Ch. 14. Early History of Deccan and South India, We and Our World, Class VI, DAV Board, The Best Solutions.

Keywords To Remember

1. Megaliths
   Large stones used to mark burial sites by ancient people, especially during the Megalithic culture.
2. Megalithic Culture
   A culture characterized by the practice of burying the dead under large stone structures called megaliths.
3. Granite
   A hard type of igneous rock commonly found in the Earth’s crust, often used in construction and monuments.
4. Pottery
   Objects like pots and jars made from clay and hardened by heat.
5. Inscriptions
   Texts or symbols carved or engraved on surfaces like stone or metal to record messages or events.
6. Ploughshare
   The cutting blade of a plough, used in farming to turn over soil.
7. Sickle
   A curved blade tool used for harvesting crops like grain or grass.
8. Trident (Trishul)
   A three-pronged spear, often a religious symbol associated with the god Shiva.
9. Mortuary Practices
   The customs and rituals related to the burial or cremation of the dead.
10. Iron Age
    A historical period marked by the widespread use of iron for tools and weapons.
11. Nomadic
    People who move from place to place rather than settling permanently in one location.
12. Dakshinapatha
    An ancient term for the southern region of India, particularly the Deccan Plateau.
13. Satavahanas
    An ancient Indian dynasty that ruled the Deccan region after the fall of the Mauryan Empire.
14. Assemblies (Sangams)
    Gatherings of poets and scholars in ancient Tamil society where literature and culture were discussed and developed.
15. Sangam Literature
    Early Tamil literature created during the Sangam assemblies, giving insights into South Indian society, culture, and history.
16. Council of Ministers
    A group of advisors who helped the king make decisions and run the administration.
17. Kurunji, Mullai, Neytal, etc.
    Names of ancient Tamil ecological zones—each with distinct geography and lifestyle (e.g., hills, pastures, coastlines).
18. Vanchi
    The capital of the Chera kingdom.
19. Ivory
    The hard, white material from elephant tusks, used in art and trade.
20. Canals
    Man-made waterways built for irrigation or transportation.
21. Trade Centre
    A place where goods are bought, sold, and exchanged, often a hub for merchants.
22. Pearls
    Valuable natural objects formed within the shells of certain mollusks, often used in jewelry.
23. Ragi
    A nutritious grain, also known as finger millet, commonly grown in South India.
24. Paddy
    Unprocessed rice, especially when still in the husk.
25. Textile
    Fabric or cloth, often used in trade and clothing.
26. Divine Right of Kings
    The belief that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, not from the people.
27. Charred Bones
    Bones that have been partially burned, often found in ancient burial urns.
28. Burial Urns
    Ceramic vessels used to hold the ashes or bones of the deceased.
29. Kartikeya (Murugan)
    A Hindu god of war, worshipped mainly in South India.
30. Foreign Traders
    People from other countries who came to trade goods like gold, wine, and spices.

Something To Know         

A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.

1. What were the first indication of megalithic culture in South India?

(a) burial sites

(b) bones

(c) stone circles

(d) pottery

Answer – (c) stone circles

2. What culture did the megalithic culture give rise to?

(a) Satavahana

(b) Ikshwakus

(c) Mauryan

(d) Cholas

Answer – (a) Satavahana

3. The Pandyas set-up their capital at-

(a) Kaveripattam

(b) Vanchi

(c)Tanjore

(d) Madurai

Answer – (d) Madurai

4. The Satavahana dynasty came to an end in –

(a) 220 CE

(b) 250CE

(c) 272CE

(d) 222 CE

Answer – (a) 220 CE

5. The Sangams during the Pandyas rule were held at –

(a)Tanjore

(b) Madurai

(c) Cochin

(d) Vanchi

Answer – (b) Madurai

B. Fill in the blanks.

1. Deccan region is to the south of __________ mountain and __________ river.

Answer – Vindhya, Narmada

2. King __________ was the founder of Satavahanas empire.

Answer – Simuka

3. The megalithic people surrounded the graves with large pieces of stone called __________.

Answer – megaliths

4. Canals for irrigation were built by__________.

Answer – kings

5. Nedunjeral and Senguttavan were the rulers of __________ dynasty.

Answer – Chera

C. Match the following: 

1. 1. Deccan a. First iron user
   2. God Murugan b. Temple
   3. Megalithic people c. Monastery
   4. Chaitya d. Dakshinapatha
   5. Vihara e. Kartikeya

   Answer –

   Column 1	Column 2
   1. Deccan	d. Dakshinapatha
   2. God Murugan	e. Kartikeya
   3. Megalithic people	a. First iron user
   4. Chaitya	b. Temple
   5. Vihara	c. Monastery

   
   

    

   
   
   

D. Answer the following questions in brief.

1. Name the regions where Megalithic culture was concentrated.

Answer – Deccan, South India, North-east India, and Kashmir.

