09. New Empires And Kingdoms class 6 NCERT Notes for Chapter 9 History download pdf

Welcome to NCERT Notes on class 6 Chapter 9 History From New Empires and Kingdoms .

Chapter 9: New Empires and Kingdoms

Introduction

In this chapter, we will delve into the intriguing world of new empires and kingdoms that emerged during ancient times. We will explore historical accounts, prashastis (inscriptions of praise), and gain insights into the lives of both rulers and common people during this era.

Prashastis and Their Significance

Prashastis: Prashastis were special inscriptions composed in Sanskrit “in praise of” various rulers. While these inscriptions were crafted for rulers like Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni, they gained greater prominence during the Gupta dynasty.

Samudragupta’s Prashasti

One eminent ruler of the Gupta dynasty was Samudragupta. His prashasti, composed by the poet Harishena, hailed him as a warrior, scholar, and poet. The inscription praises his victories in battle and compares him to the gods. This prashasti provides valuable insights into the ruler’s qualities and policies.

Samudragupta’s Empire and Policies

Samudragupta’s empire can be understood through a map based on his prashasti. It describes four types of rulers he dealt with:

1. Rulers of Aryavarta: Nine rulers were uprooted, and their kingdoms became part of Samudragupta’s empire.
2. Rulers of Dakshinapatha: Twelve rulers surrendered after defeat and were allowed to rule under Samudragupta’s suzerainty.
3. Inner Circle of Neighbouring States: Areas like Assam, coastal Bengal, and gana sanghas submitted to Samudragupta’s authority.
4. Rulers of Outlying Areas: Descendants of the Kushanas, Shakas, and even the ruler of Sri Lanka acknowledged Samudragupta’s rule.

Genealogies and Succession

Genealogies played a crucial role in establishing lineage and legitimacy of rulers. Samudragupta’s genealogy traced back through generations. Later rulers like Chandragupta II followed this pattern. Vikram Samvat, an era associated with Chandragupta II, marked his victory over the Shakas.

Harshavardhana and his Biographies

Harshavardhana, a ruler from around 1400 years ago, was depicted through biographies like the Harshacharita. His court poet, Banabhatta, wrote this biography in Sanskrit. The biography provides insights into Harshavardhana’s genealogy and his rule.

Southern Kingdoms and Assemblies

In the southern kingdoms, assemblies played a significant role in administration. Assemblies like sabha, ur, and nagaram catered to different sections of society, such as landowners, villagers, and merchants.

Ordinary Life in the Kingdoms

Accounts from plays and historical records offer glimpses of ordinary life. Kalidasa‘s plays depicted court life, while the Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian observed the treatment of untouchables. Banabhatta vividly described the grandeur and challenges of the king’s army on the move.

Conclusions and Insights

The era of new empires and kingdoms brought about changes in administration, military, and social structures. Prashastis, genealogies, and biographies provide us with valuable insights into the lives and achievements of rulers and their subjects.

Keywords:

• Prashastis: Special inscriptions composed in praise of rulers.
• Aryavarta: A region shaded in green on the map, part of Samudragupta’s empire.
• Dakshinapatha: An area with rulers who surrendered to Samudragupta.
• Genealogy: A record of a person’s ancestry and lineage.
• Hereditary officer: An officer whose position is passed down through generations.
• Samanta: Military leaders who provided troops to rulers.
• Assembly: A gathering or council of people to discuss matters.
• Nagaram: An organization of merchants in southern kingdoms.

FAQs about New Empires and Kingdoms

1. Prashastis: Understanding Praise Inscriptions

What were prashastis and why were they important? Prashastis were inscriptions crafted to extol rulers, shedding light on their attributes and policies. These inscriptions significantly contribute to our comprehension of history by offering insights into the rulers of the time.

2. Samudragupta: The Powerful Gupta Ruler

Who was Samudragupta and what were his major achievements? Samudragupta, a prominent ruler of the Gupta dynasty, achieved fame through his prashasti that hailed him as a warrior, scholar, and poet. His expansion of the empire by subduing various rulers marked a remarkable achievement during his reign.

3. Role of Genealogies in Legitimacy

How did genealogies play a role in the legitimacy of rulers? Genealogies played a pivotal role in cementing the legitimacy of rulers’ claims to power. Notable rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II traced their ancestral lineages to establish their rightful authority.

4. Insights from Harshavardhana’s Biography

What insights can we gain from Harshavardhana’s biography, the Harshacharita? Harshavardhana’s biography, penned by Banabhatta, offers intriguing insights into his genealogy and rule. This historical account provides a vivid portrayal of the life and times of this ancient ruler.

5. Administrative Roles of Assemblies in Southern Kingdoms

What were the roles of assemblies in the southern kingdoms? Assemblies such as sabha, ur, and nagaram played crucial roles in administration, representing diverse sections of society. These assemblies were instrumental in overseeing various aspects of governance.

6. Challenges Faced by Ordinary People

What were the challenges faced by ordinary people in the kingdoms? Accounts from plays and historical records provide glimpses into the lives of ordinary people, shedding light on societal norms, the treatment of untouchables, and the challenges they encountered.

7. Functioning of the King’s Army

How did the king’s army operate during this era? Banabhatta’s detailed descriptions vividly portray the majesty and logistical complexities of the king’s army. These accounts highlight the army’s reliance on support from villagers and the challenges they faced.

8. Categories of Rulers in Samudragupta’s Prashasti

What were the different categories of rulers mentioned in Samudragupta’s prashasti? Samudragupta’s prashasti categorizes rulers into groups, including those from Aryavarta, Dakshinapatha, the inner circle of neighboring states, and outlying areas. Each category had distinct interactions with his empire.

9. Significance of Vikram Samvat

What is the significance of Vikram Samvat in this context? Vikram Samvat, an era associated with Chandragupta II, holds historical importance as it commemorates his victory over the Shakas. It symbolizes a significant milestone in the ancient timeline.

10. Lessons from Plays and Observations

What can we learn from plays like ‘Abhijnana Shakuntalam’ and the observations of Fa Xian? Plays such as ‘Abhijnana Shakuntalam’ provide insights into courtly life, while Fa Xian’s observations shed light on how untouchables were treated in society. These accounts offer valuable insights into the cultural fabric of the time.

This was the end of NCERT Notes on class 6 Chapter 9 History From New Empires And Kingdoms.

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