Kings and Kingdoms | class 7 history chapter 2 | Class 7 History

Mannu Ka Gyan Sst・2 minutes read

New Kings and Kingdoms in class seven discuss the origins and dynamics of rulers like Chaman and D Chauhan, highlighting territorial conflicts and revenue generation through taxes. The chapter also explores the expansion of the Chola Empire under rulers like Rajendra Van, focusing on administrative control, temple architecture, and economic prosperity through agriculture and trade.

Insights

  • New Kings and Kingdoms in ancient India saw continuous territorial conflicts, with rulers like the Chamanas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas vying for power, leading to shifting borders and delegation of authority to subordinates to manage vast territories effectively.
  • The Chola Empire, under rulers like Raja Vijay Alia and Rajendra Van, expanded extensively, showcasing remarkable architectural achievements in temples like Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, which not only served as cultural hubs but also economic centers supporting priests, artisans, and performers, with administrative control based on land grants and intricate inscriptions detailing decisions and activities.

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Recent questions

  • How did kings generate revenue in ancient kingdoms?

    Kings generated revenue through taxes collected from farmers, artisans, and traders. The funds acquired were used for constructing palaces, temples, and preparing for warfare. This taxation system allowed the rulers to finance their activities and maintain their kingdoms.

  • What was the Tri-Petite Struggle about?

    The Tri-Petite Struggle involved intense competition among the Rashtrakutas, Palas, and the people of Kannauj for control over the fertile lands near the Ganga River. This conflict highlighted the constant power struggles and territorial disputes among different kingdoms in ancient India.

  • Who was Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni?

    Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni was a powerful ruler who amassed wealth by looting temples, notably the Somnath temple in Gujarat, to finance his military campaigns. His conquests and lineage were recorded in the Kitab Ul Hind, providing valuable insights into the history of Indian rulers and their conquests.

  • How did the Chola Empire expand its territory?

    The Chola Empire, ruled by Pallavas and later Cholas, expanded its territory under rulers like Raja Vijay Alia and Rajendra Van. Rajendra Van conquered Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia, establishing a vast Chola Empire through strategic military campaigns and conquests.

  • What role did temples play in the Chola Empire?

    Temples in the Chola Empire served as economic hubs, attracting visitors for cultural and social activities. Offerings made at these temples supported priests, artisans, and performers, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region. Additionally, the temples showcased exquisite architecture and played a significant role in the social and religious life of the empire.

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Summary

00:00

New Kings and Kingdoms: Origins and Dynamics

  • The chapter discusses the New Kings and Kingdoms of class seven, focusing on the origins of these new rulers and the formation of their kingdoms.
  • The map provided in the book highlights the Chamanas, known as Chauhanas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutaas.
  • Borders of these kingdoms are depicted with dark orange lines, signifying territorial boundaries that often changed due to continuous conflicts among the kings for power and land.
  • The chapter delves into the dynamics of these kingdoms, where kings struggled to maintain control over vast territories, leading to the delegation of authority to subordinates.
  • Subordinates assisted the king in managing different regions within the kingdom, bringing gifts to keep the king content and ensuring the smooth functioning of the administration.
  • Kings generated revenue through taxes collected from farmers, artisans, and traders, using the funds for building palaces, temples, and preparing for warfare.
  • Praise for kings was inscribed on copper plates by Brahmins to glorify the rulers, often in exchange for land grants.
  • The Tri-Petite Struggle involved intense competition among the Rashtrakutas, Palas, and the people of Kannauj for control over the fertile lands near the Ganga River.
  • Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, a powerful ruler, amassed wealth by looting temples, notably the Somnath temple in Gujarat, to finance his military campaigns.
  • Sultan Mahmud's detailed conquests and lineage were recorded in the Kitab Ul Hind, a book that became a valuable resource for historians in understanding the history of Indian kings and their reigns.

15:51

Kings, conquests, and temples in Chola Empire.

  • The book provides details about various kings, including Chaman and D Chauhan, who aimed to expand their kingdoms.
  • Chaman and D Chauhan sought to control Delhi, Ajmer, and Gujarat, leading to battles with other rulers like Sultan Mohammad Gauri.
  • Prithviraj Chauhan, a renowned ruler, defeated Sultan Mohammad Gauri but later faced defeat himself.
  • The Chola Empire, ruled by Pallavas and later Cholas, expanded its territory under rulers like Raja Vijay Alia and Rajendra Van.
  • Rajendra Van conquered Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia, establishing a vast Chola Empire.
  • The Chola temples, like Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, showcased exquisite architecture and attracted visitors for cultural and social activities.
  • The temples served as economic hubs, with offerings supporting priests, artisans, and performers.
  • Agriculture in the Chola Empire thrived due to irrigation from the Kaveri River and its branches, leading to prosperity for farmers.
  • Administrative control in the Chola Empire involved grouping villages into "laddus" controlled by wealthy landowners.
  • Titles were granted to landowners, and land grants to Brahmins were used to maintain records and military support, with inscriptions detailing decisions and activities.

31:11

Town Administration and Educational Resources for Class 7

  • Traders and others in the town also perform administrative functions, ensuring water flow, tax collection, and efficient management of various tasks like caring for water, gardens, and temples.
  • Historical inscriptions in Rule, Tamil Nadu, reveal how meetings were conducted, duties were assigned, and members of committees were chosen through a simple method involving chits with names written on palm leaves.
  • The text offers notes and sample papers covering various subjects like History, Civics, Geography, and English Grammar for Class 7 students, providing essential study materials and exam preparation resources.
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