2. Who was the most important king of the Pandya dynasty?

Answer – Nedunjeliyan (also written as Nadunjeliam).

3. Who took over the Satavahana empire in Maharashtra and Andhra region?

Answer – The Rashtrakutas in Maharashtra and the Ikshwakus in Andhra region.

4. The rock-cut chaitya hall at Karie is located at which present city of India?

Answer – Pune, Maharashtra.

5. According to some archaeologists, what is the origin of the megalithic people?

Answer – They were believed to be invaders from West Asia with cultural similarities to the megalithic people of Ireland.

E. Answer the following questions.

1. Describe the main features of the Satavahana empire of Deccan.

Answer – The Satavahanas ruled from the 3rd century BCE to 220 CE. King Simuka founded the dynasty, and Gautamiputra Satkarni was its most powerful ruler. They followed the Mauryan administrative model and promoted trade with Rome, Arabia, and other regions. They believed in divine kingship and supported internal and external trade.

2. Name three great empires of south India. What are the main sources of information about them?

Answer – The Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras. Main sources include Sangam literature, inscriptions, Mahabharata, Jataka tales, and accounts of foreign travelers.

3. Highlight the main features of the pottery of the megalith period.

Answer – The pottery was well-baked and fired using the potter’s wheel, often in black and red colors. Some pots had a shiny polish and inscriptions, likely trademarks of the potters.

4. What was the extent of the Chola empire? How did they settle themselves?

Answer – The Chola empire extended from south of Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers to Kanyakumari. They settled with well-developed administrative and trade systems, with ports like Kaveripattinam facilitating foreign trade.

5. List the five geographical zones of southern kingdoms.

Answer – Kurinji – Hills and forests

Mullai – Pastureland

Marudham – Fertile land

Neytal – Coastal land

Palai – Arid land

Value Based Question

The discovery of the remains of pottery and iron objects at burial sites indicate that the megalith people believed in life after death. The articles of daily use were placed near the grave with the hope that the departing souls might use them.

1. Do you agree with the views of the megalith people? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer – Yes, I agree with their beliefs. The placement of everyday objects near graves shows their faith in life after death, and their care for the dead reflects their emotional and spiritual values.

2. Is there any such custom or ritual being adopted these days also? If yes, what is the rationale behind the same?

Answer – Yes, in many cultures today, personal belongings of the deceased are buried or cremated with them. The rationale is emotional attachment, religious beliefs, or the thought that the soul might need these items in the afterlife.

Map Skill

On the outline map of India, mark the extent of the-

(a) Satavahana empire and locate Pratishthana, Pune and Amravati.

Answer – Mark the Satavahana Empire and locate:

Pratishthana (modern-day Paithan in Maharashtra)

Pune (in western Maharashtra)

Amravati (in Andhra Pradesh)

(b) Chola, Pandya and Chera Kingdoms.

Answer – Mark the Chola, Pandya, and Chera Kingdoms

Cholas – Tamil Nadu (mainly Kaveripattinam, Tanjore)

Pandyas – Madurai and surrounding southern Tamil Nadu

Cheras – Kerala region (Cochin, Travancore, Malabar)

Something To Do

1. Visit some websites on the megalith and collect information about the life of the people at that time. Identify any five differences between your life and that of the people of that time.

Answer –

2. Prepare a chart in a tabular form showing comparison among the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Cheras based on the extent of their kingdom, religious beliefs, trade and vocations and the important kings.

Answer –

3. Prepare a timeline showing the various kingdoms of the South.

Answer – 3rd century BCE – Rise of Satavahanas

1st century BCE – 3rd century CE – Chera, Chola, and Pandya rule during Sangam Age

9th century CE onwards – Revival of Cholas (Rajaraja and Rajendra Chola)

11th century CE – Cholas conquer Pandyas

Additional Questions And Answers – 01

FILL IN THE BLANKS (With Answers)

