Why did rulers build large temples during this period?

To demonstrate their power and resources

To provide housing for peasants

To demonstrate their power and resources

What was the primary purpose of collecting revenue from producers and traders in the new kingdoms?

To finance the king's establishment and construct temples/forts

To distribute among the common people

To finance the king's establishment and construct temples/forts

To pay tribute to overlords in other kingdoms

To invest in foreign trade ventures

How did the Chola kings ensure effective irrigation in the Kaveri delta region?

By building embankments and constructing canals

By relying solely on monsoon rains

By building embankments and constructing canals

By importing water from distant rivers

By discouraging rice cultivation

What was the significance of Chola temples beyond being places of worship?

They were centers of economic, social, and cultural life.

They served only as royal residences.

They were centers of economic, social, and cultural life.

They functioned primarily as military barracks.

They were used exclusively for storing royal treasures.

The image shows a set of copper plates recording a land grant. What is secured with the royal seal to indicate authenticity?

The ring holding the plates together

Observe the Chola bronze sculpture. What is a notable characteristic of these sculptures?

They are considered among the finest in the world for their intricate decoration.

They were primarily made of wood.

They are considered among the finest in the world for their intricate decoration.

They mostly depicted ordinary people.

They were exclusively used for warfare.

What was the main reason for the 'tripartite struggle' among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas?

Control over the city of Kanauj in the Ganga valley

Control over the Deccan plateau

Control over the city of Kanauj in the Ganga valley

Assertion (A): Rulers often rewarded Brahmanas by grants of land recorded on copper plates. Reason (R): Brahmanas were learned and occasionally helped in administration, and these grants ensured their loyalty and support.

A and R both correct, R explains A

Assertion (A): Chola temples were not merely places of worship but also centers of economic, social, and cultural life. Reason (R): They were endowed with land, and the produce maintained specialists who worked and lived near them, fostering various activities.

A and R both correct, R explains A

Assertion (A): Kalhana, who wrote a history of kings in Kashmir, was often critical about rulers and their policies. Reason (R): Unlike prashastis, Kalhana used a variety of sources including eyewitness accounts and earlier histories, allowing for a more objective perspective.

A and R both correct, R explains A

A historian is studying the administrative structure of the Chola empire. They find an inscription detailing the qualifications for membership in a 'sabha'. Which of the following conditions would they most likely find?

Members must be owners of land from which land revenue is collected and have knowledge of the Vedas.

Members must be between 20 and 30 years of age.

Members must be owners of land from which land revenue is collected and have knowledge of the Vedas.

Membership is open to all residents of the village, regardless of land ownership.

Members are chosen based on their military prowess.

Imagine you are a peasant in the Chola kingdom. You are trying to understand the various taxes you might have to pay. Based on the chapter, which of the following would likely be among the taxes collected from you?

Vetti (forced labour) and kadamai (land revenue).

A tax on imported goods from other kingdoms.

Vetti (forced labour) and kadamai (land revenue).

A tax for using the royal palace for festivals.

A tax on owning horses for personal travel.

A ruler from an enterprising family, not born a Kshatriya, wants to establish a kingdom. Based on the examples given in the chapter, which strategy would be most effective for them to gain acceptance and legitimacy?

Perform rituals like hiranya-garbha with the help of Brahmanas or use military skills to carve out a kingdom.

Focus solely on trade and avoid military expansion.

Perform rituals like hiranya-garbha with the help of Brahmanas or use military skills to carve out a kingdom.

Declare themselves subordinate to a powerful existing king indefinitely.

Adopt only low-sounding titles to appear humble.

The image shows the temple at Gangaikondacholapuram. What architectural feature is distinctly visible and mentioned in the text?

The way in which the roof tapers and elaborate stone sculptures.

The absence of any external decoration.

Its construction primarily from wood.

Which of the following statements about the administration and resource collection in the new kingdoms are correct? (Select all that apply)

Resources were primarily obtained from peasants, cattle-keepers, and artisans.

Revenue collection positions were always filled by election.

Kings shared power with samantas and associations of peasants, traders, and Brahmanas.

Taxes were exclusively collected in cash.

Which of the following statements accurately describe the Chola administration and society? (Select all that apply)

The 'ur' were settlements of prosperous peasants.

