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In NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 9, we will explore powerful kingdoms of ancient India like the Mauryas, Guptas, Cheras, Cholas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Pallavs. You will get a brief description of the aforementioned empires in the Summary section of our notes. Thereafter, you can revise the timeline of these kingdoms under the Important Dates section. Lastly, our subject experts have answered all questions in the last part of our notes. You can also download NCERT solutions for free. Here we go!!
Download Social Science Class 6 History Chapter 9 Important Questions and Answers PDF
Table of Contents
Check out Ashoka: The Great Ruler of the Mauryan Empire
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Summary: NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 9
In this chapter, we learn about the rise of powerful empires and kingdoms in ancient India. The Mauryas were the first to form a great empire, led by King Chandragupta Maurya and his wise advisor, Chanakya. They ruled over a vast territory, uniting many regions. Next, we discover the Gupta Empire, known for its golden age of art, science, and learning. Chandragupta I and his successors brought prosperity and culture to India. We also read about the southern kingdoms like the Cholas, Cheras, and Pallavas. They excelled in trade, art, and temple-building.
Also, we learn about the powerful rulers of the Deccan, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas, who left their mark on Indian history. Through stories of kings and dynasties, we understand how ancient India flourished under the rule of these empires and kingdoms. This chapter helps us appreciate the rich heritage and diversity of our country.
Important Dates in NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 9
This will answer the important dates in class 6 History Chapter 9.
| Event | Date |
| Beginning of the Gupta dynasty | About 1700 years ago |
| The rule of Harshavardhana | About 1400 years ago |
Also Read: Samudragupta Maurya: The Indian Napoleon
Important Cities and Kingdoms
Important Definitions in NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 9
- Prashasti: In ancient India, “Prashasti” was a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘in praise
of’ refers to an inscription or a written record that praises and commemorates the achievements of kings, warriors, or important people.
- Aryavarta: Aryavarta was a term used in ancient India to refer to the region where the early Vedic civilization flourished. It roughly corresponds to the northern part of India.
- Dakshinapatha: Dakshinapatha means the “Southern Trade Route.” It was an important trade route in ancient India that connected the northern regions with the southern parts of the subcontinent.
- Genealogy: Genealogy is the study of family history and the tracing of ancestral lines, including information about parents, grandparents, and other ancestors.
- Hereditary Officer: A hereditary officer is a person who holds a specific position or title based on their family lineage or inheritance, rather than being appointed or elected.
- Samanta: In ancient India, a “Samanta” was a local chief or noble who had significant power and authority in a particular region. They were often loyal to a king or a larger political authority.
- Assembly: An assembly is a gathering of people who come together to discuss and make decisions about important matters. It can be a formal meeting or a group of representatives.
- Nagaram: Nagaram refers to a city or an urban settlement in ancient India. It was a place where people lived in a more concentrated and organized manner compared to rural areas.
Also Read: Was Chandra Gupta Maurya the Founder of the Mauryan Dynasty?
Download Social Science Class 6 History Chapter 9 Important Questions and Answers PDF
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Important Questions and Answers in NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 9
1. State whether true or false:
(a) Harishena composed a prashasti in praise of Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni.
(b) The rulers of Aryavarta brought tribute for Samudragupta.
(c) There were twelve rulers in Dakshinapatha
(d) Taxila and Madurai were important centres under the control of the Gupta rulers.
(e) Aihole was the capital of the Pallavas.
(f) Local assemblies functioned for several centuries in South India.
Ans.
(a) True
(b) True
(c) False
(d) False
(e) False
(f) True
2. Mention 3 authors who wrote about Harshavardhana.
Ans. Banabhatta, Xuan Zang and Ravikirti wrote about Harshavardhana
3. What changes do you find in the army at this time?
Ans. During this time, new empires and kingdoms emerged, bringing changes to the army. They used advanced weapons like swords, spears, and bows. Soldiers were organized into units led by commanders. Cavalry, soldiers on horses, became important. Forts were built for defence. Training improved, making armies more effective. Communication through messengers and flags helped coordination. So, armies became stronger and better organized. This period marked significant developments in how armies operated.
4. What were the new administrative arrangements during this period?
Ans. During this period, new administrative arrangements appeared as mentioned below:
- Kings adopted a number of steps to win the support of men who were powerful, either economically, or socially, or because of their political and military strength.
- Some important administrative posts were now hereditary. This means that sons succeeded fathers to these posts. For example, the poet Harishena was a maha-danda-nayaka, or chief judicial officer, like his father.
- Sometimes, one person held many offices. For instance, besides being a maha-danda-nayaka, Harishena was a kumar-amatya, meaning an important minister, and a sandhi-vigrahika, meaning a minister of war and peace.
- Besides, important men probably had a say in local administration. These included the nagarashreshthi or chief banker or merchant of the city, the sarthavaha or leader of the merchant caravans, the prathama-kulika or the chief craftsman, and the head of the kayasthas or scribes.
5. What do you think Arvind would have to do if he was acting as Samudragupta?
Ans. If Arvind were acting as Samudragupta, he’d need to understand Samudragupta’s character deeply. Samudragupta was a brave and wise king of ancient India. Arvind should learn about his conquests, his kind nature, and his love for art. Arvind should also practice speaking confidently and respectfully like a king. Knowing about Samudragupta’s achievements and policies would be essential. This way, he can portray the king accurately in his role.
6. Do you think ordinary people would have read and understood the prashastis? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. Ordinary people in ancient times might not have easily read or understood prashastis. These were inscriptions in Sanskrit, a language not familiar to everyone. Also, many people couldn’t read back then.
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FAQs
Ans: In ancient India, “Prashasti” was a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘in praise of’ and refers to an inscription or a written record that praises and commemorates the achievements of kings, warriors, or important people.
Ans: Genealogy is the study of family history and the tracing of ancestral lines, including information about parents, grandparents, and other ancestors.
Ans: The beginning of the Gupta dynasty was about 1700 years ago.
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