1. The Cholas developed an efficient system of __________ administration.
   Answer: local
2. The __________ were the earliest known dynasty of South India.
   Answer: Cheras
3. The megalithic age is also known as the __________ Iron Age.
   Answer: Early
4. The Satavahana rulers were known as protectors of __________ culture.
   Answer: Vedic
5. The Chera kingdom controlled the __________ coast.
   Answer: Malabar
6. The main occupation of the megalithic people was __________.
   Answer: agriculture
7. The Cholas had a powerful __________ fleet for overseas trade.
   Answer: naval
8. The Sangam literature was composed in the __________ language.
   Answer: Tamil
9. The Pandyas are mentioned in the inscriptions of __________.
   Answer: Ashoka
10. Iron tools like sickles and ploughshares were used by the __________ people.
    Answer: megalithic

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (With Answers)

1. The term ‘Sangam’ refers to:
   (a) A war
   (b) A festival
   (c) An assembly of poets
   (d) A school
   ✅ Answer: (c) An assembly of poets
2. The main language of the early South Indian kingdoms was:
   (a) Sanskrit
   (b) Tamil
   (c) Pali
   (d) Prakrit
   ✅ Answer: (b) Tamil
3. Which river was important for the Chola dynasty?
   (a) Ganga
   (b) Krishna
   (c) Kaveri
   (d) Godavari
   ✅ Answer: (c) Kaveri
4. Which ancient South Indian kingdom was known for trade with Rome?
   (a) Chalukyas
   (b) Mauryas
   (c) Cheras
   (d) Guptas
   ✅ Answer: (c) Cheras
5. The term ‘Megalith’ refers to:
   (a) Small huts
   (b) Painted caves
   (c) Large stone burial monuments
   (d) Temples
   ✅ Answer: (c) Large stone burial monuments

TRUE/FALSE (With Answers)

1. The Cholas were famous for their bronze sculptures.
   ✅ True
2. The megalithic culture had no knowledge of iron.
   ❌ False
3. Sangam literature was written in Prakrit.
   ❌ False
4. The Pandyas ruled from the city of Madurai.
   ✅ True
5. The Satavahanas were Buddhist rulers.
   ❌ False (They followed Brahmanism but were tolerant of other religions)

SHORT QUESTIONS (With Answers)

1. What is the meaning of ‘Megalith’?
   Large stone structures used for burial purposes during the Iron Age.
2. What was the significance of Sangam literature?
   It provides insights into the social, political, and cultural life of ancient Tamilakam.
3. Why was the Chola administration considered efficient?
   It had a well-organized local governance system with village councils.
4. What were the main occupations of the megalithic people?
   Agriculture, hunting, and iron tool-making.
5. Name any two important ports of the Chera kingdom.
   Muziris and Tondi.

COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS (Reasoning and Assertion)

Assertion (A): The megalithic people were skilled iron users.
Reason (R): Archaeologists have found iron tools and weapons in megalithic graves.
(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.
✅ Answer: (a)

Assertion (A): The Chola kingdom declined due to lack of military strength.
Reason (R): The Cholas never built a navy or strong army.
(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.
✅ Answer: (c)

Assertion (A): The Satavahanas ruled after the Mauryas.
Reason (R): The Satavahanas defeated Ashoka in battle.
✅ Answer: (c) A is true but R is false.

HIGH ORDER THINKING SKILLS (HOTS) QUESTIONS (With Answers)

1. Why do you think the Cholas invested heavily in temple building?
   Temples were not only religious centers but also served as social, economic, and administrative hubs. They reflected the power and wealth of the king and helped unify the empire culturally.
2. How did the trade routes influence the growth of South Indian kingdoms?
   Trade routes enabled cultural exchange, economic prosperity, and political influence, especially with Roman and Southeast Asian contacts, making kingdoms like the Cheras and Cholas flourish.
3. What can we infer about the social structure of megalithic people from their burial practices?
   The variety and quantity of goods buried with the dead suggest a stratified society with some individuals enjoying higher status.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (40–50 words)

1. Explain the contributions of the Cholas in the field of administration and art.
   The Cholas established a highly organized administrative system with local self-governance through village councils. In art, they were pioneers of bronze sculpture and temple architecture, as seen in the Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore, reflecting their cultural and religious devotion.
2. Describe the burial practices of the megalithic people and their cultural significance.
   The megalithic people buried their dead with pottery, iron tools, and ornaments, often marking graves with stone circles. This indicates belief in life after death and highlights the importance they gave to the afterlife, suggesting spiritual depth and social hierarchy.
3. What role did Sangam literature play in reconstructing the history of South India?
   Sangam literature is a valuable historical source that offers detailed accounts of kings, trade, warfare, social practices, and everyday life in ancient Tamilakam. Composed by poets in royal courts, it bridges the gap between archaeology and historical narrative.

