Notes-NCERT-Class-7-Social Science-Part : 1-Chapter-5-The Rise of Empires-CBSE

Topics To be Learned: What is an Empire? Features of an Empire Trade, Trade Routes and Guilds The Rise of Magadha The Arrival of the Greeks The Mighty Mauryas Aśhoka – The King Who Chose Peace Life in the Mauryan Period Mauryan Art, Architecture, and Legacy The Fragile Nature of Empires

What is an Empire?

• The word 'empire' comes from the Latin word imperium, which means 'supreme power'.
• An empire is a group of many smaller kingdoms or territories ruled by one powerful emperor.
• Most empires were formed after the emperor won wars against smaller kingdoms.
• The smaller kingdoms kept their own local rulers, but they accepted the authority of the emperor.
• The emperor ruled the entire empire from a capital city, which was usually an important centre for administration and trade.

Sanskrit Words for 'Emperor'

• Samrāj – The lord of all or supreme ruler.
• Adhirāja – Overlord.
• Rājādhirāja – King of kings.

Tributary (Vassal) :

• A tributary or vassal is a ruler or state that accepts the authority of an emperor.
• It pays tribute, such as money, gold, grain, livestock, elephants, or other valuable goods.
• Paying tribute is a sign of loyalty, respect, and submission to the emperor's rule.

Features of an Empire :

(1) Maintains a Strong Army :

• An empire keeps a strong army to protect its borders.
• The army controls tributary states and helps expand the empire.
• It also defends the empire from enemy attacks.

(2) Has an Efficient Administration :

• The emperor appoints officials to manage different regions.
• They collect taxes and maintain law and order.
• They also help in running the empire smoothly.

(3) Makes Laws and Regulates Trade

• The emperor makes laws for the whole empire.
• The empire issues its own coins, weights, and measures.
• It also controls and promotes trade.

(4) Controls Resources :

• The empire manages important resources like forests, mines, farmland, and manpower.
• These resources help in the growth and development of the empire.

(5) Promotes Culture and Education :

• The empire supports art, literature, and different religions.
• It encourages schools of thought and centres of learning.
• This helps in the cultural and intellectual development of society.

(6) Develops Transport and Communication :

• The empire builds and maintains roads, rivers, and sea routes.
• Good communication helps in administration, trade, and the welfare of the people.
• Better infrastructure keeps the empire connected and strong.

Why Did Kings Want to Become Emperors?

• Kings wanted to rule over large territories and become powerful rulers.
• They wished to expand their kingdoms and gain control over valuable resources.
• More resources made the empire stronger in wealth and military power.
• They also wanted to earn great wealth for themselves and their empire.
• Many kings hoped to be remembered in history as great emperors.

How Did Kingdoms Expand into Empires?

• Kings fought wars to conquer neighbouring kingdoms.
• They built strong forts at important places, especially along the borders.
• They controlled rivers and trade routes to increase trade, resources, and tax income.
• Kingdoms with stronger armies and more resources became more powerful and turned into empires.
• After accepting the emperor's authority and paying tribute, local kings were usually allowed to continue ruling their own regions.

Trade, Trade Routes and Guilds :

Importance of Trade :

• A large army needed food, clothes, weapons, animals, and salaries.
• This required a strong economy and good control over resources.
• Production and trade were important for maintaining a powerful empire.
• Trade increased the ruler's income through taxes and helped the empire grow.

Goods Traded

• Textiles
• Spices
• Agricultural produce
• Gems and handicrafts
• Different kinds of animals

Indian goods were traded not only within India but also with many foreign countries by land and sea.

Major Trade Routes :

• Uttarapatha – The great northern trade route.
• Dakshinapatha – The great southern trade route.
• Other trade routes connected important cities like Takshashila, Pataliputra, Ujjayini, Tamralipti, and Kaveripattinam.

Guilds (Shrenis) :

Traders in ancient India often worked together rather than alone. They formed guilds, called Shrenis.

• Guilds (Shrenis) were groups of traders, craftsmen, moneylenders, or farmers.
• Each guild had an elected leader and other officers.
• Guilds existed across many parts of India for hundreds of years and showed the strong self-management of Indian society.

Traders' guilds became remarkable institutions for two main reasons :

• Guild members shared resources, skills, and market information to help one another.
• Guilds made their own rules and managed their own work. Kings usually did not interfere because guilds helped trade and the economy grow

The Rise of Magadha :

Rise of Magadha :

• Between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, Magadha became the most powerful of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
• It was located in present-day south Bihar and nearby areas.
• Magadha's rise led to the formation of India's first empire.

Why Did Magadha Rise to Power?

• Magadha was located in the fertile Ganga plains, which were rich in forests, timber, and elephants.
• Nearby hills provided iron ore and other minerals.
• Iron ploughs increased agricultural production, while iron weapons made the army stronger.
• Surplus food allowed more people to work as craftsmen and artisans.
• The Ganga and Son rivers made trade and transport easier, increasing the kingdom's wealth.
• Strong rulers like Ajatashatru helped Magadha become a powerful kingdom.

