Class 6 Social Studies Notes Chapter 11 (New Empires And Kingdoms) – History - Our Past Book
Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 11, 'New Empires and Kingdoms'. This chapter is crucial as it covers significant developments after the Mauryan period, particularly the rise of the Guptas and other important regional powers. Pay close attention, as questions from this era frequently appear in government exams.
Chapter 11: New Empires And Kingdoms - Detailed Notes
1. Introduction: Learning about Rulers
- We learn about rulers of this period (roughly 1700 years ago onwards) primarily through:
- Prashastis: Special inscriptions, often composed by court poets, praising the rulers. The term 'prashasti' is Sanskrit, meaning 'in praise of'.
- Coins: Issued by rulers, often depicting them and providing dates.
- Biographies: Written accounts of rulers' lives.
- Accounts of Travellers: Like Fa Xian (Faxian) and Xuan Zang (Hiuen Tsang) from China.
2. Samudragupta and the Gupta Dynasty
- Samudragupta's Prashasti:
- One of the most important sources for the Gupta period.
- Found inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad (Prayag Prashasti).
- Composed in Sanskrit by his court poet, Harishena, around 1700 years ago.
- It describes Samudragupta as a great warrior, a learned king, a poet, and equal to the gods.
- Samudragupta's Policies (as described by Harishena): Harishena mentions four different kinds of rulers and Samudragupta's policies towards them:
- Rulers of Aryavarta: Nine rulers of the Ganga-Yamuna doab region were uprooted, and their kingdoms were annexed into Samudragupta's empire.
- Rulers of Dakshinapatha: Twelve rulers of the south. They surrendered to Samudragupta, but he allowed them to rule again after they accepted his authority and paid tribute.
- Neighbouring States (Inner Circle): Rulers of states like Assam, coastal Bengal, Nepal, and several gana sanghas (tribal republics) in the north-west. They brought tribute, followed his orders, and attended his court.
- Rulers of Outlying Areas (Outer Circle): Possibly descendants of the Kushanas and Shakas, and the ruler of Sri Lanka. They submitted to him and offered their daughters in marriage.
- Genealogies (Vamshavali):
- Most prashastis mention the ancestors of the ruler.
- Samudragupta's prashasti mentions his great grandfather, grandfather, father, and mother.
- His mother, Kumara devi, belonged to the Lichchhavi gana (an important Mahajanapada).
- His father, Chandragupta I, was the first Gupta ruler to adopt the grand title of Maharaj-adhiraja (Great king of kings). Samudragupta also used this title.
- His great grandfather and grandfather are mentioned simply as Maharajas.
- Chandragupta II (Samudragupta's Son):
- Known for leading an expedition to western India and overcoming the last of the Shakas.
- His court was renowned for learned people, including the famous poet Kalidasa and the astronomer Aryabhata.
- He is often associated with the title Vikramaditya. The Vikram Samvat era (beginning 58 BCE) is traditionally associated with him, although its origins are debated.
- The Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian (Faxian) visited India during his reign and left a detailed account.
3. Harshavardhana and the Harshacharita
- Harshavardhana: Ruled nearly 1400 years ago (around 7th Century CE).
- Sources:
- Harshacharita: His biography, written in Sanskrit by his court poet Banabhatta.
- Xuan Zang (Hiuen Tsang): A Chinese pilgrim who spent considerable time at Harsha's court and travelled extensively in India. He left a detailed account of what he saw.
- Rise to Power: Harsha became the ruler of Thanesar after both his father and elder brother died. His brother-in-law, the ruler of Kanauj, was killed by the ruler of Bengal. Harsha took over Kanauj and led an army against the ruler of Bengal.
- Empire: He was successful in the east and conquered Magadha and probably Bengal. However, his ambitions to expand into the Deccan were checked.
- Defeat by Pulakeshin II: When Harsha tried to cross the Narmada river to march into the Deccan, he was stopped by Pulakeshin II, the Chalukya ruler.
- Administration & Travel: Harsha travelled extensively through his kingdom. Kanauj became an important centre. He was known for his patronage of Buddhism and charitable activities (e.g., assemblies at Prayag).
4. The Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Pulakeshin's Prashasti (Southern Kingdoms)
- Important dynasties in South India during this period.
- Pallavas:
- Their kingdom spread from their capital, Kanchipuram, to the Kaveri delta.
- Chalukyas:
- Their kingdom was centred around the Raichur Doab (between the rivers Krishna and Tungabhadra).
- Their capital was Aihole, an important trading centre and religious centre with many temples. Later moved to Vatapi (Badami).
- Conflict: The Pallavas and Chalukyas frequently raided each other's lands, especially attacking the capital cities which were prosperous towns.
- Pulakeshin II (c. 610-642 CE):
- The best-known Chalukya ruler.
- We know about him from a prashasti composed by his court poet Ravikirti (found at Aihole).
- This prashasti details his ancestors and his military achievements.
- Ravikirti claims Pulakeshin II led expeditions along both the west and east coasts.
- Crucially, it mentions his victory over Harshavardhana, preventing Harsha's expansion south of the Narmada.
- It also mentions his attack on the Pallava king.
- Later Developments: Both dynasties eventually gave way to newer rulers like the Rashtrakutas and Cholas (discussed in later classes/chapters).
