.
Answer:
The Chola rulers built cities and beautiful them with majestic palaces and grand temples. The chief features of these temples are their vimanas or tower, magnificient, sculptures, pillared halls. One of the masterpieces of Chola architecture is the Brihadeswara Temple.The Cholas spent huge sums on irrigation projects viz., canals, tanks, dams and wells, Rajendra I, dug an artificial lake near his new Capital, Gangaikonda-Cholapuram. They also constructed roads which were a great boost to the economy of the land-trade, commerce and communications.

Question 13.
Write a brief note on the development of Tamil Literature under the Cholas.
Answer:
The development of literature, art and architecture of the Chola period promoted the cultural value of the Chola rule. The Cholas made lot of improvements in these fields. The Chola rule marked a milestone in the history of Tamil literatures. The Chola kings gave many concessions and patronage to Tamil scholars and writers. Sangam literature deals with emotional and material topics such as love, war, governance and trade with the revival of Cholas power in the middle of the ninth century, the awareness for the literature and art broadened for the first time in history, an imperial state encompassed the entire South India bringing with it the safety and security to the people and provided the opportunity for the people to experience cultures beyond their own. Tamil became a language of the people. One of the best known Tamil work of this period is the Kamban Ramayana by Kamban who flourished during the reign of Kulottunga III. It is the greatest epic in Tamil Literature, and although the author states that he followed Valmiki, his work is not a mere translation or even an adaptation of Sanskrit epic.

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 6

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 6 The Age of the Guptas.

These Solutions are part of Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions. Here we have given. Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 6 The Age of the Guptas.

EXERCISES

I. Short Answer Questions :

Question 1.
Who was Fa-hien ? What did he say about India ?
Answer:
The Chinese traveler Fa-hien, visited India at the time of Chandragupta-II (Vikramaditya). He was deeply impressed by the ideal and mild administration affected by Buddhism, economic prosperity of Pataliputra and Magadha, simplicity of the people. He had also mentioned about the versatile religions including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, Buddhism and Jainism etc.

Question 2.
Who was the ruler when Fa-hien visited India? When did he visited India ?
Answer:
Chandragupta II was the ruler at that time.Fa-hien started his journey from China in AD 399 and reached India in AD 405 and stayed in India up to 411.

Question 3.
Name the three dramas written by Kalidasa.
Answer:
The three dramas written by Kalidasa were Malavikagnimitram, Abhijnanshakuntalam and Vikramorvashiyam.

Question 4.
Why is the Gupta Period known as the Golden Age of Indian culture ?
Answer:
The Gupta Period is remarkable for all-around development in ideal administration, art, culture, economy, medicines, literature, education, astronomy etc. The famous universities of Taxila and Nalanda near Rawalpindi and in Bihar respectively. The temple of Bhitrigaon in Kanpur, Bhitari temple in Gazipur, Deogarh temple in Jhansi are examples of five architect. Aryabhatta, a famous astronomer and mathematician, Varahmibira, Brahmagupta was eminent astronomers. Charaka and Sushruta were excellent scholars of Ayurveda. The ‘Iron Pillar’ in New Delhi is the proof of high level metallurgy due to its high quality iron. Highly talented poets were Kalidas, Sudraka, Bhasa, Harishena, Dandin Subandhu, Bharavi, Banbhatta, Vishnusharma (writer of Panchatantra). Besides this, Puranas and Bhagvata Gita were written in this period. So it was the golden period of Indian culture, undoubtedly.

Question 5.
How was Samudragupta a bold and great conqueror ?
Answer:
Samudragupta was a brave conqueror. He defeated many rulers. His empire extended from Yamuna and Chambal in the west to Brahmaputra in the east. He was known as the ‘Napoleon of India’.

Question 6.
Name the famous university that existed during the Gupta period ?
Answer:
The famous university was Nalanda university in Bihar.

Question 7.
Name any two titles adopted by the Gupta rulers ?
Answer:
‘Maharajadhiraja’ and ‘Napoleon of India’ were the two titles adopted by Gupta rulers.

Question 8.
Name the officer who collected the toll tax during the Gupta period.
Answer:
The officer who collected the toll tax during the Gupta period was known as ‘Shaulkika’.

Question 9.
Name the officer who was. incharge of a province or bhukti during the Gupta period.
Answer:
The officer who was incharge of a province or bhukti during the Gupta period was called Vishayapati.

Question 10.
What contribution did Aryabhatta make in the field of science, astronomy and mathematics ?
Answer:
Aryabhatta discovered zero decimal system and calculated the value of pi (3.1416) and area of triangle in mathematics; movement of earth and sun in the astronomy.

Question 11.
Name two renowned Sanskrit authors and their important works during the Gupta period.
Answer:
Kalidasa : The famous poet of Vikramaditya’s court, wrote famous poetic works, e.g. Ritusamhara, Raghuvamsa.
Sudraka: He wrote dramatic work ‘Mrichchhakatika’ orthe ‘ Little Clay Cart’, throwing light on socio-economic life of the people with a sense of humour.

Question 12.
During whose reign Hiuen Tasang visited India ?
Answer:
Hiuen Tasang visited India during the reign of Harsha.

Question 13.
What was the chief architectural feature of the brick temple at Bhitrigaon ?
Answer:
This temple dates back to 5th century AD. The temple has a pyramidal roof and its outer walls are decorated with statues and figures. There is a Shivalinga placed in the Garbagriha. The chief architectural feature is the arch, the curved structure supporting the weight of the roof.

Question 14.
Give two distinguishing features of Ajanta and Bagh paintings.
Answer:
Ajanta and Bagh paintings are very impressive and lively with human faces, limbs drawn with grace and action along with flowers and birds depicting living action views.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Question 15.
Mention three important kingdoms which came to power in India between 320 BC and AD 162.
Answer:
During this period (320 BC and AD 162), three important Kingdoms were Satraps Empire, Satavabana Empire and Kushana Empire.

Question 16.
Who was the author of Harshacharita ? What was the theme of this book ?
Answer:
The author of ‘Harshacharita’, was Banabhatta. Theme of the book was to describe the deeds of Harsha along with his biography and socio-economic conditions during his reign.

Question 17.
Name one literary and another archaeological source to reconstruct the Age of the Guptas.
Answer:

  1. Literary Source : Fa-hein visit to India.
  2. Archaeological Source : Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions.

Question 18.
Name the famous Inscription that tells us about the character and military achievements of Samudragupta.
Answer:
Allahabad Pillar Inscription.

Question 19.
Which great conquest enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakaril
Answer:
The Conquest of Gujarat and Kathiawar peninsula dominated by the Saka power, enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari.

Question 20.
Who was Fa-hien? What is the title of the book that he wrote about India?
Answer:
Fa-hien was a Chinese pilgrim, who travelled all over India for more than 13 years. The title of the book that he wrote about India was, Fo-Kwo-Ki (The Travels of Fa- hien).

Question 21.
What did Fa-hien write about the City of Pataliputra?
Answer:
Fa-hien wrote about the City of Pataliputra that the City had two grand monasteries-one of the Hinayana and other of the Mahayana. He noticed the usual grandeur of Ashoka’s Palace as such. People living there, were quite prosper by all means. There was an excellent hospital run by the wealthy citizens of the town. Rest-houses existed in large town and on highways for the comforts of the travellers.
The relations between the followers of various sects were cordial. The people were honest and law-abiding. No uneven restrictions were imposed on them to move about anywhere in the City. The criminal law was mild. Capital punishment was out of practice.

Question 22.
Which Gupta ruler defeated the Hunas?
Answer:
Skandagupta defeated the Hunas.

Question 23.
What does Fa-hien write about the life of the people during the Gupta age?
Answer:
Fa-hien writes that the bulk of the population during the Gupta age was vegetarian and usually followed the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) .The caste-system prevailed and untouchability had become an established institution in this age. The Chandalas occupied the lowest rank in society. They were outcasts and lived away from the people. They did menial jobs. When they approached a city or a market, they had to strike a piece of wood, so that others might avoid coming in contact with them.Slavery also existed, although the Brahmins could not be owned as slaves. Women were educated in fine arts and domestic virtues. Widow-remarriage was viewed with disfavour. The practice of Devadasi was prevalent. In other words, some girls were being maintained to many temples for the service of Gods.

Question 24.
Mention an important cause for the revival of Brahmanical religion in the Gupta period.
Answer:
The Gupta monarchs were staunch supporters of Brahmanishm, they gave a strong impetus to the restoration and enhancement of their religion.

Question 25.
Name any two famous poets of the Gupta period.
Answer:
Kalidasa and Harisena.

Question 26.
Who was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period?
Answer:
Kalidasa was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period.

Question 27.
Name two dramas and two epics written by Kalidasa.
Answer:
Malavikagnimitra and Vikramorvasiya are the two dramas written by Kalidasa. The two epics are—Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava.

Question 28.
What is the importance of Panchatantra?
Answer:
It is a collection of stories which intended to teach moral lessons to children.

Question 29.
Name three important sciences which made great progress during the Gupta period.
Answer:
Astronomy, mathematics and medicine.

Question 30.
Mention the contributions of Aryabhatta in the field of astronomy.
Answer:
Aryabhatta was the first Indian astromer to declare that the earth is spherical in shape and he proved that the earth revolves around the sun on its own axis.

Question 31.
Name the famous astronomer of the Gupta period after whom an Indian Satellite was named.
Answer:
Aryabhatta.

Question 32.
Mention the important contibutions of Varahamihira.
Answer:
Varahamihira was a great scientist of the Gupta age, he wrote Brihat Samhita which deals with Astronomy, Mathematics, Botany and Physical Geography. He also wrote a famous book on different branches of Jyotishastra and another work Pancha Siddhantika, giving an account of the five systems of Astronomy.

Question 33.
Mention the famous work on medicine written by V riddha-V agabhatta.
Answer:
Ashtang Sangrah.

Question 34.
Mention two famous temples of the Gupta period.
Answer:
The Dasavatara Temple, also known as Vishnu Temple, at Deogarh near Jhansi, and Bhitargaon Temple near Kanpur.

Question 35.
Metion two important architectural features of the Dasavatara (Vishnu) Temple at Deogarh.
Answer:
The Temple stands on a wide basement with a flight of steps in the middle of each side. It had a spire and its roof was supported by pillars.

Question 36.
Give two distinguishing features of the Gupta Sculpture.
Answer:
Two distinguishing features of the Gupta Sculpture are :

  1. The Gupta Sculpture discarded foreign influence and adopted a style which was totally Indian in character. The techniques of carving and the subjects chosen, were purely of Indian origin.
  2. Several varieties of mudras (poses) were used.

Question 37.
Mention two pieces of evidence to show that the art of Sculpture excelled during the Gupta period.
Answer:
The statue of the Standing Buddha discovered at Mathura and the figure of the Great Boar done in relief at the entrance of the Cave at Udayagiri are the two pieces of evidence that show that the art of Sculpture excelled during the Gupta period.

Question 38.
What is known as Frescoes?
Answer:
The painting done on the walls are called Frescoes.

Question 39.
Mention two places famous for the art of painting during the Gupta period.
Answer:
The Ajanata Caves in Maharashtra State and the Bagh Caves near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.

Question 40.
Metion two important features of the painting of Ajanta.
Answer:
Two important features of the paintings at Ajanta are as follows :

  1. The rock walls were first plastered with a thick coating of clay, mixed with straw, gypsum and other materials. Then a thin lawyer of lime-plaster was applied to produce a glazed surface for making the painting more effective.
  2.  On the glazed surface of the wall the outlines of the figures were drawn first. The artists used water colours.

Question 41.
Name the Chinese pilgrim who studied at the Nalanda University.
Answer:
Hiuen-Tsang was the Chinese pilgrim who studied at the Nalanda University.

Question 42.
Mention the extent of King Harsha’s empire.
Answer:
The extent of King Harsha’s empire included

  1. Eastern Punjab
  2. Kanauj (Uttar Pradesh)
  3. Magadha (Bihar)
  4. Bengal
  5. Orissa.

Question 43.
How can we say that Harshavardhana was a patron of learning?
Answer:
Matan Diwakar was the court-poet to Harshavardhana. His patronage to . authors like—Banabhatta, who wrote Harshcharita and Mayur, who wrote Suryashataka, shows his interest in literature. Harsha himself was a scholar and an author of three plays—Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarshika. Nalanda University was patronised by Harshavardhana.

Question 44.
Who wrote Harshcharita?
Answer:
Banabhatta wrote Harshcharita.

Question 45.
Where was the Fifth Buddhist Assembly held? Who presided over the Assembly’s deliberations?
Answer:
The Fifth Buddhist Assembly was held at Kanauj, Hiuen- Tsang presided over the Assembly’s deliberations.

Question 46.
Mention the main conquests of Pulakesin II.
Answer:
Pulakesin II, ruled, from 608 AD to 642 AD. He conquered northern Konkan and the Gujarat and Malwa regions.

Question 47.
Whose reign marks the climax of the Pallava power?
Answer:
The reign of Narasimhavarman marks the climax of the Pallava power.

Question 48.
Name the Inscription that refers to the achievements of King Kharvela of Kalinga.
Answer:
The Hathigumpha Inscription on the Udayagiri hills, near Bhubaneshwar in Orrissa.

Question 49.
Who converted Kanishka to Buddhism?
Answer:
A Buddhist monk Asvaghosa converted Kanishka to Buddhism.

Question 50.
Name the two sects into which Buddhism got split during Kanishka’s reign.
Answer:
During Kanishka’s reign, Buddhism got split into Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) and the Mahayana (Great Vehicle).

Question 51.
Give one evidence to suggest that the sculptural art flourished during the reign of Satvahanas of Deccan.
Answer:
The sculptures of Amravati and Nagarjunakonda Stupas.

Question 52.
Name a fine specimen of rock-cut architecture during the reign of the Satvahanas.
Answer:
The Chaitya at Karle.

Question 53.
Name the two main crafts that flourished during the Gupta age.
Answer:
Jewellery-making and sculpture flourished during the Gupta age.

Question 54.
Mention an important cause for the revival of Brahmanical religion in the Gupta period.
Answer:
The Gupta monarchs were staunch supporters of Brahmanism, they gave a strong impetus to the restoration and enhancement of their religion.

Question 55.
Mention any one cause that led to the decline of the mighty Gupta empire.
Answer:
The repeated invasions of the Hunas led to the decline of the mighty Gupta empire.

Question 56.
Mention the literary works of Dandin.
Answer:
Dandin wrote Daskumarcharita and Kavyadarsha.

Question 57.
Name the literary work of Perundevanar.
Answer:
Perundevanar wrote Bharatam.

Question 58.
How many Rathas are found at Mahabalipuram?
Answer:
Eight Rathas are found at Mahabalipuram.

Question 59.
Name the ‘Pancha Pandava’ Rathas.
Answer:
Draupadi Ratha, Dharamaraja Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Bhima Ratha and Sahadeva Ratha.

Question 60.
Name the largest and the smallest of the Rathas.
Answer:
The largest Ratha is the Dharamaraja Ratha.
The smallest Ratha is the Draupadi Ratha.

II. Structured Questions.

Question 1.
With reference to the sources of information about the Gupta Age, write short notes on the following :
(a) Accounts of Fa-hien
(b) The Allahabad Pillar Inscription
(c) Nalanda University
Answer:
(a) Accounts of Fa-hien — Fa-hien, in his book Fo-Kwo- Ki (The Travels of Fa-hien) mentioned about life of the people and religious conditions that prevailed in the early years. According to Fa-hien, Magadha was a prosperous country with large towns, teeming with wealthy population. Pataliputra was a flourishing city with numerous charitable institutions, including a hospital endowed by benevolent citizens. According to Fa-hien, although the people were wealthy, they led simple lives, generally observing the Buddhist rules of conduct. Fa-hien has mentioned that Vaishnavism, Shaivism and even Buddhism and Jainism existed in the society. People, however, had no ill-will towards other sects. Fa-hien said that Hindu gods and goddesses were depicted on coins and also in sculptures and paintings.
Fa-hien was pleased with the mildness of the administration. According to him, the penal code was mild and the offenses were ordinarily punished by fines only. From his accounts, it can be inferred that the Gupta Empire was prosperous and governed on enlightened principles.

(b) The Allahabad Pillar Inscription — Allahabad Pillar Inscription is one of the most epigraphic evidences of the Imperial Gupta. Achievements of different rulers of the Gupta image are mentioned in Allahabad Pillar Inscription. It gives a vivid description of the reign and conquest of Samudra- gupta. Historians, both ancient and modern, have considered the historical value of Allahabad pillar. It provides a pretty impressive lest of Kings and tribal republic that were conquered by Samudragupta.

(c) Nalanda University—It was the most renowned educational institution of ancient India. Located at Nalanda in Rajagriha in Bihar, it was originally set up by Sakraditya in the 5th century AD during the reign of Kumaragupta-I. The University of Nalanda had imposing buildings. There were at least 8 colleges built by different patrons including one by Balaputradeva, King of Sumatra. According to Hiuen Tsang the whole university area was enclosed by a brick wall.

The Nalanda University provided various facilities to the students for their studies. There were three great libraries called Ratnasagar, Ratnodadhi and Ratnaranjak. There were more than 10,000 students including teachers of all kinds. They came from Korea, Mongolia, Japan, China, Tibet, Ceylon and various parts of India. The subjects of study at Nalanda University were all the four Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, samkya, yoga, nyaya and the Buddhist works of the different schools.

It was not an ordinary university. It was a post-graduate institution to which admission was very difficult. Before admission, an examination was held in which hardly 20% students passed and the rest of 80% were rejected. Only the most brilliant were admitted to the University.

Nalanda continued to be a beacon of light upto 12th century AD when it was destroyed by Mohammad-bin-Bakhtiyar Khilji, a general of Mohammad Ghori. Today only the remains of its magnificence and glory can be seen.

2. With reference to the Age of the Guptas, answer the following questions.

Question 2(a).
Explain the extent of samudragupta’s Empire based on the information given in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
Answer:
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta describes four different kinds of rulers and tells us about Samudragupta’s policies towards them:

  1. The nine rulers of Aryavarta were uprooted and their kingdoms were made a part of Samudragupta’s empire.
  2. he twelve rulers of Dakshinpatha (South India), who surrendered to Samudragupta after being defeated, were liberated and allowed to rule again over their kingdoms.
  3. The inner circle of neighbouring states, including Assam, Coastal Bengal, Nepal and a number of gana sanghas (organisation of many kings) in the north-west. They brought tribute, followed his ordered and attended his court.
  4. The rulers of the outlying areas, who submitted to him and offered their daughters in marriage.

Question 2(b).
Explain how Chandragupta II expanded his empire.
Answer:
Chandragupta II inherited the military genius of his father and . . extended the Gupta empire by conquest of his own. He annexed the territories of Sakas of Malwa, Gujarat and Saurashtra.Forthishe was given the title ‘sakari’ orconqueror of Sakas.

According to noted historian, Dr. Vincent Smith, “the annexation of Saurashtra and Malwa not only added to the empire, provinces of exceptional wealth and fertility, but opened up access to the ports of the western coast; and thus placed Chandragupta II in direct touch with the seaborne commerce with Europe through Egypt.”Chandragupta-II entered into matrimonial alliances as a part of his foreign policy. He married Kuberanaga of the Naga family. The Nagas were a powerful ruling clan and this matrimonial alliance helped the Gupta ruler in expanding his empire. The marriage of Chandragupta’s daughter, Prabhavati with the Vakataka ruler, Rudrasena II helped him to establish his political influence in the Deccan.

3. With reference to the administrative system of the Guptas, answer the following questions :
Question 3(a).
Explain the position and powers of the king during the Gupta Age.
Answer:
The Gupta kings enjoyed a large number of powers which covered the political, administrative, military and judicial fields. They were the commanders-in-chief of the army. Samundragupta, Chandragupta II and Skandagupta personally led their armies. The kings appointed all the governors and important military and civil officers. The governors and their officers had to work under the control and guidance of the king. The central secretariat also worked under the supervision of the king. The king was the source of all honours and titles. All land in the country was the property of the king. He could construct dams, give shelter to foreigners, impose, recover and remit taxes and give justice. If any property was unclaimed, that went into the coffers of the king.

Question 3(b).
Describe briefly the administration of villages during the Gupta period.
Answer:
The village administration was managed by the village headman. The Gupta inscriptions refer to the participation of leading local elements in the administration of the village or small towns called vithis. No land transactions could be effected without their consent and this may have been also true of other important affairs.

4. With reference to the picture given alongside, answer the following:
Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 6
Question 4(a).
Identify the temple given in the picture. Where is it located?
Answer:
This is the Vishnu temple located at Deogarh. It is also known as the Dashavatara Temple.

Question 4(b).
Mention the architectural features of this temple.
Answer:
It was completely made of stone and bricks. The temple was
built on a 1.5 meter high platform. Four stairways outside the platform provide access to the temple. Its exterior is decorated with scenes from Ramayana. the entrance and pillars were adorned with countless paintings and carvings. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the god of preservation, Vishnu is shown asleep on the coil of the giant serpent called Sheshnaga. There was an outer wall around the temple.

Question 4(c).
Mention any three important features of Sanchi temple another temples built during the Gupta period.
Answer:
The Sanchi temple, another temple in the Gupta period has a flat roof. The columns of the portico are surmounted by a bell capital. A large number of Stupas, Viharas and Chaityas were cut out of solid rocks.

5. With reference to Golden Age of Indian Culture answer the following questions.
Question 5(a).
Briefly describe growth of Sanskrit literature.
Answer:
Sanskrit became the language of the learned and retained its supreme position for a thousand years. Guptas made Sanskrit official language for administrative purposes. They used Sanskrit instead of Prakrit in their inscriptions. Sanskrit was used in official documents as well as in inscriptions. The classical Sanskrit literature that flowered during the Gupta period consisted of epics, poetry, drama, lyrics and prose.

Question 5(b).
Give an account of the contribution of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta.
Answer:
Aryabhatta (AD 471-500) — He wrote two famous books Aryabhattiyam and Surya Siddhanta. He told that the earth moves round the sun. He also discovered the rule for finding the area of a triangle. He calculated the exact value of pi which was equal to 3.1416. The credit for development of trigonometry should actually go to him. Aryabhatta was acquainted with the decimal system and use of ‘zero’. The decimal system has numbers from 1 to 9 and zero.

Varahamihira — He composed two famous books Panch Siddhantika and Brihat Samhita. He proved that moon rotates round the earth and earth rotates round the sun. He also studied movements of planets.

