Textbook Solutions: New Kings and Kingdoms | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

I. Based on your understanding, choose the correct option.

1. 
Ans: (a) 

2. 
Ans: (b) 

3. 
Ans: (c) 

4. 
Ans: (a) 

5. 
Ans: (a) 

6. 
Ans: (c) 

7. 
Ans: (b) 

8. 
Ans: (c)

9. 
Ans: (b) 

10. 
Ans: (b)

II. Answer the following in one sentence.

1.
Ans: Dharmapala and Devapala controlled the Ganga Plain.

2.
Ans: The officer who addressed the issue of law and order during the 7th century was the mahamantri (chief minister).

3.
Ans: The founder of the Chola empire was Vijayalaya, and their capital was the town of Thanjavur.

4.
Ans: 'Gangaikondachola' means 'the Chola conqueror of the Ganga.'

5.
Ans: The inscriptions at Uttaramerur in Chingleput, Tamil Nadu, describe the functions of local self-government during the Chola period.

III. Answer the following questions in brief.

1. 
Ans: The Tripartite Struggle was a significant historical event in medieval Indian history. It involved a long-drawn struggle among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Rashtrakutas, and the Palas for control over the region of Kannauj. Kannauj held a strategic position that fostered trade and agriculture, making it a coveted prize for these dynasties. The struggle weakened all three dynasties, ultimately leading to their decline. This power struggle contributed to political instability in northern India during this period.

2. 
Ans: Prithviraj Chauhan was a prominent ruler of the Chauhan dynasty in India. He ascended to the throne of Ajmer in 1177 CE. Known for his vigorous expansionist policies, Prithviraj Chauhan undertook significant military campaigns, including the famous expedition against the Chandellas of Bundelkhand. His reign is well-documented in the "Prithviraj Raso," composed by his court poet, Chand Bardai. Prithviraj Chauhan is most famously remembered for his role in the First and Second Battles of Tarain against Muhammad Ghori in 1191 CE and 1192 CE, respectively. He was defeated and imprisoned after the Second Battle of Tarain.

3. 
Ans: 

• Mahmud of Ghazni, a Turkish conqueror, conducted a series of 17 raids on India between 1001 and 1027 CE. His primary motivation for these raids was to amass wealth. He targeted prosperous Indian cities, including Punjab, Mathura, Multan, and Thaneshwar, with his most notable raids at Kannauj in 1018 CE and Somnath in 1025 CE. Mahmud's goal was to plunder India, and he carried away immense wealth, artisans, and learned men, including poets and scholars.
• The impact of Mahmud's raids was significant. They exposed the vulnerabilities of the existing Indian kingdoms and paved the way for future invasions, particularly by Turkish invaders like Muhammad Ghori. Mahmud's wealth was used to enrich his capital in Ghazni, leading to a cultural renaissance in that region. Mahmud's reign played a role in shaping the course of Indian history during this period.

4. 
Ans: The Chola dynasty in South India, which ruled between 800 CE and 1200 CE, was a period of significant cultural and artistic development. During this time, the Cholas patronized art and literature. Some key aspects of art and literature in the Chola period include:

• Temples: The Chola rulers constructed magnificent temples that were not only religious centers but also hubs of cultural and economic life. These temples often featured intricate sculptures and carvings, acting as audience halls and venues for various cultural activities, including ceremonial dances performed by devadasis.
• Literature: The age of the Cholas is considered the golden age of Tamil literature. Notable works include the Ramayana by Kamban, a classic in Tamil literature. Bhakti saints known as Alvars and Nayanars composed devotional poetry dedicated to deities like Shiva and Vishnu.
• Inscriptions: Chola inscriptions on copper plates provide valuable historical information and insights into the socio-economic life of the period. These inscriptions recorded land grants, conquests, and other significant events.
• Promotion of Trade: The Cholas encouraged trade and commerce, and the Coromandel and Malabar coasts were significant centers of trade with Southeast Asia.
  The Chola period left a lasting legacy of art, literature, and cultural achievements in South India.

