Class 6 History Chapter 10 Case Based Questions - Buildings, Paintings and Books

Case 1: Samudragupta's Prashasti

In a history class, the teacher asked the students to discuss the significance of Samudragupta's Prashasti. The students were intrigued by the topic and decided to research it further. They found the following information:

Q1: What does the term "prashasti" mean?
Ans: "Prashasti" means 'in praise of.'

Q2: According to Samudragupta's Prashasti, how is Samudragupta described?
Ans: Samudragupta is described as a warrior, victorious king, learned, and the best of poets.

Q3: Explain the four types of rulers mentioned in Harishena's explanation of Samudragupta's policies.
Ans: The four types of rulers are Aryavarta rulers (uprooted), Dakshinapatha rulers (surrendered and allowed to rule again), neighboring states (brought tribute and followed orders), and outlying rulers (submitted and offered daughters in marriage).

Q4: How did the outlying rulers, such as the descendants of Kushanas and Shakas, and the Sri Lankan ruler, respond to Samudragupta?
Ans: They submitted to Samudragupta and offered daughters in marriage.

Q5: What insights can be gained from Samudragupta's Prashasti regarding the expansion of his empire?
Ans: Samudragupta's Prashasti provides insights into the expansion of his empire, including conquests, alliances, and diplomacy.

Case 2: Harshavardhana and the Harshacharita

A group of students were studying Indian history, and they came across the story of Harshavardhana and the Harshacharita. They decided to delve deeper into this ruler's life and his biography.

Q6: Who was Harshavardhana, and when did he rule?
Ans: Harshavardhana was a ruler who lived 1400 years ago.

Q7: Describe the circumstances that led Harshavardhana to become the king of Thanesar and later Kanauj.
Ans: Harshavardhana became king after the deaths of his father, elder brother, and brother-in-law, who ruled Kanauj.

Q8: Who wrote the biography of Harshavardhana, and in which language was it written?
Ans: The biography, "Harshacharita," was written by court poet Banabhatta in Sanskrit.

Q9: Explain the military conquests of Harshavardhana, including his victory over Magadha and his encounter with Pulakeshin II.
Ans: Harshavardhana successfully conquered Magadha and possibly Bengal but couldn't cross the Narmada river due to Pulakeshin II's resistance.

Q10: What sources can one refer to in order to learn about Harshavardhana's reign and achievements?
Ans: Sources include "Harshacharita" by Banabhatta and accounts by the Chinese traveler Xuan Zang.

Case 3: The Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Pulakeshin’s Prashasti

A group of history enthusiasts were exploring the dynasties of South India, particularly the Pallavas and Chalukyas, and came across information about Pulakeshin II and his prashasti.

Q11: Where was the Pallavas' kingdom centered, and what was its extent?
Ans: The Pallavas' kingdom was centered around Kanchipuram and extended to the Kaveri delta.

Q12: Describe the geographical location of the Chalukyas' kingdom and their capital.
Ans: The Chalukyas' kingdom was centered in the Raichur Doab, with Aihole as their capital.

Q13: Who was Pulakeshin II, and how did he come to power?
Ans: Pulakeshin II was a Chalukya ruler who inherited the kingdom from his uncle.

Q14: Explain Pulakeshin II's expeditions and his confrontation with Harshavardhana.
Ans: Pulakeshin II conducted expeditions on both coasts and checked Harshavardhana's advance, leading to a wordplay on "Harsha."

Q15: What were the ultimate fates of the Pallavas and Chalukyas as mentioned in the information?
Ans: Both dynasties were eventually replaced by the Rashtrakuta and Chola dynasties.

Case 4: Administration in Ancient Kingdoms

A group of students were discussing how ancient Indian kingdoms were administered. They decided to explore the various aspects of administration mentioned in the provided information.

Q16: What was the primary administrative unit in the earlier kingdoms of ancient India?
Ans: The village was the primary administrative unit in earlier kingdoms.

Q17: How did kings gain the support of influential men in their kingdoms?
Ans: Kings gained support through economic, social, and political means, sometimes through hereditary positions.

Q18: Provide an example of a hereditary administrative position mentioned in the information.
Ans: The poet Harishena held a hereditary position as the chief judicial officer.

Q19: Who were some of the influential individuals in local administration, and what roles did they play?
Ans: Influential individuals included bankers, merchants, craftspeople, and scribes, and they likely had a say in local administration.

Q20: How did the strategies employed by kings in administration sometimes lead to the establishment of independent kingdoms?
Ans: The consolidation of power by influential individuals could lead to the emergence of independent kingdoms.

Case 5: Ordinary People in the Kingdoms

A history teacher asked the students to research the lives of ordinary people in ancient Indian kingdoms. They decided to focus on the glimpses of ordinary life mentioned in the information.

Q21: Whose plays provide glimpses into the lives of ordinary people in ancient India, and in which languages did they write?
Ans: Kalidasa's plays provide glimpses, with kings and Brahmins speaking Sanskrit and others using Prakrit.

Q22: Describe the play "Abhijnana Shakuntalam" and its significance in portraying ordinary life.
Ans: "Abhijnana Shakuntalam" tells a love story and highlights the plight of a poor fisherman, providing insights into ordinary life.

Q23: According to Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian, how were untouchables treated in ancient Indian society?
Ans: Untouchables were marginalized, living on the outskirts of cities and signaled their presence to avoid contact.

Q24: Explain the social distinctions based on language as mentioned in the information.
Ans: Kings and Brahmins spoke Sanskrit, while others used Prakrit in Kalidasa's plays.

Q25: What sources can historians use to gain insights into the lives of ordinary people in ancient Indian kingdoms?
Ans: Sources include plays, accounts by travelers like Fa Xian, and historical records.