Brahmagupta — He wrote Brahma Sphutic Siddhanta and described law of gravitation, several centuries before Newton. This system is now in use throughout the world.

Question 5(c).
Describe the progress in medicine during this period.
Answer:
Ayurvedic medicines were created by Charak and Sushijita in the 2nd century A.D., which are still today the basic promoter of herbal medicines e.g. ‘Chyavanprash’ and various digestive medicines.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS.

6. With reference to progress in art and architecture during and after the Gupta period, describe the following:

Question 6(a).
Vishnu Temple at Deogarh and common architectural features of temples of this period.
Answer:
The Vishnu temple at Deogarh was built in the beginning of 6th century AD, 112 km-away from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. It is built on a 1.5 meter high platform. The exterior is decorated with scenes of Ramayana. The main gate and pillars are adorned with paintings and carvings; with an outer wall around the temple.

Question 6(b).
Characteristic features of sculpture of this period.
Answer:
The sculpture of Gupta period has the following distinctive
features :

  1. It evolved through two main schools of art — of Mathura and Sarnath. Pataliputra also emerged as an important school.
  2. It was wholly Indian and free from foreign influence.
  3. Spirituality formed the background.
  4. For the first time, Indian artists paid detailed attention to drappery, both plain or folded.
  5.  In the earlier period halo (the circle of light surrounding the head of a deity) was plain but now it was marked by graceful ornamentation.
  6. Gupta art also differed from earlier schools of art in respect of representation of Buddha in a variety of mudras (poses).
  7. Buddha is shown with curly hair instead of clean shaven head shown by Gandhara artists.

Question 7.
With reference to Imperial Age of Guptas, answer the following questions :
(a) Name three important Kings of Gupta period and state the extent of their empire.
(b) Give a brief account of political history of India before the Gupta Period.
Answer:
(a)

  1. Chandragupta I (AD 320 – 325)
  2. Samudragupta (AD 335 – 375)
  3.  Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) (AD 375-414) Their empire extended from Indus valley (Punjab and Kathiavar in the west to Bengal in the east and upto Narmda- Tapi basin)

(b) The political history of India before Gupta period was very complicated. Firstly, after Alexander’s exit from India, his generals occupied Iran and Afghanistan. They attacked India under Demetrius II and occupied Kabul valley and parts of Punjab. Then Shakas entered and Rudradaman was the most famous Shaka ruler in India ruling Sindh, Gujrat, Konkan, Malwa and Kathiawar. There after Parthians and Kushanas ruled over Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Then came Mauryan empire followed by the Satavahanas.

Question 8.
With reference to political conditions in India between 6th and 8th centuries, answer the following questions:
(a) When did Harshavardhana ascend the throne ? Give an account of his reign ?
(b) Give a brief account of the Chalukya and the Pallava Kingdoms in the South.
Answer:
(a) Harshavardhan ascended the throne in AD 606. He shifted his capital from Thanesar to Kanauj. He conquered Punjab, easthern Rajasthan and Ganga valley. Harsha was a great patron of art and was a good writer. He wrote three plays in Sanskrit-Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda.

(b) Chalukya Kingdom : The great King Pulakesin-II checked advance of Harsha to south. Chalukyas ruled over Karnataka. In AD 642, the Chalukya kingdom along with its capital Vatapi or Badami was destroyed by Pallavas. In AD 755 their last king Kirtivarman-II was defeated and killed by another Deccan power, the Rashtrakutas.
Pallava Kingdom : This came in power after the decline of Satavahanas. The capital Kanchi became famous by construction of Kailashnath temple. Chalukya King Narsimhavarman Finally defeated and killed ?pulakesin-II and captured the Chalukya capital By the end 9th of century, the Pallavas were defeated by the Cholas, who put an end to Pallava dynasty.

Question 9.
With reference to the classical age ushered in during the Gupta period, answer the following questions :
(a) Name four important authors and their works during this period.
(b) Write short notes on Nalanda and Taxila Universities.
Answer:
(a)

  1. Kalidas : Works are Ritu Samhara, Raghuvamsa Meghaduta, Kumarasambhava.
  2. Sudraka : Dramatic work is ‘Mrichchakatika’ ‘Little Clay Cart)
  3. Harisena : His work is on Samudragupta e.g. ‘Prashasti’
  4. Subandhu : wrote ‘Vasavadutta’.

(b)

  1. Nalanda University : It is located in Rajgirha in Bihar. It was set up by Sakraditya in 5th century, during the reign of Kumargupta-I, son of Vikramaditya. It was continued upto 12th century AD and destroyed by a general of Mohammad Ghori.
  2. Taxila university : It is situated 50 km. away from Rawalpindi. This oldest university imported education in religious subjects. The subjects also included astronomy, surgery, astrology, law archery accountancy and commerce. The famous teacher, Chanakya was also there in Mauryan period.

Question 10.
There are many sources to reconstruct the Age of the Guptas and Harsha’s times. In this context explain :
(a) the literary accounts of Fa-hien
(b) Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions
(c) Hiuen Tsang’s Memoirs with particular reference to his description of the Fifth Duddhist Assembly at Kanauj.
Answer:
(a) The Literary accounts of Fa-hien : Fa-hien was a renowned Chinese traveller and pilgrim, known for his extensive travel through out India during the year 399 and returned to his homeland China in the year 414. Fa-Hien came to India with a view to trace the origin of Buddhist religion. As a part of his tour he visited various Buddhist shrines and interacted with prominent religious persons. The account Fa-hien wrote on his travel in India throws a valuable insight into the history of the land in ancient times. It describes his encounter with the people belonging to various dynasties and kingdoms. It contains a description of the famous places in India. It is a valuable resource to the researches studying the Buddhist religion and ancient history of the land.

(b) Allahabad Pillar Inscription : Allahabad Pillar Inscription is one of the most epigraphic evidences of the Imperial Guptas. Achievements of different rulers of the Gupta image are mentioned in Allahabad Pillar Inscription. It gives a vivid description of the reign and conquest of Samudra-gupta. Historians, both ancient and modern, have considered the historical value of Allahabad pillar. It provides a pretty impressive lest of kings and tribal republics that were conquered by Samudragupta.

(c) Hiuen-Tsang’s Memoir : Hiuen Tsang is an important source on Harsha era. He visited India in the 7th Century in India for about 15 years (630 to 645 A.D.). His memoirs Siyuki (Memoirs of the countries of the west) present a trustworthy account of political, social and religious conditions of Harsha’s times. Hiuen-Tsang visited the Chalukya ruler Pulakesin’s kingdom also.Hiuen-Tsang’s account reveals that Pataliputra and Vaishali were in a state of decline, whereas Prayag and Kanauj had become important centers of attention. The Chinese pilgrim takes notice of unfortunate lot of the so called untouchables and scavengers, etc.

Question 11.
Samudragupta earned a reputation as one of the greatest kings and conquerors. In this context, explain :
(a) His Conquests.
(b) His Personal Attainments.
Answer:
Samudragupta earned a reputation as one of the greatest kings and conquerors. In this context, the given heads are explained below:
(a) His Conquests : Samudragupta first defeated the rulers of northern India and annexed their dominions. They included the Nagas of Mathura, Padmavati (near Gwalior) and Ahicchetra (the region in the neighborhood of Bareli) and the ruling chiefs of western Uttar Pradesh and eastern India. He won victories over twelve rulers including those of Orissa, Andhra and Tamil Nadu. He defeated these rulers, but did not annex their kingdoms. He allowed them to rule as tributaries of the Gupta empire.
The rulers of Bengal, Assam, Nepal, Rajashthan and Madhya Pradesh got impressed by his victories and submitted of their own free-will and agreed to pay tributes to him.

(b) His Personal Attainments : Besides a great conqueror, Samudragupta was also a scholar, a poet and a lover of music. He was called Kaviraja. He worshipped Lord Vishnu, but he showed respect for all religions. He was also a patron of learning.

Question 12.
The reign of Chandragupta II marks the zenith of the Gupta glory. In this context, briefly describe :
(a) His Conquests and the Extent of his Empire.
(b) Fa-hien’s Account of his times.
Answer:
In context of the reign of Chandragupta II the given headlines are described below:
(a) His Conquests and the Extent of his Empire : Chandragupta II was determined to overthrow the Saka power in Gujarat and Kathiawar peninsula. With a view to pursuing his plan against the Sakas. He married Kubemaga, a Naga princess. He gave the hand of his daughter to Rudrasena II, the Vakataka prince. Thus, he secured the friendship of those rulers who could be of much service to him in his campaign against the Saka satraps. He attacked the Saka satraps. He conquered the Saka rulers and obtained the title of Sakari.He put an end to the domination of foreigners in India;but added rich areas and prosperous parts to the empire. He defeated a united front of his enemies in Vanga (Bengal) and his victorious arms reached the northern Afghanistan (Vahilkas).

(b) Fa-hien’s Account of his times : Fa-hien in his book Fo- Kwo-Ki mentions that the City of Pataliputra has two grand monasteries—one of the Hinayana and the other of the Mahayana. He felt amazed to see the grandeur of Ashoka’s Palace which still existed. The capital city was enriched with wealth and prosperity. An excellent hospital was erected in the city which was run by the wealthy citizens of the town. In the large towns and on highways, Rest-houses were situated for the comforts of the travellers. Although the king has a devout Vaisnava, the relations between the followers of various sects were cordial. The people were law-abiding and free from unnecessary restrictions on their movement, they could go wherever they desired to go. The criminal law was mild and the punishment of death remained unknown.

Question 13.
The Gupta era witnessed an unprecedented intellectual progress. In this context explain :
(a) Enrichment of Sanskrit literature with reference to the works of Kalidasa and Visakhadutta.
(b) Technical and Scientific works of Aryabhatta and Varahamihira.
Answer:
In context of the unprecedented intellectual progress that the Gupta era witnessed, the given headlines are explained as under:
(a) The Gupta age had been aptly called the “Golden Age of Sanskrit Literature”. In this period, the great poet and dramatist, Kalidasa made a significant contribution in the field of Sanskrit literature. Abhijanashakuntalam popularly known as Shaklmtala, is the well-known masterpiece of him, it is regarded as one of the best literary productions of the world. Malavikagnimitra and Vikramorvasiya are two other excellent dramas written by him. His literary skill is also displayed in his two epics—Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava and in the lyric poetry of Ritu Samhara and Meghadoota.

Visakhadutta was the another literary genius, he wrote the well known political drama Mudrarakshasa, in which he described the political revolution that led to the fall of the Nanda Dynasty and the establishment of the Mauryan empire.
Devichandraguptam was another play of him, dealing with the early life of Chandragupta II.

(b) Aryabhatta was a great astronmer and mathematician. He wrote two famous works, the Aryabhatiya and Surya Siddhanta. The former deals with Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra and Trigonometry. He worked out the exact value of p (pi) viz, 3.1416 and discovered a formula to find the area of a triangle.

In this famous work Surya Siddhanta, he explained scientifically the causes of the solar and lunar eclipses. He was the first Indian astronomer to declare that the earth revolves around the sun and rotates on its own axis. India’s first satellite sent into space was named ‘Aryabhatta’ after this great astronomer.

Varahamihira was another great scientist of the Gupta age, who flourished in the court of Chandragupta II. He wrote Brihat Samhita which deals with Astronomy, Mathematics, Botany and Physical Geography. He also wrote a famous book on different branches of Jyotishshastra and another work Pancha Siddhantika, giving an account of the five systems of Astronomy.

Question 14.
With reference to the progress in art and architecture during the Gupta era, answer the following questions :
(a) What are the distinguishing features of the Sculpture of that period?
(b) What are the characteristic features of the Ajanta painting?
Answer:
(a) The distinguishing features of the sculpture of the Gupta period are :

  1. The Gupta sculpture discarded foreign influence and adopted a style which was totally Indian in character. The techniques of carving and the subjects chosen were purely of Indian origin.
  2.  The status of Buddha possessed curly hair, in contrast to the Buddha statue with shaven head belonging to the Kushan School of Art.
  3. The drapery worn on was transparent either plain or with folds clearly revealing human form.
  4. Several varieties of mudras (poses) were used.
  5.  The Buddha images present graceful poses and spiritual calmness in face and eyes.

(b) The characteristic features of the Ajanta Paintings are as follows:

  1. The paintings were done on walls and are called Frescoes,
  2. The rock walls were first plastered with a thick coating of clay, mixed with straw, gypsum and other materials. Then a thin layer of lime-plaster was applied to produce a glazed surface for making the painting more effective.
  3.  On the glazed surface of the wall, the outlines of the figures were drawn first. The artists used water-colours.
  4. The paintings had three main subjects i.e., Buddha and Bodhisattvas; Incidents and scenes, taken from Jatakas, about the life of Buddha in his past and present lives; Beautiful designs of flowers, trees, animals and mythological characters,
  5. The painting conveyed secular message.
  6. The painting displayed a panoramic view of life in ancient India with the figure of kings and courtiers, royal ladies in their harem and ordinary women, masters and labourers, priests and ascetics, peasants and beggars.
    The painting found in cave I, is the figure of Avalokitesvara Padmapani which represents a Bodhisattva. The artists have vehemently portrayed expression of compassion and tenderness which was characteristic of Padmapani, whose mission was to relieve human suffering by taking it upon himself.

Question 15.
Harshavardhana not only brought the greater part of northern India under his direct rule, he also consolidated his dominions by efficient administrative machinery. In this context explain :
(a) His Conquests and Extent of his Empire.
(b) His Administraction.
Answer:
Harshavardhana consolidated his dominions by efficient administrative machinery in this context the given headlines are explained below:
(a) His Conquests and Extent of his Empire : Harshavardhana became the ruler of Thanesar after he succeeded his elder brother Rajyavardhana. After becoming the king, he immediately decided to rescue his sister and punish Sasanka. He advanced with a huge army and inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemy. Harsha administered the government of Kanauj in the name of his sister. Later, the kingdom of Kanauj was combined with that of Thanesar and the union, thus formed, was developed into an empire by Harsha.
Hiuen-Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, said Harsha brought the Five Indies under his control.
These regions included

  1. Eastern Punjab,
  2. Kanuaj (Uttar Pradesh),
  3. Magadha (Bihar),
  4. Bengal and
  5. Orissa.

He tried to expand his empire beyond the river Narmada, but he suffered a defeat at the hands of Pulakesin II, the Chalukya King. He died in 648 AD. He had no heir.

(b) His Administration : Harsha raised the small state into the most powerful kingdom in northern India. Hiuen-Tsang remarks, “the king personally supervised the affairs of his vast kingdom. The day was too short for him.” His officials and state-functionaries, both civil and military, worked very efficiently.The outlying provinces were put in charge of Governors and the provinces were further subdivided into districts, called-Visayas. The penal law was exceptionally severe. Imprisonment for life was a common penalt for breach of laws and conspiracy against the king. For offences against social morality, the punishment was to cut off nose or an ear or a hand or foot. Minor offences were punished by ordering offenders to pay a fine.

Question 16.
The Pallava period recorded brilliant achievements in the fields of literature, art and architecture. In this context explain :
(a) Their patronage to literature.
(b) Contribution in the field of architecture.
Answer:
In context of the brilliant achievements in the field of literature during the Pallava period, the given headlines are explained as under:
(a) Their patronage to literature : The Pallava rulers patronised Sanskrit scholars. Mahendravarman himself was a scholar and a musician. He wrote Prahasans (farces) – Mattavilasa and Bhagavadajjuka. Dandin, who wrote Daskumaracharita and Kavyadarsha, lived in the court of Narasimhavarman II. Dinnaga Vatsayana the author of Nyayabhasya, was also associated with Kanchipuram, Sanskrit was the language of courts and men of literature, but Tamil became the vehicle for popular composition of devotional poetry. It received encouragement from the rulers.- Perundevanar wrote Bharatam and a court-poet of King Nandivarman III composed Nandikalambalkam.

(b) Contribution in the field of architecture: Many magnificent temples were built by the Pallava kings. Under the Pallava rulers of Kanchipuram, two forms of temple-architecture were evolved in the South-the rock-cut and the structural shrines. The rock-cut architecture includes two types of shrines—the Mandapas and the Rathas. Mandapas are open pavilions with one or more cells in the back-wall. This type of architecture is found in places like—Pallavaram, Trichinopoly and Dalavanur. Rathas are monolithic shrines. The best examples of monolithic shrines or Rathas are found at Mahabalipuram in Tamilnadu.

Question 17.
With reference to.the Gupta administration, mention briefly:
(a) The position of the King and his Ministers.
(b) Provincial and District Administrative Machinery.
Answer:
With reference to the Gupta administration, the given headlines are explained ahead:
(a) The position of the King and his Ministers : The guptas discarded the modest title of Rajan and assumed titles like— Maharajadhiraja, Parambhattaraka and Paramadaxvata. An important feature of the period was the emphasis on divine character of kingship. Titles such as ‘Paramadaivata’ raised rulers to the level of Gods. Several ministers assisted the king in the task of administration. The Mantri stood at the head of civil administration. Other important officials included the Senapati (General of the Army), the Chief of the Palace Guards and Sandhivigrahika that is, the Minister for foreign affairs.

(b) Provincial and District Administrative Machinery : The empire was divided into several provinces called Bhuktis or Desas. The provincial governors were usually princes of royal blood. As governors, they were called Uparika Maharaja or Pradeshikas.A Bhukti was divided into districts called Vishyas, which were ruled by Vishayapatis, Prathamkayastha used to write letters and documents, Pushtapal, the keeper of records and Nagarshresthi, i.e., the chief banker. In urban administration, occupational bodies or guilds enjoyed considerate autonomy. They managed the various affairs of the town and played and important part in the administration of justice as well. They settled the disputes arising among their members.

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 5

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 5 The Sangam Age.

These Solutions are part of Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions. Here we have given. Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 5 The Sangam Age.

EXERCISES

Question 1.
What is meant by the term ‘the Sangam Age’ ?
Answer:
The Sangam Age refers to the period when bulk of Tamil literature was composed by a body of Tamil scholars and poets in three successive literary gatherings called Sangam.

Question 2.
Name the three kingdoms mentioned in the Sangam texts.
Answer:
The three kingdoms mentioned in the Sangam texts were Pandyas, Cheras and Cholas.

Question 3.
Name the author of Tirukkural.
Answer:
The author of Tirukkural was Tiruvalluvar.

Question 4.
Name the three sections into which the chapters of Tirukkhural are categorised.
Answer:

  1. Aram (righteousness);
  2. Porul (wealth); and
  3. Inbam or Kamam (pleasure).
    Aram and Inbam discuss about ethical living in private life while Porul deals with public affairs.

Question 5.
Name the four castes mentioned in the Tolkappiyam.
Answer:
The Tolkappiyam has mentioned four castes, namely, Brahmanas, kings, traders and farmers.

Question 6.
Name the five divisions (tinais) mentioned in the Sangam literature.
Answer:
Tamil land consisted of five physiographic division viz., kurinji (hilly backwoods), palai (parched zones), mullai (pastoral tract), marutam (wet land), and neital (littoral land).

Question 7.
Who were the Vellalas during the Sangam Age.
Answer:
Vellalas were traders assigned with the duties of learning other than the Vedas, making gifts, agriculture, trade and worship.

Question 8.
Name the main crops grown during the Sangam Period.
Answer:
The main crop grown during the Sangam Period was rice, while other crops included cotton, ragi, sugarcane, pepper, ginger, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon and different varieties of fruits etc.

Question 9.
Name one center of cotton trade and the products exported to foreign countries during the Sangam Age.
Answer:
Uraiyur was a great center of cotton trade.The products exported to foreign lands during the Sangam Age were pepper, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, ivory products, pearls and precious stones.

Question 10.
Name any two ports of the Sangam Age.
Answer:
Saliyur in the Pandya country and Bandar in Chera are among the most two important ports.

Question 11.
Name the author of Tolkappiyam.
Answer:
The author of Tolkappiyam was Tolkappiar.

Question 12.
Name any three Epics mentioned in the Sangam literature.
Answer:
Three Epics mentioned in the Sangam literature are Silappadikaram, Manimegalai and Sivaga Cindamani.

Question 13.
What was the theme of the Aham type of literature ?
Answer:
Aham type of literature discuss about ethical living in private life.

Question 14.
In whose honour were the hero stones erected during the Sangam Age ?
Answer:
In Sangam Age, memorial stones (Nadukal), were erected for the heroes who died for the common cause of their village, country and king.

Question 15.
Name one center of cotton trade mentioned in the Sangam literature.
Answer:
Uraiyur was a great center of cotton trade.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 16.
Mention the two views held by scholars regarding the origin of the Dravidians.
Answer:
Scholars hold various theories regarding the origin of the Dravidians. Some are of the view that they were foreigners, probably belonging to the Mediterranean race, who entered through the north-western passes and settled in India, about the beginning of the Neolithic Age. Other scholars believe that they were the original inhabitants of India.

Question 17.
Name the oldest language of South India.
OR
Name the oldest Dravidian language.
Answer:
Tamil.

Question 18.
What is known as Sangam literature?
Answer:
The word ‘Sangam’ means ‘Assembly’. According to early tradition, three Sangams or Assemblies of literary men were held at Madurai, the center of great literary activity in the Tamil Country. It is generally accepted that these assemblies lasted from about first century BC to the fifth century AD. Many poets, scholars and bards who gathered there, produced a large volume of excellent Tamil poetry. These literary compositions were collected and complied into books called the Sangam literature.

Question 19.
Name any two literary sources to reconstruct history of the Sangam age.
Answer:
There is no clear evidence regarding the literary works of the first Sangam. ‘Tolkappiyam’, written by Tolkappiyar, a disciple of Agastya, is a standard treatise on grammar and it belongs historically to the Second Sangam. Tiruvalluvar, the famous Tamil poet who attended the Third Sangam, wrote ‘Kural’. The literary works of the third Sangam constituted the most important part of the Sangam literature and they are the main source of information about the life and traditions of the Tamil people.

Question 20.
Who wrote ‘Kural’?
Answer:
Tiruvalluvar.

Question 21.
Name any two famous epics of Tamil literature.
Answer:
‘Silappadikaram’ and Manimekalai’ are two famous epics of Tamil literature.

Question 22.
Mention any two archaelogical sources to reconstruct history of the Sangam age.
Answer:

  1. The Megaliths.
  2. Inscriptions in the Brahmi script.

Question 23.
Why are graves of people in the megalithic phase in South India’s history called ‘Megalithis’?
Answer:
The megalithic culture is mostly known for its burials. The unpland portions of the peninsula were inhabited by people, whose graves are called ‘megaliths’, because they were encircled by big pieces of stone.

