WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic A Ancient Bengal And Sasanka Long Question And Answers
Question 1. What information is provided about Bengal in literary sources?
Answer:
Information is provided about Bengal in literary sources:
Various manuscripts and travelogues speak of Vanga or Bengal.
References to Bengal or Vanga
- Rig Veda: The Aitareya Aranyaka of the Rig Veda first mentions the term Vanga.
- Mahabharata: It speaks of Paundra, Suhma, Vanga, and Tamralipta as separate independent realms.
- Arthashastra: Chanakya or Kautilya also wrote about Vanga in Arthashastra.
- Raghuvangsham: Kalidasa mentions the terms Vanga and Suhma in his Raghuvangsham.
- Minhaj-i-Siraj: This famous 13th-century historian speaks of Vanga in his writings.
- Ain-i-Akbari: The Mughal chronicler, Abul Fazl speaks of the Suba of Bengal in his ‘Ain- i-Akbari’.
- European traders and travelers: These traders and travelers of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries referred to Vanga as Vengala.
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Question 2. Briefly narrate the origin of the term ‘Vanga’.
Answer:
Origin of the term ‘Vanga’:
There is controversy among historians regarding the origin and connotation of the term ‘Vanga’ due to lack of sources.
Nomenclature of Vanga
1. Vanga:
A Sanskrit dictionary implies that the term Vanga is derived from the yarn of cotton, which was a well-known product of Bengal.
2. Vongo:
Some scholars feel Vanga is derived from the term Vongo which means deity in the Austric language.
3. Bangla:
Vanga is also said to have been derived from the word ‘Bangala’, the eastern bank of river Bhagirathi, according to the name given by the Portuguese traders.
4. Vangala:
Some scholars feel that the Gangetic plains were called Vangala in ancient times, from which, the term Vanga has come.
5. Conclusion:
Though there is a controversy regarding the origin, the term Vanga has become popular among people.
Question 3. Why is Sasanka’s reign significant in the history of Bengal?
Answer:
Sasanka’s reign significant in the history of Bengal:
Sasanka started his political career as a vassal of the later Gupta king, Mahasena Gupta. He established the first independent kingdom of Gauda.
Sasanka’s achievements
1. Conquests:
Sasanka conquered the whole of Gauda, including Danda-bhukti (Dantan of the Midnapore district), West Bengal, Utkala, and Kangod (Ganjam District). He also conquered Magadha including Bodh- Gaya. His kingdom extended till Varanasi in the northwest.
2. National unification:
Sasanka unified Bengal politically and expanded it into an empire. Based on this principle of conquest, later rulers of Bengal, especially Pala rulers built up vast empires.
3. Formation of Bengali empire in Aryavarta:
Sasanka not only strengthened and unified Bengal, but also extended his control over parts of North India. He was the first independent sovereign ruler of Gauda.
4. Gaudatantra:
Sasanka built up a system of administration, which was called the Gaudatantra or Gauda system. In this system, the officials or civil servants set up a proper system of governance.
The administration started to interface in what was earlier the responsibility of the local village community. To conclude, underSasanka, Bengal emerged as an independent and powerful kingdom. Probably, Sasanka had no successor.
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Question 4. Discuss the social life of Bengal under Sasanka.
Answer:
The social life of Bengal under Sasanka:
We get ample information about the social life of Bengal under Sasanka from Visakhadatta’s ‘Mudrarakshasa’, Xuanzang’s (Hiuen-Tsang) ‘Si- Yu-Ki’, the Midnapore Copper Plate, the Egra Copper Plate, the Ganjam Copper Plate, and Banabhatta’s ‘Harshacharita’. Of course, Banabhatta was unfriendly to Sasanka.
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1. Social class division:
The society of Bengal had several classes apart from Brahmins— the uppermost caste of society. Low-castes like Chandalas, existed according to the Egra Copper Plate.
2. Position Of women:
Women were probably held in high respect, though very little information is available regarding their real status.
3. Casteism:
Social divisions did exist, as implied by the Egra Copper Plate. It refers to the existence of a pond used only by the Chandalas but we do not know the extent of social castes prevalent at that time.
4. Inequal distribution of wealth:
The Egra Copper Plate mentions the different official ranks like Pradhana, Mahapradhana, Mahottar, and Mahamahottar which imply the existence of wealthy classes and also indicate inequality in the distribution of wealth.
Question 5. Write a note on Karnasuvarna.
Answer:
Karnasuvarna was the capital of Gauda during Sasanka’s reign.
Karnasuvarna:
1. Location:
Located at present Chiruti of Murshidabad district of West Bengal, it is locally popular as the ‘Palace of king Kama’.
2. Historical evidence:
Remains of the ancient Raktamrittika Buddhist monastery (Vihara) have been excavated near Rajbaridanga near the present Chiruti Railway Station. Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) referred to it in his account.
