CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 10 New Empires and Kingdom

The Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Pulakeshin’s Prashasti

During this period, the Pallavas and Chalukyas were the two most powerful dynasties in south India. The Pallavas ruled from their capital at Kanchipuram, with their kingdom extending to the Kaveri delta. The Chalukyas, on the other hand, were centered around the Raichur Doab, situated between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. Aihole, the Chalukya capital, was not only a major trading hub but also a religious center, home to numerous temples. Pulakeshin II, the most renowned Chalukya ruler, is celebrated in a prashasti written by his court poet, Ravikirti. This inscription traces his lineage through four generations, emphasizing his royal ancestry. Pulakeshin II led successful military campaigns along both the west and east coasts of India, and notably, he stopped the northern king Harsha from advancing into southern India. Ravikirti’s prashasti contains a clever wordplay, stating that after his defeat, Harsha (whose name means happiness) was no longer Harsha , indicating his loss of joy after the defeat.

How Were These Kingdoms Administered?

The administration of these kingdoms continued to rely heavily on land revenue, with the village serving as the fundamental unit of governance. However, several new administrative practices emerged to strengthen the ruler’s control. Key features included:

• Hereditary Administrative Posts : Some high-ranking administrative positions were passed down through families.
• Multiple Offices Held by One Person : Occasionally, a single individual managed several important offices, increasing their influence.
• Local Influence : Prominent local figures, whether due to wealth, social standing, or military power, likely played a role in local governance, helping the king maintain stability and control.

These administrative strategies helped rulers win the loyalty and support of powerful men, ensuring the stability and prosperity of their kingdoms.

A New Kind of Army

During this period, kings maintained well-organized armies composed of elephants, chariots, cavalry, and foot soldiers. Military leaders, known as samantas , provided troops when required, but instead of receiving regular salaries, they were often given grants of land. The samantas collected revenue from their land, which they used to support their soldiers, horses, and military equipment. This system allowed rulers to maintain a strong army without the need for direct financial compensation to their military leaders.

Assemblies in the Southern Kingdoms

In the southern kingdoms, inscriptions of the Pallavas mention various local assemblies. One such assembly was the sabha , a gathering of Brahmin landowners, which managed local affairs through different subcommittees. These subcommittees handled tasks such as irrigation, agricultural operations, road construction, and the maintenance of local temples. There was also a village assembly in regions where the landowners were not Brahmins, and the nagaram , an organization of merchants, played a significant role in commercial activities.

Ordinary People in the Kingdoms

Kalidasa, a renowned poet and playwright, is well-known for his plays that offer glimpses into the lives of people in the king’s court. One striking feature of his works is the distinction in language use kings and Brahmins are portrayed as speaking Sanskrit, while other characters, including women and common people, speak Prakrit. Kalidasa’s famous play, Abhijnana Shakuntalam , tells the love story of King Dushyanta and a young woman named Shakuntala, reflecting the cultural and social life of that era.

Important Questions for CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 10 Buildings, Paintings and Books

Here are the important questions and answers of Chapter 10 for Class 6 students: