Practice with Class 9 SST Extra Questions and Class 9 Social Science SST Chapter 5 State and Society up to 1000 CE Extra Questions and Answers to improve your exam performance.
State and Society up to 1000 CE Class 9 Extra Question Answer
Extra Questions of State and Society up to 1000 CE Class 9
State and Society up to 1000 CE Class 9 Very Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Explain the role of the Sabha and Samiti in the Vedic period.
Answer:
The Sabha and Samiti were important assemblies in the Vedic period that assisted the raja in governance. They discussed important matters, advised the king, and participated in decision¬making. These institutions indicate that the king did not rule entirely on his own.
Question 2.
Why did Magadha emerge as the most powerful mahajanapada?
Answer:
Magadha became the most powerful mahajanapada because of its fertile plains, rich iron ore deposits, strategic location, and capable rulers. These advantages helped strengthen agriculture, trade, military power, and administration, leading to the rise of the Mauryan Empire.
Question 3.
What is meant by the Saptanga theory of the state?
Answer:
The Saptanga theory, explained in Kautilya’s Arthasastra, describes the seven essential elements of a successful state: the king, ministers, territory and people, forts, treasury, army, and allies. These elements were considered necessary for effective governance.
Question 4.
State any two features of the Chola system of local administration.
Answer:
The Cholas developed an efficient system of local self-government through village assemblies. Members of village committees were chosen through the Kudavolai system. These assemblies managed taxation, irrigation, public works, justice, and village administration.
Question 5.
What was the importance of dharmajn early Indian society?
Answer:
Dharma referred to duty, righteousnes^ and moral conduct. It guided both rulers and ordinary people in performing their responsibilities. The chapter explains that dharma formed the basis of Justice, ethical behaviour, and good governance. ,
Question 6.
How did the gurukula system contribute to education?
Answer:
In the gurukula system, students lived with their teacher and received education in the Vedas, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, arts, and other subjects. It emphasised discipline, simple living, respect for the teacher, and the all-round development of students.
Question 7.
Why were trade routes important in early India?
Answer:
Major trade routes such as the Uttarapatha and Daksinapatha connected different regions of the Indian subcontinent. They promoted trade, facilitated the movement of people and goods, and helped spread ideas, skills, and cultural practices.
Question 8.
What functions did guilds (srenis) perform in early India?
Answer:
Guilds regulated trade, maintained the quality of goods, fixed prices, and protected the interests of merchants and artisans. They also functioned as financial institutions by accepting deposits, investing money, and paying interest, as mentioned in the Nashik inscription.
Question 9.
Why was irrigation important in early India?
Answer:
Agriculture was the main source of livelihood and state revenue. Irrigation through reservoirs, tanks, canals, and dams ensured a regular water supply for farming, increased agricultural production, and supported the growth of settlements.
Question10.
Mention any two contributions of women in early Indian society.
Answer:
Women participated in education, religious rituals, and scholarly discussions. Women sages such as Apala, Ghosha, Vishvavara, and Lopamudra composed hymns of the Rig Veda. They also contributed to agriculture, crafts, literature, and public life.
State and Society up to 1000 CE Class 9 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Explain how janas developed into janapadas and later into mahajanapadas.
Answer:
Early Vedic society was organised into janas or clans led by a raja. As agriculture expanded, settlements beoame permanent and territory became more important than kinship, leading to the formation of janapadas. With the growth of agriculture, trade, and political power, several janapadas developed into larger and more powerful mahajanapadas. Magadha eventually emerged as the strongest among them.
Question 2.
Describe the qualities and duties of an ideal king.
Answer:
The qualities and duties of an ideal king are as follows:
- He should be energetic, impartial, just, and devoted to the welfare of the people.
- His duties included protecting the kingdom, maintaining law and order, administering justice, defending the people, and promoting public welfare.
- Ancient texts such as the Mahabharata and Kautilya’s Arthasastra emphasise that the king should rule according to dharma and act responsibly.
Question 3.
Explain the administrative system of the Cholas.
Answer:
The Cholas developed one of the most efficient administrative systems in early India. Their empire was divided into mandalams, valanadus, nadus, and villages. Village assemblies looked after taxation, irrigation, public works, justice, and local administration. Members of village committees were selected through the Kudavolai system, showing the importance of local self-government.
Question 4.
Explain the importance of dharma in governance and society.
