Chapter 5 Solutions — State and Society up to 1000 CE

Questions and activities

1. 1.
   How did political organisation change from the Vedic period to the age of large empires such as the Mauryas and the Guptas? Explain the administrative system of the early Indian states.
2. 2.
   Describe the role of the king, important officers, and the methods used to govern large territories.
3. 3.
   After studying this chapter, what do you think were the most important features of the state and society in India before 1000 CE?
4. 4.
   What do early texts such as the Ṛigveda, Arthaśhāstra, and the Mahābhārata reveal about political and social life?
5. 5.
   What can we learn from early Indian society about varṇa and the role of women?
6. 6.
   Explain how assemblies like sabhā and samiti limited the power of the rājā. Which modern institutions perform similar functions today?
7. 7.
   What do the terms varṇa and jāti refer to in early Indian society? How were they different, and what factors may have contributed to the formation of various jātis?
8. 8.
   Why do you think education in early India emphasised both knowledge and moral values? How might this have benefited society?
9. 9.
   Look at the major trade routes of early India (Fig 5.12). How do you think these routes helped people in the exchange of goods, skills, beliefs, and cultural practices.
10. 10.
    What might have been the advantages and challenges of ruling a large empire in the absence of modern communication systems?
11. 11.
    Many ideas about governance come from texts composed by scholars and advisors of the king. What might be some limitations of relying only on such sources?
12. 12.
    Read the source and answer the questions: The Nāśhik cave inscription (2nd century CE) of Uṣhavadāta records: "Uṣhavadāta, son of Dinika, son-in-law of king Nahapāna … has bestowed this cave on the Saṁgha generally; he has also given a perpetual endowment, three thousand—3000 kāhāpaṇas, which, for the members of the Saṁgha of any sect, and any origin dwelling in this cave, will serve as cloth…
13. 13.
    Mark and locate on the map of India the following important centres: Pāṭaliputra, Nāśhik, Ujjayinī, Vikramśhila, Kānchipuram, Mathurā, Rājgṛiha.
14. 14.
    Prepare a short presentation or poster on one of the following— a. Life in the Vedic society b. Early education system (gurukula) c. Trade and guilds in early India d. Role of women in early Indian society