ee pee a ey HISTORY Class 6th (For English Medium Schools) Kitabistan Publishing Company 38-Urdu Bazar Lahore.Ph:042-37230608Approved..by the Federal Ministry. of Education (Curriculum Wing); Islamabad, accotdingo the National Curriculum 2006 under the National Textbook And Learning Materials Policy 2007 N.O.C. No. F.09-07-2010 Dated. 21-07-2010 PGC Cer eames ba eet Dy owes einen Mri wc Len TD) Poca ooo ig Glossary Copyright Kitabistan Publishing Co. All right reserved, No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored-in database or retrieval system. Authors: Malik Muhammad Sharif M.A (Economic, History, MEd, senior Subject Specialist Tahira Shazad M.A Political Science, BEd, Educator Published by: Kitabistan Publishing Company 38-Urdu Bazar Lahore. Date of Publication Edition Impression Copies Price February-2020 6th ‘Ast 15000 56.00(Chapter No.1 Indus Valley Civilization Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to: > vVvvv Vv Explain the Indus Valley Civilization in terms of its time scale. Describe the importance of History. Pinpoint its strategic location on the map. Pinpoint on the map the land and sea routes through which it established contact with other civilizations e.g., Mesopotaimic, Sumerian, Nile -valley civilization, etc. Evaluate the religious belief system in the Indus valley civilization. Discuss the structure and salient features of the society in terms of its egalitarian nature. Emphasize the peaceful nature of the society as indicated by the absence of weapons of warfare and tools for hunting. Explain the absence of horse and the presence of bull as the chief insignia of the Indus valley civilization. Describe the agricultural patterns of the Indus valley civilization. Highlight the trading activities, especially with reference to their commercial exchanges with other civilizations. Discuss the unique contribution of the Indus valley civilization in terms of town planning and architecture especially their drainage system, kiln manufacturing and storage system, etc. Explain how the migrating hordes with superior weapons and warhorses pushed the local inhabitants (Dravidians) to South further and further over a period of three hundred years. Discuss the consequences of the invasion: emergence of a new tuling race, society and civilization. 3Importance of History: History is such an organized study of the past, in which it examines the results and effects of the events of the past nations. Past, present and future are linked like a string. A thought can be created for future after getting a lesson from the historical events and present circumstances. The basic aim of history is to keep the new generation up-to-date about the country and its traditions, so that they can lay out plans for future. The study of history opens new ways to learn. The map of the events of thousand years comes in minds and we obtain information about food, dress, living, professions, buildings, rise and fall and destruction of the nations. The study of history provides us comprehensive knowledge about historical heritage and values of nations. The study of ancient relics are the greatest source to get information about the past. : Indus Valley Civilization: Indus valley is one of the oldest civilizations of the world. The region wheré this civilization was developed had been irrigated mainly by River Indus and its tributary rivers. The signs of this civilization are found in Sindh at Mohenjo Daro and in Punjab along with River Ravi at Harappa (Sahiwal). About 1500 additional settlements and signs of this civilization have been discovered in Pakistan and Western India. Central Places and cities of Indus valley Civilization 4The Indus Valley civilization consisted of three periods: Primary period 3800BC.. - 2500 BC Middle period 2500BC.. - 1700 BC Last period VOOR O sis.2e0s tay veene 1300 BC During the primary period, urban life made a great progress. The art of handicrafts flourished. In the middle period, this civilization progressed well. Many new cities and villages were established. In the end of third period, the Indus Valley Civilization was inclined towards downfall. Ruins of Mohenjo Daro. Ruins of Harappa It is an ancient city, situated in District Larkana (Sindh). This city was the most important centre of Indus Valley. Indus River flows on its Eastern part. The signs of Indus Valley Civilization were first discovered in 1922 in Mohenjo Daro during excavation of the land. The things which have been found here are ornaments, clay, bronze, utensils, seals, carts, boats, toys, statues, spindles and skeletons of different animals. Bangles and beads of red clay are discovered from here which had been worn by ladies and children. Along with that precious gems, oyster shells made ornaments had also been used there. 