The Rise of Empires Class 7 Extra Questions and Answers SST Chapter 5

Students can keep Class 7 SST Extra Questions and Class 7th SST Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires Class 7 Important Extra Question Answer handy for quick reference during exams.

Class 7 SST Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires Extra Questions

NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5 Extra Questions on The Rise of Empires

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Very Short Question Answer

Question 1.
What was the role of Kautilya in Chandragupta Maurya’s life?
Answer:
He was a wise Brahmin who guided and helped Chandragupta to become king.

Question 2.
What type of currency was used during the Mauryan period?
Answer:
Punch-marked coins.

Question 3.
What is a moat and why was it used?
Answer:
A moat is a deep trench filled with water used for protecting the city.

Question 4.
Name two foreign countries that traded with Pataliputra.
Ansqwer:
China and Rome.

Question 5.
Name one river that provided a trade advantage to Magadha.
Answer:
Ganga or Son.

Question 6.
What type of bridge did Pataliputra have?
Answer:
A drawbridge.

Question 7.
Who founded the Maurya Empire?
Answer:
Chandragupta Maurya.

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Short Question Answer

Question 1.
Mention the reason to deploy trained army in the empire.
Answer:
The main reasons to deploy trained army are:

1. To conquer neighbouring kingdoms.
2. To employ control over them.
3. To defend the empire’s borders.

Question 2.
Why is maintaining an army a costly affair?
Answer:
For maintaining army soldiers need to be fed, clothed, equipped with weapons and paid, horses and elephants needed for the army, roads and ships have to be built. These all expenses need economic power, control over the workforce and access to resources.

Question 3.
Describe how Magadha rose to power and what made it suitable for empire-building.
Answer:
Magadha rose to power due to its fertile Ganga plains, access to iron and minerals, abundant forests, and rivers for trade. Kings like Ajatashatru and Mahapadma Nanda expanded it further. Iron ploughs and weapons increased agricultural and military strength, while flourishing trade boosted wealth.

Question 4.
Compare the Nanda and Maurya dynasties in terms of governance and public perception.
Answer:
The Nanda dynasty, especially under Dhana Nanda, was seen as oppressive despite economic strength. He issued coins and maintained a large army but became unpopular. In contrast, Chandrqgupta Maurya, mentored by Kautilya, established a strong central governance and expanded the empire efficiently, gaining support and creating a lasting legacy.

Question 6.
How has the Kautilaya’s central philosophy is in tune with Indian values?
Answer:
The Kautilaya’s central theme is completely in tune with Indian values. In the happiness of his subject lies the king’s happiness, his welfare in their happiness. Alternatively, however powerful a king may be, he must give first place to people’s interest.

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Long Question Answer

Question 1.
Why is maintaining an army a costly affair, and what role does trade play in supporting it?
Answer:
Maintaining an army is costly because soldiers need to be fed, clothed, paid, and equipped with weapons. Elephants and horses require care, and infrastructure like roads or ships must be built. These needs require economic power, control over labour, and access to resources. Therefore, production and trade become key. Trade increases the quantity and variety of goods, benefits producers, and increases tax collections for the ruler. A strong economy supported by active trade allows the empire to fund its army and ensure the people’s welfare. Thus, economic strength and proper management of trade routes are essential for maintaining a powerful army and a stable empire.

Question 2.
What do we learn about the role of guilds (shrenis) in ancient Indian trade?
Answer:
Guilds, or shrenis, were powerful associations of traders, craftsmen, moneylenders, or agriculturists. A guild had a head and executive officers with ethical responsibilities. Guilds promoted collaboration rather than competition. They shared resources and market knowledge, benefiting all members. An ancient text says cultivators, traders, herdsmen, moneylenders, and artisans could make their own rules, and kings did not interfere. Guilds operated independently and supported trade and economic growth. They spread across India and lasted for centuries. Even after they formally disappeared, their ideas influenced trade and business. Guilds showed the self-organising nature of Indian society and its ability to support trade without heavy royal control.

Question 3.
What geographical and economic advantages helped Magadha become a powerful mahajanapada?
Answer:
Magadha was located in the resource-rich Ganga plains with fertile land and abundant forests. It also had access to elephants and iron ore from nearby hills. Iron was used to make ploughs that improved agriculture and weapons that made the army stronger. Surplus food allowed people to focus on crafts and trade. The Ganga and Son rivers made transport easy and supported trade. This increased income and helped the kingdom grow. These advantages allowed rulers like Mahapadma Nanda to unify many smaller kingdoms. With growing economic power, he issued coins, showing the kingdom’s wealth and strength. These factors helped Magadha rise as a powerful mahajanapada.

Question 4.
How did Kautilya help Chandragupta Maurya build the Maurya Empire?
Answer:
Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, was a teacher at Takshashila University. He advised Chandragupta Maurya after being insulted by Dhana Nanda. Kautilya helped Chandragupta overthrow the Nandas and create the Maurya Empire. He used his knowledge of politics, governance, and economics to guide the new empire. In his book Arthashastra, he wrote about defence, law, administration, justice, agriculture, and people’s welfare. He introduced the idea of saptanga—seven parts of a kingdom. Kautilya believed the king’s happiness depended on the welfare of his people. His ideas helped Chandragupta rule wisely and build a strong, well- protected, and prosperous empire with Pataliputra as its capital.

Question 5.
What changes did Ashoka make after the Kalinga war, and how did he spread his message?
Answer:
After the Kalinga war, Ashoka was deeply affected by the death and destruction he witnessed. He gave up violence and adopted the Buddha’s path of peace and non-violence. He began spreading Buddhist teachings and sent emissaries to countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Central Asia. Ashoka issued edicts official messages engraved on rocks and pillars—across the empire. Written in Prakrit and Brahmi script, they shared his thoughts on dharma, kindness, and religious tolerance. He called himself ‘Devanampiya Piyadasi’ beloved of the gods and kind to people. Ashoka also took steps for animal welfare, planted trees, built wells and rest houses, and supported all religious sects.

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Source Based Questions

Read the below passages and answer the questions that follow:
1. Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was a learned teacher at Takshashila and authored Arthashastra.
(i) Who was Kautilya and what was his major work?
Answer:
Kautilya was a teacher and advisor who authored the Arthashastra.

(ii) What was his role in Chandragupta Maurya’s rise to power?
Answer:
He guided and strategized for Chandragupta to overthrow the Nandas.

(iii) How did his teachings influence the Maurya Empire?
Answer:
They provided a foundation for strong governance and administration.

2. The Nanda king Dhana Nanda imposed heavy taxes and became unpopular among his subjects.
(i) Why was Dhana Nanda unpopular?
Answer:
Due to heavy taxation and possibly oppressive rule.

(ii) What effect did his rule have on the rise of the Maurya Empire?
Answer:
It created dissatisfaction, paving the way for Chandragupta’s rise.

(iii) How is this example important in understanding transitions in power?
Answer:
Unpopular rule often leads to revolts or the emergence of new leaders.

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Picture Based Questions

(i) What does the use of such coins suggest about the economy of ancient India?
Answer:
It suggests the presence of a formal currency system used in trade.

(ii) Which ruler had issued the punch-marked coins?
Answer:
Mahapadma Nanda.

(iii) What does the use of coins indicate about ancient India?
Answer:
It indicates a well- developed economy and the importance of trade.

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Map Skill Questions

Question 1.
On the political map of India, locate and label the following rock edicts:
(i) Girnar
(ii) Brahmagiri
(iii) Samath
Answer:

The post The Rise of Empires Class 7 Extra Questions and Answers SST Chapter 5 appeared first on Learn CBSE.