The Rise of Empires Class 7 History | NCERT Notes (English & Hindi)
Class 7 History – Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires
साम्राज्यों का उदय
Theme 2 – Tapestry of the Past (NCERT Social Science)
The Rise of Empires – Detailed Notes (English)
The chapter “The Rise of Empires” explains how large and powerful empires emerged in ancient India after the period of early cities and small kingdoms. An empire is a vast political system where a single ruler or authority controls many regions, cities, and people.
Unlike small states, empires required strong administration, powerful armies, efficient taxation systems, and skilled rulers. This chapter helps us understand how empires transformed political life, economy, culture, and society.
What is an Empire?
An empire is a large territory made up of different regions ruled by a single emperor or central authority. Empires usually expand through conquest, alliances, or diplomacy. The people living in an empire may belong to different cultures, languages, and traditions.
Empires are different from small kingdoms because they have:
- A strong central ruler
- Large standing armies
- Organised administration
- Systematic tax collection
- Well-connected roads and communication
Reasons for the Rise of Empires
Several factors contributed to the rise of empires in ancient India:
- Agricultural surplus: Improved farming led to excess food, which supported large populations and armies.
- Use of iron: Iron tools and weapons made farming and warfare more effective.
- Trade and wealth: Growing trade brought wealth to rulers, helping them maintain armies.
- Political ambition: Powerful kings aimed to expand their territories.
The Mauryan Empire
One of the earliest and most powerful empires in Indian history was the Mauryan Empire. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE.
With the guidance of his advisor Chanakya (Kautilya), Chandragupta established a strong central government. The Mauryan Empire extended over a large part of the Indian subcontinent.
Administration under the Mauryas
The Mauryan administration was highly organised. The empire was divided into provinces governed by royal officials. A network of spies kept the emperor informed about events in different regions.
Taxes were collected from farmers, traders, and artisans. Roads were built to improve trade and military movement.
Ashoka – A Unique Emperor
The most famous Mauryan ruler was Emperor Ashoka. After the bloody Kalinga War, Ashoka was deeply disturbed by the loss of life. He adopted the policy of Dhamma, which emphasized non-violence, compassion, and tolerance.
Ashoka spread his ideas through inscriptions carved on rocks and pillars across the empire. These inscriptions are valuable historical sources today.
Life in an Empire
Life in an empire was different for different groups:
- Rulers and officials enjoyed power and wealth.
- Farmers paid taxes but received protection.
- Traders benefited from safe roads and markets.
- Artisans produced goods for local and long-distance trade.
Although empires brought stability, they also demanded heavy taxes and obedience from the people.
साम्राज्यों का उदय – विस्तृत नोट्स (हिंदी)
“साम्राज्यों का उदय” अध्याय यह बताता है कि प्राचीन भारत में छोटे राज्यों के बाद बड़े और शक्तिशाली साम्राज्य कैसे बने। साम्राज्य वह व्यवस्था होती है जिसमें एक सम्राट बहुत बड़े क्षेत्र पर शासन करता है।
साम्राज्यों में विभिन्न भाषाओं, संस्कृतियों और परंपराओं के लोग रहते थे। ऐसे विशाल क्षेत्रों को नियंत्रित करने के लिए मजबूत शासन व्यवस्था की आवश्यकता होती थी।
साम्राज्य क्या होता है?
साम्राज्य एक बड़ा राज्य होता है जिसमें कई क्षेत्र शामिल होते हैं और उन पर एक केंद्रीय शासक का नियंत्रण होता है। साम्राज्य आमतौर पर युद्ध, विजय और गठबंधनों के माध्यम से फैलते हैं।
साम्राज्यों की मुख्य विशेषताएँ थीं:
- मजबूत केंद्रीय शासन
- शक्तिशाली सेना
- संगठित प्रशासन
- कर वसूली की व्यवस्था
- सड़कें और संचार व्यवस्था
साम्राज्यों के उदय के कारण
साम्राज्यों के उदय के पीछे कई कारण थे:
- कृषि में सुधार: अधिक अनाज उत्पादन से बड़ी जनसंख्या संभव हुई।
- लोहे का उपयोग: लोहे के औजारों और हथियारों से शक्ति बढ़ी।
- व्यापार का विकास: व्यापार से धन की वृद्धि हुई।
- राजाओं की महत्वाकांक्षा: शक्तिशाली राजा अपने राज्य का विस्तार करना चाहते थे।
मौर्य साम्राज्य
भारत का पहला विशाल साम्राज्य मौर्य साम्राज्य था। इसकी स्थापना चंद्रगुप्त मौर्य ने की थी।
चाणक्य के मार्गदर्शन में चंद्रगुप्त ने एक मजबूत प्रशासनिक व्यवस्था बनाई। मौर्य साम्राज्य भारत के बड़े हिस्से तक फैला हुआ था।
सम्राट अशोक
सम्राट अशोक मौर्य वंश का सबसे प्रसिद्ध शासक था। कलिंग युद्ध के बाद उसने हिंसा का त्याग किया और धम्म की नीति अपनाई।
अशोक ने अपने संदेश शिलालेखों और स्तंभों के माध्यम से जनता तक पहुँचाए।
साम्राज्य में जीवन
साम्राज्य में लोगों का जीवन अलग-अलग था:
- राजा और अधिकारी शासन करते थे
- किसान कर देते थे
- व्यापारी सुरक्षित व्यापार करते थे
- कारीगर वस्तुएँ बनाते थे
Questions & Answers
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What is an empire?
A. Small village
B. Large territory under one ruler
C. Market
D. Army camp
Answer: B - The Mauryan Empire was founded by?
A. Ashoka
B. Bindusara
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Harsha
Answer: C - Ashoka adopted Dhamma after which war?
A. Magadha War
B. Kalinga War
C. Panipat War
D. Plassey War
Answer: B - Who was Chanakya?
A. Trader
B. General
C. Advisor
D. Farmer
Answer: C - Empires need which system most?
A. Farming only
B. Central administration
C. Festivals
D. Art
Answer: B
B. True or False
- Ashoka promoted violence. – False
- Empires controlled large areas. – True
- Taxes were not collected in empires. – False
- Mauryan Empire was well administered. – True
- Dhamma taught tolerance. – True
C. Short Answer Questions
- What is an empire?
Answer: A large territory ruled by one authority. - Name the founder of Mauryan Empire.
Answer: Chandragupta Maurya. - Who was Ashoka?
Answer: A Mauryan emperor. - What was Dhamma?
Answer: Ashoka’s moral policy. - Why were roads important in empires?
Answer: For trade and control.
Prepared for clear understanding, strong concepts, and exam success.
Comments
Post a Comment