WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History Chapter 6 Imperial Expansion And Administration Topic A First Empire In India Subcontinent

WBBSE Chapter 6 Topic A First Empire In the Indian Subcontinent Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is an empire? Who is an emperor? How was the first empire built in the subcontinent of India?
Answer:

Empire:

When many kingdoms merge together to form a vast territorial unit, it is known as an empire. It is the home to a large population and is controlled by a single ruler.

The absolute ruler of an empire is called the emperor. In other words, the emperor governs the large population residing in the empire and they are his subjects.

In the 6th century BC, the Mahajanapadas developed from janapadas. Among the Mahajanapadas Magadha was the most powerful. Three monarchical dynasties ruled in Magadha one after another.

Most of the Mahajanapadas were conquered by the kings of Magadha. The first empire in India grew up around Magadha under the Mauryan dynasty.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History

Question 2. What are the main sources for the study of Mauryan history?
Answer:

There are two important sources for the study of Mauryan history

1. Literary And
2. Archaeological Sources.

1. Literary sources:

Arthashastra by Kautilya:

Arthashastra, written by Kautilya or Chanakya, is an important source for the study of Mauryan history. It is a book concerning the administrative system of ancient India, particularly that of the Mauryas.

It was compiled in the 1st or 2nd century. It deals with the different aspects of administration as well as the duties and responsibilities of a king.

Short Questions on Chandragupta Maurya

Indica by Megasthenes:

Megasthenes came from Kandahar to Pataliputra as an ambassador of the Greek ruler Seleucus. He had written elaborately about the administration of Chandragupta Maurya in his book Indica.

However, there were many errors because Megasthenes could not comprehend the language and society of the Indian subcontinent properly.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Geography	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 History	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Maths
WBBSE Class 6 Geography Notes	WBBSE Class 6 History Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 School Science
WBBSE Class 6 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Class 6 History MCQs	WBBSE Notes For Class 6 School Science

 

2. Archaeological sources:

Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath:

The most famous of all the Ashokan Pillars is the Sarnath Pillar. It is the place of Buddha’s First Sermon where he shared the Four Noble Truths with his disciples.

Mahasthan Inscription:

The Mahasthan Inscription in the Bagura district of modern-day Bangladesh is an important source of the Mauryan period. It is written in Pali script. It was meant for the Mahamatras of ancient Pundranagar.

Question 3. Give an account of Alexander’s invasion of India.
Answer:

Alexander’s invasion of India:

Alexander was the ruler of Macedonia in Greece. He crossed the Hindukush mountain and entered in to India around 300 BC.

1. War with Elder Porus:

Alexander fought with many small and big rulers of India. The most famous among them was Elder Porus. Alexander defeated Elder Porus who ruled over the area between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers. Porus was defeated but the greeks paid respect to his valour.

2. Return journey and death:

Alexander advanced in the Indian subcontinent as far as Punjab but did not progress towards the Ganga deltaic region. He stayed in India for close to three years. Around 325 BC while returning to Greece via west Asia he died in Babylon.

Class 6 History Chapter 6 WBBSE

3. Consequences:

Alexander’s invasion decreased the power of the small kingdoms in north India. As a result, it became easier for Chandragupta Maurya to establish an empire.

Question 4. What were the achievements of Chandragupta Maurya?
Answer:

The first empire of the Indian subcontinent was the Mauryan empire. Chandragupta Maurya was its first emperor.

Achievements of Chandragupta Maurya

1. Overthrow of the Nanda dynasty:

After defeating and killing the Nanda king Dhanananda, Chandragupta founded the Mauryan dynasty in Magadha.

2. Conquest of Greek-occupied territories:

After the death of Alexander, Chandragupta led continuous campaigns against the greek administrators who assisted Alexander.

3. Conflict with Seleucus Nikator:

Common Questions About Ashoka the Great

Seleucus Nikator, the general of Alexander, was the ruler of Indus Valley. There was a conflict between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus Nikator over the control of the territory.

Finally, the conflict was resolved through a truce and they came to an understanding. Friendly relation was established and they felicitated each other. So it is said that the credit of establishing the Mauryan empire goes to Chandragupta Maurya.

Question 5. In the Arthashastra what were the duties Kautilya prescribed which all kings should follow during the daytime?
Answer:

In the Arthashastra Kautilya prescribed the following duties which all kings should follow during daytime.

