NCERT Solutions for class 6 Social Studies History Chapter 7 Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War
NCERT Solutions for class 6 Social Studies History Chapter 7 Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War
Let’s recall
Question 1. Make a list of the occupations of the people who lived within the Mauryan empire.
Answer:- The list of the occupations of the people who lived within the Mauryan empire are:-
- Farming
- Herding
- Trade or Commerce
- Handicrafts
- Jobs with emperor
- Hunting and gathering
- Animal rearing
- Forest produce-gathering
Question 2. Complete the following sentences:
(a) Officials collected ———————— from the area under the direct control of the ruler.
(b) Royal princes often went to the provinces as………….
(c) The Mauryan rulers tried to control ———————— and ———————— which were important for transport.
(d) People in forested regions provided the Mauryan officials with ————————
Answer:-
- taxes
- governors
- roads, rivers
- elephants, timber, honey, and wax.
Question 3. State whether true or false:
(a) Ujjain was the gateway to the north-west.
(c) Chandragupta’s ideas were written down in the Arthashastra.
(d) Kalinga was the ancient name of Bengal.
(e) Most Ashokan inscriptions are in the Brahmi script.
Answer:- a. True
- False
- False
- True
Let’s discuss
Question 4. What were the problems that Ashoka wanted to solve by introducing dhamma?
Answer:- Ashoka introduced ‘dhamma’ to address several problems:
- Violence and War: Ashoka was deeply affected by the brutality of the Kalinga War, leading him to seek an alternative to violence and conquest.
- Suffering: Witnessing the suffering caused by wars and conflicts, Ashoka wanted to promote a more compassionate and harmonious society.
- Social Discontent: To counteract social inequalities, promote ethics, and establish moral principles in society.
- Religious Tolerance: Encouraging respect for all religious beliefs and fostering a sense of unity among diverse communities.
- Lack of Moral Values: To promote virtues like kindness, truthfulness, and non-violence in individuals and society.
Question 5. What were the means adopted by Ashoka to spread the message of dhamma?
Answer: – Ashoka employed various means to spread the message of ‘dhamma’:
- Edicts and Inscriptions: Ashoka inscribed his principles on pillars and rocks across his empire, written in local languages for wider understanding.
- Royal Tours: He undertook royal tours to personally convey the teachings and interact with people, promoting moral values and ethical conduct.
- Missionaries: Ashoka sent missionaries to different regions and even beyond his empire, spreading the teachings of ‘dhamma’.
- Welfare Activities: He initiated welfare projects like medical facilities and planting of shade trees, showcasing the practical aspects of his teachings.
- Emphasis on Righteousness: Ashoka integrated ‘dhamma’ into his administration, emphasizing fairness and justice in governance.
Question 6. Why do you think slaves and servants were ill-treated? Do you think the orders of the emperor would have improved their condition? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: – The following factors contributed to the mistreatment of slaves and servants:
- The majority of them were Prisoners of wars.
- Some people, particularly Shudras, belonged to the lowest social class.
- During that time, the idea of human rights was essentially nonexistent.
They would have been in better shape after the Emperor’s command because:
- No one would dare disobey the emperor’s direct order.
- The emperor’s officers would brutally punish anyone who disobeyed them.
- In the Mauryan Empire, the Emperor served as the top commander. His commands had to be followed to the letter because they were the law.
Let’s do
Question 7. Write a short paragraph explaining to Roshan why the lions are shown on our currency notes. List at least one other object on which you see them.
Answer:- The lions depicted on our currency notes hold historical and cultural significance. They are inspired by the Ashoka Pillar, particularly the lion capital, at Sarnath. This pillar is an emblem of Emperor Ashoka’s emphasis on moral values, non-violence, and ‘dhamma’ or righteous conduct. The four lions back to back symbolize unity in diversity. This emblem was adopted as the national symbol of India, representing its timeless ethos and heritage.
Besides currency notes, the same lion capital adorns the Indian national emblem and can be seen atop the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath.
Question 8. Suppose you had the power to inscribe your orders, what four commands would you like to issue?
Answer:-
- Promote Education and Knowledge: Ensure accessible and quality education for all, fostering a culture of continuous learning and critical thinking to empower individuals.
- Prioritize Environmental Sustainability: Implement strategies to mitigate climate change, protect ecosystems, and promote renewable energy sources for a sustainable future.
- Encourage Empathy and Inclusivity: Foster a world where compassion, respect, and inclusivity prevail, regardless of differences in race, gender, or beliefs.
- Advance Scientific Research and Innovation: Allocate resources to support scientific advancement, innovation, and technological progress, addressing global challenges and enhancing the quality of life for all.