Students revise important topics using Class 7 SST Extra Questions and Class 7th SST Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires Important Extra Question Answer before exams.
Class 7 SST Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires Extra Questions
NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5 Extra Questions on The Rise of Empires
The Rise of Empires Class 7 Very Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Name the capital of the Mauryan Empire.
Answer:
The capital of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra.
Question 2.
What was the title used by Ashoka in his edicts?
Answer:
Ashoka used the title “Devanampiya Piyadasi” in his edicts.
Question 3.
Which script was used in Ashoka’s inscriptions?
Answer:
Ashoka’s inscriptions were written in the Brahmi script.
Question 4.
Name the book written by Kautilya on governance.
Answer:
Kautilya wrote the book on governance called Arthashastra.
Question 5.
Which war transformed Ashoka’s policy from conquest to peace?
Answer:
The Kalinga War was the turning point that made Ashoka embrace peace.
The Rise of Empires Class 7 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What were the main differences between an empire and a kingdom in ancient India?
Answer:
Empires controlled multiple kingdoms with centralised administration and militaiy, while kingdoms ruled smaller, single regions with local governance.
Question 2.
How did the geographical location of Magadha contribute to its rise as a powerful kingdom?
Answer:
Magadha’s fertile Gangetic plains, rich iron mines, navigable rivers for transport, and forest resources gave it economic strength and military advantage, helping it become a dominant power.
Question 3.
What were the key principles of Ashoka’s Dhamma?
Answer:
Ashoka’s Dhamma promoted non-violence, religious tolerance, public welfare, and environmental protection as reflected in his edicts.
Question 4.
Why was the Brahmi script significant during the Mauryan period?
Answer:
Brahmi script standardised written communication across the Mauryan Empire and later became the foundation for many modern Indian scripts like Devanagari and Tamil.
The Rise of Empires Class 7 Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Analyse the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire with reference to Kautilya’s Arthashastra. How did it help in governing such a vast territory?
Answer:
The Mauryan administration system was highly organised, following Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which detailed the Saptanga (seven limbs) theory of state. It established a centralised bureaucracy with officials like amatyas (ministers) and mahamattas (superintendents) overseeing provinces, cities, and villages. The empire was divided into four provinces with royal princes as governors. An efficient spy system monitored officials and citizens. This meticulous administrative structure, combined with strict but fair laws, enabled effective control over the vast Mauryan territories while maintaining order and prosperity.
Question 2.
Explain the significance of Ashoka’s Dhamma. How was it different from Buddhism, and what measures did Ashoka take to propagate it?
Answer:
Ashoka’s Dhamma was a moral code emphasising non-violence, tolerance, truthfulness, and respect for all religions. While inspired by Buddhism, it was secular and universal, applicable to people of all faiths. Ashoka propagated Dhamma through edicts inscribed on rocks and pillars across the empire in local languages. He appointed Dhamma Mahamattas to teach these principles and implemented welfare measures like hospitals, roads, and rest houses. This innovative approach to governance promoted social harmony and ethical living without enforcing any single religion.
Question 3.
Describe the economic prosperity of the Mauryan Empire. What role did trade and agriculture play in its deve lopment ?
Answer:
The Mauryan economy flourished due to advanced agriculture using iron tools and irrigation, yielding surplus crops. Trade was facilitated by guilds (shrenis) that standardised production and quality. The empire controlled key trade routes like the Uttarapatha, connecting it to Central Asia, and maintained ports like Tamralipti for maritime trade. A uniform system of weights, measures, and punch-marked coins facilitated commerce. State-owned mines and granaries ensured resource availability. This robust economic system, combining agricultural surplus with domestic and international trade, made the empire prosperous.
The Rise of Empires Class 7 Source Based Questions
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Read the excerpt from Megasthenes’ account of Pataliputra : “The city is surrounded by wooden walls with 570 towers and 64 gates. The king’s palace, built of stone and wood, rivals Persian splendour. Streets are marked with signboards, and firefighting water pots are placed at intervals.”
(a) What does this description reveal about urban planning under the Mauryas?
Answer:
The description reveals advanced urban planning under the Mauryas. The city had a systematic layout with marked streets and fire safety measures, indicating thoughtful design and concern for public welfare.
(b) How might Pataliputra’s infrastru¬cture have contributed to its administrative efficiency compared to other contemporary cities?
Answer:
Pataliputra’s infrastructure suppor¬ted administrative efficiency in several ways:
- Organised streets enabled easy movement and better trade.
- Strategic defences with walls and towers allowed to quick responses to threats.
- Public amenities like fire fighting earthern water pots, indicate a proactive approach to disaster management.
- Contrast: Most cities lacked such planned infrastructure.
(c) If you were an archaeologist, which three features mentioned here would you look for to verify Megasthenes’ account? Justify your choices.
Answer:
Features to verify:
- Remains of wooden walls (uncommon in other contemporary cities).
- Signboard relics (evidence of street labelling).
- Palace foundations (stone/wood mix matching Persian influence). Justification: These are unique, tangible proofs of Megasthenes’ claims.
The Rise of Empires Class 7 Picture Based Questions
Question 1.
Look at the picture given and answer the questions that follow:
(a) Identify the structure and its location.
Answer:
Ashoka’s Lion Capital from Sarnath (near Varanasi).
(b) Explain the symbolism of:
• The four lions
• The wheel (Dharmachakra)
Answer:
Symbolism:
Lions: Royal power/spread of Dhamma to four directions.
Wheel: Buddha’s teachings /moral law.
(c) How does this structure reflect Ashoka’s Dhamma?
Answer:
Link to Dhamma: Represents unity (lions), ethical governance (wheel), and non¬violence (animals), echoing Ashoka’s post- Kalinga policies.
