CBSE Class 6 Social Science: History - Chapter 8 Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War NCERT Solutions

Solution: The people living within the vast Mauryan empire engaged in a variety of occupations essential for the functioning of the state and society. These included:

• Merchants: Involved in trade and commerce, facilitating the exchange of goods.
• Officials: Responsible for administration, collecting taxes, and enforcing laws.
• Crafts persons: Skilled artisans who created various goods, such as pottery, tools, and textiles.
• Farmers: Cultivated land to produce food grains and other crops, forming the backbone of the economy.
• Herders: Raised livestock, providing milk, wool, and other animal products.

Solution:

(a) Officials collected taxes from the area under the direct control of the ruler. These taxes were crucial for funding the administration, the army, and public works.

(b) Royal princes often went to the provinces as governors. This provided them with administrative experience and helped the emperor maintain control over distant regions.

(c) The Mauryan rulers tried to control roads and rivers, which were important for transport. Controlling these routes facilitated trade, communication, and the movement of troops and resources across the empire.

(d) People in forested regions provided the Mauryan officials with elephants, timber, honey and wax. These resources were valuable for the army (elephants), construction (timber), and various other uses.

Solution:

(a) False. Ujjain was an important city and a gateway to Central India and possibly the Deccan, but Taxila was considered the gateway to the north-west.

(b) True. The Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy, is attributed to Chanakya (Kautilya), who was a minister to Chandragupta Maurya. It reflects the ideas and principles of that era.

(c) False. Kalinga was an ancient territory located on the eastern coast of India, in modern-day Odisha. Bengal is a different region.

(d) True. Most of Ashoka's inscriptions, found across the Indian subcontinent, were written in the Brahmi script, which was widely understood at the time.

Solution: Emperor Ashoka observed several pressing issues within his vast empire that he wished to address through his concept of 'Dhamma'. These problems included:

• Religious and Social Conflicts: People in the empire followed diverse religious beliefs and practices, which often led to friction and misunderstandings among different communities.
• Animal Sacrifice: The practice of sacrificing animals was common, causing suffering and distress.
• Mistreatment of Dependents: Slaves and servants were frequently ill-treated by their masters, highlighting a lack of compassion and basic human dignity.
• Interpersonal Quarrels: Disputes and quarrels among ordinary citizens were prevalent, disrupting social harmony.

Ashoka's 'Dhamma' aimed to foster a sense of unity, compassion, respect, and non-violence to mitigate these issues and create a more peaceful and ethical society.

Solution: Emperor Ashoka employed a variety of strategic methods to disseminate the principles of his 'Dhamma' throughout his empire and beyond:

• Appointment of Officials: He appointed special officers, known as 'Dhamma Mahamattas', whose primary duty was to travel across the empire and educate people about 'Dhamma'.
• Inscriptions on Rocks and Pillars: Ashoka had his messages and edicts inscribed on rocks and pillars in public places. These inscriptions were written in Prakrit, a language understood by the common people, ensuring wider reach.
• Royal Messengers: He sent messengers to various parts of the world, including Sri Lanka and possibly other Hellenistic kingdoms, to share the teachings of 'Dhamma'.
• Personal Example: Ashoka himself tried to live by the principles of 'Dhamma', setting a moral example for his subjects.

These efforts demonstrate Ashoka's deep commitment to promoting ethical conduct and social well-being.

Solution: The ill-treatment of slaves and servants likely stemmed from deeply ingrained social hierarchies and a lack of empathy from their masters. Several factors could have contributed:

• Perceived Superiority: Masters often viewed themselves as inherently superior to their slaves and servants, leading them to believe they had the right to treat them harshly.
• Social Structures: Existing social systems, possibly including elements related to the Varna system or economic disparities, may have normalized or even encouraged the subjugation and mistreatment of lower strata of society.
• Lack of Empathy: A general absence of compassion and understanding towards the plight of those in servitude could have allowed such mistreatment to persist.

Regarding whether the emperor's orders would have improved their condition, it is plausible that they would have helped to some extent:

• Royal Authority: Ashoka was a powerful and respected emperor. His direct orders carried significant weight and could have deterred some masters from mistreating their slaves and servants.
• Ethical Guidance: The principles of 'Dhamma' emphasized compassion, non-violence, and respect for all beings. By promoting these values, Ashoka's edicts could have fostered a more humane attitude towards the vulnerable.
• Awareness: The very act of issuing such orders would have raised awareness about the issue and signaled the emperor's disapproval of mistreatment.

However, deeply entrenched social attitudes are difficult to change solely through imperial decrees. While Ashoka's orders might have provided some immediate relief and set a moral standard, a complete transformation would have required a more profound shift in societal values over time.

Solution: Roshan, the lions you see on our currency notes are not just decorative; they have a significant historical and national importance. They are part of the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which was originally erected by Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath, a place where Buddha first taught. This majestic sculpture, with its four lions, represents power, courage, and confidence. It is displayed on our currency notes to honor Emperor Ashoka, one of India's greatest rulers, and to signify the strength and pride of our nation. Additionally, the Lion Capital of Ashoka has been adopted as the National Emblem of India, and you can also see these lions prominently displayed on Indian passports and official government seals.

Another object on which these lions are shown is the coins of our currency.

Solution: If I had the power to inscribe my orders, similar to Emperor Ashoka, I would issue commands aimed at fostering a just, compassionate, and harmonious society. Here are four commands I would issue:

1. Abolish Slavery and Forced Labor: My first command would be to abolish all forms of slavery and forced labor, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and has the freedom to choose their work and life path.
2. Prohibit Animal Sacrifice and Promote Compassion: I would command that all forms of animal sacrifice be stopped immediately. Instead, I would promote acts of kindness and compassion towards all living beings, encouraging vegetarianism and the protection of animals.
3. Foster Unity and End Discrimination: My third command would be to ensure that people live together peacefully, without fighting amongst themselves. I would decree that no discrimination be practiced based on gender, caste, creed, religion, or any other social distinction, promoting equality and mutual respect.
4. Promote Education and Environmental Protection: I would issue an order to make education accessible to all, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow. Additionally, I would command the protection and preservation of our natural environment, emphasizing sustainable practices and the conservation of forests and wildlife.

These commands are inspired by the ethical principles that Ashoka himself championed, aiming to create a society based on fairness, empathy, and well-being for all.

Solution:

(i) The correct option is (b) Chandragupta. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire.

(ii) The correct option is (a) Pataliputra. Pataliputra was the capital city of the Mauryan Empire.

(iii) The correct option is (b) north-west. The Arthashastra mentions that blankets from the north-west region of India were renowned.

(iv) The correct option is (a) Brahmi. The Brahmi script was commonly used for inscriptions during Ashoka's reign.

(v) The correct option is (c) Buddhist. Ashoka embraced Buddhism and actively promoted its principles.

Solution:

(i) Ashoka was Chandragupta's grandson.

(ii) Chanakya was Chandragupta's minister.

(iii) The Arthashastra was written by Chanakya.

(iv) Taxila was the gateway to the northwest of the empire.

(v) Royal princes were sent as governors to other provincial capitals.

(vi) South India was important for gold and other precious stones.

(vii) Ashoka gave up war after winning over Kalinga.

(viii) 'Dhamma' is the Prakrit word for the Sanskrit word 'Dharma'.

(ix) Ashoka appointed officials (Dhamma Mahamattas) to spread 'dhamma'.