5pe Ornaments Harappa: Harappa is the second most important city of the Indus Valley Civilization. From here, a lot of assets have been discovered of this Civilization. Solid clay utensils, seals-and system of measures and weights are included in it. Seals were made of solid clay, silver and copper. The pictures of elephant and humpéd bull are more prominent. Tools were made with bronze. Resemblance has been found in objects, which have been found in both cities, because both cities were the part of the Indus Valley Civilization. Clay Pots Seal Four most ancient civilizations of the world have been discovered in Asia up to now. Egypt, Mesopotamia (Iraq), Sumeria and the Indus Valley are included in it. The Indus Valley Civilization is considered 6contemporary of these ancient Civilizations. The Indus valley Civilization had. trade|"§ relations with Southern Iran, Iraq, Egypt and Persianja Gulf. Indus Valley, Dajla, Farat and Neil Valley are also|&9" called "Cradle o Civilizations". Tt had also commercial and religious relations with Sumeria and Babal Civilizations. contemporary civilizations. During excavation in Sumeria, seals of Indus Valley, utensils and a picture of humped bull are found on stone bowl. These signs indicate mutual relations among these civilizations. The clay tablets which are found in Iraq at different points inform us that those people used to carry trading goods to Indus Valley. Agreements of exchange of goods under barter system also existed there. Building stones, skins, gold, emerald, ropes and dry goods had been brought from Egypt to Indus Valley. In exchange of these goods utensils, wool and wood had been exported to Egypt. Silver, woolen cloth, leather and oil had been imported from Iraq to Indus Valley. Messopotemia (Iraq) had also commercial relations with Indus Valley. Arts and handicrafts were exchanged between them, Trade had been established under barter system. The trade of Indus Valley had been extended up to remote areas of Ganges in addition, to Mesopotamia. Farmers used to get additional income by exporting of things and crops, which were included cotton, wool and handicrafts. The government monitored the trade transactions and official stamps had been used for this purpose which were crafted pictures of special animals. The trade of gold, silver, copper and ivory objects had been done with Egypt. Sea trade and _ Zzvoyager had been conducted on huge boats or wooden ships. There was also a system to pay taxes. Religious beliefs of Indus Valley People: The religion of Indus Valley Civilization could not be guessed through any composition. However, there have been found the portraits of gods and mother goddesses on stamps, which reflect that they used to worship the statues and gods. Clay statues were also made for worshiping purposes. People used to consider the trees of holy values. Here, animals were also worshipped as a custom. The portraits of the bull, rhinocerous, lion and Religious Leader elephant have been found. The Indus Valley people burried their dead bodies as well as burnt them. Social System and its Prominent Features: Indus Valley system was run under a regular administration. It was enforced to keep the system of weight and measurement correct and according to the standard. Sweepers were bound to keep streets and paths neat and clean. That society had been divided into different sections. Town planning provides us information about it. Landlords and influential persons resided in upper parts in large and spacious houses. Separate quarters had also been reserved for servants. Majority of people had been poor. They lived in lower areas in small houses. Farmers lived in villages, while nomades wandered with herds of cattle in forests and plains. Artisans and merchants also lived in cities. Grand palaces, temples and tombs were not seen in cities. Jobs had been allocated among men and women. Women used to grind wheat, weave cloth and look after the cattle whereas cultivation, commerce and industrialization were specified for men. Cotton was cultivated in Indus Valley. Spindles also have been found in homes which indicate that weaving cloth was also a profession of those people. Statues 8of clay and printed cloth gave impression of textile industry. Women used to wear necklace, strings of beads and bangles for decoration. They were also used to wear "Lahanga" (long skirt), Men used to wear Shawl. Script LUGOEMA® ‘The-peoplssof lddus Valleyeoula| ) Hardt read and write. Their mode of writing was U g ¥ ( 4 % f LO? very interesting and complicated. A U 8 i ) $ 0 0 9 el supreme system of writing was conducted in that period which had 400 symbols. Uy 0 ) 4 tw HTH Merchants, soldiers and political ‘5 personalities used it. The experts of ) 3 0 if h $ y + % X archaeology department could not find their J ) ( i q (a f i :f meanings till now. Certainly, some experts have formed an idea, that these scripts Script (writing system) consisted of more than one languages. Many corners of this civilization will be hidden until an expert does not read the words and the mode of writing of this civilization. Agriculture The soil of Indus Valley was fertile. The dependence of its wealth was upon trade and agriculture. The majority of Indus Valley Civilization consisted of farmers, who made the soil fit for cultivation purposes after cutting the forests. The crops were damaged due to seasonal rains. People retained the water to make banks on rivers, for cultivation. The signs of crops which have been found from