Important Chapters from NCERT Class 6 History and Summaries | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction to the Mauryan Empire:

The Mauryan Empire, established by Chandragupta Maurya, included prominent cities like Pataliputra (the capital), Taxila, and Ujjain. These cities were essential for administration and trade. Chandragupta's rule was supported by Chanakya, who authored the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft and economic policy.

1. Ashoka’s Rule:

   • Ashoka, one of the most renowned Mauryan rulers, used inscriptions in Prakrit, written in the Brahmi script, to communicate his policies and moral principles to the public.
   • The Kalinga war was a pivotal event in Ashoka's life. Witnessing the horrors of war led him to renounce violence and embrace Dhamma.

2. Ashoka’s Dhamma:

   • Ashoka's Dhamma emphasized moral values and social welfare rather than religious rituals or sacrifices. His principles included non-violence, respect for all religions, and humane treatment of servants and slaves.
   • Dhamma Mahamatta, officials appointed by Ashoka, were tasked with spreading these principles across the empire. His messages were inscribed on rocks and pillars for public dissemination.

3. Administrative Policies:

   • The vast Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces with local customs respected. Provincial capitals like Taxila and Ujjain managed regional governance.
   • The central administration, based in Pataliputra, collected taxes, controlled resources, and maintained infrastructure such as roads and rivers.

4. Megasthenes' Account:

   • Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador, described the grandeur of Chandragupta’s court and the capital city, Pataliputra. His accounts provide valuable insights into the Mauryan administration and culture.

5. Legacy of Ashoka:

   • Ashoka’s policies promoted social harmony and welfare, leaving a lasting impact on Indian society. His symbol, the lion capital, is now the national emblem of India, featured on currency notes and official documents.

Post-Mauryan Developments

1. Successor Kingdoms:

   • After the Mauryan Empire's decline, various kingdoms emerged, including the Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Kushanas, and Satavahanas. Each contributed to India's cultural and political landscape.
   • The Gupta Empire eventually rose to prominence, marking a significant period in Indian history.

2. Cultural and Economic Changes:

   • This period saw the expansion of agriculture, the growth of towns, and the development of trade routes. Land and sea routes facilitated trade with West Asia, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.
   • Significant advancements in architecture, literature, and science occurred, including the construction of temples and stupas.

Conclusion

The Mauryan Empire, especially under Ashoka, played a crucial role in shaping ancient Indian history. Ashoka's adoption of Dhamma over war and his efforts to promote social welfare and harmony set a unique precedent in governance. The subsequent rise of various kingdoms after the Mauryan Empire's decline indicates the dynamic and evolving nature of India's political and cultural landscape. Understanding the legacy of the Mauryan Empire and Ashoka's transformative policies is essential for appreciating the historical foundations of modern India, making it a vital topic for UPSC aspirants.

Chapter 10: New Empires and Kingdoms

Introduction:

In ancient India, rulers like Samudragupta, Harshavardhana, and Pulakeshin II left behind valuable records known as prashastis. These inscriptions, composed to praise their achievements, provide insights into their reigns, military conquests, administrative policies, and societal structures. Let's delve into what these prashastis reveal about these influential rulers and their times.

Summary:

• Prashastis and Their Importance: Prashastis are inscriptions praising rulers. They provide valuable historical details about kings like Samudragupta, Harshavardhana, and Pulakeshin II.

• Samudragupta's Prashasti: Samudragupta's prashasti, written by Harishena, praises him as a brave warrior, learned king, and talented poet. It describes his conquests across different regions.

• Four Types of Rulers: Harishena's account categorizes rulers Samudragupta dealt with:

  • Aryavarta rulers: Nine kings were defeated, and their lands became part of Samudragupta's empire.
  • Dakshinapatha rulers: Twelve rulers surrendered or were defeated but were allowed to rule under Samudragupta.
  • Neighbouring states: States like Assam, Bengal, and Nepal paid tribute and attended Samudragupta's court.
  • Outlying rulers: Descendants of Kushanas, Shakas, and Sri Lankan rulers submitted to Samudragupta.

• Genealogies (Lists of Ancestors): Prashastis mention ancestors to legitimize rule. Samudragupta's ancestors were respected rulers, and his son Chandragupta II continued his legacy.

• Harshavardhana and His Rule: Harshavardhana ruled around 1400 years ago. His biography, Harshacharita, by Banabhatta, describes his conquests and conflicts, especially with Pulakeshin II.

• Pulakeshin II and the Chalukyas: Pulakeshin II ruled the Chalukya dynasty. His prashasti by Ravikirti praises his conquests against rivals like Harshavardhana and the Pallavas.

• Administrative Practices: Early kingdoms collected taxes and governed through local assemblies like Sabhas (for Brahmins), Urs (village assemblies), and Nagarams (merchant guilds).

• Military and Social Structure: Kings maintained armies of elephants, chariots, cavalry, and foot soldiers. Military leaders (samantas) supported them with troops in exchange for land.

• Ordinary People's Lives: Plays by Kalidasa show the lives of common people. For instance, 'Abhijnana Shakuntalam' tells stories in Sanskrit, while plays reveal societal divisions.

• Treatment of Untouchables: Fa Xian, a Chinese traveller, observed how untouchables lived on city outskirts and used wood to maintain distance from others.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the prashastis offer a vivid window into the lives and achievements of ancient Indian rulers. Through these inscriptions, we glimpse their military prowess, administrative acumen, and the complexities of their societies. They not only glorify the rulers but also illuminate the diverse cultural and social fabric of their times, providing valuable historical insights that continue to enrich our understanding of ancient India.

This summary encapsulates the essence of prashastis and their significance in studying ancient Indian history, making it an essential topic for UPSC aspirants seeking a deeper grasp of the period.