6.7 SkillBuilder activity COMMUNICATING The aim of this activity is to teach you how to analyse information and then use that information to make informed judgements. To practise this skill, we’re going to use two different sources — Ashoka’s edicts and the political strategies of Kautilya (which were described in lesson 6.6). Ashok’s edicts are primary sources whereas Kautilya’s strategies are described in a secondary source — the resource you are now reading. Step1: Read the source and information provided. While it may seem silly to mention this as a ýrst step, proper reading of a source is a step that sometimes gets overlooked. Try not to scan or skim-read, but instead read carefully and identify key information. Step2: Re-read the source and information. This time, write notes as you go, making sure that your notes are accurate and descriptive. Step3: Use your notes to make your informed judgement. Answer the following question using both the information you have collected and the opinions you have formed by completing this process. Discuss how Ashoka’s edicts, as shown in SOURCE5 , differ from the ideas of Chandragupta’s chief minister, Chanakya, described in lesson 6.6. How do you think Ashoka’s subjects would have felt about these changes?
6.7
Exercise
Learning pathways LEVEL1 1, 2, 3, 6
LEVEL2
LEVEL3
7, 8, 10
4, 5, 9
REMEMBER AND UNDERSTAND 1. Ashoka was Chandragupta’s A. brother. B. son. C. grandson. D. father. 2. Identify the correct deýnition of ‘dharma’. A. A Buddhist moral teaching B. A religion C. A ruler D. A family tradition 3. The edicts of Ashoka were recorded on ancient scrolls. True or False? 4. How did Ashoka change after witnessing the appalling suffering brought about by war with Kalinga? 5. Describe how the Mauryan Empire grew under Ashoka’s rule. ANALYSE AND APPLY 6. Examine SOURCE2 . Propose why you think modern India’s government, on the second anniversary after independence, issued a stamp with one of Ashoka’s pillars on it. 7. Consider why you think Ashoka inscribed his edicts on monuments, as seen in SOURCE 3. 8. Explain how SOURCE4 supports the idea that Ashoka was trying to get his message across to all Indians through his edicts.
EVALUATE AND COMMUNICATE 9. Evaluate the effects a life of battle had on Ashoka. 10. Discuss how Ashoka’s reign inþuenced religious observance in ancient India. Answers and sample responses for this topic are available online.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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