Class 6 History Chapter 5 Case Based Questions - Kingdoms, Kings and an Early Republic

Case 1: Raja's Authority

In the kingdom of Mahajanapadas, rajas were recognized through elaborate rituals like the Ashvamedha sacrifice. A neighboring raja allowed the Ashvamedha horse to pass through his territory without interference, indicating his acceptance of the performing raja's supremacy. Now, a dispute arises when a third raja claims that he should also have been invited to the sacrifice.

Q1: What was the significance of the Ashvamedha sacrifice in determining a raja's authority?
Ans: The Ashvamedha sacrifice was a ritual that determined a raja's authority in ancient India.

Q2: Why did the neighboring raja let the horse pass through his territory without a fight?
Ans: The neighboring raja allowed the horse to pass to avoid conflict and acknowledge the performing raja's strength.

Q3: How did the raja who organized the Ashvamedha gain recognition as a powerful ruler?
Ans: The organizing raja gained recognition as powerful, and attendees brought gifts as a sign of respect.

Q4: Explain the consequences of allowing the horse to pass for the neighboring raja.
Ans: Allowing the horse to pass meant acknowledging the performing raja's supremacy without confrontation.

Q5: What role did gifts play in reinforcing the recognition of a powerful raja?
Ans: Gifts reinforced the recognition of a powerful raja and were a gesture of submission.

Case 2: The Varna System

In ancient India, society was divided into four Varnas based on birth, each with specific roles and responsibilities. A young man from a Shudra family dreams of studying the Vedas and becoming a scholar. He approaches the local Brahmin priest seeking guidance.

Q6: Describe the four Varnas in ancient Indian society and their respective functions.
Ans: The four Varnas were Brahmin (priests and scholars), Kshatriya (warriors and rulers), Vaishya (merchants and traders), and Shudra (laborers and artisans).

Q7: Why was the young man from the Shudra family interested in studying the Vedas?
Ans: The young Shudra man wished to study the Vedas and become a scholar.

Q8: How did the Varna system restrict opportunities for individuals like the young Shudra man?
Ans: The Varna system restricted opportunities for individuals based on their birth.

Q9: Explain why the Brahmin priest may or may not support the young man's aspirations.
Ans: The Brahmin priest's support may depend on his adherence to the caste system.

Q10: Discuss the role of birth in determining one's Varna and opportunities in society.
Ans: Birth played a crucial role in determining one's Varna and societal opportunities.

Case 3: Rise of Mahajanapadas

Over 2500 years ago, some janapadas evolved into powerful mahajanapadas with fortified capital cities. The ruler of one such mahajanapada decides to construct a massive fort around his capital.

Q11: Why did certain janapadas transform into mahajanapadas, and what made them significant?
Ans: Some janapadas evolved into mahajanapadas due to increased significance and power.

Q12: What were the reasons behind building massive forts around capital cities during this period?
Ans: Massive forts were built around capital cities for protection, display of power, and governance.

Q13: How did these fortified cities provide a sense of security to their inhabitants?
Ans: Fortified cities provided security against external threats.

Q14: Discuss the potential economic and political benefits of having a fortified capital.
Ans: Forts had economic and political benefits and made governing easier.

Q15: Explain the role of these forts in demonstrating the ruler's power and wealth.
Ans: Forts showcased the ruler's wealth and authority.

Case 4: Taxation in Mahajanapadas

In the mahajanapadas, rulers began collecting taxes to support their large armies and fortifications. A group of farmers in one such mahajanapada faces the challenge of paying taxes amounting to 1/6th of their crop yield.

Q16: Why did the rulers of mahajanapadas introduce taxation on crops, crafts, and goods?
Ans: Rulers introduced taxation to support armies and fortifications.

Q17: Explain the concept of "bhaga" in the context of taxation during this period.
Ans: "Bhaga" referred to the tax on crops, typically set at 1/6th of the yield.

Q18: How did taxation affect the livelihood of farmers in mahajanapadas?
Ans: Taxation impacted farmers' livelihoods by reducing their crop yield.

Q19: What were the different forms of taxation imposed on various sections of society?
Ans: Various sections of society faced different forms of taxation, including craftspeople and traders.

Q20: Discuss the significance of taxation in maintaining the mahajanapada's resources.
Ans: Taxation was crucial for maintaining the resources of the mahajanapada.

Case 5: Magadha and Vajji

Magadha and Vajji were two prominent mahajanapadas in ancient India, each with its unique characteristics. The rulers of Magadha were known for their powerful rule, while Vajji had a different form of government called Gana or Sangha.

Q21: What geographical advantages did Magadha have that contributed to its prominence?
Ans: Magadha's geographical advantages included rivers like the Ganga and Son.

Q22: Describe the rule of Bimbisara and Ajatasattu in Magadha and their impact on the mahajanapada.
Ans: Magadha's geographical advantages included rivers like the Ganga and Son.

Q23: Explain the concept of Gana or Sangha in the governance of Vajji.
Ans: Vajji had a unique form of government called Gana or Sangha.

Q24: Why were women, dasas, and kammakaras not allowed to participate in the assemblies of Gana or Sangha?
Ans: Women, dasas, and kammakaras were excluded from Gana or Sangha assemblies.

Q25: Discuss the ultimate fate of the Ganas or Sanghas at the hands of the Gupta rulers.
Ans: Gupta rulers eventually conquered the Ganas or Sanghas.