Keywords To Remember
Keyword | Definition |
Dynasty | A line of hereditary rulers of a country or region. |
Monastery | A building or group of buildings where monks live and practice religion. |
Indo-Greeks | Greek rulers who settled in parts of North India after Alexander’s invasion. |
Yavana | Term used in ancient India for Greeks or foreigners from the West. |
Hinyana | A sect of Buddhism that sees Buddha as a great teacher, not a god. |
Mahayana | A sect of Buddhism that worships Buddha as an incarnation of God. |
Edict | An official order or proclamation issued by a ruler. |
Coinage | The system or practice of minting and using coins. |
Kshatriya | The warrior and ruler caste in ancient Indian society. |
Gandhara Art | A style of art that blended Greek and Indian elements, especially in sculpture. |
Mathura Art | An indigenous Indian style of sculpture known for spiritual expression. |
Astrology | The belief or study of how the positions of stars and planets affect human life. |
Astronomy | The scientific study of celestial bodies like stars, planets, and galaxies. |
Horoscope | A forecast of a person’s future based on the positions of stars and planets. |
Saka Era | An Indian calendar era started by Kanishka in 78 CE, still used officially. |
Fourth Buddhist Council | A major Buddhist council held during Kanishka’s reign in Kashmir. |
Sanskrit | An ancient classical language of India used in religious and scholarly texts. |
Buddha Charita | A famous epic poem in Sanskrit written by Ashvaghosha, detailing Buddha’s life. |
Besnagar Pillar | A pillar dedicated by Haliodorus, an Indo-Greek who embraced Vaishnavism. |
Dhwaj Stambha | A flag pillar usually erected at temples as a mark of devotion. |
Tunics | Long garments introduced by the Kushans, similar to coats. |
Boots | Footwear introduced by Kushans, indicating Central Asian influence. |
Stitched Clothing | Clothing sewn together, introduced into Indian culture by Central Asians. |
Vaishnavism | A sect of Hinduism that worships Vishnu as the supreme god. |
Sudarshan Lake | A lake in Gujarat repaired by Rudradaman for irrigation. |
Taxila | An ancient city and learning center, capital of Shakas, now in Pakistan. |
Ashvaghosha | A Buddhist monk and poet who wrote Buddha Charita during Kanishka’s reign. |
Kanisha | A powerful Kushan king known for his support of Buddhism and art. |
Yueh-Chi | The Chinese name for the Kushans before they migrated to India. |
Curse (Yavanika) | A curtain used in theatre introduced by Greeks, known in Sanskrit as Yavanika. |
Surang | A tunnel; the word was adopted into Indian languages from foreign influence. |
Plague | A deadly disease that spread during ancient times and influenced society. |
Mahabhasya | A treatise on grammar written by Patanjali, dealing with linguistic structure. |
Patanjali | A famous Sanskrit grammarian and philosopher who wrote Mahabhasya. |
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- Sakas originally belonged to
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Central Asia
(c) lraq
(d) Europe
Answer – (b) Central Asia
- Edict on Girnar mountain is in-
(a) Surat
(b) Junagarh
(c) Rohtak
(d) Saurashtra
Answer – (b) Junagarh
- Kushans were defeated by-
(a) Sakas
(b) Parthians
(c) Huns
(d)Cholas
Answer – (c) Huns
- The use of helmets was introduced in India by-
(a) the Greeks
(b) the Sakas
(c) the Parthians
(d) the Kushans
Answer – (d) the Kushans
- The Gandhar School of Art made images of only-
(a) Shiva
(b) Vishnu
(c) Jain Trithankaras
(d) Gautam Buddha
Answer – (d) Gautam Buddha
B. Fill in the blanks.
- Grand Dhwaj Pillar was built at by ________.
Answer – Besnagar, Haliodorus
- ________was the most famous Kushan ruler.
Answer – Kanishka
- Stitched clothes and long boots were introduced in India by________ .
Answer – Kushans
- ________ contributed to the development of Indian theatre.
Answer – Greeks
- Kanishka was the follower of ________branch of Buddhism.
