Kingdoms Kings And An Early Republic - Class 6 History - Extra Questions

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTION
Give one point of difference between empires and kingdoms.

Empires need more resources than kingdoms do as they are larger,


Find the state in which you live in the political map. Were there any 'janapadas' in your state? If yes, name them. If not, name the janapadas' that would have been the closest to your state, and mention whether they were to the east, west, north or south.

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The answer depends on the region you live in. Take the help of your teacher and the map given in the textbook to prepare your answer. However, a sample answer has been provided (using the state Uttar Pradesh) - The 'janapadas' in the present-day Uttar Pradesh-Panchala, Kosala.


In what ways are present-day elections different from the ways in which rulers were chosen in 'janapadas'?

In modern days; rulers are chosen through popular vote. But in the janapadas, a ruler was not chosen rather a person was supposed to show his supremacy to become the ruler. To do so, the raja had to perform the ashwamedha yajna so that other rajas in the mahajanapada would accept his supremacy.


Fill in the blank with appropriate word to complete the sentence.
The Prakrit spoken in Magadha was known as __________.

The Prakrit spoken in Magadha region was known as Magadhi. Prakrit was considered as the language of ordinary people. Prakrit language had several forms which were used in different parts of the country. These forms were named after the regions in which they were used.


Find out whether the groups mentioned in answer 3 (Q.3 Who were the groups who could not participate in the assemblies of the ganas?) have voting rights at present.

Today, voting rights are not decided by gender or profession. Indian constitution provides voting rights to all adults above the age of 18 years irrespective of caste, creed, sex, religion etc. Women, Kammakaras and dasas- all are entitled to vote.


Why did the 'rajas' of 'mahajanapadas' build forts?

The 'rajas' of 'mahajanapadas' built forts around their capital cities because probably the people were afraid of attacks from other kings and needed protection. It is also possible that some rajas wanted to show that they were rich and powerful by building large, tall and impressive walls around cities. Moreover, by fortifying, the land and its people could be controlled more easily.


Find out whether any of the groups mentioned in answer 2 (hunter gatherers, farmers, traders, craftspersons, herders) pay taxes today.

Out of the groups mentioned in answer 2, those that pay taxes even today are traders.


Very short answer type question:
Name two rivers that flowed through Magadha.

Ganga and Son were two rivers that flowed through Magadha.


Short answer type question:
Write a short note on the 'ashvamedha' ritual.

The 'ashvamedha' (horse sacrifice) was a ritual used to recognise men as rajas. A horse was left to wander freely. If it wandered into another kingdom and the king of that kingdom stopped it, they had to fight. The 'raja' who succeeded in the challenge was recognised as stronger. He would then perform the sacrifice, in which other kings would also come.


Very short answer type question:
For what did rulers need taxes?

the rulers of mahajanapadas introduced taxation because they wanted to build forts and buildings in order to protect their people. They didn't have enough money to do so. 
That is the reason why they started collecting taxes as they were not able to continue with their work with the money they got as gifts.


Short answer type question:
What were the different roles of different persons in the sacrifice?

The 'raja' was the central person in the sacrifice. He was given a special seat, like a throne. His charioteer would tell others tales of the raja's exploits. His wives and sons would perform several minor rituals. Other rajas would sit and watch. Priests sprinkled sacred water on the king. Ordinary people brought gifts.


Fill in the blanks with appropriate words to complete each sentence:
A ruler called ______ extended the control of Magadha up to the northwest part of the subcontinent.

Mahapadma Nanda

Mahapadma Nanda, according to the Puranas, was the first Emperor of the Nanda Empire of ancient India. The Puranas describe him as a son of the last Shaishunaga king Mahanandin and a Shudra woman, and credit him with extensive conquests.



Very short answer type question:
How were cities fortified?

Cities were fortified by building huge walls of wood, brick or stone around them.


On an outline physical map of India, mark these 'janapadas' or 'mahajanapadas'.
(i) Gandhara
(ii) Kuru
(iii) Panchala
(iv) Kosala
(v) Avanti
(vi) Magadha
(vii) Anga
(viii) Vajji


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Match the items in List 1 correctly with those given in List 2.

  • Magadha was Mahajanapada.
  • Hastinapur was Janapada.
  • Bhaga was tax which was levied on agriculture produce and cattle.
  • Vaishali was capital city of Vajji.
  • Sanghas were those people who follow Buddhism.


Long Answer type Question:
What was an important features of capital cities of 'mahajanapadas'? Why were they fortified? How were they fortified?

Capital cities of 'mahajanapadas' were mostly fortified by building huge walls of wood, brick or stone around them. There were various reasons for building forts. They were probably built because people were afraid of attacks from other kings and needed protection. Some rulers probably built forts to make their cities impressive and to show how rich and powerful they were. Moreover, by making forts, controlling the fortified area became easier for the kings.Buildings forts required a great-deal of planning.  Thousands of bricks or stones had to be prepared. Enormous amount of labour and resources were required.


Short answer type question:
What is known about the 'janapadas' and their people?

Archaeologists have excavated a number of settlements in the janapadas. They have found that people lived in huts. The people kept cattle as well as other animals. They grew a variety of crops like rice, wheat, barley, pulses, etc. They made earthen pots, some of which were grey in colour and some red.



Short answer type question:
Write a short note on the governance system in 'ganas' or 'sanghas'?

In ganas or 'sanghas', these were not one but many rulers. Even if there were several men together, each was called a raja. They performed rituals together. They met in assemblies and took decisions. Women, dasas and 'kammakaras' were not allowed to participate in these assemblies.


Make a list of the chapters in which you find mention of metal working. What are the metals objects mentioned or shown in those chapters?

Chapters 4, 8 and 9 mention metal working. Various metal tools have been mentioned; like ploughshare, sickle, axe and sword. Ploughshare and sickle were used in farming. Axe was used for chopping wood. Sword was used in battle.


The untouchables during this period were treated badly and were expected to live on the ________ of the city.

The untouchables were treated badly and they were not to be looked upon and they had to live outside the boundaries of the villages or the cities. These untouchables were entrusted with the job of disposing the dead animals and bodies of the people who were not claimed. 


Class 6 History Extra Questions