Short Questions: Kingdoms, Kings & an Early Republic | NCERT Summary: UPSC PDF Download

Q1: How did men become rulers in the past?
Ans: Some of the rajas (rulers) were probably chosen by the jana. the people. Around 3,000 years ago, we find some changes taking place in the ways in which rajas were chosen. Some men recognised as rajas, became rulers by performing very big sacrifices.

Q2: Explain the term Hater Vedic’.
Ans: We have many books that were composed in north India, especially in the areas watered by the Ganga and the Yamuna, during later Rigvedic age. As these books were composed after the Rigveda, they are generally called later Vedic (or later Vedic literature). These include the Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda, as well as other books. These were composed by priests and described how rituals were to be performed. They also contained rules about society.

Q3: Write a brief note on P.G.W. or Painted Grey Ware.
Ans: P.G.W. or the Painted Grey Ware:

• Plates and bowls are the most common vessels made out of Painted Grey Ware. These are extremely fine to touch, with a nice, smooth surface.
• Perhaps Painted Grey Wares were used on special occasions, for important people and to serve special types of food.

Q4: Make a list of all those who would be present at the sacrifice.
Ans: The raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice. Specially trained priests. A Charioteer, who was companion of the raja (who desires to perform the sacrifice). Some relatives of the raja, particularly his wives and sons. Other small rajas, who were simply spectators. The ordinary people, the Vish or Vaishyas, who brought gifts for the king.

Q5: Write a short note on composition of the society of the Later Vedic Period.
Ans: There were several different groups in society at this time—priests and warriors, farmers, herders, traders, crafts persons, labourers, fishing folk and forest people. Some priests and warriors were rich, as were some farmers and traders. Others including many herders, crafts persons, labourers, fishing folk and hunters and gatherers were poor.

Q6: How ruler came into being?
Ans: Rulers were monarchs who had conquered and ruled over several kingdoms through various means.

Q7: Who were the people that performed the sacred rituals?
Ans: Priests were those who carried out the sacred rites.

Q8: Who were the people that were excluded from most of the rituals?
Ans: Many rituals were forbidden to the abandoned people known as Sudras. The priests tossed them aside.

Q9: What were Janapadas?
Ans: Janapadas were the royal residences of Rajas. Janapadas refers to a location where Jana or people have planted their feet and settled down. Rajas used to plan their large sacrifices during Janpadas. The great Janapadas were Avanti, Taxila, and Hastinapur.

Q10: Why were the forts built in Mahajanpadas?
Ans: For any ruler, forts were a symbol of wealth and power. The rulers used to construct forts to keep people secure and under control. It was easier for them to keep control of their people when they were surrounded by a wall. To demonstrate their wealth and might, rulers would sometimes construct forts and walls around their domains.

Q11: How a win of any ruler was enjoyed?
Ans: When a ruler's relatives, primarily his sons and wives, won a battle, they were required to perform small ceremonies such as dancing. The glory of Raja's victory was chanted by the people.

Q12: Who used to bring gifts frothier ruler after the victory?
Ans: Ordinary people, such as Vaishyas or Vish, would present gifts to the Rajas once he returned triumphant from battle.

Q13: Describe Varnas.
Ans: People were classified using Varnas. In the society, there were various types of people. They were categorised based on their occupation. There were four different kinds of Varna systems:

• Brahmins (priests)
• Kshatriyas (warriors)
• Vaishyas (traders)
• Sudras (Servents)

Q14: What were the Mahajanpadas?
Ans: Some Janapadas grew more important than others after they were created. Mahajanapas were the names given to their most prominent Janpadas. All of this happened around 2500 years ago. Many Mahajanpadas were fortified since they were the most important location for any emperor, and rulers built forts in the Mahajanapadas to protect it from invasion.

Q15: When were the armies regulated?
Ans: When Mahajanapadas and forts were being built around 2500 years ago, armies were being regulated as well. They were not receiving salaries or any benefits. Throughout the year, armies were maintained. The fear of conflict grew as empires grew larger, necessitating the regulation of armies. Some of the money made to the soldiers were punch-marked.