Class 9 new ncert Chapter 5 SST Solution - State and Society up to 1000 CE

Q & A —  6th   7th   8th   9th   10th

Important Questions and Answers

Question 1. What were the main stages in the development of political institutions in ancient India?

Answer: The political development of ancient India passed through several stages:

• In the early Vedic period, people lived in tribal groups called Jana.
• The tribal chief was called Rājan.
• Important decisions were taken with the help of assemblies such as the Sabhā and Samiti.
• With the growth of agriculture and settlements, Janas developed into Janapadas.
• Larger territorial states known as Mahājanapadas emerged.
• Some Mahājanapadas became powerful kingdoms and later developed into large empires.

Thus, political organisation gradually changed from small tribal groups to large and well-organised states.

Question 2. Why did Magadha become the most powerful Mahājanapada?

Answer: Magadha became powerful because of several favourable factors:

• It had fertile land, which supported agriculture.
• It had rich deposits of iron, useful for making tools and weapons.
• It had access to important rivers, which helped agriculture, transport, and trade.
• Its geographical location was favourable for expansion.
• Its rulers developed a strong army and efficient administration.

Therefore, favourable geography, natural resources, agriculture, and strong rulers helped Magadha become a powerful state.

Question 3. What were the main duties of a king in ancient India?

Answer: The king was expected to work for the welfare of his people.

His major duties were:

• Protecting the kingdom from enemies.
• Maintaining law and order.
• Providing justice.
• Collecting taxes and managing state revenue.
• Supporting agriculture and irrigation.
• Encouraging trade and economic activities.
• Protecting the weak and maintaining social harmony.

The king was expected to follow Dharma and should not use his power only for personal benefit.

Question 4. Describe the administration of the Cholas.

Answer: The Cholas developed an effective decentralised administration.

Important features were:

• The kingdom was divided into different administrative units.
• Villages had their own assemblies.
• The Kudavolai System was used to select members for village committees.
• Different committees, called Variyams (वरियम), looked after specific activities.
• Village assemblies managed matters such as irrigation, taxation, roads, and public works.
• Local people therefore participated in administration.

The Chola system shows the importance of local self-government in ancient India.

Question 5. What was the Kudavolai System?

Answer: The Kudavolai System was a method of selecting members of village committees during the Chola period.

• Eligible candidates' names were written on palm-leaf slips (ताड़-पत्र).
• The slips were placed in a pot.
• A slip was drawn to select representatives.
• Selected members worked in different village committees.
• These committees managed local matters such as irrigation, roads, and public works.

It was an important example of local participation in administration.

Question 6. Explain the concepts of Dharma, Samatva and Ṛita.

Answer:

Dharma (धर्म) – Dharma means duty (कर्तव्य), righteousness (धार्मिक/नैतिक आचरण) and the principles that uphold society.

Samatva (समत्व) – Samatva means equality (समानता) and treating all beings with respect.

Ṛita (ऋत) – Ṛita means the cosmic order (ब्रह्माण्डीय व्यवस्था) or universal harmony that maintains balance in nature and society.

Together, these concepts emphasised that individuals and rulers should behave ethically and work for the welfare of all.

Question 7. Differentiate between Varṇa and Jāti.

Answer:

Varṇa (वर्ण)	Jāti (जाति)
Four broad social categories.	Numerous social groups.
Described mainly in ancient texts.	Developed through actual social practices.
Associated with broad duties and qualities.	Often associated with occupation, community, and birth.
The four Varṇas were Brāhmaṇa, Kṣhatriya, Vaiśhya and Śhūdra.	There were many Jātis in different regions.

Thus, Varṇa was a broad classification, while Jāti represented numerous specific social groups.

Question 8. Describe the role of women in ancient Indian society.

Answer: Women made important contributions to ancient Indian society.

• Some women participated in education and intellectual discussions.
• Gārgī Vāchaknavī was a well-known philosopher who participated in debates.
• Maitreyī was known for her knowledge of philosophy and spiritual matters.
• Women contributed to family, culture, education, and religious life.

However, the position and opportunities of women varied according to time, region, and social circumstances. Therefore, ancient Indian society should not be considered completely uniform.

Question 9. Describe the main features of Vedic religion.

Answer: The main features of Vedic religion were:

• Worship of natural forces (प्राकृतिक शक्तियाँ).
• Important deities included Agni, Indra, Sūrya, Pṛithvī and others.
• Yajñas (यज्ञ) were important religious ceremonies.
• Offerings were made through the sacred fire.
• Nature was regarded as sacred.
• Prayers were offered for prosperity, health, and well-being.

Thus, Vedic religion was closely connected with nature and the forces that sustained human life.

Question 10. What was the Śhramaṇa tradition?

Answer: The Śhramaṇa tradition (श्रमण परंपरा) was a tradition of renunciation (त्याग) and spiritual search.

Its followers:

• Gave up many material comforts.
• Lived simple lives.
• Practised self-discipline.
• Sought spiritual knowledge.
• Wandered from place to place in search of truth.

Gautama Buddha and Mahāvīra became famous representatives of this broader tradition, although the idea of renunciation had earlier roots in Indian thought.

Question 11. What were the main features of the Bhakti Tradition?

Answer: The Bhakti Tradition (भक्ति परंपरा) emphasised personal devotion (भक्ति/समर्पण) to God.

