NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 7 Notes cover all the important topics in a precise and simplified way. NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 7 Notes are easy to understand and learn for the exams. NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 7 Notes can be used for a quick revision of the chapter – Ashoka The Emperor Who Gave Up War.
NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 7 Notes
The Lions we have on our notes and coins have been taken from the Ashokan Pillars. These pillars were built by the Mauryan ruler Ashoka. Ashoka is one of the greatest rulers of Indian history. Ashoka got his instructions inscribed on these stone pillars.
Mauryan Empire
>>Mauryan Empire was established by the Mauryan dynasty.
>>Mauryan dynasty was one the most powerful dynasty of ancient India.
>>Founded by Chandragupta Maurya more than 2300 years ago.
>>Chandragupra Maurya and his son Bindusara expanded the Mauryan Empire.
>>Ashoka was the son of Bindusara and the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya.
Dynasty – Rulers from the same family one after another.
Chanakya (Kautilya)
>>Teacher and guide of Chandragupta Maurya.
>>Known for his economic and political knowledge.
>>Chanakya’s ideas were written down in a book called the Arthshashtra.
Kingdom and Empire
>>Kingdom is smaller in size whereas an empire is a very big kingdom.
>>More resources, officials, and soldiers are required to rule an empire as compared to a kingdom.
Important cities of the Mauryan Empire
>>Patliputra (Present-day Patna, Bihar) was the Capital city.
>>Taxila, Ujjain, etc. were other important cities.
>>Taxila was the gateway to the northwest.
>>Ujjain was on the route from north to south India.
People
>>Officials, merchants, craftspersons, etc. lived in the cities.
>>farmers, herders, small craftspersons lived in villages.
>>hunters and gatherers lived in the forest region of the empire.
>>People who lived in different parts of the empire spoke different languages, ate different kinds of food, and wore different kinds of clothes.
Administration of the Empire
>>Large empire was divided into smaller provinces.
>>Each province had capital cities.
>>The empire was ruled by the emperor with the help of ministers, members of the royal families, and other officials.
>>Royal princes were sent to the provinces as governors who ruled these provinces on behalf of the emperor.
>>The area near Patliputra was under the direct control of the emperor.
Source of income for the empire
>>Tax was collected from the vast area that was controlled by the emperor.
>>Occasional gifts (tributes) were also given to the emperor by the people.
>>Other kingdoms were also attacked for capturing wealth.
Ashoka – A unique Ruler
>>Most famous ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.
>>First ruler to take his messages to the people through inscriptions on stone pillars.
>>Inscriptions were written in Prakrit language and written in Brahmi Script.
>>Only ruler in history to give the conquest after winning the war.
>>He built roads, dug wells, and built rest houses.
>>He arranged medical treatment for both humans and animals.
Why did Ashoka give up war?
Ashoka wanted to conquer Kalinga (an ancient name for coastal Orrisa). He attacked and fought a war with Kalinga. He was horrified to see the bloodshed and violence after the war. After seeing many innocent people killed, he changed his mind and decided not to fight any more wars.
Ashoka’s Dhamma
Ashoka was inspired by the teachings of Buddha and started following Buddhism. He felt that it is his duty to teach his people about Dhamma.
Ashoka’s Dhamma included:
>>Being gentle with slaves and servants.
>>Respecting elders.
>>Treating all creatures with compassion.
>>Giving gifts to monks and Brahmins.
>>Respecting all religions.
How did Ashoka Spread his message of Dhamma and Buddhism?
>>Ashoka appointed Dhamma Mahamatta who went from place to place teaching people about Dhamma.
>>He got his messages inscribed on rocks and pillars.
>>Dhamma Mahamatta read these messages to those who could not read them.
>>Ashoka also sent messengers to spread ideas about dhamma to other lands, such as Syria, Egypt, Greece, and Sri Lanka.