1. The king will look after the finance and check the accounts of stable expenses. He will also take information about the country’s security.
2. He will attend the people of the villages and the cities to listen to their problems.
3. He will take bath. Then he will take his meal and study.
4. He will collect the revenue in cash. He will distribute work among different ministers.
5. He will consult the Mantri Parishad and listen to the spies for secret information.
6. He will either take a rest or do whatever he likes or he will consult his ministers.
7. The condition of elephants, horses, chariots, and soldiers will be inspected by him in detail.
8. At the end of the day, he will discuss with the senapati about war and the army.

Question 6. What was the impact of the Kalinga war on Ashoka?
Answer:

The impact of the Kalinga war on Ashoka:

The battle of Kalinga was a turning point in Ashoka’s life. By the conquest of Kalinga, the frontier of the Mauryan empire extended. But the bloody Kalinga war brought a change in Ashoka’s mind.

1. Renunciation of war:

The cruelty of war brought a change in Ashoka’s life. He refrained from war and violence and adopted the path of peace.

2. Adoption of Buddhism:

The horrors of war touched the heart of Ashoka and he adopted Buddhism. A Buddhist monk Upagupta initiated Ashoka into Buddhism.

Practice Questions on Mauryan Expansion

3. Welfare of living beings:

Ashoka undertook the task of the welfare of the people in his empire. His attitude was sympathetic, not only to man but also to birds and animals. He prohibited the slaughter of animals, hunting, and fishing.

Question 7. Discuss Ashoka’s principles of Dhamma.
Answer:

Ashoka’s principles of Dhamma:

Ashoka’s religious policy or principles of Dhamma is an important aspect of his rule.

1. Background:

The battle of Kalinga was a turning point in Ashoka’s life. The cruelty of the war brought a change in his life. He refrained from war and violence and adopted the path of peace.

He tried to unite all his subjects through his religious policy which was called Dhamma.

2. Features of Dhamma:

Though there are some similarities between Ashoka’s Dhamma and the main tenets of Buddhism but Ashoka’s Dhamma is not Buddhism. There are some differences between Ashoka’s Dhamma and Buddhist tenets.

3. Social norms:

In Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasis was given on certain social norms. The main principle was non-violence. He prohibited the slaughter of animals, hunting, and fishing.

His dhamma comprised of some moral principles like charity, piety, and truth. It laid importance on some principles such as respect to parents and elders.

Question 8. What were the main features of the Mauryan administration?
Answer:

The emperors of the Mauryan dynasty did not end their task with the expansion of the empire. Good governance was equally important to them.

Examples of Edicts of Ashoka

Main features of the Mauryan Administration

1. Emperor:

In administration, absolute power was in the hands of the emperor. At the head of the judicial system was the emperor. The people had to obey the commands of the emperor.

2. Assumption of titles:

The Mauryan emperors instead of performing sacrifices to claim their power used the title of ‘Devanampiya’ or Beloved of the Gods. They used to project themselves as god-like figures to the people of the empire.

3. Areas of governance:

Besides Magadha, there were other key power centers in north India. The Mauryas also administered the north-western frontier and the frontier regions of the south (practica rajya).

4. Royal officials:

The Mauryan emperors used to rule with the help of the Amatyas and the Mahamatras (during the rule of Ashoka)

5. Army:

The Mauryan emperors used to take the help of the army to run the administration.

6. Spy system:

Spies were employed to collect information about the empire.

7. Tax:

The Mauryan emperors collected taxes from craftsmen, merchants, traders, etc.

Question 9. What do we come to know about the administration of the Mauryan empire from the writings of Megasthenes?
Answer:

Megasthenes, the ambassador of the Greek ruler Seleucus, came to India during the rule of Chandragupta Maurya. From his work ‘Indica’ we come to know about the administration of the Mauryan empire.

1. City administrators:

From the writings of Megasthenes, we came to know about the administration of the city of Pataliputra during the Mauryan rule. The city administrators were divided into six groups. There were five members in each group.

2. Duties of the city administrators:

The six groups of administrators looked after the different important places of the city. The temples, ports, and markets were supervised by them. They also determined the prices of goods. They were helped by the army in the works of administration.

3. Importance:

As Megasthenes was a foreigner he could not properly understand the language and society of India. So possibly there are many errors in his account. But still, Indica is a significant foreign source for the study of the history of the Mauryan empire.

Question 10. Write a note on Alexander.
Answer:

Alexander:

Alexander was the ruler of Macedonia in Greece. He crossed the Hindukush Mountain and entered in to India. He defeated Elder Porus who ruled over the area between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers.

He stayed in India for about three years. While returning to his homeland in 325 BC he died in Babylon.

Question 11. Why was it easier for Chandragupta Maurya to build an empire around 320 BC?
Answer:

Alexander, the ruler of Macedonia, invaded India around 300 BC. His invasion decreased the power of the small kingdoms in north India.