Answer – Mahayana
C. Match the following:
Menander a. Theatre
Saka era b. Mahabhasya
Haliodorus c. National Era
Yavinka d. Vaishnavism
Patanjali e. Indo-Greek
Answer –
Column A | Column B |
Menander | (e) Indo-Greek |
Saka era | (c) National Era |
Haliodorus | (d) Vaishnavism |
Yavanika | (a) Theatre |
Patanjali | (b) Mahabhasya |
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Where did Menander establish his rule in India?
Answer – Menander ruled over Punjab and Kashmir and governed from Gandhara.
- Mention the areas where the contribution of Greeks was very valuable.
Answer – The Greeks contributed in coinage, sculpture, philosophy, trade, and natyashastra (theatre).
- Who were the Kushans? Why did they come to India?
Answer – The Kushans were originally Yueh-Chi from Western China. They came to India after being defeated by the Huns and settled in Afghanistan, later extending their rule to northern India.
- Mention five words which have been adopted from Greek and other languages.
Answer – hora, kolam, plague, surang, horoscope
- How did the Greeks influence our coinage system?
Answer – Greeks introduced the use of round coins with images on both sides, a practice later adopted by Indian rulers.
E. Answer the following questions.
- Describe the contribution of the Indo-Greeks.
Answer – Indo-Greeks adopted Indian religions, introduced coinage systems, built structures like the Dhwaj pillar, and enriched Indian art, language, and theatre.
- Explain briefly the reforms introduced by Rudradaman.
Answer – Rudradaman promoted Sanskrit, issued silver coins with his image, repaired Sudarshan Lake for irrigation, and maintained peace with the help of a Council of Ministers.
- How did Greeks influence the fields of science, literature and art of India?
Answer – They enriched Indian astronomy and astrology, introduced new vocabulary, and influenced Indian sculpture and theatre (Yavanika).
- How did the contacts with central Asia influence Indian social life?
Answer – The Kushans introduced stitched clothing, long boots, helmets, and adopted Indian religions. They became part of Indian society as Kshatriyas and promoted art and culture.
- Why is Kanishka famous in Indian history?
Answer – Kanishka was a great patron of Buddhism, art, and Sanskrit literature. He held the 4th Buddhist Council and began the Saka Era in 78 CE.
Value Based Question
Kanishka was a Buddhist but his coins show that he honoured the Zoroastrian, Greek and Brahmanic deities also and not just Gautam Buddha. He even promoted art where Eastern and Western influences were mixed in the form of Gandhar School of Art.
Find out similarities between the religious policy of Kanishka and that of free India.
Answer – Kanishka followed Buddhism but respected other religions like Zoroastrianism, Greek and Brahmanic faiths. Similarly, modern India follows secularism, promoting respect and freedom for all religions.
Map Skill
- On the political map of the world, locate and label the following places.
(a) Greece – the country to which the Bactereans belonged.
Answer – Do it yourself
(b) China – the country to which the Kushans originally belonged.
Answer – Do it yourself
(c) India – the country which became the home of the Kushans.
Answer – Do it yourself
(d) Afghanistan – the country captured by the Sakas.
Answer – Do it yourself
(e) Taxila – the capital of Sakas (now in Pakistan).
Answer – Do it yourself
- Locate and label the following on an outline map of India.
Main centres of art, architecture and sculpture-
(a) Mathura
(b) Sarnath .
(c) Amravati
Answer – Do it yourself
Something To Do
- Collect the pictures of the sculptures of Mathura and Gandhar School of Art.
Answer – Images can be sourced from history textbooks, museums, or educational websites like NCERT or ASI.
- Make a collage of some more pictures of Mathura and Gandhar Art for your classroom or the school display board.
Answer – Use printed pictures of Buddha from both schools—Gandhara (Greek influence) and Mathura (Indian style). Label the differences clearly.
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was __________.
Answer: Menander - The Sakas established their capital at __________.
Answer: Taxila - __________ was a Parthian ruler who ruled parts of India.
Answer: Gondophernes - The __________ Council of Buddhism was held during Kanishka’s reign.
Answer: Fourth - Haliodorus built the Dhwaj Pillar at __________.
Answer: Besnagar - Kushans originally came from __________ China.
Answer: Western - The Sudarshan Lake was repaired by __________.
