Question Answers for Chapter 6 The Age of Reorganisation Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Class 7 Science The Age of Reorganisation Extra Questions
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1. Who founded the Śhunga dynasty?
Answer
Puṣhyamitra Śhunga.
Question 2. What ritual did Puṣhyamitra Śhunga perform to claim unchallenged lands?
Answer
Puṣhyamitra Śhunga performed the ashvamedha yajña, a Vedic ritual involving a horse.
Question 3. What were the Sātavāhana rulers known for in terms of trade?
Answer
They had strong maritime trade, trading spices and textiles.
Question 4. Which ruler promoted Jainism in the Chedi dynasty?
Answer
Khāravela.
Question 5. What was the major contribution of the Kuṣhāṇas to Indian art?
Answer
Gandhara and Mathura art styles.
Question 6. Who founded the Śhunga dynasty?
Answer
The Śhunga dynasty was founded by Puṣhyamitra Śhunga in 185 BCE.
Question 7. How long did the Śhunga Empire last?
Answer
The Śhunga Empire lasted for about a century before declining.
Question 8. What language became important during the Śhunga period?
Answer
Sanskrit became an important language for philosophy and literature during the Śhunga period.
Question 9. Which stūpa was enriched with carvings during the Śhunga period?
Answer
The Bharhut Stūpa was enriched with carvings during the Śhunga period.
Question 10. What did the Śhungas contribute to art?
Answer
The Śhungas contributed to carvings depicting stories from Buddha’s life and other cultural elements.
Question 11. Which region did the Sātavāhanas rule?
Answer
The Sātavāhanas ruled the Deccan region, including present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
Question 12. What were two key capitals of the Sātavāhanas?
Answer
The Sātavāhanas’ capitals were Amrāvatī and Pratiṣhṭhāna (Paithan).
Question 13. What goods did the Sātavāhanas trade with the Roman Empire?
Answer
The Sātavāhanas traded spices, textiles, gold-plated pearls, and ivory with the Roman Empire.
Question 14. How did the Sātavāhanas promote trade?
Answer
The Sātavāhanas promoted trade through their strong maritime connections and trade routes.
Question 15. What is the significance of the Naneghat Caves in Sātavāhana history?
Answer
The Naneghat Caves were used for collecting tolls and as rest stops for traders.
Question 16. What is Sangam literature?
Answer
Sangam literature refers to Tamil poems composed during the Sangam Age, reflecting society and culture.
Question 17. Which south Indian kingdoms existed during the Sangam Age?
Answer
The Cheras, Cholas, and Pāṇḍyas were the prominent kingdoms during the Sangam Age.
Question 18. Who defeated the Cheras and Pāṇḍyas to become a powerful ruler?
Answer
King Karikāla defeated the Cheras and Pāṇḍyas to become a powerful ruler of the Chola dynasty.
Question 19. What was the Kallanai built by Karikāla?
Answer
The Kallanai, or Grand Anicut, was a water diversion system built by Karikāla to irrigate the Kāveri River delta.
Question 20. What did the Pāṇḍyas trade with the Greeks and Romans?
Answer
The Pāṇḍyas traded pearls and other goods with the Greeks and Romans.
Question 21. Who is Khāravela, and what was his significance?
Answer
Khāravela was the ruler of the Chedi dynasty in Kalinga, known for promoting Jainism and his fair governance.
Question 22. What is the significance of the Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves?
Answer
The Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves, built for Jain monks, feature detailed carvings and spacious rooms.
Question 23. What role did the Indo-Greeks play in Indian history?
Answer
The Indo-Greeks ruled parts of northwest India, blending Greek and Indian cultures in art, governance, and daily life.
Question 24. What is the Heliodorus pillar?
Answer
The Heliodorus pillar near Vidisha was built by a Greek ambassador and praises Vāsudeva as the "god of gods."
Question 25. What was the significance of Kuṣhāṇa coins?
Answer
Kuṣhāṇa coins depicted kings and deities like Vāsudeva-Kṛiṣhṇa and were used to support trade.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1. What is the story of Kannagi in the Silappadikāram?