The 'sabha' was an assembly of prominent Brahmana landholders.

The 'nagaram' were village councils responsible for justice.

Women actively participated as members in the 'sabha' assemblies.

Is this Class 7 Social Science Chapter 2 quiz free?

Yes, this quiz for CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 2, 'Kings and Kingdoms', is completely free to use without any registration or sign-up.

How many questions are in the game mode for this chapter?

The game mode for 'Kings and Kingdoms' features 40 multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of the chapter, divided into easy, medium, and hard difficulties.

Is this quiz based on the NCERT textbook?

Absolutely! All questions in this quiz are meticulously aligned with the NCERT Class 7 Social Science textbook for the 'Kings and Kingdoms' chapter.

Can I check my answers and explanations?

Yes, after attempting each question, you will receive immediate feedback, a short explanation, and the option to view a detailed explanation to understand the concepts better.

What topics does this quiz cover?

This quiz covers the emergence of new dynasties, their administration, revenue collection, prashastis, land grants, the tripartite struggle, Mahmud of Ghazni, and the detailed history and administration of the Chola empire.

Are there different difficulty levels in the quiz?

Yes, the quiz questions are categorized into Easy, Medium, and Hard difficulties to provide a comprehensive learning experience and challenge students at different levels.

Home › CBSE › Class 7 › Social › KINGS AND KINGDOMS

CBSE · Class 7 · 📘 Social · Chapter 2

KINGS AND KINGDOMS

Emergence of New DynastiesAdministration in KingdomsPrashastis and Land GrantsWarfare for WealthThe CholasVillage Administration

This chapter delves into the period after the seventh century, marking the emergence of numerous new dynasties across the Indian subcontinent. It covers how these dynasties rose to power, their administrative structures, the revenue collection methods, and the significance of 'prashastis' and land grants. The chapter also explores the constant warfare for wealth and territory, including the 'tripartite struggle' and the exploits of Mahmud of Ghazni. A detailed look at the Chola empire, its agricultural advancements, temple architecture, and local administration through 'sabhas' and 'nadus' provides a comprehensive understanding of this era.

Emergence of New Dynasties (7th-12th Century)

7th century ke baad, Indian subcontinent mein bahut saari nayi dynasties emerge hui. Ye dynasties alag-alag regions mein spread thi aur inke beech power aur territory ke liye constant struggle chalta rehta tha.

Key Dynasties:
Gurjara-Pratiharas: Western India, especially Rajasthan aur Gujarat mein.
Rashtrakutas: Deccan region, mainly present-day Maharashtra aur Karnataka.
Palas: Eastern India, Bengal aur Bihar mein.
Cholas: Southern India, Tamil Nadu mein.
Chahamanas (Chauhans): Delhi aur Ajmer ke around region mein.

Emergence ka Reason:
Existing kings ke under bade landlords (samantas) ne power aur wealth gain ki.
Military skills ka use karke enterprising families ne apne kingdoms banaye.

Political Landscape:
Regional powers ka rise hua, central authority weak ho gayi.
Constant warfare aur alliances ka period tha.
Kanauj jaisi strategic locations par control ke liye major conflicts hote the.

❗Important

7th century ke baad India mein political fragmentation hua, jismein kayi regional powers ne apni independent identity banayi.

From Samantas to Independent Rulers

Samantas woh bade landlords ya warrior chiefs hote the jo existing kings ke subordinates the. Unka role tha:

Kings ke liye gifts lana.
Courts mein present rehna.
Military support provide karna.

Samantas ka Rise:
Jaise-jaise samantas ne power aur wealth gain ki, unhone khud ko mahasamantas ya mahamandaleshvara declare karna shuru kar diya.
Kuch samantas ne toh apne overlords se independence bhi assert kar di.

Rashtrakutas ka Example:
Initially, Rashtrakutas Chalukyas of Karnataka ke subordinate the.
Mid-8th century mein, Rashtrakuta chief Dantidurga ne apne Chalukya overlord ko overthrow kar diya.
Usne Hiranya-garbha ritual perform kiya (literally, 'golden womb').
Is ritual se, Brahmanas ki help se, yeh mana jaata tha ki performer Kshatriya ke roop mein 'rebirth' ho gaya hai, bhale hi woh birth se Kshatriya na ho.

