NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 12th

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Class : 12th
Subject : History
Chapter : 2
Chapter Name : Kings, Farmers And Towns

Q1 What are the different explanations offered by early writers and present-day historians for the
growth of Magadhan power?

Answer. Missing

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Q2 Read the excerpts from Megasthenes and the Arthashastra (Sources 1 and 2). To what extent do
you think these texts are useful in reconstructing a history of Mauryan administration?

Answer. Missing

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Q3 Why do you think kings claimed divine status?

Answer. Missing

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Q4 Find out whether plough agriculture, irrigation and transplantation are prevalent in your state.
If not, are there any alternative systems in use?

Answer. Missing

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Q5 What are the transactions involved in trade? Which of these transactions are apparent from the
sources mentioned? Are there any that are not evident from the sources?

Answer. Missing

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Q6 Discuss the location of Asokan inscriptions. Do you notice any patterns?

Answer. Missing

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Q1 Discuss the evidence of craft production in Early Historic cities. In what ways is this different
from the evidence from Harappan cities?

Answer. Wide spread and deep excavations in the early historic towns have not been possible due
to the fact that these towns are still inhabited. In Harappan Civilisation, we have been fortunate
enough that excavations have taken place widespread. Despite this shortcoming, we have found
many artefacts in the historic towns. These throw light on the craftsmanship of those days. There
are other evidences too, that throw light on the craftsmanship of those days. The salient features
of such evidences are as follows:
1. From the sights the ne pottery bowls and dishes have been found. They are glossy too and we
call them Northern Black Polished Ware It looks they were used by the rich people.
2. There have also been evidence of ornaments, tools, weapons, vessels and gurines. There are a
wide range of items made of gold, silver, copper, bronze, ivory, glass, shell and terracotta.
3. The donor inscription tells who all lived in towns in terms of professionals and craftsmen. It
included washer men, weaver, scribes, carpenters, goldsmith, ironsmith, etc. It is notable in
Harappan towns there are no evidences of iron use.

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Q2 Describe the salient features of mahajanapadas.

Answer. Mahajanapadas were states that existed between 6th and 4th BC centuries. Buddhist and
Jain texts mention sixteen Mahajanapadas. The name of all these are not uniform in all texts but
some names are common and uniform which means they were the powerful ones. These
Mahajanapadas are Vajji, Magadha, Kaushal, Kuru, Panchal, and Gandhan The important features
of the Mahajanapadas are as follows.
1) Most of the Mahajanapadas were ruled by powerful kings. However, there were some
Mahajanapadas where rule was in the hands of people, we call them republics. In some states the
king and the subject had collective control on the economic resources of the state.
2) Every Mahajanapadas had its own capital. The capital normally would be surrounded by fort.
The forti cation of the capital was needed for protection and economic resources.
3) It was around 6th Century BC, Brahmins began to compile scripture called "Dharmashastra"
which states rules of morality including that of monarch. Herein it was mentioned that the king
should be Kshatriya.
4) The main job of the king was collection of taxes from farmers, traders, craftsmen. They also
accepted donations.
5) It was considered fair to plunder neighbouring countries for riches.
6) Gradually Mahajanapadas began to have full time army and of cials. Soldiers were from the
ranks of farmers.

Q3 How do historians reconstruct the lives of ordinary people?

Answer. Ordinary people could not leave behind any historical evidence about their life. Hence,
the historians use a variety of sources to reconstruct the lives of the common people during the
ancient times. The important sources are:
1. Remains of houses and pottery give an idea of the life of common men.
2. Some inscriptions and scriptures talk about the relation between monarchs and the subject. It
talks about taxes and happiness and unhappiness of the common men.
3. Changing tools of craftsmen and farmers talk about the lifestyle of the people.
4. Historians also depend upon folklores to reconstruct the lives of the people during the ancient
times.

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Q4 Compare and contrast the list of things given to the Pandyan chief (Source 3) with those
produced in the village of Danguna (Source 8). Do you notice any similarities or differences?

Answer. The gifts given to Pandya chief included things like ivory, fragrant wood, honey,
sandalwood, pepper, owers, etc. in additions to many birds and animals were also given as gifts.
On the contrary, items produced in the village of Danguda included grass, skin of animals, ower
salt and other minerals, etc. In both the lists the only common item is ower.

