WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 7 Economy And Society Introduction
The Sixteen Mahajanapadas:
In the first half of 6th century BC there was no unified central government in North India. North India was divided into sixteen kingdoms or mahajanapadas. Magadha, one of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas, later developed into an empire.
Northern Black Polished Ware:
During the time of Gautama Buddha a particular kind of earthenware pottery was found by the archaeologists. This is known as Northern Black Polished Ware. These vessels were well burnt in oven to make them black. After burning they were polished.
Read And Learn More WBBSE Class 6 History Notes
Sudarshan Lake:
The Sudarshan Lake was constructed in ancient India by royal initiative. Chandragupta Maurya, got it dug in Kathiawar region. It was actually a big river irrigation project.
During Ashoka’s reign, some new canals were added to it. The Saka ruler Rudradaman renovated it in 150 AD. It was again renovated during the rule of the Gupta emperor Skandagupta.
Important Definitions Related to Mahajanapadas
Gatha Saptashati:
The Satavahana king Hala composed the book Gatha Saptashati in Prakrit in about 1st or 2nd century. It was actually a compilation of 700 sagas.
À comprehensive idea of the rural life in the south during the Satavahana period, can be obtained from this book.
Agrahara System:
Agrahara system refers to the system of donation of a non-taxable land to a Brahmin or a religious centre. After the 3rd century, this system became more widespread under the Guptas.
Streedhan:
Generally, women had no claims or rights to property during the ancient period. However there is mention of ‘Streedhan’ or ‘woman’s wealth’ in the religious texts (shastras) and the Arthashastra.
The gift items or property which a woman received at the time of her marriage was regarded as woman’s wealth.
Faxian (Fa-Hien):
Faxian, the Chinese traveller, came to India during the reign of the Gupta emperor, Chandragupta II. In his writings he has described the society and people of the Indian subcontinent.
His account of India is an important source for the study of the Mauryan empire.
History Class 6 Chapter 7 WBBSE
Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang):
Xuanzang, the Chinese traveller, came to India during the reign of Harshavardhana. In his writing Xuanzang has referred to Indians as In-Tu. He wrote that the country was divided into five parts and eighty kingdoms.
In-Tu:
The Chinese historian Xuanzang (Hieun-Tsang) had referred to India as In-Tu in his works. He had written that the people of In-Tu called their country by different names.
According to him, this country had five parts-north, south, east, west, central and consisted of eighty kingdoms. He referred to In-Tu as a hot tropical country.
He also stated that the chief agricultural crops grown there were paddy and wheat. Caste system prevailed in the society.
With the help of pictures compare the clay vessels of ancient India and present-day India.
The above pictures will create the sense of creativity in the mind of the learner and the learner will be able to go deep into the subject matter.