MHI-110

(i) Pratishthan Pratishthan, known today as Paithan, is an ancient city situated in Maharashtra on the banks of the Godavari River. Historically, it was one of the most important cities in the Deccan region. It served as the capital of the powerful Satavahana Empire around 200 BCE to 200 CE. Pratishthan was famous for its […]

Answer The theory of ‘deurbanisation’ describes a period in Indian history after the Gupta Empire (around 550 CE onwards), when many cities declined or disappeared. Historians use the term ‘deurbanisation’ to indicate that cities became smaller, trade reduced, and urban life weakened. Let’s examine this theory carefully to understand why historians believe it happened and

Answer Kanchi, also known as Kanchipuram, was one of the most important ancient cities located in present-day Tamil Nadu. It was famous for its beautiful temples, rich culture, trade, and educational centers. Many characteristic features made Kanchi a perfect example of an urban city in ancient South India. Let’s explore these urban features clearly and

Answer Nagarjunakonda was an ancient city located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, near the Krishna River. It was one of the most important cultural and religious centers in ancient South India. The city’s importance grew mainly because of its strategic location, which provided several advantages. Let’s look at why its location was so significant: 1. Located

Answer Urbanization means the growth and development of cities. The Deccan region in ancient India, located south of the Narmada river, witnessed a gradual process of urbanization over several centuries. This region includes today’s Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and parts of Tamil Nadu. The process of urbanization in the Deccan happened through various steps

(i) Pataliputra Pataliputra was an ancient city situated near modern-day Patna in Bihar. It was one of the most important cities in ancient India and served as the capital for several powerful empires such as the Maurya and Gupta empires. Pataliputra was known for its impressive planning and development. Historical writings describe it as a

Answer Ancient Mathura was a very important city in India. It was famous not only for its trade and commerce but also for being a significant religious center. People worshipped various gods and goddesses there, and Mathura became a place where many religions grew and flourished. The art found in Mathura shows clearly how diverse

Answer: In ancient Indian history, the transformation from janapadas (small territories or tribal settlements) to mahajanapadas (larger and more complex kingdoms) marked a significant development. This transition reflected political, social, economic, and cultural shifts that ultimately set the stage for urbanization and complex governance structures. Let’s explore in detail the differences between these two stages:

Answer: Agriculture was indeed a crucial element in the economy and sustainability of Harappan civilization. The cities of the Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2600–1900 BCE), depended greatly on agriculture, which provided the foundation for their prosperity and development. This reliance on agriculture facilitated the emergence of complex urban centers,

Answer: Historical texts offer diverse and contrasting images of cities, often shaped by the perspective, purpose, and context of the writer. These texts present cities as centers of power, economic hubs, religious sites, places of cultural expression, or even symbols of moral decay. By exploring historical writings, one realizes that urban life has been depicted