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Q5 List some of the problems faced by epigraphists.

Answer. The specialists who study inscriptions are called Epigraphists. Some of the important
problems they encounter when they try to decipher inscriptions are as follows:
1. Many of the inscriptions are not found in proper shape, they are partly damaged, hence
deciphering them becomes a knotty problem.
2. The inscriptions are written from the point of view of those who have created it. Hence, in order
to get an impartial understanding, we need to go beyond the written words, get into its
interpretations.
3. Many of the inscriptions have descriptions in symbolic words. Hence deciphering them have
become dif cult.
4. Sometimes the inscriptions are engrafted in very light colors. Hence, deciphering them becomes
dif cult.

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Q6 Discuss the main features of Mauryan administration. Which of these elements are evident in
the Asokan inscriptions that you have studied?

Answer. Asokan inscriptions mention all the main features of the administration of the Mauryan
Empire. Thus, the features of the administration are evident in the inscriptions of the Asokan age
The important features of the same are as follow:

1. The capital of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra. Apart from the capital there ' were four
other centres of political power in the empire. They were Taxila, Ujjaini, Tosali and Suvamagiri.
2. Committee and subcommittees were formed to run the administration and safety of boundaries.
Megasthenes has mentioned that there were one committee and six sub-committees. The six
subcommittees and their areas of activities are as follows:
(i) The rst sub committee looked after navy.
(ii) The second sub committee looked after transport and communications.
(iii) The third sub committee looked after infantry
(iv) The fourth sub committee had the responsibility of horses.
(v) The fth had the responsibility of chariots.
(vi) The sixth had the responsibility of elephants.
3. Strong network of roads and communications were established. It is notable that no large
empire can be maintained in the absence of the same.
4. Asoka made an attempt to keep the empire united by the philosophy of Dhamma. Dhamma are
nothing but moral principles that actuated people towards good conducts. Special of cers called
Dhamma Mahamtras were appointed to propagate Dhamma. In fact Romila Thapar has made it the
most important element of the Asokan state's governing principle.

Page : 52 , Block Name : Write A Short Essay (About 500 Words) On The Following

Q7 This is a statement made by one of the best-known epigraphists of the twentieth century, D.C.
Sircar: “There is no aspect of life, culture and activities of the Indians that is not re ected in
inscriptions.” Discuss.

Answer. The statement of eminent epigraphist DC Sirkar has highlighted the importance of
inscription as single source of information that touch upon all areas of our life Following are the
main areas we get information about from the inscriptions
1. Determination of states boundaries: the inscriptions were carved in the territories of the kings
and even more important is not often close to the borders. This help us nd out boundaries of
kingdoms and their expansions there.
2. Names of Kings: The names of the kings are mentioned in the inscriptions. The names and titles
used by Asoka the Great got revealed through inscriptions only.
3. Historic events: The important historical events are mentioned in the inscriptions.
The best example is how the event of the Kalinga war is mentioned in the inscription and how
Asoka takes to Dhamma.
4. Information about conduct of Kings: Inscriptions describe the conduct and character of the
kings quite well. It is through the inscriptions only that we know Asoka worked for the welfare of
the masses.
5. Information about administration: Inscriptions gave information about administration. It is
through the inscription. We know that Asoka appointed his son as a Viceroy.
6. Land settlement and Taxes: inscriptions mention how land were granted or gifted. It also talks
about various taxes imposed by the ruler. There is hardly any area of governance of our life that is
not mentioned in the inscriptions. Hence, we are inclined to agree with D.C. Sirkar who says, "T
re ected in the inscriptions."

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Q8 Discuss the notions of kingship that developed in the post-Mauryan period.

