NCERT Solutions for Class 7 SST Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 SST Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires साम्राज्यों का उदय

Page 83 The Big Questions?

Question 1.
What is an empire?
साम्राज्य क्या होता है?
Answer:
An empire is a large political territory ruled by one powerful ruler or central government. It is formed by bringing different kingdoms, regions or peoples under one authority through conquest, alliances or administration.
साम्राज्य एक बड़ा राजनीतिक क्षेत्र होता है, जिस पर किसी शक्तिशाली शासक या केंद्रीय सरकार का शासन होता है। यह विजय, संधि या प्रशासन के माध्यम से विभिन्न राज्यों, क्षेत्रों और लोगों को एक शासन के अधीन लाने से बनता है।

Question 2.
How did empires rise and shape Indian civilisation?
साम्राज्यों का उदय कैसे हुआ और उन्होंने भारतीय सभ्यता को कैसे आकार दिया?
Answer:
Empires rose when powerful rulers conquered and united many kingdoms and territories under one administration. They developed strong armies, efficient systems of governance, trade networks and infrastructure. Great empires such as the Mauryas and Guptas promoted agriculture, trade, art, literature, science and learning. They also encouraged cultural exchange and helped spread ideas, languages and traditions across large parts of India, shaping its rich and diverse civilisation.
साम्राज्यों का उदय तब हुआ जब शक्तिशाली शासकों ने अनेक राज्यों और क्षेत्रों को जीतकर एक शासन के अधीन संगठित किया। उन्होंने मजबूत सेनाएँ, कुशल प्रशासन, व्यापारिक मार्ग और आधारभूत सुविधाएँ विकसित कीं। मौर्य और गुप्त जैसे महान साम्राज्यों ने कृषि, व्यापार, कला, साहित्य, विज्ञान और शिक्षा को बढ़ावा दिया। उन्होंने सांस्कृतिक आदान-प्रदान को प्रोत्साहित किया और भारत की समृद्ध एवं विविध सभ्यता को आकार दिया।

Question 3.
What factors facilitated the transition from kingdoms to empires?
राज्य से साम्राज्य बनने में कौन-कौन से तत्व सहायक हुए?
Answer
The transition from kingdoms to empires was facilitated by powerful rulers, strong armies, improved administration and control over resources. Expansion through conquest, alliances and trade increased wealth and political power. Better communication and organised governance helped rulers control larger territories and integrate diverse regions and communities under a central authority.
राज्यों से साम्राज्यों में परिवर्तन शक्तिशाली शासकों, मजबूत सेनाओं, बेहतर प्रशासन और संसाधनों पर नियंत्रण से संभव हुआ। विजय, संधि और व्यापार के विस्तार से धन तथा राजनीतिक शक्ति बढ़ी। बेहतर संचार और संगठित शासन ने बड़े क्षेत्रों पर नियंत्रण तथा विभिन्न समुदायों को केंद्रीय सत्ता के अधीन जोड़ने में सहायता की।

Question 4.
What was life like from the 6th to the 2nd century BCE?
छठी शताब्दी सा. सं. पू. से दूसरी शताब्दी सा. सं. पू. तक का जीवन कैसा था?
Answer:
From the 6th to the 2nd century BCE, Indian society experienced important political, economic and cultural changes. Many kingdoms and republics emerged, while powerful states like Magadha expanded. Agriculture, crafts and trade flourished, leading to the growth of towns and cities. New religious and philosophical ideas developed, including Buddhism and Jainism. This period also witnessed the rise of the Mauryan Empire and greater political and cultural integration across India.
छठी से दूसरी शताब्दी ईसा पूर्व के बीच भारतीय समाज में महत्वपूर्ण राजनीतिक, आर्थिक और सांस्कृतिक परिवर्तन हुए। अनेक राज्यों और गणराज्यों का उदय हुआ तथा मगध जैसे शक्तिशाली राज्यों का विस्तार हुआ। कृषि, शिल्प और व्यापार में वृद्धि से नगरों और शहरों का विकास हुआ। बौद्ध और जैन धर्म सहित नए धार्मिक एवं दार्शनिक विचार विकसित हुए। इस काल में मौर्य साम्राज्य का उदय हुआ और भारत में राजनीतिक तथा सांस्कृतिक एकीकरण बढ़ा।

Page 89 Let’s Explore

Question 1.
Empires extended over vast areas and had diverse
people with differing languages, customs and cultures. How do you think the emperors made sure that they lived in harmony? 
Answer:
To ensure harmony among diverse people within their empires, emperors likely used several strategies:

1. They appointed local governors and officials who understood the language and culture of their regions.
2. They respected local customs and traditions, allowing people to practice their religions and rituals freely.
3. They built infrastructure like roads, rest houses, and communication systems to connect the empire and promote unity.
4. They encouraged the use of a common script or language for official communication.
5. They maintained law and order through fair administration and justice systems.
6. Emperors also supported art, education, and religious institutions, which helped build a shared cultural identity.

