NCERT 6th Class (CBSE) Social Science: Reaching out to Distant Lands

Question: Write a note on the spread of Buddhism during this period.

Answer: The invaders of the north-west were also heavily influenced by Buddhism. Kanishka gathered about 500 monks to write extensive commentaries on the teachings of Buddha at the fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir. Missionary activity grew during his reign and Buddhist monks started travelling to Central Asia and to China. After the decline of the Kushan dynasty, Buddhism continued to spread in North India. A Buddhist center of learning was established at Nalanda, which in course of time, became the most  famous Buddhist university.

Question: Who was Gautamiputra Shri Satakami? How do we come to Know about him?

Answer: Gautamiputra Shri Satakami was the famous ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. We come to know about him from an inscription composed by his mother. According to this inscription he and other Satavahana rulers were known as lords of the dakshinapatha, which was used as a name for the entire southern region. He sent his army to the eastern, western and southern coasts

Question: How did the knowledge of silk spread far and wide?

Answer: China was the first country where silk took its birth. Although the country kept the-methods of making silk a closely guarded secret for a long time, people of other regions ultimately came to know about them.

1. Some people from China went to distant lands on foot, horseback and on camels and with them they carried silk.
2. Sometimes, Chinese rulers sent gifts or silk to rulers in Iran and west Asia. From there the knowledge of silk spread further west.

Question: Why was silk so expensive?

Answer: Silk had to be brought from China. It was a long journey and the traders had to cross dangerous roads through mountains and deserts. People living along the route often demanded payments from the traders for giving them permission to pass through.

Question: Wtite a brief note on the Chinese Buddhist pilgrims.

Answer: Fa Xran, Xuan Zang and I-Qing were the famous Chinese Buddhist pilgrims who came to India to visit places associated with the life of the Buddha. They also visited famous monasteries.These pilgrims left an account of their journey. They mentioned the dangers that they had to face on their way to monasteries that they visited. They also mentioned the books that they carried with them. These pilgrims also carried with them the statues of the Buddha.