Question 24.
How do Megaliths suggest that people of Southern India in those times had become familiar with iron?
Answer:
The megaliths contain not only skeletons of people who were buried. Iron tools, arrows, pottery and fragments of rice and other grains have been found, besides the skeletons of the persons buried in these graves. Arrowheads, spearheads and sickles, all made of iron, do show the transition from Copper and Bronze Age Culture to the Iron Age.

Question 25.
How does the inscripition of Kharvela, the ruler of Kalinga, enable us to reconstruct history of the Sangam age?
Answer:
The Inscription of Kharvela (the ruler of Kalinga) says he “destroyed a Confederacy of Tamil states (Tramirdesh Sanghatam).” The same Inscription records that Kharvela brought hundreds of pearls from Pandya kingdom to Kalinga. He also brought horses, elephants, jewels and rubies to his kingdom.

Question 26.
Hero-stone reminds us of an important event. What is the event?
Answer:
Some Tamil poems affirm that there is only one God worthy of being worshipped. The God is the Hero-Stone recalling the fall of a brave warrior on the battle field. A stone was fixed at the place where some big warrior fell dead. Since he died, he became a martyr. Death in battle was held to lead the soldier straight to heaven. The hero-stone gave strength to the people in general and the soldiers in particular.

Question 27.
Mention any two Chera rulers whose names figure in the Sangam literature.
Answer:
Udaiyanjeral (who flourished during the second century AD), Nedunjeral and Senguttuvan.

Question 28.
Who was the greatest among the earliest Chola kings?
Answer:
Karikal was the greatest among their earliest Chola kings.

Question 29.
Why did Arundhati, a character in Sanskrit literature, become a model for South Indian Women in the Sangam age?
Answer:
Arundhati, for instance, had become a model for women in the South, because she personified the ideal of Chastity.

Question 30.
Name the two deities worshipped by people in the Sangam age.
Answer:
Vishnu and Murugan.

Question 31.
What did the Chera region produce in large quantities in the Sangam age?
Answer:
The Chera region was well-known for its buffaloes, jack- fruit, papper and turmeric.

Question 32.
Name the two items of trade referred to in the Tamil literature of the Sangam age.
Answer:
The Tamil literature refers to items of trade like spices, sandalwood, pearls, sea products, semi-precious stones and textiles of various types.

II. Structured Questions

Question 1.
With reference to the sources of information, give the significance of the following :
(a) Tirukurral
(b) Megaliths
(c) Hero stones
Answer:
(a) Tirukurral: It was written by Tiruvalluvar.lt consists of 1330 couplets, dealing with three main topics namely— Aram (Dharma), Porul (Artha) and Inbam (Kama). It is considered a sacred book by the Tamils and has been translated into many Indian and European languages.

(b) Megaliths — These are huge stones found at most of burial sites. A box-like structure was erected with the stone slabs, resting on each other without any mortar. Sometimes there was an opening cut into one of the sides, also known as memorial stones.

(c) Hero stones — The Tamil Sangam literature has many references to monuments raised in memory of such heroes. Hero stones were erected as part of the burial and this has been described by more than 25 Sangam poets.

2. With reference to the Sangam Age, answer the following questions :
Question 2(a).
State why the Sangam Age is so called ?
Answer:
The Sangam Age is considered as a landmark in the history of South India. The word ‘Sangam’ is the Tamil form of the Sanskrit ‘Sangha’ which means an association. Thus, the Sangam Age refers to the period when bulk of Tamil literature was composed by a body of Tamil scholars and poets in three successive literary gatherings called Sangam. Hence, Sangam meaning confluence, refers to the gatherings of poets and bards.

Question 2(b).
Name the three kingdoms that existed during the Sangam Age.
Answer:
Three kingdoms that existed during the Sangam Age were Pandyas, Cheras and Cholas.

Question 2(c).
Describe the achievements of Chera ruler, Senguttuvan ; and Chola ruler, Karikalan.
Answer:
Achievements of Senguttuvan — Cheran Senguttuvan was the most popular king of the Sangam Cheras. The Sangam works, Padirruppattu and Ahananuru provide a lot of information about him. The Tamil Epic Silappadikaram also tells about his military achievements. Senguttuvan led an expedition up to the Himalayas. He crossed the river Ganges and defeated his enemies. He reached the Himalayas and hoisted the Chera flag. He brought stones from there and built a temple in memory of Kannagi.

Achievements of Karikalan — The most popular among the Sangam Cholas was Karikalan. Both the Sangam works, Pattinappalai and Porunaruatruppadi give information about Karikalan. Even in his young age, he proved his extraordinary ability of settling the disputes in his kingdom. He was a great warrior. He defeated the Chera and Pandya kings at Venni. In another battle Karikalan defeated a confederacy of nine princes. He extended his kingdom beyond Kanchipuram in the North.
Karikalan had also become popular for the development activities in his kingdom. He had encouraged the growth of agriculture as well as commerce. He had built the dam called Kallanai across the river Kavery to tame that river and the water was used for irrigation. Karikalan had also fortified the port-city Kaveripoompattinam or Puhar and made it as his capital. It flourished as a great emporium of trade. Merchants from foreign countries visited Puhar. Karikalan was generous towards Tamil poets and patronised them.

3. With reference to the society that existed during the Sangam Age, answer the following questions : 

Question 3(a).
Explain briefly the functions of the four castes mentioned in the Tolkappiyam.
Answer:
The Tolkappiyam has mentioned four castes, namely, Brahmanas, kings, traders and farmers.
The Brahmanas during the Sangam Age were a respectable and learned community. They performed their caste duties scrupulously. They served the king occasionally as judicial officers and always as priests and astrologers. They were attached to the land and were proud of their country and their mother tongue. Trade was common to both the Vaishyas and Vellalas. The Vaishyas were assigned the duties of learning, performing sacrifice, making gifts agriculture, protection of cows and trade. Vellalas were assigned the duties of learning other than the Vedas, making gifts, agriculture, trade and worship. So the two communities were known by the profession in which they were engaged for the time being.

Question 3(b).
Name the divisions of the Tamil land and the occupations associated with each one of them.
Answer:
Tamil land consisted of five tinais or physiographical divisions viz., kurinji (hilly backwoods), palai (parched zones), mullai (pastoral tract), marutam (wet land), and neital (littoral Jand).
The occupations associated with each one of them were:

  1. The inhabitants of the hilly areas (kurinji) were hunters and gatherers..
  2. In the parched zone, (palai) the inhabitants lived by plunder and cattle lifting.
  3. In the pastoral tract (mullai), the inhabitants subsisted on shifting agriculture and animal husbandry.
  4. Wet land (marutam) was inhabited by people subsisting on plough agriculture.
  5.  And finally, the littoral land (neital) was inhabited by those dependent on fishing and salt extraction.

Question 3(c).
Explain the position of women.
Answer:
The status of women in Sangam society was not equal to that of men. The Sangam society consisted of different kinds of women. There were married women who had settled down as dutiful housewives. There were female ascetics belonging to Buddhist or Jain tradition like Kaundi Adigal and Manimegalai and also a large number of courtesans.

4. With reference to the economy during the Sangam Age, answer the following questions 

Question 4(a).
What was the main occupation of the people and the activities associated with it ? What were the other occupations of the people ?
Answer:
Agriculture was the main occupation. Next to agriculture, spinning and weaving were the most important and widely practiced crafts. Spinning and weaving of cotton, and of silk, had attained a high degree of perfection. Spinning was the part¬time occupation of women. The weaving of complex patterns on cloth and silk is often mentioned in literature and according to the Periplus. Uraiyur was a great center of cotton trade.Ship-building, metal working, carpentry, rope-making, ornament¬making, tanning and making of ivory products were widely practiced.

Question 4(b).
Explain the organisation of internal trade.
Answer:
Internal trade was brisk, caravans of merchants with carts aid pack-animals carried their merchandise from place to place. Most of the trade was carried on by barter. Paddy constituted the most commonly accepted medium of exchange, specially in the rural areas. Salt was sold for paddy. Paddy was sold by mentioning its price in terms of salt. Honey and roots were exchanged for fish oil. Toddy, sugarcane and rice-flakes were exchanged for attack. There were established marked, called angadi in the bigger towns. Elsewhere, hawkers carried goods to the houses of the people.

Question 4(c).
Explain the extent and significance of external trade.
Answer:
There was an extensive trade with foreign countries. According to the Sangam literature, the Tamil land had certain commodities which were in great demand in foreign markets. Those were pepper, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, ivory products, pearls, precious stones. The main imports included horses, gold and glass.
The great port cities were the emporia of foreign trade. Big ships, entered the port of Puhar and poured out on the beach precious merchandise brought from overseas. The family life of the rich merchants of this city was carried on in the upper floors, while the lower ones were set apart for business. Saliyur in the Pandya country and Bandar in Chera are the most important ports.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 5.
There are many literary sources to reconstruct history of the Sangam age. In this context explain the literary importance of:
(a) Tirukurral
(b) Tolkappiyam
(c) Famous epics of Tamil literature
Answer:
(a) Tirukurral: It was written by Tiruvalluvar. It consists of 1330 couplets, dealing with three main topics namely— Aram (Dharma), Porul (Artha) and Inbam (Kama). It is
considered a sacred book by the Tamils and has been translated into many Indian and European languages.

(b) Tolkappiyam : ‘Tolkappiyam’, written by Tolkappiyar, a disciple of Agastya, is standard treatise on grammar and it belongs historically to the Second Sangam.

(c) Famous epics of Tamil literature : ‘Silappadikaram’, ‘Manimekalai’ and ‘Jivakachintamani’ are three famous epics of Tamil literature. The first is regarded as the brightest gem of early Tamil literature. It deals with Kovalan’s love for his courtesan called Madhavi. The other epic ‘Manimekalai’ deals with the adventures of the daughter born of the union of Kovalan and Madhavi. The Epics throw light on the social and economic life of the Tamils upto about the sixth century AD.

Question 6.
How can the following helps us to reconstruct events of the Sangam age :
(a) Megaliths
(b) Inscriptions found in Caves in the Madurai region
Answer:
(a) Megaliths : The megalithic culture is mostly known for its burials. The unpland portions of the peninsula were inhabited by people, whose graves are called ‘megaliths’, because they were encircled by big pieces of stone.

(b) Nearly 80 inscriptions in the Brahmi script have been found in many caves in the Madurai region. These inscriptions belonged to the period (probably second century BC) when the Buddhist and the Jain preachers visited this region. They provide an example of the earliest kind of Tamil, an amazing mixture of two languages— Tamil and Prakrit.

Question 7.
Describe the social conditions that Sangam literature depicts with reference to :
(a) The Castes
(b) The Ruling Class and the Class of Warriors
Answer:
(a) The Brahmins, the Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas appear as regular castes or Vamas in the Sangam texts. An ideal king was one who never caused an injury to the Brahmins. Many Brahmins were celebrated poets, and as such they were handsomely rewarded by the rulers. Karikel is said to have, given one poet 1,600,000 gold coins, but we consider this comment exaggerated. Besides gold, the Brahmins got cash and land grants from the king and noble families.

(b) The ruling class was called ‘arasar’. The members of this class had marriage relations with the ‘vellalas’, the propertied people owning the bulk of the land. War body and income from trade and agricultural produce enabled the king to maintain professional warriors. The occasions for war were many. According to the Sangam poets, the refusal of one king to give his daughter in marriage to another was a frequent cause of war. In sangam poetry ‘heroes are glorified’ and wars and cattle raids very often mentioned.

Question 8.
Describe the social conditions that Sangam literature suggests with refference to :
(a) Institution of Marriage
(b) Religion and Religious rituals
Answer:
(a) The ‘Tolkappiyam’, written by Tolkappiyar, states that marriage was an important religious ceremony, accompanied by many rituals. Naturally, the Aryan culture had now much impact on the institution of marriage. Earlier the Tamils had a relatively simple conception of marriage. They regarded it as “the natural coming together of men and women, mainly due to their physical difference.”

(b) In the early centuries of the Christian are the ruling class and upper sections of Tamil society had accepted Brahmanism. The kings used to perform vedic sacrifices. The Brahmins studied and chanted the Vedic hymns. There were disputations or public discussions on Vedanta and Vedic philosophy. The worship of Vishnu was gaining in popularity. But the chief deity of people of the hilly regions- was Murugan. Jainism also flourished during this period along with Buddhism. The two sects enjoyed royal patronage.Dead bodies had begun to be cremated, although the megalithic practice for the disposal of the body continued.

Question 9.
The Sangam literature gives a complete and true picture of economic conditions of the age. Describe economic life of the people with reference to :
(a) Agriculture
(b) Trade
(c) Occupational Guilds
Answer:
(a) Agriculture was the main occupation of a large section of the people. Land was held by individuals as well as by the state. The land was fertile and there was plenty of grain, meat and fish. The Chola Country was watered by the river Kaveri. About this country there was a saying that “the space in which an elephant did lie down produced ” enough grain to feed seven persons.” The Chera region was well-known for its buffaloes, jack-fruit, pepper and turmeric. The rich did not plough the land themselves. They hired labourers, called pariyars, for this job. The pariyars belonged to the lowest social class and skinned dead animals also.

(b) The rulers had big income from trade transactions also. A large number of crafts and occupations are referred in Sangam literature. The epic ‘Manimekalai’ was written by a grain merchant of Madurai. The Tamil literature refers to items of trade like spices, sandalwood, pearls, sea products, semi-precious stones and textiles of various types. We also have the information that foreigners (yavanas) visited the coastal towns for trade. Metal lamps in different shapes and bottles of wine figure prominently among the articles of trade brought to India by the foreigners.

(c) Guilds had become an important institution in the economy of the Sangam age. The guilds defined rules of work and controlled the quality and prices of the finished product. The guilds also functioned as bankers and financiers. Guilds also carried out welfare activities and services of many kinds.

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 4

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 4 The Mauryan Empire.

These Solutions are part of Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions. Here we have given. Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions The Mauryan Empire .

EXERCISES

I. Short Answer Questions :

Question 1.
What are our main sources of information on the Mauryan rule ?
Answer:
Main sources of information on the Mauryan rule are edicts of Ashoka (14 rock edicts, seven pillar edicts and minor rock edicts), Sanchi Stupa, Nandangarh pillar, ‘Indika’ by Megasthenes, ‘Arthashastra’ of Kautilyaand Visakhadutta’s ‘Mudrarakshasa’ etc.

Question 2.
Who wrote Arthashastra ? What is its importance ?
Answer:
It was written by Chanakya (Vishnugupta). It contains 6000 shlokas divided into 15 sections and 180 subjects. It is remarkable for political clues, diplomacy and administration.

Question 3.
What is the importance of Ashoka’s edicts ?
Answer:
These are the most important source of Mauryan history. These are the oldest and the best preserved and most precisely dated epi graphic records of India.

Question 4.
What is a stupa ? Name one stupa built by Ashoka.
Answer:
The Stupa is a semi-spherical solid dome-like structure made of unburnt bricks and stones. The Sanchi stupa was made by Ashoka around 3rd century BC.

Question 5.
How did Chandragupta Maurya establish the Mauryan dynasty ?
Answer:
Chandragupta’s empire extended from Kabul and Kandahar in the North West to Mysore in the South, and from Saurashtra in the west to Bengal in the east. With the cooperation of Kautilya or Chanakya, he became successful to conquer over Nandas and annexed Magadha and made Pataliputra (Patna), his capital in 321 BC. After regular fighting against Greek ruler, Alexander, the occupied Punjab in 322 BC. Again in 306 BC he defeated Seleucus and occupied Kabul, Kandalar, Herat and Baluchistan etc. He again extended the empire to the South.

Question 6.
Give a brief account of the political conditions in India under Bindusara.
Answer:
Bindusara succeeded Chandragupta and ruled upto 273 BC. He conquered many parts of South India after defeating sixteen rulers. There was a revolt in Taxila between Ashoka and other sons of Bindusara. He maintained friendly relations with Hellenic world or Greek and received many gifts.

Question 7.
What is the importance of Kalinga war in the personal life of Ashoka ?
Answer:
Ashoka was deeply moved by the blood-shed and destruction in Kalinga war e.g. 150 thousand prisoners, 100,000 were slain and many more were injured. He adopted Buddhism and ordered for ban on killing of animals and human beings too.

Question 8.
Name the two taxes mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka.
Answer:
Two kinds of taxes, namely Bali and Bhaga are mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka.

Question 9.
Name four important ways in which Buddhism spread under the royal patronage during the Mauryan times.
Answer:
The sub-continental extent of the Mauryan Empire and the concept of universal empire took its religion (Buddhism), beyond the Hindukush and for away beyond the Bay of Bengal. Under the powerful royal patronage by Ashoka, Buddhism spread in major part of Asia, while various parts of Asia were under aggression. King Ashoka personally worked hard to establish Buddhism along with his son Mahindra and daughter Sanghmitra in SriLanka.

Question 10.
What is meant by Ashoka’s Dhamma ?
Answer:
Ashoka’s Dhamma was based on the unifying principles of all major religions of the world. It is described as a ‘Moral Law’, ‘a common code of conduct or an ‘Ethical order’. Which is common meeting ground of all religions.

Question 11.
Give the basic principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma.
Answer:
The basic principles are as follows :

  1. To respect elders and love young ones.
  2. Ahimsa
  3.  Good deeds
  4. To respect all religions
  5. Discard baseless rituals.

Question 12.
What was the impact of Dhamma an Ashoka’s policies?
Answer:
The advantages of the impact of Dhamma were as follows :

  1. Religious unity and tolerance
  2. Application of moral values in life.
  3. End of crimes
  4. Public welfare through end of wars and development policies.

Question 13.
What is meant by Pan-Indian character of the Mauryan administration ?
Answer:
The Maurya administration was remarkable for its widespread and multipurpose achievements by conquering various foreign forces led by Alexander and Seleucus in N.W. India, and Nandas in Ganga-basin and Mysore rulers in the South. After Kalinga war Ashoka encouraged the development in art, culture and economy of India. So it is called Pan-Indian character due to its extension and gravity of realm covering a large part of India.

Question 14.
How was the district administration organised during Mauryan period ?
Answer:
The provinces were divided into districts called Janpadas. Their administration was looked after by ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’ and Yukta.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 15.
State three steps taken by Ashoka to spread Buddism.
Answer:
The following were the main three steps taken by Ashoka to spread Buddhism :

  1. Appointment of state employees for propagation of Buddhism,
  2. Providing royal patronage for maintaining Buddhism.
  3. Foreign missions by sending preachers of Buddhism to Burma, Nepal, Egypt and Syria.

Question 16.
Who was Kautilya (Chanakya)? Name the famous book written by him.
Answer:
Kautilya (Chanakya) was a learned Brahmin of Taxila, who later on became a prominent diplomat in the kingship of emperor Chandragupta Maury a. The ‘Arthashastra’ was written by Kautilya.

Question 17.
Why did Seleucos Nicator invade India?
Answer:
Seleucos Nicator was a Greek king, he invaded India with .an intention to recover the Greek conquests in India.

Question 18.
What do you know about the extent of Chandragupta Maurya’s empire?
Answer:
The empire of Chandragupta Maurya had been extended upto Mysore in the South and Kabul, in the north-west. It stretched from Saurashtra in the West upto Bengal in the East.

Question 19.
What change did the Kalinga War bring about in Ashoka’s life?
Answer:
Ashoka was the IIIrd and the most enlightened ruler of the Mauryan dynasty. The Kalinga War was the major turning- point in the Career of Ashoka. the massacre of Kalinga absolutely converted the aggressive conscience of his. He was so moved by this dreadful heart-tearing scene that he dropped his weapons for ever and became a follower of Lord Buddha.

Question 20.
What does Megasthenes’ Indika tell us about the king’s life?
Answer:
Megasthenes’ Indika tells us that the king Chandragupta had been the first historical emperor of India. He expanded his empire in India and beyond her neighbouring countries. Chandragupta renounced princely life and settled down at a place Sravana Belagole in southern India. Here, he died as an ascetic.

Question 21.
What does Kautilya tell us about the duties of the King?
Answer:
Kautilya divided the King’s day into eight parts. It was the King’s duty to give close attention to people’s welfare, social order and military action.

Question 22.
What does Megasthenes tell us about the City administration?
Answer:
Megasthenes explains that the City administration was divided into six hoards of five persons each. Each Board dealt with a specific function, such as the supervision of trade and commerce or census of population or care of foreigners and so on and so-forth.

Question 23.
What is the importance of Ashoka’s inscriptions (Stone Edicts)?
Answer:
The Ashoka’s inscriptions (Stone Edicts) leave the message of love with mankind and all living creatures. It exhorted people to live with peace. Might is not the ultimate solution to any problem, as it ends in destruction and ruthless killings.

Question 24.
Mention any two principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma.
Answer:
Two principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma are :

  1. Purity of Domestic Life.
  2. Toleration.

Question 25.
Mention any two factors responsible for the decline of the Mauryan empire.
Answer:
Two factors responsible for the decline of the Mauryan empire are :

  1. Weak successors of Ashoka proved to be incapable to make a strong hold on the vast realm of their predecessors.
  2. Beginning of the invasions of the Greek kings in the north-western India.

Question 26.
Name the port where from the ships sailed for the East Coast and Sri Lanka during the Mauryan age.
Answer:
From the port Tamralipti, the ships sailed from the East Coast and Sri Lanka during the Mauryan age.

Question 27.
Name any two sources of State’s revenue according to Arthashastra.
Answer:
Two sources of State’s revenue according to Arthashastra are as follows :

  1. Land-revenue from mines and forests.
  2. Revenue from manufactured goods of various kinds tolls payable for using bridges and roads, fines and licence- fees.

Question 28.
What does Megasthenes tell us about the division of Indian society?
Answer:
Megasthenes reveals that Indian society was divided into seven classes : philosophers, cultivators, herdsman, artisans and traders, soldiers, overseers and councillors. This division should be regarded as the equivalent of the caste system, because the number of castes was now far larger than seven.

Question 29.
Name any two measures taken to promote Dhamma (Buddhism).
Answer:
Two measures taken to promote Dhamma (Buddhism) are as follows :

  1. Ashoka created a special class of officers, called Dhamma Mahamatras.
  2. Ashoka went on pilgrimage to the place associated with the Buddha’s life and his activities.

