DAV Class 6 SST Chapter 15 Question Answer North India after Mauryas and Sungas

Looking for the most comprehensive and authentic DAV Class 6 Social Science Chapter 15 Solutions: North India after Mauryas and Sungas (First Century BCE to Third Century CE)? Based strictly on the prescribed DAV CAE textbook We and Our World, this authoritative guide features complete, exhaustive answers for Section A (Tick the correct option with historical justifications), Section B (Fill in the blanks with context), Section C (Match the following table), Section D (Short Answer Questions), and Section E (Detailed Long Answer Questions with structural headings). In addition, this guide includes Value-Based Questions (VBQ), HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills), multi-column comparison tables (Gandhara vs Mathura School of Art, Indo-Greeks vs Kushans), and authentic DAV Board Examination Previous Years’ Questions (2018-2024) with step-by-step marking schemes.

Section A: Tick (✓) the Correct Option

1. Sakas originally belonged to:
(a) Western Europe
(b) Central Asia
(c) East Asia
(d) South Africa
Answer: (b) Central Asia
Detailed Historical Justification: The Sakas (known in Western history as Scythians) were nomadic pastoral horse-riding tribes originating from the steppes of Central Asia north of the Syr Darya river. When displaced by the advancing Yuezhi tribe, they moved southwards and migrated into north-western and western India through the Bolan pass.

2. Edict on Girnar mountain is in:
(a) Ujjain
(b) Junagarh
(c) Mathura
(d) Taxila
Answer: (b) Junagarh
Detailed Historical Justification: The celebrated rock inscription of the Western Saka ruler Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I is situated on the slopes of Mount Girnar in Junagadh (Kathiawar peninsula of Gujarat). Engraved around 150 CE, it is famous as the earliest long, chaste classical Sanskrit inscription in India, recording the rebuilding of the embankment of Sudarshan Lake.

3. Kushans were defeated by:
(a) Greeks
(b) Sakas
(c) Huns
(d) Mauryas
Answer: (c) Huns
Detailed Historical Justification: After their peak under Kanishka and Huvishka, the Kushan Empire fragmented into smaller autonomous states in north-western India and Bactria, which were eventually overrun and extinguished by fierce nomadic invaders called the Huns (White Huns or Epthalites) arriving from Central Asia.

4. The use of helmets was introduced in India by:
(a) The Mauryas
(b) The Greeks
(c) The Kushans
(d) The Guptas
Answer: (c) The Kushans
Detailed Historical Justification: The Kushans transformed Indian military attire and cavalry warfare by introducing metal battle helmets, padded turbans, heavy woolen tunics, long coats, leather riding boots, and stirrups for cavalry soldiers.

5. The Gandhar School of Art made images of only:
(a) Lord Shiva
(b) Lord Vishnu
(c) Gautam Buddha
(d) Mahavira
Answer: (c) Gautam Buddha
Detailed Historical Justification: The Gandhara School of Art was exclusively a Greco-Buddhist art movement. It applied classical Hellenistic Greek sculpting styles (realistic physical muscularity, wavy locks of hair, draped Roman-style folds of garments) exclusively to portray Gautam Buddha and his attendant Bodhisattvas.

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

1. Grand Dhwaj Pillar was built at Besnagar by Heliodorus.
Contextual Explanation: Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador sent by King Antialcidas of Taxila to the court of King Bhagabhadra of Vidisha (Besnagar in Madhya Pradesh), converted to Vaishnavism (Bhagavatism) and erected the famous Garuda pillar (Garuda Dhvaja) dedicated to Lord Vasudeva.

2. Kanishka was the most famous Kushan ruler.
Contextual Explanation: Emperor Kanishka (who ascended the throne in 78 CE) was the greatest ruler of the Kushan dynasty, known for his vast empire extending from Central Asia to Pataliputra, patronizing Buddhist philosophy, and promoting the Silk Route.

3. Stitched clothes and long boots were introduced in India by Kushans.
Contextual Explanation: Before the arrival of Central Asian tribes, Indians wore largely unstitched lengths of cotton cloth (dhotis and uttarriyas). The Kushans introduced tailored trousers, achkans, heavy overcoats, and knee-high leather boots suited for horse riding.

4. Greeks contributed to the development of Indian theatre.
Contextual Explanation: Greek dramatic traditions significantly influenced ancient Indian theatre and drama, as demonstrated by the adoption of the stage curtain known in Sanskrit Natyashastra as Yavanika (derived from Yavana, meaning Greek or Ionian).

5. Kanishka was the follower of Mahayana branch of Buddhism.
Contextual Explanation: Under Kanishka’s royal patronage, the Fourth Buddhist Council was convened in Kashmir, formalizing the schism between Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana Buddhism, with Kanishka zealously promoting the Mahayana doctrine of Buddha worship.

