The Rise of Empires Class 7 Notes

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Notes

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Notes

1. Empire: A large territory or group of territories under the control of a single ruler or government.

2. Emperor: A ruler with supreme authority over an empire.

3. Tributary: A state or ruler that pays tribute to a more powerful state or ruler as a sign of submission.

4. Imperium: A Latin term meaning 'supreme power', often used to describe the authority of an emperor.

5. Samraj: An ancient Sanskrit term meaning 'the lord of all' or 'supreme ruler'.

6. Mahajanapadas: Large kingdoms in ancient India, existing around the 6th to 4th century BCE.

7. Guild: An association of craftsmen or merchants who work together to protect their economic interests.

8. Nanda Dynasty: A ruling dynasty in ancient India known for unifying smaller kingdoms and expariding its territory.

9. Magadha: An ancient kingdom in India that became a dominant center of power and the foundation for India's first empire.

10. Chhattra: A parasol or umbrella used as a symbol of royalty or protection in ancient Indian culture.

11. Maurya Empire: One of the largest empires in ancient India, known for its extensive territory and centralised administration.

12. 6th and the 4th century BCE.

1. Rise of Mahajanapadas: Sixteen large kingdoms emerged in north and central India, establishing assembly systems for governance.
2. Dominance of Magadha: Magadha, under powerful kings like Ajataśhatru, became a central power, unifying smaller kingdoms.

13. 5th BCE

1. Rise of Mahapadma Nanda: Mahapadma Nanda founded the Nanda dynasty in Magadha, unifying smaller kingdoms
2. Economic Growth: Surplus food production led to increased trade and the issuance of coins, enhancing economic power.
3. Cultural Flourishing: The period saw advancements in arts and crafts, supported by a thriving economy.

14. 327-325 BCE

1. Alexander the Great campaigns in India, defeating King Porus in Punjab. This period marks the beginning of significant Greek influence in the region.

15. 324 BCE

1. Following his campaigns, Alexander retreats to Persia, facing significant losses due to harsh conditions.

16. 323 BCE

1. Alexander dies in Babylon at the age of 32, leading to the division of his empire among his generals and satraps.

17. 322-297 BCE

1. The Maurya Empire is established by Chandragupta Maurya, who consolidates power in northern India after Alexander's retreat.

18. 321 BCE

1. Chandragupta Maurya becomes the first emperor of the Maurya Empire, marking the beginning of a unified Indian state.

19. 268-232 BCE

1. Reign of Emperor Aśhoka, known for his promotion of Buddhism and the concept of Dhamma. Aśhoka fights the Kalinga War, which leads to significant loss of life and suffering, prompting him to embrace Buddhism and promote the principles of Dhamma (moral law). Aśhoka's edicts emphasise moral governance and tolerance towards various religious beliefs.

20. 185 BCE

1. The Maurya Empire falls, leading to the rise of regional powers and the fragmentation of India into smaller kingdoms.

21. Empire

1. Large political unit under a single ruler
2. Shaped Indian civilisation
3. Kingdom to empire - factors military conquest, strategic alliance, centralised governance

22. Feature of empire

1. Big armies, structured administration .
2. Laws, currencies, regulated trade
3. Control on resources
4. Promotion to art, literature, education
5. Development of communication network - road, shipping
6. Emperor's control over tributaries

23. Motivation to expand

1. Needed large territory to show power
2. Wish to be remembered in history
3. Access to resources for military and economic strength
4. Sought wealth for themselves and empire

24. Strategy to expand

1. Fortified settlements at strategic location
2. Control over trade routes
3. War against neighbours
4. Big military power with huge resources

25. Economic Growth (Nanda)

1. Surplus food - promoted art and craft
2. Boost to trade and transportation (river)
3. Unification and expansion by Mahapadma Nanda
4. Issued own coin-reflects power and prosperity
5. Dhana Nanda, unpopular emperor - downfall of empire.

26. Economic foundation

1. To maintain big army-required resource and workforce
2. Flourishing trade
3. Establishment of new trade routes and control over them
4. Promoting local and international trade
5. Formation of guilds

27. Role of Trade Guilds

1. Economic collaboration between traders
2. Decreased competency
3. Elected leaders and ethical standards
4. Own set of business rules
5. Autonomous organisation

28. Guilds and Rise of Magadha

1. Guilds - group of people with same profession
2. They could make their own rules
3. Were present all over India
4. Great influence on trade and other activities
5. Beginning of the concept of selfrule and autonomous body.

29. Rise of Magadha

1. Dominant kingdom (600-400 BCE)
2. Made Central Power by Ajatashatru
3. Factors - Fertile Ganga plain, resource rich, iron technology, productive agricultural surplus, developed weapons

30. Decline of Maurya

1. 50 years, after Ashoka's death
2. Rise of smaller kingdoms (185 BCE)

31. The Greeks

1. After conquering Persia (Iran), Greeks invaded India (North western)
2. Alexander (Greek King) has kingdom of 3 continents under his control
3. Alexander defeated Porus, left Satraps (governors) to rule.
4. Due to fierce resistance, Alexander retreated and died in Babylon
5. Alexander met many gymnosophists (Indian philosophers)

32. Kautilya

1. Also known as Chanakya, Vishnugupta
2. He worked at Dhana Nanda's court, later helped Chandragupta
3. Kautilya helped Chandragupta in defeating Dhana Nanda
4. Chandragupta defeated Satraps and integrated northwest into India

33. Kautilya's Saptanga

1. 7 elements of a kingdom - King, fortified town, officials, treasury, allies, army, territory and population

34. Kautilya's Governance

1. 7 elements essential for stable and prosperous kingdom
2. Believed in warfare and peaceful alliance
3. Strong administration
4. Countryside is source of power for king
5. Happiness of subjects

35. Ashoka

1. Expansion of Maurya empire
2. Fought Kalinga war - adopted non-violence and Buddhism
3. Sent emissaries to preach Buddhism
4. In edicts, admits destructiveness of war, great communicator
5. Edicts inscribed on rocks/pillars in Prakrit (common) language

36. Rulership

1. Called himself 'Devanampiya Piyadasi'
2. Stopped animal cruelty, provided medical care, made rest houses, wells, roads, planted trees along roads
3. Ordered officials to show good behaviour

37. Dhamma

1. Involved moral law, duty, truth, order, ethics
2. Officials were asked to show affection and good behaviour towards people

Life, Art and Culture, Architecture

38. Art and Culture

1. Terracota figurines, deities like Saptamatrika, Yakshi etc., Sarnath pillar with four icons and dharma chakra
2. Mauryans known for artistic contribution
3. Figurines depicts - designs, daily life, belief, etc.

39. Challenges to Stability

1. Overburdened by state's demand, size of the kingdom
2. Weak successors
3. Natural calamities
4. Over dependence on army

40. Life

1. Planned city, fire safety
2. Blacksmith, potters, carpenters etc. lived in city
3. Wooden houses, courier service, cotton garments, leather shoes

41. Architecture

1. Sanchi Stupa - bricks and stones
2. Ashoka made stupas, chaityas, vihara
3. Rock sculpture - elephant at Dhauli-Buddha's calmness and intelligence
4. Edict - for spreading messages of Ashoka
5. Sarnath capital - India's national emblem
6. Dharmachakra - Buddha's teachings