the trail history and civics for class 6 pdf

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – The Mauryan Administration

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The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – The Mauryan Administration

ICSE SolutionsSelina ICSE SolutionsML Aggarwal Solutions

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Answers

Trail HistoryCivicsHistory & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

Keywords

  1. Mantri parishad: It was the council of ministers who assisted the king.
  2. Kumaras: They were the princes of the royal family who were put in charge of important provinces.
  3. Grama: It means village. StupasThey are solid, semicircular, dome-shaped Buddhist ;   structures which have some relics of Buddha at their base.
  4. Viharas: were Buddhist monasteries.
  5. Dharma chakras: are the wheels, carved on Ashoka’s Pillar at Samath. The wheel, representing motion and progress, is seen on the Indian national flag.

Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks:

  1. The king had supreme power. He was advised by the mantri  parished.
  2. The provinces were divided into a number of districts which were further subdivided into nagaras and gramas.
  3. The capital city of Pataliputra was looked after by six committees. Each committee consisted of five members.
  4. The lion capital was adopted as the emblem of India in the year 1950.
  5. The last Mauryan emperor was killed by Pushyamitra Sunga the founder of the Sunga dynasty.

B. Match the following:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Mauryan Administration 1
Answer:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Mauryan Administration 2

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. The Mauyran empire was divided into provinces/districs/ nagaras which were placed under the control of kumaras.
Ans. The Mauyran empire was divided into provinces which were placed under the control of kumaras.

2. Mauryan art was greatly influenced by Hinduism/ Buddhism/Taoism.
Ans. Mauryan art was greatly influenced by Buddhism.

3. The most famous Ashoka Pillar is at Sarnath/Sanchi/ Pataliputra.
Ans. The most famous Ashoka Pillar is at Sarnath.

4. The Mauryans had trade relations with Sri Lanka/ China/Mesopotamia.
Ans: The Mauryans had trade relations with Sri Lanka.

5. The last Mauryan ruler was Chandragupta Maurya/ Brihadratha/Ashoka.
Ans: The last Mauryan ruler was Brihadratha.

D. State whether the following are true or false.

  1. The Mauryan administration was based on the guidelines laid down in the Indika.
    False.
    Correct: The Mauryan administration was based on the guidelines laid down in the Arthashastra.
  2. There was no spy system in the Mauryan empire.
    False.
    Correct: There was spy system in the Mauryan empire.
  3. Pataliputra was a magnificent walled city.
    True.
  4. The relics of Buddha were kept at the base of the stupa.
    True.
  5. The chief occupation of the people during the Mauryan period was mining.
    False.
    Correct: The chief occupation of the people during the Mauryan period was agriculture.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
What was the role of the mantri parishad in the Mauryan administration?
Answer:
Mantri parishad was the council of ministers who assisted the king.

Question 2.
Name the capital city of the Mauryan empire.
Answer:
The capital city of the Mauryan empire was Pataliputra.

Question 3.
Mention two important features of stupas built during the Mauryan period.
Answer:
They are solid, semicircular, dome-shaped Buddhist structures which were made of stone and bricks, They have some relics of Buddha at their base.

Question 4.
Which Buddhist stupa is an outstanding specimen of Mauryan architecture?
Answer:
The stupa of Sanchi is an outstanding specimen of Mauryan architecture.

Question 5.
Which Mauryan sculpture was adopted as India’s national emblem is 1950?
Answer:
The lion capital was adopted as the national emblem of India in 1950.

Question 6.
Name any two foreign countries with whom the Mauryans had trade relations.
Answer:
Mauryans had trade relations with Sri Lanka, Egypt and Greece.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
Mention the main features of Mauryan administration with reference to (i) committees and (it) spy system.
Answer:

  1. Committees: There were six committees, each consisting of five members. Each committee was in­charge of a particular department such as industries, registration of births and deaths, care of foreigners, and trade and commerce. These 30 members also looked after common problems related to health, sanitation, education, etc.
  2. Spy system: The king had an elaborate spy system which kept him informed about his viceroys and officials as well as what was going on inside and outside his kingdom.

Question 2.
Describe the distinctive features of Ashokan pillars.
Answer:
Monolithic pillars, inscribed with the edicts of Ashoka, are the best examples of the remarkable skill and quality of Mauryan artists. The surface of the stone pillars were highly polished. The pillar at Samath is the most famous. The lion capital of this pillar is the most magnificent piece of sculpture of the Mauryan period.

Question 3.
Give an account of the economic conditions under the Mauryan rulers.
Answer:
The Mauryan rulers had unified the country and brought peace and stability. These favourable conditions promoted the growth of the economy and made the empire rich and prosperous.
Agriculture was the main occupation of the people. Farmers were encouraged to bring more land under cultivation. Irrigation facilities were provided to them. Land revenue was collected from the farmers and it was the chief source of income for the king.

Question 4.
What were the causes for the decline of the Mauryan empire?
Answer:
These were following reasons for decline of Mauryan empire.

  1. Ashoka’s successors were weak and inefficient.
  2. The empire was too vast and it was not easy to control the far-flung territories.
  3. In the absence of a strong central authority, the provincial viceroys declared themselves independent.
  4. The expense of maintaining a large standing army and an elaborate administrative system was a heavy drain on the state treasury.

G Picture study.
This is an important monument of the ancient period but is relevant even today.
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Mauryan Administration 3

Question 1.
Identify the monuments.
Answer:
The Buddhist stupa at Sanchi, in Madhya Pradesh.