the settlements, it is said onthis base thatthe wheat, millet, barley, vetches, peas, Indian millet, sesame-seed,rice,linseed,mustard-seed and cotton was produced. The signs of dates, melon and grapes have been found among fruits. Peaceful Society Few number of huge weapons have been found during digging of cities. The rulers had not kept a large army or police. They maintained the relations with their neighbours and contemporary civilizations on. the basis of peace. The common weapons which have been found during digging, can be used only for hunting. This indicates that those people led peaceful life. No proof was found about assassination and plundering in that society. The Presence of Bull Cattle were the part of their lives. A} large number of the skeletons. of bulls hav been found in Indus Valley. It shows that i was a common practice to rear the bulls. The bull was the most important animal} according to their point of view. Countless| seals with bull's picture and clay toys have been found. The people also used the bull for transportation. Commercial Activities The trade of agricultural crops and minerals had been carried among cities and villages of Indus Valley. Internal trade had been happened by bullock-carts. Weights and scales of measurements have been found which are made of stones in | Weights for Measuring Goods quadrilateral shape. 10The people of Indus Valley had excellent knowledge of art of architecture. Cities and towns had been constructed with great technique and planning. Artisans had known the art of making and baking the bricks. They made the foundations of houses profound and deep, strong and also paid attention to exterior beauty. Houses had been built on the edges of the roads of city. Baked bricks were used in their construction. Every house had bathrooms which had been made towards outer street. Houses had more than one storey. Ladders had been used to go to upper storey. There was a reasonable arrangement of light and air in houses. A Street of Mohenjo Daro Bathroom Roads had been constructed with such a style in ancient Harappa that people could easily move among different towns and streets. Narrow gates had also been made from which a bullock-cart could pass easily at one time. It has been found by digging that a straight road was one kilometer long and nine meters wide. There was an excellent drainage system of filthy water. Narrow and wide drains were made in proper order for the outlet of dirty water. Narrow drains had been covered by bricks and wide drains by large marble slabs. The stinking water had been brought together with wide 1drains. thus, stinking water was flowed out from he cites. There is no example of any other city built in ancient period which has such a perfect facilities for the drainage of the filthy water. Godowns of Grain Mostly godowns of grain were situated on the bank of river in Mohenjodarho. The collected wheat from different areas was brought to godowns by theriverroutes and then had been sent to other regions. Concrete roads had also been made for this purpose. Solid floors had been made in godowns. The salaries of government servants had been paid from that grain. The grain had also been used as currency. Huge godowns of grain were found in Harappa which had been used to store extra grain. Evacuation of Local Community People of the Indus Valley were civilized, peaceful and developed. Aryan assailants destroyed their graceful civilization. Aryans were Worriers. They had war-horses and excellent weapons. When Aryans attacked Indus Valley inhabitants, they could not face them. Aryans had pushed the local community towards South - East and became occupants. The Decline of Indus Valley Civilization Indus Valley Civilization gained a magnificent place by making a progress gradually. Its effects had been implemented upon a vast region, but suddenly it had disappeared in 1500 B.C. Its cites had been buried into earth. Its art, religion and culture were invisible from eyesight. There is a great difference among archeologists to find the reasons about decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is estimated that both internal and external factors were involved in its decline. Some experts think that this civilization had come to an end due to natural calamities like earthquakes and floods. Some experts think that epidemics, diseases played a significant role to undo the Indus Valley Civilization. Drought was also its major cause according to one opinion, because when rivers changed their course, then supply of water had become impossible and this 12region had become barren. Well populated cities on the banks of rivers had been utterly destroyed. Some experts think that people intensively cultivated the land. They had finished the fertility of the land by cutting the forests. The pastures for animals had come to an end. Some experts consider that the trade had been finished with Mesopotamia and other contemporary civilizations. A major portion of income could not Retained due to this reason. When cities and colonies had been ruined, then people migrated to other places. EXERCISE Q.1: Write the detailed answer of the following questions. Lt How the Indus Valley Civilization had been discovered and also describe from where the signs of ancient civilization have been found? 