(CLASS - 7th) CHAPTER - 10 The Rise of Small Kingdoms in North India (Questions and Answers)

1. Name the four main clans of the Rajputs .

• Paramaras (Malwa)

• Pratiharas (Rajasthan-Gujrat) 

• Chauhans (Ajmer)

• Chalukyas (Gujarat)

2. Mention the titles taken by Rashtrakuta rulers.

• Chakravarti

• Maharahadhiraj

• Param Battarak

3. Who was Chand Bardai ?

Chand Bardai composed an epic poem , Prithviraj Raso which narrates his bravery and heroism.

4. List the temples built of Pratiharas rulers ?

1. Khajuraho
2. Kanchipuram
3. Thanjavur
4. Bhubaneswar
5. Puri 
6. Konark 

5. Give reasons for the decline of feudal system in north India.

The feudal system led to the decline of many empires as the feudal lords gave only a small part of the land revenue to the king .This weekened the power of the kings .Thats why the feudal system declined in north India.
Feudal system became powerful and established independent empires.   

E.


1. Why is the period after Harshavardhan's death called a period of political instability ?

Harshvardhan was the last great ruler of ancient India. After his death, the whole empire disintegrated into many small kingdoms due to the miserable economic condition and lack of proper administration by his weak successors. This was a period of political instability in north India. Three powerful kingdoms arose between 750 CE and 1000 CE out of the ruins of Harsha's empire.


2. Mention any five important features of the Rashtrakuta empire .

1. The Rashtrakutas  established the most powerful empire in northern Deccan in 753 CE. They became the masters of a large area of the present Gujarat ,MP, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka. 
2. Their empire acted as a bridge between north and south India.
3. They were great warriors , art lovers and scholars.
4. They maintained huge armies and encouraged trade for the prosperity of the people.
5. Rashtrakutas  rulers were great patrons of art and learning 

3. What is the contribution of the Pala dynasty in various fields ?

• Dharamapala was the greatest ruler of Pala dynasty. He set up a centre for Buddhist education  which was known as Vikramsheel Vihar.  His son Devapala extended the pala empire and also defeated the Huns. 
• The Pala rulers were the followers of Buddhism.
• Many scholars were sent to distant countries to spread Buddhism.
• They also gave generous grants to Brahmins to build temples.
• Palas were the great patrons of art, education and literature.    

 4. Mention any four famous features of the Pratiharas rule.

1. They are also called Gurjara-Pratiharas,  probably because they originated from Gujarat. 
2. They ruled over Gujarat and south - western Rajasthan.
3. The  Pratiharas were great warriors.
4. They were also great patrons of art and literature.

5. Describe the economic and social condition  of  north India during the medieval period.  

Economy 

• There was a great economic disparity among different among different social classes.   
• The royal family, high officials and the traders were prosperous .
• The people living in villages were poor.
• The temples were the centres of riches  & hence , attracted a lot of invaders.
• Feudal system was prevalent in north India. The kings granted land as rewards to officers who came to be known as Thakurs or Rais.
• They provided military assistance to the king at times of war.    

Social condition

• The rigid caste system led to the division of Indian society.
• Land was cultivated mainly by Shudras who were burdened by taxes and social discrimination.
• The condition of women was quite miserable.They were deprived of education.
• The evil practices of Sati , child marriage and polygamy contributed to the decline in the status of women.