Answer:
The dharma is described as the principle of duty, righteousness, and ethical conduct. It guided rulers in administering justice and protecting the people while encouraging individuals to fulfil their responsibilities honestly. Together with values such as rta and samatva, dharma promoted justice, social harmony, and moral behaviour in early Indian society.
Question 5.
Describe the position of women in early Indian society.
Answer:
The chapter states that women generally enjoyed a respected position during the Vedic period. They participated in education, religious rituals, and scholarly discussions. Women sages such as Apala, Ghosha, Vishvavara, and Lopamudra composed hymns of the Rig Veda. Historical evidence also shows that women contributed to agriculture, crafts, literature, governance, trade, and rbligiou&activities.
Question 6.
Explain the features of the gurukula system of education.
Answer:
In the gurukula system, students lived with their teacher and followed a disciplined life based on self-control, obedience, and service. Education aimed at the all-round development of student. They studied the Vedas, grammar, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, arts, crafts, yoga, and martial arts. The guru-sisya parampara formed the foundation of this system.
Question 7.
Explain the importance of trade routes and ports in early India.
Answer:
The Uttarapatha and Daksinapatha connected different parts of the Indian subcontinent and promoted inland trade. Important ports such as Muziris, Kaveripattinam, Arikamedu, and Masulipatnam linked India with Mesopotamia, the Persian Gulf, Rome, and Southeast Asia. These routes encouraged the exchange of goods, people, ideas, and cultural traditions.
Question 8.
Explain the economic role of guilds (srenls) in early India.
Answer:
Guilds were associations of merchants, artisans, and craftsmen engaged in the same occupation. They maintained the quality of goods, fixed prices, and protected the interests of their members. The Nashik cave inscription shows that guilds also accepted deposits, invested money, paid interest, and functioned as important financial institutions while supporting religious establishments.
Question 9.
Explain the importance of irrigation in the economy of early India.
Answer:
Agriculture formed the backbone of the economy, making irrigation essential for successful cultivation. Reservoirs, tanks, canals, and dams supplied water to fields and increased agricultural production. The chapter refers to the Sudarshana Lake and the Grand Anicut as important examples of irrigation works that supported farming and the growth of settlements.
Question 10.
Explain how literature and centres of learning contributed to the development of early Indian society.
Answer:
Ancient India developed renowned centres of learning such as Takshashila, Nalanda, Vallabhi, Vikramashila, Kanchipuram, and Mithila. Students studied a wide range of subjects under the guru- sisya tradition, Literary works such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Arthasastra, Mahabharata, Sangam literature, and the works of Kalidasa enriched India’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
State and Society up to 1000 CE Class 9 Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Describe the evolution of political organisation in early India from the Vedic period to the rise of large empires.
Answer:
In the early Vedic period, society was organised into janas or clans led by a raja. The Sabha, Samiti, and Vidhata assisted the king in governance. With the expansion of agriculture, use of iron tools, and growth of settlements, janapadas emerged. These gradually developed into sixteen mahajanapadas, among which Magadha became the most powerful. Its rise led to the establishment of the Mauryan Empire. Later, the Gupta Empire and several regional kingdoms such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Cholas developed well-organised systems of administration, making governance more efficient across large territories.
Question 2.
Explain the administrative system of early Indian empires.
Answer:
Early Indian empires developed efficient administrative systems to govern large territories. Kings were assisted by the Council of Ministers and officials responsible for revenue, justice, defence, and administration. Empires were divided into provinces, districts, and villages. The Guptas organised provinces into bhuktis, while the Pallavas and Cholas followed different administrative divisions. District officers supervised administration and justice, while village headmen managed local affairs. The Cholas developed strong local self-government through village assemblies, and the Kudavolai system was used to select members of village committees. This administrative structure ensured efficient governance and public administration.
Question 3.
Discuss the social organisation of early Indian society.
Answer:
Early Indian society was organised around the family (kula), village, and jana. The varna system initially represented functional social divisions rather than rigid birth-based groups. Over time, jatis developed because of occupations, migration, regional differences, and other social changes. The chapter explains that occupations renamed flexible during the early Vedic period, and merpbers of the same family could follow different professions. Life was guided by the four asramas ancf the four purusharthas. Gotra helped trace family lineage, while dharma guided moral conduct and, social responsibilities, contributing to an. .organise^ and ethical society.