Question 2.
Describe its important features.
Answer:
Mauryan art was greatly influenced by Buddhism. Ashoka is supposed to have built 84,000 stupas throughout the kingdom. Stupas are solid, semicircular, dome-like structures made of stones and bricks. Relics of Buddha, such as his hair, tooth, etc., were kept at the base of the stupa. The stupa of Sanchi is an outstanding specimen of Mauryan architecture.

Question 3.
In which century and by whom was it built ?
Answer:
The Great Stupa at Sanchi was built by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and is one of the finest examples of Mauryan architecture.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
How many committees were set up for the administration of Pataliputra? Name any three departments that were looked after by these committees.
Answer:
Six committees were set up for the adminstration for Patliputra.

  1. Sanitation
  2. Trade and commerce
  3. Public utility were three departments that were looked after by these committees.

Question 2.
Mention two important features of each of the following:

  1. Monolithic pillars
  2. Lion capital

Answer:

  1. Monolithic pillars— Mautryas built many Monolithic pillars, inscribed with the edicts of Ashoka. They are the best examples of the remarkable skill and quality of Mauryan artists. The surfaces of the stone pillars were highly polished. The Pillar at Samath is the most famous.
  2. Lion capital— The lion capital of the pillar is the most magnificent piece of sculpture of the Mauryan period. The lion capital was adopted as the national emblem of India in 1950. A picture of the lion capital can be seen on Indian currency notes.

Question 3.
Mention three important occupations of the people during the Mauryan period.
Answer:
Agriculture was main occupation of the people. Other occupations included mining, forestry and carpentry during the Mauryan Period.

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – The Mauryan Empire

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The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – The Mauryan Empire

CSE SolutionsSelina ICSE SolutionsML Aggarwal Solutions

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Answers

Trail HistoryCivicsHistory & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

Keywords

  1. Indika: was the account of the Mauryan period written by Megasthenes.
  2. Arthashastra: The book was written by Chanakya on politics.
  3. Dig vijaya: It means conquest of territories.
  4. Dhamma: vijaya It means conquest through dharma. Dhamma It is derived from the Sanskrit word dharma, meaning religious duty,
  5. Dharmamahamatras: They were special officials appointed to spread and enforce the principles of dhamma. Mahamatras They were officials appointed to carry out administrative work.

 EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

  1. The main literary sources of information about the Mauryan period are Indika and Arthashastra.
  2. Chandragupta’s success in acquiring the throne of Magadha was largely due to the guidance and training of his adviser Chanakya.
  3. Chandragupta Mauiya was succeeded by his son Bindusara.
  4. The word dhamma is derived from the Sanskrit word dharma which means religious duty.
  5. Ashoka’s dhamma was based on human values and a code of conduct inspired by the teachings of Buddha.

B. Match the following:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Mauryan Empire 1
Answer:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Mauryan Empire 2

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. Indika was written by Kautilya/Megasthenes/Seleucus.
Ans: Indika was written by Megasthenes.

2. In 305 bce Alexander’s general Megasthenes/Seleucus/ Kautilya invaded India.
Ans. In 305 bce Alexander’s general Seleucus invaded India.

3. The Kalinga War was a turning point in the life of Dhana Nanda/Bindusara/Ashoka.
Ans. The Kalinga War was a turning point in the life of Ashoka.

4. Ashoka’s dhamma was based on the principles of Buddhism/Hinduism/Confucianism.
Ans. Ashoka’s dhamma was based on the principles of Buddhism.

5. Ashoka’s son was named Rahul/Chandragupta/ Mahendra.
Ans. Ashoka’s son was named Mahendra.

D. State whether the following are true of false:

  1. In 321 bce Dhana Nanda was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya.
    True.
  2. Chanakya was a wise brqhmana who had a personal grudge against Dhana Nanda.
    True.
  3. Bindusara was the son of Ashoka.
    False.
    Correct: Bindusara was the father of Ashoka.
  4. When Ashoka ascended the throne of Magadha, Bengal was the only kingdom outside Mauryan control.
    False.
    Correct: When Ashoka ascended the throne of Magadha, Kalinga was the only kingdom outside Mauryan control.
  5. Ashoka replaced the policy of digvijaya with dhamma vijaya.
    True.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
Mention any one important literary source of information about the Mauryan period.
Answer:
The main literary sources of information about the Mauryan period is Indika.

Question 2.
Who helped Chandragupta Maurya to become the ruler of Magadha?
Answer:
Chanakya helped Chandragupta Maurya to become the ruler of Magadha.

Question 3.
What was the extent of Chandragupta’s empire?
Answer:
Chandragupta’s empire was the first great empire in Indian history. By the end of his reign, the Maurya empire stretched from the Hindu Kush in the north-west to Bengal in the east, from the Himaylayas in the North to the Narmada in the South.

Question 4.
Which powerful kingdom was not under Mauryan control when Ashoka ascended the throne?
Answer:
Kalinga was the only powerful kingdom that was not under Mauryan control.

Question 5.
What was the extent of Ashoka’s empire?
Answer:
Ashoka’s empire stretched from the Himalayas in the North to Mysore in the South and from the Hindu Kush in the north-west to Brahmaputra in the east. It also included Kabul, Kandahar, Herat and the parts of Nepal and Kashmir.

Question 6.
What does the term ‘dhamma vijaya’ mean?
Answer:
Dhamma vijaya means conquest through dharma.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
What happened to Alexander’s vast empire after his death?
Answer:
After Alexander’s death, fighting broke out between his generals for the control of his vast empire. Seleucus, one of Alexander’s generals, became the ruler of the territory stretching from Asia Minor to the Indus.

