The Rise of Empires Question Answers Class 7 Social Science

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires, help students understand how ancient Indian empires grew, ruled diverse regions and shaped Indian civilisation. 

These solutions cover key Class 7 Social Science syllabus topics like empire expansion, administration, trade, culture, and the role of rulers like Ashoka and Kautilya making exam preparation easier and more effective.

The Rise of Empires Class 7 Social Science

The Rise of Empires Class 7 explores how small kingdoms in ancient India grew into large empires. It explains how rulers like the Nandas, Mauryas and others expanded their territories through war, alliances and diplomacy. 

The chapter also highlights how empires managed diverse cultures, developed trade, built infrastructure, and promoted art, religion and administration. Students will learn about the political, economic, and cultural life of people during this period along with the contributions of important leaders like Ashoka and Kautilya.

Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5 Question Answer

Below are the detailed solutions for The Rise of Empires Question Answer. These solutions cover all important questions from the syllabus, including the growth of empires, administration, trade culture and the roles of rulers like Ashoka and Kautilya. 

The Big Questions? (Page 83)

Question 1. What is an empire?
Answer:
An empire is a big area that includes many smaller kingdoms or regions, all ruled by one powerful leader called an emperor. The emperor controls the empire using a strong army, organized administration, good infrastructure and management of resources. Empires often grow by conquering new lands and bringing people from different cultures together under one rule.

Question 2. How did empires rise and shape Indian civilisation?
Answer:
Empires in India grew by bringing smaller kingdoms together, using wars, alliances, and strong leaders. For example the Magadha kingdom used its fertile land, iron tools and strong army to take over nearby regions. 

Rulers like the Nandas and Mauryas introduced organized administration, trade systems, and built roads and cities. These empires helped create a united Indian civilisation with common economic practices, languages and cultural traditions.

Question 3. What factors facilitated the transition from kingdoms to empires?
Answer:
Kingdoms in ancient India became empires because of several reasons:

• Fertile land and rich natural resources like in Magadha, supported farming and wealth

• Iron tools and weapons made farming easier and strengthened the army.

• Good locations with rivers and forests helped with defense and trade.

• Strong leaders, like Mahapadma Nanda expanded their territories.

• Roads, forts, and markets improved communication, protection and trade.

• The use of coins made buying, selling, and collecting taxes easier.

Question 4. What was life like from the 6th to the 2nd century BCE?
Answer:
Life between the 6th and 2nd century BCE was busy and changing. Cities like Pataliputra were centers of administration, trade and culture. 

People had different jobs blacksmiths made weapons, traders sold goods from India and other countries, and artisans worked on art and buildings. Trade guilds (shrenis) organized business activities. People enjoyed markets, public events, religious practices and building projects like caves for monks. The rise of empires during this time brought political stability, economic growth and cultural development.

Let’s Explore

Question 1. Empires extended over vast areas and had diverse
people with differing languages, customs and cultures. How do you think the emperors made sure that they lived in harmony? (Page 89)
Answer:
Emperors kept people living in different regions and cultures together by using several methods:

• They appointed local governors who knew the language and customs of their area.

• They respected local traditions and allowed people to follow their religions freely.

• They built roads, rest houses and communication networks to connect the empire.

• They encouraged the use of a common language or script for official work.

• They maintained law and order through fair rules and justice.

• They promoted art, education, and religious activities helping people feel a shared culture and identity.

Question 2. Looking at the many challenges involved in managing an empire, why should a king be so keen to expand his kingdom into an empire and become an emperor?
• An ambition to ‘rule the entire word’, a metaphor for controlling large territories and ensuring that they would be remembered for posterity;

• A wish to bring large areas under control and gain access to their resources to build economic and military strength;

• A desire for great wealth for himself and for the empire.

Answer:

Even though running an empire was challenging, kings wanted to expand for several reasons:

• They wanted to control large territories and be remembered as great rulers.

• Expanding gave them access to more resources, making their empire stronger economically and militarily.

• They sought wealth and prosperity for themselves and their empire.

• Expanding allowed them to spread their culture, administration, and ideas to more people.

• Some rulers believed it was their divine or moral duty to govern more people.

Question 3. Warfare apart, what other methods do you think the rulers might have used to expand their empires? Pen your ideas and share them with your class. (Page 91)
Answer:

Rulers also used peaceful and smart ways to grow their empires:

• They married into other royal families to gain territories without fighting.

• They made agreements or treaties with neighboring kingdoms to cooperate or join territories.

• They used trade to make other regions dependent on them gradually gaining control.

• They spread their religion or culture to earn the loyalty of people in new areas.

• They gave gifts, titles or positions to local leaders in exchange for their support.