5. How were these Kingdoms Administered?
- Land Revenue: Remained the most important source of income for kings.
- Village: Remained the basic unit of administration.
- Steps for Administrative Efficiency:
- Hereditary Posts: Some important administrative posts became hereditary (e.g., Harishena was a maha-danda-nayaka, or chief judicial officer, like his father).
- Multiple Offices: One person could hold multiple offices (e.g., Harishena was also a kumar-amatya, meaning an important minister, and a sandhi-vigrahika, meaning minister of war and peace).
- Local Influence: Important men probably had a say in local administration. These included:
- Nagara-shreshthi: Chief banker or merchant of the city.
- Sarthavaha: Leader of the merchant caravans.
- Prathama-kulika: Chief craftsman.
- Head of the Kayasthas: Scribes.
- Weakening Central Control: These policies might have made the administration effective initially, but powerful local figures could grow strong and potentially set up independent kingdoms when the central ruler became weak.
6. A New Kind of Army
- Kings maintained a well-organised army with elephants, chariots, cavalry, and foot soldiers.
- Military Leaders (Samantas): Besides the regular army, there were military leaders who provided the king with troops whenever required.
- They were not paid regular salaries. Instead, they often received grants of land.
- They collected revenue from the land granted to them and used it to maintain soldiers, horses, and equipment.
- These leaders were known as samantas.
- Whenever the ruler was weak, samantas tried to become independent.
7. Assemblies in the Southern Kingdoms
- Inscriptions mention several local assemblies:
- Sabha: An assembly of Brahmin land owners. It functioned through sub-committees dealing with irrigation, agriculture, roads, temples, etc.
- Ur: A village assembly found in areas where the land owners were not Brahmins.
- Nagaram: An organisation of merchants.
- These assemblies were likely controlled by rich and powerful landowners and merchants. They continued to function for centuries.
8. Ordinary People in the Kingdoms
- Glimpses of ordinary life come from:
- Plays: Kalidasa's plays often depict life in the king's court, but also feature characters like fishermen, etc. His most famous play is Abhijnana Shakuntalam, the story of king Dushyanta and Shakuntala.
- Travellers' Accounts: Fa Xian noted the plight of those treated as untouchables by the high and mighty. They were expected to live on the outskirts of the city and strike a piece of wood when entering towns so people could avoid touching them.
- Banabhatta's Harshacharita: Provides vivid descriptions of the king's army on the move, highlighting the disruption and burden it placed on villagers (providing food, fodder, gifts, etc.).
Key Terms to Remember: Prashasti, Aryavarta, Dakshinapatha, Maharaj-adhiraja, Samanta, Sabha, Nagaram, Ur, Harshacharita, Aihole, Kanchipuram, Ravikirti, Harishena, Banabhatta, Kalidasa, Aryabhata, Fa Xian, Xuan Zang.
Now, let's test your understanding with some Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
MCQs for Chapter 11: New Empires And Kingdoms
-
The famous Prashasti of Samudragupta, composed by Harishena, is inscribed on which pillar?
(a) Sarnath Pillar
(b) Ashokan Pillar at Allahabad (Prayag)
(c) Iron Pillar at Mehrauli
(d) Lauriya Nandangarh Pillar -
Who was the court poet of Emperor Harshavardhana and the author of Harshacharita?
(a) Kalidasa
(b) Ravikirti
(c) Harishena
(d) Banabhatta -
Which Gupta ruler adopted the title 'Maharaj-adhiraja' first, according to Samudragupta's Prashasti?
(a) Srigupta
(b) Chandragupta I
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Chandragupta II -
The capital of the Pallava dynasty was:
(a) Aihole
(b) Vatapi
(c) Kanchipuram
(d) Madurai -
Which Chalukya ruler famously defeated Harshavardhana when he tried to cross the Narmada river?
(a) Vikramaditya I
(b) Pulakeshin I
(c) Kirtivarman I
(d) Pulakeshin II -
In the context of administration during this period, what does the term 'Samanta' refer to?
(a) Chief Judicial Officer
(b) Military leaders who provided troops and were often granted land
(c) Head of the merchant caravans
(d) Assembly of Brahmin landowners -
The Aihole inscription, which details the achievements of Pulakeshin II, was composed by:
(a) Banabhatta
(b) Harishena
(c) Ravikirti
(d) Kalidasa -
Which Chinese traveller visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana and left a detailed account?
(a) Fa Xian
(b) I-Qing (I-tsing)
(c) Xuan Zang (Hiuen Tsang)
(d) Zheng He -
The term 'Nagaram' in the southern kingdoms referred to:
(a) A village assembly of non-Brahmin landowners
(b) An organisation of merchants
(c) An assembly of Brahmin landowners
(d) The capital city -
According to Samudragupta's Prashasti, what policy did he adopt towards the rulers of 'Dakshinapatha'?
(a) He annexed their kingdoms completely.
(b) He forced them into matrimonial alliances.
(c) They surrendered but were allowed to rule again after paying tribute.
(d) He ignored them completely.
Answer Key for MCQs:
- (b)
- (d)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- (b)
- (c)
- (c)
- (b)
- (c)
Make sure you revise these notes thoroughly. Understanding the key rulers, their achievements, administrative structures, and the sources we use to study them is vital for your exams. Good luck!