🏛️ CBSE Class 12 – History (Course A)

Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns – Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE – 600 CE)

Maximum Marks: 80  Time: 3 Hours

🧾 General Instructions

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Answer briefly and point-wise where required.
3. Map question is compulsory.
4. Internal choice is given in some long-answer questions.

Section A – Very Short Answer Questions (1 × 5 = 5 marks)

(Answer in 20–30 words)

Q1. Who deciphered the Brahmi script and when?
Ans. James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi script in the 1830s, enabling historians to read Ashokan inscriptions.
(1)

Q2. What does the term Piyadassi refer to in Ashokan inscriptions?
Ans. Piyadassi, meaning “Beloved of the Gods,” was the title used by Emperor Ashoka in his inscriptions.
(1)

Q3. Name any two early Mahajanapadas of the 6th century BCE.
Ans. Magadha and Kosala.
(1)

Q4. What was the chief source of state revenue during the Mauryan period?
Ans. Land tax (Bhaga) was the main source of state revenue.
(1)

Q5. What was the main feature of punch-marked coins?
Ans. They bore symbols punched with dies rather than being cast or engraved.
(1)

Section B – Short Answer Questions (3 × 5 = 15 marks)

(Answer in 60–80 words each)

Q6. What were the main reasons for the rise of Magadha as a powerful Mahajanapada?
Ans.

• Fertile Ganga plains provided abundant agricultural surplus.
• Iron ore deposits near Rajgir and Gaya aided weapon and tool making.
• Rivers (Ganga, Son) supported trade and transport.
• Able rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru expanded territory.
• Efficient administration and fortified capital at Rajgir ensured stability.
  (3)

Q7. Mention any three sources that help us reconstruct Mauryan history.
Ans.

1. Arthashastra by Kautilya – gives details on administration and economy.
2. Ashokan inscriptions – provide direct evidence of his policies.
3. Megasthenes’ Indica – describes the Mauryan court, society, and city of Pataliputra.
   (3)

Q8. Explain the main features of Ashoka’s Dhamma.
Ans.

• Based on moral and ethical values like compassion, truthfulness, and non-violence.
• Promoted tolerance among religions and respect for elders, teachers, and parents.
• Encouraged welfare measures such as hospitals, wells, and rest houses.
• Aimed at creating a harmonious society rather than spreading Buddhism alone.
  (3)

Q9. What role did guilds (shrenis) play in early Indian economy?
Ans.

• Organized groups of craftsmen and traders regulating production and trade.
• Maintained quality control and price regulation.
• Functioned like banks, lending money and investing in trade.
• Helped maintain social security for members.
  (3)

Q10. What were the main features of long-distance trade during this period?
Ans.

• Maritime routes connected India with Rome, Arabia, and Southeast Asia.
• Ports such as Bharuch, Arikamedu, and Kaveripattinam were major centers.
• Exports: spices, textiles, ivory, pearls; Imports: gold, wine, and glassware.
• Roman coins found in India prove active trade links.
  (3)

Section C – Long Answer Questions (5 × 5 = 25 marks)

(Answer in about 120–150 words each)

Q11. Describe the main features of the Mauryan administration.
Ans.

• Centralized monarchy with the king as the supreme authority.
• Assisted by Mantriparishad (Council of Ministers).
• Empire divided into provinces governed by princes or governors.
• Officials (Amatyas) handled revenue, trade, army, and justice.
• Espionage system ensured control over provinces.
• Arthashastra prescribes strict law enforcement and tax collection methods.
  (5)

Q12. Discuss the new notions of kingship that emerged after the Mauryas.
Ans.

• Rise of divine kingship – rulers like Kanishka called themselves “Devaputra.”
• Kings became patrons of religion, donating land to Brahmins and monks.
• Performance of Vedic rituals (Rajasuya, Ashvamedha) legitimized authority.
• Royal power depicted through coins, inscriptions, and temple patronage.
• Kingship intertwined with religious and moral ideals rather than only political might.
  (5)

Q13. Explain the major changes that took place in the countryside during 600 BCE – 600 CE.
Ans.

• Agricultural expansion due to iron ploughs, irrigation, and clearing of forests.
• Land grants to Brahmins and religious institutions (Brahmadeya, Devadana).
• Emergence of landlord class and decline in peasants’ freedom.
• Increased social stratification in villages.
• Surplus production supported urban growth and trade.
  (5)

Q14. Analyse the growth of towns and trade during this period.
Ans.

• Urban revival after Mauryas; cities like Mathura, Ujjain, and Amaravati flourished.
• Artisans and traders organized in guilds; bazaars developed.
• Coinage (punch-marked, Roman, gold) facilitated trade.
• Overseas commerce with Rome and Southeast Asia expanded.
• Growth of roads and riverine transport enhanced connectivity.
• Towns became economic and cultural centers of early India.
  (5)

Q15. How did inscriptions contribute to reconstructing ancient Indian history?
Ans.

• Provide contemporary, authentic evidence about rulers and events.
• Mention royal orders, donations, victories, and policies.
• Help trace geographical extent of kingdoms.
• Reveal languages, scripts, and administrative terms.
• Despite limitations, inscriptions remain primary historical sources.
  (5)

Section D – Source-Based Question (4 marks)

Q16. Read the passage and answer the questions below:

“Uniformity in brick size, weights and measures indicates that some form of authority existed in early states. Yet, unlike later times, we find no palaces or monuments glorifying kings.”

(a) What does ‘uniformity’ in material culture suggest?
(b) What conclusion do historians draw from it?
(c) Why is identifying early rulers difficult?

Ans.
(a) Uniformity means standardization in production and measurements.
(b) It indicates central authority or administrative control.
(c) Because inscriptions or monuments naming rulers are absent; evidence is indirect.
(4)

Section E – Map Question (6 marks)

Q17. Locate and label the following on the outline map of India:
(a) Pataliputra (b) Ujjain (c) Taxila (d) Mathura (e) Bharuch (f) Kaveripattinam

Answer Key:

• Pataliputra – Bihar (near modern Patna)
• Ujjain – Madhya Pradesh
• Taxila – near Rawalpindi (Pakistan)
• Mathura – Uttar Pradesh
• Bharuch – Gujarat (on Narmada estuary)
• Kaveripattinam – Tamil Nadu (on east coast)
  (6)

Section F – Value-Based / Analytical Question (8 marks)

Q18.
“The period between 600 BCE and 600 CE marks the foundation of India’s political and economic structure.”
Examine this statement with examples.

Ans.

• Rise of Mahajanapadas led to formation of states.
• Magadha became first powerful empire; later Mauryan unification under Ashoka.
• Development of monetary economy and long-distance trade.
• Spread of urban centers – Pataliputra, Mathura, Ujjain.
• Emergence of new social classes – merchants, artisans, landlords.
• Inscriptions and coins reveal administrative sophistication.
• Thus, this era laid the political and economic foundation for later empires like the Guptas.
  (8)

✅ Marks Distribution Summary