• They placed loyal officials in border areas to bring them under direct control over time

Question 4. What was life like from the 6th to the 2nd century BCE?
Answer:
Life between the 6th and 2nd century BCE was busy and changing. Cities like Pataliputra were centers of administration, trade and culture. 

People had different jobs blacksmiths made weapons, traders sold goods from India and other countries, and artisans worked on art and buildings. Trade guilds (shrenis) organized business activities. People enjoyed markets, public events, religious practices and building projects like caves for monks. The rise of empires during this time brought political stability, economic growth and cultural development.

Let’s Explore

Question 1. Empires extended over vast areas and had diverse
people with differing languages, customs and cultures. How do you think the emperors made sure that they lived in harmony? (Page 89)
Answer:
Emperors kept people living in different regions and cultures together by using several methods:

• They appointed local governors who knew the language and customs of their area.

• They respected local traditions and allowed people to follow their religions freely.

• They built roads, rest houses and communication networks to connect the empire.

• They encouraged the use of a common language or script for official work.

• They maintained law and order through fair rules and justice.

• They promoted art, education, and religious activities helping people feel a shared culture and identity.

Question 2. Looking at the many challenges involved in managing an empire, why should a king be so keen to expand his kingdom into an empire and become an emperor?
• An ambition to ‘rule the entire word’, a metaphor for controlling large territories and ensuring that they would be remembered for posterity;

• A wish to bring large areas under control and gain access to their resources to build economic and military strength;

• A desire for great wealth for himself and for the empire.

Answer:

Even though running an empire was challenging, kings wanted to expand for several reasons:

• They wanted to control large territories and be remembered as great rulers.

• Expanding gave them access to more resources, making their empire stronger economically and militarily.

• They sought wealth and prosperity for themselves and their empire.

• Expanding allowed them to spread their culture, administration, and ideas to more people.

• Some rulers believed it was their divine or moral duty to govern more people.

Question 3. Warfare apart, what other methods do you think the rulers might have used to expand their empires? Pen your ideas and share them with your class. (Page 91)
Answer:

Rulers also used peaceful and smart ways to grow their empires:

• They married into other royal families to gain territories without fighting.

• They made agreements or treaties with neighboring kingdoms to cooperate or join territories.

• They used trade to make other regions dependent on them gradually gaining control

• They spread their religion or culture to earn the loyalty of people in new areas.

• They gave gifts, titles or positions to local leaders in exchange for their support.

• They placed loyal officials in border areas to bring them under direct control over time.

Question 4. Observe the map of the trade routes. Identify geographical features that helped the traders travel across the subcontinent.

Answer:
Several geographical features made trade across ancient India easier:

• Big rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari acted as natural highways. Traders could use boats to transport goods quickly and efficiently

• Passes in the Western Ghats and the Himalayas allowed traders to cross otherwise difficult and rugged terrain connecting distant regions.

• Flat areas and plateaus made it easier for caravans and pack animals to move goods over long distances.

• The Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal provided access to ports and natural harbors, enabling maritime trade with other regions.

• In places without rivers or proper roads, traders used forest paths and inland tracks to reach markets and settlements.

Question 5. What modes of transport on those roads do you think were available at the time? (Page 93)
Answer:

In ancient India, traders used different types of transport depending on the terrain:

• Bullock carts and ox-drawn chariots carried heavy goods over short and long distances.

• Boats and small ships were used on rivers and along the coast for moving goods.

• Horses, donkeys, and mules were used for faster and lighter transport.

• Carried heavy loads especially in forests or hilly areas.

• Porters carried goods in places where animals or carts could not pass, like narrow mountain paths.

Question 6.  Take a close look at the panel given below.

(i) How many types of weapons can you identify? What different uses of iron can you make out?
Answers.
The weapons shown include swords, spears, arrows, and shields. Iron was used in many ways during ancient times:

• Iron was used to make swords, spears and arrowheads, which strengthened armies.

• Iron tools like ploughs helped farmers increase productivity.

• Iron may have been used in building materials and tools for construction.

• Shields and armor were made using iron to protect soldiers in battle.

Iron was very important because it improved farming, military strength, and daily life.

(ii) In the left part of the panel, a parasol (chhattra) is kept over the casket containing the Buddha’s relics. Why do you think this was done?
Answer:
The parasol, or chhattra, is a traditional symbol of royalty and spiritual protection in ancient Indian culture. Placing it over the Buddha relics shows respect and honor, marking them as sacred and spiritually powerful. 

It also highlights the Buddha high status as an enlightened teacher, often shown with royal symbols in Buddhist art. The parasol indicates both reverence and protection for holy objects.

