NEB Grade XI Compulsory English Note | Language Development | Unit- 4 Qin Dynasty Critical Thinking (Part 2)

Unit:4

Qin Dynasty

Critical thinking

a. The Great Wall and the Taj Mahal are the creation of the autocratic rulers. Present your view for or against this statement.

In an autocracy power remains in the hands of a single person. The autocratic political system has the feature of fear and control. Historically, the examples of autocracy have been represented by absolute monarchs and military dictators. The great advantage to autocracy is that when immediate and certain action is necessary, serious decisions are quickly made. Autocratic leaders usually make choices which rely on their ideas and judgments, and hardly accept any advice from followers.

The rulers are able to gather resources for whatever seems important and then, order their people to fulfill the vision. The autocrats have the some of the best armies of civilization. They are useful for keeping an eye on their people as well as invading neighbors. The autocrats don’t have to worry about anybody as they establish rules themselves and an unquestioned authority. Some of the great wondrous structures of civilization such as the Great Wall, the Taj Mahal, etc. have been the fancy of autocrats. In the name of being immortal, commemorating a victory in a battle, dedication to their loved ones, gaining popularity and employing unskilled and semi-skilled laborers along with talented artisans, the rulers created such wonders.

b. How do you describe the pros and cons of feudalism?

Feudalism is a social system prevailed in Europe during the Middle Ages in which people (vassals) were given land and protection by a nobleman (lord), and had to work and fight for him in return.

Feudal system had the provision of social and economic security to the lower class members of the society. The landlords could not deprive the vassals of their land and had to care for them during their disability. The system helped people to develop the qualities like loyalty, bravery, generosity, humility and courtesy. Associations between lords and vassals were based on high respect for truth and promised word. The vassals showed every possible courteousness to the lords and served them with loyalty and humility. In return, the lords revealed love and bigheartedness to the vassals.

Feudal lords established social and moral trends. They showed to the rest of the world how to wear clothes, how to eat, how to ask a lady for a dance and numerous other things.

Feudal laws possessed the power to bind the king. This greatly proved helpful to the middle classes in latter period in checking royal tyranny. Feudal system showed the way for the rise of states in modern times. As time passed some feudal lords managed to get upper hand of their rivals and extended their territories. Thus, the strong kingdoms were established.

It is argued that feudalism brought class divisions in the society. It divided the people into the class of the nobles and the vassals. It also created a division of the rich and poor. The poor led a subsistent life whereas the nobles and the rich led a life of leisure and idleness.

Feudal system made the conditions of the vassals very appalling. The vassals could hold lands what were given to them by the nobles. They were supposed to work for the nobles and remain their slaves.

In feudal system it became increasingly difficult for nations to be established. The nobles from one region continued to fight against nobles from other regions, therefore, no peaceful nations could be formed under such unsteady circumstances. The occurrence of constant fights among nobles created the atmosphere of lack of peace. Furthermore, the existence of such unstable situations made it difficult for the development of the society.

Europe could not be united as rivalry, suspicion and war were present. Feudal system seemed to have been a cause which didn’t let Europe to be united. With the absence of unity, no real sovereign states could be formed in Europe.

Writing

a. Write an email to your friend living abroad stating the contributions of Prithvi Narayan Shah in the unification of Nepal.

To: sameer44@gmail.com

Subject: Prithvi Naryan Shah’s Unification of Nepal

Dear Sameer,

Thank you for getting in touch with me. As you’re interested in Nepalese history, particularly in the unification campaign of Prithvi Narayan Shah, I’m writing about it.

Nepal was scattered and fragmented into small states or principalities. There were about twenty -four kingdoms in the Gandaki region and twenty- two in the Karnali region. There were three Mall kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley. The kings of these states didn’t have good relationship with each other. They waged frequent battle. On the other hand, the British India Company in the south was in position to capture the small states of Nepal. In such a terrifying condition Prithvi Narayan Shah began the unification campaign.

Prithvi Narayan Shah wanted to extend the territory of his kingdom far and wide. In fact, he wanted to conquer the kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. He sent his troops under the command of Kazi Biraj Thapa to attack over Nuwakot, the gateway to the valley and the main trade route between Kathmandu and Tibet. He captured Nuwakot after three attempts. After the conquest of Nuwakot, he began to control all the areas around the valley. He had determined to unify the small states into a big nation. For this, he himself witnessed fierceful battles against Nuwakot, Kirtipur and Kantipur.

Prithvi Narayan Shah was a tactful, ambitious and diplomatic king. He respected the culture, traditions and norms and values of all the castes. So, he began the campaign of cultural unification, too.

Can you tell me about your living abroad? I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes,

Samar 

Part 3