Question 2.
Why was Seleucus compelled to sign a treaty with Chandragupta Maurya? Mention two important terms of this treaty.
Answer:
Seleucus was compelled to sign a treaty with Chandragupta Maurya because Chandragupta Maurya defeated him.
According to this treaty he had to give eastern Afghanistan,Baluchistan and areas west of the Indus to Chandragupta. He gave his daughter to Chandragupta in marriage. In return,he received 500 war elephants.

Question 3.
Explain how the Kalinga War became a turning point in Ashoka’s life?
Answer:
The Kalinga war became a turning point in Ashoka’s life. Because, the death, destruction and great human suffering in this war filled Ashoka’s heart with sorrow and remorse.

Question 4.
Mention the main principles of Ashoka’s ‘Dhamma’.
Answer:
The Principles of dhamma were as follows.

  1. People should live in peace and harmony.
  2. Everyone should follow ahimsa.
  3. People should be truthful, charitable and kind to all.

Question 5.
Explain any five steps taken by Ashoka to propagate Dhamma in and outside India.
Answer:
To propagate dhamma, following steps were taken by Ashoka

  1. He ordered the construction of Buddhist monasteries.
  2. He sent learned Buddhist scholars to distant lands to spread Buddhism.
  3. He visited all the places associated with the life of Buddha.
  4. Special officers called Dhammamahamatras were appointed to spread and enforce the princples of dhamma throughout the kingdom.
  5. The principles of dhamma were engraved in Prakrit on rocks, pillars and caves so that people could read and follow them.

Question 6.
What arc edicts? Why were they composed in Prakrit?
Answer:
Edicts are order issued by a ruler. They are also source of valuable information of the Mauryan period.Edicts were composed in Prakrit because it was easy language to understand by the common people.

Question 7.
What did Ashoka do for the happiness and welfare of his subjects?
Answer:
He embraced Buddhism and devoted his life to the moral and material welfare of his subjects.

G Picture study.
This is the picture of an Ashokan edict.
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Mauryan Empire 3

Question 1.
What are edicts?
Answer:
The edicts are a source of valuable information of the Mauryan period. Edicts are royal commands or proclamations.

Question 2.
How are Ashokan edicts useful?
Answer:
The edicts are a source of valuable information of the Mauryan period.

Question 3.
Where were these edicts inscribed?
Answer:
They were inscribed on rocks, polished stone pillars and caves.

Question 4.
In which language were they composed and in which script w ere they written?
Answer:
They were composed in Prakrit, the language of the people and written in Brahmi script. In the north-west they were written in Greek, Kharoshthi and Aramaic.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
Write the main sources of Information about Mauryan empire ?
Answer:
Indika by Megasthenes, Arthashastra by Chanakya, and the rock and pillar edicts of Ashoka are valuable sources of Information about Mauryan Empire.

Question 2.
Who was Chandragupta Maurya ?
Answer:
Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire was the greatest known ruler in the ancient history of India.

Question 3.
Who was Chanakaya ?
Answer:
Chanakaya was the chief advisor of Chandragupta. He was also known as Kautilya. He wrote book ‘Arthashastra’ on politics.

Question 4.
Who was Seleucus ?
Answer:
Seleucus was one of Alexander’s generals.

Question 5.
Why is Ashoka called as ‘Ashoka the Great’ ?
Answer:
Ashoka’s occupies an important place in history. He is regarded as one of the greatest rulers of India. He gave the best type of administration to his subject, Hospitals, schools were opened, wells were dug, trees were grown in large number, that is why he is called a ‘Ashoka the Great’.

Question 6.
What did Ashoka do to spread Buddhism outside India?
Answer:
Ashoka sent learned Buddhist scholars, his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to outside India to spread message of Buddhism.

 

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – The Rise of Magadha

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The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – The Rise of Magadha

CSE SolutionsSelina ICSE SolutionsML Aggarwal Solutions

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Answers

Trail HistoryCivicsHistory & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

Keywords

  1.  Janapadas:  They were large states that grew in India as a result of wars and conquests. The word means the place where people place their feet.
  2. Mahajanapadas: They were the powerful Janapadas. There were sixteen Mahajanapadas.
  3. Shakyas and Lichchhavis: were the name of democratic republics ruled by representatives elected by the people.
  4. Gandhara School of Art: An Indo-Greek school of art that grew in India as a result of cultural contact with the Greeks.

A. Fill in blanks:

  1. The pastoral Aryan tribes of the Early Vedic Period roamed about in search of new pastures. In the Later Vedic Period they began to cultivate the land.
  2. Large kingdoms were known as Janapadas and the more powerful among these were known as mahajanapadas.
  3. The four powerful kingdom in the Later Vedic Period were Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala and Magadha.
  4. Alexander invaded India during the reign of the Magadha dynasty.
  5. India’s cultural contact with the Greeks led to the development of a style of art known as the Gandhara School of Art.

B. Match the following:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Rise of Magadha 1
Answer:

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Rise of Magadha 2

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. The first important king of Magadha was Bimbisara/ Ajatashatru/Dhana Nanda.
Ans. The first important king of Magadha was Bimbisara.

2. Dhana Nanda was overthrown by Chandragupta Maury a/Bimbisara/Ajatasharu.
Ans. Dhana Nanda was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya.

