Chapter 2: New Kings and Kingdoms
Overview of the Chapter
Understanding the Chapter
This chapter discusses the emergence of new kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent between the 7th and 12th centuries. It covers the rise of new dynasties, the administrative structures they developed, and the changes in society and economy during this period.
The Emergence of New Dynasties
Establishment of New Dynasties
– Rise of New Rulers: The chapter begins by explaining how new dynasties emerged. These new rulers often gained power by subjugating existing kings or through conquest.
– Example: The Kadamba Mayurasharman and the Gurjara-Pratihara Harichandra.
Administration of New Kingdoms
– Administrative Practices: The new dynasties developed administrative structures to consolidate their power.
– Prashastis: These were inscriptions that praised the achievements of the rulers. They were often composed by learned Brahmanas.
– Land Grants: Kings often granted land to Brahmanas and temples, which helped in the consolidation of their power.
The Rise of the Cholas
The Chola Dynasty
– Origins: The Cholas were initially subordinate to the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Vijayalaya, a Chola ruler, captured the Kaveri delta from the Muttaraiyar in the mid-9th century.
– Expansion: Rajaraja I (985-1014) and his son Rajendra I (1014-1044) expanded the Chola kingdom into an empire that included parts of South India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Chola Administration
– Provincial Administration: The Chola kingdom was divided into provinces called ‘mandalams’. These were further divided into ‘valanadus’ and ‘nadus’.
– Village Autonomy: The Cholas are known for their well-developed system of local self-government. Villages had assemblies (sabhas) that managed local affairs.
– Revenue System: The Cholas had a systematic revenue system. They collected revenue from agriculture, trade, and tribute from subordinate states.
Warfare for Wealth
Military Campaigns
– Purpose of Warfare: Warfare was often conducted to acquire wealth, which was used to build temples and palaces.
– Example: The tripartite struggle for Kanauj among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas.
– Chola Conquests: The Cholas undertook extensive military campaigns. Rajendra I led expeditions to the Ganges and Southeast Asia.
Building Temples
– Role of Temples: Temples were not only places of worship but also centers of economic and social life. They were endowed with land and resources by kings and became rich and influential.
– Example: The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur built by Rajaraja I.
Agrarian Expansion
Agricultural Developments
– Irrigation: The Cholas developed an extensive irrigation system to support agriculture.
Example: The construction of canals, wells, and tanks for irrigation.
– Land Ownership: The land was owned by individuals, the temple, or the state. Cultivators were required to pay a portion of their produce as tax.
Society and Culture
Caste and Society
– Social Structure: Society was organized into varnas and jatis. The Brahmanas played a key role in society by performing rituals and managing temples.
– Role of Women: Women had a significant role in society, although their status varied. Some women from royal families made endowments to temples and public works.
Economic Life
– Trade and Commerce: Trade flourished during this period, both within the Indian subcontinent and with other regions such as Southeast Asia.
– Example: The Chola navy played a crucial role in protecting trade routes.
Cultural Contributions
Art and Architecture
– Temple Architecture: The Cholas are renowned for their Dravidian style of temple architecture.
– Example: The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
– Sculpture and Painting: Chola bronzes are considered masterpieces of Indian art.
Literature and Education
– Literary Works: The period saw the composition of important literary works in Tamil and Sanskrit.
– Example: Kamban’s Ramayana and Sekkizhar’s Periya Puranam.
Summary of the Chapter
Key Points
– The chapter covers the emergence of new dynasties and the rise of the Cholas.
– It discusses the administrative practices, military campaigns, and agrarian expansion of these kingdoms.
– The chapter also highlights the social, economic, and cultural developments during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common Questions About “Kings and Kingdoms”
– Prashastis are inscriptions that praise the achievements of kings and provide valuable insights into their reign.
– Vijayalaya was a Chola ruler who captured the Kaveri delta from the Muttaraiyar and laid the foundation for the Chola Empire.
– Rajaraja I expanded the Chola kingdom through military conquests and built the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
– The tripartite struggle for Kanauj was fought among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas to control the fertile region of Kanauj.
– The Chola empire was divided into provinces called ‘mandalams’, and local self-government was practiced through village assemblies.
– Temples were centers of economic and social life, receiving endowments from kings and acting as hubs of local administration and culture.
– Significant architectural contributions of the Cholas include the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple.
– The Cholas supported agriculture through the development of extensive irrigation systems, including canals, wells, and tanks.
– Women in Chola society played significant roles, with some from royal families making endowments to temples and public works.
– Trade and commerce flourished through both inland and maritime trade, with the Chola navy protecting trade routes.
– Key features of Chola temple architecture include large vimanas (temple towers), extensive use of stone, and intricate carvings.
– The Prashasti of Pulakeshin II was composed by his court poet Ravikirti.
– Important literary works of the Chola period include Kamban’s Ramayana and Sekkizhar’s Periya Puranam.
– The Chola navy played a crucial role in protecting trade routes and conducting military expeditions to Southeast Asia.
– Land grants to Brahmanas and temples helped in the consolidation of power by legitimizing the rule of kings and promoting loyalty among subjects.
– The Kailasanatha temple at Ellora, built by the Rashtrakutas, is a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture.
– The caste system defined social hierarchy and roles, impacting social interactions and responsibilities in Chola society.
– Advancements in agriculture during the Chola period included the construction of irrigation canals and tanks to support crop production.
– The Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, and Palas were often involved in conflicts for territorial expansion.
– The Cholas patronized Tamil poets and scholars, leading to the growth of Tamil literature and the composition of significant literary works.
– The Dravidian style of temple architecture is characterized by its pyramid-shaped towers (vimanas), intricate carvings, and spacious courtyards.
– The Rajputs maintained their kingdoms through military prowess, building forts, and engaging in frequent battles with neighboring kingdoms.
– Maritime trade brought wealth and cultural exchange, contributing to the prosperity and cultural development of the Chola kingdom.
– Prominent rulers of the Pala dynasty include Dharmapala and Devapala, who were known for their patronage of Buddhism and educational institutions.
– The Chalukyas contributed to temple architecture with rock-cut temples in Aihole and Pattadakal, showcasing their architectural prowess.
Chapter 2:Kings and Kingdoms MCQs
1. Who performed the ritual called ‘hiranya-garbha’ in the early 10th century?
2. The ritual ‘hiranya-garbha’ was thought to lead to the ‘rebirth’ of the sacrificer as a:
3. Which dynasty did Dantidurga belong to?
4. What was the main reason for the rise of new dynasties between the 7th and 12th centuries?
5. Who wrote the Prashasti for Pulakeshin II?
6. Which ruler established the Chola Empire by capturing the Kaveri delta from the Muttaraiyar?
7. The Chola kingdom was divided into provinces called:
8. What was the primary source of income for the Chola kings?
9. The tripartite struggle for Kanauj was among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and:
10. Who was the Chola king who built the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur?
11. Which dynasty’s rulers are known for their extensive use of land grants to Brahmanas and temples?
12. What was the significance of the Prashastis in the administration of new kingdoms?
Dive into detailed short notes for Chapter 2: Kings and Kingdoms from the Class 7 History NCERT book ‘Our Pasts-II,’ tailored for CBSE students. Click here to access the notes.”