2. Indicate the routes by using the map, how the Indus Valley established relations with its contemporary civilizations. 3. Narrate the social system and religious beliefs of Indus Valley. Write a note on agriculture and trade of Indus Valley. 5. Describe the prominent features of the Indus Valley town planning. Q.2: Tick(”) mark the right choice of the each statment. bs i. Which city had kept the status of central place in the Indus Valley? (i) Mohenjo Daro (ii) Taxila (iii)Multan (iv) Harappa 2. What profession had been chosen by the majority of Indus Valley Civilization inhabitants ? (i) Agriculture (ii) Industry (iii) Fishery (iv) Labour 3: Who destroyed the Indus Valley Civilization? (i) Local people (ii) Aryans (iii) Hindus (iv) Egyptians 134. | Which animal had been considered the symbol of civilization in Indus Valley. (i) Horse (ii) Bull (iii)Cow (iv) Sheep 5. | Whattypes of people were the inhabitants of Indus Valley? (i) Civilized (ii) Uncivilized (iii) Worrier (iv) Backward .3: Write short answers of the following questions. Where Indus Valley Civilization is situated? Write the important names of cities of Indus Valley Civilization. Which was the major profession of Indus Valley people? Which civilizations had been engaged in trade with Indus Valley inhabitants? 5. | Where had migrated the local population after the arrival of Aryans? Pere. Q.4: Match column A with column B to complete the sentence. Column B PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES 1. Hang the photographs of the items in classroom which have been found from Indus Valley. 2. Arrangea visit to the museum many for the students. 3. The students to analyse the complete process of brick on a kilen ina village or city and present their report in class. 14The Aryan ERA Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to: > > Vv OE MW asi i > Elaborate the origins of the Aryans and their migrating routes with the help of a map. Describe their arrival in India from time to time and its impact on the local civilization. Discuss the structure of the Aryan society. Discuss the process of Aryan settling down, the evolution of the Aryan township system and the beginning of economic activities. Describe the evolution of the religious belief system of the Aryans. Discuss the salient features of Hinduism. Describe the origin and expansion of Buddhism and Jainism. Explain how Buddhism and Jainism differ from Hinduism. Explain the evolution and salient features of Gandhara civilization. Trace Alexander's expedition in North-Western India. Discuss the rise and expansion of the Mauryan dynasty and the contribution of Chandra Gupt Mauraya and Ashoka. Describe the rise of the Guptas and the revival of Hinduism. Describe the contribution of Harsh in terms of India’s political unification. Identify the major principalities during 9Th, 12Th centuries. The Original Homeland of Aryans and their arrival in India 1500 to 700 BC The most important event of the ancient history of subcontinent is the arrival of the Aryans in this region. The Aryans belonged to superior 15Asia into South Asia, the Dravidians inhabited here. They were the local! population of South Asia. They were very weak against the Aryans. The Aryans pushed them to South and started living in India. Original Homeland The Aryans came to India as refugees. They had strong physique and were warmonger by nature. This made easier for them conquer of India. Their original homeland was the region of Central Asia. The Aryans entered India through North Western Mountain Passes. They had been entering India in groups during various periods. They were made to leave their home land due to the scarcity of food. They entered India in the search of new meadows and green fields. Family quarrels was another cause to leave their homeland. Increase in population may ~ also be a cause of this step. They lived in the Indus Valley for a long period. Then they spread in the green fields of Ganges and Jummna. In this way the whole part of northern India was occupied by the Aryans. They established free and independent states in different areas. Social System of the Aryans The Aryans were divided in different tribes. Their style of living was very simple. Most of them were nomas. They were great promoters of religious customs. Few families lived in a village. The house of the Headman of the village used to be bigger than those of others. These people had not any civic sense but they learnt a lot from local population. They started living in constructed houses. The Aryans brought a 16different religion and civilization in India. They were fond of dance and Music. They were expert in spear throwing. They had great co-operation and. unity among themselves. They did not lock their houses and shops. Men and women both participated in religious activities. The Aryans believed in joint family system. The male was the head of the family. The elders of the village decided the quarrels among them. Tribe was the broader shape of