Class 6 History – From a Kingdom to an Empire (Gupta Empire, Harshavardhana, Pallavas & Chalukyas)
A.
1. a 2. d 3. a 4. a 5. b
B.
1. Samudragupta, Napoleon
2. Allahabad
3. chandalas
4. Kalidasa
5. Kanauj
2. Allahabad
3. chandalas
4. Kalidasa
5. Kanauj
C.
1. d 2. e 3. c 4. a 5. b
D.
1. F 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. F
E. Short Answer Type Questions
1. How does Samudragupta’s prashasti describe him?
Samudragupta’s prashasti describes him as a brave warrior, a powerful conqueror and a generous ruler. It praises his military victories and compares him to great conquerors. He is also shown as a lover of music and learning.
2. Write a note on Chandragupta II.
Chandragupta II, also called Vikramaditya, was a powerful Gupta ruler. He defeated the Shakas and expanded the empire. His period is known for peace, prosperity, trade and cultural development. Great scholars like Kalidasa were in his court.
3. What factors led to the decline of the Gupta Empire?
The decline was caused by weak successors, internal conflicts, invasions by the Hunas and decentralisation of administration. These factors weakened central authority.
4. Who controlled the local assemblies under Pallavas?
The local assemblies were controlled by village elders and important landowners.
5. What were the main sources of revenue? How was this money spent?
The main sources of revenue were land tax, trade tax and tribute from subordinate rulers. The money was spent on administration, army, building temples, public works and welfare activities.
Samudragupta’s prashasti describes him as a brave warrior, a powerful conqueror and a generous ruler. It praises his military victories and compares him to great conquerors. He is also shown as a lover of music and learning.
2. Write a note on Chandragupta II.
Chandragupta II, also called Vikramaditya, was a powerful Gupta ruler. He defeated the Shakas and expanded the empire. His period is known for peace, prosperity, trade and cultural development. Great scholars like Kalidasa were in his court.
3. What factors led to the decline of the Gupta Empire?
The decline was caused by weak successors, internal conflicts, invasions by the Hunas and decentralisation of administration. These factors weakened central authority.
4. Who controlled the local assemblies under Pallavas?
The local assemblies were controlled by village elders and important landowners.
5. What were the main sources of revenue? How was this money spent?
The main sources of revenue were land tax, trade tax and tribute from subordinate rulers. The money was spent on administration, army, building temples, public works and welfare activities.
F. Long Answer Type Questions
1. What do you know about Harshavardhana? Describe the main events of his career.
Harshavardhana became king in 606 CE. He made Kanauj his capital and expanded his empire in northern India. He was a capable administrator and maintained friendly relations with other rulers. He organised religious assemblies and supported education and culture.
2. How is Hiuen-Tsang’s account insightful?
Hiuen-Tsang visited India during Harsha’s reign. He described the administration, religious practices, education system and social life. His writings help historians understand this period clearly.
3. How did decentralisation weaken the Guptas and Harsha?
Local governors and feudatories were given more power. Over time they became independent and reduced the control of the central ruler, leading to decline.
4. The Chalukyas and the Pallavas were great architects. Give examples.
They built beautiful temples and rock-cut caves. The Pallavas built temples at Mahabalipuram. The Chalukyas built caves at Badami and temples at Aihole and Pattadakal.
5. How do we know that Harsha was a patron of art?
Harsha wrote plays and supported scholars and poets. He organised cultural gatherings and encouraged learning.
Harshavardhana became king in 606 CE. He made Kanauj his capital and expanded his empire in northern India. He was a capable administrator and maintained friendly relations with other rulers. He organised religious assemblies and supported education and culture.
2. How is Hiuen-Tsang’s account insightful?
Hiuen-Tsang visited India during Harsha’s reign. He described the administration, religious practices, education system and social life. His writings help historians understand this period clearly.
3. How did decentralisation weaken the Guptas and Harsha?
Local governors and feudatories were given more power. Over time they became independent and reduced the control of the central ruler, leading to decline.
4. The Chalukyas and the Pallavas were great architects. Give examples.
They built beautiful temples and rock-cut caves. The Pallavas built temples at Mahabalipuram. The Chalukyas built caves at Badami and temples at Aihole and Pattadakal.
5. How do we know that Harsha was a patron of art?
Harsha wrote plays and supported scholars and poets. He organised cultural gatherings and encouraged learning.
G. Distinguish Between
1. Bhakti and Vishayas
Bhakti – Devotion towards a personal god.
Vishayas – Administrative divisions of the empire.
2. Sabha and Ur
Sabha – Assembly of Brahmins in villages.
Ur – General assembly of the village people.
3. Ruler of Aryavarta and Ruler of Dakshinapatha
Ruler of Aryavarta – Controlled northern region.
Ruler of Dakshinapatha – Controlled southern region.
Bhakti – Devotion towards a personal god.
Vishayas – Administrative divisions of the empire.
2. Sabha and Ur
Sabha – Assembly of Brahmins in villages.
Ur – General assembly of the village people.
3. Ruler of Aryavarta and Ruler of Dakshinapatha
Ruler of Aryavarta – Controlled northern region.
Ruler of Dakshinapatha – Controlled southern region.