Chapter 8

Indo- Gangetic Kingdoms:

c. 1500 - 500 BC.
Q1: What do these words mean: a) pastoral b) clan c) sacrifice?

Ans: a) pastoral farming is herding cattle and sheep;

b) a clan is a group of people who are descended from a common ancestor;

c) a sacrifice is a gift to a god or gods to gain their goodwill. It often takes the form of killing an animal
or, in some past societies, a human.

Q 2: List the ways in which the Aryans were different to the Harappans.

Aryans Harappans
Living Style
The Aryans were pastoral farmers, who were The Harappans built cities of brick. They were
frequently on the move and lived in villages, in traders as well as arable farmers.
reed and wood dwellings.
Wars
The Aryans were warlike and had horse-drawn We have no evidence of how the Harappans
chariots fought, if at all.
Language
The Aryans spoke an Indo-European language We do not know for sure about the Harappans,
which later evolved into Sanskrit. though some scholars link them to a Dravidian
language (the Brahui spoken in Balochistan
survives as a remnant).
Religion
The Aryan religion developed into Hinduism. We do not know enough about Harappan religious
beliefs to make a comparison.

Q3: Why was the use of iron important?

Ans: Iron makes much stronger and better tools and weapons.

Q4: What were the four main castes of the Aryan kingdoms?

Ans: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

Q5: What was the role of the Brahmins and why were they important?

Ans: The Brahmins provided the priests, the lawyers and the teachers. They were the most important
because they were educated, well-off, and taught people how they should behave

Q6: What are the sources that tell us about Ancient India? How useful are they?

Ans: Our main written sources for early India of the period 1500–500bc are the Vedas. They are religious
hymns and stories written to glorify the gods and to entertain. Their writers were not concerned with
historical accuracy. However, in their description of the gods and heroes, of travels and adventures, they
do give some idea of what some aspects of life were like in Ancient India. But they need to be treated
with great care.