Class Notes NCERT Solutions for CBSE Students
Question: Pulakeshin II was the best-known Chalukya ruler. Explain in brief.
Ans: We come to know about Pulakeshin II from a prashasti, composed by his court poet Ravikirti. According to this prashasti Pulakeshin got the kingdom from his uncle. He led expeditions along both the west and the east coasts. Besides, he checked the advance of Harshvardhana when he tried to cross the Narmada to march into the Deccan. The prashasti also tells us that Pulakeshin also attacked the Pallava king, who took shelter behind the walls of Kanchipuram.
Question: What was the condition of ordinary people in the kingdoms? Describe in brief.
Answer:
- The condition of ordinary people has been highlighted in the plays and accounts left by the foreign travelers especially the Chinese pilgrims such as Fa Xian.
- Kalidasa’s plays throw light on life in the king’s court. In his plays the king and most Brahmans are shown speaking Sanskrit while women and men other, than the king and Brahmans use Prakrit.
- The accounts of Fa Xian throw light on the plight of the untouchables. These untouchables were treated badly by the powerful and influential people of the kingdom. They were strictly instructed to live on the outskirts of the city.
Question: The king’s army on the move has been vividly described by Banabhatta. Write the whole description in your own words.
Answer:
- The king used to travel with a lot of things which included weapons and things of daily use such as pots, pans, furniture, golden footstools, food, etc.
- He was also accompanied by animals such as goat, deer, rabbits etc. These were carts also carrying vegetables and spices.
- The king’s huge army was accompanied by a band of musicians.
- Villagers brought gifts of curds, gur and flowers as for the king. They also provided folder for the animals.
- After the army passed, the whole environment was seen filled with dust. Elephants often trampled down the huts of villagers.
