Textbook Solutions: The First Empire | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

I. Tick (✔)  the correct option. 

1. 
Ans: (a)

2. 
Ans: (c)

3. 
Ans: (a)

4. 
Ans: (b)

5. 
Ans: (c)

6. 
Ans: (b)

7. 
Ans: (a)

8.
Ans: (c)

9. 
Ans: (a)

10. 
Ans: (a)

II. State whether the following statements are true or false. Rewrite the statements to correct them. 

1.
Ans: True

2.
Ans: False
Ashoka was the son of Bindusara.

3.
Ans: True

4.
Ans: False
Ashoka's edicts were written in Prakrit.

5.
Ans: False
The capital of the Mauryas was Pataliputra.

III. Answer the following questions in brief. 

1.
Ans: The battle of Kalinga had a profound impact on Ashoka. Witnessing the immense violence and bloodshed, he was deeply moved and decided to renounce warfare and adopt a path of peace and compassion.

2.
Ans: Ashokan edicts were messages inscribed by King Ashoka on stone pillars, caves, boulders, and rocks to communicate his ideas on administration, religion, and behavior. They were written in various languages and aimed to promote values like non-violence, tolerance, truthfulness, and respect.

3.
Ans: The main principles of Ashoka's Dhamma included non-violence, tolerance and respect for religious beliefs of others, truthfulness, respect for elders, and kindness towards all, especially slaves and servants. It aimed to foster a spirit of tolerance and harmony in society.

4.
Ans: The Mauryan administration was based on effective governance principles outlined in Chanakya's Arthashastra. The king held supreme power and consulted his ministers for important decisions. The empire was divided into provinces, districts, and villages. Officials collected taxes, administered law and justice, and managed various aspects of governance. Land revenue was a major source of income.

5.
Ans: The decline of the Mauryan Empire can be attributed to weak successors after Ashoka, who struggled to manage economic crises and military expenditures. Invasions in the north-western border and Ashoka's pacifist policies may have also contributed to its decline.

IV. Answer the following questions in detail. 

1.
Ans: Alexander was a ruler of Macedonia who invaded north-western India in 326 BCE. His presence weakened small tribes and states in North India, indirectly enabling the Mauryas to establish control over the region. Although he didn't conquer the entire Indian subcontinent, his campaign had a lasting impact on Indian history.

2.
Ans: Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, was a wise advisor to Chandragupta Maurya. He was humiliated by the Nanda king, which led him to train Chandragupta in statecraft. With Chanakya's help, Chandragupta overthrew the Nandas and established the Mauryan Empire. Chanakya's Arthashastra is a famous treatise on political thought and social order.

3.
Ans: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire. He was trained in warfare by the Greeks and with the help of his advisor Chanakya, he overthrew the Nandas and established the Mauryan empire. He expanded his empire to cover a vast territory. He later renounced his throne and followed the teachings of Mahavira. Chandragupta is important because he laid the foundation of one of the most significant empires in ancient India.

4.
Ans: Bindusara was Chandragupta Maurya's son and succeeded him as the ruler of the Mauryan Empire. During his reign, the empire extended to Mysore in the south. He maintained friendly relations with Greek governors in Asia and Africa. He was succeeded by his famous son, Ashoka.

5.
Ans: The Mauryan period witnessed significant achievements in art and architecture. Notable examples include the rock-cut caves like Lomas Rishi Cave and Nagarjuna Cave. Ashoka built over 84,000 stupas, with Sanchi stupa being one of the most famous. The polished monolithic pillars, with the Ashoka Chakra, are remarkable. The Mauryan rulers also constructed impressive palaces.