Class 12 History Chapter 2 Most Important Questions | Kings, Farmers and Towns important Questions
In this article on the social class, you will get Class 12 History Chapter 2 Most Important Questions. You can use the Kings, Farmers and Towns important Questions for your CBSE Board exams 2026. Here you will get detailed solutions to important questions for the first chapter of history. You can get the detailed explanation on our YouTube channel. Make sure to read the complete article so that you can excel in your exams.
Timeline of Class 12 History Chapter 2
Timeline – Kings, Farmers and Towns
| Period / Year | Event / Development | Key Ruler / Dynasty | Source / Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th century BCE | Sixteen Mahajanapadas mentioned in Buddhist texts | — | Anguttara Nikaya |
| 543 BCE | Rise of Magadha as a major kingdom | Bimbisara (Haryanka dynasty) | Buddhist and Jain texts |
| 491 BCE | Strengthening of Magadha | Ajatashatru | Fortification of Pataliputra |
| 4th century BCE | Nanda dynasty expands Magadha’s power | Mahapadma Nanda | Puranic texts |
| 322 BCE | Foundation of Mauryan Empire | Chandragupta Maurya | Arthashastra, Greek accounts (Megasthenes) |
| 305 BCE | Treaty between Maurya and Seleucus Nicator | Chandragupta Maurya | Greek records |
| 273 BCE | Accession of Ashoka | Ashoka | Ashokan inscriptions |
| 261 BCE | Kalinga War and adoption of Dhamma policy | Ashoka | Rock Edicts XIII, XIV |
| 3rd century BCE | Ashoka’s inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts | Ashoka | Major Rock & Pillar Edicts |
| 2nd century BCE | Decline of Mauryas; Sunga dynasty established | Pushyamitra Sunga | Puranas, inscriptions |
| 1st century BCE | Satavahanas in Deccan issue land grants to Brahmanas | Early Satavahana kings | Copper plate inscriptions |
| 78 CE | Beginning of Shaka era (used in inscriptions) | Shaka rulers | Epigraphic records |
| 1st–2nd century CE | Kushana Empire at its peak; adoption of title “Devaputra” | Kanishka | Inscriptions, coins |
| 3rd–4th century CE | Gupta Empire established; gold coins depict Ashvamedha sacrifice | Gupta kings (Samudragupta) | Allahabad Pillar Inscription by Harisena |
| 4th century CE | Prayaga Prashasti composed | Harisena under Samudragupta | Allahabad pillar |
| Post-4th century CE | Decline of early historic urban centres; shift towards rural economy | — | Archaeological excavations |
3 Marker Short Answer Type Class 12 History Chapter 2 Most Important Questions
In this part, I will provide you with short-answer type questions of Class 12 History Chapter 2, the most important questions. 3 marker questions are very important for exams. Class 12 History Chapter 2 Most Important Questions
Q1. Who was Megasthenes? Mention two of his observations about India.
Answer:
- Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
- Observations:
- Described Pataliputra as a large, well-fortified city with wooden walls and towers.
- Noted the division of society into different occupational groups.
Q2. What is the significance of the Prayaga Prashasti?
Answer:
- Composed by Harisena, court poet of Samudragupta.
- Inscribed on the Allahabad pillar.
- Records Samudragupta’s conquests, political achievements, and qualities as a ruler.
Q3. Name any three scripts used in ancient Indian inscriptions.
Answer:
- Brahmi
- Kharosthi
- Tamil-Brahmi
Q4. Mention three strategies used by the Mauryas to control their empire.
Answer:
- Strong central administration from Pataliputra.
- Network of spies to gather information.
- Use of officers (Amatyas) and provincial governors to manage regions.
Q5. Give three features of Ashoka’s Dhamma policy.
Answer:
- Promotion of non-violence (ahimsa).
- Respect for all religions and sects.
- Welfare measures for people and animals.
Q6. What is meant by punch-marked coins?
Answer:
- Early coins made of silver or copper, stamped with symbols rather than inscriptions.
- Introduced during the Magadhan period.
- Used mainly for trade and transactions.
Q7. Mention three features of early urban centres like Pataliputra.
Answer:
- Fortified cities with walls, gates, and watchtowers.
- Administrative and commercial hubs.
- Presence of markets, granaries, and craft production areas.
8 Marker long Answer Type Class 12 History Chapter 2 Most Important Questions
Here are the most important long-answer type questions for Class 12 History Chapter 2. Use this to prepare for long answers. Class 12 History Chapter 2 Most Important Questions are very helpful from the examination point of view for the students.
Here are 5 important 8-marker questions from Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns:
Q1. Describe the main features of the Mauryan administration as explained in the Arthashastra.
Answer:
- Central administration: King as supreme authority assisted by council of ministers.
- Provinces: Divided into provinces governed by royal princes or appointed officials.
- Officers: Amatyas, Mahamatras, and Dhamma Mahamatras for various administrative duties.
- Taxation: Land revenue as main source; also trade tax, forest produce tax.
- Army: Large standing army with infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants.
- Espionage system: Network of spies to monitor officials and people.
- Law and order: Strict punishments for crimes; regulation of markets and trade.
Q2. Explain Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma with reference to his inscriptions.
Answer:
- Purpose: Promote moral values, social harmony, and non-violence after Kalinga War.
- Main principles:
- Respect for elders, love for children.
- Religious tolerance and respect for all sects.
- Compassion towards animals; ban on certain animal sacrifices.
- Welfare measures like planting trees, digging wells, medical care for people and animals.
- Spread: Through rock and pillar edicts in Prakrit, Greek, Aramaic; used Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
- Officials: Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras to spread teachings.
Q3. Discuss the sources used to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan period.
Answer:
- Literary sources:
- Arthashastra (Kautilya) – administration, economy.
- Buddhist texts (Digha Nikaya, Mahavamsa) – life of rulers.
- Jain texts – role of Chandragupta Maurya.
- Foreign accounts:
- Megasthenes’ Indica – city life, social organisation.
- Epigraphic sources:
- Ashokan inscriptions – Dhamma, administration.
- Archaeological sources:
- Stupas, palaces, fortified cities, coins.
Q4. Explain the significance of land grants in early India.
Answer:
- Purpose: Reward to Brahmanas and officials; religious merit.
- Nature: Grants recorded on copper plates; sometimes entire villages donated.
- Privileges given: Exemption from certain taxes, right to collect revenue, use of forest and water resources.
- Impact:
- Encouraged expansion of agriculture into forested areas.
- Strengthened position of Brahmanas.
- Led to decline of state’s direct control over land in some areas.
- Contributed to ruralisation and decline of urban centres in post-Mauryan period.
Q5. Describe the features of urban centres in the early historic period with examples.
Answer:
- Defensive structures: Fortifications with walls and gates (e.g., Pataliputra).
- Administrative hubs: Presence of royal palaces and government offices.
- Markets: Specialised areas for traders, artisans, and merchants.
- Craft production: Centres for bead-making, metalwork, textiles.
- Religious buildings: Stupas, viharas, temples.
- Water management: Wells, tanks, drainage systems.
- Example cities: Pataliputra, Ujjain, Mathura, Amaravati.
