Question 1

Why is the period that followed the Maurya Empire sometimes called the ‘Age of Reorganisation’?

Accepted Answer

The period after the fall of the Maurya Empire is often called the ‘Age of Reorganisation’ because several new kingdoms and dynasties emerged across different parts of India. These included the Shungas in the north, Satavahanas in the Deccan, and Kharaveia’s Chedi dynasty in Kalinga. These rulers revived local traditions, reorganized administrative systems, and promoted regional cultures, marking a shift from a centralized empire to regional powers that laid the foundation for future developments in Indian history.

Question 2

What were the values or principles that guided emperors of that period?

Accepted Answer

The emperors of this period were guided by a range of values, including:
Religious Tolerance: Rulers like Kharavela supported Jainism, Buddhism, and Vedic traditions equally.
Cultural Revival: Dynasties like the Shungas promoted Vedic rituals, Sanskrit learning, and traditional art.
Public Welfare: Kings issued inscriptions showing donations to temples, stupas, and public infrastructure.
Spirituality and Morality: Emperors like Ashoka emphasized Dhamma (righteousness) and moral conduct.
These values show a balance of political power and spiritual ethics in governance.

Question 3

How did foreign invaders assimilate into Indian society and contribute to cultural confluence?

Accepted Answer

Foreign groups such as the Tndo-Greeks, Shakas, and Kushanas gradually assimilated into Indian society by:
Adopting Indian religions like Buddhism and Hinduism.
Marrying into Indian families and supporting local traditions.
Patronizing Indian art and architecture, contributing to a blending of Greek and Indian styles .
Issuing coins and inscriptions in Indian languages like Brahmi, which helped in the spread of Indian scripts and culture.
Their assimilation led to a rich cultural confluence, where ideas, languages, art, and religious practices from different parts of the world merged with Indian traditions.
Let’s Explore (Page 118)

Question 4

Look closely at the pictures in the collage (given below). In a note, write down your observations on the clothes, the jewellery, and other objects of daily use. (page 125)

Accepted Answer

Clothes:
The people in the images are wearing draped garments, such as tunics, dhotis, or shawl-like wraps.
The clothing appears to be made from cotton or fine fabric, indicating skill in textile production.
Some figures wear headgear or turbans, suggesting status or regional customs.
Jewellery:
Both men and women are shown wearing necklaces, bangles, earrings, and armlets.
The jewellery is quite elaborate, indicating a rich tradition of ornamentation and possibly a flourishing trade in precious metals and stones.
Other objects of daily use:
There are depictions of mirrors, pots, combs, and musical instruments.
Items like storage jars and cooking vessels show everyday domestic life.
Some figures carry scrolls or tools, hinting at scholarly or artisanal professions.
The images suggest a vibrant urban society with a variety of occupations and lifestyles. There is a clear sense of cultural richness, aesthetic sensibility, and a developed economy with access to luxury and utility items.

Question 5

What do you think might have been the meaning of having deities like Vasudeva-Krishna or Lakshmi on some Tndo-Greek coins? (page 135)

Accepted Answer

The presence of Indian deities like Vasudeva-Krishna or Lakshmi on Indo-Greek coins shows how foreign rulers adapted to Indian culture after settling in the region. These deities were highly revered by the local population, so placing them on coins helped the rulers to win the support of Indian subjects and show respect for local beliefs and traditions. They also blended their own Greek identity with Indian culture. This also reflects the cultural confluence of the time — a mix of Hellenistic (Greek) and Indian artistic and religious traditions. Such coins were likely meant to communicate legitimacy, acceptance, and unity, making the foreign rulers appear as rightful and respectful kings of the Indian land.

Question 6

Carefully observe this massive statue (1.85 m high) and notice the clothing, weapon, and footwear. What does it tell us about this figure? (page 136)

Accepted Answer

The massive height (1 .85 m) of the statue indicates that the figure is likely of great importance or heroic stature possibly a warrior, king, or divine figure.
The clothing may reflect the royal or elite status possibly detailed with folds or ornamentation, typical of the period’s sculptural style.
The presence of a weapon shows that the figure was associated with strength, protection, or authority, a military or divine protector.
The footwear, suggests high status, and possibly that the figure used to travel for warfare.
The statue reflects a person of power, prestige, and importance, possibly someone admired or worshipped by the people of that time.

Question 7

Observe the coins carefully. Who, besides the emperor, appears on the coin? (page 136)

Accepted Answer

On the first coin, Kanishka is shown holding a spear, titled ‘King of Kings’, while the other side features Buddha with the
inscription in Greek script. On the second coin, an emperor appears on one side, and Shiva with the bull Nandi on the other.

Question 8

Now that you are familiar with the basic characteristics of the Mathura and Gandhara styles of art, study the pictures of artefacts given in Fig. 6.27 and try to identify which school of art each artefact belongs to. Write your observations with justifications. (page 140)

Accepted Answer

Artefacts 1, 2 and 6 belong to Gandhara School of Art. The sculpture has a strong Greco-Roman influence, seen in the wavy hair, realistic drapery, and naturalistic features. These are typical of Gandhara art, which flourished in the northwestern regions.
Artefacts 3,4,5 belong to Mathura School of Art. The figures have simple carving and is less focused on realism and more on conveying divinity, which is characteristic of Mathura art.
Think About It

Question 9

Do you know where Gandhara is? Does it remind you of a character from the epic Mahabharata? (page 137)

Accepted Answer

Gandhara was an ancient region located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, what is now northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, especially around the modem-day cities of Peshawar and Taxila.
Gandhara does remind us of a key character from the Mahabharata Gandhari, the queen of Hastinapur and mother of the Kauravas. She was the princess of Gandhara, and her name reflects her origin. This historical connection between a region and an epic character shows how ancient kingdoms influenced not only politics but also literature and cultural memory.

The Age of Reorganisation