The Nanda Dynasty (c. 5th Century BCE)

• The Nanda Dynasty was founded by Mahapadma Nanda.
• He united many smaller kingdoms and expanded his empire across eastern and northern India.
• The Nandas issued coins, showing that their economy was strong.
• Greek accounts mention that the Nandas had a large and powerful army.
• The last Nanda ruler, Dhana Nanda, became unpopular because he oppressed and exploited the people.
• His unpopularity made it easier for the Mauryas to conquer the Nanda Empire.

Know This : ●   The Buddha (Siddhārtha Gautama) and Mahāvīra (Vardhamānan) lived in the time of King Ajātaśhatru. ●   Pāṇini, the famed Sanskrit grammarian, lived around the 5th century BCE (time of the Nandas) and composed the Aṣhṭādhyāyi — rules of Sanskrit grammar in 3,996 short sūtras.

The Arrival of the Greeks :

Alexander's Conquest :

• While Magadha was becoming powerful in eastern India, many small kingdoms existed in northwestern India.
• One of these kingdoms was ruled by King Porus (Paurava).
• Alexander of Macedonia defeated the Persian Empire between 334–331 BCE and built one of the largest empires in history.

Alexander Enters India (327–325 BCE)

• Alexander entered northwestern India to expand his empire.
• He defeated King Porus in Punjab.
• Many local tribes strongly resisted his army, and some women also fought in the battles.
• Alexander was seriously wounded during the campaign.
• His tired and homesick soldiers refused to march further towards the Ganga.
• Alexander was forced to return through the harsh Makran Desert, where many soldiers died due to thirst, hunger, and disease.

Alexander's Death (324–323 BCE)

• After returning to Persia, Alexander faced rebellions in his empire.
• He fell ill and died in Babylon at the age of 32.
• After his death, his empire was divided among his generals and governors.

Alexander and King Porus :

• After defeating Porus, Alexander asked him how he wished to be treated.
• Porus replied, "Like a king."
• Impressed by his courage and dignity, Alexander allowed Porus to continue ruling his kingdom as a satrap.

Key Term: Satrap : A satrap was a governor appointed to rule a province in the Persian or Greek Empire. Satraps managed distant regions on behalf of the emperor and had considerable powers.

Alexander and the Gymnosophists :

• Alexander met a group of Indian sages called the Gymnosophists or "naked philosophers."
• He tested their wisdom by asking them difficult riddles.
• Their intelligent and calm answers impressed him.
• Alexander spared their lives, and this meeting became an important example of the exchange between Greek and Indian philosophy.

The Mighty Mauryas :

Rise of the Maurya Empire

• Around 321 BCE, Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire.
• He conquered the Nanda Empire and expanded his kingdom further.
• He was guided by his wise teacher and advisor, Kautilya (Chanakya).

The Story of Kautilya :

• Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, was a teacher at Takshashila University.
• He was insulted and removed from the court of Dhana Nanda.
• Kautilya then decided to end the Nanda rule.
• With his guidance, Chandragupta Maurya defeated the Nandas and established the Maurya Empire.

Rise of Chandragupta Maurya :

• Chandragupta defeated the Nandas and made Pataliputra his capital.
• He used Magadha's rich resources, strong economy, and trade to strengthen the empire.
• Following Kautilya's advice, he expanded his empire successfully.
• He defeated the Greek governors (satraps) left behind by Alexander in northwestern India.
• Chandragupta also maintained friendly relations with the Greeks.
• The Greek ambassador Megasthenes visited his court and wrote Indika, the earliest account of India by a foreign visitor.

Kautilya's Philosophy of Governance

• Kautilya explained his ideas in the Arthashastra, a book on governance, economics, and administration.
• He believed that a king should always work for the welfare of the people.
• A strong economy, good administration, justice, agriculture, and defence were essential for a successful kingdom.
• According to Kautilya, the happiness and prosperity of the people are the true strength of a ruler.
• He believed that a good king should always put the interests of the people before his own.

Aśhoka – The King Who Chose Peace

Aśhoka :

• Aśhoka (268–232 BCE) was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya.
• He was one of the greatest rulers of the Maurya Empire.
• He is remembered for his good administration and for spreading the message of peace.

Early Rule and Expansion

• Aśhoka expanded the Maurya Empire across almost the entire Indian subcontinent.
• His empire included present-day India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan.
• Only the southernmost part of India remained outside his empire.

The Kalinga War

• Aśhoka fought a fierce war against Kalinga (present-day Odisha).
• The war caused great loss of life and destruction.
• Seeing the suffering, Aśhoka deeply regretted the war.
• He decided to give up violence and follow the teachings of Lord Buddha.
• After this, he promoted peace and non-violence.

Spreading Buddhism :

• Aśhoka sent emissaries (messengers) to countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Central Asia.
• They spread the teachings of Buddhism and the message of peace.

