The chapter begins by introducing the story of Sanghamitra, a princess of Magadha and Buddhist monk, who was sent to Sri Lanka by her father, Emperor Ashoka, along with her twin brother Mahindra, to spread Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka, a staunch Buddhist, made significant efforts to popularize the religion within his empire and abroad, building stupas, erecting inscribed pillars known as Ashoka's edicts, and sending emissaries to countries as far as Syria, Egypt, and Macedonia.
Ashoka, however, was not always a benevolent ruler. As a young prince with a skin disease, he was disliked by his father Bindusara. To prove himself, Ashoka became a fearless warrior, eventually gaining his father's approval and becoming the governor of a far-off province. After Bindusara's death, Ashoka fought a two-year war of succession against his brothers, claiming the throne and conquering more territories.
The turning point for Ashoka came after the Battle of Kalinga, a bloody and horrific war that resulted in massive destruction and loss of life. Witnessing the aftermath of the battle, Ashoka was filled with remorse and vowed never to wage war again. This realization led him to convert to Buddhism and make it the state religion.
Emperor Ashoka dedicated the rest of his life to popularizing Buddhism, banning hunting, promoting vegetarianism, and implementing social welfare programs to protect his subjects. He also encouraged religious tolerance, allowing people to practice their own beliefs without fear of persecution. Today, the influence of Emperor Ashoka's transformation can still be seen in the millions of people around the world who follow Buddhism, a testament to the power of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.
Instead of the war drums (Unit 6) Section B - The English Channel Coursebook - Class 7 - English
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Back Exercises - Instead of the war drums (Unit 6) Section B | The English Channel Coursebook | Literature | English | Class 7
A. Here are some idioms with the names of different weapons in them. Match them to their meanings.
A B
1. Cross swords a) to stand firm in the face of opposition
2. Jump the gun b) to fight or argue with someone
3. Bite the bullet c) to do something before the right time
4. Put to the sword d) to forget past conflicts and become friends
5. Bury the hatchet e) to kill or execute someone
6. Stick to your guns f) to face something difficult which cannot be avoided
- Cross swords - b) to fight or argue with someone
- Jump the gun - c) to do something before the right time
- Bite the bullet - f) to face something difficult which cannot be avoided
- Put to the sword - e) to kill or execute someone
- Bury the hatchet - d) to forget past conflicts and become friends
- Stick to your guns - a) to stand firm in the face of opposition
A. Write one word for each of the following phrases. Choose the words from the box.
siege ceasefire warfare warmonger truce disarmament
1. A person who advocates or encourages the start of war __________
2. A period of time when enemies agree to stop fighting,
usually while a way is fond to end the fighting permanently __________
3. The reduction of a country’s armed forces or weapons __________
4. The activity of fighting a war, especially using specific weapons
or methods __________
5. An agreement between warring countries that aims to end
armed conflict __________
6. The process of capturing a city by surrounding it and
stopping the supply of food to the people of the city. __________
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Sign up nowUnderline the clauses in these sentences.
1. He built a number of stupas, which are believed to hold the relics of the Buddha.
2. In all, 33 such inscriptions have been found, which are collectively referred to as Ashoka’s
edicts.
3. There was one kingdom in the east of India that still refused to submit to him.
4. This was the kingdom of Kalinga, which covered the present-day northern Andhra Pradesh
and most of Odisha.
5. When he was a young prince, Ashoka’s nickname was Chand (fierce) Ashoka.
6. The edicts that survive say that as many as 100, 000 people were killed in the war.
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Sign up nowA. Use words from the help box to combine the pairs of simple sentences to form complex sentences.
although before that when who
1. I am quite sure. You are hiding something.
2. I saw a man. The man has written this book.
3. The girl injured herself. She fell off the bicycle.
4. Please read the document carefully. Please sign it.
5. He was selected in the team. He wasn’t in good form.
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Sign up nowTake turns to combine these pairs of simple sentences to form compound sentences. Use the words given in the help box. You may use a word more than once.
and or but so
1. I put the jewels in the almirah. Mother locked the almirah.
2. They was a leaky tap to fix. He called a plumber.
3. They wanted to watch the match. There was no electricity.
4. The boy had an exam the next day. The boy was studying.
5. We had failed twice previously. We were confident of succeeding this time.
6. We can eat sandwiches at home. We can also go out for a pizza.
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Sign up nowJhanvi Singh (sender’s address)
3/40, G R Road
Manikpur
5 December 20xx (date)
The Editor (name/designation)
Daily Times (receiver’s address)
New Delhi
Dear Sir/Madam, (salutation)
Subject: _____________________________________________________
(body of the letter; to be divided into paragraphs) __________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Yours sincerely/faithfully/truly. (subscription/close)
Jhanvi Singh (sender’s name/signature)
Now write a letter to the editor of a newspaper describing how ordinary citizens as well as those who govern them can learn from Ashoka’s life and his teachings.