Question 4.
Explain the importance of education in early India.
Answer:
Education in early India aimed at the all-round development of an individual. The gurukula system was based on the guru-sisya parampara, where students lived with their teacher and followed a disciplined life. They studied the Vedas, grammar, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, science, arts, crafts, yoga, and martial arts. Education also emphasised moral values, self-control, humility, and discipline. Ancient India became famous for centres of learning such as Takshashila, Nalanda, Vallabhi, Vikramashila, Kanchipuram, and Mithila, which attracted students from different regions and contributed greatly to the intellectual development of society.
Question 5.
Describe the economic life of early India.
Answer:
Agriculture formed the backbone of the economy and was the principal source of state revenue. Farmers cultivated crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, fruits, and vegetables. Irrigation through reservoirs, canals, tanks, dams, and lakes supported agriculture. Trade and commerce expanded through the Uttarapatha, and Daksinapatha, linking inland regions with important ports such as Muziris, Kaveripattinam, Arikamedu, and Masulipatnam. India maintained trade with Mesopotamia, the Persian Gulf, Rome, and Southeast Asia. Guilds (srenls) regulated trade, maintained standards, accepted deposits, paid interest, and functioned as important financial institutions.
Question 6.
Explain the role of guilds in the economy of early India.
Answer:
Guilds (srenls) were associations of merchants, traders, artisans, and craftsmen practising the same occupation. They regulated the quality of goods, fixed prices, protected the interests of their members, and maintained professional standards. Guilds also enforced discipline among members through their own judicial bodies. The Nashik cave inscription records that guilds accepted deposits, invested mpney, paid interest, and supported Buddhist monasteries through endowments. Thus, guilds performed both economic and financial functions and played an important role in promoting trade, industry, and commerce in early India.
Question 7.
Explain the position and contribution of women in early Indian society.
Answer:
The chapter explains that women generally enjoyed a respected position during the Vedic period. They participated in education, religious rituals, and scholarly discussions. Women sages such as Apala, Ghosha, Vishvavara, and Lopamudra composed hymns of the Rig Veda. Historical evidence also mentions rulers such as Prabhavatl Gupta, who issued land grants in her own name. Women contributed to agriculture, crafts, literature, trade, governance, music, dance, and religious activities. Although their status changed over, time, they continued to play an important role in the social, economic, and cultural life of early India.
Question 8.
Describe the religious and ethical ideas that shaped early Indian society.
Answer:
Early Vedic religion focused on prayers, yajnas, and the worship of natural forces. Over time, devotion to deities such as Visnu, Siva, and Sakti became more prominent, leading to the growth of the Bhakti tradition. The Alvars and Nayanmars composed devotional hymns that encouraged personal devotion. Ethical principles such as dharma, rta, and samatva guided both rulers and ordinary people. Ashoka’s Dhamma promoted compassion, tolerance, non-violence, and moral conduct. Together, these religious and ethical ideas strengthened social harmony and good governance.
Question 9.
Explain the importance of trade routes and overseas trade in early India.
Answer:
Trade routes such as the Uttarapatha and Daksinapatha connected different regions of the Indian subcontinent and promoted inland trade. These routes linked important commercial centres with ports on the eastern and western coasts. Ports such as Muziris, Kaveripattinam, Arikamedu, and Masulipatnam connected India with Mesopotamia, the Persian Gulf, Rome, and Southeast Asia. The movement of merchants, goods, and ideas encouraged economic prosperity and cultural interaction. The growth, of guilds further strengthened trade by maintaining quality, regulating prices, and supporting commercial activities.
Question 10.
Discuss the major achievements of early India up to 1000 CE.
Answer:
By 1000 CE, India had developed organised political institutions, efficient administrative systems, and prosperous kingdoms. Agriculture expanded with improved irrigation, while trade and commerce flourished through major land and sea routes. Renowned centres of learning such as Nalanda and Takshashila promoted education and scholarship. Literary works including the Vedas, Upanishads, Arthasastra, Sangam literature, and Kalidasa’s writings enriched India’s cultural heritage. Ethical values, dharma, and the Bhakti tradition influenced society. These achievements laid the foundation of India’s enduring political, social, economic, and cultural traditions.
