CBSE Class 7 History Chapter 2 Notes: New Kings and Kingdoms

The Emergence of New Dynasties

By the seventh century, there were big landlords or warrior chiefs in different regions of the subcontinent. Existing kings recognized them as their subordinates or Samantas. These samantas were expected to bring gifts, provide military support, and attend courts. However, as samantas gained wealth and power, they declared themselves Maha-samanta or Maha-mandaleshvara (the great lord of a circle or region). Some even asserted their independence from their overlords. A prime example is Dantidurga, a Rashtrakuta chief, who overthrew his Chalukyan overlord in the mid-eighth century. To legitimize his new royal status, he performed a ritual called Hiranya-garbha (literally, the golden womb) with the help of Brahmins. This ritual symbolized the 'rebirth' of the power holder as a Kshatriya, even if he was not one by birth. Similarly, enterprising men from ruling families, such as the Kadamba Mayurasharman and the Gurjara-Pratihara Harichandra, gave up their traditional priestly professions and successfully took to arms, carving out kingdoms in Karnataka and Rajasthan respectively.

Key Historical Terms & Administration Glossary

Samanta

A subordinate landlord or military chief recognized by a king, responsible for providing military aid and tribute.

Hiranya-garbha

A ritual meaning 'golden womb' performed by non-Kshatriya rulers to gain the ritual status of a Kshatriya.

Prashasti

Inscriptions written in praise of rulers by learned Brahmins, which may contain exaggerated claims of victory.

Tripartite Struggle

A long-drawn-out conflict between the Gurjara-Pratihara, Rashtrakuta, and Pala dynasties for control over the prized city of Kanauj.

Brahmadeya

Land gifted to Brahmins by kings, which was exempt from taxes and managed by an assembly of prominent Brahmin landholders.

Sabha

An assembly of prominent Brahmin landholders that looked after local administration, temple maintenance, and local disputes in Chola territories.

Ur

An assembly or settlement of common peasants (vellalas) in the administrative divisions of the Chola empire.

Nadu

An administrative unit formed by groups of peasant villages (Ur) that performed executive and judicial functions.

The Tripartite Struggle: Contenders for Kanauj

Must-Remember Facts: Chola Empire & Medieval India

• The Chola dynasty was founded by Vijayalaya, who captured the Kaveri delta from the Muttaraiyar in the mid-9th century.
• Rajaraja I (r. 985-1014) is considered the most powerful Chola ruler, expanding control over most of southern India and reorganizing administration.
• Rajendra I, son of Rajaraja I, expanded the empire towards the Ganga valley, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, developing a powerful navy.
• Chola temples, such as those at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, were not just places of worship but hubs of economic, social, and cultural life.
• The famous Chola bronze sculptures, particularly of deities and devotees, were crafted using the sophisticated 'lost-wax' technique.
• Irrigation was highly developed in the Kaveri delta, using embankments, canals, and huge wells to facilitate double-cropping.
• Inscriptions from Uttaramerur (Tamil Nadu) provide detailed rules about the organization and eligibility criteria of the Chola 'Sabha'.

Illustrative Case Studies

• {"title":"The Inscription of Uttaramerur","description":"This famous inscription details how the Chola Sabha was organized. Members were chosen by lottery: names of eligible candidates were written on palm leaf tickets, placed in an earthenware pot, and a young boy was asked to draw the tickets one by one."}
• {"title":"Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni's Raids","description":"Rulers often demonstrated power by targets of wealth. Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni (Afghanistan) raided wealthy temples of northern India, including Somnath in Gujarat, between 1000 and 1025 CE, using the looted wealth to build a splendid capital city at Ghazni."}

Board Exam Trap & Scoring Guide

In CBSE Class 7 exams, questions about Chola administrative terms are highly common. Do not confuse Ur (common peasant assembly) with Sabha (Brahmin landholder assembly). Additionally, when asked about the Tripartite Struggle, always name all three dynasties: Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas. Writing only one or two will cost you marks. Use YoLearn AI Flashcards to practice these specific administrative terms the night before your exam to ensure zero confusion.

Quick Revision Check

• Who was Dantidurga and how did he establish his kingdom? Dantidurga was a Rashtrakuta chief who overthrew his Chalukyan overlord in the mid-8th century. He performed the 'Hiranya-garbha' ritual to ritually transform himself into a Kshatriya ruler.
• Why did dynasties target temples during warfare? Temples in medieval India were symbols of a king's power, devotion, and immense wealth. Rulers targeted them to plunder gold and humiliate rival kings by destroying their sacred power centers.
• What is the historical significance of Prashastis? Prashastis are eulogies written in praise of rulers by Brahmins. While often exaggerated and not entirely factual, they show us how kings wanted to be remembered—as brave, victorious warriors.
• What are the eligibility criteria for Sabha membership according to the Uttaramerur inscription? Candidates had to own land from which land revenue was collected, live in their own homes, be aged between 35 and 70, possess knowledge of the Vedas, and be honest and well-versed in administrative matters.

Frequently Asked Questions