Section C: Match the Following

Below is the precise matching table according to the DAV textbook We and Our World:

Correct Matching Summary: 1 – c, 2 – a, 3 – e, 4 – b, 5 – d.

Section D: Answer the Following Questions in Brief

Q1. Where did Menander establish his rule in India?
Answer:
King Menander (known in ancient Indian Buddhist literature as Milinda) was the most famous Indo-Greek ruler. He established a vast and prosperous kingdom extending over Punjab, Gandhara, parts of Rajasthan, and the Kashmir valley, with his capital located at Sakala (modern Sialkot in Pakistan).

Q2. Mention the areas where the contribution of Greeks was very valuable.
Answer:
The contribution of the Greeks (Yavanas) was extraordinarily valuable in multiple spheres:

• Coinage: Introduction of artistic die-cast coins bearing portraits of kings, names, dates, and bilingual inscriptions.
• Astronomy and Science: Influencing Indian planetary calculations and the science of astrology (Horashastra).
• Art and Sculpture: Creation of the Greco-Buddhist Gandhara School of Art.
• Indian Theatre: Contribution to stage drama, including the introduction of the stage curtain (Yavanika).
• Language and Philosophy: Philosophical exchanges, such as the famous dialogues recorded in the Buddhist text Milindapanho (Questions of King Milinda).

Q3. Who were the Kushans? Why did they come to India?
Answer:
The Kushans were one of the five constituent clans of the nomadic Yuezhi (Tueh-chi) people who originally inhabited the modern Gansu province of north-western China.
Why they came to India: They were defeated and driven out of their homeland by rival nomadic tribes (the Xiongnu/Huns). Moving westward into Central Asia, they pushed out the Sakas, occupied Bactria, and eventually crossed the Hindu Kush mountains into the fertile plains of northern India to escape enemy pressure and build an empire.

Q4. Mention five words which have been adopted from Greek and other languages.
Answer:
Through regular trade and cultural contact with the Greeks and Central Asian settlers, several words entered ancient Indian languages:

1. Hora (from Greek hora, meaning hour; gave rise to Horashastra or astrology).
2. Kalam (meaning pen, derived from Greek kalamos / reed pen).
3. Plague (used for infectious epidemics, derived from Greek).
4. Surang (meaning underground tunnel, derived from Greek syrinx).
5. Dinar (ancient gold coin denomination, derived from Roman/Greek denarius).

Q5. How did the Greeks influence our coinage system?
Answer:
Before the Greeks, Indian money consisted primarily of crude, irregular punch-marked pieces of silver and copper lacking names, dates, or portraits. The Indo-Greeks completely revolutionized the coinage system by:

• Issuing precisely shaped, circular, and die-struck gold, silver, and copper coins.
• Engraving realistic portraits of reigning monarchs on the obverse side.
• Stamping images of deities, royal emblems, and bilingual inscriptions (in Greek on one side and Prakrit in Kharosthi script on the reverse).
• Providing chronological markers that allowed historians to reconstruct royal genealogies accurately.

Section E: Answer the Following Questions (Long Answers)

Q1. Describe the contribution of the Indo-Greeks.
Answer:
The Indo-Greeks (who ruled north-western India for over two centuries) made lasting contributions to Indian civilisation:

1. First to Issue Gold Coins with Royal Portraits: The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in Indian history to issue well-struck, uniform gold coins. Their coins bore realistic profile portraits of the kings, their titles, and dates, transforming Indian numismatics from punch-marked metal into high art.
2. Genesis of Gandhara Art: They laid the artistic foundation for the Gandhara School of Art by merging classical Hellenistic sculpting techniques (sharp features, muscular bodies, flowing drapery) with Indian Buddhist spiritual motifs.
3. Scientific and Astronomical Advances: They introduced advanced mathematical astronomy. Terms such as Kendra (center), Jamitra (diameter), and the concept of planetary horoscopes (Hora) entered Indian astronomy from Greek works.
4. Development of Theatre and Literature: Greek stagecraft directly influenced classical Sanskrit drama, enriching stage choreography and introducing the backstage curtain called Yavanika.
5. Philosophical Dialogue: The philosophical conversation between the Indo-Greek King Menander and Buddhist sage Nagasena produced the revered Buddhist scripture Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda), leading to Menander’s conversion to Buddhism.