Its Chinese name was Lo-to-mo-chi. The capital Karnasuvarna was located near this place.
3. Geographical features:
Loamy soil and humid climate supported agriculture. Several fruits and vegetables were grown here.
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4. Population:
Xuanzang stated that the country was densely populated. The people were learned and cultured. People possessed a good character and patronised education and learning. Buddhists and Shaivites coexisted harmoniously.
5. Trade and Commerce:
Karnasuvarna was an important commercial and administrative center. It had close commercial links with South-East Asia. Ships laden with merchandise traveled to Malay from Raktamrittika.
6. Political Turmoil:
Karnasuvarna, the capital of Sasanka, was conquered by the Kamarup ruler, Bhaskara Varman, after his death. It was the capital of Jayanagar later. However, no reference can be obtained about it after the 7th century.
Question 6. What do you mean by the term ‘Matsya-nyaya’?
Answer:
After the death of Sasanka, the utter anarchy and chaos that characterized politics and society in Bengal for nearly a century (650— 750), is called ‘Matsya-nyaya’.
Matsya-nyaya:
1. Source:
The term ‘Matsya-nyaya’ is found in the accounts of the eminent Tibetan historian Lama Taranath and Arthashastra of Kautilya. The Buddhist text ‘Arya-Manjushri- mula-kalpa’ narrates the state of misery in Bengal.
2. Nature:
Literally ‘Matsya-nyaya’ meansfish¬like behaviour. In a pond, just as the bigger fish eats up the smaller ones, similarly, after the death of Sasanka, the rich and powerful classes began to oppress the weak and the poor and captured their lands. This situation was called ‘Matsya-nyaya’.
3. Background:
- After Sasanka’s death, the political scenario of Bengal was characterized by civil wars, the rise of numerous ruling dynasties, foreign invasions, and total lawlessness.
- Several foreign provincial rulers repeatedly invaded Bengal taking advantage of political disunity and chaos.
4. Election Of king:
To end the situation of Matsya-Nyaya, the nobility, and aristocrats of Bengal elected Gopala as king. This capable ruler gradually brought back peace and stability in Bengal
Conclusion:
The end of Matsya-Nyaya marked the termination of the oppression by the power¬craving people. Peace was restored in society.
Conceptual Questions on the Legacy of Sasanka
Question 7. Write about the regions of Pundravardhana and Samatata.
Answer:
Pundravardhana:
Pundravardhana was an ancient kingdom, the largest among the territories of ancient Bengal. It included parts of present-day Rajshahi, rangpur, and Dhaka Divisions of Bangladesh as well as the West Dinajpur district of West Bengal.
Sylhet was earlier included in this region. During the Gupta rule, Pundravardhana was a ‘Bhukti’ or a territorial division.
Samatata
Samatata was an ancient geographical division of Bengal in the Eastern Indian subcontinent. Its territory corresponded to much of present-day eastern Bangladesh.
On the south-eastern side of Samatata, lies the present-day coastal region of Chittagong of Bangladesh. The area covers the trans-Meghna part of the Bengal delta.
WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic A Ancient Bengal And Sasanka Short Question And Answers
Question 1. Name the main territories of ancient Bengal and explain .how they obtained their names.
Answer:
The main territories of ancient Bengal and explain .how they obtained their names:
The main territories of ancient Bengal were Pundravardhana, Varendra, Vanga, Radh, Suhma, Gauda, Samatata, and Harikel. Such names have been derived from the people who inhabited these regions. These names were given after a clan or community.
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Question 2. Which regions comprised Samatata?
Answer:
Regions comprised Samatata:
The eastern bank of the Meghna River was 5amatata of ancient times, now including the Kumilla-Noakhali areas of present Bangladesh. It was regarded as the boundary of Bengal as river Meghna isolated Samatata from the rest of Bengal.
Question 3. Discuss the territorial conquests of Sasanka.
Answer:
Territorial conquests of Sasanka:
Sasanka was the first independent and sovereign king of Bengal. He established control over some parts of North India.
Formation of independent Gauda:
Taking advantage of the weakness of the Later Gupta rulers, Sasanka set up independent rule over Gauda.
Conquests:
He conquered Danda-Bhukti, Utkala, Kangod (Ganjam district), Magadha, and Bodh Gaya. His kingdom stretched up to the north¬western region of Varanasi.
Question 4. Write a note on Karnasuvarna.
Answer:
Karnasuvarna:
- Ancient Karnasuvarna is now represented by Raktamrittika or Rangamati, six miles south¬west of Berhampore, in the present Murshidabad. Traditionally, it was the capital of king Kama and later became the capital of Gauda under king Sasanka.
- On its outskirts was located the famous Raktamrittika Buddhist monastery. It had deep commercial links with the countries of Southeast Asia for centuries.