Answer. In the post-Mauryan age, the idea of kingship got associated with divine theory of state
Now, the monarchs began to talk about divine sanction to rule the people. Kushan rulers
propagated the idea of the same at the unprecented scale. They ruled from central Asia to western
India. We can discuss the kingship based on the dynasties.
1. Kushan Kings: Kushan Kings called themselves Devputra and hence, godly status. They built
great statues of themselves in temples.
2. Gupta Rulers: Second development of kingship is found during Gupta dynasty. It was a period of
large- sized states. Such states were dependent on Samantas who sometimes became powerful
enough to usurp the power of kings too.
3. Literature, coins and inscriptions helped us in creating history of those days. Very often poets
would describe the monarch often to praise them but giving insight into the history and kingship
too. A good example is of Harisena who praised Samudragupta, the great Gupta ruler.

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Q9 To what extent were agricultural practices transformed in the period under consideration?

Answer. The demand for taxes increased in the post 600 BC. In order to meet the demand of
excessive taxes, without taking lesser produce, forced the farmers to increase productivity. This
resulted in the use of new tools and practices of agriculture The important ones are as follows:
1. Use of plough: Ploughs became commonplace. They were hardly heard of in the past. Thee use
of ploughs began in the Ganga and Cauvery basins. In places where rain was abundant, the plough
was used with iron tip. This increased the paddy production manifold.
2. Use of spade: Another tool that changed the system of agriculture is spade. Those farmers who
lived in the areas of harsh land used spade.
3. Arti cial Irrigation: Apart from rainfall, the farmers now began to look at arti cial form of
irrigation. This prompted farmers to build wells, ponds, and - canals often collectively. This
increased the agricultural production. The production increased due to new technology and tools.
This created a new strata in the society In the Buddhist literature, there is a description of small
and big farmers. They were called Grihpatis. Similar description is given in the Tamil literature
too. The position of village head was often hereditary. In such a situation the ownership of land
became very important.

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Q10 Compare Maps 1 and 2, and list the mahajanapadas that might have been included in the
Mauryan Empire. Are any Asokan inscriptions found in these areas?

Answer. DIY

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Q11 Collect newspapers for one month. Cut and paste all the statements made by government
of cials about public works. Note what the reports say about the resources required for such
projects, how the resources are mobilised and the objective of the project. Who issues these
statements, and how and why are they communicated? Compare and contrast these with the
evidence from inscriptions discussed in this chapter. What are the similarities and differences that
you notice?

Answer. DIY

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Q12 Collect ve different kinds of currency notes and coins in circulation today. For each one of
these, describe what you see on the obverse and the reverse (the front and the back). Prepare a
report on the common features as well as the differences in terms of pictures, scripts and
languages, size, shape and any other element that you nd signi cant. Compare these with the
coins shown in this chapter, discussing the materials used, the techniques of minting, the visual
symbols and their signi cance and the possible functions that coins may have had.

Answer. DIY

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Book : Themes of Indian History Part-I Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 2 Social Science History

Class : 12th

Subject : History

Chapter : 2

Chapter Name : Early States and Economies

Q1 Discuss the evidence of craft production in Early Historic cities. In what ways is this different
from the evidence from Harappan cities?

Answer. It is difficult to conduct extensive excavations at most of the sites because people live
in these areas even today. In Harappan cities excavations were comparatively easy. A wide
variety of artefacts have been recovered from them which throws a great deal of light on the
craftsmanship of those days. The evidence of craft production include fine pottery bowls and
dishes, with a glossy finish, known as Northern Black Polished Ware, probably used by rich
people, and ornaments, tools, weapons, vessels, figurines, made of a wide range of materials
like gold, silver, copper, bronze, ivory, glass, shell and terracotta.

The evidence were different in the following ways :

→ The craftsmen used a variety of iron tools to meet the growing demands but there was no
use of iron tools in Harappan cities.

→ There was no mention of the use of coins during the Harappan civilization.

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Q2 Describe the salient features of mahajanapadas.

Answer. The first mahajanapada existed between sixth and fourth BCE. Early Buddhist and
Jaina texts mention that there were sixteen states known as Mahajanapadas. Some of which
are Vajji, Magadha, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Avanti, and Gandhara. Magadha was the first and
the most powerful mahajanapadas of all.

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The salient features of Mahajanapadas are :

→ Mostly the mahajanapadas were ruled by kings but some of the ganas or sanghas were ruled
by a number of men, often collectively called Rajas.