Question 30.
What welfare measures had been taken by Ashoka?
Answer:
Ashoka got constructed roads and hospitals for both men and animals.

II. Structured Questions.

Question 1.
With reference to the sources of information on the Mauryan Empire, explain briefly the significance of the following :
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Indika
(c) Sanchi Stupa
Answer:
(a) Arthashastra — Of all the literary sources on the history of the Mauryas, the most important source is the Arthashastra written by Kautilya, also known as Vishnugupta and Chanakya. Arthashastra contains 6000 shlokas and is divided into 15 sections and 180 subjects. It is written in Sanskrit. These subjects deal with politics, rules of diplomacy, principles of administration and other political topics. This book was discovered in 1909.

(b) Indika — Megasthenes wrote a book named Indika which contains his impressions of what he heard and saw during his stay in India. Megasthenes’ original Indika has been lost, but its fragments still survive in the writings of later Greek Authors like Starbo, Arrian, Diodorous. Plutarch and Justin.

(c) Sanchi Stupa — Sanchi Stupa was built around 3rd century BC by Ashoka at Sanchi about 60 km from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Its dimensions are 36.58 meters in diameter and 16.46 meters in height. The pillars of the railings are 2.784 meters high. During the Sunga period, the wooden railings were replaced by stone railings. There are four gateways in four directions. They have carved panels depicting events from the life of Buddha and some tales Jataka stories.

Question 2.
With reference to Mauryan Empire, answer the following questions :
(a) Give a brief account of how Chandragupta established the Mauryan empire.
(b) Give a brief account of Kalinga war and its consequences.
Answer:
(a) Chandragupta and Chanakya both together became successful to uproot Nandas from Magadha and thus took revenge for their dishonour by Nandas. Under the perfect guidance of Chanakya, Chandragupta was successful to defeat Alexander and Seleucus and conquered N.W. part of India. Apart from the vast realm along Ganga basin upto Bengal, he also spread the empire upto South.

(b) Kalinga War in 261 BC, resulted in the death of 100,000 warriors, 150,000 prisoners and many more injured. All this changed Ashoka’s personal life.He stopped hunting and eating meat and abandoned luxurious life. He declared Buddhism as state religion. Prisoners of war were made cultivators who added economic prosperity to the empire, but military efficiency was decreased.

Question 3.
With reference to Mauryan administration, answer the following questions :
(a) Why is Chandragupta Maurya regarded as the chief architect of the system of administration ?
(b) Briefly describe the main features of civil and military administration under Mauryan rule.
(c) What is meant by the Pan-Indian character of Mauryan administration ?
Answer:
(a) In the time of Nandas the empire was undisciplined due to the faulty character of Nanda king. He insulted Chanakya, too. So Chanakya promised to destroy Nandas and prepared Chandragupta for a successful ruler, under his sharp guidance. Thus, Chandragupta became the basic founder of the Mauryan empire, extending to a large part of India ; with the administrative capital at Patliputra.

(b) Civil administration was divided to central and provincial governments with governors and council of ministers. Chandragupta maintained a huge army consisting of infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots etc.

(c) The Pan-Indian character of Mauryan administration means the ruling region of Mauryan empire extended to a vast area of India from N. W. part to Bengal and upto Mysore region in South.

Question 4.
With reference to Provincial Governments under the Mauryan rule, answer the following questions :
(a) Name the different provinces and their capitals into which the Mauryan empire was divided.
(b) How was the provincial administration run ?
(c) What changes were brought about in the Mauryan administration during Ashoka’s reign ?
Answer:
(a)
Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 4
(b) Head of the province was called ‘Kumar’ or ‘ Aryaputra’, who were assisted by the Governors (Mahamatras). Besides this ‘Pradeshika’ (tax-collector), Rajuka (revenue officer) and Yukta (treasurer) etc. were other helpers.

(c) The Mauryan administration was highly centralised. The metropolitan state of Magadha was connected with surrounding states with active trade links and economic activities. Revenue officers had to tour the areas under their jurisdiction and enquire into the well being of the subjects. On account of some language problem, some peripheral regions were subjected to self-government.

Question 5.
With reference to the Mauryan administration write short notes on the following :
(a) District Administration
(b) Revenue system
Answer:
(a) The district or Janapadas were administered by Pradeshika, Rajuka and Yukta.

(b) The revenue shared one-sixth to one-fourth of the produce. ‘Bhaga’ was levied for agricultural produce and the cattle and ‘Bali’ was a religious tribute. Taxes collected from many shops, professionals, forests and mines, were applied for facilities of roads, irrigation hospitals and other expenses of the state.

6. Study the Ashokan Edict and answer the following Questions:
Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 4.1
Question 6(a).
What is an edict ? Where are these edicts inscribed ?
Answer:
An edict is a decree issued by a Sovereign. The edicts of Ashoka form the most important source of Mauryan history. These edicts are inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout the country and include 14 major Rock Edicts, seven pillar edicts and a number of minor rock edicts.

Question 6(b).
What is the significance of edicts as a source of information ?
Answer:
The edicts provide a useful insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka in particular and about the history of the Mauryas in general.

Question 6(c).
Explain briefly the importance of Ashoka’s edicts, giving example from one of his edicts.
Answer:
The edicts of Ashoka form the most important source of Mauryan history. They are the oldest, best preserved and precisely dated records of India. These edicts are inscribed on rocks and pillars through out the country and include 14 Major Rock Edicts, seven pillar edicts and a number of minor rock edicts. The inscription on these edicts provide a useful insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka in particular and about the history of the Mauryas in general. Rock Edict-I is one of the important edict which states, about the protection of animals.

Question 7.
With reference to the spread of Buddhism under the Mauryas, answer the following questions :
(a) What was the Mauryan concept of Universal Empire?
(b) Give the important causes for the spread of Buddhism.
Answer:
(a) Mauryan concept of Universal Empire was linked with the extension of Mauryan Empire along with Buddhism through spread of Buddhism beyond the boundaries of India as it is clear that Buddhism spread in the largest part of Asia, i.e. Burma, Indonesia, Indochina, China, Japan and Mangolia, Afghanistan etc.

(b) Important causes of spread of Buddhism were :

  1. Employees for propagation of the religion.
  2. Royal Patronage of Chandragupta, Ashoka etc.
  3. Various edicts and pillars established for spreading the important principles.
  4. Foreign Missions were organised by Ashoka along with his son daughter to preach about
  5. Buddhism in Burma, Nepal, Egypt and Syria etc.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 8.
Describe the sources to reconstruct the Age of the Mauryas with reference to the following :
(a) Literary Sources
(b)Archaeological Sources
Answer:
(a) Literary Sources : Literary sources includes valuable contemporary works, such as the account of Megasthenes (a Greek ambassador to the covet of Chandragupta Maurya) which survives in fragments Another source that is often used is the Arthashastra, parts of which were composed by Kautilya or Chanakya, traditionally believed to be the minister of Chandragupta. Besides, the Mauryas are mentioned in later Buddhist Jaina and Puranic literature, as well as in Sanskrit literary works. While these are useful, the inscriptions of Ashoka on rocks and pillars are often regarded as amongest the valuable sources. Mudrarakshasa of Vishakadatta describes how Chanakya won the diplomatic battle against the Nanda minister Rakshasa, how Rakshasa was compelled to work of Cchandragupta and also how Nandas were finally overthrown.

(b) Archaeological Sources : The Rock Edicts of Ashoka are the most reliable sources of information for Ashoka’s rule. The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscription’s on the Pillars of Ashoka, made by the emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty during his reign. These inscriptions are dispersed throughout the areas of modem day India. Nepal and Pakistan and represent the first tangible evidence of Buddhism. The edicts describe in detail. The first wide expansion of Buddhism. The edicts describe in details. The first wide expansion of Buddhism through the sponsorhip of one of the most powerful kings of Indian history.

Question 9.
Chandragupta ruled over a vast empire. In this context explain :
(a) His main conquests.
(b) Details of his victory over Seleucos Nicator.
Answer:
Chandragupta ruled over a vast empire in this context, the given heading are explained below :
(a) His main conquests : He conquered West Pubjab and Sindh. Next, he attacked Magadha and uprooted the Nanda dynasty and took control of their rich and powerful kingdom, Magadha.

(b) Details of his victory over Seleucos Nicator : The territories west of the Indus were ruled by the Greek king Seleucos. He crossed the Indus in 305 BC and hope to march victoriously through the Punjab. The Mauryan armies rushed to the north-west and inflicted a crushing defeat on the invader. Seleucos was forced to retire and had to purchase peace by ceding to Chandragupta the territories of Herat, Kandahar and Kabul (Afghanistan). Chandragupta presented him with 500 war- elephants. It is said that Chandragupta married princess Helen, the daughter of Seleucos. The Greek King maintained friendly relations with the Mauryan Court and sent Megasthenes as his, ambassador who lived in Pataliputra and wrote a book on India.

Question 10.
The administration of a vast imperial state raised intricated problems which were wisely solved by Chadragupta Maurya and Ashoka. In this context explain briefly :
(a) Position of the king.
(b) Role of the Council of Ministers.
(c) Provincial Administration.
Answer:
In context of the intricated raised problems by the administration of a vast imperial state and talking them Wisely by Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, the given heads are explained below :
(a) Position of the king : The king was the supreme Head of the State and had military, judicial and executive powers. He also had the power to enact laws.

(b) Role of Council of Ministers : They were small in number, but were very influential. At times, the Council of Ministers (Mantriparishad) could act as a check on the King’s powers. The ministers also advised the King in the task of choosing governors. General of the Army, Treasurer of the State, chief magistrates and other high officials.

(c) Provincial Administraction : Next to the Emperor, tanked the Governors incharge of provinces of the empire. The Ashokan inscriptions mention four such Governors posted at Taxila (Northern Province), Ujjain (Western Province), Tosali (Eastern Province) and Suvarnagiri (Southern Province). The Governors had their ministers and also had the power to appoint a few officials. The smaller provinces were under officials called Pradesikas in the Ashokan Edicts.

Question 11.
What do you know about :
(a) Mauryan District Administration.
(b) Mauryan City Administration.
Answer:
The above headings are described as follows :
(a) Mauryan District Administration : Provinces were divided into districts for purposes of administration. Ashokan inscriptions refer to three classes of high officials, namely the Rajukas, Yuktas and the Mahamatras. The Rajukas were probably incharge of district and corresponded to the District Magistrates of the present day. They managed the state property and kept law and order in the districts. The Yuktas were probably the District Treasury Officer who collected revenues and kept accounts. The Mahamatras were heads of special departments. Ashoka created a new class of Mahamatras which included the Dhamma Mahamatras who promoted Dhamma (pharma) and looked after the general interests of women were protected by a separate Department, headed by Sri Adhyaksha Mahamatra.

(b) Mauryan City Administration : In the Arthashastra’s there is a mention of the Nagarka who functioned as a City- Superintendent or a City-Magistrate, with a number of officers assisting him. Nagarka was entrusted with the duties such as providing water facility to the city dwellers, the maintenance of public roads and public buildings, the inspection of city walls and city towers and taking precautions against fire. He was often required to meet difficult situations like—floods, epidemics.
According to Megasthenes, the city administration was divided into six boards of five persons each. Each board  dealt with a specific function, such as supervision of trade and commerce or census of population or care of foreigners. The six Boards acted together in general matters like—the maintenance of public buildings, fire-protection and care of wells and temples, etc.

Question 12.
Explain the socio-economic conditions that prevailed in India during the Mauryan administration.
(a) Social Conditions.
(b) Economic Condition.
Answer:
With reference to the character of the Mauryan Empire, the given heads are explained as under :
(a) Social Conditions : Megasthenes in his book Indika, refers to seven classes of Indian society i.e., philosophers, cultivators, herdsmen, artisans and traders, soldiers, overseers and councillors. This division should not be regarded as the equivalent of the caste system, because the number of castes was now far larger than seven. The Arthashastra Expresses that the institution of slavery prevailed in those times. However, the dasa (slave) was employed only in the household and not in the fields. Besides wages, the dosa and his family were to be properly fed and looked after. Megasthenes states that peace and contentment prevailed throughout the empire. Theft was a rare occurrence, although houses were usually left unguarded.

(b) Economic Conditions :

  1. Agriculture : Economy, mainly rested on agriculture. Megasthenes affirmed that the soil was too fertile, due to major irrigation works such as the dam on the Sudershan Lake at Girnar. Arthashastra lays great emphasis on increasing the land-revenue by making deserts and other usable land, suitable for farming. The amount of tax would depend on irrigation facilities available to the cultivators and could range from one-third to one-sixth of the land-produce.
  2. The trade and the Trade-Routes : The Superintendents of the Trades were vigilant towards the manufactured goods. They strictly maintained the quality of goods. The percentage of profit was fixed and excess profit-making was discouraged, even penalised. The trade was carried on both by land and waterways. The royal highway ran from the region nearby Taxila to Pataliputra. From the port of Tamralipti, the ships sailed for the East Coast, Sri Lanka and Burma (Myanmar). The Buddhist literature refers to the sea-voyages from Barauch (Gujarat) to Babylon.

Question 13.
It is only with Ashoka that we can properly begin the history of the art and architecture of ancient India. In this context explain briefly :
(a) Arts and Crafts that flourished during Ashoka’s reign.
(b) A few features of the Ashokan Pillars.
Answer:
(a) Arts and Crafts : Arthashastra mentions several regions which specialized in textiles, such, as Kashi (Varanasi) Vanga, Vatsa and Kalinga. A separate section in Arthashastra deals with the technology of gold mining. In fact, the southern province of the Mauryan empire was named Suvamagiri, Which itself is an evidence of the comprehensive exploitation of the earth’s gold reserves. Ashoka made many improvements in replacing the old wooden material of the Imperial Palace by stone.

(b) A few features of Ashokan Pillars : The Pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the Northern Indian Subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed by the Mauryan King Ashoka. The most celebrated pillar is the pillar with the lion capital at Sarnath here, four lions are seated back to back, which symbolizes the different steps of Budha’s life. All these pillars are monolithic i.e., they are carved out of one piece of stone each pillar weighs about 50 tones. At the top each such pillar is the capital which is also monolithic.

Question 14.
Ashoka was a promising warrior, but soon after the Kalinga War, he turned into a practicing moralist. In this context explain :
(a) Fundamental Principles of Dhamma.
(b) True Nature of Dhamma.
Answer:
In context of becoming of Ashoka to be a practising moralist soon after the Kalinga War, the given heads are explained as under :
(a) Fundamental Principles of Dhamma : The Prakrit word ‘Dhamma’ and the Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’ have the same meaning. Dharma never meant exactly ‘religion’. It Implied such concepts as justice, virtue, morality, law and duty. The fundamental principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma are as follows :

  1. Purity of Domestic Life : Ashoka presented himself to be a father-figure. He speaks of his people as his children and directs them, “to respect their parents, elders and teachers.” the superiors, on the other hand, were required “to treat their inferiors, including servants, slaves and all living creatures with kindness.” An important duty assigned to all persons was that of truthfulness.
  2. Toleration : Ashoka had a secular attitude while justifying with different religions prevailing in his regime. The people were required to refrain from speaking ill of their neighbour’s faith. He exhorted that all religions were supposed to attain self-control and purity of mind.
  3. Sanctity of Life : Ashoka exhorted his people to follow the path of Ahimsa. No animal should be slaughtered for sacrifice. He undertook public welfare works like— construction of roads and hospitals for both the men and animals.
  4. True Ceremonial : Ashoka condemned all sorts of meaningless and worthless rituals performed on the occasion of childbirth, wedding, death or departure on journey. He declared that the True Ceremonial was “kindness to living creatures and Liberality to asceics and Brahmins”.People should spread Dhamma in all directions. That is the best ceremony and the best gift.

(b) True Nature of Dhamma : “The Dhamma preached by Ashoka is Buddhism.” Undoubtedly, Ashoka’s personal religion was Buddhism, but he did not impose his religion on his subjects. Ashoka’s Dhamma was basically a Universal Religion.

Question 15.
With reference to the measures adopted by Ashoka, for the promotion of Dhamma and the spread of Buddhism, explain briefly the role of each of the following :
(a) His keenness to practice what he preached.
(b) His mission of foreign countries.
Answer:
With reference to the measures adopted by Ashoka, for the Promotion of Dhamma and the spread of Buddhism, the given heads are explained as follows :
(a) His keenness to practice what he preached : Ashoka put his life all, what he preached to others. He gave-up the Royal Hunt and also stopped the killings of living creatures for the delicacies of the royal kitchen. He also kept his Capital, free from such popular amusement as animal- fights. In their place, he introduced other kinds of amusement such as shows and processions exhibiting figures of Gods in their decorated chariots.

(b) His Mission to foreign countries : Royal missionaries were sent to all frontiers of the empire, to the projected states and tribes, to independent kingdom and to Sri Lanka, Syria, Egypt and Macedonia for the propagation of Dhamma and the spread of Buddhism. Those missionaries thus, embraced three continents—Asia, Africa and Europe. The Sri Lanka Mission was headed by Prince Mahindra. The king of Sri Lanka, readily accepted the teachings of the preachers paying it importance taking it to be the royalistics. Gradually, the new religion was accepted by the people of Sri Lanka at large


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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 3

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 3 Jainism and Buddhism.

These Solutions are part of Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions. Here we have given. Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 3 Jainism and Buddhism.

EXERCISES

I. Short Answer Questions :

Question 1.
Mention a source which gives information about Jainism.
Answer:
The Angas. These are regarded as the most important part of the Jain doctrines. They discuss religious rites, stages of a householder’s life, the vows of chastity, rules of conduct and other features of Jain Philosophy.

Question 2.
What are the Tripitikas ? Name the three Tripitikas.
Answer:
Tripitikas are the most important literary works of the Buddhists.The word ‘Tripitikas’ means ‘Three Baskets’ of Buddhist canon.

  1. The VinayaPitaka which deals with the rules and regulations which Buddha promulgated for the monks (bhikkhus) and the nuns (bhikkunis).
  2. The Sutta Pitaka comprises the discourses of Buddha on various occasions. It also has discourses by some of the disciples of Buddha such as Sariputta, Ananda and others.
  3.  The Abhidhamma Pitaka deals with Buddhist philosophy. It describes things like the working of the human mind and the state of matter.

Question 3.
State two important causes for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.
Answer:
In the Later Vedic Period, the rigid caste system, monopoly of the priests for expensive rituals, difficulty of the common people to understand Sanskrit language etc. confused the society very much. So people wanted an easy going performance in the religion and practice, hence they were naturally attracted to Jainism and Buddhism. Both Jainism and Buddhism were founded by Two Kshatriya-princes i.e. Mahavira and Gautam Buddha. These two religions followed non-violence, which was also preferred by the farmers due to the safety of their animals against sacrificing them for rituals.

Question 4.
Who was Vardhamana Mahavira ? Give the significance of both parts of his name.
Answer:
Vardhamana Mahavira was born in the second half of 6th century BC. He was the son of the chief of a Kshatriya clan and his mother Trishala of Kundagrama near Vaishali in Bihar. On account of his bravery and heroic deeds, he was called Mahavira. His father held a prosperous kingdom at his birth-time, so he was called ‘Vardhamana’ which meant prosperity.

Question 5.
Name the five vows prescribed for the Jains.
Answer:
The five vows for Jains are as follows :

  1. Ahimsa — Non-Violence
  2. Asateya — not to steal
  3.  Satya — not to tell a lie.
  4.  Aparigraha — not to possess property.
  5. Brahmacharya — to practise chastity.

Question 6.
What are known as the Tri-Ratnas ?
Answer:
According to Mahavira, there were three ways to attain ‘moksha’, known as Tri-Ratnas i.e.

  1. right faith
  2. right knowledge
    right conduct.

Question 7.
Give two causes for the spread of Jainism.
Answer:
Two main causes for the spread of Jainism were the simple local dialect – Prakrit adopted by Mahavira for preaching and the solid patronage by great kings like Chandragupta Maurya and Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas of 5th century AD.

Question 8.
Name the two sects into which Jainism got divided.
Answer:
The two sects of Jainism were as follows :

  1. Shvetambaras: They wore white clothes for cleanliness and purity and covered their nose with a small cover of white cloth to avoid insects etc. They fasted but avoided extreme penance.
  2. Digambaras : They were sky-clad in order to practice detachment from worldly pleasures.  kept long fasts and saintly life.

Question 9.
Mention two points of contribution of Jainism to Indian life and thought.
Answer:
Two points of contribution of Jainism are discarding the caste system and encouraged social service. The Kshatriyas i.e. Kings were deeply motivated by Jainism and cultivated great faith on sacrifice for others by not expanding or establishing their empires by force and bloodshed.

Question 10.
Who was Gautam Buddha ? Where was he born ?
Answer:
Gautam Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. He belonged to the Kshatriya clan of Sakya. He was bom in 563 BC at Lumbini near Kapilavastu, in Nepal.

Question 11.
What are known as Four Great Sights ?
Answer:
‘Four Great Sights’, are related to Gautama Buddha, who was moved by these sights and ultimately decided to renounce the worldly pleasures, e.g. An old man bent with age, a sick man groaning with pain, a dead body of a man being carried etc. filled Gautama with deep sorrow; while the sight of an ascetic in search of salvation consoled him at last.

Question 12.
When and how did Buddha attain enlightenment ?
Answer:
After leaving home in search of Truth, Gautama wandered from place to place. Afterwards he studied under renowned teachers of Rajgriha and at last he went to Gaya and practiced severe penance and life of austerity and finally at the age of thirty-five he was enlightened sitting under a people-tree. That place is known as Boddha (knowledge or enlightenment), Gaya in Bihar.

Question 13.
Give four Noble Truths of Buddhism.
Answer:
These are as follows :

  1. The world is full of suffering.
  2. The suffering has a cause.
  3. Desire is the cause of suffering
  4. desire is stopped, suffering can also be stopped.

Question 14.
Give four points of the Eight fold Path of Buddha.
Answer:
These are as follows :

  1. Right action
  2. Right thought
  3. Right belief
  4. Right living.

Question 15.
Differentiate between Jainism and Buddhism on the basis of their attitude towards God.
Answer:.
Jainism did not believe in the existence of God, the stress was on simplicity and sacrifice. Buddhism was silent in the existence of God, but relief on Dharma, a universal law which controlled the whole world.

Question 16.
What is known as the Sangha ?
Answer:
The organisation for teaching of Buddhism came to known as the ‘Sangha’. On this very basis the slogan became popular as “Sangam Sharnam Gachhami.

