Chapter 10 New Empires and Kingdoms

Let’s Recall

Question 1 State whether true or false:

(a) Harishena composed a prashasti in praise of Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni.

(b) The rulers of Aryavarta brought tribute for Samudragupta.

(c) There were twelve rulers in Dakshinapatha.

(d) Taxila and Madurai were important centres under the control of the Gupta rulers.

(e) Aihole was the capital of the Pallavas.

(f) Local assemblies functioned for several centuries in south India.

Answer

(a) Harishena composed a prashasti in praise of Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni – False

(b) The rulers of Aryavarta brought tribute for Samudragupta – False 

(c) There were twelve rulers in Dakshinapatha – True 

(d) Taxila and Madurai were important centres under the control of the Gupta rulers – False

(e) Aihole was the capital of the Pallavas – False

(f) Local assemblies functioned for several centuries in south India – True

Question 2 Mention three authors who wrote about Harshavardhana.

Answer Banabhatta, Ravikirti  and Xuan Zang

Question 3 What changes do you find in the army at this time?

Answer 

We found following changes in the army at that time :-

(1) A permanent army was kept by the king or the ruler. This was well organized.

(2) Soldiers used different kinds of weapons such as battle-axes, arrows, spikes, spears, barbed dats, swords, iron clubs, javelins, barbed arrows, long arrows, etc.

(3) Elephants, Chariots, Cavalry were used along with foot soldiers in the royal ground.

(4) Besides, there were military leaders who provided the king with troops whenever he (the king) needed them. They were not paid regular salaries. Instead, some of them received grants of land. They collected revenue from the land and used this to maintain soldiers and horses, and provide equipment for warfare. These men were known as Samantas. Whenever the ruler was weak Samantas tried to become independent

Question 4 What were the new administrative arrangements during this period?

Answer The new administrative arrangements during this period were as follows :-

(a) Some important administrative posts were now hereditary.

(b) Sometimes, one person held many offices.

(c) Important men probably had a say in local administration.

Let’s Discuss

Question 5 What do you think Arvind would have to do if he was acting as Samudragupta?

Answer If Arvind would have to do if he was acting as Samudragupta he needs to be brave, had to march solemnly in splendid robes,  twirl his moustaches and wield the silver-paper wrapped sword with gusto, had to sit on the throne and play the veena and recite poetry.

Question 6 Do you think ordinary people would have read and understood the prashastis? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer I think ordinary people would have not read and understood the prashastis because they were illiterate and did not know Sanskrit in which the prashastis were written.