🏰 New Empires and Kingdoms – Class 6 History Chapter Questions and Answers
Welcome to the complete set of **questions and answers** from the chapter "New Empires and Kingdoms" in Class 6 NCERT History – Our Pasts I. This chapter covers the rise of powerful rulers like Samudragupta and Harshavardhana, the functioning of kingdoms, and how administration evolved. These Q&As are crafted for exam preparation, revision, and school assignments.
📘 Very Short Answer Questions
Q1. Who was the most famous ruler of the Gupta dynasty?
Ans: Samudragupta was the most famous ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
Q2. What is a prashasti?
Ans: A prashasti is a Sanskrit word meaning “in praise of.” It refers to inscriptions composed to glorify rulers.
Q3. Name the Chinese pilgrim who visited Harshavardhana’s court.
Ans: The Chinese pilgrim was Xuan Zang (also spelled Hiuen Tsang).
Q4. Who was the author of the Allahabad Prashasti?
Ans: Harisena, a court poet, composed the Allahabad Prashasti.
Q5. Which language was used in official inscriptions during this time?
Ans: Sanskrit was widely used in official inscriptions.
📝 Short Answer Questions
Q6. What does the Allahabad Prashasti tell us about Samudragupta?
Ans: The Allahabad Prashasti describes Samudragupta as a brave and generous ruler. It praises his military victories and his respect for other kings. He is shown as a conqueror who also allowed defeated rulers to rule again after accepting his supremacy.
Q7. How did Harshavardhana become the ruler of Kannauj?
Ans: Harshavardhana became the ruler of Kannauj after the death of his brother-in-law, the ruler of Kannauj. His sister requested him to take charge of the kingdom and protect it.
Q8. What was a Sabha in the context of the Pallavas and Chalukyas?
Ans: Sabha was an assembly of Brahmins in villages. It looked after local matters, including irrigation, roads, temples, and resolving local disputes.
Q9. Who were the Pallavas and Chalukyas?
Ans: The Pallavas were a powerful dynasty ruling around Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, and the Chalukyas ruled from Badami in Karnataka. They were often in conflict and played a major role in shaping South Indian history.
Q10. What was the capital of Harshavardhana's empire?
Ans: The capital of Harshavardhana’s empire was Kannauj.
📚 Long Answer Questions
Q11. Explain the military achievements of Samudragupta based on the Allahabad Prashasti.
Ans: The Allahabad Prashasti mentions Samudragupta’s many military victories. He conquered many rulers in North and South India. He defeated nine rulers in the north and accepted the surrender of twelve rulers in the south. He also forced frontier kings to accept his rule. His expansion policy helped create a large and strong Gupta Empire.
Q12. Describe the administration of Harshavardhana’s empire.
Ans: Harshavardhana was the sole ruler of a large empire. He had a well-organized administration with officials for different tasks. The king toured the empire regularly to maintain control. Taxes were collected from farmers, traders, and artisans. Local assemblies played a role in governance, especially in the south. The empire was divided into provinces and governed by officials known as mahamatras.
Q13. What was the role of assemblies in South Indian kingdoms?
Ans: In South India, especially under the Cholas, Pallavas, and Chalukyas, village assemblies played an important role in local governance. There were sabhas (for Brahmins), ur (common villages), and nagaram (for traders). These bodies managed local resources, resolved conflicts, and helped maintain law and order.
Q14. How did rulers portray themselves in inscriptions and plays?
Ans: Rulers portrayed themselves as brave, generous, and just in inscriptions like prashastis. These texts exaggerated their qualities and victories. Plays like those written by Kalidasa also glorified kings. This helped rulers gain respect and loyalty from their subjects and spread their fame beyond their kingdoms.
Q15. Discuss the achievements of Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty.
Ans: Pulakeshin II was a powerful ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. He defeated Harshavardhana and expanded his kingdom. He was known for his military strength and diplomatic skills. His court poet Ravikirti composed his prashasti, which praised his victories and described him as a great warrior and wise ruler. He strengthened his kingdom in the Deccan region.
✅ Conclusion
These questions and answers from the chapter "New Empires and Kingdoms" will help Class 6 students prepare thoroughly for exams and classroom discussions. Focus on key terms like prashasti, Samudragupta, Harshavardhana, assemblies, and Pulakeshin II to gain a clear understanding of early Indian kingdoms and governance systems.
Keep practicing. Keep learning. Your history is your strength!
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