As a result, it became easier for Chandragupta Maurya to establish an empire. The supremacy of the Mauryas was established in Punjab and the North-Western region.

Question 12. How did Chandragupta Maurya make Magadha powerful?
Answer:

Chandragupta Maurya increased the power of Magadha. He fought against the greek administrators who had helped Alexander. He also got involved in a conflict with the greeks over the control of the Indus Valley which was ruled by Seleucus Nikator, the general of Alexander.

The conflict was resolved through a truce and they felicitated each other. In this way through conflict and friendship, Chandragupta Maurya made Magadha powerful.

Question 13. In what way Ashoka’s Dhamma differ from Buddhism?
Answer:

There are similarities between Ashoka’s Dhamma and the main tenets of Buddhism. But Ashoka’s Dhamma is not Buddhism.

There are some differences between Ashoka’s Dhamma and Buddhist tenets which are as follows:

1. Buddha’s basic teachings included the Eightfold Path or Ashtangik Marga. But there is no concept of Ashtangik Marga in Ashoka’s Dhamma.
2. Buddhism emphasised on the notion of Nirvana but the concept of Nirvana is absent in Ashoka’s Dhamma.

Question 14. Why is Ashoka called ‘The Great’?
Answer:

Ashoka called ‘The Great’:

Ashoka is one of the greatest kings ever found in the history of India as well as that of the world.

1. As a religious conqueror:

Ashoka embraced Buddhism after witnessing the horrifying aftermath of the Kalinga war and succeeded in establishing it as a world religion.

2. As a benevolent ruler:

Ashoka was the first king in history to set up an administration based on the welfare of his subjects.

History Class 6 Chapter 6 Question Answer WBBSE

3. Patronage of art and culture:

Due to Ashoka’s efforts, innumerable stupas, monasteries, chaityas, and pillars were constructed.

4. As a philanthropist:

Genuine love for mankind has provided Ashoka a permanent and prestigious position in world history.

Question 15. Who were the Amatyas and Mahamatras?
Answer:

The Amatyas and Mahamatras:

The royal officials who helped the emperor to rule during the Mauryan period were called amateurs. The amatyas were divided into three categories.

During the reign of Ashoka, the highest posts were given to the Mahamatras. They were also divided into different categories and formed the pillar of administration.

Question 16. How did the Maurya rulers treat the forest dwellers?
Answer:

The Maurya rulers treat the forest dwellers:

The Mauryan rulers did not treat the forest dwellers well. Those people who lived in the forest were considered to be lowly, barbaric, and wild. It was believed that they create disturbances in the Mauryan empire.

Spies were appointed to watch the forest dwellers in the guise of sages. Emperor Ashoka was in favour of the punishment of those forest dwellers who killed birds and animals or felled trees.

Question 17. Who was the author of Indica? What is its importance?
Answer:

The author of Indica:

Megasthenes, the ambassador of Greek Seleucus Nikator, who was sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, was the author of Indica.

From Indica we come to know about the administration of the Mauryan Empire during the rule of Chandragupta Maurya. We also come to know about the administration of the city of Pataliputra from Megasthenes’ account.

WBBSE Chapter 6 Topic A First Empire In Indian Subcontinent Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. How was the first empire formed in the Indian subcontinent?
Answer:

The first empire formed in the Indian subcontinent:

At first there were sixteen big kingdoms or Mahajanapadas in the Indian subcontinent. Among them, Magadha emerged as the most powerful one under the rule of three monarchical dynasties-Haryanka, Shishunaga, and Nanda.

The kings of these dynasties had conquered most of the other janapadas. Finally, the first consolidated empire was formed under the Mauryan dynasty.

Question 2. Who was the greatest opponent of Alexander in India?
Answer:

The greatest opponent of Alexander in India:

The greatest opponent of Alexander in India was king Elder Porus who ruled over the kingdom between Jhelum and Chenab rivers. He tried to resist the Greeks but was defeated. However, his valour and self-respect greatly impressed Alexander.

Question 3. Write a note on Arthashastra.
Answer:

Arthashastra:

Arthashastra, written by Kautilya or Chanakya, is an important source for the study of Mauryan history. It is a book concerning the administrative system of ancient India, particularly that of the Mauryas.

It was compiled in the 1st or 2nd century. It deals with the different aspects of administration as well as the duties and responsibilities of a king.

Question 4. Who was the author of Arthashastra?
Answer:

The author of Arthashastra:

Kautilya or Chanakya was the author of Arthashastra. The entire book was compiled around 1st or 2nd century. It is said that Kautilya did not write the book alone. But as the main theme of the book was authored by him, the book is known by his name.