Military Skills se Kingdoms banana:
Kuch families ne apni military skills use karke kingdoms banaye.
Examples:
Kadamba Mayurasharman aur Gurjara-Pratihara Harichandra Brahmanas the, jinhone apni traditional profession chhod kar arms uthaye aur Karnataka aur Rajasthan mein successful kingdoms establish kiye.

New Kings ke Titles:
Naye kings ne high-sounding titles adopt kiye jaise:
Maharaj-adhiraja (great king, overlord of kings)
Tribhuvana-chakravartin (lord of the three worlds)
Lekin, in claims ke bawajood, woh aksar power share karte the apne samantas, peasants, traders aur Brahmanas ki associations ke saath.

📖Definition

Samantas: Bade landlords ya warrior chiefs jo kings ke subordinates hote the aur unhe military support aur gifts provide karte the.

❗Important

Hiranya-garbha ritual ne non-Kshatriyas ko bhi ruler banne ka social legitimacy provide kiya.

Administration and Taxation in Early Medieval Kingdoms

In kingdoms mein administration aur revenue collection bahut important tha. Resources ko collect karke king apne establishment, temples aur forts banane aur wars fight karne ke liye use karte the.

Resources ka Collection:
Resources mainly producers se obtain kiye jaate the: peasants, cattle-keepers, artisans.
Inhe aksar compel ya persuade kiya jaata tha ki woh apne production ka kuch part surrender karein.
Kabhi-kabhi isse 'rent' kaha jaata tha, kyunki lord claim karta tha ki woh land ka owner hai.
Traders se bhi revenue collect kiya jaata tha.

Taxes ke Types (Chola Inscriptions se Example):
Chola inscriptions mein 400 se zyada types ke taxes mention hain.
Vetti: Cash mein nahi, balki forced labour ke form mein liya jaane wala tax. Most frequently mentioned.
Kadamai: Land revenue.
Other taxes: House thatching, palm trees par chadhne ke liye ladder use karne par, family property ke succession par cess, etc.

Revenue ka Use:
King ka establishment finance karna.
Temples aur forts ka construction.
Wars fight karna. Wars se wealth (plunder), land aur trade routes milne ki expectation thi.

Functionaries for Revenue Collection:
Generally influential families se recruit kiye jaate the.
Positions aksar hereditary hoti thi.
Army mein bhi yahi pattern tha, aur king ke close relatives important positions hold karte the.

Modern Day Comparison:
Aaj bhi government taxes collect karti hai (income tax, GST, property tax, etc.).
Lekin, forced labour (vetti) jaisa tax ab nahi hai. Modern taxes cash mein hote hain aur ek structured legal framework ke under collect kiye jaate hain.

💡Tip

Vetti aur Kadamai ko yaad rakhna, yeh Chola administration ke important tax types the.

Prashastis and Land Grants: Historical Sources

Prashastis aur land grants early medieval period ke important historical sources hain jo us samay ki society, administration aur rulers ke baare mein valuable information dete hain.

Prashastis:
Ye rulers ki tareef mein likhi gayi compositions hoti thi.
Inmein rulers ko valiant, victorious warriors ke roop mein depict kiya jaata tha.
Learned Brahmanas dwara compose ki jaati thi, jo kabhi-kabhi administration mein bhi help karte the.
Literal truth nahi hoti thi, balki rulers kaise dikhna chahte the, yeh batati thi.
Example: Gwalior Prashasti (Sanskrit mein) Pratihara king Nagabhata ke exploits describe karti hai, jismein usne Andhra, Saindhava, Vidarbha, Kalinga, Vanga, Anarta, Malava, Kirata, Turushka, Vatsa, Matsya ke kings ko haraya tha.
Difference from Kalhana's Rajatarangini: Kalhana ne Kashmir ke kings ki history likhi thi, jismein usne inscriptions, documents, eyewitness accounts aur earlier histories jaise multiple sources use kiye. Woh rulers aur unki policies ke baare mein critical bhi tha, jo prashastis mein nahi hota tha.

