🏰 New Empires and Kingdoms – Class 6 History Chapter 9 Notes
Welcome to a detailed summary and explanation of “New Empires and Kingdoms” – Chapter 9 of the NCERT Class 6 History textbook “Our Pasts – I”. This chapter gives us a fascinating glimpse into how new empires were formed in India after the fall of the Mauryan Empire and how kings ruled, fought battles, formed alliances, and administered their regions during ancient times.
🌟 The Rise of the Gupta Empire
One of the most powerful empires that rose after the Mauryas was the Gupta Empire. It was founded around 320 CE by Chandragupta I, and it reached its height under rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II.
Samudragupta was a great conqueror, musician, and poet. His victories and achievements are recorded in the famous Prashasti (praise poem) written by his court poet Harisena in Sanskrit. This inscription was carved on the walls of the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad. It described Samudragupta as a heroic ruler who defeated many kings in northern and southern India.
🛡️ What is a Prashasti?
A Prashasti is a special type of inscription written in praise of kings. It was usually composed by court poets and used decorative language. The Allahabad Prashasti tells us that Samudragupta performed the Ashvamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice) to show his power.
According to the inscription, Samudragupta defeated rulers from the east, west, and south. Some kings accepted his authority and paid tribute, while others were defeated in battle. This inscription is an important historical source that gives us details about politics and power during that time.
🏇 Ashvamedha Yajna – The Horse Sacrifice
The Ashvamedha Yajna was an ancient ritual where a horse was left free to wander across kingdoms. If no one stopped the horse, it meant the king who sent it was accepted as powerful. If someone captured or stopped the horse, it led to war. This ritual was meant to prove a king’s supremacy.
📜 Administration in the Gupta Empire
The Gupta rulers had a well-organized administrative system. Their empire was divided into provinces called Bhuktis, which were further divided into Vishayas (districts). The king was the supreme authority but took help from ministers and officials. Kumaramatyas were important officials appointed by the king.
The rulers rewarded their supporters, poets, and priests with land grants. These lands were tax-free and given to Brahmins, scholars, and religious institutions. Inscriptions of these grants are found on copper plates and stone tablets.
👑 Harshavardhana and His Kingdom
After the Gupta Empire declined, a new ruler rose in northern India — Harshavardhana. He ruled in the 7th century CE from his capital at Kannauj in present-day Uttar Pradesh. Harsha was a strong administrator and a great patron of art, literature, and Buddhism.
The Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited India during Harsha’s reign and praised him as a kind and generous king. Harsha also wrote plays like Nagananda and Ratnavali. He held religious meetings in Prayag and supported scholars and monks.
⚔️ The Southern Kingdoms – Chalukyas and Pallavas
While the north saw the rise of Harsha, the south was ruled by powerful dynasties like the Chalukyas and the Pallavas.
- The Chalukyas ruled in present-day Karnataka, with their capital at Badami.
- The Pallavas ruled parts of Tamil Nadu, with their capital at Kanchipuram.
The Mahendravarman and Narasimhavarman of the Pallavas and Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas were some of the greatest kings. Pulakeshin II even defeated Harshavardhana in battle.
🛕 Art and Architecture
The Chalukyas and Pallavas were not just warriors — they were builders too. They constructed rock-cut temples and beautiful sculptures. The temples at Mahabalipuram and Badami are famous for their architectural brilliance.
🧾 Inscriptions and Historical Sources
Most of what we know about this period comes from inscriptions, coins, temples, and literature. These records show how kings ruled, the battles they fought, and the kinds of support they gave to religion and education.
✨ Key Takeaways from the Chapter
- The Gupta Empire was one of the most powerful empires in ancient India.
- Samudragupta’s Allahabad Prashasti gives us valuable information about his conquests.
- The Ashvamedha Yajna was an important ritual to prove a king’s power.
- Harshavardhana ruled northern India after the Guptas and promoted literature and Buddhism.
- The Chalukyas and Pallavas were major southern kingdoms that built beautiful temples.
- Inscriptions and grants tell us about the administration and society of that time.
📚 Why This Chapter Is Important
“New Empires and Kingdoms” helps us understand how power shifted across India after the Mauryan period. It shows us the richness of Indian political history, the connection between religion and kingship, and the cultural achievements in art, architecture, and literature. Learning from this chapter helps build a deep respect for India’s complex past.
History is not just about kings and battles — it’s about stories that shaped the land we live in today.
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