CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9 Traders, Kings and Pilgrims
Here we have provided CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9 for the ease of students so that they can prepare well.
Ananya Gupta17 Sept, 2024
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CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9: These notes are important for students preparing for their CBSE Class 6 exams. The notes focus on topics from history, making it easier for students to understand how ancient civilizations developed, how people interact with their environment, and how communities are governed. They break down complex ideas into simpler ones, helping young learners grasp important concepts easily.
By studying these Class 6 notes, students can build a solid foundation for future studies, learn more about the world, and develop a sense of responsibility towards society.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9 Overview
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes for Chapter 9 Traders, Kings and Pilgrims have been prepared by subject experts from Physics Wallah. These notes provide a detailed overview of how trade, kingdoms and religious journeys played an important role in shaping ancient India. They simplify complex historical events and themes, making them easier for students to understand and retain. The notes are designed to enhance learning and help students gain a deeper insight into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the period.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9 PDF
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes for Chapter 9 Traders, Kings and Pilgrims are available for download in PDF format. Students can use the PDF to enhance their understanding of ancient trade routes, the rise of powerful kings and the journeys of pilgrims. The PDF link is provided below for easy access and offline study.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9 PDF
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9 Traders, Kings and Pilgrims
Below we have provided CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9 Traders, Kings and Pilgrims-How to Find Out About Trade and Traders
Trade in ancient times was a vital part of connecting different regions, and traders played a significant role in transporting goods across vast distances. Fine pottery, found at various archaeological sites throughout the subcontinent, is evidence of this ancient trade. Traders carried these goods from where they were made to sell them in different regions. South India, in particular, was renowned for its gold, pepper, and precious stones. In the Roman Empire, pepper was so highly valued that it earned the nickname "black gold." Traders transported these valuable items to Rome using ships across the sea or caravans by land. Several sea routes were explored, with traders often following coastal lines. Some routes crossed the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, where sailors cleverly used the monsoon winds to make their voyages faster. These trade connections brought wealth and cultural exchange to various regions and civilizations.New Kingdoms along the Coasts
The southern region of the Indian subcontinent, with its long coastline and fertile river valleys like Kaveri, became home to powerful chiefs and kings who controlled these areas. Among them were the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas, known as the "Muvendar," a Tamil term meaning three chiefs. These rulers, who emerged around 2300 years ago, had significant control over both inland and coastal cities. Puhar (Kaveripattinam), the Chola port, and Madurai, the capital of the Pandyas, were two important cities. Instead of imposing regular taxes, these chiefs demanded gifts and tribute from the people and neighboring regions, using the wealth to reward their supporters, including poets who praised their achievements in the Sangam literature. About 200 years later, the Satavahanas rose to power in western India, with Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni being one of their most notable rulers. The Satavahanas were called the lords of the dakshinapatha, which referred to the route leading to the south and the entire southern region of India.The Story of the Silk Route
The Silk Route played a significant role in the ancient world, connecting China with distant lands through trade. The process of making silk was complex, involving the extraction of raw silk from silkworm cocoons, spinning it into thread, and weaving it into cloth. China, where silk-making was first invented, kept the method a secret for thousands of years. Chinese traders traveled on foot, horseback, and camels, carrying silk along paths that came to be known as the Silk Route. Silk became highly desired, especially among rulers in Iran, West Asia, and the Roman Empire, where it was considered a symbol of wealth. The Romans, around 2000 years ago, made silk fashionable, despite its high cost due to the long journey from China, through rugged mountains and deserts. Many kings sought control of the route to gain from the taxes, tributes, and gifts from traders, offering protection from robbers in return. The Kushanas, who ruled Central Asia and north-west India around 2000 years ago, were major controllers of the Silk Route. Their key power centers were Peshawar and Mathura, with Taxila as part of their kingdom. A branch of the Silk Route ran from Central Asia to the Indus River’s seaports, where silk was then shipped to the Roman Empire.The Spread of Buddhism
