EVS / History -- Class 4

Topic: Great Kings and Queens of India
Name: ____________________________Class: 4Date: ________________
Learning Objectives
Let Us Begin!

India has a very long history. Over thousands of years, many great kings and queens ruled different parts of India. Some were known for their bravery, some for their wisdom, and some for building great empires. Let us meet some of these remarkable rulers!

Great Kings of India
RulerPeriodKingdomKnown For
Chandragupta MauryaAbout 321 BCEMaurya EmpireFounded the Maurya Empire with the help of Chanakya. United most of India.
Ashoka the GreatAbout 268 BCEMaurya EmpireGrandson of Chandragupta. After the bloody Kalinga War, he gave up violence and spread Buddhism and peace. Built pillars with lion capitals (our national emblem).
SamudraguptaAbout 335 CEGupta EmpireCalled the "Napoleon of India." A great warrior and also a poet and musician.
Chhatrapati Shivaji1674-1680Maratha EmpireFounded the Maratha Empire. Known for bravery, guerrilla warfare, and building forts. Respected all religions.
Maharana Pratap1572-1597Mewar (Rajasthan)Brave Rajput king who never surrendered to the Mughals. His horse Chetak is famous.
Brave Queens of India
QueenPeriodKingdomKnown For
Rani Lakshmibai1857JhansiFought the British in the Revolt of 1857. Rode into battle on horseback with her son tied to her back.
Rani Durgavati1564Gondwana (MP)A brave queen who fought against the Mughal army and chose death over surrender.
Kittur Chennamma1824Kittur (Karnataka)One of the first Indian rulers to fight against British rule, even before 1857.
Key Words and Meanings
WordMeaning
KingdomAn area ruled by a king or queen
EmpireA very large kingdom, often covering many regions
WarriorA brave person who fights in battles
Guerrilla WarfareA style of fighting using surprise attacks and knowledge of local land
RevoltA fight against the people in power
National EmblemThe official symbol of a country (India's is the Ashoka Pillar lion capital)
Ashoka's Transformation

After winning the Kalinga War, Ashoka saw the terrible destruction -- thousands of people killed and injured. He felt deep sorrow and decided to never fight again. He adopted Buddhism and spent the rest of his life spreading peace, building hospitals, planting trees, and caring for animals. His pillars with the lion capital became India's national emblem.

EVS / History -- Class 4 (continued)

Topic: Great Kings and Queens -- Practice
Key Points to Remember
Practice Questions

A. Fill in the Blanks:

  1. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Empire.
  2. Ashoka gave up violence after the War.
  3. Shivaji founded the Empire.
  4. Rani Lakshmibai was the queen of .
  5. Maharana Pratap's famous horse was named .

B. Multiple Choice Questions:

  1. Who helped Chandragupta Maurya build his empire?
    (a) Birbal(b) Chanakya(c) Tansen(d) Ashoka
  2. India's national emblem comes from:
    (a) Taj Mahal(b) Ashoka's Pillar(c) Red Fort(d) Qutub Minar
  3. Kittur Chennamma belonged to which state?
    (a) Rajasthan(b) Maharashtra(c) Karnataka(d) UP

C. Who Am I?

  1. I gave up war and spread Buddhism. I am .
  2. I fought the British in 1857 on horseback. I am .
  3. I am called the Napoleon of India. I am .

D. Short Answer Questions:

  1. Why did Ashoka give up violence?
  2. Why is Shivaji remembered as a great king?
Think and Do -- Fun Activity

History Card: Choose any one king or queen from this lesson. Make a "History Card" with their name, picture (drawn by you), kingdom, and one important thing they did.

Debate: "Is it better to win by fighting or by peace?" Think about Ashoka's story and write your opinion in 2-3 sentences.