Q2. Explain briefly the reforms introduced by Rudradaman.
Answer:
Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I (reigned c. 130-150 CE) was the most famous and capable ruler of the Western Saka dynasty (Kshatrapas). His notable reforms and achievements were:

1. Repair and Restoration of Sudarshan Lake: When severe storm floods destroyed the massive earthen embankment of the historic Sudarshan Lake in Kathiawar (originally built by the Mauryas), Rudradaman rebuilt the dam three times stronger and equipped it with modern spillways and canals. He funded this massive public work entirely out of his own private royal treasury without imposing any extra taxes or forced labor (Vishti) on his subjects.
2. Patronage of Classical Sanskrit: Although of foreign Central Asian origin, Rudradaman was an ardent lover and scholar of Sanskrit literature, grammar, and logic. He issued the famous Junagadh Rock Inscription, the first major historical record composed entirely in elegant, flowing classical Sanskrit prose, abandoning Prakrit.
3. Monetary Reforms: He minted high-purity silver coins with sharp artistic portraits and precise regnal dates, stabilizing the commerce of western India.
4. Benevolent and Lawful Administration: He swore an oath never to kill any man except in lawful battle and administered justice through wise, experienced ministers (Mati-sachivas and Karma-sachivas).

Q3. How did Greeks influence the fields of science, literature and art of India?
Answer:
Greek contact left an enduring impress across multiple intellectual and artistic fields in India:

1. Field of Science and Astronomy: Indian astronomical literature candidly acknowledges debt to the Greeks. The celebrated Indian astronomer Varahamihira observed in the Brihat Samhita that although the Greeks were foreigners (Yavanas), they were revered like sages because they excelled in astronomy. Greek principles contributed to calculating planetary orbits, solar eclipses, and the introduction of the seven-day week named after celestial bodies.
2. Field of Literature and Drama: Contact facilitated linguistic borrowing of vocabulary (such as kalam, hora, surang). In literature, Greek dramatic conventions influenced Sanskrit drama, most notably the use of the curtain (Yavanika) for scenic transitions and act breaks.
3. Field of Art (Gandhara Sculpture): The Greeks brought Western Hellenistic techniques to north-western India. Stone sculptors sculpted realistic life-sized statues of Gautam Buddha with wavy hair, chiseled European facial contours, sandals, and Greek-style togas, creating the world-renowned Gandhara School of Art.

Q4. How did the contacts with central Asia influence Indian social life?
Answer:
Contacts with Central Asian tribes (Sakas, Kushans, and Parthians) revolutionized Indian social customs, fashion, military practices, and lifestyle:

1. Introduction of Stitched Garments and Modern Attire: Before Central Asian migration, Indians wore unstitched dhotis and shawls. Central Asian nomads introduced tailored clothes including trousers, tunics, long coats (kurtas/sherwanis), and padded headgear (turbans).
2. Footwear Revolution: They introduced heavy, knee-high leather riding boots and closed leather shoes, replacing traditional wooden sandals (padukas).
3. Military Armor and Cavalry Innovation: The Kushans introduced metal helmets, chain-mail chest armor, and stirrups, fundamentally transforming Indian military tactics by prioritizing fast horse cavalry over cumbersome chariots.
4. Social Assimilation and Assimilation into Varna: These foreign Central Asian rulers completely adopted Indian religions (Shaivism and Buddhism), adopted Indian names, married into Indian royal families, and were assimilated into the Hindu caste order as “Vratya Kshatriyas” (fallen warriors).

Q5. Why is Kanishka famous in Indian history?
Answer:
Emperor Kanishka holds a towering place in ancient Indian history due to his political, cultural, religious, and economic achievements:

1. Building a Trans-Continental Empire: Kanishka unified vast territories stretching from Central Asia (Bactria, Kashgar, Yarkand, and Khotan) down through modern Afghanistan, Punjab, and the Gangetic basin up to Mathura, Varanasi, and Pataliputra, with his twin capitals at Purushapura (Peshawar) and Mathura.
2. Patron and Propagator of Buddhism: He embraced Buddhism with zeal comparable to Ashoka. He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir to settle theological disputes, where the Mahayana school of Buddhism was officially formulated. He sent Buddhist missionaries to China, Central Asia, Korea, and Tibet, transforming Buddhism into a pan-Asian world religion.
3. Patronage of Art and Literature: Kanishka’s court was adorned with intellectual giants, including the Buddhist philosopher and playwright Asvaghosa (author of Buddhacarita), the philosopher Nagarjuna, the scholar Vasumitra, and Charaka, the renowned physician who authored the medical treatise Charaka Samhita.
4. Economic Prosperity via the Silk Route: Kanishka controlled the strategic overland Silk Route connecting China with the Roman Empire. By providing security to international merchants, the Kushan state collected enormous transit revenues, making his empire fabulously wealthy.
5. Inauguration of the Saka Era: His coronation in 78 CE marked the inception of the Saka Era, which is the official civil calendar of modern India today.