Kanishka, a well-known Kushana ruler who reigned around 1900 years ago, played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism. He organized a Buddhist council where scholars gathered to discuss key matters. One of the prominent figures in his court was Ashvaghosha, a poet who wrote the Buddhacharita, a biography of the Buddha. During this period, Mahayana Buddhism, a new form of Buddhism, emerged with two distinct features. Earlier, Buddha's presence was represented through symbols, like the peepal tree symbolizing his enlightenment. Later, Buddha's statues were made in places like Mathura and Taxila. Another key concept in Mahayana Buddhism was that of the Bodhisattva, enlightened beings who chose to remain in the world to guide and help others. Buddhism spread across India, with monks living in caves carved out of hills, often commissioned by kings, queens, merchants and farmers. These caves were located near important passes in the Western Ghats. The religion also spread beyond India to regions like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Southeast Asia, where Theravada Buddhism, an older form of Buddhism, gained popularity.The Quest of the Pilgrims
The Chinese Buddhist pilgrims, such as Fa Xian, Xuan Zang, and I-Qing, embarked on remarkable journeys to the Indian subcontinent in their quest to visit places connected to the life of the Buddha and explore famous monasteries. Fa Xian arrived around 1600 years ago, while Xuan Zang and I-Qing followed approximately 50 years later. Their travels were filled with challenges and took several years to complete. These pilgrims wrote detailed accounts of the dangers they faced, the countries they visited, and the valuable manuscripts they carried back to China. Xuan Zang, in particular, returned via the land route, transporting Buddha statues made of gold, silver, and sandalwood, along with over 600 manuscripts on the backs of 20 horses. Unfortunately, he lost more than 50 manuscripts when his boat capsized in the Indus River. Despite the loss, Xuan Zang dedicated the remainder of his life to translating the surviving manuscripts from Sanskrit into Chinese, ensuring the knowledge and teachings of Buddhism reached his homeland.The Beginning of Bhakti
The concept of Bhakti, which means devotion to a chosen deity, became a significant aspect of Hinduism during this period. Deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and goddesses such as Durga gained prominence and were worshipped with great devotion. The idea of Bhakti is also highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text within the Mahabharata. In it, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna, his devotee, to abandon all other duties and take refuge in him, as only Krishna can free him from evil. The Bhakti movement focused on personal devotion and simple worship of gods or goddesses, as opposed to elaborate rituals or sacrifices. Followers believed that their chosen deity would respond to their pure-hearted worship and could appear in any form they desired be it human, animal, or even a tree. This idea of personal devotion spread widely across different parts of India.Important Questions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 9 Traders, Kings and Pilgrims
Here are the important questions and answers of Chapter 9 for Class 6 students:CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 9 FAQs
What is the significance of the Silk Route?
The Silk Route was a major trade route that connected China with the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and precious stones. It played a important role in cultural and economic interactions between East and West.
Who were the prominent rulers of the southern kingdoms mentioned in this chapter?
The prominent rulers were the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. They controlled significant trade routes and coastal areas in southern India and were known for their wealth and influence.
What were the primary goods traded along the Silk Route?
Major goods traded along the Silk Route included silk, spices (like pepper), precious stones, and various luxury items. Silk was especially valuable and was transported from China to the Roman Empire and other regions.
Who was Kanishka, and what was his contribution to Buddhism?
Kanishka was a prominent Kushana ruler who reigned around 1900 years ago. He is known for organizing a Buddhist council to discuss important matters of Buddhism and for promoting Mahayana Buddhism, which introduced new practices and artistic representations of the Buddha.
What was the role of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrims in spreading Buddhism?
Chinese Buddhist pilgrims, such as Fa Xian, Xuan Zang, and I-Qing, traveled to India to visit important Buddhist sites and monasteries. They collected manuscripts and artifacts and played a key role in bringing Buddhist teachings and texts back to China, thereby aiding in the spread of Buddhism.
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