3. The capital city of Magadha was Pataliputra/Anga/ Champa.
Ans. The capital city of Magadha was Pataliputra.

4. Ambhi/Ajatashatru/Bimbisara, the ruler of Taxila, offered to help Alexander defeat Chandragupta
Maurya/Porus/Dhana Nanda.
Ans. Ambhi, the ruler of Taxila, offered to help Alexander defeat Porus.

5. Alexander’s invasion led to the establishments of two/ four/eight trade routes by land and sea.
Ans. Alexander’s invasion led to the establishments four trade routes by land and sea.

D. State whether the following are true of false:

  1. The kingdom of Magadha was established in the Iron Age.
    False.
    Correct: Magadha belonged to the Later Vedic Age!
  2. Mahapadma Nanda was the last king of the Nanda dynasty.
    False.
    Correct: Mahapadma Dhana Nanda was the last king of the Nanda dynasty.
  3. Alexander was the king of Rome.
    False.
    Correct: Alexander was the king of Macedonia.
  4. Ambhi and Porus were allies.
    False.
    Correct: Ambhi and Porus were enemy.
  5. The power of the small states in north-western India was shattered by Alexander’s invasion.
    True.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
What were the powerful states in the Later Vedic period called?
Answer:
The more powerful states were called mahajanapadas.

Question 2.
How many mahajanapadas are mentioned in the religious texts of the 6th century bce?
Answer:
There are sixteen manhajanpadas are mentioned in the religious texts of the 6th century bce.

Question 3.
Name the most powerful kingdom in Ancient India (4th century bce).
Answer:
The four powerful kingdom in Ancient India were Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala and Magadha.

Question 4.
What was the Indo-Greek school of art known as?
Answer:
The Indo-Greek school of art known as the Gandhara School of Art.

Question 5.
Name the Mauryan ruler who unified India politically.
Answer:
Chandragupta Maurya.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
Discuss the developments that led to the emergence of Janapadas.
Answer:
In the Later Vedic period Aryans began to settle down and cultivate land. They used iron tools and implements to clear jungles and bring more land under cultivation. Surplus production led to increased prosperity and the desire to expand further. This in turn resulted in wars and conquests and emergence of large states called janapadas.

Question 2.
Trace the rise of Magadha under the rule of
(1) Bimbisara and
(2) Ajatashatru.
Answer:

  1. Bimbisara:
    The first important king of Magadha was Bimbisara who ruled for 52 years. He expanded his terriotries through conquests and matrimonial alliances making Magadha the most powerful kingdom in those times. The conquest of Anga brought the river port of Champa under his control.
  2. Ajatashatru:
    Bimbisara was succeeded by his son Ajatashatru, who ruled for about 32 years. He followed a policy of expansion. He conquered the neighbouring states and made Magadha the most prosperous kingdom in norhtem India. Ajatashatru built a fort in the village of Pataligram which later grew into the capital city of Pataliputra.

Question 3.
How did the conquest of Anga benefit Magadha?
Answer:
The conquest of Anga brought the river port of Champa under the control of Magadha. The rich deposits of iron ore found in this region contributed to the development of a strong and stable economy for Magadha.

Question 4.
Give an account of the causes and results of the battle between Alexander and Porus.
Answer:
Porus was the ruler of the areas lying between the rivers Jhelum and Chenab. Ambhi offered to help Alexander to defeat Porus. Porus fought heroically but was defeated. He was captured and brought before Alexander, who asked him how he would like to be treated. ‘As one king should treat another king’, was his prompt reply. Alexander was so impressed with the reply that he set Poms free and returned all his territories. Alexander and Porus became friends after this.

Question 5.
Why was Alexander unable to conquer Magadha?
Answer:
Alexander was unable to Conquer Magadha because his army refused to advance any further. The army was war- weary and homesick and was not willing to face the powerful army of Magadha.

Question 6.
Describe the effects of Alexander’s invasion.
Answer:
The effects of Alexander’s invasion were following.

  1. His invasion led to the establishment of four different trade routes by land and sea.
  2. Alexander’s historians have left dated records of his campaigns.
  3.  The cultural contact with the Greeks led to the growth of the Indo-Greek School of Art known as Grandhara school of Art.

G Picture study.
This is a painting of two famous kings who became friends after a war in the 4th century bce.
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Rise of Magadha 3

Question 1.
Identify the two rulers in this painting ?
Answer:
Alexander and Porus are the two rulers in the painting.

Question 2.
Give an account of the earlier developments that led to this event.
Answer:
Porus was the ruler of the area lying between the rivers Jhelum and Chenab. Ambhi offered to help Alexander to defeat Porus. Porus fought heroically but was defeated. He was captured and brought before Alexandar who asked him how he would like to be treated. Porus replied ‘As one king should treat another king’ Alexandar was so impressed with reply that he set Pours free and they became friends.

Question 3.
Name the most powerful kingdom in India during this time. Which dynasty ruled this kingdom?
Answer:
Magadha was the most powerful kingdom in India during this time. Nanda dynasty ruled this kingdom.

Question 4.
Who overthrew the last ruler of this dynasty ? Name the empire established by him.
Answer:
Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the last ruler of Nanda dynasty. He established Maurya Empire.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTION

Question 1.
State the reasons for the emergence of mahajanapadas.
Answer:
Surplus production, increased prosperity and the desire to expand further are the reasons for emergence of the mahajanapadas.

Question 2.
Discuss the causes and results of the battle between Alexander and Porus.
Answer:
Porus was the ruler of the areas lying between the rivers Jhelum and Chenab. Ambhi offered to help Alexander to defeat Porus. Porus fought heroically but was defeated. He was captured and brought before Alexander, who asked him how he would like to be treated. ‘As one king should treat another king’, was his prompt reply. Alexander was so impressed with the reply that he set Poms free and returned all his territories. Alexander and Poms became friends after this.

