Maharashtra Board Class 11 History Chapter 6 Second Urbanisation in India Solutions

1A. Choose the Correct Alternative and Write the Complete Sentences.

 

Question 1. Ashmaka is the name in ____________ language.
(a) Pali
(b) Sanskrit
(c) Ardhamagadhi
Answer: (b) Sanskrit
In simple words: Ashmaka is the name of this ancient kingdom written in the Sanskrit language, while in Pali it is called Assaka.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that ancient Indian texts use different names in Sanskrit and Pali; memorizing these variations helps in scoring full marks.

 

Question 2. The capital of Kashi Mahajanapadas was ____________
(a) Gorakhpur
(b) Chandranagar
(c) Raj agriha
(d) Varanasi
Answer: (d) Varanasi
In simple words: Varanasi was the main capital city of the ancient Kashi kingdom, located along the banks of the holy Ganges river.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate Kashi directly with Varanasi to easily remember this capital city in your exams.

 

Question 3. Gautam Buddha was born in ____________
(a) Kushinagara
(b) Sarnath
(c) Lumbini
(d) Pataliputra
Answer: (c) Lumbini
In simple words: Gautam Buddha was born in the beautiful gardens of Lumbini, which is located in present-day Nepal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be careful not to confuse Buddha's birthplace (Lumbini) with Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon.

 

Question 4. The river ____________ was the natural boundary between Uttara Panchala and Dakshina Panchala.
(a) Yamuna
(b) Bhagirathi
(c) Ganga
(d) Niranjana
Answer: (b) Bhagirathi
In simple words: The Bhagirathi river flowed between the northern and southern parts of the Panchala kingdom, acting as a natural border.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remembering key geographical features like rivers helps you understand how ancient kingdoms were divided.

 

1B. Find the Incorrect Pair from Set B and Write the Correct Ones.

Question 1. Identify the incorrect pair in the following set and correct it:

Set 'A'	Set 'B'
(a) Kosala	Shravasti
(b) Anga	Champa
(c) Matsya	Mathura
(d) Gandhara	Taxila

Answer: (c) Matsya – Virat Nagar
The incorrect pair is Matsya – Mathura. The correct capital of the Matsya Mahajanapada was Virat Nagar, which is located in modern-day Rajasthan.
In simple words: The capital of Matsya was Virat Nagar, not Mathura. Mathura was actually the capital of the Surasena mahajanapada.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the capitals of all major Mahajanapadas to easily identify incorrect pairs in match-the-following questions.

Choose the Correct Reason and Complete the Sentence

 

Question 1. Gautam Buddha travelled continuously for 45 years ____________
(a) in search of a Guru
(b) to practice austerities
(c) to preach dhamma
(d) to attain enlightenment
Answer: (c) to preach dhamma
Gautam Buddha travelled continuously for 45 years to preach dhamma. He did this to spread his message of peace, love, and equality among the common people.
In simple words: After attaining enlightenment, Gautam Buddha spent the rest of his life walking from place to place to teach people the path of Dhamma (righteous living).

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that Buddha attained enlightenment first, and then spent 45 years traveling specifically to spread his teachings (dhamma) to others.

Complete the Concept Maps

 

Question 1. Complete the concept map for Jaina Religion (Panchmahavratas):
Answer: The five great vows (Panchmahavratas) of Jaina Religion, followed by Parshwanath and Vardhamana Mahavir, are:
• Ahimsa (Non-violence)
• Satya (Truth)
• Asteya (Non-stealing)
• Aparigraha (Non-attachment)
• Brahmacharya (Chastity)
These principles form the core ethical foundation of Jain philosophy.
In simple words: The Panchmahavratas are five basic rules of good behavior in Jainism, like being truthful, not hurting others, and not stealing, to help people live a pure life.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all five vows clearly with their simple meanings to secure full marks in concept map questions.