Question 2.
Looking at the many challenges involved in managing an empire, why should a king be so keen to expand his kingdom into an empire and become an emperor?
• An ambition to ‘rule the entire word’, a metaphor for controlling large territories and ensuring that they would be remembered for posterity;
• A wish to bring large areas under control and gain access to their resources to build economic and military strength;
• A desire for great wealth for himself and for the empire.
Answer:

1. Cultural and political influence: To spread his culture, administration, and ideology across larger areas.
2. Religious or moral duty: Some rulers may have believed it was their divine right or duty to rule over more people.

Page 91

Question 3.
Warfare apart, what other methods do you think the rulers might have used to expand their empires? Pen your ideas and share them with your class.
Answer:
Apart from warfare, rulers may have used several peaceful and strategic methods to expand their empires, such as:

1. Marriage alliances: Forming matrimonial ties with other royal families to gain control over new territories peacefully.
2. Diplomacy: Entering into treaties and agreements with neighboring kingdoms for cooperation or merging of territories.
3. Trade and economic influence: Using trade networks to increase economic dependency, eventually bringing regions under political control.
4. Religious and cultural integration: Spreading their religion or culture to win the loyalty of people in surrounding areas.
5. Gift-giving and patronage: Offering gifts, titles, or positions to local chiefs and rulers in exchange for allegiance.
6.  Administrative control: Appointing loyal officials in border areas to slowly bring them under direct control. These non-violent strategies helped rulers expand their empires while maintaining peace and cooperation.

Page 93

Question 4.
Observe the map of the trade routes (given below). Identify geographical features that helped the traders travel across the subcontinent.

Answer:
The following geographical lcaturcs helped traders travel across the subcontinent:

1. Rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari served as natural highways for transporting goods by boat.
2. Mountain passes in the Western Ghats and the Himalayas allowed traders to cross otherwise difficult terrain and connect with distant regions.
3. Plains and plateaus provided easier routes for caravans and pack animals to move through.
4. Coastlines along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal facilitated maritime trade using ports and natural harbors.
5. Forest routes and inland tracks were also used in areas where there were no rivers or well-built roads.

Question 5.
What modes of transport on those roads do you think were available at the time?
Answer:
During ancient times, the following modes of transport were likely used by traders:

1. Bullock carts and ox-drawn chariots on land for carrying goods across short and long distances.
2. Boats and small ships on rivers and coastal waters for water transport.
3. Horses, donkeys, and mules for faster and lighter transport.
4. Elephants were used for carrying heavy loads, especially in forested or hilly regions.
5. Porters or human carriers in regions where animals or carts couldn’t be used, like narrow mountain paths.

Page 94

Question 6.
Take a close look at the panel given below.

(i) How many types of weapons can you identify? What different uses of iron can you make out?
Answers.
Types of weapons identified are swords, spears, arrows and shields. The different uses of iron are:

1. Making weapons like swords and spears
   Crafting agricultural tools such as ploughshares
2. Used in building materials and possibly in construction
3. Likely used in making protective gear like shields. Iron played a crucial role in both warfare and daily life by enhancing productivity in farming and increasing military strength.

(ii) In the left part of the panel, a parasol (chhattra) is kept over the casket containing the Buddha’s relics. Why do you think this was done?
Answer:
The parasol or chhattra is a traditional symbol of royalty and spiritual protection in ancient Indian art and culture. Placing it over the Buddha’s relics signifies reverence and honor, marking the relics as sacred and spiritually powerful. It also reflects the
Buddha’s elevated status as a revered teacher and enlightened being, often shown with royal symbols in Buddhist iconography.

Question 7.
When, after the battle, Alexander asked Porus how he wished to be treated, Porus answered, “Like a King.” Alexander then left Porus at the head of his kingdom, as satrap. With the help of your teachers, find more details on the battle between Porus and Alexander. Enact a play of this battle scene using your imagination in addition to what you have discovered.
Answer:
Summary for research and play enactment:

1. Battle Name: Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BCE)
2. Location: On the banks of the River Hydaspes (modern-day Jhelum, Pakistan)
3. Combatants: Alexander the Great vs. King Porus of the Paurava kingdom
4. Outcome of the Battle: Alexander defeated Porus but was impressed by his bravery and leadership. He restored Porus as the ruler (satrap) of his territory and even gave him additional lands.

Key elements for the play:

1. Porus’s heroic resistance with war elephants and brave soldiers.
2. Alexander’s clever military tactics, such as crossing the river at night.
3. The dramatic moment when Alexander asks Porus how he wants to be treated and Porus’s royal reply.
4. A respectful and generous end, showing mutual admiration between two great leaders.

This event is remembered as a classic example of valour and respect between rivals in history.