Question 3.
Why was Alexander unable to conquer Magadha?
Answer:
Alexander was unable to Conquer Magadha because his army refused to advance any further. The army was war- weary and homesick and was not willing to face the powerful army of Magadha.

Question 4.
Describe the effects of Alexander’s invasion.
Answer:
The effects of Alexander’s invasion were following.

  1. His invasion led to the establishment of four different trade routes by land and sea.
  2. Alexander’s historians have left dated records of his campaigns.
  3. The cultural contact with the Greeks led to the growth of the Indo-Greek School of Art known as Grandhara school of Art.

 

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – Jainism and Buddhism

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The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – Jainism and Buddhism

ICSE SolutionsSelina ICSE SolutionsML Aggarwal Solutions

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Answers

Trail HistoryCivicsHistory & Civics Geography Biology Chemistry Physics Maths

Keywords

  1. Tirthankaras: were the religious teachers of Jainism who preached before Mahavira.
  2. Jina: It means conquerer of the self.
  3. Karma: It means that people’s actions decide their destiny.
  4. Moksha: It means freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
  5. Digambara Sect of Jainism: The word means sky clad. They did not wear any clothes and followed the original teachings of Mahavira.
  6. Svetambaras: were Jain monks who wore white clothes and did not believe in hard penance.
  7. Purvas and Angas are the religious literature of the Jains. Ashtangika marga It means the eightfold path.
  8. Ahimsa: means non-violence. Both Jainism and Buddhism preached this principle.
  9. Nirvana: It means freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
  10. Sangha: was the order of the Buddhist monks.
  11. Tripitakas and Jatakas: Are Buddhist religious texts.

 EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks.

  1. Many evil customs crept into Hindu society.
  2. The shudras were denied the right to study religious texts.
  3. In the 6th century bce two great religious reformers, Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha were born.
  4. Two famous followers of Jainism were Bimbisara andAjatashatru.
  5. Jainism was divided into two sects, Digambaras and Svetambaras.
  6. The religious literature of the Buddhists is contained in the Tripitakas and Jatakas.
  7. Buddhism was divided into two sects  Hinayana and Mahayana.

B. Match the following.
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - Jainism and Buddhism 1
Answer:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - Jainism and Buddhism 2

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. Mahavira preached in Pali/Prakrit/Sanskrit.
Ans. Mahavira preached in Prakrit.

2. Purvas and Angas are the religious literature of the Jains/Buddhists/Hindus.
Ans. Purvas and Angas are the religious literature of the Jains.

3. Buddha got enlightened under a pipal/banyan/mango
Ans. Buddha got enlightened under a pipal tree.

4. Buddha preached his first sermon in Deer Park in Sarnath/Mount Abu/Bodh Gaya.
Ans. Buddha preached his first sermon in Deer Park in Sarnath.

5. Buddhism was preached in Sanskrit/Pali/Prakrit.
Ans. Buddhism was preached in Pali.

D. State whether the following are true or false.

  1. The brahmanas were very popular among the common people.
    False.
    Correct: Brahmanas led to the exploitation of common people.
  2. Mahavira was the last tirthankara of the Jains.
    True.
  3. Mahavira believed in the existence of a supreme God.
     False.
    Correct: Mahavira did not believed in the existence of a supreme God.
  4. Buddha established an order of monk called the Sangha.
     True.
  5. Buddhism is the main religions of millions in South-east Asia, Tibet. China and Japan.
    True.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
How did the rigid caste system in the Later Vedic period affect the shudras?
Answer:
Shudras were increasingly isolated and persecuted. They were denied the right to study the religious scriptures and were not even allowed to recite the Sanskrit hymns.

Question 2.
Name the twenty-fourth and the last tirthankara of the Jains.
Answer:
Vardhamana Mahavira is regarded as the twenty-fourth and the last tirthankara of the Jains.

Question 3.
Mention any one difference between the Digambaras and the Svetambaras.
Answer:
The main difference between Digambaras and Svetambaras was that the followers of Digambaras did not wear any clothes and followed the original teaching of Mahavira. But the followers of Svetambaras wore white clothes and did not believe in hard penance.

Question 4.
In which parts of India is Jainism still popular?
Answer:
Jainism is still popular in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Question 5.
Where did Gautama Buddha achieve enlightenment?
Answer:
Gautama Buddha wandered place to place in search of truth. One day he sat down under a pepal tree in Bodh Gaya and began to meditate. On the 49th day, true light dawned on him and he became enlightened one.

Question 6.
Why is Buddhism referred to as the ‘Middle Path’?
Answer:
Buddha’s religious philosophy is called Buddhism. It is called the middle path because it avoids the extreme harshness and austerity of Jainism, as well as the extremes of ritualistic Hinduism. The main principles of Buddhism are contained in the four noble truths and the eightfold path or ashtangika marga.

Question 7.
Name the two Buddhist sects.
Answer:
Buddhism was divided into two sects, Hinayana and Mahayana.