Jain Religion Concept Map:

• Jain Religion
  • 24th Tirthankara
    • Parshwanath
      • Non-violence (Ahimsa)
      • Truth (Satya)
      • Non-stealing (Asteya)
      • Non-possession (Apigraha)
    • Vardhamana Mahavir
      • Brahmacharya

 

Explain the Following Statements with Reasons

 

Question 1. The rise of Mahajanpadas came into being.
Answer:
• By 600 B.C.E. sixteen Mahajanapadas were established in India, from the northwest region to Magadha.
• Conquering other janapadas and annexing their territory permanently to one’s own, became a regular practice in the times of Mahajanapadas.
• Ultimately, this conflict resulted in the creation of a large empire like Magadha. This period marked a significant transition in the political landscape of ancient India.
• Ancient India once again witnessed the rise of cities.
In simple words: Around 600 B.C.E., sixteen large kingdoms called Mahajanapadas grew in India. They fought and conquered each other, which eventually led to the creation of huge empires like Magadha and the growth of new cities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the specific timeframe (600 B.C.E.) and the name of the prominent empire (Magadha) to secure full marks.

 

Question 2. The process of second urbanisation began in ancient India.
Answer:
• The Janapadas with definite geographic borders and administrative systems were established roughly around 1000 B.C.E.
• It resulted in the creation of sixteen Mahajanapadas from Afghanistan stretching to the banks of the Godavari in the south.
• The capital cities of the mahajanapadas and some other cities, which flourished because of prospering trade once again brought the age of urbanisation in India. This shift marked a transition from rural settlements to bustling commercial hubs.
• It is known as the ‘Second Urbanisation’.
In simple words: Around 1000 B.C.E., organized regions called Janapadas started forming. As trade grew, their capital cities became very busy and developed, starting a new era of city life known as the Second Urbanisation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define the geographical spread (from Afghanistan to Godavari) and link the growth of trade directly to the rise of cities.

 

Question 3. Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha attracted a large number of followers.
Answer: Among the various streams of thought that arose in the 6th century B.C.E., a large number of people were attracted to the teachings of Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. Their teachings showed the way to overcome the disparity in society resulting from the Varna and caste system. At the age of 42, Vardhamana Mahavira attained absolute knowledge (Keval Dnyana), and thereafter, people started addressing him as ‘Kevali’, ‘Jina’, and ‘Mahavira’. Meanwhile, Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 35, after which he was known as ‘Buddha’, ‘Tathagata’, and also as ‘Shakyamuni’. Their simple and compassionate approach to human suffering deeply resonated with the common people.
In simple words: Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha attracted many followers because they taught that everyone is equal, helping people find peace away from the strict caste system.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention key terms like 'Keval Dnyana', 'Varna system', and the specific ages of enlightenment to secure maximum marks.

Explain the Following Concepts

 

Question 1. Nastik Darshan
Answer: Nastik Darshan refers to the Jain and the Buddhist schools of thought. In other words, both the Jain and the Buddhist schools of thought are considered as 'nastik' because they refuse to accept the authority of the Vedas and the Vedic rituals. Both of these schools had followers in large numbers from all strata of society, offering an alternative path to spiritual liberation. This inclusive nature made them highly popular among the common masses.
In simple words: Nastik Darshan refers to belief systems like Jainism and Buddhism that do not follow the ancient Vedas or their rituals.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define 'Nastik' as the rejection of Vedic authority to show a precise understanding of the concept.

 

Question 2. The eightfold path was preached by Gautama Buddha.
Answer: Gautama Buddha explained the eightfold path by including:
(1) Right View (Samyak Drishti)
(2) Right Resolve (Samyak Sankappa)
(3) Right Speech (Samyak Vaca)
(4) Right Action (Samyak Kammanta)
(5) Right Livelihood (Samyak Ajiva)
(6) Right Effort (Samyak Vayama)
(7) Right Mindfulness (Samyak Sati)
(8) Right Concentration (Samyak Samadhi). Following these eight principles helps an individual avoid extremes and lead a balanced, righteous life.
In simple words: The eightfold path is a guide of eight good habits taught by Buddha to help people live a peaceful life and end suffering.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize and list all eight components of the path in order to score full marks in descriptive questions.