→ ​Each of the mahajanapada had a capital city, which was generally fortified.

→ They also maintained armies.​ Huge resources were required to maintain these
mahajanapadas. These resources were procured from the cultivators, traders and artisans in
the form of taxes.

→ Brahmanas began to compose Sanskrit texts known as "Dharmasutras." These
Dharmasutras laid down norms for rulers as well as for other social categories.

→ The rulers used to collect taxes and tributes from traders and artisans.

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Q3 How do historians reconstruct the lives of ordinary people?

Answer. Historians have used a variety of sources to reconstruct the lives of ordinary people.
Some of these sources are :

→ Contemporary works such as the account of Megasthenes, Arthashasthra, parts of which
were composed by Chanakya, Puranic and Jaina literature as well as Sanskrit literary works.

→ The inscriptions of​ various kingdoms.

→ Short votive inscriptions were also found in a number of cities. These mention the name of
the donor, and sometimes specify his/her occupation as well. They tell us about the people who
lived in towns : washing folk, weavers, scribes, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths,
officials, religious teachers, merchants and kings.

→ The availability of various food items reveal the eating habits of the people.

→ Various crafts, potteries and tools reveal the purposes for which they were used.

All the above mentioned sources provided the historians a deep insight into the achievements
and the activities carried out by the ordinary people. And through the contemporary works we
get to know about the administering style that existed during those times.

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Page : 51 , Block Name : Short Answer

Q4 Compare and contrast the list of things given to the Pandyan chief (Source 3) with those
produced in the village of Danguna (Source 8). Do you notice any similarities or differences?

Answer. The list of things given to the Pandyan chief included things like ivory, fragrant wood,
fans made of hair of deer, honey, sandalwood, red ochre, antimony, turmeric, cardamom,
pepper, etc. They also brought coconuts, mangoes, medicinal plants, fruits, onions, sugarcane,
flowers, areca nut, bananas, baby tigers, lions, elephants, monkeys, bears, deer, musk deer,
foxes, peacocks, musk cats, wild cocks, speaking parrots, etc.

Things produced in the village of Danguna was grass, animal hides, charcoal, fermented
liquors, salt, milk and flowers, minerals, etc.

There is only one similarly in both i.e flowers.

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Q5 List some of the problems faced by epigraphists.

Answer. An epigraphist is a person who studies inscriptions. The problems faced by
epigraphists are :

→ Sometimes, the letters are very faintly engraved, and thus reconstructions are uncertain.

→ Sometimes,the inscriptions are damaged or letters may be missing.

→ It is not always easy to interpret the exact meaning of the words mentioned in the
inscriptions, some of them may be place or time specific.

→ The content of inscriptions many a times projects the perspective of the person or persons
who have worked on ​them.

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Page : 51 , Block Name : Short Answer

Q6 Discuss the main features of Mauryan administration. Which of these elements are evident
in the Ashokan inscriptions that you have studied?

Answer. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan empire. He extended control as
far northwest as Afghanistan and Baluchistan.

The main features of the Mauryan administration are :

→ The capital of the Mauryan empire was Pataliputra and the provincial centres were Taxila,
Ujjayini, Tosai and Suvarnagiri.

→ Administrative control was strongest in areas around the capital and the Provincial centres.

→ Megasthenes mentions a committee with six subcommittees for coordinating military
activities. The subcommittees and their activities were :

®​ T
​ he first committee looked after the navy.

®​ T
​ he second committee managed transport and provisions.

®​ T
​ he third committee was responsible for foot-soldiers.

®​ T
​ he fourth committee was responsible for horses

®​ T
​ he fifth committee was responsible for chariots.

®​ T
​ he sixth committee was responsible for elephants.

→ Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya tried to hold his empire together by
propagating Dhamma. Dhamma was the set of principles or moral code of conduct for the
people. This according to him, would ensure the well-being of people in this world and the next.
Special officers, known as dhamma-mahamatta, were appointed to spread the message of
Dhamma.

→ There was a strong road network that allowed the movement of people and goods.

Ashoka inscribed his message to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces - natural rocks as
well as pillars. He used the inscriptions to proclaim what he understood to be Dhamma. This
included respect towards elders, generosity towards Brahmanas and those who renounced

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worldly life, treating slaves and servants kindly, and respect for religions and traditions other
than one's own.