The Rise of Empires Class 7 Competency Based Questions
Question 1.
“Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma emphasised moral values over military power.” Compare this approach with the governance style of Chandragupta Maurya, who relied on Kautilya’s Arthashastra. Which strategy do you think was more effective for maintaining a vast empire, and why?
Answer:
Chandragupta’s Arthashastra- based rule prioritised military strength and strict administration, which was effective for expansion. However, Ashoka’s Dhamma fostered lasting stability through moral governance, welfare, and tolerance, reducing revolts. While Chandragupta’s methods secured the empire’s borders, Ashoka’s approach unified diverse cultures ethically. Long-term effectiveness favoured Dhamma, as it addressed root causes of conflict through compassion rather than force.
Question 2.
If you were appointed as a Dhamma Mahamatta in Ashoka’s administration, how would you address a conflict between two religious communities in your proi/ince? Refer to Ashoka’s edicts to justify your solution.
Answer:
As a Dhamma Mahamatta, I would:
- Organise dialogues between comm¬unities, echoing Ashoka’s edicts on interfaith respect.
- Highlight shared Dhamma values (non-violence, truth).
- Address complaints through fair mediation, much like Ashoka’s emphasis on justice.
- Promote joint welfare projects (e.g., building wells) to foster unity. This aligns with Ashoka’s Rock Edict XII, which urges tolerance and collective welfare.
The Rise of Empires Class 7 Skill Based Questions
Question 1.
Compare the military strategies of the Nanda and Mauryan empires using evidence from the chapter. How did their approaches to warfare reflect their broader governance styles?
Answer:
The military strategies of the Nanda and Maurya empires were quite different, reflecting their unique approaches to governanace.
Nandas: Relied on massive army (Greek accounts mention 200,000 infantry) but their oppressive rule led to unpopularity.
Mauryas: Used strategic warfare (eleph¬ants, spies) and followed Kautilyas Artha¬shastra for disciplined expansion.
Governance Link: The Nandas employed brute force, while the Mauryas adopted a more organised system with an emphasis on welfare.
Question 2.
Read this excerpt from Ashoka’s Rock Edict:
‘All men are my children. I desire that they be provided with welfare and happiness in this world and the next. ’
What does this reveal about Ashoka’s governance philosophy? How might this approach have strengthened his empire?”
Answer:
Ashoka’s statement all men are my children reflects his deep sense of responsibility towards his subjects like the poor, elderly women, prisoners and people all religious and communities. Philosophy: This reflects a paternalistic welfare state; king as the caretaker of subjects’ spiritual/material needs. Strengthened empire: This approach helped build loyalty, reduce rebellions, and unify diverse populations through ethical governance.
Class 7 The Rise of Empires Extra Questions for Practice
A. Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
What is Brahmi?
(a) A language
(b) A script
(c) A Goddess
(d) A Queen
Question 2.
Which Maury an ruler established the empire with Kautilya’s help?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Ashoka
(d) Mahapadma Nanda
Question 3.
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is now the national emblem of which country?
(a) Nepal
(b) India
(c) Sri Lanka
(d) Bangladesh
Question 4.
What was the main purpose of Ashoka’s Dhamma Mahamattas?
(a) To collect taxes
(b) To spread moral governance
(c) To lead military campaigns
(d) To build temples
Question 5.
What did the policy of Dhamma promoted?
(a) Religious faith
(b) Environmental protection
(c) Religious tolerance
(d) Warfare
B. Fill in the Blanks
Question 1.
The capital of the Mauryan Empire was ……….
Question 2.
Kautilya’s book on statecraft is called …………
Question 3.
Ashoka abandoned warfare after the ……….. war.
Question 4.
The ………. trade route connected North and South India.
Question 5.
Mauryan guilds of traders and artisans were called ………..
C. State Whether True or False
Question 1.
Ashoka’s Dhamma was only focused on promoting Buddhism.
Question 2.
The Mauryan Empire had a decentralised administrative system.
Question 3.
Brahmi script is the ancestor of modern Hindi and Tamil scripts.
Question 4.
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador in Chandragupta’s court.
Question 5.
The Nanda dynasty was known for its popularity among the people.
D. Match the Columns
| Column A | Column B |
| 1. Guilds | A. Turning point in Ashoka’s reign |
| 2. Kautilya | B. Led to Indo-Greek cultural exchange |
| 3. Alexander’s invasion | C. Author of Arthashastra, advisor to Chandragupta |
| 4. Chandragupta Maurya | D. Autonomous associations of artisans/traders |
| 5. Kalinga War | E. Overruled the Nandas in 321 BCE |
E. Assertion and Reason Questions
There are two statements given Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given above. Mark your answer according to the code given below.
Question 1.
Assertion (A): Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma promoted religious tolerance and non-violence.
Reason (R): He appointed Dhamma Mahamattas to teach moral values across his empire.
Codes:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true
Question 2.
Assertion (A): The Mauryan Empire maintained a strong centralised admi-nistration.
Reason (R): Kautilya’s Arthashastra provided detailed guidelines for governance and spy systems.
Codes:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true
F. Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
Question 2.
Name the book written by Kautilya.
Question 3.
Which script was used in Ashoka’s edicts?
Question 4.
What title did Ashoka use in his inscriptions?
Question 5.
Which war transformed Ashoka’s policy to Dhamma?
G. Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
State two features of an empire that distinguishes it from a kingdom.
Question 2.
How did Magadha’s geographical location contribute to its rise?
Question 3.
What was the role of guilds (shrenis) in the Mauryan economy?
H. Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain Ashoka’s Dhamma and its significance in unifying the Mauryan Empire.
Question 2.
Describe the administrative system of the Maury as with reference to Kautilya’s Arthashastra.