Answer
Kannagi’s story in the Silappadikāram tells of her quest for justice after her husband Kovalan was wrongfully executed by the Pāṇḍya king.
Question 2. What role did trade play in the Sātavāhana Empire?
Answer
The Sātavāhanas thrived on trade, especially maritime trade, importing goods like glass and perfumes while exporting spices, textiles, and ivory.
Question 3. What role did the Sātavāhanas play in trade and cultural development?
Answer
The Sātavāhanas were instrumental in fostering trade, especially maritime trade with the Roman Empire, and boosting agriculture through the fertile Krishna-Godavari river system. Their coins, often depicting ships, reflect their strong maritime connections. They also supported cultural growth, encouraging literature, art, and religious tolerance, contributing to India’s cultural richness during the 2nd century BCE.
Question 4. How did the Indo-Greek rulers blend their culture with Indian traditions?
Answer
The Indo-Greeks adopted Indian culture, blending Greek and Indian artistic styles and religious practices, as seen in their coins and sculptures.
Question 5. Why did the Sātavāhanas support multiple religions?
Answer
The Sātavāhanas, while supporting Vedic rituals, allowed Jains, Buddhists, and other groups to thrive by providing them with land and patronage.
Question 6. How did the Sātavāhanas contribute to trade and the economy?
Answer
The Sātavāhanas promoted trade by controlling important trade routes and engaging in maritime trade with the Roman Empire. Their economy thrived due to agriculture, the fertile river systems, and the wealth generated from trade.
Question 7. What role did the Naneghat Caves play in trade during the Sātavāhana period?
Answer
The Naneghat Caves, located along trade routes, were used for collecting tolls from traders. They also served as resting places for traders on their journey through the region.
Question 8. What was the significance of the Kalinga War in Ashoka’s life?
Answer
The Kalinga War led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and non-violence, promoting peace and moral governance through his edicts.
Question 9. What factors led to the decline of the Maurya Empire and the rise of new kingdoms?
Answer
The Maurya Empire weakened after Aśhoka’s death due to weak successors and internal conflicts. Distant regions broke away, and local rulers regained independence. Economic decline and invasion by foreign groups further weakened central control. These factors led to the rise of new kingdoms like the Śhungas, Sātavāhanas, and Chedis, who took advantage of the political vacuum to expand their territories.
Question 10. What impact did the Śhunga Empire have on art and culture?
Answer
The Śhunga Empire supported literature, art, and architecture, leading to significant cultural contributions. They added carvings to the Bharhut Stūpa and promoted Sanskrit as a language for philosophy and literature.
Question 11. How did the Śhunga Empire influence Indian culture?
Answer
The Śhunga Empire revived Vedic rituals, promoted Sanskrit literature, and contributed to art by building the Bharhut Stūpa with beautiful carvings.
Question 12. How did the Śhunga dynasty come to power?
Answer
The Śhunga dynasty was founded by Puṣhyamitra Śhunga after he assassinated the last Maurya emperor in 185 BCE. Puṣhyamitra, a commander in the Maurya army, seized power and began ruling parts of northern and central India.
 |
| Shunga Dynasty |
Question 13. How did Puṣhyamitra Śhunga’s rule differ from the Maurya Empire?
Answer
Puṣhyamitra Śhunga founded the Śhunga dynasty after assassinating the last Maurya emperor. Unlike the Mauryas, who were more inclusive of various religions, the Śhungas promoted Vedic rituals and Hindu practices. Puṣhyamitra also sought to maintain control through military action and alliances, like those with the Greeks, whereas the Mauryas relied on a more centralized system of governance.
Question 14. Describe the role of the Chera, Chola, and Pāṇḍya kingdoms in shaping the South Indian economy and culture.
Answer
The Cheras, Cholas, and Pāṇḍyas contributed to South India’s economic prosperity through trade in spices, timber, ivory, and pearls. They also played a central role in cultural development by supporting Tamil literature and Sangam poetry. These kingdoms maintained strong trade relations with the Roman Empire and other foreign regions, enriching their economy and culture.
Question 15. How did Khāravela of the Chedi dynasty contribute to the promotion of Jainism?