Land Grants:
Kings aksar Brahmanas ko land grants dekar reward karte the.
Ye grants copper plates par record kiye jaate the aur recipient ko diye jaate the.
Land Grant mein kya milta tha:
Land ki boundaries (earthen embankments, thorny bushes se demarcated).
Fruit-bearing trees, water, gardens, orchards, wells, open spaces, pasture-land, village, anthills, platforms, canals, deep lakes.
Recipient ko taxes collect karne ka adhikar milta tha (betel-leaves, woven cloth, vehicles par).
Construction rights: large rooms, upper stories, wells, trees, thorny bushes, irrigation canals.
Condition: Water waste na ho aur embankments bane rahein.

Significance:
Brahmanas ka influence badha, especially Kaveri valley mein jahan kayi Brahmana settlements (brahmadeya) develop hue.
Economic power ka shift hua, jisse landholders ka status badha.
Irrigation infrastructure develop hua kyunki land recipients ko iska dhyan rakhna hota tha.
Ye documents us samay ke laws, economy aur social structure ki detailed jankari dete hain.

📖Definition

Prashastis: Rulers ki tareef mein likhi gayi compositions, jo unki victories aur achievements ko glorify karti thi. Brahmanas dwara likhi jaati thi.

❗Important

Land grants (copper plates par recorded) Brahmanas ko reward karne ka ek tarika tha aur isse unka social aur economic status badhta tha.

Conflicts for Territory and Wealth

Early medieval period mein rulers ke beech territory aur wealth ke liye constant conflicts hote rehte the. Iska ek major example Kanauj par control ke liye hua struggle tha.

Tripartite Struggle for Kanauj:
Kanauj, Ganga valley mein ek bahut hi prized area tha, strategic location aur fertile land ke karan.
Teen major dynasties is par control ke liye ladi: Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas aur Palas.
Is long-drawn conflict ko historians 'Tripartite Struggle' kehte hain, kyunki ismein teen parties involved thi.
Is struggle ne in dynasties ko weak kar diya.

Temples as Targets:
Rulers apni power aur resources demonstrate karne ke liye bade temples banate the.
Jab woh ek doosre ke kingdoms par attack karte the, toh aksar wealthy temples ko target karte the, kyunki wahan bahut saara dhan hota tha.
Mahmud of Ghazni (Afghanistan):
Usne 1000-1025 AD ke beech subcontinent par 17 baar raid kiya.
Uska main motive wealth acquire karna tha, jise usne Ghazni mein apni capital ko splendid banane ke liye use kiya.
Uske targets wealthy temples the, jaise Gujarat ka Somnath Temple.

Chahamanas (Chauhans):
Delhi aur Ajmer ke around rule karte the.
Unka aim tha west aur east mein apna control expand karna.
Unhe Chalukyas of Gujarat aur Gahadavalas of western Uttar Pradesh se opposition mila.
Prithviraja III (1168-1192):
Most famous Chahamana ruler.
1191 mein Sultan Muhammad Ghori ko haraya.
Lekin, next year, 1192 mein, Muhammad Ghori se haar gaye. Yeh Second Battle of Tarain tha, jo Indian history ka ek turning point mana jaata hai.

Warfare ke Reasons:
Territory expansion.
Wealth acquisition (plunder).
Access to trade routes.
Demonstration of power and prestige.

❗Important

Tripartite Struggle Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas aur Palas ke beech Kanauj par control ke liye hua tha.

💡Tip

Mahmud of Ghazni ke raids aur Prithviraja III vs Muhammad Ghori ke conflicts exam point of view se important hain.

The Chola Dynasty: Rise, Expansion, and Cultural Contributions

Cholas southern India ki ek powerful dynasty thi, jinhone Kaveri delta region mein apna empire establish kiya aur expand kiya. Unki achievements architecture aur art mein bhi visible hain.

Rise to Power:
Initially, Kaveri delta mein Muttaraiyar family ka control tha, jo Pallava kings ke subordinate the.
Vijayalaya, Uraiyur ke ancient Chola family se, ne mid-9th century mein Muttaraiyar se delta capture kiya.
Usne Thanjavur town banaya aur Goddess Nishumbhasudini ka temple banaya.
Vijayalaya ke successors ne neighbouring regions ko conquer kiya, jisse kingdom ka size aur power badhi.
Pandyan aur Pallava territories ko bhi Chola kingdom mein include kiya gaya.