Question 17.
Name any two principles that governed the Sangha.
Answer:
Two principles are as follows :

  1. To speak the truth
  2. to abide by Brahmacharya.

Question 18.
What were the features of Buddhism that attracted people towards it ?
Answer:
Budha followed a simple path and inspired people to lead a simple life. Buddha’s teachings have been reconstructed from stories of Sutta Pitaka. His message to people was that world is full of sufferings and man could attain salvation by following his teachings, i.e. Buddhism.
The essence of Buddism lies in Four Noble Truths and Eight fold Path which were as follow:

  1. The world is full of suffering.
  2. The suffering has a cause.
  3.  Desire is the cause of suffering.
  4. If desire is stopped, suffering can also be stopped.These were the causes which attracts the people towards Buddhism.

Question 19.
Give two differences between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.
Answer:
Hinayana

  1. Buddha was regarded as human being who attained enlightenment through own efforts.
  2. It shuns idol-worship, Buddha was not believed as God.

Mahayana

  1. Buddha was regarded as the incarnation of God and provider of salvation.
  2. The images of Buddha was worshipped.

Question 20.
Give two causes for the decline of Buddhism.
Answer:
Two causes are as follows :

  1. Splitting of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana along with other sixteen sects created confusion and disorder.
  2. Corruption in sangha was the effect of luxurious life of monks and nuns which resulted in religious decline.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 21.
Mention two causes which favoured the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century BC.
Answer:
Two causes which favoured the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th Century BC.
were :

  1. Ritualistic Vedic Religion.
  2. Expensive Sacrifices.

Question 22.
Name the first and the last two Jain Tirthankaras.
Answer:
The first Tirthankaras was ‘Risabh’ known as Adi Nath.
The last two Tirathankaras were ‘Parashvanath’ and ‘Mahavira’.

Question 23.
What was the Original name of Mahavira?
Answer:
The Original name of Mahavira was Vardhamana.

Question 24.
How did Vardhamana become Mahavira?
Answer:
Vardhamana renounced all wordly pleasures. At the age of thirteen, he became an ascetic and attained the true knowledge (Kevala Jnana), therefore he come to be known as Mahavira.

Question 25.
Why were the followers of Mahavira called Jaihs?
Answer:
Since Vardhamana became popular with the name of Mahavira (the great hero) or Jina (the conqueror of self), therefore, his followers were called Jains.

Question 26.
Mention any two teachings of Mahavira (any two doctrines of Jainism).
Answer:
The two teachings of Mahavira are :

  1. Ahimsa.
  2. No Belief in God.

Question 27.
What is known as Triratna in Jainism?
Answer:
Right faith, right knowledge and right conduct is known as Triratna in Jainism.

Question 28.
Mention any two factors that led to the growth of Jainism.
Answer:
The following two factors led to the growth of Jainism :

  1. The simple doctrines of Mahavira.
  2. Usage of common language of the masses, instead of Sanskrit.

Question 29.
What were the causes of the decline of Jainism?
Answer:
The causes of the decline of Jainism are :

  1. The loss of royal patronage.
  2. Rigit principles and difficulty in following the severe penance and austerity advocated by Mahavira.
  3. Split-up of the Jainism into two sects i.e.. the Shvetambaras (clad in white) and the Digambaras (Sky-clad or naked).
  4.  The revival of Brahmanism.

Question 30.
Name the two sects of Jainism. What is the main difference between the two?
Answer:
Svetambaras and Digambaras. Their main difference is that the Digambar Munis (ascetics) remain completely nude. They do not keep even a small piece of cloth on their bodies. The Svetambara Munis, on the other hand wear white clothes.

Question 31.
Mention the “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism.
Answer:
The “Four Great Sights” of Buddhism were 

  1. the sight of an oldman.
  2. a sick man. a dead body.
  3. an ascetic.

Question 32.
What is know as the Great Renunciation?
Answer:
The urge for finding a solution to the problems of human suffering and death, made Buddha broke all his wordly ties and left his place at the age of 29 as an ascetic in search of truth. This event came to be known as the Great Renunciation (Maha Parityaga).

Question 33.
How did Gautama come to be known as the Buddha?
Answer:
When Gautama got enlightened with the spiritual knowledge after rigorous meditation, he came to be known as the Buddha or the Enlightened One.

Question 34.
Name the place where Buddha got Enlightenment.
Answer:
At Bodh Gaya, under the Pipal tree Buddha got Enlightenment.

Question 35.
Name the place where Buddha gave his first Sermon.
AAnswer:
At the Deer Park near Samath, Buddha gave his first spiritual sermon.

Question 36.
What are the “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism?
Answer:
The “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism are :

  1. The world is full of sorrows and suffering.
  2. The main cause of suffering is man’s desire (Trishna) for sensual pleasures and earthly possession.
  3. Suffering can be removed by getting rid of desires, i.e., renunciation.
  4. One can overcome desires by following the Eight-Fold Path.

Question 37.
Mention the Eight-Fold Path in Buddhism.
Answer:
The Eight-Fold Path in Buddhism is :

  1. Right Faith
  2. Right Aspiration
  3. Right Action
  4. Right Living
  5. Right Speech
  6. Right Effort
  7. Right Meditation
  8. Right Contemplation

Question 38.
Mention any two teachings of Lord Buddha.
Answer:
Ahimsa and no faith in caste system.

Question 39.
Mention two factors that led to the spread and growth of Buddhism.
Answer:
Two factors that led to the spread and growth of Buddhism are :

  1. Simple teachings of Buddha.
  2. Simple language.

Question 40.
Mention any two similarities in the teachings of Jainism and Buddhism.
Answer:
The principle of ‘Ahimsa’ and ‘Opposition to Caste System’.

Question 41.
Mention any two causes of the decline of Buddhism.
Answer:
Two causes of the decline of Buddhism were :

  1. Revival of Brahmanical Hinduism.
  2. Split in Buddhism.

Question 42.
Mention the contribution of Buddhism to India Literature.
Answer:
Buddhism contributed its variety of religious literature in the language of the people. The teachings of Buddha were compiled and known as Tripitaka or the three baskets. The Jatakas contain tales dealing with previous births of the Buddha. These form an important part of Buddhist Literature. The Jataka tales were written in Pali. They greatly enriched the Indian literature. The Mahayana Buddhists produced their religious literature in Sanskrit.

Question 43.
What is the importance the Jatakas in Buddhism?
Answer:
The Jatakas’ tales throw light on the social and plitical conditions of the people in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. The most important thing about the Jatakas’ tales is that they deal with the previous births of the Buddha.

Question 44.
How do Buddhist ideals still affect our life?

OR

What impact did Buddha’s teachings have on Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts?
Answer:
The Buddhist ideals even today has a significant place in our life. The principles of equality, teachings of non¬violence and individual purification are still working ‘as usual. Evils, such as pride, envy, wrath and lust have no place in our life even today.Mahatma Gandhi took a leaf from the Buddha’s life when he said, “non-violence is the first article of my faith.” He also said, “religion in the sense of peace, fraternity and all-embraching love can alone be the basis of the existence of the world.”

Question 45.
What was the purpose of a Chaitya?
Answer:
Chaityas were the big halls where religious rites and worship were performed.

Question 46.
What is called a Vihara?
Answer:
A Vihara (Monastery) was permanent abode or residence of the monks.

Question 47.
Name any two places famous for Buddhist rock-cut caves.
Answer:
Barabar Hills near Gaya and Nasik.

Question 48.
Mention two important features of any one Chaitya at Ajanta.
Answer:
The Chaitya—19 has the facade beautifully decorated with sculptured images. The fresco painting on the walls and ceilings are judged as being some of the finest contributions to the art of painting in India.

Question 49.
Mention any two features of the Ashokan Pillars.
Answer:
The Ashokan Pillars are made out of stone. All these pillars are monolithic i.e., they are carved out of one piece of stone.Each pillar weighs about 50 tons. At the top of each such pillar is the capital which is also monolithic.

Question 50.
Mention two important features of the Lion-Capital of the Sarnath Pillar.
Answer:
The Lion-Capital of the Sarnath Pillar is chiseled out of single block of stone. The figure of the four lions has been used on the Indian currency and the wheel is shown in our National Flag.

Question 51.
What is the significance of the Lion-Capital for modern India?
Answer:
The Lion-Capital has been accepted as the National Emblem of modern India.

Question 52.
What was the purpose of a Stupa?
Answer:
The purpose of a Stupa was to commemorate a sacred spot or a particular event, or to enshrine the relics of Buddha or those of Buddhist saint.

Question 53.
Name the religious literature containing the teachings of the Lord Buddha.
Answer:
The Tripitaka contains the spiritual teachings of the Lord Buddha.

Question 54.
Mention the reason why the teachings of Buddha were called the ‘Middle Path’.
Answer:
The teachings of Buddha were called the ‘Middle Path’ because his teachings teach neither to indulge in extreme attachment to worldly pleasures, nor practice severe self-mortification.

Question 55.
Name two rulers of Northern India who contributed to the spread of Buddhism in India and abroad.
Answer:
Ashoka the Great and Harsha contributed to the spread of Buddhism in India and abroad.

Question 56.
Mention the influence of Buddhism on Hinduism.
Answer:
The Buddhism was quite popular among the Hindus due to its simple doctrines. The Hindus also followed the practice of the Buddhists and built beautiful temples to worship their Gods and Goddesses.

Question 57.
Mention two important features of each—Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism.
Answer:
The Mahayana Buddhism insisted on worshipping the images of Buddha and prayed for forgiveness of sins and for salvation.
The Mahayana Buddhism adopted Sanskrit for the writing of their scriptural texts.
The Hinayana Buddhism had no faith in idol-worship. Buddha was represented only in symbols such as a pair of foot-prints or an empty seat.

Question 58.
What was the impact of Jainism and Buddhism on the caste system?
Answer:
The Jainism and Buddhism badly sabotaged the Caste System that had been prevailing during that time. The common mass got very much attracted to these religions, who accepted all the followers worship altogether without any caste-distinction. Both the religions united the people in society who had been divided before, over caste and creed-issues.

Question 59.
Mention two features of the Brahmanical faith of the 6th Century BC which were opposed by the Buddha.
Answer:
Two features of the Brahmanical faith of the 6th Century BC which the Buddha opposed were :

  1. Buddha condemned all forms of sacrifices that were conducted by the Brahmins during the 6th Century BC.
  2. Buddha discarded the complicated Sanskrit language of Vedic scriptures which was unintelligible to the ordinary people.

Question 60.
Mention any two features of the Brahmanical faith of the 6th Century BC which were accepted by the Buddha.
Answer:
The ‘Karma theory’ and ‘Nirvana’ are the two features of the Brahmanical faith of the 6th Century BC which were accepted by the Buddha.

Question 61.
Mention the important features of the Viharas at Udayagiri.
Answer:
The Viharas possess semicircular arches resting on pillars surrounded by figures of animals. Some of these caves have two storeys and some consist of a row of cells for the monks with an opening into a courtyard.

II. Structured Questions.

Question 1.
With reference to the sources of information about Jainism and Buddhism, state the significance of the following:
(a) Angas
(b) Tripitikas
(c) Jatakas
Answer:
(a) Angas : The Angas. These are regarded as the most important part of the Jain doctrines. They discuss religious rites, stages of a householder’s life, the vows of chastity, rules of conduct and other features of Jain Philosophy.

(b) Tripitikas : The Tripitakas (three baskets or books) is a traditional term used by various Buddhist sects to describe their various covers of scriptures. As the name suggests, a Tripitaka traditionally contains three baskets of teaching.

  1. The Vinayct Pitaka which deals with the rules and regulations which Buddha promulgated for the monks (bhikkhus) and the nuns(bhikkunis).
  2. The Sutta Pitaka comprises the discourses of Buddha on various occasions. It also has discourses by some of the disciples of Buddha such as Sariputta, Ananda and others.
  3. The Abhidhamma Pitaka deals with Buddhist philosophy. It describes things like the working of the human mind and the state of matter.

(c) Jatakas : The Jatakas tales written in Pali language refer to the previous birth of Lord Buddha. They also throw light on the political, economic and social conditions ranging from fifth to second century BC.

Question 2.
With reference to Jainism and Buddhism answer the following questions :
(a) Give briefly the background of the socio-economic conditions in 6th century BC.
(b) What were the causes for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism ?
Answer:
(a) Monopoly of the priests, expensive rituals, difficult. Sanskrit language and rigid caste system universally affected the life and feelings of the common people. Some kings had also realised certain social evils and so patronised Jainism and Buddhism for better pattern of life and simple rules for spiritual uplift. ‘Ahimsa’ and safety of animals were also preferred by the farmers.

(b) The following factors favoured the rise and growth of Jainism and Buddhism:

  1. Reaction against Ritualism : Religious ceremonies by then had become very expensive beyond the means of ordinary people. Some priests hardly realised the sufferings of the common man. This was one of the important causes that gave rise to faiths that were simple and inexpensive.
  2. Corruption in Religion: Corruption crept into religious practices. In order to extract money, the priests encouraged ordinary people to perform Yajnas and conduct household rites beyond their means. Kshatriya rulers protested against the dominance of such practices. The common man could not reconcile to this attitude of the priests.
  3. Rigid Caste System : The division of society into Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras had become rigid. It did not allow any social mobility. A person of one caste could not become a member of the other caste. There were restrictions on the basis of caste on food, drinks and marriage. Interchange of caste was impossible.
  4. Difficult Language : Sanskrit was considered a sacred language. Most of the Vedic literature was composed in Sanskrit. The priestly class gave discourses and chanted mantras in this language, which the common people found difficult to understand. Therefore, many people began to look for an alternative religion that they could understand better.
  5. Political situation : In the sixth century BC, Magadha was ruled by Bimbisara and later by Ajatashatru. Both these rulers were liberal and tolerant. They too were free from Brahmanic influence and condemned certain social evils in their kingdoms. When the opportunity came, they patronised both Jainism and Buddhism.
  6. Agricultural Economy : Killing of animals to perform sacrifices was against the interests of farmers in the Gangetic valley. The use of iron had made the animal- drawn ploughing popular. Such farmers needed a religion that would give protection to animals. Both Jainism and Buddhism preached non-violence and were against animal sacrifices.

Question 3.
With reference to Jainism answer the following questions:
(a) Who was Mahavira ?
(b) Write a brief note on his transformation.
(c) Why was he called Jina ?
Answer:
(a) Mahavira was born in Kundagrama near Vaishali in Bihar in the second half of 6th century BC. His father was the chief of a Kshatriya clan and his mother Trishala belonged to the royal family of Lichchavis.

(b) He got absorbed in spiritual pursuits from early childhood. At the age of thirty, after the death of his parents, Mahavira renounced the world and became an ascetic. He practiced severe penance for 12 years and attained supreme knowledge.

(c) Mahavira conquered over all worldly desires and named as ‘Jina’, which means the conqueror.

Question 4.
With reference to Jainism,
(a) Explain briefly the doctrines of Jainism.
(b) State Mahavira’s contribution to Indian thought.
Answer:
(a) The doctrines of Jainism are as follows :

  1. Triratnas :
    • right faith
    • right knowledge
    • right conduct
  2. Karma : good deeds provide ‘Moksha’.
  3. Equality: universal brotherhood.
  4. Eternal soul: soul is immortal.
  5.  Belief in Penance : sacrifice of physical desires.
  6. Salvation : Freedom from life and death.

(b) Although Mahavira did not follow the Vedas but the basic and ultimate aim of life was ‘Moksha’, through good deeds, sacrifice for good cause, ‘ Ahimsa’ and the safety of the animals contributed a positive appeal to Indian Thought.

Question 5.
With reference to Jain religious philosophy, answer the following questions :
(a) Mention the Truths to be followed for obtaining salvation.
(b) What caused the division of Jainism into two sects?
(c) Explain the causes responsible for the decline of Jainism.
Answer:
(a) According to Jain philosophy these are nine Truths to be realised and given importance Punya (results of good deeds), Pap (sin), Ashrav (good deeds), Sanvar (hindrances in the way of karma), Nirjara (destruction of karmas) and Moksha (salvation). Jiva (Living Things), Ajiva (non-living things) Bandha (bondage).

(b) When Bhadrabahu took Jainism to Karnataka ; at the same time Sthulabhadra in Magadha spread Jainism with different ideas. So after the first Jain council held around 300 BC, Jainism was divided into two groups or sects.

(c) The following factors were responsible for the decline of Jainism:

  1. Jainism preached rigid austerity. It rose at a time when Buddhism also existed. The theory of ahimsa was extended even to wearing of clothes.
  2. The religion did not spread to foreign countries. It did not have any missionary effort.
  3. Jainism did not get royal patronage from contemporary rulers,
  4.  Though Jainism advocated equality of men, it did not do away totally with the high and low position in society.
  5. During the Gupta period and in later years. Hinduism once again became popular. Therefore, Jainism remained restricted . of a few pockets in the country.

PQ. With reference to the impact of Jainism, explain the following.

(a) Its impact on language and literature.
Answer:
Language and Literature : Jain scholars have made an important contribution in literary field. The Jain texts were written in Prakrit, but at some place in the local languages. They were finally compiled in the sixth century AD at Valabhi in Gujarat. They include 12 Upangas, 10 Prakiranas, Sutras and Mulasutras. Purvas, the fourteen books containing the teachings of Mahavira, are a great source of knowledge. The angas and upangas which were written on the basis of Purvas are twelve in number. The Mahapurana composed by Jinasena, Kalpasutra compiled by Bhadrabahu and Ratna Malika by the Rashtrakuta ruler Amonghavarsha are outstanding literary works. Jain literature is in Ardh-Magadhi and Prakrit dialects. It highlights the values of ahimsa.

(b) Its impact on art and architecture.
Answer:
Art and Architecture : Jains constructed temples and monasteries. Jain relics are found in Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves in Orissa. Jains have constructed hundreds of Dharamshalas, opened several orphanages and supported many charitable institutions.
The gigantic structures of the Bahubali (Gomatesvvara) at Shravanabelagola and at Karkala in Karnataka are good examples of Jain architecture. The Dihvara temples at Mt.Abu in Rajasthan and at Ranakpur near Jodhpur and the Jain Tower at Chittor are famous for Jain architecture. The most famous Jain holy place is Palitcina in Gujarat which has more than 800 temples.

Question 6.
With reference to Buddhism, answer the following questions:
(a) Who was Gautama Buddha ? How did he achieve enlightenment ?
(b) What is known as ‘Dharma chakrapravartana’ ?
(c) How did Buddha have a large following ?
Answer:
(a) Gautama Buddha was the son of Sakya King, Suddhodona of Kapilvastu. He was born in 563 BC at Lumbini. He was married to the princess, Yashodhara. But he was deeply moved by seeing the agony and sorrow of old age and sickness and decided to renounce the home and worldly pleasures. After studying under renowned teachers of Rajgriha, he went to Gaya and practiced severe penance and at the age of thirty-five Gautama attained enlightenment.

(b) After enlightenment Buddha preached and delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath in presence of five ascetics. This event in the history of Buddhism is known as Dharmachakrapravartan.

(c) Buddha established a Bodh Sangha at Magadha. He received the patronage of several rulers of Magadha, Kosala and Kosambi and followed by a large number of followers from all classes of society.

Question 7.
With reference to the ‘Sangha’ ; explain the following :
(a) Its membership
(b) The Ten commandments
(c) Its role in spreading Buddhism.
Ans.
(a) The members of the monastic order were called ‘Bhikshus’ (monks) and Bhikshunis (nuns), who had to renounce the world before joining the ‘Sangha’.

(b) The ten commandments were as follows :

  1. To speak the truth
  2. To abide by Brahmacharya
  3. not to harm creatures
  4. not to own property
  5. to shun music and dancing
  6. to take meals only at fixed time
  7. not to use intoxicants
  8. not to use scented goods
  9. not to sleep on cushions
  10.  not to keep money

(c) The principles of Buddhism imported a deep effect on social life by introducing ‘ Ahimsa’, equality of mankind etc. which gave impetus to weaker section of society to fight for their rights and survival. The socio-religious reform movements were the plus points and the solid political ground and patronage was provided by the great rulers like Ashoka and Chandragupta. On account of some ideal elements Bhuddhism spread to large regions, upto S.E. Asia, China and Japan.

PQ With reference to Buddhism, answer the following questions :

(a) What was the influence of Buddhism on the evolution of art and architecture in India ?
Answer:
Art and Architecture : Buddhism made immense contribution to the evolution of art and architecture. Stupas, chaityas, viharas and rock-cut cave temples were their unique contribution. The stupa is a semi-spherical solid dome-like structure containing the relics of Buddha like hair, teeth or bones. The Stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Amaravati are remarkable specimens of art surviving upto this day. The Chaityas were rectangular halls with a semi-circular roof supported by a number of columns. These halls were meant for worship. The Viharas were the monasteries for the monks to live in. Later when statues of Buddha began to be carved after the Christian era, there emerged several schools of art and architecture. Even during Mauryan times, specially during the time of Ashoka, stone cutting and chiselling of pillars required high technical skill.

(b) What were the causes that led to the decline of Buddhism in India ?
Answer:

  1. Spilt in Buddhism : The division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana sects brought about great changes in Buddhism. Its popularity and prestige suffered.
  2. Language : Buddha preached his teachings in Pali. After his death, Sanskrit, the language of the upper classes, also came to be adopted.
  3. Corruption in Sangha : The monks and nuns started living a luxurious life. There was deterioration in the spiritual life. Buddhist Sanghas received patronage of royalty and had become very rich. The monks and nuns used the riches for their personal benefit. They began to lead a worldly life.
  4. Reforms in Hinduism : Reform movement in Hinduism started with full vigour once the appeal of new religions vanished. Hinduism assimilated the positive aspects of Buddhism. Even foreign invaders and settlers adopted Hinduism as their new religion. Among these are included the Shakas and the Satavahanas.
  5.  Invasions : From the eight century AD the Turkish invasion dealt a blow to Buddhism. The monasteries, which had accumulated great wealth, were looted. The invaders plundered the monasteries of Nalanda and Takshila and forced some of the monks to flee to neighbouring countries like Nepal and Tibet.
  6.  End of Royal Patronage : Rajput rulers were warlike and could not follow the policy of ahimsa, Besides, the kings of the Gupta period patronised temples in honour of Hindu gods and goddesses. Thus, the lack of royal patronage brought about the decline of Buddhism.