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Sign up nowWhy was the Kalinga war fought by Ashoka? Wars are still fought. Do you see any difference in the causes of wars in the past and the recent times? Discuss.
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Sign up nowBack Questions - Instead of the war drums (Unit 6) Section B | The English Channel Coursebook | Literature | English | Class 7
‘His father, Bindusara, did not like him very much. So Ashoka decided to prove himself.’
1. Why did Ashoka’s father dislike him?
2. Why did Ashoka want to prove himself?
3. How did he prove himself?
1. Ashoka's father, Bindusara, disliked him because Ashoka had a skin disease that made him unpleasant to look at.
2. Ashoka wanted to prove himself in order to gain his father's approval and recognition.
3. He proved himself by becoming a fearless warrior, leading wars in distant parts of the kingdom, and eventually becoming the governor of a far-off province. His father began to value him as a soldier and a statesman.
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Choose the correct options.
1. Sanghamitra and her twin brother, Mahindra, were sent to Sri Lanka to
a) Conquer new realms for Magadha.
b) help spread Buddhism.
c) build a stupa.
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Sign up nowChoose the correct options.
2. Ashoka’s edicts proclaim
a) Ashoka as the emperor of India.
b) Ashoka as Chand Ashoka.
c) Ashoka’s belief in the Buddhist principles of dhamma.
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Sign up nowChoose the correct options.
3. The emperor was remorseful because
a) many of his soldiers had died in the battle of Kalinga.
b) the battle had caused much more destruction than expected.
c) he was responsible for taking the lives of many individuals.
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Sign up nowChoose the correct options.
4. The king expected his subjects to
a) lead a vegetarian lifestyle.
b) respect each other’s religious beliefs.
c) spread the Buddha’s teachings to other kingdoms.
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Sign up nowWhat are Ashoka’s edicts and why are they important?
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Sign up nowWhy was Chand Ashoka a well-deserved nickname for Ashoka?
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Sign up nowDescribe the incident that transformed Emperor Ashoka.
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Sign up nowWhat were the ways that Emperor Ashoka adopted to avoid violence altogether?
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Sign up nowA tolerant person shows respect for the rights, opinions, and practices of others. How was the battle of kalinga an example of Emperor Ashoka’s intolerant nature?
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Sign up nowHow did Emperor Ashoka change to become a tolerant king after the battle of Kalinga? Explain in about 100 words.
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Sign up nowDo you know the story of how Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha? Compare this story with the story of Ashoka’s transformation.
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Sign up nowFind out about Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path and discuss how it can apply to your daily life, both inside and outside school.
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Sign up nowSummary - Instead of the war drums (Unit 6) Section B | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 7 Literature | English
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Themes - Instead of the war drums (Unit 6) Section B | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 7 Literature | English
1. Transformation and Personal Growth:
The chapter highlights the theme of personal transformation and growth through the story of Ashoka, who evolves from a fierce warrior to a compassionate and peaceful ruler. His remorse after the Battle of Kalinga leads him to question his values and actions, ultimately resulting in his conversion to Buddhism and commitment to promoting peace, compassion, and tolerance. This theme demonstrates the potential for individuals to change for the better and positively impact the lives of others through their actions.
2. The Power of Buddhism:
Buddhism plays a central role in the chapter, as it serves as the catalyst for Ashoka's transformation and shapes his policies as....
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Unlock now 🔓Important Lines - Instead of the war drums (Unit 6) Section B | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 7 Literature | English
1. "She and her twin brother Mahindra had been sent to Sri Lanka by their father, Emperor Ashoka, to help spread Buddhism."
- This line is important because it highlights Ashoka's commitment to spreading Buddhism beyond his empire, showcasing his dedication to the religion and its principles.
2. "In all, 33 such inscriptions have been found, which are collectively referred to as Ashoka's edicts."
- This line emphasizes....
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Unlock now 🔓Plot - Instead of the war drums (Unit 6) Section B | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 7 Literature | English
The chapter revolves around the life and transformation of Emperor Ashoka, who was initially known as Chand Ashoka, a fierce warrior. He became the king of Magadha after a war of succession with his brothers. As king, Ashoka engaged in numerous wars and ..............................
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Unlock now 🔓Vocabulary - Instead of the war drums (Unit 6) Section B | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 7 Literature | English
Emissaries: People sent on a special mission or errand, especially as diplomatic representatives.
The emissaries were tasked with delivering the important message to the neighboring kingdom.
Stupas: Buddhist structures, typically dome-shaped, that house sacred relics or serve as places of meditation and worship.
The ancient stupa was a place of serenity and contemplation for the monks.
Relics: Objects or remains that are considered to be of religious or historical significance.
The museum ...................
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