Key Rulers and Expansion:
Rajaraja I (985 AD):
Considered most powerful Chola ruler.
Most areas par control expand kiya.
Empire ke administration ko reorganise kiya.
Rajendra I:
Rajaraja ka son, uski policies ko continue kiya.
Ganga valley, Sri Lanka aur Southeast Asian countries par raids kiye.
In expeditions ke liye powerful navy develop ki.

Splendid Temples and Bronze Sculpture:
Chola period ke temples architectural aur sculptural marvels hain.
Examples: Thanjavur ka Brihadisvara Temple aur Gangaikondacholapuram ka temple (Rajaraja aur Rajendra ne banaye).
Temples ka Role:
Sirf worship places nahi the, balki settlements ke nuclei the.
Craft production ke centres the.
Kings aur dusre logon dwara land se endowed the.
Land ka produce priests, garland makers, cooks, sweepers, musicians, dancers jaise specialists ko maintain karne ke liye use hota tha, jo temple ke paas hi rehte the.
Economic, social aur cultural life ke centres the.
Bronze Sculptures:
Chola bronze images world ke finest mein se hain.
Most images deities ki hoti thi, lekin kabhi-kabhi devotees ki images bhi banayi jaati thi.

❗Important

Vijayalaya ne Chola power establish ki, aur Rajaraja I aur Rajendra I ne ise peak par pahunchaya.

💡Tip

Chola temples ki architectural significance aur bronze sculptures par questions frequently puche jaate hain.

Chola Agricultural Innovations and Irrigation

Chola achievements ka ek major reason agriculture mein new developments the, especially irrigation techniques mein.

Kaveri River ka Role:
Kaveri river Bay of Bengal mein girne se pehle kayi small channels mein branch out ho jaati hai.
Ye channels frequently overflow karte hain, jisse fertile soil banks par deposit ho jaati hai.
Channels se milne wala water agriculture ke liye essential moisture provide karta hai, especially rice cultivation ke liye.

Large-scale Cultivation ka Expansion:
Tamil Nadu ke dusre parts mein agriculture pehle develop ho chuka tha, lekin Kaveri delta region mein 5th ya 6th century se large-scale cultivation shuru hui.
Iske liye forests clear karne pade aur land ko level karna pada.

Irrigation Works:
Delta region mein flooding rokne ke liye embankments banaye gaye.
Fields tak water pahunchane ke liye canals construct kiye gaye.
Kayi areas mein saal mein do crops ugaye jaate the.
Artificial watering ki zaroorat thi, iske liye different methods use kiye gaye:
Wells dug kiye gaye.
Huge tanks construct kiye gaye rainwater collect karne ke liye.
Irrigation Works ki Planning:
In works ke liye proper planning zaroori thi – labour aur resources organize karna, maintenance karna aur water sharing decide karna.
New rulers aur villagers ne in activities mein active interest liya.

Impact:
Agriculture mein growth se economic prosperity badhi.
Peasant settlements (ur) prosperous hue.
Nadu (groups of villages) develop hue, jo administrative functions perform karte the.

❗Important

Kaveri delta mein fertile soil aur extensive irrigation systems Chola agriculture ki backbone thi.

⭐Remember

Irrigation works ke liye planning, resource management aur cooperation bahut important the.

Chola Local Administration, Land Types, and Social Structure

Chola empire mein local administration bahut efficient tha, jismein village assemblies aur different land types ka important role tha.

Local Administration:
Ur: Peasant settlements jo irrigation agriculture ke spread se prosperous hue.
Nadu: Groups of villages jo ur se bante the.
Administrative functions perform karte the, jaise justice dena aur taxes collect karna.
Rich peasants ka nadu ke affairs par considerable control hota tha, central Chola government ke supervision mein.
Titles for Rich Landowners: Chola kings ne rich landowners ko titles diye jaise muvendavelan (peasant serving three kings) aur araiyar (chief). Inhe important state offices bhi diye jaate the.

