NCERT Solutions for Class 7th Social Science Chapter 6 Fig. 6.2 compared with the map of the Maurya empire (Fig. 5.13, page 100) — LET'S EXPLORE
Book page 120 Updated on2026-09-19
Q1.
In the previous chapter, you studied the map of the Maurya empire (see page 100). Above is a map of the post-Maurya period. How many kingdoms can you count in the area that were previously under the control of the Maurya empire?
Fig. 6.2 (page 119) — Prominent dynasties of India during the age of reorganisation.For comparison: the extent of the Maurya empire in the previous chapter (Fig. 5.13, page 100), redrawn here in outline. Borders are approximate.
Answer
Fig. 6.2 names nine powers in all. Of these, six lie inside the area that the Maurya empire had controlled.
#
Name on Fig. 6.2
Where it lies
Was this area Mauryan? (Fig. 5.13)
1
Indo-Greeks
Far northwest, beyond the Indus
Yes — Aśhoka's empire reached Kāndhār
2
Kuṣhāṇas
Northwest and the upper Ganga plains
Yes
3
Śhakas (Indo-Scythians)
Western India / Punjab plains
Yes
4
Śhungas
North and central India (the old Maurya heartland)
Yes — Pāṭaliputra was the Maurya capital
5
Sātavāhanas
The Deccan
Yes — Pratiṣhṭhāna and Amrāvatī are on the Maurya map
6
Chedis
Kalinga, on the east coast
Yes — Aśhoka conquered Kalinga
—
Cholas, Cheras, Pānḍyas
The far south
No — the Maurya map stops short of them; they are shown outside the orange area
So: six kingdoms in the old Maurya area, and three southern kingdoms that were never part of it.
Why it happens: the three southern kingdoms had stayed independent even at the height of Mauryan power — Aśhoka himself mentions them in his edicts as neighbours, not as subjects. So the six kingdoms in the north, west, centre and east of the map are the true measure of how the Maurya empire fell apart: one empire became six competing states.
Tip: if your teacher counts the two names ‘Śhakas' and ‘Indo-Scythians' on the map, remember they are one and the same people — the second name is only given in brackets.