E. Short Answer Type Questions
1. What steps were taken to increase agricultural production?
Iron tools such as ploughshares were used to clear forests and cultivate land. Irrigation facilities like wells, canals, and tanks were developed. Farmers began using better seeds and farming techniques to increase production.
2. What is urbanization?
Urbanization is the process by which villages grow into towns and cities due to increase in population, trade, and economic activities.
3. Which period is referred to as the second urbanisation? Which was the first one?
The period around 600 BCE onwards is called the second urbanisation. The first urbanisation took place during the Indus Valley Civilization.
4. Describe the distinctive features of Northern Black Polished Ware.
Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) was a fine, glossy pottery with a smooth black surface. It was highly polished and considered a luxury item, mainly used by wealthy people.
5. What evidence points towards India’s trade relations with the Roman world?
Roman gold coins found in South India and references in Roman texts indicate active trade between India and Rome. Indian spices, silk, and precious stones were exported to Rome.
F. Long Answer Type Questions
1. Types of towns during the second urbanisation:
Various types of towns developed during this period:
• Administrative towns such as Pataliputra.
• Temple towns such as Mathura.
• Commercial towns such as Ujjain.
• Port towns such as Tamralipti.
These towns grew due to trade, administration, and religious importance.
2. Economic advancement through coins:
Punch-marked coins made of silver and copper were widely used. Later, gold coins were introduced by rulers like the Kushanas and Guptas. The use of coins shows growth in trade and a money-based economy.
3. Define shrenis and their role:
Shrenis were associations or guilds of merchants and craftsmen. They controlled production, fixed prices, and maintained quality. Shrenis helped in the growth of towns by encouraging trade and providing loans.
4. Importance of Mathura:
Mathura was an important centre of trade and religion. It was located on important trade routes and was a major centre for Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
5. Life in villages and role of Grama Bhojaka:
Most people lived in villages and were engaged in agriculture. The Grama Bhojaka was the village headman who collected taxes on behalf of the king and maintained law and order.
G. Distinguish Between
| Grihapatis | Krishakas |
|---|---|
| Large landowners. | Small farmers who worked on land. |
| Owned slaves and labourers. | Often worked for landowners. |
| Dasas | Karmakaras |
|---|---|
| Slaves who had no freedom. | Hired labourers who worked for wages. |
| Worked without payment. | Received wages for their work. |
| Vellalar | Uzhavar |
|---|---|
| Large landowners in Tamil region. | Small farmers who cultivated land. |
| Owned vast agricultural lands. | Worked on their own or others’ land. |
H. Give Reasons
1. The post-Mauryan phase is called the age of second urbanization.
During this period, many new towns developed due to increased trade, use of coins, and growth of craft production.
2. Trade with Rome was considered in favour of India.
India exported spices, silk, and precious stones to Rome and received gold coins in return. This led to an inflow of gold into India.