Page : 52 , Block Name : Long Answer

Q7 This is a statement made by one of the best-known epigraphists of the twentieth century,
D.C. Sircar : " There is no aspect of life, culture and activities of the Indians that is not reflected
in inscriptions."

Answer. The statement made by the best-known epigraphist D.C. Sircar highlights and
describes the importance of the inscriptions which explains all the aspects of life. The most
important information that we get from the inscriptions are :

→ We get to know about the kings and kingdoms that existed during those times.

→ We get to know about the extent of the boundaries of those kingdoms.

→ We get the information about the society and the people who existed during those times.

→ We get the information about the behaviour of the rulers towards their subjects.

→ We get to know about the religious beliefs and practices about people.

→ We get to know about the wars that were fought during those times and the techniques used
in fighting.

→ We get to know about the socio-economic status of the people and various classes of people
who existed during those times.

→ We get the information about the relationship of the states with their neighbours.

→ Inscriptions provides us with the information about the administration and the law and order
of the States.

→ Inscriptions provides us with the information of the land and the revenue systems.

Hence, we can conclude that the statement is aptly made by the eminent epigraphist.

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Page : 52 , Block Name : Long Answer

Q8 Discuss the notions of kingship that developed in the post-Mauryan period.

Answer. The notions of kingship that developed in the post-Mauryan era was that of Divine
kingship Theory. The kings began claiming high status by associating themselves with a variety
of deities. The case of this kind of notion can easily be exemplified by:

→ "Divine Kings" : The Kushanas ruled over a vast kingdom extending from Central Asia to
northwest India. Their history has been reconstructed from inscriptions and textual traditions.
Colossal statues of Kushana rulers have been installed in a shrine at Mat near Mathura (Uttar
Pradesh). Similar statues have been found in a shrine in Afghanistan as well. Many Kushana
rulers also adopted the title 'devaputra or son of God'.

→Larger States existed during the Gupta period which were dependent on "samantas", men
who maintained themselves through local resources including control over land. They offered
homage and provided military support to the rulers. Powerful "samantas" could become kings
and weak rulers might find themselves being reduced to the position of subordination. History of
the Gupta rulers have been reconstructed from literature, coins and inscriptions, including
prashastis, composed in praise of kings. The prayaga prashasti (also known as Allahabad pillar
inscription) composed in Sanskrit by Harishena, the court poet of Samudragupta, is an example
of such notion.

→ Emergence of new kingdoms were seen. Satavahanas ruled over various parts of Western
and Central India. The Shakas established their kingdoms in the north-western and Western
parts of the subcontinent.

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Q9 To what extent were agricultural practices transformed in the period under consideration?

Answer. The period from the sixth century BCE agricultural practices underwent a great
transformation due to the growing demand for taxes. Many strategies were adopted that aimed
at increasing the production so that the demands could be met. Some of the strategies are :

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→ Shift to plough agriculture : This practice was spread in fertile alluvial river valleys such as
those of the Ganga and the Kaveri. The iron-tipped ploughshare was used to turn the alluvial
soil in areas which had high rainfall. Moreover, in some parts of the Ganga valley, production of
paddy was dramatically increased by the introduction of transplantation, although this meant
back-breaking work for the producer.

→ Practice of hoe agriculture : Cultivators in the areas which were semi-arid, like Punjab and
Rajasthan and those living in hilly tracts in the north-eastern and central parts of the
subcontinent practised it as it was much better suited to the terrain.

→ Use of irrigation : This strategy was adopted to increase the agricultural production. Irrigation
was practised through wells, tanks and less commonly through canals.

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Q10 Compare Map 1 and 2, and list the mahajanapadas that might have been included in the
Mauryan Empire. Are any Ashokan inscriptions found in these areas?

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Answer. All the mahajanapadas had been included in the Mauryan Empire.

Ashokan inscriptions have been found in

Ashmaka ( Sannati), Gandhara (Kandahar), Magadha (Sarnath), Kuru (Meerut).

Page : 52 , Block Name : Map Work

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