Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years Summary Class 7 History

Maps

• Maps show how our understanding of geography has changed over time.
• The accuracy of maps has varied greatly throughout different historical periods.
• This variation in accuracy is linked to the developing field of cartography.
• Historical maps also reflect changes in the names of geographical locations.
• The science of cartography evolved between the two periods.
• Historians must recognise the various historical contexts in which information was created.

New and Old Terminologies

• The significance, usage and meanings of terminologies change over time.
• The context changed from geographical and cultural to political. In modern context, foreigner means a person who is not Indian.
• During the medieval period, a foreigner was any stranger who appeared in a village or city.

Historians and their Sources

Key sources of historical information include:

1. Coins
2. Architecture
3. Inscriptions
4. Textual records

• The time from 700 AD to 1750 AD saw a rise in the number of textual records.
• This was due to the easy availability and low cost of paper.

New Social and Political Groups

• The study of the thousand years between 700 and 1750 presents a significant challenge to historians because of the vast range of developments during this time.
• At various points in this period, new technologies emerged, such as the Persian wheel for irrigation, the spinning wheel for weaving, and firearms for combat.
• New foods and drinks were introduced to the subcontinent, including potatoes, corn, chillies, tea, and coffee.
• This era also experienced a notable increase in mobility.
• Travel for trade and exploration became more common.
• A code of conduct, extreme bravery, and a strong sense of loyalty were qualities attributed to the Rajputs by their poets and bards.
• Other groups like the Marathas, Sikhs, Jats, Ahoms, and Kayasthas (a caste of scribes and secretaries) took advantage of this age to gain political significance.
• These new peasant groups gradually began to be influenced by regional markets.

Caste System

• People were grouped into jatis or sub-castes.
• They were ranked on the basis of their backgrounds and their occupations.
• Jatis framed their own rules and regulations to manage the conduct of their members.

Region and Empire

• Many dynasties emerged during this time.
• Dynasties such as the Cholas, Khaljis, Tughluqs, and Mughals built a wide-reaching empire across various regions, though not all were stable or successful.

Old and New Religions

• Religion was closely linked to the social and economic structures of local communities.
• Significant changes took place in Hinduism, including:
• The worship of new deities and the construction of temples by royalty.
• The increasing influence of Brahmanas, the priests, as prominent figures in society.
• The Brahmanas gained much respect due to their understanding of Sanskrit texts.
• Islam was introduced through migrants and traders.
• Muslims view the Quran as their sacred text and acknowledge the supremacy of one God, Allah.

Time and historical periods

• Time shows how social and economic structures change.
• British historians have split India's history into three main periods: 'Hindu', 'Muslim', and 'British'. This classification was based on the belief that the religion of the rulers was the only significant change, overlooking other key developments in economy, society, and culture. This approach also failed to recognise the subcontinent's rich diversity.
• Today, few historians support this division. Most focus on economic and social aspects to define the key features of different historical periods.