CBSE Class 6 Social Science: New Empires and Kingdoms NCERT Solutions
CBSE Class 6 Social Science Chapter 11, "New Empires and Kingdoms," explores the fascinating era of the Gupta Empire and Emperor Harshavardhana. This chapter delves into the political landscape, examining the organization of armies, the functions of military leaders, and the administrative systems that governed these powerful kingdoms. Students will gain insights into the societal structures and the significant literary achievements of the time. Key figures like Banabhatta and the observations of the Chinese traveler Xuan Zang are highlighted, offering a rich understanding of ancient Indian history. These NCERT Solutions provide a clear and engaging way for students to learn about the key developments, rulers, and cultural contributions of these influential empires, building a solid historical foundation.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 11, "New Empires and Kingdoms," focuses on the Gupta period and the reign of Harshavardhana. The NCERT Solutions cover key aspects such as the nature of empires, military organization, administrative changes, and important literary works of the time. Students will recall facts about rulers, territories, and significant historical figures, reinforcing their understanding of ancient Indian history.
Learning outcomes
- Identify key rulers and empires discussed in the chapter.
- Understand the composition and changes in the army during this period.
- Recognize the contributions of authors and their works related to historical figures.
- Differentiate between true and false statements regarding historical facts.
- Recall important administrative centers and territories.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- New Empires and Kingdoms
- Gupta Empire
- Samudragupta
- Harshavardhana
- Prashasti
- Army composition
- Military leaders
- Literary works
- Banabhatta
- Xuan Zang
- South Indian kingdoms
- Local assemblies
Important topics
- Gupta Empire and Samudragupta's reign
- Harshavardhana's era and literary figures
- Changes in military organization
- Key administrative centers and territories
PDF preview
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Questions and Solutions
Q. 1
- Harishena composed a prashasti in praise of Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni.
- The rulers of Aryavarta brought tribute for Samudragupta.
- There were twelve rulers in Dakshinapatha.
- Taxila and Madurai were important centres under the control of the Gupta rulers.
- Aihole was the capital of the Pallavas.
- Local assemblies functioned for several centuries in south India.
- False. Harishena was the court poet of Samudragupta and composed a prashasti in his praise, not for Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni.
- False. The rulers of Aryavarta were defeated by Samudragupta. It was the rulers of Gana Sanghas (like those in Assam) who brought tributes for Samudragupta.
- True. There were indeed twelve rulers in Dakshinapatha who surrendered to Samudragupta and were permitted to rule again.
- False. Taxila and Madurai were not under Gupta control. Important centers of Gupta power included Prayaga (Allahabad), Patliputra (Patna), and Ujjain.
- False. Aihole was a significant city, but it was the capital of the Chalukyas, not the Pallavas.
- True. Local assemblies, often comprising Brahmin landowners, were active for many centuries in South India, managing local affairs like irrigation and temple maintenance.
Q. 2
Three prominent individuals who wrote about or were associated with Harshavardhana are:
- Banabhatta: He was a court poet of Harshavardhana and authored the 'Harshacharita', a biography detailing the life and reign of the emperor.
- Xuan Zang: A Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who visited India during Harshavardhana's reign. He meticulously documented his travels and observations of the kingdom, providing valuable insights into the court and society.
- Harshavardhana: The emperor himself was a skilled writer and is known to have authored plays, contributing to the literary richness of his era.
Q. 3
During the period of new empires and kingdoms, significant changes were observed in the composition and maintenance of the army:
- Well-equipped Army: Kings began to maintain a more professional and well-equipped army, indicating a greater emphasis on military strength and organization.
- Support from Military Leaders: The army's manpower was augmented by military leaders (Samantas or feudatories) who were obligated to supply troops and resources to the king whenever required, demonstrating a feudal military structure.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the rulers or territories associated with different empires.
- Incorrectly identifying the authors of specific historical biographies or accounts.
- Misinterpreting the roles of military leaders or the composition of the army.
- Confusing administrative centers of one empire with another.
Revision tips
- Create a timeline of the empires and rulers mentioned.
- Make flashcards for key figures, their achievements, and associated literary works.
- Practice answering the 'True or False' questions to reinforce factual recall.
- Summarize the changes in the army in your own words.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Who composed the prashasti in praise of Samudragupta?
Explanation: Harishena was the court poet who composed the prashasti (a eulogy) in praise of Emperor Samudragupta, detailing his military conquests and reign.
Q2. Which of these was NOT an important center of the Gupta rulers?
Explanation: Madurai was an important center in South India, but it was not under the direct control of the Gupta rulers. Prayaga, Patliputra, and Ujjain were key Gupta centers.
Q3. According to the text, how many rulers were in Dakshinapatha who surrendered to Samudragupta?
Explanation: The text mentions that there were twelve rulers in Dakshinapatha who submitted to Samudragupta and were subsequently allowed to continue their rule.
Q4. Who wrote the biography 'Harshacharita'?
Explanation: Banabhatta, a court poet of Harshavardhana, wrote the 'Harshacharita', which is a biography of the emperor.
Q5. What was a significant change observed in the army during this period?
Explanation: A key change was that kings began to maintain well-equipped armies, and military leaders provided additional manpower when needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chapter 11 of Class 6 Social Science NCERT about?
Chapter 11, 'New Empires and Kingdoms,' focuses on the historical period of the Gupta Empire and the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana, discussing their administration, military, and cultural achievements.
Who were the important rulers discussed in Chapter 11?
The chapter discusses rulers like Samudragupta of the Gupta Empire and Harshavardhana, highlighting their reigns and contributions.
What kind of changes occurred in the army during this period?
The army became better equipped, and kings maintained standing armies, with military leaders providing additional support when required.
Which authors are mentioned in relation to Harshavardhana?
The solutions mention Banabhatta, who wrote Harshacharita; Xuan Zang, a Chinese pilgrim; and Harshavardhana himself as writers.
How do these NCERT Solutions help students?
These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand complex historical events, figures, and concepts for better exam preparation.
Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy
NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.