NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 11: New Empires and Kingdoms

This chapter begins with an introduction of Prashastis, and the ruler Samudragupta. Through these Prashastis, we also learn about the genealogies of the Gupta dynasty. We also learn about the ruler Harshavardhana. The chapter also tells us about the Pallavas and the Chalukyas, who were the strongest dynasties in south India. We also learn about the administration of these kingdoms. Apart from the administration, we also learn about the lives of ordinary people in these kingdoms. The chapter includes the following important points:

• Special inscriptions made on rocks or pillars are known as Prashastis. Prashastis often give information about important rulers and dynasties.
• Samudragupta's Prashasti mentions his heroic battles and compares him to god.
• Most Prashastis also mention the ancestors of the rulers.
• We also know of some kings through their biographies. For example, King Harshavardhana.
• Harsha became the king of Thanesar around 1400 years ago. His court poet, Banabhatta, wrote his biography.
• The Pallavas and the Chalukyas were the most powerful kingdoms in the south.
• Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallavas, while Aihole was the capital of the Chalukyas.
• Aihole was also an important trading centre.
• The most famous Chalukya ruler was Pulakeshin. The information we have on him is from a Prashasti composed by his court poet, Ravikirti.
• Kings during this time adopted steps to gain the support of powerful people. For example, administrative posts became hereditary, and one person could now hold many posts.
• Kings maintained well-organised armies with cavalry, soldiers and military generals, who were often paid in land.
• Assemblies called sabhas also became popular in south India.
• Kalidas's plays also show us the life of common people. He shows the nobility to be speaking Sanskrit, while the common people speak Prakrit.