Answer
Khāravela was a strong advocate of Jainism, and he made significant contributions to the religion by building the Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves for Jain monks. His reign was marked by the patronage of Jainism, but he also respected other religions. His inscriptions and actions reflect his commitment to religious tolerance and his support for Jain principles.
Question 16. What were the key achievements of the Kuṣhāṇa Empire in India?
Answer
The Kuṣhāṇa Empire, under King Kaniṣhka, significantly influenced India’s culture and trade. They controlled parts of the Silk Route, facilitating trade between India, Central Asia, and the West. Kaniṣhka supported the spread of Buddhism and promoted the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art. These schools of art combined Greek and Indian styles, depicting realistic figures of deities and Buddha, influencing Indian sculpture.
Question 17. What does the Silappadikāram tell us about the Chola, Pāṇḍya, and Chera kingdoms?
Answer
The Silappadikāram, an epic from the Sangam Age, highlights the values of justice and the responsibilities of rulers. It showcases life in the Chola, Pāṇḍya, and Chera kingdoms, including their cultural practices, justice systems, and social norms.
 |
| Chera, Chola, Pandya |
Question 18. How did King Karikāla contribute to the agricultural development of the Chola kingdom?
Answer
King Karikāla built the Kallanai (Grand Anicut), a water diversion system on the Kāveri River, to irrigate the delta. This allowed the Chola kingdom to become the “rice bowl of the South” and greatly boosted agricultural productivity.
Question 19. What was the significance of the Chera kingdom in the context of trade and culture?
Answer
The Chera kingdom was important for its role in trading spices, timber, ivory, and pearls. It also supported Tamil literature, including Sangam poetry, and was a center for cultural exchange with other regions.
Question 20. How did the Pāṇḍyas contribute to India’s trade relations with other regions?
Answer
The Pāṇḍyas were key players in the pearl trade, exchanging pearls and other goods with the Greeks and Romans. They also maintained a strong naval presence, which helped establish their trade networks.
Question 21. What was the role of Khāravela in promoting Jainism?
Answer
Khāravela, the ruler of the Chedi dynasty, promoted Jainism and built the Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves as shelters for Jain monks. He was known for his religious tolerance and support for all schools of thought.
Question 22. How did the Kuṣhāṇas impact India’s cultural and trade connections?
Answer
The Kuṣhāṇas promoted trade along the Silk Route, linking India to Central Asia and the West. They also supported the spread of Buddhism and their art, such as the Gandhara and Mathura styles, combined Greek and Indian influences.
 |
| Prominent Dynasties of India during Reorganisation |
Long Answer Questions
Question 1. Match the Column A with the correct option in Column B.
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
1. Pushyamitra Shunga |
(a) Gandhara art |
|
2. Satavahanas |
(b) Trade in spices and textiles |
|
3. Kharavela |
(c) Buddhist rock-cut caves |
|
4. Indo-Greeks |
(d) Revival of Vedic rituals |
|
5. Kushanas |
(e) Spread of Jainism and art |
Answer
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
1. Pushyamitra Shunga |
(d) Revival of Vedic rituals |
|
2. Satavahanas |
(b) Trade in spices and textiles |
|
3. Kharavela |
(c) Buddhist rock-cut caves |
|
4. Indo-Greeks |
(a) Gandhara art |
|
5. Kushanas |
(e) Spread of Jainism and art |
Explanations:
- 1 → d: Puṣhyamitra Śhunga revived Vedic rituals and expanded the Śhunga Empire.
- 2 → b: The Sātavāhanas thrived on trade, particularly in spices and textiles with foreign countries.
- 3 → c: Khāravela built Jain rock-cut caves in Odisha and supported Jainism.
- 4 → a: The Indo-Greeks contributed to Gandhara art, blending Greek and Indian elements.
- 5 → e: The Kuṣhāṇas promoted Jainism, Buddhism, and art, blending Indian and Greek styles.
Question 2. How did the fall of the Maurya Empire lead to the rise of new kingdoms in India?
Answer
- The fall of the Maurya Empire around 185 BCE created a power vacuum in India, leading to the rise of several new kingdoms.
- As the central authority weakened, regional rulers and local powers emerged to fill the void, including the Śhunga dynasty, the Sātavāhanas, and the Chedi dynasty.
- These new kingdoms competed to control land, resources, and trade routes, reshaping India's political landscape.
- The lack of a unified empire allowed for diverse cultural, political, and economic developments, setting the stage for India's reorganization into smaller, independent states.
 |
| Maurya Empire |
Question 3. Design a strategy for preserving the art and architecture from the Śhunga and Sātavāhana periods in modern India. What would be the key components of the strategy?
Answer
The strategy would include three main components: Conservation, Education, and Public Engagement.
- Conservation: Establish dedicated teams to restore and protect ancient monuments like the Bharhut Stūpa and the Karla Caves, using modern preservation techniques while respecting the original materials and designs.
- Education: Incorporate the study of Śhunga and Sātavāhana art and architecture into school curricula and offer courses in universities on ancient Indian art techniques.
- Public Engagement: Launch public awareness campaigns and interactive exhibitions to encourage the younger generation to appreciate and protect these cultural treasures. This would include virtual tours, workshops, and community involvement in preservation efforts.
Question 4. How would you apply the concept of trade routes and guilds to improve the economy in a modern nation?
Answer
- In a modern nation, controlling and expanding trade routes would boost the economy by increasing the flow of goods and resources, much like the Sātavāhanas did by controlling routes between the north and south.
- Establishing modern guilds, similar to the ancient ones, could help foster cooperation among industries, reduce competition, and streamline trade.
- These guilds could regulate prices, maintain quality standards, and facilitate communication among producers, traders, and consumers, ensuring fair business practices and steady economic growth.
Question 5. Do you think the spread of different schools of thought during the Age of Reorganisation had a positive impact on Indian society? Justify your answer.
Answer
- Yes, the spread of different schools of thought, including Vedic traditions, Buddhism, Jainism, and others, had a positive impact on Indian society.
- It promoted intellectual growth and social reform, encouraging people to engage in philosophical debates and discussions.
- The acceptance of diverse beliefs fostered religious tolerance and helped create a more inclusive society.
- Furthermore, the patronage of these traditions by various rulers led to the growth of art, literature, and architecture, enriching India's cultural heritage and providing a foundation for later philosophical and religious developments.
Question 6. Compare the governance of the Śhunga Empire with the Sātavāhana Empire in terms of their administration and cultural contributions.
Answer
- The Śunga Empire, founded by Puṣhyamitra Śunga, was more focused on maintaining control over northern and central India and reviving Vedic rituals.
- While Puṣhyamitra performed significant Vedic rituals, including the Ashvamedha yajña, the empire was also known for its support of art, such as the Bharhut Stūpa carvings.
- On the other hand, the Sātavāhanas, ruling the Deccan region, promoted trade and agriculture, benefitting from the fertile Krishna-Godavari river system.
- They contributed to literature, art, and architecture, particularly with the construction of the Karla Caves and inscriptions that supported various schools of thought, including Buddhism and Jainism.
Question 7. What might have been the long-term effects on the economy and culture if the Sātavāhanas had not promoted trade and cultural exchange with the Roman Empire?
Answer
- If the Sātavāhanas had not promoted trade and cultural exchange with the Roman Empire, India might have faced slower economic growth and limited exposure to foreign innovations.
- Without the influx of Roman goods like glass and perfumed ointments, Indian merchants would have had fewer opportunities for economic expansion.
- Culturally, India would have missed the influence of Roman art and architecture, which blended with indigenous styles to create unique hybrid forms.
- This lack of exchange could have hindered the development of art, technology, and international relations in India.
Question 8. If you were a ruler during the Age of Reorganisation, how would you strengthen your kingdom against foreign invasions like those by the Indo-Greeks and Śhakas?
Answer
- To strengthen my kingdom, I would focus on improving the military by training armies with advanced weapons and utilizing war elephants, which were effective in both offense and defence.
- I would also build fortified cities with strong walls, moats, and drawbridges to protect against invasions.
- Strengthening alliances with neighbouring kingdoms and offering economic incentives, such as trade agreements, would help deter foreign invaders.
- Additionally, I would promote cultural and religious unity within my kingdom to foster loyalty and resist external threats.