Brahmadeya aur Sabha:
Brahmanas ko aksar land grants (brahmadeya) milte the.
Isse Kaveri valley aur South India ke dusre parts mein bade Brahmana settlements emerge hue.
Har brahmadeya ko prominent Brahmana landholders ki assembly (sabha) look after karti thi.
Sabha bahut efficiently kaam karti thi, aur unke decisions temples ki stone walls par inscriptions mein record kiye jaate the.
Uttaramerur Inscription: Chingleput district, Tamil Nadu se mili inscription sabha ke organization ki details provide karti hai.
Sabha mein irrigation, gardens, temples jaise departments ke liye separate committees hoti thi.
Members ke selection ke liye lottery system use hota tha: palm leaf tickets par names likhkar earthenware pot mein daale jaate the, aur ek young boy tickets nikalta tha.

Sabha Membership Qualifications (Uttaramerur Inscription):
Land owners hone chahiye jisse land revenue collect hota ho.
Apne ghar hone chahiye.
Age 35 se 70 years ke beech honi chahiye.
Vedas ka knowledge hona chahiye.
Administrative matters mein well-versed aur honest hone chahiye.
Last teen saal mein kisi committee ke member rahe ho toh dobara member nahi ban sakte.
Jinhone apne ya apne relatives ke accounts submit nahi kiye, woh elections contest nahi kar sakte.

Other Associations:
Nagaram: Traders ki associations jo towns mein administrative functions perform karti thi.

Types of Land (Chola Inscriptions):
Vellanvagai: Non-Brahmana peasant proprietors ki land.
Brahmadeya: Brahmanas ko gift ki gayi land.
Shalabhoga: School ke maintenance ke liye land.
Devadana / Tirunamattukkani: Temples ko gift ki gayi land.
Pallichchhandam: Jaina institutions ko donate ki gayi land.

Social Structure (Periyapuranam se Excerpt):
12th century ke Tamil work Periyapuranam se ordinary men aur women ki lives ke baare mein pata chalta hai.
Adanur ke outskirts mein Pulaiyas (social group considered 'outcastes') ka hamlet tha.
Yeh agrarian labourers the jo menial occupations mein engaged the.
Description mein unki simple life, children, animals aur daily activities ka mention hai.
Temple inscriptions aksar aise ordinary logon ki lives ko ignore karte the, kyunki woh kings aur powerful logon par focus karte the.

❗Important

Chola administration mein local self-government (ur, nadu, sabha) bahut strong tha.

💡Tip

Sabha membership qualifications aur different types of land par questions aa sakte hain. Uttaramerur inscription ka reference yaad rakhna.

Easy (15)

What was the term used for subordinate chiefs or landlords who acknowledged existing kings?
- Mahasamantas
- Samantas (correct)
- Mahamandaleshvara
- Chakravartin
Why: Samantas were subordinate chiefs or landlords who provided military support and gifts to their overlords.
Which ritual was performed by Dantidurga to be 'reborn' as a Kshatriya?
- Yajna
- Hiranya-garbha (correct)
- Ashvamedha
- Rajasuya
Why: Hiranya-garbha, meaning 'golden womb', was the ritual performed for 'rebirth' as a Kshatriya.
What was the name of the Chola tax taken in the form of forced labour?
- Kadamai
- Vetti (correct)
- Tirunamattukkani
- Shalabhoga
Why: Vetti was the Chola tax collected as forced labour, not cash.
Who composed 'prashastis' for rulers?
- Peasants
- Traders
- Learned Brahmanas (correct)
- Warrior chiefs
Why: Prashastis were composed by learned Brahmanas to praise rulers.
Which city was a particularly prized area in the Ganga valley, leading to the 'tripartite struggle'?
- Delhi
- Ujjain
- Kanauj (correct)
- Pataliputra
Why: Kanauj was the city in the Ganga valley that was central to the tripartite struggle.
Who was the most powerful Chola ruler who became king in 985 CE?
- Vijayalaya
- Rajendra I
- Rajaraja I (correct)
- Dantidurga
Why: Rajaraja I is considered the most powerful Chola ruler, known for expanding the empire.
What was the name for settlements of peasants that became prosperous with irrigation agriculture?
- Nadu
- Ur (correct)
- Brahmadeya
- Nagaram
Why: Ur refers to prosperous peasant settlements in the Chola period.
Which river's delta was crucial for the Chola's agricultural prosperity?
- Ganga
- Godavari
- Kaveri (correct)
- Krishna
Why: The Kaveri river's fertile delta was vital for Chola agriculture.
The positions for collecting revenue were often hereditary in the new kingdoms.
Why: Yes, revenue collection positions were often hereditary, reflecting the power of influential families.
Chola bronze images were primarily of devotees, not deities.
Why: Most Chola bronze images were of deities, though some depicted devotees.
The Chahamanas were later known as the Chauhans.
Why: Yes, the Chahamanas are historically known as the Chauhans.
The Chola king Rajendra I raided the Ganga valley and Sri Lanka, developing a ______ for these expeditions.
Why: Rajendra I developed a navy to conduct raids in the Ganga valley and Sri Lanka.
The Chola inscriptions refer to more than 400 terms for different kinds of ______.
Why: Chola inscriptions show a complex system with over 400 terms for taxes.
Identify the structure shown in the image, which regulated water flow for irrigation in Tamil Nadu.
- Dam
- Sluice gate (correct)
- Aqueduct
- Canal lock
Why: The image shows a sluice gate, used to control water flow for irrigation.
The image shows a wall relief from Cave 15, Ellora, depicting Vishnu as Narasimha. Which dynasty's period does this work belong to?
- Chalukya
- Rashtrakuta (correct)
- Pallava
- Chola
Why: This wall relief is a significant work from the Rashtrakuta period.

