LESSON 10
REACHING OUT TO DISTANT LANDS
SHORT ANSWERS
1.What does the Sangam Age refer to?
Ans. Between 200 BCE to 300 CE, Tamil scholars and poets had
gathered at Madurai in south to publish their works in Tamil. Such a
gathering was called the Sangam and this age is known as the Sangam
Age.
2.What is the main feature of the Gandhra School of Art?
Ans. Gandhara School of Art was a new style of art which blended with
Indian and Greek elements. This art was Buddhist in theme but in Indo-
Greek style.
3.What is the Silk Route?
Ans. The routes taken by Chinese traders to carry their silk to foreign
lands came to be known as the Silk Route. It was a route that stretched
for about 7000 miles from China to Rome passing through West Asia.
4.Why were the Kushans able to make a profit from the trade with
Central Asia?
Ans. The Kushans were able to make a profit from the trade with Central
Asia because they collected tax from the traders and also received gold
coins from Roman trade.
5. What were the main items that the ancient south Indians traded with
the Roman Empire?
Ans. The main items that south Indians imported were coral, wine, olive
oil, and metals such as gold and silver.
In return, the main items that were exported were gemstones, silk,
cotton, ivory, spices, sandalwood and peacocks.
6.Why did Fa Hien visit India?
Ans. Fa Hien visited India and stayed at Pataliputra for three years to
learn Sanskrit.
LONG ANSWERS
1.Why was Karikala Chola so called? Mention some of his important
achievement?
Karikala Chola was called Karikala because he had a charred leg.
His notable achievements include his extensive conquests at the
battle of Venni. In this battle he defeated the Pandya and the
Chera kings.
He is also regarded as the first Tamil king to have conquered Sri
Lanka.
2.Who were the Indo-Greeks? Why is their rule important in the history
of India?
Following the decline of the Mauryas in the 2nd century BCE, India
was invaded by many foreigners from the north-west.
Among the first invaders were the Greeks who ruled the region in
northern Afghanistan known as Bactria.
The Greeks who settle down in India were known as the Indo-
Greeks.
Their rule is very important because they were the first rulers to
issue coins bearing the portraits of kings.
Their rule was also important because a new style of art, blending,
Indian and foreign influences, known as the Gandhara School of
Art emerged.
3.Write a note on the reign and achievements of Kanishka?
The Kushans reached the height of their glory under Kanishka.
In 78CE, he started the Saka Era, which is now used by the Indian
government.
Kanishka patronized Budddhism.
He got a huge stupa built at Purushapura.
He held fourth Buddhist council in Kashmir to discuss the
teachings of the Buddha.
Kanishka also encouraged art and Sanskrit literature.
Ashvaghosha, a famous Sanskrit scholar lived in his court.
4.What was the impact of the invasion from the north-west on the
cultural life of India?
As new groups came into India, they brought with them a new
culture.
This influenced the trade, technology, and art forms of India.
They brought with them the cap, helmet, and riding boots essential
for horse riding.
Art and architecture also flourished as the new ruler’s patronized
it.
A new style of art emerged called the Gandhi=art School of Art.
5.Write a note on the spread of Buddhism during this period.
Budddhism spread to many parts of the world due to the patronage
of the kings who sent ambassadors and scholars far and wide.
Kanishka gathered about 500 monks to write extensive
commentaries on the higher teachings of the Buddha.
Buddhist monks started travelling to Central Asia and to China.
A Budddhist centre of learning was established at Nalanda which
became the most famous Buddhist University.
Many Chinese pilgrims and monks came to India to visit places
related with the life of Buddha.
Central Asia was also heavily influenced Buddhism.
