Chapter 7 of the CBSE History textbook for Class 6 covers the Ashoka empire, highlighting the differences between empires and kingdoms. The chapter delves into the reign of Ashoka, a unique ruler who is known for his war in Kalinga and his propagation of the dhamma. The chapter is titled “Ashoka the Emperor Who Gave Up War”.
CBSE Notes Class 6 History Chapter 7-Ashoka, the Emperor Who Gave Up War
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- Ashoka, a Unique Ruler:
Ashoka was an ancient Indian emperor who is well-known for his extensive use of inscriptions to communicate with his subjects. He is considered one of the earliest rulers in history to use this method of communication on such a large scale. Ashoka’s inscriptions were primarily written in Prakrit, a language commonly spoken in ancient India, and were written in Brahmi script, one of the earliest writing systems used in India.
- Ashoka’s views on Kalinga:
Ashoka waged a war against Kalinga, but the brutal violence and loss of life made him realize the futility of war and he vowed to never engage in it again.
- Ashoka’s Dhamma:
Ashoka’s Dhamma were a set of moral principles and guidelines inspired by the teachings of Buddha. He appointed officials and Dhamma Mahamatta to spread the message of Dhamma and help people understand it better. This was one of Ashoka’s ways to contribute towards building a better society.
- The Capital City:
Through the accounts of Megasthenes, an ambassador sent to the court of Chandragupta by the Greek ruler of West Asia, Seleucus Nicator, we gain knowledge about the capital.
- Ashoka’s Messages to his Subjects:
Ashoka disseminated his messages by inscribing them on rocks and pillars. Additionally, he dispatched messengers to disseminate the Dhamma to foreign lands, including Syria, Egypt, Greece, and Sri Lanka.
- The First Empire:
Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire over 2300 years ago, with the help of Chanakya or Kautilya, who wrote the Arthashastra.
The Mauryan Empire consisted of important cities such as Pataliputra, Taxila, and Ujjain, among others. The area surrounding the capital was directly under the control of the emperor, with officials responsible for tax collection. The Arthashastra emphasized the importance of the northwest for blankets and south India for gold and precious stones.
Ashoka, Chandragupta’s grandson, is the most well-known Mauryan emperor. Ashoka spread his message to the public through inscriptions in Prakrit, using Brahmi script.
Ashoka waged war in an attempt to conquer Kalinga, which is now known as Orissa. However, the brutality of the war caused him to renounce conquest forever, becoming the only known king to do so after winning a battle.
Ashoka believed that he had a responsibility to teach his subjects and spread his ‘DHAMMA’. He was a Buddhist who appointed officials called ‘DHAMMA MAHAMATTA’ to teach people about ‘DHAMMA’ in various places. His messages were also inscribed on rocks and pillars.
In addition to spreading his teachings, Ashoka also undertook numerous projects for the welfare of his people, including road construction, well-digging, and the building of rest-houses. He also arranged for medical treatment for both humans and animals.
- Brahmi:
It was a script commonly used to write inscriptions during Ashoka’s reign.
- Dhamma:
The set of instructions Ashoka wanted to use to guide his subjects were known as ‘dhamma’.
- Dhamma Mahamatta:
The officials appointed by Ashoka to teach people about his ‘dhamma’ were known as ‘dhamma mahamatta’.
- The Arthashastra:
Chanakya’s book ‘Arthashastra’ contains his ideas. The word ‘Arthashastra’ translates to ‘science of politics and economics’.
- Around 2300 years ago (about 300 B.C.) –
The Mauryan Empire was established by Chandragupta Maurya.
The reign of Ashoka began around 273 B.C. and ended with his death in 232 B.C. The Mauryan Empire continued for some time after Ashoka’s death, but it eventually came to an end around 185 B.C.
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| Diversity and Discrimination | Diversity and Discrimination Class 6 Notes Civics Chapter 2 | NCERT Solutions Diversity and Discrimination Chapter 2 |
| What is Government? | What is Government? Class 6 Notes Civics Chapter 3 | NCERT Solutions What is Government? Chapter 3 |
| Key Elements of a Democratic Government | Key Elements of a Democratic Government Class 6 Notes Civics Chapter 4 | NCERT Solutions Key Elements of a Democratic Government Chapter 4 |
| Panchayati Raj | Panchayati Raj Class 6 Notes Civics Chapter 5 | NCERT Solutions Panchayati Raj Chapter 5 |
| Rural Administration | Rural Administration Class 6 Notes Civics Chapter 6 | NCERT Solutions Rural Administration Chapter 6 |
| Urban Administration | Urban Administration Class 6 Notes Civics Chapter 7 | NCERT Solutions Urban Administration Chapter 7 |
| Rural Livelihoods | Rural Livelihoods Class 6 Notes Civics Chapter 8 | NCERT Solutions Rural Livelihoods Chapter 8 |
| Urban Livelihoods | Urban Livelihoods Class 6 Notes Civics Chapter 9 | NCERT Solutions Urban Livelihoods Chapter 9 |
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