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

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What were the Rajputs known for during the medieval period in India? 
Ans:  The Rajputs were known for their courage and chivalry in warfare.

Q2: Who were the Gurjara-Pratiharas, and why were they significant? 
Ans:  The Gurjara-Pratiharas were a powerful Rajput dynasty. They were significant for successfully defending against Arab invaders and for expanding their empire to include Kannauj.

Q3: Which Rajput ruler defeated the Turkic invader Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain? 
Ans:  Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain.

Q4: Name two famous centers of learning during the Pala dynasty's rule. 
Ans:  Vikramasila and Nalanda were two famous centers of learning during the Pala dynasty's rule.

Q5: What major architectural wonder was built during the Rashtrakuta reign under Krishna I? 
Ans:  The rock-cut Kailasa temple at Ellora was built during the Rashtrakuta reign under Krishna I.

Q6: What is the term "tripartite struggle" referring to in medieval Indian history? 
Ans:  The term "tripartite struggle" refers to the battle for control of Kannauj among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas.

Q7: How was the administration of kingdoms structured during this period? 
Ans:  Kingdoms had kings at the top, advised by a council of ministers. The kingdom was divided into bhuktis, further divided into vishyas, and samantas played a key role.

Q8: How did rulers finance their kingdoms during the medieval period? 
Ans:  Rulers collected taxes in cash or kind from the people to fund their kingdoms, along with wealth obtained through warfare.

Q9: Who was Mahmud of Ghazni, and what is he known for in Indian history? 
Ans:  Mahmud of Ghazni was an Afghan ruler known for launching a series of raids into India to acquire wealth.

Q10: What were the consequences of the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain? 
Ans:  The defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain marked the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate.

Long Answer Questions

Q11: Explain the significance of the Rajputs in medieval India. 
Ans:  The Rajputs were renowned for their valor and chivalry in warfare. They established powerful kingdoms, with notable dynasties such as the Gurjara-Pratiharas and Chahamanas. The Gurjara-Pratiharas successfully defended against Arab invasions, and Chahamanas, led by Prithviraj Chauhan, resisted Turkic invaders. Their rivalries and heroism left a significant mark on Indian history.

Q12: Describe the administration and economy of the kingdoms during this period. 
Ans:  The kingdoms were structured with a king at the top, aided by ministers. The kingdom was divided into bhuktis and vishyas, with samantas as important feudal chiefs. Taxes, collected in cash or kind, funded the kingdoms and played a role in construction and warfare. These structures varied among the different kingdoms.

Q13: Discuss the rise and fall of the Pala dynasty in medieval India. 
Ans:  The Pala dynasty, founded by Gopala, ruled over eastern India, expanding under Dharmapala and Devapala. They were great patrons of art and learning, with famous centers like Nalanda and Vikramasila. However, their decline began with the defeat by the Cholas and marked the end of their rule.

Q14: Explain the achievements of the Rashtrakutas in medieval India. 
Ans:  The Rashtrakutas, founded by Dantidurga, ruled the Deccan. They had great rulers like Govinda III and Amoghavarsha. Govinda III expanded their empire, and Amoghavarsha was a renowned scholar. They left an architectural legacy with the Kailasa temple at Ellora and played a significant role in the tripartite struggle.

Q15: Describe the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni and their impact on India. 
Ans:  Mahmud of Ghazni, an Afghan ruler, launched multiple raids into India between 1000 and 1026 CE. His invasions resulted in the plunder of Indian wealth, and he used it to build his capital. These invasions weakened Indian kingdoms, leading to political changes and paving the way for the Delhi Sultanate.

Q16: Explain the significance of the Second Battle of Tarain in Indian history. 
Ans:  The Second Battle of Tarain was significant as it marked the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan by Muhammad Ghori. Prithviraj's failure to garner support from other Indian rulers and his defeat led to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate under Muhammad Ghori's general, Qutbuddin Aibak. This battle shifted the political landscape of India.

Q17: Discuss the impact of the Ghaznavid and Ghorid invasions on medieval India. 
Ans:  The Ghaznavid and Ghorid invasions had a profound impact on India. They led to the plunder of Indian wealth, destabilized kingdoms, and brought about political changes. The emergence of the Delhi Sultanate followed these invasions.

Q18: Explain the roles and responsibilities of the samantas during the medieval period. 
Ans:  Samantas were feudal chiefs who played an important role during the medieval period. They often received land grants as a form of payment from kings. Their duties included providing military support, collecting revenue, and maintaining law and order in their territories.

Q19: How did the Rajput kingdoms contribute to the medieval history of India? 
Ans:  The Rajput kingdoms, with their courage and chivalry, left an indelible mark on Indian history. They resisted Arab and Turkic invasions, showcasing bravery. Despite their rivalries, they established significant dynasties and fiercely defended their territories, influencing the course of Indian history.

Q20: In what ways were the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas significant during the medieval period in India? 
Ans:  The Gurjara-Pratiharas were significant for their defense against Arab invaders and empire expansion. The Palas were patrons of art and learning and established famous centers like Nalanda. The Rashtrakutas ruled over the Deccan and produced great rulers and architectural wonders like the Kailasa temple. Their roles and legacies varied, but they all contributed to the historical richness of medieval India.