Experts have designed these Class 7 SST Notes Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires Class 7 Notes for effective learning.
Class 7 The Rise of Empires Notes
Class 7 SST Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires Notes
Class 7 SST Chapter 5 Notes – The Rise of Empires Notes Class 7
→ Empire: A large territory comprising multiple smaller kingdoms or regions ruled by a central authority (emperor), maintained through military power, administration, and economic control.
→ Tributary: A ruler or state that pays, tribute in the form of goods or money, to an emperor as a sign of loyalty.
→ Vassal: A synonym for tributary, a subordinate ruler or kingdom under an emperor.
→ Samraj/Adhiraja/Rajadhiraja: Sanskrit titles meaning “supreme ruler,” “overlord,” and “king of kings,” respectively, used for emperors.
→ Posterity: Refers to future generations.
→ Trade Routes: Networks of roads, rivers, and sea paths used for transporting goods, crucial for economic prosperity and imperial control.
→ Guilds (Shrenis): Associations of traders, artisans, or merchants that regulated production, prices, and trade practices.
→ Mahajanapadas: Sixteen major king¬doms or republics in ancient India (6th century BCE), precursors to empires like Magadha.
→ Nanda Dynasty: A powerful dynasty ruling Magadha before the Mauryas, known for economic strength and a large army.
→ Maurya Empire: India’s first major empire (321-185 BCE), founded by Chandragupta Maurya and expanded by Ashoka.
→ Sutras: Sutras are short, simple texts that provide instructions or teachings.
→ Satraps: Provincial governors in Persian and Greek empires, often granted autonomy to manage distant territories.
→ Kautilya: Also known as Chanakya (real name: Vishnu Gupta) was a scholar and advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, who authored the Arthashastra, a treatise on governance, economics, and statecraft.
→ Megasthenes: Greek ambassador to Chandragupta’s court and author of Indika.
→ Arthashastra: An ancient Indian text on statecraft, politics, and economics, written by Kautilya.
→ Saptanga: Kautilya’s concept of the “seven limbs” of a kingdom: king, ministers, territory, fort, treasury, army, and allies.
→ Ashoka: Mauryan emperor renowned for promoting Buddhism, non-violence, and welfare policies after the Kalinga War.
→ Edicts: Official proclamations by Ashoka, inscribed on rocks and pillars, promoting dharma and public welfare.
→ Emissary: A person sent on a mission to deliver a message or represent someone.
→ Prakrit: A vernacular language of ancient India, used in Ashoka’s edicts and daily communication.
→ Brahmi Script: Ancient Indian writing v system used for Ashoka’s edicts; ancestor of most modern Indian scripts.
→ Dharma (Dhamma): Moral law or ethical duty governing righteous conduct, emphasised by Ashoka as a unifying principle.
→ Granary: State-managed storage for grain, ensuring food security (Mentioned in Sohagaura inscription during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya).
→ Dharmachakra: The “Wheel of Dharma,” symbolising the Buddha’s teachings; featured in India’s national emblem and flag.
→ Stupa: A hemispherical Buddhist shrine housing relics, symbolising the universe (e.g., Sanchi Stupa).
→ Punch-marked. Coins: Early Indian coins stamped with symbols, used during the Mauryan era.
The Rise of Empires Class 7th Notes
Prelude
- The chapter opens with a narrative of Bhavisha and Dhruv, who use a time machine named Itihasa to visit Pataliputra (modern-day Patna). They meet Ira, a local girl, who introduces them to the city’s defenses (moat, drawbridge), resources (forests, elephants), and ongoing projects like rock-cut caves for monks. This sets the stage for exploring empires through the lens of Magadha and the Mauryas.
What is an Empire?
- An empire is defined as a large territory comprising smaller kingdoms ruled by a supreme authority (emperor). Key terms include:
- Tributary states: Vassal kingdoms paying tribute (wealth, goods) as a sign of loyalty.
- Emperor titles: Samraj (supreme ruler), Adhiraja (overlord), Rajadhiraja (king of kings).
Features of an Empire
- Maintains a strong army for control and expansion.
- Centralised administration (tax collection, law enforcement).