5. 
Ans: Temples in the Chola period served as vibrant centers of socio-economic and cultural life in South India for several reasons:

• Cultural Activities: Temples were not just places of worship but also cultural hubs. Ceremonial dances, music performances, and other artistic expressions were held within temple premises. Devadasis, female temple dancers, played a significant role in these cultural activities.
• Economic Activity: Temples were hubs of economic activity. They generated revenue through land grants and donations, and this income was often used for various temple-related activities and to support the local community.
• Administration: Temples had their own administrative structures, including committees responsible for various aspects of local administration. They managed tasks like temple upkeep, maintenance of law and order, and the distribution of land revenue.
• Land Grants: The Chola rulers and other wealthy patrons often made land grants to temples, which increased the temple's wealth and influence. These land grants were used to support the temple, its priests, and various cultural and religious activities.
• Social Gatherings: Temples served as social gathering places where people from different backgrounds came together for various events and ceremonies. This helped build a sense of community and cultural identity.
• Learning and Education: Temples often had facilities for learning and education, contributing to the spread of knowledge and scholarship.
  Overall, temples in the Chola period played a multifaceted role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the region, making them central to the daily lives of the people.

IV. Answer the following questions In detail.

1.
Ans: The Rashtrakutas ruled for nearly 200 years, from the 8th to the end of the 10th century. During their reign, they controlled territories in present-day Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Malwa. The Rashtrakutas originated as chieftains in central India and later established themselves as a ruling dynasty in the Deccan. Their capital was Malkhed, near modern Sholapur in Maharashtra. They engaged in conflicts with the Chalukyas, Pallavas, and Pandyas. The Rashtrakutas are best known for their legacy of rock-cut cave temples at Ellora and Elephanta, which showcase their contributions to art and architecture.

2.
Ans: 

• Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori were two Turkish invaders with distinct objectives. Mahmud of Ghazni (998-1030 CE) conducted multiple raids on India between 1001 and 1027 CE primarily for plunder and wealth. He did not seek to rule India but aimed to carry away riches, artisans, and learned men. Mahmud's raids were devastating and exposed the vulnerability of Indian kingdoms.
• Muhammad Ghori, on the other hand, ascended the throne of Ghazni in 1173 CE and aimed to conquer and establish control over Indian territories. He made Punjab his base, defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, and expanded his rule to Delhi, Bihar, Bengal, and the Ganga-Yamuna. His objectives were more focused on territorial acquisition and control.

3. 
Ans: Rajendra Chola I can be considered a true successor of his father, Rajaraja Chola I, due to his continuation of expansionist policies. He defeated various dynasties, including the Chalukyas in the west, the Pala rulers of Bengal, and completed the conquest of Sri Lanka. Rajendra I extended his empire into the Ganges Valley and assumed the title of Gangaikondachola. He also ventured into Southeast Asia and defeated the ruler of the Sri Vijaya empire, showcasing his military prowess and ambitions.

4. 
Ans: 

• Chola administration was characterized by a hierarchical structure. The empire was headed by the king, who was assisted by a council of ministers. The Cholas maintained a well-organized army, which included cavalry, infantry, elephants, and a strong navy. The empire was divided into provinces (mandalams), which were further subdivided into districts (vulamdu) and groups of villages (nadu). Princes were sometimes appointed as provincial governors, and officials were compensated through revenue-bearing land grants.
• Local self-government was prominent in the Chola administration, with two types of assemblies, ur and sabha. The ur was a general assembly for all classes of landowners within a village, while the sabha was found in villages where Brahmanas owned all the land. Various committees operated within the sabha to manage aspects of local administration.

5.
Ans: Chola inscriptions are invaluable sources for reconstructing the history of the period. These inscriptions, particularly the ones at the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur and Uttaramerur in Chingleput, provide information about land grants, conquests, and events. They also describe the functions of local self-government, the organization of the ruler's donations, and the marks of masons. These inscriptions offer insights into the social, political, and economic aspects of the Chola dynasty, making them crucial historical records.