• Samyak Drishti (To understand and accept that nothing happens against the rules of nature)
• Samyak Sankalp (Right determination)
• Samyak Vacha (Right speech)
• Samyak Karmanta (Right behaviour)
• Samyak Aajiva (Livelihood by right means)
• Samyak Vyayam (Conscious avoidance of offensive things)
• Samyak Smriti (Watchfulness and memory of right things)
• Samyak Samadhi (Establishing the mind firmly in equanimity; a state beyond pleasure and sorrow)

Describe the Administrative System of the Mahajanapadas with the Help of the Following Points

 

Question 1.
(a) Terms showing types of states
(b) King’s installation
(c) Authority of the king
(d) Decision-making
Answer:
(a) Terms showing types of states: Rajya, Swarajya, Bhavjya, Vairajya, Maharajya, Samrajya, and Prameshthya were the different types of states that existed during the 6th B.C.E. These terms reflect the diverse political structures of the era.
(b) King’s installation: A ‘Raja’ was expected to be a ‘Kshtriya’ and according to the existing norms, a Brahmin was expected to refrain from accepting the position of a Raja. The position of Raja was generally hereditary. However, at times, a king was elected by the people.
(c) Authority of the king: The coronation of a king gave him absolute authority over his subjects. He was the one to decide the amount of taxes to be collected from them. He was the ultimate lord of all the land in his kingdom and so he could donate any portion of that land according to his wish. Nevertheless, his power was not totally unrestricted.
(d) Decision-making: The king made his decisions by seeking advice from his officials such as Purohita, Senani, Amatya, Gramani, etc. Besides, there was an assembly of people of all classes. When it assembled everybody present could
In simple words: The Mahajanapadas had different types of states ruled by kings who usually inherited their power but sometimes got elected. Although kings had great authority over land and taxes, they had to consult advisors and assemblies before making decisions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the key terms for the types of states and the names of the king's advisors to score full marks in this descriptive question.

 

Activity 1. Collect and compile the information about Jain Tirthankaras.
Answer: A “Tirthankara” is a saviour and spiritual teacher of the Jain dharma. Tirthankara in Sanskrit means ‘Ford-maker’ and is also known as “Jina” or “Victor”. A Tirthankara is a rare individual who has conquered samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth. These spiritual leaders guided humanity towards liberation and non-violence. There were 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism. They are as follows:
1. Lord Rishabhdev
2. Lord Ajitnath
3. Lord Sambhavnath
4. Lord Abhinandananath
5. Lord Sumatinath
6. Lord Padmaprabh
7. Lord Suparshvanath
8. Lord Chandraprabh
9. Lord Suvidhinath Swami or Puspadanta
10. Lord Sheetalnath
11. Lord Shreyansnath
12. Lord Vasupujya
13. Lord Vimalnath
14. Lord Anantnath
15. Lord Dharmnath
16. Lord Shantinath
17. Lord Kunthunath
18. Lord Aranath
19. Lord Mallinath
20. Lord Munisuvrat
21. Lord Naminath
22. Lord Neminath
23. Lord Parshvanath
24. Lord Mahavira
In simple words: A Tirthankara is a great spiritual teacher in Jainism who has conquered the cycle of birth and death. There are 24 such teachers who showed people the path of peace and truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'Tirthankara' means 'Ford-maker' and 'Jina' means 'Victor'. Mentioning these literal meanings along with the names of key Tirthankaras like the first (Lord Rishabhdev) and the last (Lord Mahavira) will help you score full marks.

Lord Mahavir

 

Activity 2. Collect information about Jataka stories. Select any of the Jataka stories and present, them as a stage play.
Answer: Students have to do it on their own. You can read various Jataka tales from school library books to choose an interesting story with a good moral for your performance.
In simple words: This is a creative group activity where you find a Jataka story and act it out as a play with your friends.

🎯 Exam Tip: For activities like stage plays, focus on choosing a story with clear characters and a strong moral message to make your presentation impactful.