Its main features were:

• Direct relationship between the devotee and God.
• Greater emphasis on devotion rather than complicated rituals.
• It was accessible to people from different social groups.
• Devotional hymns were composed in regional languages.
• It encouraged emotional and personal worship.

The Āḻvārs devoted themselves to Viṣhṇu, while the Nāyanmārs were devoted to Śhiva. Their devotional poetry greatly enriched Indian culture and literature.

Question 12. Who were the Āḻvārs and Nāyanmārs?

Answer: The Āḻvārs were 12 Tamil saint-poets devoted to Lord Viṣhṇu.

The Nāyanmārs were 63 Tamil saint-poets devoted to Lord Śhiva.

They composed devotional hymns in Tamil and helped spread the Bhakti Tradition among ordinary people.

Their works became an important part of Tamil devotional literature (तमिल भक्ति साहित्य).

Question 13. Describe the Gurukula System of education.

Answer: The Gurukula System was a residential system of education.

Its main features were:

• Students lived with their Guru.
• The Guru acted as teacher, guide, and moral mentor.
• Students followed a disciplined daily routine.
• They studied academic subjects as well as moral values.
• They performed daily duties and learnt responsibility.
• Yoga and meditation were also part of education.

The aim was holistic development (समग्र विकास) of the student rather than only academic learning.

Question 14. What was the aim of education in early India?

Answer: The aim of education was the all-round development (सर्वांगीण विकास) of an individual.

Education developed:

• Knowledge.
• Character.
• Discipline.
• Physical fitness.
• Moral values.
• Spiritual understanding.
• Practical skills.

Students studied subjects such as the Vedas, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, grammar, arts, and physical education.

Thus, education prepared a person for life and responsible citizenship, not merely for earning a livelihood.

Question 15. Describe the scientific achievements of ancient India.

Answer: Ancient India made important contributions to several fields of science.

Mathematics

• Development of the decimal system (दशमलव प्रणाली).
• Use of zero (शून्य) as a number.
• Development of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

Astronomy

• Study of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars.
• Development of calendars.
• Calculation of eclipses and seasons.

Medicine

• Development of Āyurveda.
• Use of herbs and natural medicines.
• Emphasis on prevention and healthy living.

Metallurgy

• Advanced knowledge of extracting and working with metals.

These achievements demonstrate the high level of scientific knowledge in early India.

Question 16. Why was agriculture important in the economy of ancient India?

Answer: Agriculture was the backbone of the economy.

It was important because:

• It provided food.
• It supported a large population.
• It provided raw materials for different activities.
• Agricultural produce generated government revenue.
• It supported trade and urban development.
• The state invested in irrigation to increase agricultural production.

Land revenue was an important source of income for the state.

Question 17. Explain the importance of irrigation in ancient India.

Answer: Irrigation was essential because agriculture depended on a regular supply of water.

Rulers constructed:

• Dams (बाँध)
• Canals (नहरें)
• Reservoirs (जलाशय)
• Tanks (तालाब)

A famous example is the Sudarshana Lake, whose construction and later repairs are recorded in inscriptions.

The Cholas also developed extensive irrigation systems, including the Grand Anicut (Kallanai).

Thus, irrigation increased agricultural production and supported economic prosperity.

Question 18. What were Guilds? Explain their functions.

Answer: A Guild (श्रेणी) was an association of people belonging to the same trade or occupation.

Guilds performed several functions:

• Regulated the quality of goods.
• Helped control prices.
• Protected the interests of artisans and merchants.
• Settled disputes.
• Maintained discipline among members.
• Accepted deposits and provided financial services.
• Paid interest on deposits.

Therefore, Guilds were important economic and financial institutions in ancient India.

Question 19. What does the Nāśhik Cave Inscription tell us about Guilds?

Answer: The Nāśhik Cave Inscription provides evidence about the financial activities of Guilds.

It shows that:

• Money was deposited with Guilds.
• Guilds managed these deposits.
• They paid regular interest.
• Religious institutions could receive income from these deposits.

This proves that Guilds were not simply groups of artisans or merchants; they also performed important banking and financial functions.

Question 20. Explain the importance of trade and ports in ancient India.

Answer: Trade was an important part of the early Indian economy.

• Inland trade connected different regions.
• Maritime trade connected India with foreign countries.
• Ports facilitated the movement of goods by sea.
• Trade encouraged the growth of cities and occupations.
• Along with goods, ideas, technology, and cultural traditions also travelled.

Important ports included Muziris, Kāveripaṭṭinam, and Arikameḍu.

Thus, trade promoted both economic prosperity and cultural exchange.

Question 21. Explain how religion developed from Vedic traditions to the Bhakti Tradition.

Answer: Early Vedic religion was closely connected with nature. People worshipped natural forces such as Agni, Indra, Sūrya, and Pṛithvī and performed Yajñas.

Later, the Śhramaṇa tradition encouraged renunciation, simple living, self-discipline, and the search for spiritual knowledge.

Over time, personal devotion to deities such as Viṣhṇu, Śhiva, and Śhakti became increasingly important.

This led to the growth of the Bhakti Tradition, which emphasised a direct and personal relationship between the devotee and God.

The Āḻvārs and Nāyanmārs spread Bhakti through Tamil devotional poetry.

Thus, Indian religious life evolved through several traditions while continuing to emphasise spiritual and ethical values.