Kings and Kingdoms

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 2

The “Kings and Kingdoms” chapter in your 7th-grade social science textbook focuses on the rise of new kingdoms and dynasties in India between roughly 700 and 1200 AD. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes you’ll encounter:

Shifting Power:

• The era witnessed the decline of older empires and the emergence of new regional kingdoms. These kingdoms were often ruled by powerful warrior chiefs or landowning families.
• The concept of a “king” gained prominence, with rulers adopting grand titles to project their authority.

Social Transformation:

• New social groups like the Rajputs, Marathas, and Jats played significant roles in this period.
• The chapter might explore how these groups interacted with existing social structures and the impact they had on society.

Administration and Economy:

• You’ll learn about how these kingdoms established their administration, collected taxes, and maintained their armies.
• The chapter might discuss the importance of agriculture and the role of peasants in supporting the kingdoms.

Cultural Developments:

• The rise of temples and the patronage of kings towards religion will likely be a part of the chapter.
• You might learn about the growing influence of Brahmins (priests) and changes in religious practices.

Understanding the Past:

• The chapter will emphasize the importance of using various sources like inscriptions, coins, and archaeological remains to reconstruct history.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 2

Exercises

Let’s Recall

Match the following 

Column I	Column II
Gurjara – Pratiharas	Western Deccan
Rashtrakutas	Bengal
Palas	Gujrat and Rajasthan
Cholas	Tamil Nade

Ans : 

Column I	Column II
Gurjara – Pratiharas	Gujarat and Rajasthan
Rashtrakutas	Western Deccan
Palas	Bengal
Cholas	Tamil Nadu

2. Who were the parties involved in the ‘tripartite struggle’?

Ans : 

• Gurjara-Pratiharas: Based in Gujarat and Rajasthan, they were a powerful dynasty that emerged as the eventual victor in the struggle.
• Rashtrakutas: Ruling from the Western Deccan, they were a major rival of the Gurjara-Pratiharas.
• Palas: Hailing from Bengal and Bihar, they were another strong contender vying for control of northern India.

3. What were the qualifications necessary to become a member of a committee of the sabha in the Chola Empire?

Ans : 

• Landownership: One should be the owner of land from which land revenue is collected. This indicates a certain level of wealth and social status.
• Own Home: Members needed to possess their own house, suggesting a degree of stability and responsibility.
• Age Range: The ideal age range for membership was between 35 and 70 years old. This ensured a balance between experience and youthful vigor.
• Knowledge of Vedas: Familiarity with the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, was likely valued. This knowledge could have been seen as a marker of wisdom and understanding of social order.
• Administrative Skills: Being well-versed in administrative matters was crucial. This ensured members could effectively contribute to discussions and decision-making within the committee.
• Honesty: Uprightness and integrity were essential qualities for members of the sabha committee.
• No Recent Committee Membership: Individuals who had served on a committee within the past three years were ineligible, possibly to ensure rotation of leadership and participation.
• Clear Accounts: Candidates and their relatives needed to have submitted their accounts to be eligible. This suggests financial transparency was important.

4. What were the two major cities under the control of the Chahamanas?

Ans : 

• Delhi: This strategically located city served as a crucial center for the Chahamanas, allowing them to extend their influence towards the west and east.
• Ajmer: This city acted as the capital of the Chahamanas during a 
• significant period of their rule. It was a prominent political and cultural center.

Let’s Understand

5. How did the Rashtrakutas become powerful?

Ans : 

From Subordinate to Ruler: Originally subordinates to the Chalukyas of Karnataka, the Rashtrakutas rose to prominence by overthrowing their overlords. 

Military Prowess: The Rashtrakutas were known for their strong military. They successfully defended their territories and engaged in wars with powerful rivals like the Palas from Bengal and the Gurjara-Pratiharas from Gujarat and Rajasthan. This “tripartite struggle” for control of northern India solidified their position as a major force.

Strategic Alliances: The Rashtrakutas forged strategic alliances with neighboring kingdoms through marriages and treaties. This helped them maintain stability within their empire and potentially gain support against rivals.

Efficient Administration:  The Rashtrakutas established a well-organized administrative system to govern their vast empire. This system likely divided the empire into provinces and appointed officials to manage different regions.

Patronage of Arts and Culture:  The Rashtrakutas actively supported art, literature, and architecture. This patronage flourished during their reign, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy. The magnificent Ellora Caves, with sculptures depicting Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist themes, stand as a testament to their cultural contributions.

6. What did the new dynasties do to gain acceptance?

Ans : New dynasties in India used fancy rituals, grand titles, temple building, military wins, and even some cultural borrowing to win over the people and be seen as legit rulers.