Question 8.
What do you understand by the term eightfold path of Buddhism?
Answer:
The eightfold path of Buddhism are following:

  1. Right Belief
  2. Right Speech
  3. Right Thought
  4. Right Action
  5. Right Efforts
  6. Right Memory
  7. Right Meditation
  8. Right Means of Livelihood

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
By the end of the Epic Age, many evil practices had crept into society in the name of religion. Explain.
Answer:
In later Vedic period, religion became complex and difficult. Many evil customs crept into society in the name of religion. Costly sacrifices, superstitions, and elaborate and meaningless rituals destroyed the simplicity and appeal of the original religion. The Vedic texts were written in Sanskrit, which the common people could not understand. The brahmanas explained the texts in a manner that increased their own power, wealth and status. The rites and rituals introduced by them led to the exploitation of the common people. Religion became expensive and oppressive. The caste system became rigid. The lower casts, especially the shudras, were increasingly isolated and persecuted. They were denied the right to study the religious scriptures and were not even allowed to recite Sanskrit hymns.

Question 2.
Mention the main teachings of Mahavira.
Answer:

  1. Ahimsa or Non-violence is the first great teaching of Mahavira.
  2. Mahavira did not accept the Veda and opposed all forms of religious rites and rituals.
  3. Mahavira believed that all people are equal.
  4. Mahavira denied that God was the creator of the universe.
  5. According to Mahavira the highest goal of a person’s life was to attain moksha.

Question 3.
Explain briefly the Jain principles of

  1. Ahimsa and
  2. Karma and Rebirth.

Answer:
Ahimsa:
Ahimsa or non-violence is the first great teaching of Mahavira. He preached that no one should harm any living creature, not even insects and plants.

Karma and Rebirth:
A person’s soul is reborn again and again because of his/her karma (actions). Hie highest goal of the person’s life was to attain moksha, i. e., freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Moksha could be achieved by following the triratna (three jewels) of Jainism.
The three jewels are:

  1. Right knowledge
  2. Right Belief and
  3. Right Conduct, which includes the practice of ahimsa and hard penance.

Question 4.
What were the ‘four great sights’ that proved to be a turning point in Gautama Buddha’s life?
Answer:
Once while Gautama Buddha was on an outing in his chariot, he saw an old man, a sick man, a dead man and an ascetic who was unaffected by the sorrow and misery around him. These four great sights proved to be a turning point in Gautama Buddha’s life.

Question 5.
State the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. What were Buddha’s views on the existence of God?
Answer:
The four noble truths of Buddhism are following.

  1. The world is full of suffering.
  2. The cause of suffering is human desire.
  3. Suffering can be ended by overcoming desires.
  4. Desires can be overcome and freedom from the cycle ; of birth, death and rebirth can be achieved by nirvana. The eight fold path leads to nirvana.
    Buddha was silent on the existence of God. He stressed moral values such as honesty, non-violence, obedience and respect for elders and kindness to all living beings.

Question 6.
Briefly explain the following events in Buddha’s life:

  1. Renunciation
  2. Enlightenment

Answer:

  1. Renunciation:
    At the ‘four great sights’ Gautam decided to renounce worldly life and go out in search for answers to the mysteries of life and death. One night, at the age of 29, while his son and wife were asleep, he quietly slipped out of the house, breaking all worldly ties. He became an ascetic.
  2. Enlightenments:
    One day Gautam Buddha sat down under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya and began to meditate. On the 49th day, true light dawned on him. He became the enlightened one. He had at last found the cause of human suffering and knew how to overcome it.

Question 7.
Why and how did Buddhism spread so rapidly in India and abroad?
Answer:
Buddhism spread so rapidly because of following causes:

  1. The Simplicity of Gautam Buddha’s teachings and principle of equality greatly appealed to the common people.
  2. Buddhism was spread far and wide by monks and nuns.
  3. Buddhist universities established by king Ashoka (like Nalanda) were also other important reasons for rapid spread of Buddhism.

Question 8.
What were the reasons for the decline of Buddhism in India?
Answer:
Buddhism gradually declined in India for the following reasons.

  1. Hinduism was reformed and purified.
  2. The Gupta kings patronized Hinduism.
  3. India was invaded by the Huns who destroyed Buddhist viharas.

G Picture study.
This is an artwork showing a religious reformer who was born in Lumbini in the 6th century bce.
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - Jainism and Buddhism 3
1. Identify the religious reformer.
Ans. This is a Picture of Gautama Buddha.

2.Name the religion he founded.
Ans. He found Buddhism religion.

3. Why did his teachings appeal to the people?
Ans. Buddha preached in ‘Pali’, which was easily understood by the common people. His teaching appealed to the people because of simplicity and the principle of equality.

4. Name another contemporary religious reformer and the religion he founded.
Ans. Vardhamana Mahavira was a contemporary religious reformer and he founded Jainism religion.

5. Mention any three similarities in the teachings of these two religious reformers?
Ans. Ahimsa, Karma and Moksha are three similarities in the teachings of these two religious reformers.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
Name the two great religious reformers in the 6th century
Answer:
Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha were two great religious reformers in the 6th century bcf..

Question 2.
When and where was Mahavira Jain born?
Answer:
Mahavira was born  in 599 bce near Vaishali.

Question 3.
When did Mahavira gained spiritual knowledge?
Answer:
Mahavira wandered from place to place in search of truth.After about 12 years of penance and meditation, he gained spiritual knowledge.

Question 4.
Who helped Mahavira to spread Jainism and in which language they preached?
Answer:
The Jain monks established by Mahavira helped to spread Jainism to different parts of the country. They preached in Prakrit the language of the common man.

Question 5.
From where the religious literature of the Jains is found?
Answer:
The religious literature of the Jains is found in the ‘Purvas’and Angas.

Question 6.
When and where Gautama Buddha was born?
Answer:
Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini (near Kapilavastu) in 567 bce.

