Short & Long Questions: Early Empires | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is a janapada?
Ans: A janapada is a territory where people settled and lived.

Q2: What were some of the changes in how rajans were chosen around 600 BCE?
Ans: Rajans were now chosen based on their military skills, promises of protection, and performing important rituals like the Ashvamedha sacrifice.

Q3: What were the two important developments in agriculture during this time?
Ans: The use of iron tools, like ploughshares, and the technique of paddy transplantation.

Q4: How was tax collected in the mahajanapadas?
Ans: Tax was collected in the form of crops, with the king's share being fixed at one-sixth of the produce (shatbhaga).

Q5: What were two new religions that became popular during this period?
Ans: Jainism and Buddhism.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the evolution of janapadas into mahajanapadas.
Ans: Janapadas were territories where people settled and lived. Around 600 BCE, rulers started to be chosen based on military prowess and performing rituals. This led to the emergence of larger political entities known as mahajanapadas. These were powerful kingdoms formed by different janapadas.

Q2: How did advancements in agriculture contribute to the prosperity of the mahajanapadas?
Ans: The use of iron tools like ploughshares made it easier to cultivate the land, leading to increased agricultural production. Additionally, the technique of paddy transplantation resulted in higher yields. This surplus agricultural production formed the economic foundation of the mahajanapadas.

Q3: Describe the varna system as it was practiced in the janapadas and mahajanapadas.
Ans: The varna system classified people into four groups: brahmanas (priests), kshatriyas (warriors), vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and shudras (laborers). Initially, it was skill-based, but it later became hereditary, meaning people were born into their respective groups. However, not everyone accepted this system.

Q4: Why was the period between 600 BCE and 300 BCE considered a time of religious turmoil?
Ans: During this period, the brahmanas started dominating religious practices, emphasizing complex rituals, sacrifices, and the vama system. This led to dissatisfaction among the people, who sought different religious options. As a result, Jainism and Buddhism, two new religions, became popular.

Q5: Discuss the significance of Magadha and Vajji during this period.
Ans: Magadha emerged as the strongest mahajanapada due to its fertile land, natural resources, and strong rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru. It eventually laid the foundation for the powerful Mauryan dynasty. On the other hand, Vajji was a unique republic without a single monarch, governed by an assembly. The Lichchhavis, a powerful clan within Vajji, were followers of the Buddha. They played a significant role in the region's political landscape.