Class 12 History Chapter 2: “Kings, Farmers and Towns”

3-mark and 8-mark questions with answers

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3-MARK QUESTIONS (80–100 words)

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Q1. Who composed the Prayaga Prashasti? What does it tell us about Samudragupta? (CBSE 2013)

Answer:

1. The Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by Harishena, the court poet of Samudragupta.
2. It praises Samudragupta’s military achievements, conquests, and generosity.
3. It describes him as an “Uttarapathapati” (lord of the north), conqueror of dakshinapatha, and patron of Brahmanas.

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Q2. What is the importance of inscriptions for reconstructing history? (CBSE 2011, 2014)
Answer:

1. Inscriptions provide direct, contemporary evidence of political events, royal achievements, and administration.
2. They record genealogies, victories, land grants, religious donations, and social practices.
3. They help identify dates, places, and historical personalities when literary sources are silent or mythological.

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Q3. Why is the sixth century BCE often considered a major turning point in early Indian history? (CBSE 2010)
Answer:

1. It marked the second urbanization in the Ganga valley after the Harappan period.
2. Rise of Mahajanapadas and powerful states with new forms of administration.
3. Development of iron technology, agriculture expansion, and growth of trade and coinage.

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Q4. Mention three limitations of using inscriptions as historical sources. (CBSE 2015)
Answer:

1. Many inscriptions are eulogies that exaggerate the king’s achievements.
2. They may be damaged, incomplete, or lost, making interpretation difficult.
3. The language and script may be difficult to decipher, and sometimes only elite perspectives are represented.

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Q5. How did punch-marked coins contribute to our understanding of ancient economy? (CBSE 2016)
Answer:

1. Punch-marked coins, issued from c. sixth century BCE, indicate the use of metal currency in trade.
2. They suggest commercial growth, urbanization, and tax collection in monetary form.
3. The symbols reveal state authority, merchant guilds, and cultural motifs of the period.

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Q6. Mention three features of the Mauryan administration as described in the Arthashastra. (CBSE 2018)
Answer:

1. Centralized monarchy headed by a powerful king.
2. Appointment of officers for revenue collection, espionage, and law enforcement.
3. Emphasis on public works like irrigation, roads, and trade regulation.

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Q7. What information is given in the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela? (CBSE 2009)
Answer:

1. Records Kharavela’s achievements as ruler of Kalinga.
2. Mentions military campaigns against Magadha and western kingdoms.
3. Describes his patronage of Jainism, public works, and cultural development.

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Q8. What were the causes of the decline of the Harappan cities? (CBSE 2011)
Answer:

1. Environmental changes – floods, drought, or river course shifts.
2. Over-exploitation of resources leading to ecological degradation.
3. Decline of long-distance trade and political instability.

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8-MARK QUESTIONS (250–300 words)

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Q1. Discuss the main features of the Mauryan Empire as described in inscriptions and the Arthashastra. (CBSE 2014, 2018)
Answer:

1. Centralized Monarchy – King as supreme authority, assisted by council of ministers (mantriparishad).
2. Bureaucratic Administration – Specialized officers for tax collection, law enforcement, espionage.
3. Revenue System – Land revenue as main income; taxes on traders, artisans, and agricultural produce.
4. Military Organization – Standing army with infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants.
5. Public Works – Roads, irrigation canals, rest houses for travellers.
6. Law and Order – Maintenance of justice through appointed officers.
7. Economic Policies – Regulation of trade, weights and measures, state control over some industries.
8. Dhamma Policy (Ashoka) – Religious tolerance, welfare measures, animal protection.

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Q2. How do inscriptions help in reconstructing the history of the Mauryan period? Give examples. (CBSE 2013, 2017)
Answer:

1. Direct Records – Ashokan edicts reveal policies, administration, and moral teachings (dhamma).
2. Political Extent – Rock and pillar edicts found across India show Mauryan territorial reach.
3. Language & Script – Prakrit in Brahmi script indicates common language for governance.
4. Social Conditions – Emphasis on harmony between communities, protection of animals.
5. Economic Insights – References to roads, irrigation, and trade suggest economic planning.
6. Religious Outlook – Support for Buddhism, but also tolerance for all faiths.
7. Genealogies – Inscriptions list royal titles and succession.
8. Examples – Rock Edict XIII describes Kalinga war and Ashoka’s remorse; Minor Rock Edicts record personal messages.

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Q3. Explain the features and significance of the Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription). (CBSE 2012, 2015)
Answer:

1. Composed by – Harishena, court poet of Samudragupta.
2. Language & Script – Sanskrit in Nagari script.
3. Genealogy – Lists ancestors of Samudragupta, establishing legitimacy.
4. Military Achievements – Describes conquests in Aryavarta and Dakshinapatha.
5. Diplomatic Relations – Mentions friendly relations with forest chiefs and neighboring kingdoms.
6. Religious Patronage – Samudragupta as supporter of Brahmanas.
7. Title Claims – Portrays him as “Uttarapathapati” and universal monarch.
8. Historical Value – Valuable source for understanding Gupta political history, military policy, and cultural ideals.

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Q4. Explain the main features of urban centers in the early historic period. (CBSE 2008, 2010)
Answer:

1. Second Urbanization – Emerged in Ganga valley from c. sixth century BCE.
2. Mahajanapada Capitals – Fortified cities like Rajagriha, Pataliputra.
3. Economic Base – Agriculture supported by iron tools and irrigation.
4. Trade Networks – Inland and maritime trade using punch-marked coins.
5. Craft Production – Specialization in pottery, beads, textiles, metal goods.
6. Religious Centers – Monasteries and temples attracting pilgrims.
7. Urban Planning – Fortifications, drainage, market areas.
8. Cultural Exchange – Cosmopolitan populations due to trade and migration.

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Q5. Describe the role of coins in reconstructing ancient Indian history. (CBSE 2015, 2019)
Answer:

1. Economic Indicators – Show monetization of economy.
2. Trade Evidence – Presence in different regions shows trade links.
3. Political Authority – Rulers issued coins with symbols or names.
4. Cultural Symbols – Depict gods, animals, or motifs reflecting beliefs.
5. Chronological Data – Help in dating dynasties and events.
6. Technological Skill – Show metal quality, minting techniques.
7. Punch-marked Coins – Indicate early state involvement in economy.
8. Foreign Coins – Indo-Greek and Roman coins show international contacts.

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