Question 5. Describe the state of Karnasuvarna after Sasanka’s death.
Answer:
The state of Karnasuvarna after Sasanka’s death:
After Sasanka’s death, Karnasuvarna passed into the hands of Bhaskara Varman, the ruler of Kamarupa. Later on, it became the capital of Naga king Jayanagar for some time.
Though nothing can be known about the city in the 7th century, the records of the Pala and the Sena periods do not mention its existence.
Real-Life Scenarios Involving Sasanka and Harsha
Question 6. Write a note on Gaudavaho.
Answer:
Gaudavaho:
Gaudavaho, which literally means ‘slaying of the king of Gauda’ was an epic, composed by Vakpatiraja in 725-730.
Background:
Vakpatiraja commemorated the victory of Yashovarman, his patron, over the Magadhan ruler in this work. He might have referred to the ruler of Magadha as the ruler of Gauda.
Language:
Prakrit was used to compose Gaudavaho.
Question 7. What was the economic condition of Bengal during Sasanka’s rule?
Answer:
The economic condition of Bengal during Sasanka’s rule:
Sasanka was the first independent ruler of Bengal.
Dependance on agriculture:
During Sasanka’s rule, the economy of Bengal was dependent on agriculture and the society was rural. So the demand of agricultural land increased.
Trade And commerce:
Probably, there was a depression in trade and commerce during Sasanka’s period. As a result merchant clan lost their importance. The significance of cities and towns also diminished due to this.
Question 8. What was Lo-to-mo-chi?
Answer:
Lo-to-mo-chi:
The ruins of Raktamrittika, an ancient Buddhist Vihara, were excavated at Rajbaridanga near Chiruti (presently Karnasuvarna) railway station.
The Chinese Buddhist traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) had referred to this vihara in his account. In the Chinese language, it was called Lo-to-mo-chi. It was very close to Karnasuvarna, the capital of the Gauda Kingdom.
WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic A Ancient Bengal And Sasanka Very Short Question And Answers
Question 1. Which regions constituted Pundravardhana?
Answer:
Regions constituted Pundravardhana:
Pundravardhana was the largest territory of ancient Bengal. It was a complete administrative unit or Bhukti and included Dinajpur, Bogura, Rajshahi and Pabna as well as Srihatta (Sylhet).
Question 2. Which area was designated as Harikel of Bengal?
Answer:
Designated as Harikel of Bengal:
Harikel was the southeastern part of Samatata, presently including the coastal regions of Chittagong of Bangladesh.
Examples of Real-Life Applications of Historical Knowledge
Question 3. Name the first independent ruler of Gauda. Where was his capital located?
Answer:
- Sasanka was the first independent ruler of Gauda.
- His capital was located at Karnasuvarna.
Question 4. Which Buddhist texts mention Sasanka’s Hatred towards Buddhism?
Answer:
The Buddhist text ‘Arya-Manjushri-mulakalpa’ and the account of Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) mention Sasanka’s hatred towards Buddhism.\
Question 5. How were various territorial divisions of ancient Bengal named?
Answer: Various territorial divisions of ancient Bengal were named after the people who lived there.
Question 6. What was the Chinese name of the Raktamrittika Buddhist monastery?
Answer: The Chinese name of Raktamrittika Buddhist monastery was Lo-to-mo-chi.
Question 7. Who took the title ‘Sakalottarapatha- Nathan?
Answer: Harshavardhana took the title ‘Sakalottarpathanatha’.
Question 8. Who wrote the ‘Arthashastra’?
Answer: Kautilya or Chanakya or Vishnugupta wrote the ‘Arthashastra’.
Question 9. Which dynasty did Harshavardhana belong to?
Answer: Harshavardhana belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty.
Question 10. What does the term ‘Suba’ mean?
Answer: ‘Suba’ means Province.
Question 11. Who was Taranath?
Answer: Taranath was a Tibetan monk.
Question 12. Which city of Bengal was once the capital of Jayanagar?
Answer: Karnasuvarna was once the capital of Jayanaga.
Question 13. Which geographical region of ancient Bengal was called Varendra?
Answer: The territory between the Bhagirathi and the Karatoya rivers was called Varendra in ancient Bengal.
Question 14. Which historian has referred to Bengal as a Suba?
Answer: Abul Fazl has referred to Bengal as a Suba.
Question 15. What was the ancient name of Chittagong?
Answer: Harikel was the ancient name of Chittagong.
Question 16. Which era in the history of Bengal is classified as Matsya-Nyaya?
Answer: The period of a hundred-year-long anarchy in Bengal, after the death of Sasanka, from the mid-7th century to the mid-8th Century, is termed Matsya-Nyaya.
Question 17. Who set up his capital at Karnasuvarna after Bhaskaravarman?
Answer: Jayanagar set up his capital at Karnasuvarna after Bhaskaravarman.