State and Society up to 1000 CE Class 9 Source Based Questions
Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follow:
Ushavadata, son of Dinika, son-in-law of King Nahapana, has bestowed this cave on the Samgha. He also gave a perpetual endowment of 3,000 kahapanas. The money was invested in two weavers’ guilds, and the interest earned was used to provide clothing and other necessities for the members of the Samgha.
(i) Who was the donor mentioned in the source?
Answer:
Ushavadata, the son of Dinika and son-in-law of King Nahapana.
(ii) In which guilds was the donated money invested?
Answer:
The money was invested in two weavers’ guilds.
(iii) What does this source tell us about the role of guilds in early India?
Answer:
The source shows that guilds (srenls) were not only associations of merchants and craftsmen but also functioned as financial institutions. They accepted deposits, invested money, paid interest, and supported religious establishments through endowments, playing an important role in the economic life ‘of early India.
Question 2.
“I am a poet, my father is a physician, and my mother grinds com. We pursue many occupations, seeking wealth, like cattle in search of pasture.”
— Rig Veda
(i) According to the source, what was the occupation of the speaker’s father?
Answer:
The speaker’s father was a physician
(ii) What does the source tell us about the occupations of members of the same family?
Answer:
It shows that members of the same family could follow different occupations.
(iii) What does this source suggest about the nature of occupations in early Vedic society?
Answer:
The source suggests that occupations in the early Vedic period were flexible and not strictly determined by birth. Members of the same family could practise different professions, indicating that occupational mobility existed in early Vedic society.
State and Society up to 1000 CE Class 9 Picture Based Questions
Question 1.
Look at the pictures and answer the questions that follow.
(i) Identify the historical object shown in the picture.
Answer:
The picture shows the Junagadh Rock Inscription.
(ii) Which important irrigation work is mentioned in the Junagadh inscription?
Answer:
The Sudarshana Lake is mentioned in the Junagadh inscription.
(iii) What does the Junagadh inscription tell us about irrigation and public works in early India?
Answer:
The Junagadh inscription records the construction and later repairs of the Sudarshana Lake by successive rulers. It shows that irrigation was essential for agriculture and that rulers considered the construction and maintenance of irrigation works an important responsibility.
State and Society up to 1000 CE Class 9 Map based Questions
Question 1.
On the given political map of India, locate and label the following places:
(i) Kosala
(ii) Matsya
(iii) Ghedi
(iv) Avanti
(v) Magadha
Answer:
Class 9 State and Society up to 1000 CE Extra Questions for Practice
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which of the following administrative divisions was used as a province during the Gupta period?
(a) Nadu
(b) Bhukti
(c) Kottam
(d) Pattana
Question 2.
Which principle is described in the Rig Veda as the universal order that maintains harmony in nature and society?
(a) Dharma
(b) Moksha
(c) Rta
(d) Artha
Question 3.
Which inscription describes the Kudavolai system of selecting village committee members?
(a) Junagadh Inscription
(b) Hathigumpha Inscription
(c) Uttaramerur Inscription
(d) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
Question 4.
Which of the following centres became famous for higher learning in ancient India?
(a) Nalanda
(b) Puhar
(c) Muziris
(d) Govadhana
Assertion & Reason Questions
Question 1.
Assertion (A): Guilds (srenls) played an important role in the economic life of early India.
Reason (R): Guilds accepted deposits, invested money, and paid interest.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Fill in the blanks
1. The Chola system of selecting members of village committees was called the _________ system.
2. The four stages of life in ancient India are known as the _________
3. The associations of merchants and artisans in early India were called _________
4. The important northern trade route of early India was known as the _________
5. The traditional teacher-student relationship was known as the _________
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
State any two duties of an ideal king according to the chapter.
Question 2.
Mention any two features of the gurukula system of education.
Question 3.
How did irrigation contribute to the economy of early India?
Question 4.
Mention any two contributions of women in early Indian society.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain how jatis developed in early Indian society.
Question 2.
Describe the role of village assemblies during the Chola period.
Question 3.
Explain the importance of the Uttarapatha and Daksinapatha trade routes.
Question 4.
Describe the economic functions performed by guilds (srenls) in early India.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain the evolution of political organisation in India from the Vedic period to the rise of large empires. Describe the administrative system of early Indian kingdoms and empires.
Question 2.
Explain the religious, ethical, and educational developments in early India up to 1000 CE.
Question 3.
Describe the major features of the economy of early India with reference to agriculture, irrigation, trade, and guilds.