📘 Class 7 History – Chapter 2
New Kings and Kingdoms (नए राजा और राज्य)
❓ Question 1.
How did new dynasties emerge after the 7th century?
✅ Answer:
- Local landlords and warriors became powerful.
- They declared themselves rajas (kings).
- Performed rituals (yajnas) to gain legitimacy.
- Example – Rashtrakutas, Cholas, Palas.
❓ Question 2.
What were the main sources of income of these new kingdoms?
✅ Answer:
- Land revenue (tax on crops, usually 1/6th of produce).
- Tribute from subordinates.
- Taxes on traders, artisans and markets.
❓ Question 3.
What was the role of “samantas”?
✅ Answer:
- Samantas were feudatories (landlords) under kings.
- They paid tribute, supplied military support.
- Later, many became independent rulers.
❓ Question 4.
Who were the Rashtrakutas? How did they rise to power?
✅ Answer:
- Rashtrakutas were initially samantas of Chalukyas.
- Later, they defeated their overlords.
- Established a powerful kingdom in Deccan.
- Built Ellora rock-cut temples.
❓ Question 5.
Why were temples important for kings?
✅ Answer:
- Temples = religious & cultural centres.
- Kings donated land, gold → showed devotion & power.
- Temples were centres of economy, education & art.
- Example – Brihadeshwara temple (Chola dynasty).
❓ Question 6.
Explain the administration under the Cholas.
✅ Answer:
- Village administration was strong.
- Local assemblies like Ur, Sabha, Nagaram managed affairs.
- Collected taxes, maintained irrigation, resolved disputes.
- Example – inscriptions of Uttaramerur show details.
❓ Question 7.
What was the importance of land grants?
✅ Answer:
- Land grants given to Brahmanas, temples & officials.
- Supported religion & education.
- Ensured loyalty of officers & samantas.
❓ Question 8.
How did the Cholas control their empire?
✅ Answer:
- Maintained a strong army & navy.
- Controlled trade routes in the Bay of Bengal.
- Encouraged local self-government in villages.
❓ Question 9.
What role did traders play in Chola kingdom?
✅ Answer:
- Traders formed guilds (associations).
- Controlled overseas trade with Sri Lanka & Southeast Asia.
- Became rich → donated to temples.
❓ Question 10.
Why are inscriptions important to study this period?
✅ Answer:
- Provide information about land grants, taxes, temples & kings.
- Tell us about wars, victories, and administration.
Example – Prashastis (praises of kings).