the family. The head of the tribe was called Raja. Each state had a ruler and they had regular laws to observe. The powers of Rajas increased with the passage of time. They kept an army and started collecting tax from the people. The Impacts of the Arrival of the Aryans on local Civilization A new civilization came into existence with the arrival of Aryans. The religion, philosophy and civilization of the Aryans was different from local population. They were socially divided on the basis of occupations in the form of caste and creed system. Slowly each occupation became inheritance. After that nobody could change this occupation. The people belonging to different castes did not get marry to each other. Women were not given share in the property. The Aryans often had quarrels with local population. These quarrels destroyed the civilization gradually. The local population had become their slave. Economic Activities The Aryans gave rise to the agriculture. Wheat and cotton were cultivated. They did not know any thing about the cultivation of rice. They brought up cows, sheep, goats and horses. Industry and trade made a great progress. The Aryans could make bullcarts, weapons, boats, and four wheeled carriages. They could make ornaments of gold and silver. Farmer busy in cultivation a7)They made weapons from iron such as bows, arrows, axes and swords. Their women prepared mats and clothes at homes. They could also dye the leather. Extra products were exported to other areas. In the beginning the Aryans used barter system. Later they started using cattle as currency. Then copper coins were invented. At that time there were no banking system. Therefore, they burried their savings in the ground. Handicraft made a lot of progress due to craftmen. The crafts-men of wood, metal, stone, leather and ivory were expert in their work. They could weave cotton and woolen cloth. Only their sons could inherit land from their parents. Religious Beliefs: The Aryans worshipped various objects which were present inthe natural surroundings. In the earliest part of their history they believed that various gods and goddess settle their matters. They offered various things to these gods and goddess to make them happy. They believed in magic. They burnt their dead bodies. Offering sacrifice was a common practice. Their famous gods were, surya, Agni, and Indar. Their religious book was called “Rig Veda.” Later their beliefs took the form of Hinduism. Hinduism: Hinduism is an ancient religion. It is based upon experiments and social traditions. For this reason, it kept on changing by the passage of time. According to Hinduism the good or bad deeds of human do not get wasted. He is given punishment or reward in good or bad act. A human being reborns after death in good or bad form. It is based on his or her good or bad acts. Caste and creed System: Hindu society was divided in four castes after the arrival of Aryans. These were, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Brahmins performed religious duties. They also had monoply over education, 18Pandit and religious men belonged to this caste. Kshatriyas defended the country. Vaishyas were farmers and traders. The most inferior caste was called Shudras. They performed inferior jobs. They were forcefully kept away from the so called superior caste of people. If they touched to any of the person belonging to superior class, they would become filthy. Buddhism: There arose lot of social problems due to the caste and creed system. People wanted to get rid of this system. The circumstances gave birth to another religion called "Buddhism", Its founder was "Gautam Buddha". Gautam Buddha was born in "Kapila Vastu" in 563 BC. He was given the name "Siddharth' which was later known as "Gautam Buddha" As he grew up, he realized the miseries of the people around him. He strictly disliked (l= Kshatriyas A Vaishyas Shudras the caste and creed system. He was keen to change that system. He left the royal palace at the age of 29, and went into the jungles of "Gaya". He struggled a lot but could not find peace: any where. At last one night he got! spitritual knowledge while sitting’ under a tree. Gautam Buddha rejected the caste and creed system in Hindu society and told them about equality. Gautam Buddha 19He narrated the following eight principles. 1. One should lead a simple life. One should avoid, wine, gambling and telling lie. The monopoly of Hindu Brahamin must be finished. No one should be considered "inferior". Respect should be given to humanity. Bloodshed should be avoided. Caste and creed system should be abolished. 