Comprehensive Comparison Tables

Compare the two prominent schools of art that flourished simultaneously in ancient India under post-Mauryan and Kushan patronage:

Value-Based Questions (VBQ)

VBQ Question: Foreign invaders like the Indo-Greeks, Sakas, and Kushans entered India as conquerors, yet over time they fully embraced Indian spiritual traditions, adopted indigenous languages, patronized Sanskrit literature, and enriched Indian art, science, and fashion without destroying indigenous culture. What does this process demonstrate about the power of cultural tolerance and assimilation?

Answer and Moral Analysis:
This historical assimilation reflects core values of civilisational vitality:

1. Absorptive Power of Indian Culture: Indian civilisation never resisted foreign ideas; it welcomed constructive foreign contributions in science, coinage, and art while instilling its spiritual philosophy into newcomer populations.
2. Mutual Respect and Inclusivity: Rather than imposing foreign dogmas through destruction, rulers like Heliodorus, Rudradaman, and Kanishka respected Indian sages, demonstrating that open dialogue and mutual learning produce flourishing societies.
3. Harmony in Diversity: True strength lies in unity within diversity, combining the best elements of different traditions to create enduring progress.

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions

HOTS Q1: How did the Kushan control over the northern branches of the Silk Route trigger a cultural revolution across Asia?
Answer:
Kushan dominance over the Silk Route connected China, India, Central Asia, and the Roman Empire into a secure commercial corridor. This triggered a cultural revolution because along with luxury goods (Chinese silk, Roman glassware, Indian spices), ideas and spiritual philosophies traveled freely. Kushan merchants and Buddhist monks accompanied caravans along the Silk Route, carrying Buddhist texts, art forms, and medicinal knowledge directly into China, Central Asia, Korea, and Japan, establishing Buddhism as a truly international faith.

HOTS Q2: Explain the significance of the Saka Era in the national life of modern India today.
Answer:
The Saka Era, initiated by Emperor Kanishka upon his accession in 78 CE, holds paramount constitutional and national importance:

• National Civil Calendar: Following the recommendations of the Calendar Reform Committee under Meghnad Saha, the Government of India adopted the Saka Era as the National Civil Calendar of India with effect from 22 March 1957 (1 Chaitra 1879 Saka).
• Official Communications: Dates of the Saka Calendar are used alongside the Gregorian dates in the Gazette of India, All India Radio news broadcasts, calendars issued by the Government of India, and official communications from the President and Parliament.

Authentic DAV Board Examination Previous Years’ Questions (2018-2024)

PYQ 1 (DAV Board Exam 2023, 1 Mark): Which Greek ambassador erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar?
Answer: Heliodorus. [Marking Scheme: 1 Mark for Heliodorus].

PYQ 2 (DAV Board Exam 2022, 3 Marks): State three major contributions of Emperor Kanishka to Buddhism.
Answer:

1. He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir to formalize the Mahayana doctrine.
2. He patronized renowned Buddhist scholars like Asvaghosa, Vasumitra, and Nagarjuna.
3. He sent Buddhist missionaries to Tibet, China, and Central Asia to propagate the Buddha’s teachings.

[Marking Scheme: 1 Mark for each valid contribution, Total: 3 Marks]

PYQ 3 (DAV Board Exam 2021, 2 Marks): Why was the Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman historically unique?
Answer: It was the first major royal inscription in India written in pure, classical Sanskrit prose, recording the repair of the Sudarshan Lake dam without taxing the public. [Marking Scheme: 1 Mark for pure Sanskrit + 1 Mark for Sudarshan Lake repair, Total: 2 Marks]

PYQ 4 (DAV Board Exam 2019, 5 Marks): Describe the main features of the Gandhara School of Art and compare it with the Mathura School of Art.
Answer: Full 5-mark structured answer: Greco-Roman anatomical realism combined with Buddhist imagery, use of grey schist stone, realistic depiction of wavy hair and drapery folds, contrasted with Mathura’s indigenous style, spotted red sandstone, fleshy smiling features, and multi-religious focus encompassing Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu deities. [Marking Scheme: 2.5 Marks for Gandhara features + 2.5 Marks for Mathura comparison, Total: 5 Marks]

PYQ 5 (DAV Board Exam 2018, 3 Marks): Name three everyday words adopted into Indian languages from Greek and state what they mean.
Answer:

1. Hora: Meaning hour or time, leading to astrological horoscopes.
2. Kalam: Meaning pen, for writing manuscripts.
3. Surang: Meaning an underground tunnel.

[Marking Scheme: 1 Mark for each word and its meaning, Total: 3 Marks]

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