Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War Questions and Answers - Free PDF Download
FAQs on NCERT Solutions For Class 6 Social Science History Our Past Chapter 7 Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War - 2025-26
1. How do the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 7 explain why Ashoka is considered a unique ruler?
According to the NCERT Solutions for Class 6 History Chapter 7, Ashoka is considered a unique ruler for two main reasons. First, he was the only king in the history of the world who gave up conquest after winning a war (the Kalinga War). Second, he was the first ruler to try to take his message directly to the people through inscriptions, which were engraved on rocks and pillars for everyone to read.
2. What key points should be included when solving the NCERT question about the methods Ashoka used to spread Dhamma?
To correctly answer the question as per the CBSE pattern, your solution should include these points:
He appointed officials known as the Dhamma Mahamatta, who went from place to place teaching people about Dhamma.
He got his messages inscribed on rocks and pillars, in the local language Prakrit, so that ordinary people could understand them.
He sent messengers to spread ideas about Dhamma to other lands, such as Syria, Egypt, Greece and Sri Lanka.
He instructed his officials to read his message to those who could not read it themselves.
3. According to the NCERT solutions, what was the step-by-step reasoning that led Ashoka to give up war after the Kalinga conflict?
The NCERT solution explains Ashoka's change of heart step-by-step. The turning point was the Kalinga War. Although he won the war, he was horrified by the violence and bloodshed. He saw that over a hundred thousand people were killed and many more were captured. This immense suffering filled him with sorrow and led him to abandon the policy of physical conquest ('digvijaya') in favour of conquest through righteousness ('dhamma-vijaya').
4. Was Ashoka's 'Dhamma' a new religion? How do the NCERT solutions for Class 6 History clarify this?
No, Ashoka's Dhamma was not a new religion. The NCERT solutions clarify that Dhamma was a moral and ethical code of conduct. It did not involve the worship of a god or the performance of sacrifices. Instead, it was inspired by the teachings of the Buddha and focused on principles like being gentle with slaves and servants, respecting one's elders, treating all creatures with compassion, and giving gifts to brahmins and monks.
5. What were the key problems Ashoka wanted to solve by introducing 'Dhamma', as explained in Chapter 7?
As detailed in the NCERT textbook, Ashoka sought to solve several problems in his empire through Dhamma. These included:
Conflicts between people following different religions.
The practice of animal sacrifice.
Ill-treatment of slaves and servants.
Quarrels in families and amongst neighbours.
Ashoka felt it was his duty to solve these problems by instructing people in the principles of Dhamma.
6. Why is it important to understand the difference between 'tax' and 'tribute' to correctly answer questions from this chapter?
Understanding the difference is crucial for accurately solving questions about the Mauryan administration. Tax was a regular, compulsory payment collected by officials, especially from farmers, herders, and craftspersons. In contrast, tribute was collected as and when it was possible from people in forested regions. It was not regular and was often given in the form of things like elephants, timber, and honey, rather than a fixed amount.
7. How do the NCERT Solutions for the 2025-26 session guide students to answer questions about the Mauryan administration?
The NCERT solutions for the 2025-26 session guide students to structure their answers by highlighting the key features of Mauryan administration. A good solution would explain that the empire was controlled from the capital Pataliputra, with provinces ruled by royal princes. It should also mention the vast network of officials who collected taxes, punished wrongdoers, and the system of spies that kept watch on the officials.
8. How did Ashoka's adoption of Dhamma change the administration of the Mauryan Empire, as per the chapter's context?
The adoption of Dhamma fundamentally changed the goal of the administration. While the structure of collecting taxes and maintaining control remained, the emperor's focus shifted from military conquest to the welfare of his subjects. He created the new post of 'Dhamma Mahamatta' to spread his moral teachings. He also undertook public welfare works like building roads, digging wells, and setting up medical facilities for both humans and animals, reflecting the principle of compassion in his governance.