8. All human must be treated equally. The teachings of Gautam Buddha had great influence over poor and people belonging to lower casts. People started to embrace the teachings of Gautam Buddha. This religion spread over India, Afghanistan, Burma, China and Japan Jainism The founder of this religion was Mahaveer. He was born near Pattna (India) in a town called Veshali in 599 BC. He was unhappy for the monopoly of Brahamins over religion. He left luxurious life and began to preach. Mahaveer Mahaveer converted hundreds of monks his followers. According to this religion one can get salvation only by acting upon "Ahansa" means not to harm any soul. Mahaveer told the people not to hurt any body, speak the truth, avoid from theft, and not to purchase properties. The followers of this religion did not eat meat. This religion emphasized on leading a spiritual life. They did not believe in animal's sacrificing. According to Mahaveer, people can be satisfied only by having control over their desires. The followers of Jainism are found in India. Sirilanka, Burma, China, Japan and Korea. The Evolution of Gandhara Civilization The centres of this civilization are stretched from Kashmir to various areas of Texila. Texila was the centre of Gandhara Art. See ere 20Ruins of Taxila The people living here were the followers of | == lima ( Buddhism. They worshipped | the statues of their religious| | persons. There are a large L number of grand statues of Buddha stupas and ruins of Gandhara civilization in Swat valley. Pilgrism of Buddha | : > mm. from all over the world Departure of Buddha from his Palace consider them sacred A Stupa named "Shangrow Stupa" was prepared in "Burri Koat" near Swat. After thousands of years its ruins are still spread every where in Swat valley. Gandhara Art is a collection of various statues of Buddha and engravings of Buddha in stones. Gandhara is not only name of an art rather it reflects a whole civilization. Earlier, this art was under the influence of Greek fine arts but later it got mixed with local arts. Greek art was tried to be moulded according to the teachings of Buddha. The most ancient university Nalinda was established in Gandhara. Students from other countries also came there. The birth of Gautam Buddha, his starvation, and his departure from palace have been shown very beautifully in Gandhara Art. 21The differences of Jainism and Buddhism from Hinduism: Hinduism is totally different from the other two because of its teachings: 1. Jainism and Buddhism do not acknowledge the books of Hinduism. Both religions are strictly against caste and creed system while Hinduism believes in caste and creed system. 2. Buddhism and Jainism lay stress on the theory of "non violence’. 3. Jainism and Buddhism allow preaching while in the Hinduism one can not be converted to a Hindu by force. 4, Jainism and Buddhism teach to refrain from sins, while Hindus believe that after taking "bath" their sins are washed away. 5. In Hinduism wordly life is given importance while Jainism and Budhism are inclined towards monkery. Invasion of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) Alexander was born in Greece in 356 BC. He left for India to capture its wealth as well as to conquer the world. It was the first European atfack on India. Alexander came to | © India in 326 BC from central Asia conquering Kabul ‘and border areas. He crossed the Indus river and advanced towards Taxila. The Raja of Texila welcomed him very warmly and offered him many precious gifts. This pleased Alexander. After his stay Alexander the Great in Taxila, he stepped forward to Jhelum to attack Raja Porus, who was a brave person. He preferred a battle to welcoming Alexander. As the war started, Alexander shot hundreds of arrows at the elephants of Raja's army. Thus Raja's army was routed. Raja fought bravely but in the end he 22lost the battle. Alexander had won the battle but the bravery of Porus imp-| ressed him a lot. Heft returned him his empire. Alexander lost his life while he was going back to. Greece. een cao with him many learned} scholars who wrote about India. Sea routes were also discovered between the east and west because of Alexander's attack on India. The Establishment of Mauryan Empire in India (321BC to 185 BC ) The Role of Chandragupta Maurya: Chandragupta Maurya belonged to Kshatriy family. He ‘tablished a vast and strong empire in India, | Afier the attack o Alexander the Great, all the states of India got. disturbed by rebellions, In such circumstances Chandragupta Maurya got the opportunity to Arabian Sea fulfil his aims. Mauryan | (Gonchar had a strong army which ney eae included war elephants 4 too. After conquering,Punjab, he captured the state of Magadha. His kingdom spread from the bay of Bengal and the Arabain sea to Himalayas. One of the generals of Alexander "Selevcus" attacked Punjab, Chandragupta defeated him after a hard battle. Greeks handed over Kabul, Qandhar and Harat to Chandragupta. Chandragupta also captured Bengal, Behar, U.P, Malva and South Punjab. After that, he included, Maysore Kashmir, Sindh, northern Sindh, Balochistan and Afghanistan and in Southern regions in his empire. Maurya empire remained in power for 185 years, it was the world's strongest empire of its times. The oldest city of the kingdom of Chandragupta and Pakistan Maurya was Taxila. It was a very prosperous city. Ithada university where science and technical education was given. In his era, artand craft were promoted. * Government was run under a regular system. The departments of tax, communication, agriculture, trade and shipping were introduced. A council of village elders was responsible for delivering justice in a village. Canal system