Class 6 History Chapter 9 Important Question Answers - New Empires and Kingdoms

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is a prashasti, and why is it significant?
Ans: A prashasti is a special type of inscription composed "in praise of" rulers. It is significant because it provides valuable information about ancient rulers.

Q2: Who composed the prashasti for Samudragupta?
Ans: Harishena, a poet and minister at Samudragupta's court, composed the prashasti.

Q3: What types of rulers did Harishena describe in Samudragupta's prashasti?
Ans: Harishena described Aryavarta rulers, Dakshinapatha rulers, neighboring states, and outlying rulers.

Q4: Who was the court poet that wrote Harshacharita?
Ans: The court poet Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita.

Q5: What dynasty did Harsha belong to, and what regions did he conquer?
Ans: Harsha belonged to the Vardhana dynasty. He conquered regions such as Magadha and possibly Bengal.

Q6: Which dynasty did Pulakeshin II belong to, and who defeated him?
Ans: Pulakeshin II belonged to the Chalukya dynasty. He was defeated by the ruler Harsha.

Q7: What were the significant ruling dynasties in south India during this period?
Ans: The Pallavas and Chalukyas were significant ruling dynasties in South India during this period.

Q8: What is the meaning of the Sanskrit word "sabha"?
Ans: Sabha is an assembly of Brahmin landowners.

Q9: Who observed the treatment of untouchables in society, and how were they treated?
Ans: Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian observed the treatment of untouchables in society. Untouchables lived on the outskirts of the city and were avoided by others.

Q10: Which language did Kalidasa use for kings and Brahmins in his plays?
Ans: Kalidasa used Sanskrit for kings and Brahmins in his plays.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q11: Explain the significance of prashastis in providing historical information about rulers.
Ans: Prashastis are inscriptions composed "in praise of" rulers and provide valuable historical information about rulers, their policies, and their accomplishments.

Q12: Describe the types of rulers mentioned in Samudragupta's prashasti and how they were treated by Samudragupta.
Ans: Samudragupta's prashasti mentions Aryavarta rulers who were uprooted, Dakshinapatha rulers who surrendered, neighboring states that brought tribute, and outlying rulers who submitted and offered daughters in marriage.

Q13: Briefly explain the key achievements and conquests of Harsha.
Ans: Harsha, a ruler of the Vardhana dynasty, conquered regions like Magadha and possibly Bengal. He also led an army against the ruler of Bengal.

Q14: What is the significance of the Pulakeshin II prashasti, and who wrote it?
Ans: The Pulakeshin II prashasti was composed by his court poet Ravikirti. It provides important information about Pulakeshin's rule and achievements.

Q15: How did kings like Samudragupta and Harsha gain the support of influential men in their kingdoms?
Ans: Kings gained the support of influential men by granting them hereditary administrative positions and occasionally appointing individuals to hold multiple offices. Powerful individuals in local administration also played a role.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q16: Explain the role of prashastis in preserving historical records of rulers in ancient India.
Ans: Prashastis played a crucial role in preserving historical records of rulers by providing detailed accounts of their achievements, policies, and relationships with other rulers.

Q17: Compare and contrast the conquests and achievements of Samudragupta and Harsha.
Ans: Samudragupta expanded his empire by uprooting Aryavarta rulers, while Harsha conquered regions like Magadha and Bengal. Both rulers left their mark on ancient Indian history.

Q18: Describe the significant dynasties of the Pallavas and Chalukyas in South India and their conflicts.
Ans: The Pallavas had their capital in Kanchipuram and ruled the Kaveri delta, while the Chalukyas ruled the Raichur Doab. They often raided each other's lands and had conflicts over prosperous capital cities.

Q19: Explain the administrative strategies employed by ancient kings to gain the support of influential men.
Ans: Kings used strategies like granting hereditary positions, appointing individuals to multiple offices, and relying on influential men in local administration to gain their support.

Q20: Discuss the societal treatment of untouchables in ancient India as observed by Fa Xian and the measures taken to maintain separation.
Ans: Fa Xian observed that untouchables lived on the outskirts of the city and were treated as separate from the rest of society. They were required to strike a piece of wood when entering a town or market to maintain separation, and people would avoid touching or brushing against them.