Aśhoka – The Great Communicator :

• Aśhoka issued edicts (official orders) on rocks and pillars across his empire.
• These edicts encouraged people to follow Dharma.
• Most edicts were written in Prakrit using the Brahmi script.
• Aśhoka called himself "Devanampiya Piyadasi," meaning "Beloved of the Gods" and "One who looks upon others with kindness."

Welfare Measures by Aśhoka :

• He provided medical care for both people and animals.
• He banned unnecessary hunting and cruelty to animals.
• He built wells, rest houses, and planted shade and fruit trees along roads.
• He encouraged people of different religions to respect one another.
• He sent officers to check that people were treated fairly and not punished unjustly.

Key Term: Dharma

• Dharma means moral duty, righteousness, and ethical behaviour.
• It teaches people to fulfil their responsibilities towards their family, society, and country.
• It also means living with truth, justice, and respect for others.

Decline of the Maurya Empire :

• The Maurya Empire lasted for about 50 years after Aśhoka's death.
• His successors were unable to keep the empire united.
• Many smaller kingdoms became independent.
• Around 185 BCE, the Maurya Empire came to an end, marking the beginning of a new phase in Indian history.

Life in the Mauryan Period :

Cities and Administration

• Cities like Pataliputra were important centres of government and trade.
• They had palaces, public buildings, and well-planned streets.
• A well-organised tax system and active trade made the empire rich.
• Officials, merchants, and artisans played an important role in city life.

Agriculture and Food Security

• Agriculture was the main occupation of many people.
• Farmers usually grew two crops each year because of the summer and winter rains.
• Good harvests made famines rare.
• Large granaries stored food for times of need.
• The Sohagaura Copper Plate Inscription mentions the construction of a granary to protect people from famine.

Urban Life and Occupations

• Skilled workers such as blacksmiths, potters, carpenters, and jewellers lived in cities.
• Cities had well-planned streets with signboards.
• Couriers carried messages from one place to another.
• Most houses were made of wood and were up to two storeys high.
• Water pots were kept along the streets to help control fires.

Clothing

• People usually wore cotton clothes.
• Men commonly wore a lower garment reaching between the knee and ankle and an upper cloth over the shoulders.
• Some people wore decorated leather shoes with thick soles.

Mauryan Art, Architecture, and Legacy :

The Sarnath Lion Capital :

• The Sarnath Lion Capital was placed on top of a pillar built by Aśhoka at Sarnath, near Varanasi.
• Sarnath is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon.
• The capital has four lions, which represent power and authority.
• The circular base below shows an elephant, bull, horse, and lion, along with the Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma).
• It was adopted as the National Emblem of India.
• The motto "Satyameva Jayate" means "Truth alone triumphs".
• The Dharmachakra is also found at the centre of the Indian National Flag.

Mauryan Architecture :

• The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India.
• It was first built with brick and later enlarged using stone.
• Aśhoka built many stupas, chaityas, and viharas for worship, study, and meditation.
• The Dhauli elephant sculpture in Odisha is a famous rock-cut sculpture.
• It represents qualities such as intelligence, strength, patience, and calmness.
• Aśhoka's edicts are engraved near the sculpture.
• The Barabar Hills caves in Bihar were carved out of rock for monks.

Terracotta Art :

• Mauryan artists made beautiful terracotta figurines.
• These included dancing girls and female deities with detailed jewellery and headdresses.
• Yakshi figures holding fly whisks were also popular.
• Saptamatrikas represented the seven mother goddesses.
• Terracotta horse heads with decorated bridles have also been found.

Coinage :

• The Mauryan period used punch-marked silver coins.
• Coins were issued by rulers such as Mahapadma Nanda and Aśhoka.
• These coins show the strong economy and organised administration of the empire.

Legacy of the Mauryas :

• The Maurya Empire created one of the earliest large empires in Indian history.
• It developed strong administration, trade, roads, and communication systems.
• Aśhoka's message of peace, Dharma, and welfare became famous across India and beyond.
• Mauryan art and architecture continue to be important symbols of India's cultural heritage.
• The Sarnath Lion Capital and the Dharmachakra remain national symbols of India today.

The Fragile Nature of Empires :

Why Do Empires Decline?

• Many great empires in history, such as the Roman, Persian, Ottoman, Spanish, Russian, and British Empires, eventually came to an end.
• Historians have different views about the reasons for their decline.

Common Causes of Decline :

• Some regions wanted to become independent when emperors demanded more taxes or tribute.
• Weak rulers often failed to control the empire after a strong emperor.
• Local kings sometimes stopped obeying the emperor or paying tribute.
• Large empires were difficult to govern, especially distant regions.
• Natural disasters like droughts and floods could weaken the economy and reduce the empire's strength.

The Paradox of Empires :

Positive Effects :

• Empires brought political unity by joining many kingdoms under one ruler.
• They reduced wars between smaller kingdoms.
• Peace and stability encouraged trade, agriculture, and economic growth.

Negative Effects :

• Most empires were created through wars and conquest.
• They were often maintained by military force and strict control.
• Because of these challenges, many empires became unstable and eventually declined.

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