CBSE Class 6 - History - CH 11 - New Empires and Kingdoms

New Empires and Kingdoms

Coin showing Samudraguta with Garuda pillar
credits:wikimedia

(Q & A)

Q1: Name the famous rulers of Gupta dynasty?

Answer: Samudragupta and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)


Q2: What do you mean by Prashasti?

Answer:  Prashasti, a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘in praise of’. Generally, it is an inscription written in praise of  rulers. It also tells about the genealogy of the rulers.


Q3: Who composed Prashasti of Samudragupta and where it is inscribed at?

Answer: Harishena composed a long poem in praise of King Samudragupta. It is inscribed on Ashokan pillar at Allahabad.


Q4: What was the old name of Allahabad?

Answer: Prayag


Q5: Who was the founder of Gupta dynasty?

Answer: Chandragupta I


Q6: Write a short note on Chandragupta I

Answer:

1. Chandragupta I, the first ruler of Gupta dynasty, ascended throne of Magadha in 320 AD.
2. He married to Kumaradevi, a princess of Lichchavi tribe.
3. He expanded his kingdom upto Allahabad and took the title of Maharajadhiraj.

Q7:  Chandragupta II was the great admirer of art and literature. His court includes nine gems (navratnas). Can you name a few?

Answer: Kalidas - the greatest Sanskrit poet and dramatist, Varahmihira (Aryabhat) - famous astronomer, Amar Simha - Sanskrit Grammarian


Q8: Name the famous play written by Kalidas.

Answer: Abhijnana Shakuntalam




Q9: What does Allahabad inscription tell us about Samudraguta?

Answer: The Allahabad inscription describes that Samudragupta conquered 9 North Indian kings, 11 republicans and 12 south Indian kings.


Q10(NCERT): State whether true or false:


Answer:
(a) Harishena composed a prashasti in praise of Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni. - False (✗)

(b) The rulers of Aryavarta brought tribute for Samudragupta. - False (✗)

(c) There were twelve rulers in Dakshinapatha.  - True (✔)

(d) Taxila and Madurai were important centres under the control of the Gupta rulers. - False (✗)

(e) Aihole was the capital of the Pallavas. False (✗ )

(f) Local assemblies functioned for several centuries in south India. True (✔)


Q11: Name the ruler who ruled North India and Indo-Gangetic plains after the downfall of Gupta Dynasty.

Answer: Harshvardhan.


Q12(NCERT): Mention two authors who wrote about Harshavardhana.

Answer: Banbhatta - the court poet wrote Harshcharita. Xuan-Zang , the Chinese traveller who gave detailed account of his visits to Harshvardhan's kingdom.


Q13: Who checked the accession of Deccan by Harshavardhana?

Answer: Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II stopped King Harsha at Narmada river when he (Harsha) invaded Deccan.


Q14:  Name the court poet of King Pulakeshin II.

Answer: Ravikirti


Q15: Name the two important dynasties that ruled in southern India contemporary to Harshavardhana.
Answer: Pallavas and Chalukyas were the most important ruling dynasties in south India.
 

Q16: The fall of southern dynasties like the Pallavas and the Chalukyas gave way to new rulers or dynasties. Can you name a few.

Answer: Rashtrakuta and Chola dynasties


(In progress...)