Question 7. When, after the battle, Alexander asked Porus how he wished to be treated, Porus answered, “Like a King.” Alexander then left Porus at the head of his kingdom, as satrap. With the help of your teachers, find more details on the battle between Porus and Alexander. Enact a play of this battle scene using your imagination in addition to what you have discovered. (Page 97)
Answer:
The battle between Alexander the Great and King Porus is called the Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BCE). It took place on the banks of the River Hydaspes.

Alexander defeated Porus, but he was impressed by Porus’s courage and leadership. Instead of punishing him, Alexander allowed Porus to remain the ruler of his kingdom as a satrap and even gave him more land.

• Porus fought bravely with his soldiers and war elephants.

• Alexander used clever tactics, like crossing the river at night, to win.

• After the battle, Alexander asked Porus how he wished to be treated and Porus answered Like a King.

• Both leaders showed respect and generosity, which made this event famous as an example of bravery and honor between rivals.

Question 8. Kautilya says, “A king shall increase his power by promoting the welfare of his people, for power comes from the countryside which is the source of all economic activity. [The king] shall show special favours to those in the countryside who do things which benefit the people, such as building embankments or road bridges, beautifying villages, or helping to protect them.” (Page 103)
Answer:
Kautilya believed that a king’s power came from the countryside because it was the main source of food, resources, and economic activity. If the villages and farmland were well taken care of, the kingdom would be strong and prosperous. Therefore, the king should support people who helped improve the countryside, like building roads, bridges, protecting villages, or making the area more beautiful. By doing this, the king would earn the loyalty of his people and increase his power.

Question 9. Why do you think it was important to take special care of the countryside? (Hint: Think back to what you have learnt at the beginning of this chapter) (Page 103)
Answer:
The countryside was important because it provided food, raw materials, and resources that supported the whole kingdom. A strong and well-protected countryside meant a strong economy and stable empire. Taking care of villages, farmers, and farmland helped the king maintain loyalty, peace, and prosperity in the kingdom.

Question 10. Ashoka details instructions on the conduct of his officials and mentions ways to ensure that they practiced fairness in one of his edicts. Read the translation below and share your thoughts on whether those ways would have been successful in helping manage his empire and how.

“By order of the Beloved of the Gods-the officers and city magistrates [… ] are to be instructed thus: […] You are in charge of many thousands of living beings. You should gain the affection of men. All men are my children, and just as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness both in this world and the next, the same do I desire for all men. [ … ] You should strive to practice impartiality. [ … ] The root of all this is to be even-tempered and not rash in your work. [ … ] This inscription has been engraved here in order that the city magistrates should at all times see to it that men are never imprisoned or tortured without good reason. [ … ] And for this purpose, I shall send out on tour every five years, an officer who is not severe or harsh; who, having investigated this matter, shall see that they carry out my instructions. ” (Page 107)
Answer:
Ashoka wanted his officials to treat people with kindness and fairness. He thought of all people as his children and cared about their happiness and well-being. He instructed his officers to be calm, even-tempered, and never harsh or unfair. No one should be imprisoned or punished without a valid reason.

To make sure his rules were followed, Ashoka sent special officers every five years to check that officials were doing their duties properly. These measures helped prevent misuse of power, encouraged justice, and built trust between the people and the government. This way, Ashoka could manage his large empire peacefully and fairly.

Question 11. Wear the hat of a historian. Look carefully at the artefacts presented on the spread as shown below. What conclusions can you draw about people and life during the Mauryan era?
Answer:
By studying artefacts from the Mauryan period, we can understand a lot about the people and their lifestyle:

• Dancing girl figurine: This shows that music and dance were important in daily life. People enjoyed performing and watching dances as a form of entertainment and cultural expression.

• Female deity figurine: Religion played a big role in people’s lives. Worshipping goddesses was common, and people made figures for prayer and rituals.

• Yakshi with fly whisk: Yakshis were nature spirits connected to fertility and prosperity. This shows that people respected nature and believed in symbols of growth and abundance.

• Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses): The worship of mother goddesses highlights the importance of feminine power. People may have prayed to them for protection, health, and blessings.

• Terracotta horse head with bridle design: Horses were used for travel and possibly in the army. The detailed bridle design shows that people cared about animals and were skilled in craftsmanship.

Overall, the Mauryan people were artistic, religious, and skilled. They valued nature, worship, beauty, and creativity, and lived in a society that encouraged both cultural and spiritual life.

Question 12. Notice the different symbols on the coins. Can you guess what any of the symbols in the coins below might mean? (Page 112)
Answer: 

The symbols on coins from the Mauryan period tell us a lot about their culture, religion, and economy:

1. Tree or Pillar Symbols: These symbols show royal authority and Buddhist influence. The pillar may represent Ashoka’s edicts, which communicated his policies. The tree likely represents the Bodhi tree, under which Buddha attained enlightenment, symbolizing peace and wisdom.

