NCERT Solutions-Class 7 Chapter 5-The Rise of Empires- Social Science

 

Exercise Question Answers Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires (History) Subject Social Science Class 7

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1. What are the features of an empire, and how is it different from a kingdom? Explain. 

Answer: 

• An empire is much larger than a kingdom and controls many lands and people.

• An emperor rules over several kings and territories (tributaries).

• Empires have a big army, trade networks, and strong administration.

• A kingdom usually controls only a small area and has fewer resources.

• Empires collect tribute from smaller kingdoms and build strong capitals.

2. What are some important factors for the transition from kingdoms to empires? 

Answer: 

• Strong rulers wanted to expand their power and fame.

• Iron weapons and tools made armies powerful and farming better.

• Control over trade routes brought wealth to rulers.

• Good administration and strong cities helped manage bigger areas.

• Ambition to control resources like rivers, forests, and minerals.

3. Alexander is considered an important king in the history of the world —why do you think that is so? 

Answer: 

• He built one of the largest empires across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

• He spread Greek ideas and culture to different parts of the world.

• He showed great bravery and leadership in battles.

• His meeting with Indian thinkers showed respect for wisdom.

• His empire influenced later rulers and connected east and west.

4. In early Indian history, the Mauryas are considered important. State your reasons. 

Answer: 

• Chandragupta Maurya founded the first large empire in India.

• Kautilya’s Arthashastra gave ideas for strong governance.

• Ashoka spread Buddhism and ruled with kindness after the Kalinga war.

• They built roads, improved trade, and promoted art and learning.

• The Mauryas united most of India under one rule.

5. What were some of Kauṭilya’s key ideas? Which ones of these can you observe even today in the world around us? 

Answer: 

• A ruler must take care of his people’s welfare.

• Strong administration with ministers and governors.

• Collection of fair taxes and building roads, forts, and towns.

• Controlling trade and protecting farmers.

• Today, governments still build infrastructure, collect taxes, and care for people.

6. What were the unusual things about Aśhoka and his empire? What of that has continued to influence India and why? Write your opinion in about 250 words. 

Answer: 

• Ashoka changed after the Kalinga war, choosing peace over violence.

• He followed Buddhism and spread dhamma (good conduct) across his empire.

• Ashoka treated all religions with respect and supported public welfare.

• He built hospitals for people and animals, roads, and rest houses.

• His messages were engraved on rocks and pillars in simple language for everyone to understand.

• Ashoka’s Lion Capital became India's national emblem.

• He promoted kindness, fairness, and harmony, which influenced Indian culture deeply.

• Even today, ideas like religious tolerance, public welfare, and non-violence are part of India’s values because of Ashoka.

• His way of ruling focused on people's happiness, not just power.

• Ashoka remains an inspiration for leadership based on compassion, not conquest.

7. Thus speaks the Beloved of the Gods, the king Piyadasi: My officers of Dhamma are busy in many matters of public benefit, they are busy among members of all sects, both ascetics and householders. I have appointed some to concern themselves with the Buddhist Order, with brahmans and Ājīvika..., with the Jains..., and with various sects. There are many categories of officers with a variety of duties, but my officers of Dhamma are busy with the affairs of these and other sects. After reading the above edict of Aśhoka, do you think he was tolerant towards other religious beliefs and schools of thought? Share your opinion in the classroom. 

Answer: 

• Yes, Ashoka was very tolerant of different religions.

• He appointed officers of Dhamma to look after people of all sects.

• He encouraged respect, study, and acceptance of all beliefs.

• Ashoka treated people of every faith equally and fairly.

• His rule promoted peace among people with different ideas and faiths.

8. The Brahmi script was a writing system that was widely used in ancient India. Try to learn more about this script, taking help from your teacher wherever required. Create a small project and include what you have learnt about Brahmi. 

Answer: 

• Brahmi was one of the earliest writing systems used in India.

• Ashoka’s edicts were written in Brahmi script.

• Brahmi is the "mother script" of many Indian languages like Devanagari, Tamil, Bengali.

• Brahmi letters were simple and easy to carve on rocks and pillars.

• It helped in recording laws, messages, and trade information.

9. Suppose you had to travel from Kauśhāmbī to Kāveripattanam in the 3rd century BCE. How would you undertake this journey, and how long would you expect it to take, with reasonable halts on the way?

Answer: 

• Start the journey by road from Kauśhāmbī along ancient trade routes like Dakshinapatha.

• Travel southward through important cities like Ujjayinī and Pratiṣhṭhāna.

• Rest at inns and trade centers on the way, using bullock carts or horseback.

• Cross rivers and forests carefully, with caravans for safety.

• The full journey would take several weeks or even 2–3 months with stops.

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