Question 5. What was the extent of Ashoka’s empire?
Answer:

The extent of Ashoka’s empire:

Ashoka’s empire extended from Afghanistan in the north to Karnataka in the south. Kathiawad in the west and Kalinga in the east were also included in his empire.

Question 6. In his entire life Ashoka fought only one war-Why.
Answer:

In his entire life Ashoka fought only one war-the Kalinga war. The cruelty of war brought a change in Ashoka’s life. He refrained from war and violence and adopted the path of peace and non-violence.

Question 7. How did Buddhism influence Ashoka?
Answer:

Ashoka did not wage any war after the battle of Kalinga. He embraced Buddhism. He adopted the policy of peace under the influence of Buddhism.

He tried to prevent cruelty to all creatures and spread the message of Dhamma and to work for the well-being of his people.

Question 8. Write two social norms mentioned in Ashoka’s Dhamma.
Answer:

Two social norms mentioned in Ashoka’s Dhamma were

1. To show respect to elders and parents,
2. Prohibition of animal slaughter, hunting, and fishing.

Question 9. How did the Mauryan emperors project themselves as god-like figures to their subjects?
Answer:

The Mauryan emperors instead of performing sacrifices to claim their power used the title of ‘Devanampiya or Beloved of Gods. Ashoka assumed the title of ‘Piyadasi’ or ‘Priyadarshi’.

In this way assuming different titles the Mauryan emperors projected themselves as godlike figures to their subjects.

WBBSE Chapter 6 Topic A First Empire In The Indian Subcontinent Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Who is called an emperor?
Answer: An emperor is a person who rules over an empire.

Question 2. What do you mean by the word empress?
Answer: A woman ruler who rules over a huge territory and over many subjects is known as an empress.

Question 3. What does the word ‘Rajadhiraj’ mean?
Answer: The word ‘Rajadhiraj’ means king of kings.

Question 4. Who was Alexander?
Answer: Alexander was the ruler of Macedonia in Greece.

Question 5. When did Alexander enter the Indian subcontinent?
Answer: Alexander entered the Indian subcontinent around 300 BC.

Question 6. Who was Elder Porus?
Answer: Elder Porus was a very famous king who ruled over the region between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers.

Question 7. With whom did Porus fight?
Answer: Porus fought with Alexander, the ruler of Macedonia in Greece.

Question 8. Who was defeated in the war between Elder Porus and Alexander?
Answer: Elder Porus was defeated in the war between Elder Porus and Alexander.

Question 9. When did Alexander return with his army?
Answer: Approximately around 325 BC Alexander returned with his army.

Question 10. Where did Alexander die?
Answer: Alexander died in Babylon.

Question 11. How many Mahajanapadas were there?
Answer: There were sixteen Mahajanapadas.

Question 12. Which dynasty ruled over Magadha at the time of Alexander’s invasion?
Answer: The Nanda Kings ruled over Magadha at the time of Alexander’s invasion.

Question 13. Who was the last Nanda king?
Answer: The last Nanda king was Dhanananda.

Question 14. Who helped Chandragupta Maurya in his war against the Nanda kings?
Answer: Chanakya helped Chandragupta Maurya in his war against the Nanda Kings.

WBBSE Class 6 History Chapter 6 Question Answer

Question 15. Against whom did Chandragupta Maurya fight?
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya fought against the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty Dhanananda.

Question 16. When did Chandragupta Maurya build an empire?
Answer: Around 320 BC Chandragupta Maurya build an empire.

Question 17. Who was defeated in the war between Chandragupta Maurya and Dhanananda?
Answer: Dhanananda was defeated in the war between Chandragupta and Maurya Dhanananda.

Question 18. Who was Seleucus Nikator?
Answer: Seleucus Nikator was the army general of Alexander.

Question 19. Which was the first empire of the Indian subcontinent?
Answer: The first empire of the Indian subcontinent was the Mauryan empire.

Question 20. Who was the first emperor of the Mauryan empire?
Answer: The first emperor of the Mauryan empire was Chandragupta Maurya.

Question 21. Mention an important source of Mauryan history.
Answer: An important source of Mauryan history is Arthashstra by Chanakya.

Question 22. Who authored the main theme of Arthashastra?
Answer: The main theme of Arthashastra was authored by Kautilya or Chanakya.

Question 23. Name one book which was written about the administrative system of ancient India.
Answer: The book which was written about the administrative system of ancient India was Arthashastra by Kautilya.

Question 24. Where was the capital of the Mauyran empire?
Answer: The capital of the Mauryan empire was Pataliputra.