2. Wheel or Chakra: The wheel, or Dharma Chakra, is connected to Buddhism. It symbolizes the cycle of life, truth, and the path to enlightenment, reflecting Ashoka’s support for Buddhist teachings.

3. Animal Symbols:

• Elephant: Represents strength and wisdom, often linked with Lord Ganesha.

• Bull: Symbolizes fertility and prosperity, important for agriculture.

• Horse: Shows royalty, speed, and power in war.

• Lion: Represents courage, power, and the king’s authority, as seen in Ashoka’s lion capital.

4. Geometric Patterns: Designs like squares, circles, or waves may represent cosmic order, balance, and harmony in the universe, reflecting spiritual beliefs.

5. Symbols of Prosperity and Wealth: Some coins show grains or other symbols of abundance, indicating agricultural prosperity, trade, and the kingdom’s economic strength.

Think About It

Question 1. Why do you think Alexander wanted to rule over the entire world? What would he have gained from it? (Page 97)
Answer:
Alexander the Great wanted to rule the entire world for several reasons. First, he had a strong desire for glory and fame. He wanted to be remembered as the greatest conqueror in history and have his name live on forever. Conquering new lands gave him the chance to achieve that lasting fame.

Second, ruling large territories gave him power and control over resources, wealth, and strategic trade routes. Controlling important regions meant he could strengthen his army, expand his empire, and become economically strong.

Third, Alexander wanted to spread Greek culture across the world. He introduced Greek ideas, language, architecture, and governance in the conquered regions. This not only unified different areas under one administration but also created a cultural connection between East and West, known as Hellenistic culture.

Finally his conquests brought military prestige and recognition. By defeating powerful kings and kingdoms, he proved his skill as a brilliant strategist and leader. Overall, Alexander gained immense wealth, respect, influence, and a permanent place in history as one of the most powerful and successful rulers of the ancient world.

Question 2. Kautilya says, “A king shall increase his power by promoting the welfare of his people, for power comes from the countryside which is the source of all economic activity. [The king] shall show special favours to those in the countryside who do things which benefit the people, such as building embankments or road bridges, beautifying villages, or helping to protect them.” Why do you think it was important to take special care of the countryside? (Hint: Think back to what you have leamt at the beginning of this chapter. (Page 103)
Answer:
According to Kautilya, the countryside was the heart of the kingdom’s economy. Most of the wealth and resources came from villages, including agriculture, raw materials, and food supply. If the villages were prosperous and safe, the entire kingdom would remain strong and stable.

Taking care of the countryside meant supporting farmers, building roads and bridges, protecting villages, and improving living conditions.

 This not only ensured continuous agricultural production and trade but also created loyalty among the people. A king who looked after the countryside would have a strong economic foundation, which in turn increased his power, influence and stability.

By focusing on rural welfare, the king could strengthen both the economy and his authority, making the kingdom more organized, secure, and prosperous.

Question 3. Ashoka, in his edicts, tells the story of the Kalinga war. He could have chosen not to mention it and maintain his image as a peaceful, benevolent king for future generations. Why do you think he admitted to this destructive war? (Page 104)
Answer:
Ashoka shared the story of the Kalinga war in his edicts because he wanted people to learn from his experience. The war had caused immense destruction, suffering, and loss of life, which made him feel deep remorse. By admitting to it openly, Ashoka showed that he was honest about his past mistakes and understood the consequences of violence.

He used this story to teach the importance of peace, compassion, and kindness. Ashoka wanted to show that even a powerful king could change his ways and adopt non-violence and moral leadership. His admission made his message more sincere and meaningful, inspiring future generations to value justice, peace and ethical governance.

This approach helped him not only maintain credibility but also spread the principles of dharma and humane rule throughout his empire.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 The Rise of Empires Question Answers PDF Download

Students can download the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5  The Rise of Empires PDF from the link below. 

This PDF includes easy-to-understand answers for all in-text and exercise questions helping students study effectively, revise quickly and prepare well for exams.

Benefits of Using NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5

Using the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5 The Rise of Empires offers students several learning advantages. Below are some key benefits:

• Provides step-by-step answers to help students understand the formation of empires, administration, trade and culture clearly.

• Helps revise important topics like the rise of Magadha, Mauryan Empire, rulers policies and economic and cultural developments for better exam performance.

• Students can use notes to quickly revise key points before tests.

• Solving previous years questions helps understand the type of questions frequently asked in exams.

• Working on sample papers improves time management and exam readiness.

• Strengthens understanding of ancient Indian empires which will also help in higher classes for history and social science studies.