8. With reference to the given pictures, answer the following questions :
Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 3
Question 8(a).
Identify the two preachers, whose images are given. Name the religions founded by them.
Answer:

  1. Gautam Buddha, he founded the Buddhism.
  2. Mahavira, he founded the Jainism.

Question 8(b).
Mention three main teachings of the two religions founded by these preachers.
Answer:
Main teachings of Jainism :

  1. Ahimsa — Non-violence
  2. Asateya — not stealing
  3. Satya — not telling a lie
  4. Aparigraha — not possessing property
  5. Brahmacharya — practicing charity.

Main teachings of Buddhism :
The essence of Buddism lies in Four Noble Truths and Eight fold Path which were as follow.

  1. The world is full of suffering.
  2. The suffering has a cause.
  3. Desire is the cause of suffering.
  4. If desire is stopped, suffering can also be stopped.

Question 8(c).
Mention any two similarities and two dissimilarities between the two religions founded by them.
Answer:
Similarities
(a) The founders of both religions. Mahavira and Gautam Buddha had similar backgrounds and same Kshatriya clan.
(b) Both sought the attainment of salvation from the cycle of births and rebirths.
(c) Both did not accept the Vedas.
(d) Non-violence was their creed.

Dissimilarities
Buddhism

  1. It was completely a new religion in 6th century BC.
  2. It followed a middle path.
  3. It is silent about existence of God.
  4. It spread far and wide and led to cultural evolution in India.

Jainism

  1. It had been founded long before Mahavira. He was last of its Tirthankars.
  2. It believed in hard penance.It denies existence of God.
  3. It did not spread beyond the Indian shores.

Question 9.
Name one of the famous Chatyas at Elora.
Answer:
Vishvakarma.

Question 10.
There were many factors responsible for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th century BC. In this context, explain the role of the following :
(a) Ritualistic Vedic Religion.
(b) Supremacy of the Priestly Class.
(c) Rigit Caste System.
(d) Difficult Vedic Language.
Answer:
Many factors were responsible for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th century BC in this context the given points are explained as ahead :
(a) Ritualistic Vedic Religion : The simple religion of the early Aryans was replaced by meaningless rituals and complicated ceremonies. The common people were greatly burdened with the elaborate rites and ceremonies which were too expensive for them to perform. They became discontented with the religious beliefs and practices of that age.

(b) Supremacy of the Priestly Class : The expensive religious rites and rituals made the position of the priestly class quite strong and dominating in the society. They in a sense turned supreme, intervening into the life of a man from birth till death. They even had a strong hold in the royal courts due to enormous powers they exercised. People turned against these priests, who made their religion complicated, expensive and burdensome.

(c) Rigid Caste System : The Castes became rigid like— water-tight compartments. Castes were decided according to birth and not according to profession. People from the lower castes were maltreated by the high castes. They were deprived of their rights to enter the shrines, to own land or to get on education. The institution of untouchability too came into being. The intellectuals and reformers, therefore resented such unjust social distinctions among the people.

(d) Difficult Vedic Language : The Vedic literature had been written in Sanskrit, which was beyond the comprehension of the common people. Many could not understand the Vedic mantras recited by the Brahmin priests who conducted the religious ceremonies. The people had to depend on the priestly class to understand the meaning of all these Vedic works.

Question 11.
With reference to the contribution of Jainism to India culture, describe the following :
(a) Its Contribution in the field of Art and Architecture.
(b) Contribution in the Religious field.
(c) Contribution in the Social field.
Answer:
With reference to the contribution of Jainism to India culture, the given points are described as ahead :
(a) Its Contribution in the field of Art and Architecture : In the early years of the second century BC, the followers of jain religion, created stupas, built of stone, to honour their saints. The built many rock-cut cave temples. The famous caves in the Udaigiri Hills of Madhya Pradesh and in Ellora in Maharashtra are fine examples of their architecture and sculpture. The colossal status of Gommatesvara at Sravana Belgola in Karnataka is another example of their skill in sculpture. The beautiful jain temples at Mt. Abu in Rajasthan are some of the best specimens of Jain architecture.

(b) Contribution in the Religious field : The principle of Ahimsa laid by Mahavira, left a drastic influence on the sacrificial rites and Yajnas of the Vedic religion. The people who got used to these futile rituals, they out of discontent gave-up all such practices.

(c) Contribution in the Social field : The teachings of Mahavira. had a magnetic effect on his followers. They started paying attention towards humanitarian services. They engaged themselves in works of public utility by opening schools and hospitals. They built a number of inns for the benefit of travellers.

Question 12.
With reference to the spread and growth o Buddhism, explain the role of each of the following :
(a) Simple Teachings.
(b) Similar Language
(c) The Buddhist Sangha.
(d) Royal Patronage
Answer:
With reference to the spread and growth of Buddhism, the role of each of the given heads is explained ahead :
(a) Simple Teachings : Buddha’s teachings were quite simple. He condemned complicated rituals and ceremonies and strongly opposed all forms of sacrifices. He demonstrated a religion devoid of all expensive practices and made it accessible to the common people.

(b) Simple Language : Buddha and his disciples used only popular dialects as the source for their teachings. They discarded the complicated Sanskrit language of the Vedic scriptures which was unintelligible to the ordinary people.

(c) The Buddhist Sangha : Buddha established the Buddhist Sangha to spread his teachings far and wide. The male members were called Bhikshus. Even, women were allowed to join the Sangha as Bhikshunis or nuns. They lived in monasteries, know as Viharas, specially constructed for them. They led a highly disciplined life renouncing all pleasures of the world and engaged in preaching the doctrines of Buddha.

(d) Royal Patronge : Buddhism was apparently accepted by the great leaders like—Ashoka, Kanishka and Harsha. These rulers actively participated in flourishing and popularising Buddhism in the States and abroad. They sent Buddhist Missionaries to many countries like—Sri Lanka, China, Myanmar, Japan and Korea to spread the light of Truth attained by Buddha.

Question 13.
With reference to the decline of Buddhism in India, explain each of the following causes :
(a) Revival of Brahmanical Hinduism.
(b) Loss of Royal Patronage.
(c) Split in Buddhism.
(d) Corruption in Buddhist Sangha.
Answer:
With reference to the decline of Buddhism in India, the given headlines are explained below :
(a) Revival of Brahmanical Hinduism : The efforts of great Brahmin scholars like—Shankaracharya and Kumarila Bhatta to eradicate the evils that had crept into the Brahmanical religion, led to the revival of Hinduism. Eventually, they were able to establish the supremacy of
the Vedic religion over Buddhism.

(b) Loss of Royal Patronage : The Gupta period marked the beginning of the decline of Buddhism.
The Gupta rulers were zealous followers of Hinduism. They encouraged their religion and the Sanskrit language. They built beautiful temples for the Hindu Gods. Loss of royal patronage was great blow to Buddhism.

(c) Split in Buddhism : During the reign of Kanishka, Buddhism was split into two sects—the Mahayana and the Hinayana. With the rise of the Mahayana, the line dividing Buddhism from hinduism became very thin. Gradually, the power of Hinduism absorbed Buddhism in itself.

(d) Corruption in Buddhist Sangha : With the passage of time, the spirit of Buddhism started disappearing in the Buddhist monks and nuns as it was before. They assumed luxurious life in the rich monasteries which had now become the abodes of wealth and power. They indulged in collecting huge amount of money as revenues from the vast estates that were donated to the monasteries. Eventually, corruption crept in. The moral degeneration of the monks and nuns was one of the most important factors of the downfall of Buddhism.

Question 14.
Mention the points of difference between the two sects of Buddhism—the Mahayana and the Hinayana.
Answer:
The points of difference between the Mahayana and Mahayana and the Hinayana are mentioned below :

  1. The Hinayanists belonged to original sect, looking upon Buddha as their teacher and guide and following his simple teachings. They did not look at Buddha as an incarnation of God or as a Saviour.
  2. The Eight-Fold Path was strictly obeyed the followers of Hinayana that constituted on good deeds and a holy life. The Mahayanists, found the concept of Nirvana to be too cold and remote. New ideas of gorgeous heavens came to be developed by them.
  3.  The Hinayanists, rejected idol-worship. Buddha was represented only in Symbols such as a pair of foot-prints or an empty seat.
  4. The Pali script was exercised by the Hinayanists to preach their faith and for writing their sacred literature. The Mahayanists adopted Sanskrit for the writing of the holy texts.

Question 15.
During King Bimbisara’s reign, Magadha rose to great prominence. In this context mention briefly :
(a) The conquests and achievements of King Bimbisara.
(b) Reasons why Magadha became a powerful kingdom.
Answer:
Magadha rose to great prominence during King Bimbisara’s reign in this context the given headlines are briefly described as ahead :
(a) The conquests and achievements of King Bimbisara :
King Bimbisara ruled over Magadha from about 542 BC upto 492 BC. His capital was Rajagriha, the modem Rajgir in the Patna district. Bimbisara conquered Anga, the region to the east of Magadha. He married Kosala Devi of Kosala and received the town of Kasi as dowry. He married Chellana, the youngest daughter of the ruler of Vaishals. Avanti and Gandhara were powerful kingdoms at that time. In the Buddha’s time, Magadha included about eighty thousand villages. Bimbisara was an efficient administrator. He built many roads and bridges and travelled from place to place to find whether his subject was happy or not. He had an effective control over material as well as human resources of kingdom.

(b) Reasons why Magadha became a powerful kingdom :

  1. It has fertile plains to produce a variety of crops. The big landlords employed dasas (slaves) and other labourers. The expansion of the economy led to increased commercial activity. The king received a lot of land-revenue and other taxes. The income was used to maintain vast armies.
  2. Iron was discovered in large quantities in Chota Nagpur and the hilly regions of Magadha. It was used in making weapons and agricultural implements. Magadha’s successful military campaign against Anga eliminated and important rival at the very beginning of its imperial highness.
  3. The rivers – Ganga, Son, Gandaka and Sarayu provided water-ways for traders to go to all actions. The trade, crafts and commercial activity made Magadha a properous kingdom. However, there were great inequalities of income between social classes.
  4. Magadha had a large and strong infantry. It included Chaturangini sena (i.e., the foot-soldiers, the chariot- warriors, the cavalry and the war-elephants). This gave Magadha extra military advantage.

Question 16.
There are many sources to reconstruct the two great religious movements – Jainism and Buddhism. In this context mention the significance of each of the following:
(a) The Jataka tales and the Tripitakas.
(b) Stupa at Sanchi and Shravan Belgola.
Answer:
(a) The Jataka tales and the Tripitakas : The Jatakas tales written in Pali language refer to the previous birth of Lord Buddha. They also throw light on the political, economic and social conditions ranging from fifth to second century BC. The Tripitakas (three baskets or books) is a traditional term used by various Buddhist sects to describe their various covers of scriptures. As the name suggests, a Tripitaka traditionally contains three baskets of teaching.

(b) Stupa at Sanchi and Shravan Belgola : Stupa at Sanchi is one of the important places of Buddhist pilgrimage. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of Buddha. It was crowned by the Chatra, symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics. It showed scenes from the life of the Buddha integrating with everyday events that would be familiar to the onlookers and so make it easier for them to understand the Buddhist creed as relevant to their lives. Shravan Belgola is a city located in the Indian states of Karnataka. It reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity, under the patronage of Gangas of Talakad. Shravan Belgola which is also known as the white pond of Shravan or the Jain monk. The derivation of the word Belgola appears to have been from the two Kannada words Bel(white) and Kola (pond) in allusion to the beautiful pond in the middle of the town. The Sanskrit equivalents Sveta-Sarovara, and Dhavala Sarovara used in the inscriptions that support the derivation of his word from the Kannada words.

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 2

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 2 The Vedic Period.

These Solutions are part of Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions. Here we have given.Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 2 The Vedic Period.

EXERCISES

I. Short Answer Questions.

Question 1.
What is meant by Vedic culture ?
Answer:
Vedic culture involves the culture of Aryans settlements along Indus, Yamuna and Ganga rivers. Early Vedic Period is concerned to the Indus Valley (1500 – 1000 BC). Later Vedic Period (1000 – 500 BC), is related to Yamuna-Ganga Doab culture. The early period was also known as iron age or tribal age and the later age is connected to the development of agriculture along Yamuna-Ganga basin.

Question 2.
Why was the Early Vedic Literature known as Shruti ?
Answer:
The Early Vedic Literature was known as ‘Shruti’, because it was conveyed by the God to the great sages by hearing (by ‘Shravan’) and so it was called ‘Shruti’.

Question 3.
Name the four Vedas and state what the hymns in each Veda deal with ?
Answer:
(a) The Rig Veda : It is the oldest religious text in the world. It contains 1028 hymns divided into 10 mandalas. The hymns are dedicated by the sages to the Gods. Much of the Indian philosophy is based on the Rig Veda. It also contains the famous ‘Gayatri Mantra’.
(b) The Sama Veda : It contains 1875 hymns, some of which are borrowed from the Rig Veda. These hymns were sung at the time of the sacrifice by the priests. These are sweet song or ‘the melody’.
(c) The Yajur Veda : It deals with rituals or the hymns recited during the performance of Yajnas. These are 2086 hymns.
(d) The Atharva Veda: It contains 731 hymns dealing with magic and charm. The hymns deals with the power of ghosts, spirits, gyan, karma and upasana.

Question 4.
What are the Upanishads ?
Answer:
The Upanishads are philosophical commentaries on the Vedas.These form the basic source of Indian philosophy. These were composed between 1000 BC 800 BC by different sages, they are said to form the foundation on which later additions to Vedic Literature rest.

Question 5.
What are the Dharmashastra ? Name one Dharmashastra.
Answer:
The law-books called the Dharmasutras and the Samritis together with their commentaries are called Dharamashastras. Manusmriti, which gives the description of Hindu code of law is a Dharmashastra.

Question 6.
What is known as Bhagwad Gita ?
Answer:
‘Bhagwad Gita’ is the compilation of the text, teachings imparted by Lord Krishna to Arjun explaining the importance of‘Karma’ or duty, immortal soul, the right way of life. It also includes the glimpse of Mahabharata battle. It is a sacred book of Hindus.

Question 7.
Mention the importance of the Epics as a source of information about the Aryans.
Answer:

  1. The Epics serve as the main source of information on the political institutions and the social and cultural organisation of the Epic Age.
  2. They provide information on the various Aryan Kingdoms, about their army and the weapons they used during the period.
  3. pics reveal the high ideals of family life of the Aryans.
  4. The Bhagwad Gita one of the Great Epics of the world elaborates the Karma philosophy and the immortality of the soul.

Question 8.
Which battle is known as the Mahabharata ?
Answer:
The battle fought between ‘Kurus’ or ‘Kauravas’ and ‘Pandus’ or ‘Pandavas’ along the battlefield of ‘Kurushetra’ is known as the ‘Mahabharata’.

Question 9.
Name the period during which the Aryans began to settle in India.
Answer:
The Aryans settled down in India between (1500-500 BC) i.e. Along Indus valley in Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC and Along Yamuna-Ganga basin in Later Vedic Period (1000-500 BC)

Question 10.
What are known as the Varnashramas ? Name them.
Answer:
There were four Varnashramas, e.g. Brahmacharya (upto 25 years), Grihastha (25-50 years)Vanaprastha (50-75 years) and Sanyasa Ashrama (75-100 years).

Question 11.
What was known as the ‘Sapta Sindhu’ ?
Answer:
The Indus basin was known as the ‘Sapta Sindhu’ or the land of seven rivers, namely Sindhu (Indus), Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Jhelum, Chenab and Saraswati.

Question 12.
How did trade become a pivot around which the life of the people revolved ?
Answer:
During the Later Vedic Age, trade became quite prominent; so the settlement or the towns and cities developed around the main trade centers. Thus, the city life moved according to the activities associated with the trade.

Question 13.
State the difference in the position of women between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic Age.
Answer:
During the Early Vedic Period women were respected. The institution of marriage had become sacred. The daughters were given freedom to choose their husbands. In the Later Vedic Period, there was significant decline in the status of women. Their participation in Yajnas was not considered necessary. They did not enjoy the right to property. Man’s opinion were respected. As a result the freedom to choose the husbands by women was curtailed.

Question 14.
Name the four ashrams into which the human life span was divided, indicating the time span for each.
Answer:
The four ashrams are Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa.

  1. Brahmacharya Ashrama : It lasted upto the age of 25 years. During this period, the pupil was expected to acquire knowledge in the gurukul and observe strict discipline.
  2. Grihastha Ashrama : During this period, man was supposed – to marry and raise a family. This period lasted from the age of 25 to 50 years.
  3. Vanaprastha Ashrama : It lasted from the age of 50 to 75 years. During this period man was expected to retire from worldly life and acquire spiritual and philosophical knowledge.
  4. Sanyasa Ashrama : The last stage lasts from the age of 75 to 100 years. This was the period of renunciation.

Question 15.
State briefly the change that occurred in the position of the Brahmins in the Later Vedic Age.
Answer:
In the Later Vedic period, Brahamins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras became four distinct castes or Varnas. The Brahmins or the priests performed religious rituals. During the Later Vedic Age, the caste system become rigid. The Brahmins enjoyed more privileges. The priests came to be considered as Gods on earth.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 16.
Give one point of difference between the Early Vedic Period and Later Vedic Period.
Answer:
The tribal stage of Early Vedic Period shifted to the settled pattern of life in Later Vedic Period. One family system was changed to joint family system.

Question 17.
Name two important duties of a King in the Later Vedic Period.
Answer:
Two important duties of a King in the Later Vedic Period included ‘Rajsuya Yajna’ at the time of coronation and ‘Ashvamedha Yajna’ to expand his realm. The another main duty of a king was to protect his territory.

Question 18.
Name the important officers appointed by the King to carry on his administration.
Answer:
The important officers appointed by the King were Gramins (officer in charge of village affairs), Purohita
(performing religious ceremonies) and Senani (Commander of army).

Question 19.
Name the two yajnas performed by the King.
Answer:
Two main yajnas performed by the King were ‘Rajsuya Yajna’ (at the time of coronation) and ‘Ashvamedha Yajna’ (to improve the power of the realm).

Question 20.
What is known as the ‘Battle of Ten Kings’ ?
Answer:
The period between 1000 BC and 600 BC is marked by the ‘Battle of Ten Kings’, fought between Sudas, a Bharata King of the Tritsu family and a confederacy of ten tribal chiefs led by Vishvamitra.

Question 21.
Name the important gods of the early Aryans.
Answer:
Worship of natural phenomena prevailed in early Aryans, e.g. Indra, Agni, Varuna, Mitra, Surya etc.

Question 22.
Name the Nature Gods of the Later Vedic Period.
Answer:
Nature Gods of the Later Vedic Age were Prajapati Brahma,Rama, Krishna (incarnation of Vishnu) and Shiva etc.

Question 23.
Name the God to which the famous Gayatri mantra is addressed.
Answer:
The famous Gayatri mantra is addressed to the Sun, the god of light and creation.

Question 24.
Name any two early Aryan settlements.
Answer:
The early Aryans settled in the Sapta-Sindhu region which comprised the five rivers of Punjab namely—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej and the river Indus (Sindhu) and the river Sarasvati.

Question 25.
Which is the oldest Vedic Literature.
Answer:
The Rig Veda is the oldest Vedic literature.

Question 26.
What does the Rig Veda contain?
Answer:
It contains hymns in praise of different Gods and Goddesses like – Indra, Varuna and Agni.

Question 27.
Mention any of the Vedic hymans that enables us to reconstruct the Early Vedic Civilization.
Answer:
Agni. Agni was the personification, of the ‘sacrificial fire’. Sacrifices or yanjas occupied a prominent place in the early Vedic religion. Agni was thought of a messenger or a bearer of offerings (of milk, grain, ghee, etc.) from men to Gods.

Question 28.
How can you say that the Rig Vedic Age was the Non-Iron using phase of Vedic history?
Answer:
The copper and the bronze were available in abundance, while the use of iron was not known to the Rig Vedic Age.

Question 29.
Name any two of the four Varnas.
Answer:
The Brahmins and the Kshtriyas.

Question 30.
What was the position of women in the Rig Vedic age?
Answer:
Women were treated as being equal with men. They took part in all religious rites. Women were given education. Girls had freedom in the choice of husbands. Monogamy any polygamy both were popular. Child-marriage the sati system and purdah did not exist among the Aryans. The women attended all the social functions and gatherings. People prayed for the birth of sons in particular, but there are no clues of prayers for the birth of a daughter.

Question 31.
What were the two main occupations of the Rig Vedic Aryans?
Answer:
Domesticiation of the animals and agriculture.

Question 32.
Name the two political institutions which exercised check on the powers of the King in the Rig Vedic period.
Answer:
The Samiti and the Sabha.

Question 33.
What form of worship did the Aryans follow during the early Vedic period?
Answer:
The early Vedic period comprised worshipping of several gods. The Aryans used to worship Gods of the Sky or Heaven, Gods of the Atmosphere Gods of the Earth, Sacrifices or the Yajnas.

Question 34.
Mention the important features of the religion of the early Vedic period.
Answer:
The religion of the early Vedic period was very simple. The people worshipped various forces of nature as manifestations of the Supreme God. Thus, they worshipped a number of Nature Gods. The Aryans did not build any temples of worshipped idols. They used to chant hymns in the open air. Sacrifices or the Yajnas occupied a prominent place in the early Vedic period.

Question 35.
State the importance of Sacrifices in the early Vedic ritual.
Answer:
The Aryans propitiated their Gods by performing sacrifices.
The common items of offerings for the sacrifice included ghee, milk, grain, flesh and soma juice. Every householder performed the sacrifice by kindling the sacred fire and reciting hymns. All the members of the family participated in these ceremonies.

Question 36.
Mention the important changes that took place in their religion of the later Vedic period.
Answer:
In the later Vedic period, Vajpeya sacrifice was performed by a new king at the time of his coronation. The Rajasuya sacrifice was performed to appease Gods in order to ensure the material well-being of the kingdom. The Ashvamedha sacrifice was performed for a powerful king to proclaim that he was the ‘King of Kings’.

Question 37.
Name any two newer regions occupied by the Aryans during the later Vedic period.
Answer:
During the later Vedic period, the Aryans occupied the region along the course of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna—Bihar, vast regions to the eash such as Kosala (each Utter Pradesh).