Question 8.
Kautilya says, “A king shall increase his power by promoting the welfare of his people, for power comes from the countryside which is the source of all economic activity. [The king] shall show special favours to those in the countryside who do things which benefit the people, such as building embankments or road bridges, beautifying villages, or helping to protect them.” 
Answer:
Do it yourself.

Question 9.
Why do you think it was important to take special care of the countryside? (Hint: Think back to what you have learnt at the beginning of this chapter) Answer:
Do it yourself.

Question 10.
Ashoka details instructions on the conduct of his officials and mentions ways to ensure that they practiced fairness in one of his edicts. Read the translation below and share your thoughts on whether those ways would have been successful in helping manage his empire and how.

“By order of the Beloved of the Gods-the officers and city magistrates [… ] are to be instructed thus: […] You are in charge of many thousands of living beings. You should gain the affection of men. All men are my children, and just as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness both in this world and the next, the same do I desire for all men. [ … ] You should strive to practice impartiality. [ … ] The root of all this is to be even-tempered and not rash in your work. [ … ] This inscription has been engraved here in order that the city magistrates should at all times see to it that men are never imprisoned or tortured without good reason. [ … ] And for this purpose, I shall send out on tour every five years, an officer who is not severe or harsh; who, having investigated this matter, shall see that they carry out my instructions. ”
Answer:
Ashoka’s edict shows that he wanted his officials to rule with kindness, fairness, and responsibility. He considered all people as his own children and wished for their well-being, both in this life and the next. By giving clear instructions, he told his officers to be fair, avoid being harsh or angry, and never imprison or torture anyone without a good reason. He also planned regular checks every five years by sending special officers to make sure his rules were being followed. This helped control misuse of power and encouraged justice. These steps likely helped Ashoka manage his vast empire better by building trust between the people and the government, and by promoting peace and fairness in society.

Question 11.
Wear the hat of a historian. Look carefully at the artefacts presented on the spread as shown below. What conclusions can you draw about people and life during the Mauryan era?

Answer:
By studying these artefacts, we can learn a lot about the people and culture of the Mauryan period:
(i) Terracotta figurine of a dancing girl: This suggests that music and dance were important forms of entertainment and cultural expression. People appreciated the arts and may have enjoyed performances in their daily lives.

(ii) Terracotta figurine of a female deity: It shows that religion and worship of goddesses were a part of everyday life. People believed in divine powers and created figures for prayer or rituals.

(iii) Yakshi holding a fly whisk: Yakshis were nature spirits linked to fertility and prosperity. This shows that people respected nature and worshipped symbols of growth and abundance.

(iv) Terracotta of saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses): The worship of mother goddesses shows the importance of feminine power and protection. People may have prayed to these goddesses for safety, health, and blessings.

(v) Head of a terracotta horse (with bridle design): This shows that horses were used for travel or possibly in the military. The careful design of the bridle means they paid attention to animal care and craftsmanship. The Mauryan people were religious, artistic, and skilled in craftwork. They valued nature, worship, beauty, and performance, and lived in a society that encouraged creativity and spiritual life.

Question 12.
Notice the different symbols on the coins. Can you guess what any of the symbols in the coins below might mean?

1. Tree or Pillar Symbols: Some of the coins feature symbols like trees or pillars. These may be representations of royal authority or Buddhist symbolism, reflecting the influence of Ashoka’s reign, during which Buddhism was promoted. The pillar symbol could represent Ashoka’s pillar edicts, which carried messages about his policies and governance. The tree symbol might reflect the Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, symbolizing peace and wisdom.

2. Wheel or Chakra: A wheel, or chakra, is often seen on these coins and may represent the Dharma Chakra (the Wheel of Dharma). This symbol is directly associated with Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha, which Ashoka promoted throughout his empire. It symbolizes the cycle of life, truth, and the path to enlightenment.

3. Animal Symbols (Elephant, Bull, Horse, Lion ):Various animals like the elephant, bull, horse, and lion are depicted on the coins. These animals may represent strength, royal power, and divinity:

1. The elephant could symbolize strength and wisdom, often associated with Lord Ganesha in Hinduism.
2. The bull might symbolize fertility and prosperity, as cattle were vital for agricultural societies.
3. The horse may symbolize royalty, speed, and warfare, as horses were crucial in battle.
4. The lion symbol, frequently seen in Ashoka’s lion capital at Sarnath, is likely a symbol of royalty and power. It could also represent courage and dominance, often used to denote the king’s authority.

4. Geometric Patterns: Some coins might feature geometric designs like squares, circles, or waves. These designs could be abstract representations of the cosmic order or other spiritual concepts that were important during the time, such as the balance of nature or unity of the universe.

5. Symbols of Prosperity and Wealth: The coins themselves were used for trade and commerce, so symbols related to wealth or abundance, such as a grain symbol (possibly representing food security and agricultural prosperity), might have been used to denote the economy and the state’s support of trade.

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