New Notions of Kingship

What do you mean by “Divine Theory of Kingship”?

“Divine Theory of Kingship” was a concept that was used to justify the absolute power of the King. It points out that the King is appointed on the behalf of the God and he is answerable only to the God for his deeds and actions.

What are the sources related to the new notions of Kingship?

The sources that are related to the new notions of Kingship are : Prashastis , Coins, Literature and Accounts of Foreign travellers.

What were the new kingdoms that emerged in the Deccan and South India?

The new kingdoms that emerged in the Deccan and in South India are: chiefdoms of the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas in Tamilakam

What were the strategies used by the Kushanas in order to claim high status?

The strategies used by the Kushanas in order to claim high status were:

• One means of claiming high status was to identify with a variety of deities.
• Their history has been reconstructed from inscriptions and textual traditions. The notions of kingship they wished to project are perhaps best evidenced in their coins and sculptures.
• Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title devaputra, or “son of god”, possibly inspired by Chinese rulers who called themselves sons of heaven.

Who were the Samantas?

Samantas were men who maintained themselves through local resources including control over land. They offered homage and provided military support to rulers. Powerful samantas could become kings: conversely, weak rulers might find themselves being reduced to positions of subordination.

From the 6th Century B.C.E, the most visible change noticed in India was the emergence of early states, empires, and kingdoms. The Mauryan Empire lasted for about 150 years, which is not very long in the vast span of the subcontinent’s history. Within the frontiers of the empire, control was not uniform. By the second century B.C.E., new chiefdoms and kingdoms emerged in several parts of the subcontinent.

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