Chapter-10 New Empires and Kingdoms

Explanation:

True: Harishena, who was a poet and minister in the court of Emperor Samudragupta, composed a prashasti in praise of Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni, who was a ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.

(b) True: The Allahabad Pillar Inscription, which was composed during the reign of Samudragupta, mentions that rulers from different parts of Aryavarta (northern India) brought tribute to Samudragupta.

(c) False: There is no definitive answer as to how many rulers there were in Dakshinapatha (southern India) during ancient times. The number may have varied depending on the period and the region.

(d) False: Taxila was an important center during the Mauryan period, which preceded the Gupta era. Madurai was an important city in the southern part of India, but it was not under the direct control of the Gupta rulers.

(e) False: Aihole was not the capital of the Pallavas. It was an important city in the Chalukya kingdom.

(f) True: Local assemblies, known as sabhas and samitis, were an integral part of the political and social fabric of southern India for several centuries. They played an important role in decision-making and governance at the local level.

Explanation:

The 3 authors were who wrote about Harshavardhana are:

1.Bana Bhatta: Bana Bhatta was a Sanskrit writer who lived in the 7th century CE during the reign of Harshavardhana. He wrote Harshacharita, a biography of Harshavardhana, which is considered the most important source of information about the king.

2.Xuanzang: Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India during the reign of Harshavardhana. He wrote a detailed account of his travels, which includes information about Harshavardhana and his empire.

3.Hiuen Tsang: Hiuen Tsang was another Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India during the reign of Harshavardhana.

Explanation:

Harshavardhana ruled during the 7th century CE, and during his reign, the army underwent significant changes. Here are some of the key changes that took place:

1.Organization: Harshavardhana is credited with reorganizing the army by dividing it into infantry, cavalry, and elephant units. He also introduced a new system of ranking based on seniority and merit.

2.Equipment: The soldiers were equipped with new and improved weapons such as swords, spears, bows, and arrows. The cavalry was equipped with stirrups, which allowed them to ride and fight more effectively.

3.Training: The soldiers were given regular training to improve their skills and combat techniques. The cavalry was trained in horse-riding and archery, while the infantry was trained in hand-to-hand combat.

4.Recruitment: Harshavardhana is known to have recruited soldiers from various communities and castes, including Brahmins and Kshatriyas. This helped to increase the size of the army and improve its diversity.

Explanation:

Harshavardhana's reign saw several new administrative arrangements that aimed to centralize power and increase efficiency. Here are some of the key changes that were made:

1.Division of Empire: Harshavardhana divided his empire into provinces, each of which was governed by a governor appointed by him. This helped to decentralize power and improve governance at the local level.

2.Taxation: The empire was divided into revenue districts, and taxes were collected from the people through a well-organized revenue system. This helped to increase revenue for the state and improve its financial position.

3.Judicial System: Harshavardhana established a well-organized judicial system, with judges appointed to various levels of the administration. This helped to ensure that justice was delivered fairly and efficiently.

4.Royal Court: The royal court was an important administrative institution in Harshavardhana's reign. It was responsible for managing the affairs of the king and the empire and included officials such as ministers, advisors, and counselors.

Explanation:

If Arvind was acting as Samudragupta, he would have to undertake several tasks to effectively play the role. Here are some of the key things he would have to do:

1.Study Samudragupta's life and reign: Arvind would need to research and understand Samudragupta's life, achievements, and challenges. This would involve studying historical records and accounts of the period.

2.Develop an understanding of the social and political context of the period: Arvind would need to understand the social, economic, and political conditions of ancient India during Samudragupta's reign. This would help him to better understand the decisions and actions of the king.

3.Learn about the military tactics and strategies used during the period: Samudragupta was known for his military prowess, and Arvind would need to learn about the military tactics and strategies used during the period to effectively portray the king.

4.Understand the culture and customs of ancient India: Arvind would need to learn about the culture and customs of ancient India to accurately portray Samudragupta's personality and behavior.

5.Develop acting skills: Arvind would need to develop acting skills to effectively portray Samudragupta on stage or screen. This would involve working on voice modulation, body language, and facial expressions to accurately depict the character.

Explanation:

 Prashastis were inscriptions that were usually written in Sanskrit and were primarily meant to praise and glorify the achievements of kings and their reign. While some sections of society in ancient India may have been literate and able to read and understand Sanskrit, it is unlikely that ordinary people would have been able to do so. Here are some reasons why:

1.Education: Education was not widespread in ancient India, and only a small percentage of the population was literate. Therefore, it is unlikely that ordinary people would have had the opportunity to learn Sanskrit and understand the prashastis.

2.Language: Sanskrit was a language that was primarily used by the elite and educated classes in ancient India. Ordinary people, who spoke regional languages and dialects, may not have been able to understand Sanskrit.

3.Content: Prashastis were typically filled with complex vocabulary and poetic language, making them difficult to understand for those who were not well-versed in Sanskrit. The content of the prashastis was also focused on the achievements of kings, which may not have been of much interest to ordinary people.

4.Access: Prashastis were typically inscribed on pillars or walls in public places, such as temples or palaces. However, ordinary people may not have had access to these places, making it difficult for them to read and understand the prashastis.

Explanation: 

G-4   | G-3     | G-2     | G-1     | You  

In this chart, "G-4" refers to the person's great-great-grandparents, "G-3" refers to the great-grandparents, "G-2" refers to the grandparents, and "G-1" refers to the parents. The chart also includes the person themselves, as well as their father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother.

The chart could be expanded to include more generations, depending on the amount of information available and the level of detail desired.

Explanation:

Wars can have a significant impact on the lives of ordinary people today. Here are some of the ways in which wars can affect people's lives:

1.Loss of life: War can result in the loss of countless lives, including soldiers and civilians. This loss of life can be traumatic for the families and loved ones of those who are killed.

2.Physical injuries: Those who survive wars may suffer physical injuries that can have long-term consequences. This can include permanent disabilities, disfigurement, and chronic health problems.

3.Displacement: Wars can force people to flee their homes and communities, becoming refugees or internally displaced persons. This can result in a loss of homes, belongings, and social networks, and can have a significant impact on people's mental health and well-being.

4.Economic impact: Wars can disrupt economies and cause widespread unemployment and poverty. This can lead to food and water shortages, as well as increased rates of malnutrition and disease.

5.Psychological trauma: Wars can result in psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. This can have a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.

6.Political instability: Wars can destabilize governments and result in political instability. This can lead to social unrest, political violence, and further conflict.