Chapter 3: Aryans, Kushans and Guptas
MCQS ANSWERS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A) 361 BCE
C) four
D) 268 BCE
B) Gupta Empire
C) noble
Short Answers
1. Write three lines on socio-economic conditions of Gupta Empire.
Ans. Socio-Economic Conditions of Gupta Empire:
The Gupta Empire stretched across northern, central and parts of southern
India. The period is noted for its achievements in the arts, architecture.
sciences religion and philosophy.
During Guptas times, people were given many facilities of life. Commodities
were affordable for people and the empire had prosperity.
Gold and silver coins were issued in great numbers which was a general
indicative of the health of the economy.
2. Why king Ashoka's period was a golden era of India?
Ans. King Ashoka's period was a golden era of India because it was marked
by extensive inventions and discoveries in science, technology, engineering
art. mathematics, astronomy, religion and philosophy. He built many
universities, water transit and irrigation systems for trade and
agriculture. He treated his subjects as equals, regardless of their religion,
politics, and caste. He was also acclaimed for constructing hospitals for:
animals and renovating major roads throughout India.
iii. Who was the first ruler of the Gupta Empire?
Ans. The first ruler of the Gupta Empire was Chandragupta-1.
iv. What was the main source of Aryan's wealth?
Ans. The main occupation of Aryan was cattle rearing. They raised sheep.
goats and cattle, which became symbols of wealth.
V. Which war changed the mind of Ashoka the Great?
Ans. The battle of kalinga changed the mind of Ashoka the Great.
Answer the following in details.
i.
Analyze the structure of the Aryan society.
Ans. Structure of the Aryan society: The Aryans developed a system of social
classes known as the caste system. Under this caste system. Aryans divided
people into four castes, or groups, according to their culture.
The caste system was very important aspect of life in Ancient India. People
were born into their caste for life. Their caste membership determined the
work they did, the man or woman they could marry, and the people with
whom they could eat.
There were four primary castes:
1. The Brahmins: The highest caste in the Aryan caste system was the
Brahmins. Brahmins were priests, scholars, judges, teachers, and
landowners and were believed to understand the Dharma, or spiritual laws
that governed the universe.
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2. The Kshatriyas: The second caste included the Kshatriyas who were the
rulers and warriors. They made everyday decisions and ran the Government.
They were kings, generals, soldiers, and their families. The whole society
counted on them for guidance and protection.
3. The Vaishyas: The third caste was the peasants, farmers and traders
called Vaishyas. Sometimes Vaishyas had some leadership postions in
smaller villages. This was a practical caste composed of crafts people,
traders, merchants, and farmers. They had the important jobs of growing
food and keeping the society's economy running smoothly.
4. The Shudras: The last caste was the labourers known as Shudras. They
worked on farms owned by people in higher castes. Unlike the other three
castes the Shudras were not Aryan by blood. Therefore, they were the
servants and labourers for the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.
ii.
Describe the origin of the Aryans.
Ans. Origin of the Aryans:
After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, another glorious civilization
flourished in India: The people who were responsible for the evolution of
this civilization called themselves Aryans. Aryan is an English word derived
from the term Arya, meaning "Noble" or "Lord". In the 19th century, the
term was often used. The term was often used. The term has also been used
to refer to a "race", originally in the sense of a distinet population.
The Aryans were a migratory group of people from Central Asia. They
indentified themselves a "superior race"
They conquered lands to spread their culture and civilization. They describe
themselves as a group of free, noble, and civilized people.
The Aryans comprised of quite different physical and cultural features.
Before the time of the Artan megration to India there was a highly
developed evilization in Ancient India known as the Indus Valley |
Civilization.
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iii.
Discuss on the rise and contribution of the Mauryan Dynasty.
Ans. Rise and contribution of the Mauryan Dynasty:
1. The Mauryan Empire was the first major empire in the history of India
form 322 BCE to 185 BCE
2. Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire by overthrowing
the Nanda Dynasty expanded the empire with the help of his royal and
advisor Chanakya.
3. By 316 BCE, the Mauryan Empire fully riccupied north western parts of
India, defeating the governors left by Alexander the Great. Chandragupta
Mauryan defeated Seleucus 1. the founder of the Seleucid Empire. He
gained the territories beyond the Indus River.
After Chandragupta Maurya, his son Bindusara started to rule from 297 BCE,
Bindusara conquered the southern parts of India. After his death only
Kalinga (modern Orissa) and parts of Tamil Nadu were left unconquered.
iv.
Describe the king Ashoka's life and achievements.
Ans. King Ashoka's Life and Achievements:
King Ashoka, son of Bindusara became the emperor of Mauryan Empire in
268 BCE.
Ashoka the Great, was one of the greatest emperors of the Indian
subcontinent. On ascending the throne. Ashoka expanded his empire to
regions in Iran. Persia and Afghanistan over the next eight years.
The battle of Kalinga changed his life forever. Kalinga was a rich and fertile
land. This was the only land left to conquer.
The people of Kalinga refused to bow down to Ashoka's rule, however, they
were also no match for Ashoka's army. It is said that in this battle thousands
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soldiers lost their lives an many civilians who rose up in defence were
deported.
After his conquest. Ashoka, while walking through the grounds, saw burnt
houses and scattered corpses which made him sad.
• This was the war that changed the mind of Ashoka the Great
Ashoka devoted the rest of his life for public services. He became a Buddhist
after this war. King Ashoka made many Rock edicts and Stupas in his empire.
v.
Write a note on religious belief system of the Aryans.
