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Political Science NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5 – The Rise of Empires
Class 7 Social Science
Last Updated: 31 May 2026
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Important Points
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Practice MCQ Questions (50 questions)
Q1. What does the Latin word "imperium" mean?
✓ Correct Answer: B
Q2. Who wrote the Arthaśhāstra?
✓ Correct Answer: B
Q3. Which city was the Mauryan capital?
✓ Correct Answer: B
Q4. The founder of the Maurya dynasty was:
✓ Correct Answer: B
Q5. Ashoka adopted Buddhism after which war?
✓ Correct Answer: B
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Tough Words (Glossary)
Empire
Meaning: A group of states or countries ruled over by a single monarch or ruling power.
अर्थ: साम्राज्य
"The Maurya Empire was one of the largest empires in India."
Imperium
Meaning: Latin word meaning supreme power or authority.
अर्थ: सर्वोच्च शक्ति
"The word empire comes from the Latin term imperium."
Tributary
Meaning: A state or ruler that pays tribute to a more powerful state.
अर्थ: करदाता राज्य
"Smaller kingdoms often became tributary states to the empire."
Samraj
Meaning: Ancient Sanskrit term meaning lord of all or supreme ruler.
अर्थ: सम्राट
"Chandragupta Maurya was called a Samraj."
Adhiraja
Meaning: Sanskrit word meaning overlord or great king.
अर्थ: अधिराज
"The emperor was referred to as Adhiraja in texts."
Rajadhiraja
Meaning: King of kings, a supreme ruler.
अर्थ: राजाधिराज
"The title Rajadhiraja symbolised authority over many kings."
Fortification
Meaning: A defensive wall or structure built to protect a city or settlement.
अर्थ: किला/दुर्ग निर्माण
"The city was surrounded by strong fortifications."
Moat
Meaning: A deep, wide ditch filled with water, built around a castle or fort for defence.
अर्थ: खाई
"The soldiers crossed the drawbridge over the moat."
Drawbridge
Meaning: A bridge that can be raised or lowered to allow or prevent entry.
अर्थ: चल पुल
"The drawbridge was lifted to protect the city."
Rampart
Meaning: A defensive wall or barrier around a city or fort.
अर्थ: परकोटा
"The soldiers stood guard on the ramparts."
Procession
Meaning: A group of people or soldiers moving forward in an orderly way.
अर्थ: जुलूस/प्रदर्शन
"The king’s procession entered the city."
Splendour
Meaning: Magnificent and impressive appearance or quality.
अर्थ: शानदारता/भव्यता
"The splendour of Pataliputra amazed visitors."
Territory
Meaning: An area of land under the control of a ruler or state.
अर्थ: क्षेत्र
"The empire’s territory stretched across India."
Authority
Meaning: The power or right to give orders and enforce laws.
अर्थ: प्राधिकरण/अधिकार
"The emperor held authority over many states."
Supreme
Meaning: Highest in rank or authority.
अर्थ: सर्वोच्च
"The emperor was the supreme ruler of the empire."
Administration
Meaning: The management of public affairs and government duties.
अर्थ: प्रशासन
"The Maurya administration was well-organised."
Currency
Meaning: System of money in use in a particular region.
अर्थ: मुद्रा
"The king issued silver punch-marked currency."
Tribute
Meaning: A payment made by one ruler or nation to another.
अर्थ: कर/भेंट
"The smaller kingdoms paid tribute to the emperor."
Economy
Meaning: The wealth and resources of a country or region.
अर्थ: अर्थव्यवस्था
"The empire had a prosperous economy based on trade."
Commerce
Meaning: The activity of buying and selling goods.
अर्थ: व्यापार
"Commerce flourished under the Maurya empire."
Guild
Meaning: An association of merchants or craftsmen.
अर्थ: संघ/श्रेणी
"The traders formed a powerful guild."
Shreni
Meaning: Sanskrit term for guild or association of workers.
अर्थ: श्रेणी
"Shrenis managed trade and craft activities."
Agriculture
Meaning: The practice of farming.
अर्थ: कृषि
"Agriculture was the backbone of the empire’s economy."
Diplomat
Meaning: An official representing a country abroad.
अर्थ: राजनयिक
"Megasthenes was a Greek diplomat in Chandragupta’s court."
Strategist
Meaning: A person skilled in planning military or political actions.
अर्थ: रणनीतिकार
"Kautilya was a master strategist."
Satrap
Meaning: A governor of a province in ancient empires.
अर्थ: सात्रप/राज्यपाल
"The satraps ruled provinces under Alexander."
