NCERT Solutions For Class-12 History Chapter-2: Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 History Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies – This article includes the free NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies. It will help the students of Class 12 to learn the solutions and ace their exams. It has been developed by the subject matter experts at GFG, according to the latest CBSE Syllabus 2023-24, and guidelines. It help the students of Class 12 create a solid conceptual base for History Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies.

The solutions to all the exercises in Class 12 History Chapter 2 Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies of your NCERT textbook have been collectively covered in NCERT Solution for Class 11 (2024-2025).

What are the different explanations offered by early writers and present-day historians for the growth of Magadhan power? (Page – 31)

Answer:

The rise of the Magadha empire was attributed by so many different factors including the geographical advantages of the fertile Gangetic plains, abundant agriculture, different strategic alliances, and natural resources. This explanation was given by the early writers. On the other side, present-day, historians come with so many complex explanations like the location of Magadha, different efficient political institutions, the emergence of the warrior class in the social context, and the growth of the economy helped Magadha to rise.

Read the excerpts from Megasthenes and the Arthashastra (Sources 1 and 2). To what extent do you think these texts are useful in reconstructing a history of Mauryan administration? (Page – 34)

Answer:

As a Greek ambassador, Megasthenes provides valuable insight into the Nuryan Empire. It also gives us a detailed view of the political, social, and economic structure of the whole Empire. His observations were the administration process influenced the cultural biases and limitations to understanding the Indian society. On the other hand, the Arthashastra was written by Chanakya. The book gives us an overview of the taxation, law enforcement, diplomacy, and military strategy of the Mauryan Empire.

Why do you think kings claimed divine status? (Page – 37)

Answer:

Kings always claimed that they had divine status and they could legitimate any rule through the authority. They use the religion as a tool of governance. On the other side, the elevated king always represents the idea of justice and wisdom associated with divinity.

Find out whether plough agriculture, irrigation and transplantation are prevalent in your state. If not, are there any alternative systems in use? (Page – 41)

Answer:

The plow agriculture, irrigation, and transplantation are prevalent in our state. They help in the regional agricultural practices and it can be common in the process of subsistence farming as well. There are some alternative systems where that offer subsistence and sustainable processes by taking care of soil health, manual labor, and biodiversity.

What are the transactions involved in trade? Which of these transactions are apparent from the sources mentioned? Are there any that are not evident from the sources? (Page – 46)

Answer:

Trade transactions can be rated as the purchase, sell, transport, storage, distribution, and negotiation processes. Historical sources like the Marchant records, travel accounts, and archeological findings can purchase individual agreements in the negotiation process. The combination of the textual analysis and the research helps us to understand ancient commerce.

Look at Map 2 and discuss the location of Asokan inscriptions. Do you notice any patterns? (Page – 48)

Answer:

Yes, there are patterns in the location of Ashokan inscriptions on the map. The inscription has been found so many places and their placement took place in the trade routes majorly. The minor rock edicts are found in the Ashoka territory including the Hindu Kush region.

Discuss the evidence of craft production in Early Historic cities. In what ways is this different from the evidence from Harappan cities?

Answer: 

There are so many artifacts found in the time of excavation from different early historic sites. So it is clear that early historic civilization flourished in the field of craft production. So many artifacts like fine pottery bowls and dishes were found at the time of excavation. So many ornaments, tools, weapons, and vessels prove the experience of these civilizations. 

Describe the salient features of Mahajanapadas.

Answer: 

There were some powerful Mahajanapadas like Magadha, Koshi, Kuru, and Panchala. Most of these Mahajanapadas were ruled by kings and followed the oligarchy pattern of the administration. Almost every Mahajanapada had a capital city and they were properly developed and maintained by a strong army and bureaucracy. 

How do historians reconstruct the lives of ordinary people?

Answer: 

It is historically important as it acts as the source of information in different social and political times. They mainly give information about the achievements of kings and most of their inscriptions were in Prakit. 

Compare and contrast the list of things given to the Pandyan chief (Source 3) with those produced in the village of Danguna (Source 8). Do you notice any similarities or differences?

Answer: 

As per the sources, the Pradhan Chief has included so many things including ivory, honey, sandal wood, pepper, and flowers. So many animals and birds were presented as gifts. Some major items like grass, animal skins, and flower salt were the main production at this time. 

List some of the problems faced by epigraphists.

Answer:

There are some problems faced by the epigraphists and limitations found in the inscriptions as evidence. The technical limitations made the reconstruction tough. So many damaged inscriptions were found where the letters were missing. All the major political and economic activities were not mentioned which makes them a comprehensive source of information. 

Discuss the main features of the Mauryan administration. Which of these elements are evident in the Asokan inscriptions that you have studied?

Answer:

The Mauryans established a strong administrative system where each duty was vested to a capable officer. Some officials have the responsibility to measure the lands which can be used for the cultivation of crops. The canal management system became efficient and the irrigation system was so developed. They the controlled activities of the huntsmen and they were punished for any act of violation as well. The major activities involved carpentry, miners, and woodcutters. 

This is a statement made by one of the best-known epigraphists of the twentieth century, D.C. Sircar: “There is no aspect of life, culture, and activities of the Indians that is not reflected in inscriptions.” Discuss.

Answer: 

The inscriptions are the major source from where we can understand the different aspects of the Mauryan life. They were historically important as they give us a view of our social and political life. They generally give information about the achievements of the kings. Some inscriptions have the date mentioned and are generally written in Prakit. 

Discuss the notions of kingship that developed in the post-Mauryan period.

Answer: 

There were several kingships in different ruling dynasties including the Kushana Kings and Gupta Rulers. Kushan kings used to address themselves as Devputra and Gupta Rulers took the status of Samantas. 

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What are the early states Class 12 history?

The earliest states emerged in the 6th century BCE which were mentioned in the early Buddhist and Jaina texts. The earliest 16 states were known as mahajanapadas. In which Vajji, Magadha, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandliara and Avanti were most important.

What are the Mahajanapadas Class 12 history notes?

The 16 Mahajanapadas were Magadha, Anga, Kashi, Kosala, Avanti, Vatsa, Gandhara, Kamboja, Chedi, Vajji, Malla, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Surasena, and Assaka. The Mahajanapadas were known for their rich cultural heritage, military prowess, and economic prosperity.

Who was Gahapati in History class 12?

A gahapati was the owner, master or head of a household, who exercised control over the women, children, slaves and workers who shared a common residence. He was also the owner of the resources – land, animals and other things – that belonged to the household.

What are the early states Class 12 history?

The earliest states emerged in the 6th century BCE which were mentioned in the early Buddhist and Jaina texts. The earliest 16 states were known as mahajanapadas. In which Vajji, Magadha, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandliara and Avanti were most important.

What are the important kingdoms and towns Class 12?

In the 6th century BCE sixteen big kingdoms known as Mahajanapadas came into existence. Among these sixteen Mahajanapadas were-Magadha, Koshala, Vatsa and Avant whichwere the most powerful. . In the 5th century BCE, the powerful Mahajanapadas turned into powerful empires. Magadha was very powerful Mahajanapada.