- Standardisation of currency, weights, and laws.
- Control over resources (mines, forests, agriculture).
- Promotion of art, literature, and education.
- Infrastructure development (roads, trade routes).
Trade, Trade Routes, and Guilds
- Trade routes (e.g., Uttarapatha, Dakshinapatha) connected cities, enabling the trading of handicraft products, spices, textiles, gems, agriculture produce and animals, besides other useful items.
- Guilds (shrenis) were powerful associations of traders/artisans. They:
- Regulated production, prices, and quality.
- Collaborated to share resources and market information.
- Operated autonomously under royal non-interference.
The Rise of Magadha
- Magadha (6th – 4th century BCE) emerged as a dominant power due to:
- Geographical advantages: Fertile Ganga plains, iron ore, forests (timber, elephants).
- Technological edge: Iron tools for agriculture and weapons.
- Economic strength: Surplus grain and river trade (the Ganga, the Son rivers).
- Rulers: Ajãtašhatru expanded territory; Mahãpadma Nanda unified regions, minted coins, and built a large army. The unpopular Dhana Nanda’s rule led to Magadha’s decline, paving the way for the Mauryas.
The Arrival of the Greeks
- Alexander’s Invasion (327-325 BCE):
Alexander defeated King Porus but faced resistance from Indian tribes.
- Legacy: He established satraps (governors) in northwest India. After his death (323 BCE), his empire fragmented, but cultural exchanges between Greek and Indian philosophies occurred (e.g., Gymnosophists’ dialogue).
The Mighty Mauryas
In 321 BCE, just few years after Alexander left the Indian subcontinent with his army towards Iran, Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya empire, expanding rapidly with the strategic guidance of his mentor, Kautilya.
The Story of Kautilya
- A scholar from Takshashila, Kautilya (Chanakya) vowed to overthrow Dhana Nanda after being insulted.
- He authored the Arthashãstra, a treatise on statecraft, economics, and governance.
The Rise of Chandragupta Maurya
- With Kautilya’s guidance, Chandragupta overthrew the Nandas (321 BCE).
- He expanded the empire from Bengal to Afghanistan, defeating the Greek satraps.
- He also established diplomatic ties with the Greeks (Megasthenes’ Indika documented Mauryan society).
Kautilya’s Concept of a Kingdom
Kautilya’s famous literature Arthashastra, means the science of governance and economics. It listed instructions in many areas including administration, economics, defence, urban planning, agriculture, justice and welfare of the society.
- Saptanga Theory (Kautilya’s most important political concepts): The seven pillars of a kingdom are:
- Swami (king)
- Amatya (ministers)
- Janapada (territory and people)
- Durga (fortified cities)
- Kosha (treasury)
- Danda (military)
- Mitra (allies)
- The theory emphasised welfare, law, and anti-corruption measures.
- His central philosophy of governance directs that however powerful a king may be, his people’s interests must be his first priority.
The King Who Chose Peace
- Ashoka (268-232 BCE): He expanded the empire but renounced violence after the bloody Kalinga war.
- He promoted dharma (moral law) through rock and pillar edicts written in Prakrit (Brahmi script).
- His policies included wildlife protection, medical care, equality and justice to all.
- He also sent Buddhist emissaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia to spread Buddhism, specially message of non-violence.
- After Ashoka’s death, the Mauryan empire fragmented and smaller kingdoms became independent by 185 BCE.
Life in the Mauryan Period
- Cities like Pataliputra had strong economies, palaces, markets, and planned streets. The efficient taxation system ensured a steady income which supported the empire’s growth.
- Agriculture flourished well with two crops a year and granaries stored extra food, while guild-driven trade supported the economy.
- Artisans like blacksmiths, potters, and carpenters were important in city life.
- Ashoka’s pillar at Sarnath and the Sanchi Stupa are key examples of Mauryan art, featuring symbols of royal power and Buddhism, like the four lions and the Dharmachakra.
The Fragile Nature of Empires
- Empires declined due to:
- Overextension and rebellion in distant territories.
- Economic strain (famines, excessive tribute demands).
- Weak successors and administrative corruption.
- Reliance on military force over consensus.