7. What kind of irrigation works were developed in the Tamil Nadu?

Ans : 

• Wells: These were dug throughout the region to access groundwater for irrigation, especially in areas with less rainfall.
• Tanks: Large tanks or reservoirs were constructed to collect rainwater during the monsoon season. This stored water could then be used for irrigation throughout the year.
• Canals: Networks of canals were built to channel water from rivers and tanks to agricultural fields, ensuring a more efficient distribution of water.
• Embankments: These were built along rivers to prevent flooding and control the flow of water. This allowed for controlled irrigation and minimized damage to crops.

8. What were the activities associated with Chola temples?

Ans : Chola temples functioned as multifaceted centers beyond just religious worship. Here are some key activities associated with them:

• Religious Ceremonies: Naturally, elaborate rituals and pujas (prayers) were performed by priests for the deities enshrined within the temples.
• Social Gatherings: Temples served as social hubs where people could congregate for festivals, celebrations, and community events.
• Economic Activities: The temple acted as a mini-economy. Artisans created sculptures, musicians performed, and vendors sold flowers, food, and other offerings.
• Educational Centers: Temples might have housed schools or provided spaces for learning religious texts and scriptures.
• Charitable Work: Temples often managed charities, providing food and shelter to the poor and needy.
• Administration: Temple authorities might have been involved in local administration, managing land holdings and resolving disputes.

Let’s Discuss

9. Look at Map 1 once more and find out whether there were any kingdoms in the state in which you live.

Ans : 

1. Identify your state: Locate the state you live in on the map.
2. Compare with Historical Names: Look for names of kingdoms or empires within the boundaries of your state. Keep in mind that historical names might differ from present-day names.
3. Check Legend/Key: Refer to the legend or key on the map to understand the symbols representing different kingdoms or empires.
4. Consider the Date: Remember, the map depicts a specific historical period. Kingdoms might have risen or fallen over time.

10. Contrast the ‘elections’ in Uttaramerur with present day panchayat election?

Ans : 

• Selection Method: Uttaramerur used a lottery system based on chance, while panchayat elections rely on voting, giving people a choice.
• Participation: In Uttaramerur, only a young boy participated, whereas panchayat elections allow all adult residents to vote.
• Transparency: The Uttaramerur process lacked transparency, whereas panchayat elections are conducted with official oversight.
• Representativeness: The Uttaramerur system didn’t represent the people’s choice, while panchayat elections aim to elect leaders based on public preference.

Let’s do 

11. Compare the temple shown in this chapter with any present-day temple in your neighbourhood, highlighting any similarities and differences that you notice.

Ans : 

Similarities:

• Religious Purpose: Both temples likely serve as places of worship for a particular religion.
• Presence of Deities: Both might enshrine statues or idols of deities.
• Rituals and Prayers: Both may be sites for religious ceremonies and prayers.

Differences:

• Architectural Style: The textbook temple might belong to a specific historical architectural style, while the present-day temple might reflect a modern or regional style.
• Building Materials: Materials used in construction could differ. Historical temples might be built with stone, while modern ones could use concrete or steel.
• Social Activities: The historical temple might have played a broader social role (education, administration) compared to the present-day temple’s focus on worship.

12. Find out more about taxes that are collected at present. Are these in cash, kind, or labour services?

Ans : 

1. Direct Tax
2. Indirect Tax

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 2

FAQ’s

What topics are covered in NCERT Class 7 history Chapter 2, “Kings and Kingdoms”?

NCERT Class 7 history Chapter 2 delves into the historical narrative of ancient Indian kings and kingdoms. It explores their socio-political structure, administration, and cultural significance.

How can NCERT Solutions help in understanding Class 7 history Chapter 2, “Kings and Kingdoms”?

NCERT Solutions provide comprehensive explanations and insights into the concepts discussed in Chapter 2 Kings and Kingdoms. They aid in better understanding the historical context, governance, and societal norms of ancient Indian kingdoms.

Are there any specific rulers or dynasties discussed in class 7 history chapter 2?

Yes, Chapter 2 Kings and Kingdoms covers various prominent rulers and dynasties of ancient India, such as the Mauryas, Guptas, Cholas, and Pallavas. It highlights their contributions to Indian history and civilization.

How can students use NCERT Solutions to prepare for exams based on Chapter 2?

Students can utilize NCERT Solutions to clarify doubts, practice questions, and strengthen their conceptual understanding of the topics covered in Chapter 2. This comprehensive resource serves as an effective study aid for exam preparation.

Are there any additional resources recommended for enhancing knowledge about ancient Indian history discussed in Chapter 2?

Apart from NCERT Solutions, students can refer to supplementary reading materials, historical documentaries, and online resources to gain a deeper insight into the rich tapestry of ancient Indian history covered in Chapter 2.