Answer: Rudradaman - The Indo-Greeks contributed to Indian theatre by introducing __________.
Answer: Yavanika - __________ School of Art was developed in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Answer: Gandhara - The title used by Kushan kings on their coins was __________.
Answer: Shaonanoshao (King of Kings)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Who among the following rulers adopted Vaishnavism?
(a) Kanishka
(b) Menander
(c) Haliodorus
(d) Rudradaman
Answer: (c) Haliodorus - The language promoted by Rudradaman was –
(a) Prakrit
(b) Greek
(c) Sanskrit
(d) Tamil
Answer: (c) Sanskrit - Which art school was a mix of Indian themes and Greek style?
(a) Mathura
(b) Amravati
(c) Gandhara
(d) Nalanda
Answer: (c) Gandhara - What was Kanishka’s major religious contribution?
(a) Built temples
(b) Promoted Mahayana Buddhism
(c) Adopted Jainism
(d) Followed Christianity
Answer: (b) Promoted Mahayana Buddhism - Which group introduced stitched clothes in India?
(a) Indo-Greeks
(b) Sakas
(c) Kushans
(d) Parthians
Answer: (c) Kushans
True / False Questions
- The Indo-Greeks ruled in southern India.
False - Patanjali wrote Mahabhasya during this period.
True - The Sakas were native to India.
False - The Gandhara school depicted Indian deities in Greek artistic style.
True - Kanishka started the Saka era in 78 CE.
True
Short Answer Questions
- Who were the Indo-Greeks and what was their contribution to India?
Answer: Indo-Greeks were Bactrian rulers who invaded northern India. They contributed to Indian art, coinage, religion, and theatre. - Name the places where Indo-Greek coins have been found.
Answer: Punjab, Kashmir, and other parts of northern India. - Which two main schools of art developed in this period?
Answer: Gandhara School and Mathura School. - What was the significance of Rudradaman’s edict?
Answer: It recorded public welfare measures like lake repair and highlighted peace in his kingdom. - Why is Kanishka considered a great ruler?
Answer: He promoted Buddhism, art, Sanskrit literature, and started the Saka Era.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)
Q1.
Assertion (A): Kanishka convened the Fourth Buddhist Council.
Reason (R): He was a follower of Mahayana Buddhism.
Options:
(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.
(c) A is true, R is false.
(d) A is false, R is true.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q2.
Assertion (A): Kushans issued square-shaped coins.
Reason (R): They adopted Roman style of coinage.
Answer: (d) A is false, R is true.
Q3.
Assertion (A): Rudradaman repaired the Sudarshan Lake for his army.
Reason (R): The lake was meant to improve irrigation for public welfare.
Answer: (c) A is false, R is true.
Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions
- Why do you think Kanishka chose to patronize both Indian and foreign art styles?
Answer: To promote cultural integration and legitimize his rule over a diverse population. - How did the adoption of Indian religion by foreign rulers help them politically?
Answer: It helped them gain local support and integrate into Indian society, ensuring stable governance. - What impact did the Greek style of art have on Buddhist sculpture?
Answer: It introduced realistic facial features, drapery styles, and a more human-like representation of Buddha.
Long Answer Questions (40–50 words each)
- Describe the effects of Central Asian contact on Indian society.
Answer: Central Asian contact introduced stitched garments, new weapons like helmets, and cultural elements like language exchange and new religious practices. Foreign rulers adopted Hinduism and Buddhism, enriching Indian social and religious life and promoting cultural assimilation. - Explain the contributions of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art.
Answer: Gandhara art showed Greek influence in realism and drapery, while Mathura art was indigenous and spiritual. Both developed during the Kushan period and made lasting impacts on Buddhist iconography and Indian sculpture. - How did Kanishka promote Mahayana Buddhism and Indian culture?
Answer: Kanishka supported the Fourth Buddhist Council, built monasteries, encouraged Buddhist scholars like Ashvaghosha, and used coins and art to spread Mahayana Buddhism. He also promoted Sanskrit and Indian architecture, making his reign a cultural golden age.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- After the decline of the Mauryan empire, power in northern India passed to the ________ dynasty.
