NCERT Questions and Activities (with Answers)
Q1. Why was the post-Maurya era also known as the era of reorganisation?
Answer: After the fall of the Maurya Empire, many smaller kingdoms like the Shungas, Satavahanas, Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, Chedis, Indo-Greeks, Shakas, and Kushanas rose. Political power was reorganised, trade expanded, and new art, architecture, and literature developed. This reshaping of society, politics, and culture is why the period is called the “Age of Reorganisation.”
Q2. Write a note on the Sangam literature in 150 words.
Answer:
Sangam literature refers to the oldest Tamil writings composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE. It was created in assemblies (Sangams) of poets and scholars in South India. These poems deal with themes like love, war, heroism, generosity, and social life. They provide information about the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. The poems also mention trade, agriculture, and ports like Puhar and Madurai. Famous works like Silappadikaram highlight justice and dharma. Sangam literature is not only important for its poetic beauty but also as a valuable historical source for early South Indian society and culture.
Q3. Which rulers mentioned in this chapter included their mother’s name in their title, and why did they do so?
Answer: Satavahana rulers, like Gautamiputra Satakarni, included their mother’s name in their title. This showed the respect and importance given to royal women, and also highlighted the lineage and legitimacy of the king through his mother’s family.
Q4. Write a note of 250 words about one kingdom from this chapter that you find interesting. Explain why you chose it.
Answer (Example – The Satavahanas):
The Satavahanas ruled the Deccan region between the 2nd century BCE and 3rd century CE. Their capitals included Paithan and Amaravati. They encouraged agriculture in the Krishna-Godavari plains and developed trade networks reaching as far as Rome. Coins issued by them often depicted ships, proving their excellence in seafaring and maritime trade. They exported spices, textiles, pearls, and ivory, and imported glass and perfumes. Literature and art flourished, and they contributed to Buddhist caves at Karla and Pitalkhora. Inscriptions mention powerful queens like Gautami Balashri, mother of Gautamiputra Satakarni, who made donations to religious institutions. The Satavahanas are interesting because they balanced Vedic rituals with Buddhist patronage, promoted women’s influence in politics, and expanded overseas trade. Their period shows the blend of religion, economy, and culture that made India vibrant during the Age of Reorganisation.
Q5. Imagine you have the chance to create your own kingdom. What royal emblem would you choose, and why? What title would you take as the ruler? Write a note about your kingdom, including its values, rules and regulations, and some unique features.
Answer (Sample):
I would choose a lotus as my royal emblem, as it symbolises purity and growth. My title would be Dharma Raja. My kingdom would value equality, justice, and education for all. Farmers and traders would be supported, and artisans given respect. We would have councils where people’s voices are heard. My kingdom would promote peace but maintain a strong army for defence. Special attention would be given to irrigation, trade routes, and learning centres. This way, the kingdom would be prosperous, fair, and respected.
Q6. You have read about the architectural developments of the post-Maurya era. Take an outline of the Indian subcontinent and mark the approximate locations of some of the ancient structures mentioned in this chapter.
Answer:
Students may mark:
-
Bharhut Stupa (Madhya Pradesh)
-
Karla Caves (Maharashtra)
-
Naneghat Caves (Maharashtra)
-
Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves (Odisha)
-
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh)
-
Madurai (Tamil Nadu)
Extra Short Answer Questions (2–3 sentences)
-
Who founded the Shunga dynasty?
→ Pushyamitra Shunga, after assassinating the last Mauryan ruler, founded the dynasty. -
What was the Ashvamedha yajna?
→ A ritual where a horse was released to wander, and territories it entered without opposition became part of the king’s domain. -
Which art style blended Indian and Greek traditions during this period?
→ The Gandhara school of art. -
Which South Indian kingdoms flourished during this period?
→ The Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. -
Name a famous Chola king of this era.
→ Karikala Chola, known for building the Grand Anicut (Kallanai) on the Kaveri River. -
What was the famous Tamil epic written after Sangam literature?
→ Silappadikaram, the tale of the anklet. -
Which Indo-Greek ambassador built a pillar in honour of Vasudeva?
→ Heliodorus, at Vidisha. -
Which dynasty issued coins depicting ships?
→ The Satavahanas. -
What was the Shaka Samvat?
→ A calendar era started by the Shakas in 78 CE, later adopted as the Indian National Calendar. -
Which two schools of art developed under the Kushanas?
→ Gandhara and Mathura schools of art.
Extra Long Answer Questions (5–6 sentences)
Q1. Explain the contributions of the Satavahanas.
→ The Satavahanas controlled the Deccan and encouraged agriculture in fertile river valleys. They promoted trade by land and sea, issuing coins that show ships. They supported Buddhist art at Karla caves and respected women, as seen in inscriptions about queens. They balanced Vedic rituals with Buddhist patronage. Their contributions to trade, religion, and culture made them one of the most powerful dynasties of this period.
Q2. How did foreign invaders contribute to Indian culture during this period?
→ Indo-Greeks introduced coins and blended Greek and Indian art. The Shakas contributed to the calendar system. The Kushanas controlled the Silk Route and promoted cultural exchange. They encouraged Gandhara and Mathura art styles. Foreign rulers adopted Indian gods, rituals, and language, showing assimilation and enriching Indian culture.
Q3. Why is this period called an Age of Cultural Confluence?
→ Many dynasties, both Indian and foreign, interacted during this time. Literature like Sangam poetry flourished in the south. Art styles like Gandhara combined Indian and Greek traditions. Trade connected India with Rome, West Asia, and Central Asia. Sanskrit literature like the Mahabharata and Ramayana was composed. The blending of cultures created a rich heritage, making it an age of cultural confluence.