Class 7 History Chapter 2 Notes - New Kings and Kingdoms

Introduction

The early medieval period in India was a time of political change and uncertainty. Various Indian kingdoms in the north were competing for power, while foreign invasions further added to the complexity of this era. In this chapter, we will explore the emergence of new kingdoms in different regions of India and their struggles for supremacy. We will also look closely at the rise of the Chola dynasty in the south.

Emergence of New Kingdoms in North, West, and Central India

• In the 7th century, chieftains or landlords known as "samantas" or subordinates began to gain power in different parts of India.
• Over time, they asserted their independence and established their own kingdoms.
• Example: Dantidurga defeated the Chalukyas and founded the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
• Example: The Gurjara-Pratiharas, who initially served as local officials, established their kingdom in Rajasthan.

The Tripartite Struggle

• Kannauj became a center of political importance due to its strategic location, fostering trade, and fertile soil for agriculture.
• Many new kingdoms wanted control over Kannauj, leading to the Tripartite Struggle.
• The struggle involved the Gurjara-Pratiharas of Malwa, the Rashtrakutas of Deccan, and the Palas of Bengal.
• This constant conflict weakened these dynasties and contributed to their eventual decline.

The Gurjara-Pratiharas

• Ruled over western India, including parts of Rajasthan and central India.
• Their location allowed them to resist Arab incursions.
• The Gurjara-Pratiharas had powerful rulers like Nagabhata I, Vatsaraja, and Mihir Bhoja.
• Mihir Bhoja established the largest empire in northern India with Kannauj as the capital.
• They were great patrons of learning and literature, supporting scholars like Rajashekhar.

The Palas

• Gopala founded the Pala empire, which covered present-day Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Nepal.
• Dharmapala and Devapala expanded the empire to include regions like Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.
• The Palas supported Buddhist learning and established universities like Vikramshila.
• They had trade and cultural relations with Southeast Asia, enhancing their prosperity.

The Rashtrakutas

• Founded by Dantidurga in the Deccan region, which included Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Malwa.
• The Rashtrakutas were initially chieftains in central India.
• Their capital was at Malkhed.
• Engaged in conflicts with the Chalukyas, Pallavas, and Pandyas.
• Notable Rashtrakuta rulers included Govinda III, Amoghavarsha, and Krishna III.
• Left a legacy with rock-cut cave temples at Ellora and Elephanta.

The Chauhans

• The Chauhan dynasty of Ajmer was established in the 11th century.
• Initially vassals of the Gurjara-Pratiharas.
• Prithviraj Chauhan, a famous ruler, ascended the throne of Ajmer in 1177.
• He followed a vigorous expansionist policy, including an expedition against the Chandellas.
• Prithviraj Chauhan's reign is well-documented in the "Prithviraj Raso" composed by his court poet, Chand Bardai.
• Engaged in the First and Second Battles of Tarain against Muhammad Ghori, leading to his defeat and imprisonment.

The Turkish Invasions

• The Ghaznavids: Mahmud of Ghazni, a Turkish conqueror, conducted 17 raids in India between 1001 and 1027, primarily aimed at plunder.
• Mahmud's raids revealed the vulnerabilities of Indian kingdoms and had a significant impact.
• Muhammad Ghori, who ascended the throne of Ghazni in 1173, sought to conquer and control Indian territories.

The Cholas

• The Cholas ruled in South India between 800 and 1200 CE.
• Vijayalaya, the founder of the Chola empire, initially served as a feudatory of the Pallavas.
• The Chola dynasty's glory is often attributed to Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I.
• Rajaraja Chola I expanded the empire by defeating various dynasties.
• Rajendra Chola I continued his father's expansionist policies, extending control over regions like Bengal and Sri Lanka.
• The Chola empire encouraged trade and commerce, conducted land surveys, collected taxes, and supported temples.
• The temples were not only religious but also cultural and economic centers.

Socio-Political and Economic Set-Up During the Chola Period

• Chola administration was hierarchical, led by the king with a council of ministers.
• The empire maintained a well-organized army and was divided into provinces, districts, and villages.
• Local self-government had two types of assemblies: ur and sabha.
• Land revenue grants and taxes contributed to the economy.
• Temples played a central role in Chola society, housing various activities and serving as economic hubs.
• Chola inscriptions are crucial historical records that provide insights into the period's history, including land grants, administration, and royal donations.