Question 7.
Name the wife and son of Gautam Buddha?
Answer:
The wife’s name was Yashodhara and the son’s name was Rahul.

Question 8.
How did the new customs destroy the simplicity of the original Vedic religion?
Answer:
Costly sacrifices, superstitions and elaborate, meaningless rituals destroyed the simplicity and appeal of the original vedic religion.

Question 9.
Name the two Jain sects.
Answer:
Digambaras and Svetambaras are two sects of Jainism.

Question 10.
Explain the following terms:

  1. Ahimsa
  2. Karma
  3. Moksha

Answer:

  1. Ahimsa—Ahimsa means non-violence. Both Jainism and Buddhism preached this principle.
  2. Karma— People’s actions will decide their destiny. Good
    deeds are rewarded and evil deeds are punished.
  3. Moksha— The hightest goal of a person’s life was to attain Moksha freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – The Later Vedic Civilization

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The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions – The Later Vedic Civilization

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The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Answers

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 Keywords

  1. Hereditary: is what is passed from one generation to another.from previous generation to new generation.
  2. Rajasuya yagna: It was performed when a king ascended the throne to confer supreme power on him.
  3. Ashvamedha yagna: The horse sacrifice was performed to establish undisputed authority of the king over the territory through which the horse moved unchallenged.
  4. Brahmacharya: It was the first stage of a man’s life during which he lived with his guru or teacher and received education.
  5. Grihastha: It was the second stage of a person’s life during which he got married and led a family life as a house­holder.
  6. Vanaprastha: It was the third stage of a person’s life when he gave up his worldly life and went to the forests to meditate.
  7. Sanyasa: It was the last stage of a person’s life when he renounced all worldly ties and became an ascetic spreading the principles of religion and truth.
  8. GurukulIt:  was the house of the guru or teacher where the young boys were sent to get education.
  9. Guru dakshina:  It was paid to the guru after a student completed his education. It was paid according to the students’s capacity.
  10. Dharma:  It means that every person has a moral duty to do what is right and lead a pious life.
  11.  Karma:  It means that people must face the consequences of their actions, i.e.. good deeds must be rewarded and evil deeds must be punished. Transmigration of the soul .It means the passing of a person’s soul, after death, into another body.

EXERCISES

A. Fill in blanks:

  1. The two Indian epics of this period are Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
  2. When a king ascended the throne, the purohita performed the Rajasuya yagna.
  3. In the Later Vedic Age, the classification of society into four varnas became rigid and hereditary.
  4. A guru treated his students like his own children and the students regarded the guru as their spiritul father.
  5. Maitreyi and Gargi were two highly educated women of the Early Vedic period.

B. Match the following:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Later Vedic Civilization 1
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Later Vedic Civilization 2
Answer:

The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Later Vedic Civilization 3

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. The Mahabharata/Rig Veda/Arthashastra was composed during the Later Vedic period.
Ans. The Mahabharata was composed during the Later Vedic period.

2. In ancient times, Varanasi was known as Kashi/Kosala/ Kuru.
Ans. In ancient times, Varanasi was known as Kashi.

3. During the vanaprastha/brahamacharya/grihastha stage of his life an Aryan stayed in a gurukul and received education from a guru.
Ans. During the brahamacharya stage of his life an Aryan stayed in a gurukul and received education from a guru.

4. A boy was sent to gurukul at the age of 7/15/25 and stayed there till he was 40/25/50 years old.
Ans. A boy was sent to gurukul at the age of 7 and stayed there till he was 25 years old.

5. Agriculture/Trade/Industry was the main occupation of the Aryans.
Ans. Agriculture was the main occupation of the Aryans.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

  1. The Upanishads were composed during the Later Vedic period.
    False.
    Correct: The Upanishads were supposed to have been composed during the Later Vedic period.
  2. Excavations indicate the use of iron during this period.
     True.
  3. The sabha and samiti became very powerful during this period.               ‘
    False.
    Correct: The sabha and samiti lost much of their control during this period.
  4. The caste system became flexible in the Later Vedic Period.
    False.
    Correct: The caste system became rigid in the Later Vedic Period.
  5. Education in a gurukul was very expensive.
    False.
    Correct: Students paid fees according to their means.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
What are epics?
Answer:
Epics are lengthy poems that describe the brave deeds and adventures of warriors.

Question 2.
Name the four kingdoms that developed from small tribal organizations.
Answer:
The four kingdoms that developed from small tribal organizations were

  1. Kuru (near modem Delhi)
  2. Kosala (Awadh)
  3. Magadha (Patna and Gaya) and
  4. Kashi (Varanasi).

Question 3.
What was the importance of the Rajasuya yagna in the Later Vedic period.
Answer:
When a king ascended the throne the purohita performed the Rajasuya yagna to confer supreme power on him. The king was elevated to the position of God’s representative on earth.

Question 4.
What was the highest duty of a woman in the Epic Age?
Answer:
Their highest duty was to serve their husbands and take care of the family. However, they continued to participate in religious ceremonies.

Question 5.
What was the relationship between the guru and his students?
Answer:
The teacher (guru) treated his students like his own children and the children regarded the teacher as their spiritual father.

Question 6.
Where was an Aryan educated?
Answer:
Aryan was educated in gurukul.

Question 7.
In Hindu philosophy, what does the term ‘dharma’ mean?
Answer:
Dharma means that every person has a moral duty to do what is right and to lead a pious life.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Explain the important features of the political organization in the Epic Age.
Answer:
Epics are lengthy poems that describe the brave deeds and adventures of warriors.

