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Bricks, Beads And Bones
How did inscriptions of the Maurya dynasty proclaim the message of Asoka’s dhamma?
The inscriptions of Asoka on rocks and pillars are often regarded as most valuable sources to know about dhamma.
(i) The name of the ruler, Asoka, is mentioned as “devanampiya” , beloved of the gods and “piyadassi”, or “pleasant to behold”.
(ii) It reflects the anguish of the ruler as well as marks a change in his attitude towards warfare.
(iii) Asoka also tried to hold his empire together by propagating dhamma, the principles of which were simple and virtually universally applicable.
(iv) It was to ensure the well-being of people in this world. He appointed special officers, known as the dhamma mahamatta to spread the message of dhamma.
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Discuss the functions that may have been performed by rulers in Harappan society.
On given map, use a pencil to circle sites where evidence of agriculture has been recovered. Mark an X against sites where there is evidence of craft production and R against sites where raw materials were found.
Find out if there are any museums in your town. Visit one of them and write a report on any ten items, describing how old they are, where they were found and why you think they are on display.
Collect illustrations of ten things made of stone, metal and clay produced and used at present. Compare these with the pictures of the Harappan civilisation in this chapter, and discuss the similarities and differences that you find.
Mention the two sections of the Harappan settlements and give one main feature of each.
Mention two features of Harappan cities.
Give two features of the Harappan settlements.
Mention any four items found in the graves of the Harappans.
Mention two strategies adopted to identify social differences among the Harappans.
How did the Harappans obtain red colour or Carnelian?
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