CH: 21 REACHING OUT TO DISTANT LANDS
I. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.
(1)What does the Sangam Age refer to?
Between 200 BCE and 300 CE, Tamil scholars and poets had gathered
at Madurai in South Indian to publish their works in Tamil. Such a gathering was
called the Sangam and this age is known as the Sangam Age.
(2) What is the main feature of the Gandhara School of Art/
The Gandhara School of Art was a blend of Indian and foreign
influences. The art was Buddhist in theme but Graeco-Roman in style.
(3)What is the Silk Route?
The routes taken by Chinese traders to carry their silk to foreign lands
came to be known as the Silk Route. The Silk Route was a route that stretched for
about 7,000 miles from China to Rome. It passed through West Asia.
(4) Why were the Kushans able to make a profit from the trade with
Central Asia?
The Kushans were able to make a profit from the trade with Central Asia
because they collected taxes from the traders and also received gold coins from
Roman trade.
(5) What were the main items that the ancient south Indians traded with
the Roman empire?
The main items that south Indians imported were coral, wine, olive oil
and metals such as gold and silver. In return, the main items that were exported
were gemstones, silk, cotton, ivory, spices, sandalwood and peacocks.
(6)Why did Fa-Hien visit India?
Fa Hien visited India and stayed at Pataliputra for three years to learn
Sanskrit.
II. Answer the following questions in four or five sentences.
(7) Why was Karikala Chola so called? Mention some of his important
achivement?
i. Karikala Chola was called karikala because he had a charred leg.
ii. It is believed that the king had lost one of his legs in an accident
in his early childhood.
iii.
Some of his notable achievements include his extensive conquests
at the battle of Venni where he defeated the Pandya and the
Chera kings.
He is also regarded as the first Tamil king to have conquered Sri
Lanka.
iv.
(8) Who were the Indo-Greeks? Why is their rule important in the history
of India?
i. Following the decline of the Mauryas in the 2nd century BCE,
India was invaded by man foreigners from the north-west.
ii. Among the first invaders were the Greeks who ruled the region in
northern Afghanistan known as Bactria.
iii. The Greeks who settled down in India were known as the IndoGreeks. Their rule is very important because they were the first
rulers to issue coins bearing the portraits of kings.
iv. Their rule was also important because a new style of art,
blending Indian and foreign influences, known as the Gandhara
School of Art emerged.
(9)Write a note on the reign and achievements of Kanishka?
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
The Kushanas reached the height of their glory under
Kanishka.
In 78 CE he started the Saka Era which is now used by the
Indian government.
Kanishka patronized Buddhism. He got a huge stupa built at
Purushapura.
He held the fourth Buddhist council in Kashmir to discuss the
teachings of the Buddha.
Kanishka also encouraged art and Sanskrit literature.
Ashvaghosha, a famous Sanskrit scholar lived in his court.
(10) What was the impact of the invasions from the north –west on the
cultural life of India?
i. As new groups came into India, they brought with them a new
culture.
ii. This influenced the trade, technology and art forms of India.
iii. They brought with them the cap, helmet and riding boots
essential for horse riding.
iv. Art and architecture also flourished as the new rulers’
patronized art and architecture.
v.
A new styles of art emerged called the Gandhara School of Art.
(11) Write a note on the spread of Buddism during this period?
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
Buddhism spread to many parts of the world due to the
patronage of the kings who sent ambassadors and scholars far
and wide.
Kanishka gathered about 500 monks to write extensive
commentaries on the higher teachings of the Buddha at the
fourth Buddhist council in Kashmir.
Missionary activity grew during his reign and Buddhist monks
started travelling to Central Asia and to China.
A Buddhist centre of learning was established at Nalanda,
which in course of time became the most famous Buddhist
university.
Many Chinese pilgrims and monks came to India to visit places
related with the life of Buddha.
Central Asia was also heavily influenced by Buddhism.
The Silk Route provided a meeting point for Central Asia, India
and Persia and was lined with monasteries and stupas to help
traders and travellers.
Buddhism also spread to many parts of the world.