Additional Questions And Answers – 02

Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers

1. The main concentration of Megalithic Culture was in the ________, South India, the North-east, and Kashmir.
   Answer: Deccan
2. Megalithic people erected large stones called ________ around graves.
   Answer: Megaliths
3. The discovery of ________ and ________ at burial sites indicates belief in life after death.
   Answer: Pottery, Iron objects
4. The megalithic people were initially thought to be nomadic hunters but were later identified as ________.
   Answer: Agriculturists
5. The Satavahana kingdom was founded by King ________.
   Answer: Simuka
6. The capital of the Satavahana kingdom under Vasishthiputra Pulumavi was ________.
   Answer: Pratishthana
7. The three powerful kingdoms in South India during the later Megalithic period were the Cholas, the Pandyas, and the ________.
   Answer: Cheras
8. The main source of information about South Indian kingdoms is ________ literature.
   Answer: Sangam
9. The Pandya kingdom prospered due to trade with the ________.
   Answer: Romans
10. The Chera kingdom’s capital was ________.
    Answer: Vanchi

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers

1. Where was the main concentration of Megalithic Culture in India?
   a) North India
   b) Deccan and South India
   c) Central India
   d) Western India
   Answer: b) Deccan and South India
2. What were the large stone monuments in Megalithic Culture called?
   a) Stupas
   b) Megaliths
   c) Pillars
   d) Temples
   Answer: b) Megaliths
3. What did the discovery of iron tools at Megalithic sites indicate?
   a) They were nomadic hunters
   b) They were the first iron users in South India
   c) They did not believe in life after death
   d) They only used wooden tools
   Answer: b) They were the first iron users in South India
4. Which crop was likely grown by the Megalithic people?
   a) Wheat
   b) Ragi
   c) Barley
   d) Maize
   Answer: b) Ragi
5. Who was the greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty?
   a) Simuka
   b) Gautmiputra Satkarni
   c) Vasishthiputra Pulumavi
   d) Yajnasari Satakarni
   Answer: b) Gautmiputra Satkarni
6. Which kingdom was known for its trade in pearls?
   a) Cholas
   b) Pandyas
   c) Cheras
   d) Satavahanas
   Answer: b) Pandyas
7. Where were the Sangam assemblies held?
   a) Vanchi
   b) Madurai
   c) Pratishthana
   d) Kaveripattnam
   Answer: b) Madurai
8. Which Chera ruler was considered significant?
   a) Nedunjeral
   b) Gautmiputra
   c) Parantaka-I
   d) Simuka
   Answer: a) Nedunjeral
9. What was the main occupation of people in South India during the Sangam period?
   a) Fishing
   b) Agriculture
   c) Mining
   d) Weaving
   Answer: b) Agriculture
10. Which foreign country did the southern kingdoms NOT trade with?
    a) Rome
    b) Egypt
    c) Japan
    d) Arabia
    Answer: c) Japan

True/False Questions and Answers

1. Megalithic people believed in life after death.
   Answer: True
2. The Megalithic people were primarily nomadic hunters and did not practice agriculture.
   Answer: False
3. The Satavahana dynasty ruled for approximately 400 years.
   Answer: True
4. The Pandyas were great patrons of literature and held Sangam assemblies.
   Answer: True
5. The Chera kingdom was located in North India.
   Answer: False
6. The pottery of the Megalithic people was made on the potter’s wheel.
   Answer: True
7. The Satavahana rulers believed in the divine powers of kings.
   Answer: True
8. The Megalithic people cleared dense forests to practice advanced agriculture.
   Answer: False
9. Sangam literature provides information about the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras.
   Answer: True
10. The trade of pearls was primarily associated with the Chera kingdom.
    Answer: False

Short Questions and Answers

1. What are Megaliths?
   Answer: Megaliths are large stone monuments erected around graves by the Megalithic people.
2. Name two crops grown by the Megalithic people.
   Answer: Ragi and paddy.
3. Who founded the Satavahana kingdom?
   Answer: King Simuka.
4. What was the capital of the Chera kingdom?
   Answer: Vanchi.
5. What is the main source of information about South Indian kingdoms?
   Answer: Sangam literature.
6. Name one item traded by the southern kingdoms with foreign countries.
   Answer: Pearls.
7. Who was the most important king of the Pandya dynasty?
   Answer: Nadunjeliam.
8. What was the main occupation of people in South India during the Sangam period?
   Answer: Agriculture.
9. Name one weapon used by the Megalithic people.
   Answer: Dagger.
10. Which foreign country did the Pandyas trade with?
    Answer: Rome.

Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): The Megalithic people believed in life after death.
   Reason (R): Pottery and iron objects were found at their burial sites.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Assertion (A): The Megalithic people were agriculturists.
   Reason (R): Tools like ploughshares and sickles were discovered at their sites.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
3. Assertion (A): The Satavahana kingdom was influenced by the Mauryan political system.
   Reason (R): The Satavahana rulers believed in the divine powers of kings.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
4. Assertion (A): The Pandya kingdom prospered due to trade with the Romans.
   Reason (R): The Pandyas were known for their trade in pearls.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
5. Assertion (A): The Megalithic culture gave rise to the Satavahana culture.
   Reason (R): The Megalithic people were the ancestors of the Marathas, Kannada, Telugu, and Tamils.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers

1. Question: Why do you think the Megalithic people did not clear dense forests despite using iron tools?
   Answer: The Megalithic people likely did not clear dense forests due to limited technological advancements and the labor-intensive nature of forest clearing. Their iron tools were sufficient for small-scale agriculture on hill slopes but not advanced enough for large-scale deforestation. Additionally, their cultural or environmental practices may have prioritized working within the existing landscape.
2. Question: How did trade with foreign countries influence the culture of South Indian kingdoms?
   Answer: Trade with countries like Rome, Egypt, and Arabia brought wealth and cultural exchange to South Indian kingdoms. The influx of goods like copper, tin, and glass, and the export of pearls and spices, enriched their economy. This interaction also spread Indian culture, including art and religion, to Southeast Asia, as seen in the influence on local architecture and practices.
3. Question: Analyze the significance of Sangam literature in understanding the history of South India.
   Answer: Sangam literature is a crucial historical source, providing detailed accounts of the social, political, and economic life of South India during the Chola, Pandya, and Chera reigns. Compiled from Tamil poems presented at assemblies in Madurai, it offers insights into governance, trade, and cultural practices, making it invaluable for historians studying this period.
4. Question: Why might the Megalithic people’s pottery have fine inscriptions?
   Answer: The fine inscriptions on Megalithic pottery likely served as trademarks of potters, indicating craftsmanship or ownership. These markings could also have had cultural or ritual significance, possibly denoting the potter’s identity or the pot’s purpose in burial ceremonies, reflecting their belief in life after death.
5. Question: Evaluate the impact of the Satavahana rulers’ belief in the divine powers of kings on their administration.
   Answer: The Satavahana rulers’ belief in divine kingship likely strengthened their authority, fostering loyalty among subjects and justifying their rule. This belief influenced their centralized administration, with territories divided into units managed by feudal lords, ensuring efficient governance and control over trade routes, enhancing their power and economic stability.

Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)

1. Question: Describe the agricultural practices of the Megalithic people and their significance.
   Answer: The Megalithic people practiced agriculture on hill slopes, growing ragi and paddy using tools like ploughshares and sickles. This shift from hunting to farming marked a significant societal change, enabling settled communities and supporting population growth, laying the foundation for later South Indian cultures.
2. Question: Explain the role of trade in the prosperity of the Pandya kingdom.
   Answer: The Pandya kingdom prospered through trade with the Romans, exporting pearls and importing goods like copper and glass. This trade boosted their economy, funded cultural patronage like Sangam assemblies, and enhanced their regional influence, establishing them as a significant South Indian power.
3. Question: Discuss the significance of the Satavahana kingdom in Deccan history.
   Answer: The Satavahana kingdom, ruling for 400 years, was pivotal in Deccan history. Influenced by Mauryan systems, they expanded trade with Rome and Arabia, promoted divine kingship, and established a strong administrative structure, contributing to cultural and economic development in the region.
4. Question: How did the Chera kingdom’s geography influence its trade?
   Answer: The Chera kingdom, located between the sea and Western Ghats, leveraged its coastal position for trade with Rome and Egypt. Ports like Muziris facilitated the export of spices and pearls, boosting the economy and fostering cultural exchanges with foreign traders.
5. Question: Analyze the social structure of South India during the Sangam period.
   Answer: South Indian society during the Sangam period was caste-ridden, with Brahmins and Kshatriyas dominating. Temples served as cultural and administrative centers. People worshipped Vishnu and Murugan, while Buddhism and Jainism were also followed, reflecting a diverse and stratified social system.