Class 7 History Chapter 2 Question Answers - New Kings and Kingdoms

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who were the chieftains or landlords that rose to power in various parts of India during the 7th century?
Ans: The chieftains or landlords that rose to power were known as "samantas."

Q2: Who defeated the Chalukyas and founded the Rashtrakuta dynasty?
Ans: Dantidurga defeated the Chalukyas and established the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Q3: Which dynasties were engaged in the Tripartite Struggle for control over Kannauj?
Ans: The Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas were involved in the Tripartite Struggle.

Q4: What is the significance of Kannauj during this period?
Ans: Kannauj was significant due to its strategic location, fostering trade, and fertile soil for agriculture.

Q5: Who was the founder of the Pala empire, and which regions did it cover?
Ans: Gopala founded the Pala empire, which covered present-day Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Nepal.

Q6: Which ruler established the Vikramshila Buddhist University?
Ans: Dharmapala established the Vikramshila Buddhist University.

Q7: Who defeated the Pala king in 1023 CE, and which dynasty did they belong to?
Ans: Rajendra Chola of the Chola dynasty defeated the Pala king in 1023 CE.

Q8: What was the capital of the Rashtrakuta dynasty?
Ans: The capital of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Malkhed.

Q9: Name one famous ruler from the Chauhan dynasty.
Ans: Prithviraj Chauhan was a famous ruler of the Chauhan dynasty.

Q10: What was the primary objective of Mahmud of Ghazni's raids in India?
Ans: Mahmud of Ghazni raided India primarily for wealth and plunder.

Long Answer Questions

Q11: Describe the Tripartite Struggle among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas for control over Kannauj.
Ans: The Tripartite Struggle was a prolonged conflict among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas for supremacy over Kannauj. This struggle weakened these dynasties and contributed to their eventual decline. Each dynasty sought control over Kannauj due to its strategic importance, fostering trade, and agricultural fertility. This prolonged power struggle significantly shaped the political landscape of northern India.

Q12: Who was Prithviraj Chauhan, and why is he significant in Indian history?
Ans: Prithviraj Chauhan was a prominent ruler of the Chauhan dynasty. He ascended the throne of Ajmer in 1177 CE and followed a vigorous expansionist policy. His most famous expeditions were against the Chandellas of Bundelkhand. Prithviraj Chauhan's reign is well-documented in the "Prithviraj Raso," composed by his court poet, Chand Bardai. He played a crucial role in the First and Second Battles of Tarain against Muhammad Ghori. His defeat and subsequent imprisonment mark a significant turning point in Indian history.

Q13: Why did Mahmud of Ghazni raid India multiple times between 1001 and 1027 CE, and what impact did his raids have on India?
Ans: Mahmud of Ghazni, a Turkish conqueror, raided India multiple times primarily to plunder wealth, artisans, and learned men. His daring raids, including those at Kannauj in 1018 CE and Somnath in 1025 CE, aimed at accumulating riches. The impact of his raids on India was profound. They revealed the weaknesses of existing Indian kingdoms and paved the way for future invasions. Mahmud's attacks were devastating and exposed the vulnerabilities of the Indian subcontinent.

Q14: Discuss the expansionist policies of the Chola rulers, particularly Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I.
Ans: The Chola rulers, especially Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, pursued expansionist policies that significantly expanded their empire. Rajaraja Chola I defeated various dynasties, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Ganga Dynasty in Karnataka, and Chalukyas of Vengi. He annexed northern Sri Lanka and the Maldives islands. Rajendra Chola I continued these policies by defeating the Chalukyas in the west, Pala rulers of Bengal, and completing the conquest of Sri Lanka. He even ventured into Southeast Asia, defeating the ruler of the Sri Vijaya empire. These policies contributed to the growth and influence of the Chola dynasty in South India.

Q15: Explain the socio-political and economic setup during the Chola period, including details about Chola administration, local self-government, and the role of temples.
Ans: The Chola period had a well-structured socio-political and economic setup. Chola administration was hierarchical, with the king at the top, supported by a council of ministers. They maintained a strong army comprising cavalry, infantry, and a navy.

• Local self-government included two assemblies: ur, a general assembly, and sabha, an assembly found in villages where Brahmanas owned the land. These assemblies managed various aspects of local administration.
• The economy was supported by land revenue grants, taxes from trade and professions, and plunder of neighboring territories.
• Temples played a central role in Chola society. They acted as audience halls, hosted cultural activities, and were hubs of economic and social life. Temples enjoyed revenue-free grants from rulers and donations from wealthy merchants.