Question 38.
Mention the monumental evidence to suggest that Southern India had also become familiar with Iron in the later Vedic Age.
Answer:
Megalithic Monuments such as dolmens and cromlechs have been found all over South India. The word ‘megalith’ means large stone (mega + lith). A dolmen or a cromlech is a megalithic tomb with a large flat stone laid on upright ones. Iron tools, arrows and fragments of rice and other grains have been found, besides the skeletons of the persons buried in these graves. This is enough to show the transition from Copper and Bronze Age Culture to the Iron Age.

Question 39.
Mention any two of the Ashrams in the life of a man in Aryan society.
Answer:
The Brahmacharya Ashram and the Grihastha Ashram.

Question 40.
Mention the important subjects included in the courses of Gurukul education.
Answer:
Logic, Ethics, Military Science, Astronomy and Astrology were included in the course of study/ Mathematics, Law and Grammar were also important subjects of study besides Vedic literature.

Question 41.
Name the sacrifice that was performed by a king at the time of his coronation during the later Vedic age.
Answer:
The Ashvamedha sacrifice was performed by a king at the time of his coronation during the later Vedic age.

Question 42.
Name any two newer crops produced by the later Vedic Aryans.
Answer:
Virhi (rice) and wheat.

Question 43.
Name the important deities of the later Vedic period.
Answer:
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Lord Rama and Lord Krishna became popular deities during the Epic period. Durga, Kali and Parvati emerged as the important female deities.

Question 44.
Mention briefly the rituals and sacrifices of the later Vedic Aryans?
Answer:
Sacrifice became the most important part of the religion of the later Vedic Aryans. The ceremonies could be performed only by professional priests, many superstitious beliefs in spritis, spells and charms became part of their religion. Practice of Tapasya or penance occupied an important place in the religion. They believed in the principles of Karma (action) and Moksha (salvation).

Question 45.
Answer:
In the later Vedic period, the simple religious practices became complicated and ritualistic which were varied handled by the priests themselves as they had a vast knowledge of enchanting mantras in a meaningful manner to perform the holy rituals for a purpose, wish or some other reason. Hence, the priestly class was always given a prominent position in society in the later Vedic period.

Question 46.
Name the two Epics and their authors.
Answer:
The two Epics are the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Ramayana was written by the Sage Valmiki and the Mahabharata is believed to be the work of Ved Vyasa.

II. Structured Questions :

Question 1.
With reference to the sources of information about hie Vedic Age, write short notes on the following :
(a) The Epics
(b) Role of Iron Implements
Answer:
(a) The Epics — The Epics provide following information about the Vedic age :

  1. The Epics serve as the main source of information on the political institutions and the social and cultural organisation of the Epic Age.
  2. They provide information on the various Aryan Kingdoms, about their army and the weapons they used during the period. The Kshatriyas were entrusted with the defense of their kingdoms and they believed that death on the battlefield was the noblest act in the life of a warrior.
  3. The Epics are considered as the finest literary works of the ancient period and are acclaimed for their literary and philosophical value.
  4. They reveal the high ideals of family life of the Aryans.
  5. The great heroes, depicted in the Epics are the embodiment of high moral principles, and made a great impact on successive generations.
    The Bhagwad Gita elaborates the Karma philosophy and the immortality of the soul.

(b) Role of Iron Implements — In India, the Iron Age began in 1000BC. The village farming communities gradually dispersed in large parts of India from the Gangetic plains to the peninsular south. Iron was a harder metal than copper and bronze. It was cheap and available in plenty Iron deposits were found over large areas ; so man could use iron to make livelihood. It was used in the following areas :

  1. Agriculture: The Aryans with their agricultural background discovered the use of iron in India, which gradually gave rise of economic development. Discovery of iron gave them new implements like axes to clear the forest and cultivate the land. With the use of iron plough-heads, sickles and hoes, they could bring vast tracts of land under cultivation.
  2. Occupation : The use of iron gave rise to new trades by providing durable implements like saws, chisels, hammers, nails and tongs. This gave rise to such occupations as weaving, spinning, carpentry, tanning and tool-making.
  3. Defence : Because of its durability and easy availability, iron was extensively used in making weapons of war like swords, armours, shields and slings.

2. With reference to Vedic Literature, answer the following questions :
Question 2(a).
Give a brief account of the four Vedas.
Answer:

  1. The Rig Veda : It contains 1028 hymns divided into 10 mandalas. These hymns are dedicated to the gods and natural gifts and the prayers and meant for the welfare of the whole humanity.
  2.  The Sama Veda : It contains 1875 hymns as the songs sung by the sages and gods at the time of holy ceremonies.
  3. The Yajur Veda : There are 2086 hymns which were recited during ‘Yajnas’. There is also description of herbal medicines and their effects.
  4. The Atharva Veda : With 731 hymns, this veda deals with magic and charm. It also contains scientific knowledge and medicines, too.

Question 2(b).
What are known as Brahamanas and Aranyakas ?
Answer:
The Brahamanas : These are the commentary in prose of the vedas, which explain the social and religious importance of rituals as well as the value of sacrifices.
The Aranyakas: These are ‘forest books’ written for the guidance of the hermits and the students living in the forests. Their central theme is mysticism and philosophy.

3. With reference to Vedic Period answer the following questions :
Question 3(a).
Mention the periods of the Early and Later Vedic Periods.
Answer:
Early Vedic Period is from 1500 to 1000 BC and Later Vedic Period is from 1000 to 500 BC.

Question 3(b).
State three important changes that took place in the society in the process of its transition from the Early Vedic Period to the Later Vedic Period.
Answer:

  1. Single family system converted to Joint family system.
  2.  Equal rights enjoyed by women changed to declination in the status of women.
  3. General caste system converted to rigid caste system.

4. With reference to the Society during the Vedic Age, answer the following questions :
Question 4(a).
Explain briefly the class divisions that existed in the society.
Answer:
In the Early Vedic Period, the society was divided into different classes based on their profession. A person could adopt any profession of his choice.
People followed different professions which became hereditary in course of time. This resulted in the division of society into occupational classes. However, later on class system became caste system.
In the Later Rig Vedic Period, caste system emerged. The four main castes were — Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. The Brahmans or the priests performed religious rituals. The Kshatriyas participated in wars. The Vaishyas engaged in business and looked after agriculture as well as industry. The Shudras served the upper classes.

Question 4(b).
Explain the four stages in the life of an Aryan.
Answer:
In the Later Vedic Period, the whole life-span of an Aryan came to be divided into four periods. The four stages of life are known as four ashramas, each of 25 years duration. The four ashramas are Brahmacharya, Grithastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa.
The Brahmacharya Ashrama lasted upto the age of 25 years. During this period, the pupil was expected to acquire knowledge in the gurukul and observe strict discipline. During the period of the Grithastha Ashrama, (25 to 50 years) man was supposed to marry and raise a family. As a householder, he was to take responsibility of maintaining his family.
The third stage was Vanaprastha Ashrama. (50 to 75 years) During this period man was expected to retire from worldly life and acquire spiritual and philosophical knowledge.
The last stage (75 to 100 years) was the Sanyasa Ashrama. This was the period of renunciation. Man had to leave everything forever and go into meditation in order to attain moksha or salvation.

Question 4(c).
State the position of women in the Vedic period.
Answer:
In the Early Vedic Period women enjoyed the equal rights and their educational talents were not less than men, e.g., Maitreyi and Gargi were two famous women of that age, who were highly respected for their extraordinary knowledge and preaching magic of conversation. In the Later Vedic Period, there was significant decline in the status of women. Their participation in Yajnas was not considered necessary. They did not enjoy the right to property.

Question 5.
With reference to economic organisation of the people in the Vedic Period answer the following questions:
(a) State the methods used by the Aryans in agriculture.
(b) Why was domestication of animals very important to the Aryans ?
(c) How was trade managed during this period ?
Answer:
(a) Agriculture became quite prominent in Vedic Period. The use of various agricultural implements like iron plough shares, metal tools was in practice. The making of furrows for crops was evident with reference to Pusan in Rig Veda. Variety of crops were cultivated.

(b) Domestication of animals was very important for helping in agriculture and milk products.

(c) The trade became remarkable, as the growth of new towns and cities were developed linked with the trade activities e.g. metal crafts, carpentry, pottery, fishery, spinning, weaving etc. Although the coins were used in the trade, but barter system was still dominant.

6. With reference to the picture given answer the following questions :
Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 2

Question 6(a).
Describe briefly the life in a Gurukul.
Answer:
The life in a Gurukul was very simple. The students got up early in the morning for bath and prayers and after that they had to do all household duties, gardening and serving of their teachers. They learned the actual way to be healthy and efficient. The life was quite hard and the total sacrifice was practiced for obedience and duty.

Question 6(b).
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of studying in a Gurukul.
Answer:
Advantages : The students lived in Gurukul with their teacher and carried on all the household duties, too. It was beneficial for their physical, mental and spiritual development. They learned the basic rules of humanity and equality and the moral of simple living and high thinking.
Disadvantages : The students led a hard life without any personal choice or liking. The education was basically oral and the written tests were missing ; otherwise their ability would be better judged.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 7.
With reference to the Vedic age, answer the questions that follow :
(a) How did the kingdoms expand during the Later Vedic period ?
(b) Compare the duties of a king during Early Vedic period with those during the Later Vedic period.
(c) What position did the priestly class hold in the Later Vedic period ?
Answer:
(a) During the Later Vedic period, vast kingdoms were established, both through merger of villages and conquests. ‘Ashvamedha Yajna’ was performed for challenging the other kings to fight and transfer their realms to the winner king. In this way a king was to become from king to a ‘Chakravarti Samrat’, like the emperor Ashoka in later Mauryan period.

(b) The main duty of the king was the welfare and security of his tribe. But during the Later Vedic period, the king was dependent on the advice and directions given by the priests. In this way the welfare of the people became uncertain.

(c) In the Later Vedic Period, the priests became very important persons, as they performed all the religious ceremonies. Their status was very high ; so much so that they were worshipped as Gods due to their knowledge and special qualities of mind.

Question 8.
Discuss the sources to reconstruct the Early Vedic (Rig Vedic) Past the with reference to the following :
(a) Indra, the most favourite God of the Aryans
(b) Agni, the personification of Sacrificial fire
(c) References to the Cow in the Rig Vedic hymns
Answer:
(a) In the Rig Veda, Indra is the king of the gods and ruler of the heavens. Indra is the God of thunder and rain and a great warrior, a symbol of courage and strength. He leads the Deva (the gods who form and maintain Heaven) and the elements, such as Agni (Fire), Varuna (Water and Surya (Sun).
He thus fights in a timeless battle between good and evil. As the God of war, he is also regarded as one of the guardians of the directions, representing the East. As the favourite national go do the Vedic Indians, Indra has about 250 hymns dedicated to him in the Rigveda, more than those devoted to any other god and almost one fourth of the total number of hymns of the Rigveda.

(b) Agni, the Vedic god of fire who presides over the earth, has made transition into the Hindu pantheon of gods, without lossing his importance. With Vayu and Indra, who presided over the air and sky, he is one of the supreme gods in Rig Veda. The link between heaven and earth, he is associated with Vedic sacrifice, taking offerings to the other world in the fire. Agni is a deva, second only to Indra in the power and importance attributed to him in Vedic mythology. Agni stands for knowledge for it is seen by the learned people, covering all things that move and do not move and because it is summers the Devatas endowed with knowledge. The light Agni units is the light of knowledge, therefore it is known as illuminator of knowledge who lights up the path leading to truth.

(c) Cow has been a symbol of wealth since ancient Vedic times. In the Rig Veda, the cows figure frequently as symbols of wealth, and also in comparison with river goddesses. The Vedic god Indra is often compared to a bull. River are often linked to cows in the Rigveda.

Question 9.
Describe the social life of the Rig Vedic Aryans with reference to the following :
(a) The Family Structure
(b) Position of Women
(c) Varna System
Answer:
With reference to the given heads the social life of the Rig Vedic Aryans is described below :
(a) The Family Structure : The basic unit of the social structure was the ‘family’. The joint family system was prevalent. Houses in this age, were built of wood or reed. The Rig Vedic society was patriarchal in which Grihyapati (master of the house) dominated in family and social life.

(b) Position of Women : Women were given equal status to that of men in society. They were permitted to participate in all the religious rites. Gaining of education had not been restricted to them. There were women scholars who composed hymns and were well-versed in the sacred scriptures. Girls could seek husbands of their own choice. Monogamy was in custom, but polygamy was also practiced by many. Child-marriage, the Sati system and Purdah did not exist among the Aryans. The women attended all social functions and gatherings. The general tendency of people was to have male births rather than the females. They used to perform prayers seeking the birth of the male-child. But in case of females, people had a repulsive attitude they did not like to have female-baby.

(c) Varna System : One hymn in the last book of the Rig Veda refers to four orders of society — the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, the Vaisyas and the Shudras. The people who explained the Vedic texts and performed the religious ceremonies were called the Brahmins. Those who belonged to the ruling class, were the Kshatriyas. The common people, who were engaged in agriculture, trade and industry were the Vaisyas. The Shudras were the menial workers who did not have much to own. Scholars are of the opinion that the term ‘Varna’ in the Rig Veda, refers to the racial difference between the Aryans and non-Aryans. It is in this context that the terms Arya Varna and Dosa Varna came into use. There was no ban on the taking of food cooked by Shudras and no restrictions on intermarriages or change of occupation.

Question 10.
With reference to the following explain the main features of the Riv Vedic Economy :
(a) Domestication of Animals
(b) Agriculture
(c) Crafts and Trade Transactions
Answer:
With reference to the given headings, the economic life of the Rig Vedic Aryans is explained as follows :

(a) Domestication of Animals : The Rig Vedic Aryans had mainly a pastoral economy. Cattle formed an important item of dona (gifts) made to the priests. The word Gomat was used to signify a wealthy person. It meant the one who possessed many cattle, especially the cows and bulls. Other domesticated animals were the ox, the horse, the dog, the goat and the sheep.

(b) Agriculture : The Rig Vedic Aryans were mainly scattered in villages. They frequently prayed for plentiful rain and bountiful harvest, large herds of cattle and good health. It shows that agriculture was an important occupation of the village folk. However, the only grain referred to in the Rig Veda is Yava which could mean grain in general or barley in particular.

(c) Crafts and the Trade and Commerce : Men and women were engaged in weaving cloth. The metal-workers or the smiths were skilled in making weapons, implements and ornaments. The metal ayas mentioned in the Rig Veda is generally taken to mean copper or bronze, although it has been understood as iron also. The people were engaged in trade, cloth and leather goods being the main items. The barter system practiced for trade transactions. The cow was the standard unit of value.
They used horses and bullocks for carrying goods from place to place. They also transported goods through the inland rivers.

Question 11.
What information do we gather from the later Vedic literature in respect of :
(a) Spread of Vedic Civilization to many New Regions.
(b) Role of Iron in later Vedic Economy.
Answer:
(a) Aryas-expansion during the later Vedic age : As the population increased, the Aryans moved along the course of the river Ganga and Yamuna. The scene shifted from Punjab to the land of the Kurus which was the region round modem Delhi. Further, they occupied vast regions to the east, such as Kosala (each Uttar Pradesh), Kashi (Varanasi), Videha (North Bihar) and Magadha (South Bihar). The name Van gas” occurs in one of the Aranyakas (forest texts), which refers sto the people of Eastern Bengal. The Aitareya Brahmana mentioned the Andhras, who in modern times are the Telugu-speaking people of the sour them India. Thus, the territories occupied by the later Vedic Aryans, comprised the whole of India to the north of the Narmada and some regions even to the south of that river.

(b) In context of the use of Iron extensively during the later Vedic Age, the given headlines are described as under :
The regions in which the use of Iron was fairly widespread during the later Vedic Age, they were the modern States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Iron weapons such as arrowheads and spearheads and tools like— knives, axes and plough shares have been discovered from various painted Grey Ware sites. But in some parts of the country, the Red Ware (pottery) were more common than the Polished Grey Ware.

Question 12.
Describe the social changes evident in the later Vedic period with reference to :
(a) Position of Women
(b) Caste System
Answer:
With reference to the given heads the social changes evident in the later Vedic period are described as under :
(a) Position of Women : The honour or respect that the women of the Rig Vedic age had enjoyed had been lessened towards the later Vedic age. Although they continued to be associated with all religious rites, the rules of marriage underwent a change. If monogamy was the ideal, polygamy was practiced, atleast in higher sections of society. Widow-marriage, which was fairly common in the Rig Vedic age, was now regarded with disfavour. But the education which some women received, was of high order. The discourses of women philosophers are preserved in the Upanishads.

(b) Caste System : The Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoyed powers and privileges denied to the Vaisyas and the Shudras. By this time, besides the four major Varnas, many other caste groups had come into being like—the merchants, the chariot- makers, the smiths, the carpenters, the tanners, the fishermen etc. Membership of a caste had become hereditary and there was also a fixation of occupation on the basis of one’s caste¬grouping. The so-called untouchables were forced to live in separate settlements outside the village or the town boundaries.

Question 13.
In the later Vedic Age there was a marked change in the economic life of the Aryans. In this context describe:
(a) The growing important of Agriculture
(b) Variety of Crafts
(c) Changes in the field of Trade and Commerce
Answer:
In context of the marked change in the economic life of the Aryans, the given headlines are described as follows:
(a) The growing important of Agriculture : Rearing of cattle and other domestic animals continued, but it was now less important than agriculture. In addition to Yava or barley, a new crop Vrihi or rice had assumed greater significance. Fragments of both barley and rice have been found at Hastinapur and other place. The later Vedic Aryans produced many other crops such as wheat millet and sugarcane.

(b) Variety of Crafts : Different kinds of crafts had been introduced. The main reason behind it, could be the use of iron in large quantities. Iron weapons and tools have been recovered from various Painted Grey Ware or Black and Red Ware Sites. Crafts, such as pottery, leather-working, carpentry, making of jewellery and the manufacture of glass also flourished. Crafts specialisation had now become more common that, in early Vedic period. Thus, chariot-making developed as an occupation different from that of carpentry.

(c) Change in the field of Trade and Commerce : Important changes can be noticed in the field of trade and commerce. Commerce was made easier by the- use of such units of value as nishka and satmana. The reference to ships, indicates a flourishing in land maritime trade. A class of hereditary merchants (Vanija) existed now. Many of the professions were organised into guilds, which in later ages, controlled prices and ensured the quantity of the goods.

Question 14.
Explain the religious beliefs and forms of worship during the later Vedic Age with reference to :
(a) Gods and Goddesses they worshipped
(b) Rituals and Sacrifices they performed
Answer:
With reference to the given headlines, the religious beliefs and forms of worship during the later Vedi Age are explained below :

(a) Gods and Goddesses they worshipped : The Later Vedic Aryans used to worship Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They believed that Prajapati or Brahma was the creator. Vishnu the preserver, helped men and Gods in their distress. Shiva was regarded as Mahadeva the great god, and Pashupati, the Lord of animate beings. Rama and Krishna, who were incarnations of Lord Vishnu, became popular deities during the Epic period. Durga, Kali, Lakshmi and Parvati emerged as the important female duties of the people.

(b) Rituals and Sacrifices they performed : The simple religious practices turned complicated and ritualistic in the later Vedic period. Sacrifice became the most important part of their religion. People believed that Gods could be pleased only by performing elaborate sacrifices.
The ceremonies could be performed only by professional priests. Many superstitious beliefs in spirits, spells and charms became part of their religion.
Practice of Tapasya or penance occupied an important place in the religion.
They believed in the principles of Karma (action) and Moksha (salvation).

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 1

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Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 1 The Harappan Civilisation.

These Solutions are part of Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions. Here we have given. Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 1 The Harappan Civilisation.

I. Short Answer Questions :

Question 1.
What is meant by the term, ‘Civilisation’ ?
Answer:
Civilisation is defined as an advanced stage of human cultural development. It implies the use of superior technology and complex economic relationships. There are a number of traits which mark a civilisation. Some of these are :

  1. Evolution of cities
  2. Surplus food
  3.  Division of labour
  4. System of writing
  5. Monumental public buildings
  6. Development of technology.

Question 2.
Mention any three features that led to the emergence of civilisation.
Answer:

  1. The ruins of the sites reveal that the Harappan people were primarily urban and their cities were designed skillfully.
  2. The unique features of the city was its elaborate drainage system. A brick-lined drainage channel flowed alongside every street.
  3. The Great Bath was also unearthed. The pool was filled with water taken from a well nearby.The walls of the pool were made watertight using specially-made bricks and gypsum mortar.
  4. The Great Granary consisted of two blocks with an aisle between them. Each block had six halls with corridors. It was used for storing food grains.

Question 3.
What are known as Bronze Age Civilisations ?
Answer:
Man learnt the art of mixing copper with tin or zinc to produce the alloy called Bronze. Bronze is hard and more ductile than copper and is, therefore, more suitable for the manufacture of tools and weapons. Because of the importance of bronze in the growth of the civilisations, these civilisations are known as the Bronze Age Civilisation.

Question 4.
Name two important sources of information on the Harappan Civilisation.
Answer:
The discovery of Indus Valley Civilization by 2500 BC, the evidences of Harappan Civilisation were obtained, because Harappan site was first to be discovered in 1921 at the modern site of Harappa situated in the province of west in Punjab in Pakistan.
Due to the bronze things of that time, it is also called the Bronze Age Civilisation. Such knowledge and skills enabled people to advance to a new stage in the progress of civilisation.

Question 5.
Why did ancient man start using bronze for making tools and weapons ?
Answer:
Ancient man started using bronze for making tools and weapons because bronze is harder and more ductile than cooper. There fore, it is more suitable for the manufacture of tools and weapons.

Question 6.
Why is the Harappan Civilisation called so ?
Answer:
The Harappan civilisation is called so because the Harappan site was the first to be discovered in 1921 at the modem site of Harappa situated in the province of West Punjab in Pakistan.

Question 7.
What types of weights and measures did the Indus people use ?
Answer:
The Indus people used sets of Cubical Stone weights. The basic unit was 16 (equal to modern 14 grams). The larger weights were multiples of 16 like 32, 48, 64, 128 and so on. The smaller ones were all fractions of 16.

Question 8.
Name one important public building of IndusValley Civilisation and its importance.
Answer:
Citadel: The raised area of each city was called the ‘Citadel’. The platform was built of mud-bricks. All important buildings like the Great Bath, the granary, the assembly hall and workshops were located on the Citadel.