Ans. Religious belief system of the Aryans:
Aryans religion was very simple. After arriving in South Asia, they accepted
some beliefs from the local people.They started worshipping anything as a
god. In their religious books Vedas, hundreds of gods are mentioned. There
are four Vedas: The Rig Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yajur Veca, and the
Atharva Veda. Their famous gods were different gods like Sun. stars, fire,
water, and Earth, etc. They had no buildings to perform religious rituals,
hence, they prayed at the open.
They sacrificed for meat, lentils, milk and other items to please their gods.
Gods and their Roles:
Indra: Brings rain, thunder and storms
Agni: Mediator between gods and men
Varuna: Upholder of the natural orders
Soma: Sacred drink
Prithvi: Goddess of Earth
Aditi: Goddess of Eternity
Usha: Goddess of Dawn
Savitri: Goddess of Sun
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vi.
Compare the social structure of Guptas and Kushans dynasties.
Ans. Comparison between social structure of Guptas and Kushans
dynasties.
Guptas Dynasty
it formed in the beginning of the
fourth century.
The Gupta Empire was Founded by
Chandragupta-I
They introduced gold and silver coins.
Trade and commerce lourished both
within the country and outside.
Hinduism flourished.
Their People were divided into caste
system.
Their agricultural system was well
developed.
Kushans Dynasty
It formed in the early Ist century
common era.
Kujula Kadphises laid the foundation
of the Kushans Empire in India.
They introduced gold coins.
Trade prospered between India and
China, and India and the Roman
Empire
Buddhism flourished and brought to
china
Their people belonged to nomadic
tribes.
Farming developed. An extensive
irrigation economy was created.
vii. Analyze the Kushans era.
Ans. The Kushans Era:
During the Kushans time, diplomatic contacts with the Roman Empire,
Sassanid Persia, Aksumite Empire, and Han China were improved. The
Kushans linked the seagoing trade of the Indian Ocean with the commerce
of the Silk Road, via the Indus Valley.
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They introduced gold coins.
The provided security that encouraged travel across the Khunjerab Pass.
They also facilitated the spread of Buddhism to China.
The Kushans are believed to have been predominantly practitioners of
Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. Kushans
also adopted aspects of Buddhist culture and, like the Egyptians, absorbed
remnants of the Greek culture of the Hellenistic Kingdoms.
Trade prospered between India and China, and India and the Roman Empire.
The Kushans Controlled large parts of the Silk Route which led to the
propagation of Buddhism into China. It was during this time that Buddhism
began to spread to Korea and Japan also.
During the Kushans time, three distinct schools of art flourished: Gandhara,
School in north west India. Amaravati School in Anchra and the Mathura
School in the Ganges valley Many towers, Chaityas, towns and beautiful
sculptures were built under the patronage of the kushana kings.
Critical Thinking Questions:
Why Ashoka was not known as the ruler of Ancient India for a long time?
Ans . Bindusara conquered the southern parts of India.
After his death only Kalinga (modern Orissa) and parts of Tamil Nadu were
left unconquered. King Ashoka, son of Bindusara became the emperor of
Mauryan Empire in 268 BCE.
Mauryan King: The small amount of land left to conquer. Kalinga, that was
soon conquerred. After his conquest. Ashoka. while walking through the
grounds, saw burnt houses and Scattered corpses which made him sad. All
this changed the mind of Ashoka. He left rest of his life for public services.
Along with a conversion to Buddhism. Ashoka began to promote ideas of
tolerance, respect and good will. His actions did not seem to be that of a
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power hungry tyrant but rather a servant of the empire performing his
duties, that is why Ashoka was not known as the ruler of ancient India for a
long time.
What are the links between Gandhari Art and the Kushans?
Ans. Links Between Gandhara Art and the Kushans:
The Kushan Empire was first formed in the early Ist century common Era. It
was in eastern and northern Afghanistan and the north west of India. During
the Kushans time three distinct schools of art flourished. Gandhara School
in north west India. Amaravati School in Andhra and the Mathura school in
the Ganges Valley.
Gandhara School of art was influenced by Buddhism. The Kushans
facilitated the spread of Buddhism to China. The Gandhara art flourished
under the Kushan Empire. The Gandhara School of art was profoundly
influenced by Greek methodologies. The figures of Buddha were more
spiritual and carved mainly in grey and bluish-grey colour with the finest
details. Infact, the diversity which can be seen through the Kushan Empire is
evident in the Gandhara art as well.
What are the problems of barter system?
Ans. Barter System: The direct exchange of one commodity or service for
another without the use of money is termed as barter. Barter system was
once in use to fulfill daily requirements but now-a-days this system has been
given up due to the following reasons.
1. Lack of double coincidence of wants: The direct exchange of one
commodity for another requires direct satisfaction of both the parties.
So the main disadvantage of this system is the lack of double
coincidence of wants. For example, one cow would be exchange for
four sheep. It is necessary that a person with the cow should find the
man who wants to exchange sheep with the cow, so exchanging for
such an exchange would be very difficult.
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2. Lack of common standard of value: All the goods which are be
exchanged are not of the same value, so it is very difficult to
determine the ratio of exchange between the different goods.
3. Lack of subdivision: In case of goods w which are indivisible the value
loss will be suffered. For example, if the owner of a cow wants to
purchase a hen then it will be not possible for him to give a small part
of cow to the owner of a hen. In this case he will suffer a loss.
4. The difficulty in strong wealth: It is very difficult to store goods
particularly perishable goods for a long period. They loose their value
as time passes.
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