Question 25. Who was Megasthenes?
Answer: Megasthenes was the ambassador of the Greek ruler Seleucus Nikator, who came to Chandragupta Maurya’s royal court in Pataliputra.

Question 26. Who became the Mauryan emperor after Chandragupta Maurya?
Answer: After Chandragupta Maurya Bindusara became the Mauryan emperor.

Question 27. What was the name of Bindusara’s son?
Answer: The name of Bindusara’s son was Ashoka.

Question 28. For how many years did Ashoka rule?
Answer: Ashoka ruled for nearly forty years.

Question 29. Where was the capital of Ashoka?
Answer: Ashoka’s capital was at Pataliputra.

Question 30. Name the Mauryan emperor who renounced of Alexander.
Answer: The Mauryan emperor Ashoka renounced wars.

Question 31. What messages did Ashoka carry to people far and wide?
Answer: Ashoka carried the messages of peace to people far and wide.

Question 32. Who initiated Ashoka into Buddhism?
Answer: A Buddhist monk named Upagupta initiated Ashoka into Buddhism.

Question 33. After which battle Ashoka adopted the path of peace?
Answer: After the Kalinga war Ashoka adopted the path of peace.

Question 34. What were Ashoka’s religious principles known as?
Answer: Ashoka’s religious principles were known as Dhamma.

Question 35. What was the main principle of Ashoka’s Dhamma?
Answer: The main principle of Ashoka’s Dhamma is non-violence (ahimsa).

WBBSE Chapter 6 Topic A First Empire In the Indian Subcontinent Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. One who rules over an empire is called ________ (emperor/minister/official).
Answer: Emperor

Question 2. The first Indian empire was built around ________ (Kashi/Koshal/Magadha).
Answer: Magadha

Class 6 History Chapter 6 WBBSE

Question 3. The first empire built in the Indian subcontinent is ________ (Mauryan/Kushana/ Gupta).
Answer: Mauryan

Question 4. The author of Arthashastra is ________ (Kalhana/Kautilya/Tulsidas).
Answer: Kautilya

Question 5. An important source of knowing the history of ________ (Mauryan/Kushana/Gupta) Age is Arthashastra.
Answer: Mauryan

Question 6. Ashoka gave up violence due to the influence of ________ (Shaivisim/Jainism/Buddhism).
Answer: Buddhism

Question 7. Alexander, the ruler of Macedonia crossed the ________ (Vindhyan/Himalaya/ Hindukush) mountain and entered into India.
Answer: Hindukush

Question 8. In the Indian subcontinent, Alexander advanced as far as ________ (Bihar/Magadha/ Punjab).
Answer: Punjab

Question 9. The Nanda Kings ruled over ________ (Magadha/Kalinga/Pataliputra).
Answer: Magadha

Question 10. The Sanskrit word Atavi means ________ (forest/barbaric/wild).
Answer: Forest

Question 11. ‘Devanampiya’ means ________ (beloved of the people/beloved of the Gods/beloved of the King).
Answer: Beloved of the Gods

Question 12. At the time of the Mauryas, there was a group of ministers known as ________(Piyadasi/mantri parishad/Atavika).
Answer: Mantri parishad

WBBSE Chapter 6 Topic A First Empire In Indian Subcontinent True Or False

Question 1. A female emperor is called an empress.
Answer: True

Question 2. Alexander died in Babylon while he was returning to his native land Greece.
Answer: True

Question 3. Seleucus Nikator was the general of Alexander who was the ruler of Macedonia in Greece.
Answer: True

Question 4. Ashoka established the Mauryan empire in India-he was the first emperor.
Answer: False

Question 5. The last Nanda King Dhanananda was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya.
Answer: True

Question 6. During Ashoka’s reign, Pataliputra was the capital of Magadha.
Answer: True

History Class 6 Chapter 6 Question Answer WBBSE

Question 7. Bali and Bhaga were the two land revenues that were levied in the Mauryan Age.
Answer: False

Question 8. Chandragupta Maurya declared himself to be Magadharaj.
Answer: False

Question 9. During the Mauryan Age, the district administration was called ‘Aahar’.
Answer: True

Question 10. The conflict between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus Nikator was finally resolved through a truce.
Answer: True

Question 11. There is a detailed discussion about the king’s duties in the Arthashastra.
Answer: True

Question 12. The period of Ashoka’s rule was from 200 BC to 232 BC.
Answer: False

Question 13. The notion of Nirvana is absent in Ashoka’s Dhamma.
Answer: True

Question 14. Rajasthan is an archaeological site in the Bagura district of India.
Answer: False