Question 2.
How did the society get sharply divided during the Later Vedic period?
Answer:
During the later Vedic period society get sharply divided. Caste was decided by birth and not by occupations. The brahmans and kshatriyas formed the ruling class. The vaishyas were the artisans, traders and farmers. The shudras were the uneducated workers who served the other three classes.

Question 3.
What was the position of women during the Later Vedic period?
Answer:
The position of women declined in Later Vedic period. She was not allowed to take part in political life. Swayamvaras were no more allowed. She was not given much respect and importance at social and religious gatherings. Women were not allowed to study Vedic literature. The birth of girl was not welcomed.

Question 4.
Mention the four ashramas/stages in the life of an Aryan. State the distinctive features of each ashrama.
Answer:
The life of an Aryans was divided into following four ashramas.

  1. Brahmacharya: It was the first stage of man’s life when he lived with his guru and received education.
  2. Grihastha: It was the second stage of man’s life during which he got married and led a family life as a householder.
  3. Vanaprastha: It was the third stage of man’s life when he gave up his worldly life and went into the forest to meditate.
  4. Sanayasa: It was the last stage of a man’s life when he renounced all worldly ties and became an ascetic spreading the principles of religion and truth.

Question 5.
Describe the Gurukul system of education.
Answer:
When a boy was 7 years old. He was sent to gurukul. He stayed there till he was 25 years old.
In a gurukul students had to memorize lesson, which were taught orally. After completing their education, the students paid guru dakshina according to their means.

The students led simple and highly disciplined lives in gurukul. They helped their guru in many ways like to cleaned house, drew water from the well, gathered wood and worked in the fields. Students had to memorize lessons which were tought orally.

Question 6.
Mention the important features of the religion of the Later Vedic period.
Answer:
New ceremonies and rituals were gaining importance day by day in the religion of Later Vedic period. The mode of worship became complex. Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver  and Shiva the destroyer, became the most important gods. The status of the brahmans rose up because they made rituals complicated.

Question 7.
What are the basic elements of Hinduism? State and explain any one of the three main pricinples of Hindu Philosophy.
Answer:
The word Hindu comes from the word Sindhu, the Sanskrit term for the river Indus. The roots of Hinduism can be traced to the Indus Valley culture. Hinduism was not founded by any spiritual leader. It is a philosophy and a way of life that evolved over hundreds of years. The mixing of social and religious beliefs of the Indus Valley people and the Aryan settlers led to the evolution of Hinduism. The essence of Hinduism is the belief in an omnipotent and omnipresent single force or energy (shakti)- the source of all creation. This creator of the universe is God. This God is known by different names and different forms, depending on which aspect of his force is being worshiped. God is the creator, the preserver and the destroyer of this universe.
There are three main principles on which Hindu Philosophy is based. They are following:

  1. Dharma— It means that every person has a moral duty to do what is right and lead a pious life.
  2. Karma— It means that people must face the consequences of their actions good deeds must be rewarded and evil deeds must be punished.
  3. Transmigration of the soul— It means the passing of a person’s soul, after death, into another body.

Question 8.
What were the main occupations of the people of the Later Vedic period?
Answer:
Agriculture was the main occupation of the people of the Later Vedic period. The use of iron and improved farming implements brought about increased prosperity. The people  also used painted grey vessels. This Period saw the growth of towns and cities as well as the development of trade by barter system.

Question 9.
What is the impact of the Aryan civilization on India?
Answer:
The Aryans civilization is the cradle of India culture. The Hinduism of today is based on the Philosophy of the Vedas and the Upanishads. The Vedic literature binds the vast majority of Indians into one nation.

G Picture study.
This is a picture of a gurukul.
The Trail History and Civics for Class 6 ICSE Solutions - The Later Vedic Civilization 4

Question 1.
Into how many ashramas was the life of an Ary an divided? Name them.
Answer:
The life of an Aryan was divided into four following Ashramas.

  1. Brahmacharya
  2. Grihastha
  3. Vansprastha
  4.  Sanyasa.

Question 2.
Give a detailed account of the life of an Aryan during the first ashrama.
Answer:
Brahmacharya was the first stage of life during which a person stayed with his guru in the gurukul and received education.

Question 3.
The life of an Aryan was divided into stages or ashramas. Which ashrama is depicted in this picture?
Answer:
Brahmacharya Ashrama is depicted in this picture.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
Name the Age in which Later Vedic Period known as?
Answer:
The Later Vedic Period is known as Epic Age.

Question 2.
Name the two highly educated women of the Early Vedic Period?
Answer:
Maitreyi and Gargi were two highly educated women of the Early Vedic Period.

Question 3.
What lesson do you draw from the Mahabharata?
Answer:
From Mahabharata we draw a clear message that if you have to fight with bad character even though he is your brother or relative as Arjuna in the beginning, refused to fight against his own kith and kin but Lord Krishna gave the divine message to Arjuna, which is now contained in the Bhagvbadgita.

Question 4.
Write in three or four lines about the importance of the Ramayana?
Answer:
The Ramayana gives us excellent picture of the struggle of the Aryans with the non Aryan and their march in the eastward and southward directions. A picture of perfect characters life the ideal father, son, brother, husband, friend or devotee, appealing to millions up to this day.

Question 5.
How did the king become more powerful during this period?
Answer:
The king became more powerful during this period because kingship became hereditary. The sabha and samiti lost much of their control over the king. Many new officials assistants like treasures, collector, chamberlain had come into prominence. The king was elevated to the position of God’s representative on earth.