Question 9.
Name the process by which sculpture in metal was done.
Answer:
The cities like Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Lothal were important centers of metallurgy. With the help of mud frames, the people built metal statues and other items like jewellery, e.g. dancing girl statue.

Question 10.
What do you know about the Indus Script ?
Answer:
The Indus Script has not been deciphered as yet. So, the only source of script are some seals and copper tablet. Seals display some sort of pictorial writing. Besides this, similar inscriptions have been found engraved on copper tablets with figures of men and animals.

Question 11.
Mention the types of dress worn by the Indus Valley people.
Answer:Most people used cotton clothes. Rich people also used woollen clothes in winter. The women’s dress included skirts, cloaks and scarfs and the men’s dress was dhoti and shawl. Spinning wheels and needles of that time prove the art of spinning was practiced by the people.

Question 12.
State two features of the trade in the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer:
The elaborate social structure and standard of living confirmed the presence of Trade in the Indus Valley Civilisation, e.g., the cities like Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Lothal were important centers of metallurgy. Balakot and Chanhudaro were centres for shell-working and bangle-making.

Question 13.
Name any three animals depicted on the Pashupati seal.
Answer:
Seals of Pashupati shows a three-faced deity wearing a buffalo¬horned head dress, seated cross-legged on a throne and surrounded by an elephant, a tiger, a buffalo and a rhinoceros, with two deer at his feet.

Question 14.
State any two causes that led to the decline of the Harappan Civilisation.
Answer:
(a) Deforestation: Enormous quantity of wood was used in the first civilisation to produce bronze. Jewellery was also made by wood. Wood was needed to bake bricks, pottery, stoneware and to make boats and furniture. These activities lead to
deforestation resulting in changes in the climate.

(b) Earthquake: Earthquakes caused changes in the course of the Indus river which led to the inundation of the hinterland of Mohenjo-daro.

Question 15.
In what two respects is Harappan Civilisation our greatest heritage ?
Answer:
The Harappan Civilisation present a basic ground of indispensable heritage which imparts a solid imprint on the latter civilsations, e.g. the way of making baked pottery, bricks, beads, jewellery etc. The cultivation of cotton was adopted by the Egyptians after several centuries.

Question 16.
By whom was the city of Mohenjo-daro discovered ?
Answer:
In 1922,R.D. Banerjee, discovered the city of Mohenjo-daro,by excavating a mound, thinking it to be a Buddhist Stupa. This was the city of Mohenjo-daro, the ‘mound of the dead’, as the name implies.

Question 17.
Who discovered the city of Harappa ?
Answer:
Under Lord Curzon in 1901, Sir John Marshall was the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, who revealed the Harappan Civilisation around the city of Harappa.

Question 18.
State two chief features of residential houses in Mohenjo-daro.
Answer:
The residential houses were made on high mound to protect them from floods. The houses were equipped with spacious rooms, wells, bathrooms with covered drains.

Question 19.
How do we say that the Harappan people had certain religious beliefs ?
Answer:
Although no remains of temples or worship-places have been found except the fire-altars at Kalibangan ; but the seals and figurines etc. reveal many features of Hinduism such as the worship of the Mother Goddess, Pashupati Shiva, sacred animals and trees etc.

Question 20.
How do we know that the Harappans believed in animal worship ?
Answer:
The Harappans worshiped the animals. Animal worship as a part of religious beliefs is indicated by the representation of animals on the seals and in terracotta and stone figurines.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 21.
Mention the evidences which suggest that the Harappan people had trade relations with other countries.
Answer:
The Harappan people had commercial relations with southern and eastern. India, Kashmir and with other countries of Asia. They imported various metals, precious stones and other articles. They also carried on their trade with Egypt and Crete. Objects of Sumerian origin found at the ruins of the Indus cities indicate that their trade relations between these countries were actively practiced into. Trade was carried on both by land and sea-routes. The seal bearing a mastless ship holds the eviden of the popularity of the sea-routes.

Question 22.
Describe the famous sculpture in metal which was found among the ruins of the city of Mohenjo-daro.
Answer:
The most outstanding work in metal is the bronze figure of a dancing girl with her right hand on her hip in a dancing posture. She is shown, wearing necklaces and her left arm is covered with bangles, made of ivory or bone. Her hair is neatly fashioned in the form of a bun and her head is tilted slightly backward.

Question 23.
Give one evidence to show that the Harappan people excelled in the art of sculpture in the following:
(a) in metal
(b) in stone
(c) in terracotta
Answer:
Evidence of Harappan people’s excellent artistry regarding the mentioned heads are as follows :
(a) The figure of the dancing girl carved out of bronze metal.
(b) The two stone-status, one that of a nobleman or a priest and the other that of a Male Torso in red stone stand sufficient evidence of skill of the Harappan people’s sculpture in stone.
(c) The terracotta figurine of the Mother-Goddess and other terracotta figures of a bull, dogs, sheep, birds, men and women.

Question 24.
What evidence has been found to suggest that the Harappan people were familiar with the art of writing?
Answer:
The seals discovered at Harappan and Mohenjo-daro are engraved with some sort of pictorial writing. Similar inscriptions have been found engraved on copper tables with figures of men and animals.

Question 25.
Mention any two features of the Harappan script.
Answer:
Two features of the Harappan script are:

  1. The Harappan script is pictorial.
  2. The script has been engraved on the seals and on copper tables.

Question 26.
Mention three different kinds of Seals discovered of the varioius sites of the Harappan Valley Civilization.
Answer:
Three different kinds of Seals discovered are:

  1. The Animal Seals.
  2. The Unicom Seal.
  3. The Shiva Pashupati Seal.

Question 27.
Mention the evidences which suggest that the Harappan people worshipped :
(a) the Mother Goddess,
(b) the Shiva Pashupati, and
(c) the trees and animals.
Answer:
On the basis of the following evidences we can say that the Harappan people worshipped different deities and objects :
(a) Many terracotta figuriness and seals discovered, bear the picture of a female deity, identified as the Mother Goddess. The female figures are seminude, they wear elaborate head dresses and ornaments. Some of the figures are smoke- stained which may mean that the people burnt incense before the deity at the time of worship. People worshipped this Goddess believing in the female energy as the source of all creation.

(b) A particular seal discovered, bears remarkable figure of a male deity, identified as Lord Shiva. The figure is tri-faced with horns one either side of his head dress, is seated in
a yogic posture on a throne surrounded by animals.The discovery of a large number of conical and cylindrical stones that resemble the Shiva Linga, suggest that the Harappan people worshipped Lord Shiva.

(c) A certain religious seals discovered are found to bear designs, which means that they worshipped trees and animals. They considered Pipal tree sacred as it was a source of wisdom as they believed.
Also, they worshipped the bull, the rhinoceros, the tiger and the crocodile. The figure of a deity with a hooded cobra over its head and a worshipper on either side signifies that some form of Naga-worship was in fashion.

Question 28.
What is the evidence to suggest that the Harappan people worshipped trees and animals?
Answer:
The seals are valuable source of information regarding the physical features of the people, their religious beliefs etc. The designs on certain religious seals show that people worshipped trees and animals.

Question 29.
Mention any two probable causes for the decline and disappearance of the Harappan Civilization.
Answer:
Roods or earthquakes might have caused the destruction of the cities.

Question 30.
What is meant by the word ‘Mesopotamia’?
Answer:
The word ‘Mesopotamia’ means the region between the two rivers.

Question 31.
Mention any two features to suggest that the Harappan people enjoyed a higher standard of civic amenities than those Mesopotamia.
Answer:
Harappan people enjoyed a higher standard of civic amenities than those of Mesopotamia. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro and also its many houses with their own water supply, bathrooms and excellent drainage system, all go to say that “the masses enjoyed a degree of comfort and luxury unknown in other parts of the civilized world.”

Question 32.
What evidences are found for us to know about the following:
(a) Food of the Indus Valley people.
(b) Dress and Ornaments worn by the people.
Answer:
In context of the mentioned headlines in the questions evidences that are found are described below :
(a) The principal diet of the Indus Valley people consisted of _ wheat and barley which were regularly cultivated. Rice and dates were also eaten. Milk, vegetables and fruits were also eaten. Milk, vegetables and fruits were also there. Beef, mutton, poultry, turtle, tortoise, river-fish and shell-fish were commonly used.

(b) The various sculptured figures show that people used to wear simple dress. Men used two pieces of cloth i.e., the upper garment, that was a shawl which was drawn over the left shoulder and under the right arm; the lower garment resembled a modem dhoti. Female dress did not differ much from that of the male. Women used a loin cloth bound by a girdle. Common fabrics were commonly used, perhaps wool was also used.

Male and female both were fond of wearing ornaments. Gold, silver, copper, other metals and precious stones were used for making various ornaments of different designs. Men and women used to wear necklaces, finger-rings and armlets. Women decorated themselves with a head-dress, earrings, bangles, bracelets, girdles and anklets.

Question 33.
Why did the Indus Valley Civilization come to be known as Harappan Civilization?
Answer:
The archaeologists made various excavations in the north-western region of India which led to the discovery of the ruins of the pre-historic cities of Harappan in West Punjab and Mohenjo-daro in Sind. The sites of early excavations were found on the river Indus and its tributaries. Therefore, Indus Valley Civilization came to be known as Harappan Civilization.

II.  Structured Questions :

Question 1.
With reference to the emergence of civilisation, answer the following questions :
(a) What is meant by Civilisation ?
(b) What are the main traits which mark a civilisation ?
(c) Explain briefly man’s progress from the stone age to Bronze Age civilisation.
Answer:
(a) Civilisation is defined as an advanced stage of human cultural development. It implies the use of superior technology and complex economic relationships.

(b) There are a number of traits which mark a civilisation. Some of these are :

  1. Evolution of cities
  2.  Surplus food
  3.  Division of labour
  4. System of writing
  5. Monumental public buildings
  6. Development of technology.

(c) The period between 4000 and 3000 BC saw remarkable progress. Man acquired greater knowledge and skill in mastering the forces of nature. He took to agriculture and began to make more efficient tools and started living more or less a settled life on the banks of rivers. So a number of dispersed farming villages evolved first into towns and then into cities. The river valleys had the agricultural potential needed to support a dense population and produce surplus food. The surplus food freed some people from the task of producing their own food. Such individuals gradually became specialists and developed a substantial range of new skills such as writing, using metals and making their alloys, seal-making and large-scale construction. Such knowledge and skills enabled people to advance to a new stage in the progress of civilisation.

Question 2.
With reference to the sources of information about the Harappan Civilisation, describe the significance of each of the following :
(a) Great Bath
(b) Seals
(c) Script
Answer:
(a) The Great Bath : The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro is a massive structure which throws light on the life of the people and culture of the Harappan Civilisation :

  1. The construction of the Great Bath indicates that the art of building had reached a high degree of perfection at that time.
  2. The massive structure points out that there might have existed a ruling class that could mobilise labour, collect taxes arid build such a huge structure for the public.
  3. Most of the scholars agree that the Great Bath might have been used for religious purposes. This indicates the importance attached to ceremonial bathing in sacred tanks, pools and rivers since time immemorial.
  4.  The design of the Great Bath portrays the efficient planning in the structural features relating to water supply and sewage disposal.

(b) Seals : The seals were used by traders to stamp their goods.After a bag with goods was tied, a layer of wet clay was applied on the knot, and the seal was pressed on it. Because of the trade, these seals were found in different regions. These seals indicate that the Harappan trade had spread over a vast area.

(c) Script : The Harappans used a script which is regarded as pictographic since its signs represent birds, fish and varieties of the human form. The number of signs of Harappan script is known to be between 375 and 400. The script is found inscribed on a number of seals, copper tools, rims of jars, copper and terra-cotta tablets, jewellery and on an ancient signboard.

Question 3.
With reference to Harappan Culture, answer the following questions :
(a) Discuss briefly how the Harappan Civilisation was discovered.
(b) Describing the extent of civilisation
(c) ISame any tour cities of Harappan Civilisation
Answer:
(a) Under Lord Curzon in 1901, Sir John Marshall, the Director General of Archaeological Survey of India, revealed the Harappan Civilisation near Harappa in Punjab. In 1921, Dayaram Sahni, an officer in the Archaeological. Survey of India got ruins dug out, around Harappa. In 1922, R.D. Banerjee along with a Buddhist monk found the city of Mohenjo-daro under a mound. Later, Sir John Marshall ordered large-scale excavations,

(b) The entire area of the Harappan civilisation is triangular in shape covering an area of about 1, 299, 600 sq. km,
extending from Sutkagendor in Baluchistan in tlje west to Alamgirpur, in Ganga Yamuna Doab and from Manda in Jammu in north to Bhagatrav in Narmada estuary in the south.

(c) Manda, Banawali,Kalibangan, Alamgirpur, Lothal, Rupar and Rangpur are among the chief cities of Harappan Civilisation.

4. With reference to the chief features of the Harappan Civilisation, write short notes on each of the following:
Question 4(a).
Town planning.
Answer:
Town planning: It is the most remarkable feature of the Harappan Civilisation. The Indus cities were set up on a grid-pattern, consisting of regular planning with divisions, alignment of streets, planning of the houses and public buildings with the provision of thorough fares.

Question 4(b).
Special features of the houses of the people.
Answer:
The houses at street corners were rounded to allow carts to pass easily and the house drains emptied all waste water into the street drains.

Question 4(c).
Common elements between Mohenjo-daro and Harappan Civilisations.
Answer:
Common elements between Mohenjo-daro and Harappan Civilisation are as follows:

  1. Both are located on the banks of the Indus river i.e. Mohenjo- daro on the right and Harappa on the left banks.
  2. Both acquire a circuit of 5.0 km.
  3. Ground plans of construction were the same.
  4. Water supply, drainage, granaries were common in management.
  5.  Some of the unique features were common, e.g. indoor plumbing, brick-lined drain pipes and sewage channels.

Question 5.
With reference to public buildings of Harappan Civilisation, answer the following questions :
(a) State the importance of Great Bath.
(b) How were the granaries built and what was their importance?
Answer:
(a) Great Bath : It is one of the largest public-buildings of Mohenjo-daro, measuring 108 x 180 feet with a bathing pool 39 feet long and 28 feet wide and 8 feet deep with two organisation of steps on the north and south side. The water was provided by a well in an adjacent room. There were porticos and rooms and a stairway leading to an upper storey, which are supposed to be used for some priesthood or changing the clothes. It might be used for a ritual bath.

(b) Granaries : These measured 45.71 meters in length and 15.23 meters in breadth in Mohenjo-daro. In Harappa, there were two rows of six granaries, each measuring 15.23 x 6.09 meters with adjoining working floors meant for threshing grains, as wheat and barley have been found in the crevices of the floors. There were barracks for accommodating labourers.

6. With reference to art and sculpture of the Indus Valley people answer the following questions :
Question 6(a).
Describe any important objects of sculpture made by the Harappans.
Answer:
A large number of stone images have been found; out of these the statue of a yogi drapped with a shawl is well- known. Bronze statues of a dancing girl, animals and carts etc. are noteworthy.

Question 6(b).
How did Indus pottery reflect the potter’s artistic skill ?
Answer:
Harappans produced their own characteristic pottery which was made glossy and shining. Earthen vessels and pottery, crafted on the potter’s wheel, were decorated with black geometrical designs. The large jars with narrow necks and red pots with black decoration bear evidence of their artistic skill.

Question 7.
Study the picture of the seal and answer the questions that follow :
(a) Identify the seal in the given picture. Why were the seals used ?
(b) Of what material were these seals made ?
(c) What do the seals reveal about the Harappans ?
Total History and Civics Class 9 ICSE Morning Star Solutions Chapter 1.1
Answer:
(a) The seal given in the picture is Pashupati Seal.
The seals were used for trade in vast area of Indus valley, as these have been found from various spots spread over the civilisation sites. The seals with short inscriptions give some messages which cannot be deciphered yet.

(b) The seals were made of terra-cotta, steatite, agate etc.

(c) The seals reveal the mythical and religious beliefs. The figures carved in the seals depict the worship of Mother Goddess and Pashupatinath and various animals, trees etc.

8. With reference to the religious belief of the Harappans, state the following :
Question 8(a).
The sources of information about the religious beliefs of the Harappans.
Answer:
The information about the religious beliefs mostly comes from the seals, seal impressions, terracotta and metal figurines, cemeteries, etc. On the basis of the knowledge obtained from the seals, figurines it has been inferred that the Harappan people had many features of later Hinduism.

Question 8(b).
Their belief in Mother Goddess.
Answer:
They worshipped the Mother Goddess who bears some resemblance to the one that was worshipped in the Middle East and Europe. The Harappans looked upon the earth as the Goddess of Fertility. A plant is shown growing out of the body of a woman resembling the Goddess of earth.

Question 8(c).
Worship of Nature.
Answer:
The Harappans worship the elements of nature. They worship trees, fire and water. Besides, animal worship was also a part of religious beliefs. It is indicated by the representation of animals on the seals and in terracotta and stone figurines.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 9.
Describe the social life of the Harappan people with reference to :
(a) Their Diet.
(b) Their Dress.
(c) Their Ornaments.
(d) Their Sports and Games.
Answer:
The social life of the Harappan people with reference to the given heads is discussed as under :
(a) Their Diet : The principal diet of the people consisted of wheat and barley. Rice and dates were also consumed.Milk, vegetables and fruits were also eaten. Beef, mutton, poultry, turtle, tortoise, river-fish were commonly used.

(b) Their Dress : The Harappan people wore simple dress.The dress of men constituted two pieces of cloth the upper garment was a shawl which was drawn over the left shoulder and under the right arm; the lower garment resembled a modern dhoti. Women used a loin cloth bound by a girdle. The cotton and woollen garments were commonly worn.

(c) Their Ornaments : Both men and women whether rich or poor were fond of wearing ornaments. The ornaments were guilded out of gold, silver, copper and other well- known metals, and precious stones were used for making various ornaments of different designs. Both men and – women wore necklaces, finger-rings and armlets. Women also decorated themselves with a head-dress, earrings, bangles, bracelets, girdless and anklets.

(d) Their Sports and Games : Dicing was a popular game among the people. Marbles and balls were used for games.The Harappan people were fond of music and dancing. Clay-modelling was popular among children. Crude models of men, women, animals and whistles, rattles and dolls have been found in abundance. People loved hunting and Fishing.

Question 10.
What do you know abnout the trade and commercial activities of the Harappan people?
Answer:
The Harappan People had commercial tie-ups with southern and eastern India, Kashmir and with other countries of Asia. They imported various precious stones and other articles. They also carried on trade with Egypt and Crete. Trade was earned on both by land and sea-routes. The representation of a mastless ship on a seal suggests the popularity of the sea-routes.

Question 11.
With refernce to the art and craft of the Harappan people, explain their achievements in the following fields:
(a) The Art of Sculpture.
(b) The Art of Carving.
Answer:
The art and craft of the Harappan people with reference to the fields mentioned, is explained below :
(a) The Art of Sculpture : The Harappan people were very skillful at the art of Sculpture. They were very much acquainted with different metals like—gold, silver, copper bronze etc. Also, they had a vast knowledge of precious stones. They used all these metals and stones in making different kinds of statues and figurines. The bronze figure of a dancing girl is one of the commendable pieces of art of sculpture. Then, their sculpture in stone is no less by any means. The statue of a nobleman or a priest and a Male Torso in red stone speak volumes of their art of sculpture. Sculpture in terracotta is yet another master-piece of their art, the terracotta figurine of the Mother- Goddess is an exquisite of sculpture. Several other terracotta figures, of a bull, dogs, sheep, birds, men and women hold evidence of their skill at sculpture.
(b) The Art of Carving : The Indus people excelled in the art of carving. The figures of animals carved on the seals, show a high degree of excellence. A variety of figures of animals such as bull, the buffalo, the bison, the elephant and the mythological unicorn is worth seeing.

Question 12.
India is well-known for her deep-rooted tradition in arts and crafts. Substantiate this statement by a brief mention of the following :
(a) The Harappan Pottery.
(b) Harappan art of Spinning.
(c) Harappan Metal-craft.
Answer:
Indians have learn quite a lot in the field of art and craft from the Harappan art and craft which is discussed as under :
(a) The Harappan Pottery : The workmanship of the Harappan potters is admirable. They made pottery of various shapes and sizes on a potter’s wheel. Different types of pots, jars and vases were made. Pots meant for daily use were plain and those which were used for preserving valuables, were glazed and painted. The discovery of pottery kilns reveals that pottery was fired with great care and skill.
(b) Harappan art of Spinning : A huge number of spindles have been discovered in their houses which indicates that spinning of cotton and wool was common among the people. Spindles and spindle-whorls were made of terracotta or porcelain.
The discovery of a dyer’s vat on the site reveals that they were familiar with the art of dyeing their fabrics.
(c) Harappan Metalcraft : The Harappan people were quie familiar with the art of using metals like—gold, silver and copper. Smiths of various kinds possessed technical skill in producing beautiful jewellery; in boring camelian beds; in casting metals and in creating alloys. A high aesthetic sense is revealed in the exquisite designs of gold ornaments like—necklaces, armbands, bangles, girdles, silver bracelets and earrings worn by the Harappan women.The artisans smelted bronze and produced vessels of fine quality. Copper vessels were made from sheet-metal.

Question 13.
The Seals may be considered as the most valuable finds of the Harappan Civilization. In this context give:
(a) Details of the Animals Seals, the Unicorn Seal and the Pashupati-Seal.
(b) Reasons why the Seals are important.
Answer:
The Seals have been considered as the most valuable finds of the Harappan Civilization, their importance is described below :
(a) More than 2000 seals of different types have been discovered from the various sites. These are usually square or oblong and made of terracotta, steatite or ivory. Some seals are engraved with the figures of animals the buffalo, bull, elephant, tiger and antelope. The best engravings are those of the humped-bull, the buffalo and the bison.
Another figure shown on the Seals is that of the Unicom with a single protruding horn. A particular object is placed in front of the unicorn, which may have some religious significance with ceremonial worship.

The Pashupati-Seal depicts three-faced deity, seated in a yogic posture with a homed head-dress and surrounded by animals. Later excavations revealed two more seals of Shiva—one seal depicts a three-faced deity seated on low dais; the other shows only one face with flowers springing from the head between the horns.

(b) The importance of the Seals can not be underestimated. The figures engraved on the Seals provide information about the physical features, dress, ornament and hair-style of the people and also we learn about the animals they kept. They throw light on the religious faith and beliefs of the people. They give us an idea about their commercial activities. They reveal remarkable skill of the artists. They show the script of the people.

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