was introduced in that era. A network of roads was established. Weights and scales for measuring were used. Two crops were grown ina year. Department of investigation was established. The poor and the orphans were brought up by the empire. Ashoka ( 272 BC to 232 BC ) Ashoka’ was the grand son of Chandragupta Maurya. He was enthroned in 272 BC after the death of his father Bindusura. He inherited a great empire. He ruled like his grand father. He made very strict rules. He killed his brothers to get hold of the state of Magadha. He attacked to capture the state of Orissa in 261 BC. Ashoka got victory. Almost one lac people were killed in this battle. He started hating from battles after this incident. He decided not to fight any further battle. He released the prisoners of war and apologized to the nation. He left violence and became the follower of Buddhism. He ran his empire properly. He grew trees along the roads. 24He also constructed inns for passes by. 232 B.C He issued golden commands and ordered to engrave them upon rocks and pillars so that people could read them. These commands still can be witnessed all over India and Pakistan which shows his | a, beliefs in Buddhism. He constructed hospitals for animals. He grew gardens. He issued coins of copper and silver. Special taxes were imposed on grain. The L : national emblem of India i.e "Ashoka Ki Lat" has been adopted from the upper part of Ashoka's lion like pillar. He converted himself, into a superior monk of Buddha. Ashoka propagated Buddhism in India vigorously. He sent preachers to Asia to’ spread Buddhism and constructed places worship for Buddhas' followers. He stressed upon his subjects to lead a pious life. During his period, Buddhism spread to Tibet, China, Mangolia and Japan. He discovered| new ways of worship. Religious messages of| Buddhism were engraved on roads, pillars and Ashoka’s Lion Pillar mountains. Stupas were constructed during) 25his period. He died in 232 BC. After his death, his sons started fighting for throne. Due to this reason India was divided into many small states. The Establishment of Gupta Empire 320 A.D. Chandragupta (First) laid the foundations of the Gupta empire in 320 A.D. India got reunited in this period and Hinduism flourished. He started making his empire vast. Some areas of Tibet were included in his empire, It spread beyond the Ganges and Jamuna. He died in 335 A.D. Samudragupta After the death of Chandragupta his son Samudragupta came into power. He was a great conqueror. He was an intelligent person. When he came to power the circumstances were very unfavourable. Small states had been established. He did many reforms for the welfare of the people and state. Art, knowledge, literature and culture flourished in his reign. He got fame as a poet and muscian also. Farmers used to pay one part of their income to government. People were free. Art of engraving and painting was at its peak. Beautiful gardens, public bath and ponds could be seen every where. Inns were constructed all Gupta Empire 400 over the country. gees x Samudragupta conquered a vast area and became the owner |-- ofa very vast empire. He ruled for: 40 years. Chandragupta II After the death of! Samudragupta, his son Chandragupta came into power in 375 A.D. He became famous by the title of “Bikrema Jeet" He defeated the Rajas of Bengal and conquered Malva, Gujrat, and Kathiawar. In this way,Gupta empire became very vast. Very strict laws were made to strengthen the government. Art flourished during his times. He ruled for 38 years. Revival of Hinduism in the Gupta Empire The Gupta age actually is the age of revival of Hinduism. Hinduism reached its peak. Many temples were constructed. Sinsikrat was promoted. Mathematics and music got a fame. Hindus' religious leaders started their efforts to make their religion attractive. Sinsikrat progressed in this era. The Hinduism of the present age for the most partis in the same form and shape. The Last Rulers of Gupta Family The son of Chandragupta II was Kumaragupta who ruled for 42 years and died in 453 A.D. After his death his son Skanda Gupta came in to power. "The Hun nation"started attacks during his rule and Gupta empire came to anend. The Role of Raja Harsh in the Union of India (606 A.D to 647 A.D) After the fall af the Gupta dynasty the union of Indian states got dispersed. Major part of the country was divided into many small states. The Raja of Thanear called Raja Harsh Wardhan reorganized the northern India. Harsh came to power in 606 A.D. At that time there was no peace and stability in India. He reorganized the political frame work and established a united and strong government. He had a strong and powerful army. Harsh attacked southern Punjab, Qanooj, Bengal, Orissa and Deccan and annexd these territories to his empire. Political stability and peace were again established in the Sub- continent. He was an intelligent and shrewd general. He was also a great administrator. He worked for the welfare of his people day and night. He divided his empire into many province. He established a central secretariat. He received taxes in the form of money and grain. The sixth 27