Medium (15)

Why did rulers build large temples during this period?
- To provide housing for peasants
- To demonstrate their power and resources (correct)
- As centers for trade only
- To store agricultural produce
Why: Temples were built to showcase a ruler's power, wealth, and devotion.
What was the primary purpose of collecting revenue from producers and traders in the new kingdoms?
- To distribute among the common people
- To finance the king's establishment and construct temples/forts (correct)
- To pay tribute to overlords in other kingdoms
- To invest in foreign trade ventures
Why: Revenue financed the king's administration, construction, and warfare.
How did the Chola kings ensure effective irrigation in the Kaveri delta region?
- By relying solely on monsoon rains
- By building embankments and constructing canals (correct)
- By importing water from distant rivers
- By discouraging rice cultivation
Why: Cholas built embankments to prevent flooding and canals to distribute water.
What was the significance of Chola temples beyond being places of worship?
- They served only as royal residences.
- They were centers of economic, social, and cultural life. (correct)
- They functioned primarily as military barracks.
- They were used exclusively for storing royal treasures.
Why: Chola temples were vibrant hubs for economic, social, and cultural activities.
Match the following dynasties with their respective regions:
Why: Each dynasty ruled over a distinct region in the subcontinent.
Match the following land categories with their descriptions:
Why: These are specific categories of land mentioned in Chola inscriptions.
Match the following rulers/groups with their significant actions:
Why: These are key actions associated with prominent figures and events of the period.
What was the term for the assembly of prominent Brahmana landholders that looked after a brahmadeya?
Why: The assembly of Brahmana landholders was called a sabha.
What was the title adopted by many new kings, meaning 'great king, overlord of kings'?
Why: Maharaj-adhiraja was a high-sounding title meaning 'great king, overlord of kings'.
What was the name for associations of traders that occasionally performed administrative functions in towns?
Why: Nagaram were trader associations with administrative roles in towns.
Arrange the following Chola rulers in chronological order of their reign:
Why: Vijayalaya founded the Chola kingdom, followed by Rajaraja I, and then Rajendra I.
Arrange the following events related to the Rashtrakutas in chronological order:
Why: The Rashtrakutas were initially subordinate, then Dantidurga asserted independence and performed the ritual.
The image shows a set of copper plates recording a land grant. What is secured with the royal seal to indicate authenticity?
- The individual plates
- The ring holding the plates together (correct)
- The inscription text
- The recipient's name
Why: The royal seal was placed on the ring to authenticate the entire set of copper plates.
Observe the Chola bronze sculpture. What is a notable characteristic of these sculptures?
- They were primarily made of wood.
- They are considered among the finest in the world for their intricate decoration. (correct)
- They mostly depicted ordinary people.
- They were exclusively used for warfare.
Why: Chola bronze sculptures are renowned globally for their artistic quality and detailed decoration.
What was the main reason for the 'tripartite struggle' among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas?
- Control over the Deccan plateau
- Control over the city of Kanauj in the Ganga valley (correct)
- Access to sea trade routes
- Religious differences
Why: The struggle was primarily for control over the strategically important city of Kanauj.