Answer: Sungas - The most famous Indo-Greek ruler, Menander, adopted ________ and ruled over Punjab and Kashmir.
Answer: Buddhism - The Shaka capital was located at ________, now known as Rawalpindi.
Answer: Taxila - Rudradaman repaired the ________ Lake in Kathiawar to improve irrigation.
Answer: Sudarshan - The Kushan ruler ________ started the Saka era in 78 CE.
Answer: Kanishka - The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of ________.
Answer: Kanishka - The ________ School of Art blended Indian subjects with Greek stylistic elements.
Answer: Gandhar - The term ‘horoscope’ is derived from the Greek term ________.
Answer: Horasastra - The scholar ________ wrote the epic Buddha Charita during Kanishka’s reign.
Answer: Ashvaghosh - The Kushans introduced the use of ________ clothes like long coats and trousers.
Answer: Stitched
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- Who ruled northern India after the decline of the Mauryan empire?
a) Kushans
b) Sungas
c) Sakas
d) Parthians
Answer: b) Sungas - Which Indo-Greek ruler adopted Vaishnavism and built a Dhwaj Pillar at Besnagar?
a) Menander
b) Haliodorus
c) Rudradaman
d) Kanishka
Answer: b) Haliodorus - Where was the capital of the Shaka dynasty located?
a) Mathura
b) Taxila
c) Gandhar
d) Sarnath
Answer: b) Taxila - Which ruler repaired the Sudarshan Lake in Kathiawar?
a) Kanishka
b) Menander
c) Rudradaman
d) Vasudev
Answer: c) Rudradaman - Which Kushan ruler is credited with starting the Saka era in 78 CE?
a) Vasudev
b) Kanishka
c) Rudradaman
d) Haliodorus
Answer: b) Kanishka - The Fourth Buddhist Council divided Buddhism into which two sects?
a) Theravada and Vajrayana
b) Mahayana and Hinayana
c) Zen and Pure Land
d) Mahayana and Theravada
Answer: b) Mahayana and Hinayana - Which school of art was influenced by Greek styles during the Kushan period?
a) Amravati
b) Mathura
c) Gandhar
d) Sarnath
Answer: c) Gandhar - What was a significant contribution of the Kushans to Indian coinage?
a) Square coins
b) Round coins with images on both sides
c) Copper coins only
d) Paper currency
Answer: b) Round coins with images on both sides - Which scholar wrote Mahabhasya during this period?
a) Ashvaghosh
b) Patanjali
c) Kanishka
d) Rudradaman
Answer: b) Patanjali - Which foreign group did NOT invade northern India after the Sungas?
a) Indo-Greeks
b) Sakas
c) Cholas
d) Parthians
Answer: c) Cholas
True/False Questions and Answers
- Menander, an Indo-Greek ruler, adopted Buddhism.
Answer: True - The Shaka capital was located in Mathura.
Answer: False - Rudradaman issued gold coins with his figure engraved.
Answer: False - Kanishka was a follower of the Hinayana branch of Buddhism.
Answer: False - The Gandhar School of Art combined Indian subjects with Greek stylistic elements.
Answer: True - The Kushans introduced the use of stitched clothes in India.
Answer: True - The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Mathura.
Answer: False - The term ‘horoscope’ is derived from a Sanskrit word.
Answer: False - The Kushans were originally from western China and known as Yueh-Chi.
Answer: True - The last Kushan ruler in India was Ashvaghosh.
Answer: False
Short Questions and Answers
- Who ruled northern India after the Mauryan empire’s decline?
Answer: The Sungas. - Name the Indo-Greek ruler who adopted Buddhism.
Answer: Menander (Milinda). - What was the capital of the Shaka dynasty?
Answer: Taxila. - What lake did Rudradaman repair for irrigation?
Answer: Sudarshan Lake. - Who was the most powerful Kushan ruler?
Answer: Kanishka. - What is the significance of the Saka era?
Answer: It was started by Kanishka in 78 CE and is used as India’s National Era. - Name one center of art development during Kanishka’s reign.
Answer: Mathura. - What was the name of the epic written by Ashvaghosh?
Answer: Buddha Charita. - What Greek contribution influenced Indian theatre?