Inscription
Meaning: A text carved on stone, metal, or other surfaces.
अर्थ: लेख/शिलालेख
"Ashoka’s edicts were inscribed on rocks and pillars."
Edict
Meaning: An official order issued by a ruler.
अर्थ: फरमान
"Ashoka’s edicts spread the message of dharma."
Dharma
Meaning: Moral law, duty or righteousness.
अर्थ: धर्म
"Ashoka encouraged people to follow dharma."
Prakrit
Meaning: An ancient Indian language used by common people.
अर्थ: प्राकृत भाषा
"Ashoka’s edicts were written in Prakrit."
Brahmi
Meaning: The ancient script from which many Indian scripts evolved.
अर्थ: ब्राह्मी लिपि
"Ashoka’s inscriptions were written in Brahmi script."
Monastery
Meaning: A building where monks live and worship.
अर्थ: मठ
"The caves were carved out to build monasteries."
Stupa
Meaning: A dome-shaped structure built to house relics and used as a place of meditation.
अर्थ: स्तूप
"The Sanchi Stupa is a famous monument."
Chaitya
Meaning: A prayer hall in Buddhist architecture.
अर्थ: चैत्य
"The caves were decorated with chaityas for worship."
Vihara
Meaning: A Buddhist monastery for monks.
अर्थ: विहार
"Ashoka built many viharas for Buddhist monks."
Granary
Meaning: A storehouse for grain.
अर्थ: अन्नागार
"The Sohgaura inscription mentioned a granary."
Relic
Meaning: An object from the past preserved as holy or historic.
अर्थ: अवशेष
"The stupa housed sacred relics of the Buddha."
Philosophy
Meaning: The study of fundamental ideas about life and existence.
अर्थ: दर्शनशास्त्र
"Greek and Indian philosophies exchanged ideas."
Cosmic
Meaning: Relating to the universe or cosmos.
अर्थ: ब्रह्मांडीय
"Dharma was seen as living in harmony with cosmic order."
Righteous
Meaning: Morally right or justifiable.
अर्थ: धार्मिक/न्यायपूर्ण
"A king was expected to rule in a righteous way."
Emissary
Meaning: A messenger or representative sent on a mission.
अर्थ: दूत
"Ashoka sent emissaries to spread Buddhism."
Cavalry
Meaning: Soldiers who fought on horseback.
अर्थ: अश्वारोही सेना
"The cavalry led the army into battle."
Infantry
Meaning: Soldiers fighting on foot.
अर्थ: पैदल सेना
"The infantry formed the bulk of the Mauryan army."
Siege
Meaning: A military blockade of a city or fort to force surrender.
अर्थ: घेरा/घेराबंदी
"The army laid siege to the enemy fort."
Plunder
Meaning: Steal goods, typically during war.
अर्थ: लूटपाट
"Invaders plundered the villages."
Rebellion
Meaning: An act of armed resistance against authority.
अर्थ: विद्रोह
"The emperor crushed the rebellion."
Dynasty
Meaning: A line of hereditary rulers of a country.
अर्थ: वंश
"The Maurya dynasty was founded by Chandragupta."
Succession
Meaning: The process of inheriting a title or office.
अर्थ: उत्तराधिकार
"The succession after Ashoka was weak."
Decline
Meaning: A gradual loss of power, strength or quality.
अर्थ: पतन
"The decline of the Maurya empire began after Ashoka."
Philanthropy
Meaning: The desire to promote the welfare of others.
अर्थ: परोपकार
"Ashoka was known for his philanthropy."
Benevolent
Meaning: Well-meaning and kind.
अर्थ: दयालु
"Ashoka was remembered as a benevolent ruler."
Compassion
Meaning: Sympathetic concern for the suffering of others.
अर्थ: करुणा
"Ashoka showed compassion towards people and animals."
Insurgency
Meaning: A rebellion or uprising against authority.
अर्थ: विद्रोह/आंदोलन
"The emperor dealt with the insurgency harshly."
Legacy
Meaning: Something handed down from the past.
अर्थ: विरासत
"The Maurya empire left behind a great legacy."
Unity
Meaning: The state of being united or joined as a whole.
अर्थ: एकता
"The empire brought political unity to India."
Stability
Meaning: The state of being steady and not likely to change.
अर्थ: स्थिरता
"A strong administration ensured stability."
Prosperity
Meaning: The state of being wealthy or successful.
अर्थ: समृद्धि
"Trade and agriculture brought prosperity to the empire."