Hard (10)

Assertion (A): Rulers often rewarded Brahmanas by grants of land recorded on copper plates. Reason (R): Brahmanas were learned and occasionally helped in administration, and these grants ensured their loyalty and support.
Why: Land grants to Brahmanas were a common practice, and their learned status and administrative assistance were key reasons.
Assertion (A): Chola temples were not merely places of worship but also centers of economic, social, and cultural life. Reason (R): They were endowed with land, and the produce maintained specialists who worked and lived near them, fostering various activities.
Why: The economic and social functions of Chola temples stemmed directly from their land endowments and the community they supported.
Assertion (A): Kalhana, who wrote a history of kings in Kashmir, was often critical about rulers and their policies. Reason (R): Unlike prashastis, Kalhana used a variety of sources including eyewitness accounts and earlier histories, allowing for a more objective perspective.
Why: Kalhana's use of diverse sources enabled him to be critical, unlike the laudatory nature of prashastis.
A historian is studying the administrative structure of the Chola empire. They find an inscription detailing the qualifications for membership in a 'sabha'. Which of the following conditions would they most likely find?
- Members must be between 20 and 30 years of age.
- Members must be owners of land from which land revenue is collected and have knowledge of the Vedas. (correct)
- Membership is open to all residents of the village, regardless of land ownership.
- Members are chosen based on their military prowess.
Why: Chola sabha membership required land ownership, a home, age criteria, and Vedic knowledge.
Imagine you are a peasant in the Chola kingdom. You are trying to understand the various taxes you might have to pay. Based on the chapter, which of the following would likely be among the taxes collected from you?
- A tax on imported goods from other kingdoms.
- Vetti (forced labour) and kadamai (land revenue). (correct)
- A tax for using the royal palace for festivals.
- A tax on owning horses for personal travel.
Why: Vetti (forced labour) and kadamai (land revenue) were common Chola taxes on producers.
A ruler from an enterprising family, not born a Kshatriya, wants to establish a kingdom. Based on the examples given in the chapter, which strategy would be most effective for them to gain acceptance and legitimacy?
- Focus solely on trade and avoid military expansion.
- Perform rituals like hiranya-garbha with the help of Brahmanas or use military skills to carve out a kingdom. (correct)
- Declare themselves subordinate to a powerful existing king indefinitely.
- Adopt only low-sounding titles to appear humble.
Why: Rituals like hiranya-garbha or military prowess were used by non-Kshatriyas to establish legitimacy.
The image shows the temple at Gangaikondacholapuram. What architectural feature is distinctly visible and mentioned in the text?
- Its flat roof design.
- The way in which the roof tapers and elaborate stone sculptures. (correct)
- The absence of any external decoration.
- Its construction primarily from wood.
Why: The tapering roof and elaborate sculptures are key features of Chola temples like Gangaikondacholapuram.
The map shows the major kingdoms between the seventh and twelfth centuries. Which of the following dynasties primarily controlled the region around present-day Karnataka?
- Palas
- Rashtrakutas (correct)
- Gurjara-Pratiharas
- Cholas
Why: The Rashtrakutas were initially subordinate to the Chalukyas of Karnataka and later dominated the Deccan.
Which of the following statements about the administration and resource collection in the new kingdoms are correct? (Select all that apply)
- Resources were primarily obtained from peasants, cattle-keepers, and artisans. (correct)
- Revenue collection positions were always filled by election.
- Kings shared power with samantas and associations of peasants, traders, and Brahmanas. (correct)
- Taxes were exclusively collected in cash.
Why: Resources came from producers, and power was shared, but positions were often hereditary and taxes included forced labor.
Which of the following statements accurately describe the Chola administration and society? (Select all that apply)
- The 'ur' were settlements of prosperous peasants. (correct)
- The 'sabha' was an assembly of prominent Brahmana landholders. (correct)
- The 'nagaram' were village councils responsible for justice.
- Women actively participated as members in the 'sabha' assemblies.
Why: Ur were peasant settlements, sabha were Brahmana assemblies, nagaram were trader associations, and women did not participate in sabha.