Question 18. What was the territory between the Bhagirathi and the Karatoya rivers called?
Answer: The territory between the Bhagirathi and the Karatoya rivers was called Varendra.
Question 18. Which region of Bengal was called Harikel?
Answer: The coastal region of Chittagong in present Bangladesh located southeast of Samatata was called Harikel in ancient times.
Question 19. Name the triangular-shaped deltaic territory located between the rivers, Padma and Bhagirathi.
Answer: The triangular-shaped deltaic territory located between the rivers, Padma and Bhagirathi, was known as Vanga.
Question 20. Who occupied Karnasuvarna after the death of Sasanka?
Answer: Bhaskaravarman, the king of Kamrupa occupied Karnasuvarna after the death of Sasanka.
Question 21. What was Sasanka’s position in his early life?
Answer: In his early life Sasanka was a Mahasamanta under the Guptas.
Question 22. According to Jaina tradition, what was Northern Radh (Rahr) called?
Answer: According to Jaina tradition, Northern Radh (Rahr) was called Bajjabhumi or Bajrabhumi.
Question 23. According to Jaina tradition, what was Southern Radh called?
Answer: According to Jaina tradition, Southern Radh was called Subbabhumi or Suhmabhumi.
Question 24. Who composed Gaudavaho?
Answer: Vakpatiraj, the court poet of Yashovarma composed Gaudavaho.
Question 25. What is the other name of Kangsavati?
Answer: The other name of Kangsavati is Kansai.
Question 26. What were local lords called during Sasanka’s reign?
Answer: Local lords were called Mahattara during Sasanka’s reign.
Question 27. Which region did the Hooghly district belong to in ancient times?
Answer: Southern Radh belonged to the Hooghly district in ancient times.
Question 28. Who was the first independent ruler of Bengal?
Answer: Sasanka was the first independent ruler of Bengal.
Question 29. When Sasanka became the king of Gauda?
Answer: Sasanka became the ruler of Bengal a few years before 606-607 AD.
Question 30. What is the present name of Tamralipta?
Answer: The present name of Tamralipta is Tamluk.
Question 31. Who was l-Tsing?
Answer: l-Tsing was a Chinese traveler.
Question 32. What is ‘Gaudatantra’?
Answer: The administrative system which was in vogue in Sasanka’s reign, was called Gaudatantra.
WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic A Ancient Bengal And Sasanka Fill In The Blanks
By selecting the appropriate expressions from the brackets
Question 1. Bengal is mentioned in the writings of the13th century historian __________(Minhaj-i- Siraj / Abul Fazl / Khafi Khan).
Answer: Minhaj-i-Siraj
Question 2. The largest division of ancient Bengal was __________ (Varendra / Gauda / Pundravard- hana).
Answer: Pundravard- hana
Question 3. Sasanka was a worshipper of __________ (Vishnu/ Krishna / Shiva).
Answer: Shiva
Question 4. On the outskirts of Karnasuvarna city, stood the __________ (Raktamrittika /Odantapuri / Vikramashila) monastery.
Answer: Raktamrittika
Question 5. __________ (Brahmaputra / Ajay / Ganga) river was the boundary between Northern Radh and southern Radh.
Answer: Ajay
Question 6. __________ (Samatata / Vanga / Karnasuvarna) was the capital of Sasanka.
Answer: Karnasuvarna
Question 7. Sasanka was a __________(Samanta / Mahasamanta / Feudal lord) of a Gupta ruler.
Answer: Mahasamanta
Question 8. West Bengal is a state of independent __________(Nepal / Bangladesh / India).
Answer: India
Question 9. Radh and Suhma were located to the __________(north/east / west) of the River Bhagirathi.
Answer: West
Question 10. Most of the rulers of Samatata were __________ (Buddhists / Brahmins / Saivites).
Answer: Brahmins
Question 11. Harshavardhana died __________ (five / ten /fifteen) years after the death of Sasanka.
Answer: Ten
WBBSE Chapter 2 Topic A Ancient Bengal And Sasanka True Or False
Question 1. Sasanka was a vassal of the Guptas.
Answer: True
Question 2. Southern Radh was very close to the Bay of Bengal.
Answer: True
Question 3. In Harshacharita Sasanka was defamed.
Answer: True
Question 4. After the death of Sasanka Gauda lost its power.
Answer: True
Question 5. Sasanka was a devotee of Buddha.
Answer: False
Question 6. Harshacharita was written by Harshavardhana.
Answer: False
Question 7. Abul Fazl belonged to the Sultanate period.
Answer: False
Question 8. During the reign of Sasanka copper coins prevailed.
Answer: False
Question 9. Gaudavaho was written by Vakpatiraj.
Answer: True
Question 10. After the death of Sasanka, Gopala became the King of Bengal.
Answer: True