📜 Traders, Kings and Pilgrims – Class 6 History Chapter 6 Questions and Answers

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Welcome to the complete collection of important Questions and Answers from Class 6 History Chapter 6 – Traders, Kings and Pilgrims. These questions are perfect for revision, class tests, NCERT-based assignments, and final exams. Each answer is crafted in simple language for easy understanding and scoring high marks.

❓ Very Short Answer Questions

Q1. Who were traders?

Ans: Traders were people who bought and sold goods like spices, silk, and precious stones across different regions and countries.

Q2. Name one item India exported in ancient times.

Ans: India exported spices like black pepper, also known as "black gold."

Q3. What is the meaning of 'pilgrim'?

Ans: A pilgrim is a person who travels to a sacred place for religious reasons.

Q4. Who was the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who visited India?

Ans: Fa Xian and later Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) were Chinese pilgrims who visited India to study Buddhism.

🧠 Short Answer Questions

Q5. Why was the Silk Route important in ancient times?

Ans: The Silk Route was a network of trade routes through which silk, gold, spices, and ideas were exchanged between India, China, and Europe. It helped in cultural exchange and spread of religions like Buddhism.

Q6. What role did kings play in supporting traders and pilgrims?

Ans: Kings provided safety to traders, built roads and rest houses, and supported religious institutions. They sometimes also sent messengers and gifts to foreign rulers.

Q7. What did pilgrims contribute to Indian history?

Ans: Pilgrims documented their travels, studied Indian texts, and took back knowledge of Indian religion, culture, and language to their countries.

Q8. Why did traders travel such long distances?

Ans: Traders traveled long distances to reach new markets, sell their goods, and make profits. They also exchanged ideas and helped spread religions.

📘 Long Answer Questions

Q9. Explain how the spread of Buddhism was linked to trade and travel.

Ans: Buddhist monks and scholars often traveled with traders along trade routes like the Silk Route. As they moved from one place to another, they preached the teachings of the Buddha. Traders helped in building monasteries and donated to Buddhist institutions. In this way, Buddhism spread from India to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, and Central Asia.

Q10. Describe the contributions of Fa Xian and Xuanzang to Indian history.

Ans: Fa Xian visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. He wrote detailed accounts of Indian society, religion, and governance. Xuanzang came during the rule of Harshavardhana and studied at Nalanda University. His writings help historians understand ancient India, its education system, and Buddhist practices.

Q11. What is the connection between traders and kings?

Ans: Kings encouraged and protected trade to increase their wealth. In return, traders paid taxes and gave gifts to the king. Sometimes, wealthy traders were appointed as ministers. Trade brought prosperity to kingdoms and helped kings build temples and monuments.

Q12. Why was Nalanda University famous?

Ans: Nalanda was an ancient university in Bihar known for Buddhist studies. Scholars from all over Asia came to study there. It had thousands of students and teachers, a large library, and was a center for learning religion, science, and philosophy.

✍️ Extra Practice Questions

Q13. Mention any two goods that were in demand in Roman markets from India.

Ans: Spices and textiles were highly demanded in Roman markets.

Q14. Name two religious texts or ideas that spread through trade routes.

Ans: Buddhism and the Upanishads were among the religious ideas that spread.

Q15. How did pilgrims travel during ancient times?

Ans: Pilgrims traveled by foot, carts, horses, and by sea. The journey was long and risky but full of devotion.

Q16. How do we know about ancient trade?

Ans: We know through archaeological findings, ancient coins, traveler’s accounts, and inscriptions.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Trade, travel, and religion were deeply linked in ancient India.
• Traders and kings helped in cultural and economic growth.
• Buddhism spread widely through monks, traders, and foreign pilgrims.
• Ancient institutions like Nalanda were global learning centers.

Practice regularly. Understand the answers, don’t just memorize them. That’s how history becomes interesting!