Answer: The use of Yavanika (curtain). - Who wrote Mahabhasya during this period?
Answer: Patanjali.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): Menander was a significant Indo-Greek ruler.
Reason (R): He adopted Buddhism and ruled over Punjab and Kashmir.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Rudradaman’s reign was marked by peace and prosperity.
Reason (R): He repaired the Sudarshan Lake to improve irrigation facilities.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): The Kushans introduced stitched clothing in India.
Reason (R): They brought long coats, trousers, and boots from Central Asia.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): The Gandhar School of Art was influenced by Greek styles.
Reason (R): It featured Indian subjects with Greek-style hair and facial features.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Kanishka was a patron of learning and Sanskrit literature.
Reason (R): He started the Saka era in 78 CE.
Answer: Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why did the Kushans adopt Indian religions like Hinduism and Buddhism?
Answer: The Kushans adopted Indian religions to integrate into Indian society, gain acceptance as Kshatriyas, and strengthen their rule. This cultural assimilation fostered social harmony, encouraged local support, and aligned with their patronage of art, literature, and religious institutions like Buddhist monasteries. - Question: How did the contact with Central Asian groups influence Indian coinage?
Answer: Contact with Greeks, Sakas, and Kushans led to the introduction of round coins with images on both sides, a departure from earlier Indian coinage. The Kushans, influenced by Roman styles, issued gold coins, enhancing trade and standardizing currency across their territories. - Question: Evaluate the significance of the Fourth Buddhist Council held during Kanishka’s reign.
Answer: The Fourth Buddhist Council, held in Kashmir, was significant for dividing Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects. This formalized theological differences, with Mahayana viewing Buddha as a divine incarnation, influencing Buddhist art, worship practices, and the spread of Mahayana Buddhism across Asia. - Question: Why was Rudradaman considered a benevolent ruler?
Answer: Rudradaman was considered benevolent due to his efforts to ensure peace and prosperity, as evidenced by the Girnar edict. His repair of the Sudarshan Lake for irrigation, issuance of silver coins, and support for Sanskrit literature reflect his commitment to public welfare and cultural advancement. - Question: Analyze the impact of Greek influence on Indian theatre during this period.
Answer: Greek influence introduced the use of Yavanika (curtain) in Indian theatre, enhancing stagecraft and dramatic presentation. This innovation, combined with Greek storytelling techniques, enriched Indian natyashastra, fostering more sophisticated performances and contributing to the evolution of Indian dramatic traditions.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Question: Describe the contributions of Indo-Greeks to Indian culture.
Answer: Indo-Greeks contributed to Indian culture through advancements in coinage, natyashastra, and sculptures. They introduced the Yavanika in theatre, Greek-style art in the Gandhar School, and influenced philosophy and trade, fostering cultural exchange that enriched Indian artistic and intellectual traditions. - Question: Explain the significance of Kanishka’s patronage of Buddhism.
Answer: Kanishka’s patronage of Buddhism led to the construction of monasteries and the Fourth Buddhist Council, dividing Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana. His support promoted Buddhist art, literature, and the spread of Mahayana Buddhism, significantly influencing Indian religious and cultural landscapes. - Question: How did Rudradaman contribute to his kingdom’s prosperity?
Answer: Rudradaman ensured prosperity by repairing the Sudarshan Lake for irrigation, issuing silver coins for trade, and maintaining peace, as noted in the Girnar edict. His Council of Ministers and love for Sanskrit further supported effective governance and cultural development in his kingdom. - Question: Discuss the impact of Kushan clothing innovations on Indian society.
Answer: The Kushans introduced stitched clothing like long coats, trousers, and boots, replacing unstitched garments. This shift influenced Indian fashion, particularly among the elite, and introduced new materials and styles, reflecting Central Asian cultural integration and enhancing social and trade interactions. - Question: Analyze the role of the Gandhar School of Art in Indian cultural development.
Answer: The Gandhar School of Art blended Indian themes with Greek stylistic elements, creating iconic Buddhist sculptures with realistic hair and facial features. This fusion enriched Indian art, influenced subsequent artistic traditions, and promoted cultural exchange, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian sculpture.