Chapter 9 of CBSE Notes Class 6 History, titled “Traders, Kings and Pilgrims,” delves into various aspects of the historical period under consideration. It sheds light on the functioning of trade and the role played by traders, the emergence of new kingdoms along the coasts, the significance of the Silk Route, the diffusion of Buddhism, the pilgrimage undertaken by devotees, and the origins of Bhakti.
The exercise associated with this chapter comprises eight questions, with the answers provided in a separate solutions PDF.
CBSE Notes Class 6 History Chapter 9 – Traders, Kings and Pilgrims
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- Traders and The Black Gold:
The southern region of India was renowned for its abundant reserves of gold, rare and valuable gemstones, and an assortment of aromatic spices, with pepper being one of the most sought-after varieties.
The superior quality of the pepper from South India was widely recognized across the ancient world, and it earned the moniker “Black Gold” owing to its high value and desirability among traders and consumers alike. The Roman Empire was a significant market for this prized commodity.
- Exploring Sea Routes:
During the course of their commercial operations, traders of ancient times navigated numerous sea routes, spanning vast distances across the globe. Some traders ventured into the vast expanses of the oceans in search of new trade routes, while others made their way to the western coast of the Indian subcontinent from East Africa or Arabia.
These traders typically sailed during the South-West monsoon, taking advantage of the favorable winds and currents to facilitate their journeys and make their way to the Indian shores.
- Muvender-Three Chiefs:
The Sangam Literature, a collection of ancient Tamil texts, sheds light on the political and social landscape of South India during the early centuries of the Common Era. One of the prominent features of the literature is the “Muvender,” which translates to “the Three Crowned Kings.”
The term refers to the three major dynasties of South India during that period, namely the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. These powerful monarchs wielded considerable political and military influence over their respective domains and were widely recognized as dominant rulers around 2300 years ago.
- The emergence of the Satavahanas:
The Satavahana dynasty rose to prominence in Western India after a gap of around two centuries. They were known for their political and military prowess and established a significant empire that lasted for several centuries.
One of the most notable and influential rulers of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni. He is credited with expanding the kingdom’s borders and consolidating its hold over vast territories through his military conquests.
His reign is also characterized by remarkable advancements in art, culture, and architecture, making him an important figure in the history of the Indian subcontinent.
- The Silk Route:
The art of weaving silk was first developed in China nearly 7000 years ago. Chinese traders carried this exquisite fabric to far-flung corners of the world, facilitating the growth of a flourishing trade network.
The trade routes that emerged as a result of these exchanges came to be known as the Silk Route, owing to the prominence of silk in the commodities traded along these paths.
- Controlling the Silk Route:
In ancient times, several rulers attempted to exert control over the Silk Route, primarily to regulate the flow of trade and collect taxes, tributes, and gifts from the merchants. Among the many powerful empires that held sway over this vital trade network were the Kushanas of India.
These rulers maintained a firm grip over the Silk Route, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between the East and West, while also reaping significant economic benefits from the trade. The Kushanas were instrumental in promoting the growth of Buddhism and played a critical role in its spread across Asia.
Buddhist Council:
Around 1900 years ago, the Kushana monarch Kanishka convened a significant Buddhist Council. The council was instrumental in resolving doctrinal disputes and establishing a standard canon of Buddhist texts. During this period, the celebrated poet Ashvaghosha composed a biography of the Buddha, known as the Buddhacharita. This literary work provided a vivid account of the life and teachings of the Buddha and became one of the most widely read and revered Buddhist texts in ancient times.
- Spread of Buddhism:
During the early centuries of the Common Era, a new form of Buddhism known as Mahayana Buddhism emerged and spread across Western and Southern India. Over time, this branch of Buddhism also extended its reach to other regions, including Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia.
- Buddhist Pilgrim:
Traders played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism, often journeying to distant lands in caravans or ships. Along with them, pilgrims frequently accompanied them on their journeys. Many renowned Chinese Buddhist pilgrims, such as Fa Xian, Xuan Zang, and I-Qing, travelled extensively to various Buddhist sites across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, leaving behind detailed accounts of their remarkable journeys and the places they visited.
- The Beginning of Bhakti:
The concept of Bhakti in Hinduism implies a close, personal relationship between the devotee and the deity, with the term ‘bhaj’ meaning ‘to share or divide.’ The focus of Bhakti is directed towards Bhagwat.
Traders carried Northern Black Polished ware, including fine pottery such as bowls and plates, from their place of origin and sold them at other locations.
South India was renowned for its gold, spices, especially pepper, and precious stones. Pepper, also known as black gold, was highly valued during the Roman empire. Traders transported these goods to Rome via ships and caravans.
Traders explored several sea routes, taking advantage of the monsoon winds for a smooth and quick journey.
New kingdoms emerged along the southern coast of the sub-continent, with the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas becoming powerful around 2300 years ago. Puhar or Kaveripattinam was an important port city of the Cholas, while Madurai was the capital of the Pandyas.
The chiefs of the ruling families demanded gifts and collected tribute from neighbouring regions, keeping some wealth and distributing the rest amongst their supporters.
Around 200 years later, the Satavahanas rose to power in western India, with Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni being their most notable ruler.
The Chinese invented silk-making technology around 7000 years ago and carried silk to distant lands, with the paths they travelled on becoming known as the Silk Route. Silk’s popularity spread to Rome, with rulers and wealthy individuals wearing it.
The Kushana rulers controlled the Silk Route, with their centres of power being Peshawar and Mathura. They also ruled Taxila.
Kanishka, a Kushan ruler, is credited with the spread of Buddhism. He organized a Buddhist council where scholars discussed various matters, leading to the development of Mahayana Buddhism and the creation of Buddha statues.
Bodhisattvas were believed to be enlightened individuals, and Buddhism spread to Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, and Western and Southern India, as well as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Pilgrims also travelled with traders, with famous Chinese Buddhist pilgrims including Fa Xian, Xuan Zang, and I-Qing.
Hinduism saw the worship of deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga becoming popular, with Bhakti being the chosen path for devotion to the deity, open to all.
- Muvendar:
The term “Muvendar” is a Tamil word that refers to the leaders of the three dominant dynasties in ancient South India, namely the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas.
- Dakshina path:
The literal meaning of the term is “the southern route.”
- Silk Route:
The routes through which the traders carried silk are commonly referred to as the Silk Road.
- Bodhisattvas:
These individuals were regarded as people who had attained enlightenment.
- Bhakti:
“Bhakti” means a person’s devotion to his or her chosen deity.
- Pilgrim:
Pilgrims refer to individuals, both men and women, who embark on journeys to sacred places to offer prayers or perform religious rituals.
South India witnessed the rise of powerful dynasties like the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas about 2300 years ago. Meanwhile, the Satavahanas emerged as a dominant force in western India around 2500 years ago. The technology of making silk was invented in China some 7000 years ago, while it became a fashionable trend among the rich and powerful in Rome about 2000 years ago.
Kanishka, the renowned Kushana ruler, held a significant position in Indian history around 1900 years ago. Chinese Buddhist pilgrims, Fa Xian and Xuan Zang, visited the subcontinent around 1600 and 1400 years ago, respectively.
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CBSE Notes Class 6 History Chapter 9 – Traders, Kings and Pilgrims
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