CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 2 – New Kings and Kingdoms NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This chapter delves into the emergence of new dynasties in India between the 7th and 12th centuries. It explores the rise of powerful rulers, the concept of 'samantas' and their evolving roles, and the significant 'tripartite struggle' for control over Kannauj. The solutions also highlight the administrative systems of prominent kingdoms like the Cholas, detailing their revenue collection, irrigation techniques, and the multifaceted role of temples in society. Students will learn about the qualifications for administrative positions, the methods of selecting members for village committees, and the economic and cultural significance of temples. The chapter concludes by examining the nature of taxes and comparing ancient electoral practices with modern ones, providing a comprehensive understanding of political and social structures during this period. These solutions are designed to aid students in grasping complex historical concepts and preparing effectively for their examinations.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 7
Subject	Social Science
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 2 – New Kings and Kingdoms

Chapter summary

Chapter 2, 'New Kings and Kingdoms,' focuses on the political landscape of India from the 7th to 12th centuries. It covers the establishment of new dynasties, the concept of feudalism through 'samantas,' and the intense 'tripartite struggle.' The solutions detail the administrative machinery of the Chola empire, including revenue systems, irrigation advancements in Tamil Nadu, and the vital role of temples as socio-economic and cultural centers. It also touches upon the selection process for village committees and contrasts ancient tax systems with contemporary ones.

Learning outcomes

Understand the rise of new dynasties and their administrative structures.
Identify the key players and causes of the tripartite struggle.
Explain the administrative and economic functions of Chola temples.
Describe the methods used for selecting members of village committees.
Compare ancient tax systems with modern taxation.
Recognize the evolution of power from samantas to independent rulers.

Topics covered

Paper topics

New Dynasties
Samantas and Feudalism
Tripartite Struggle
Chola Administration
Revenue System
Irrigation Techniques
Role of Temples
Village Committees
Taxation
Ancient vs. Modern Elections

Important topics

The Tripartite Struggle
Chola Administration and Revenue
The Role of Temples
Rise of New Dynasties
Samantas and their Power

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Match the following:

Gurjara-Pratiharas - Western Deccan

Rashtrakutas

_ Bengal

_ Gujarat and Rajasthan

Palas

Cholas - Tamil Nadu

Solution: The correct matching is as follows:

Gurjara-Pratiharas - Gujarat and Rajasthan
Rashtrakutas - Western Deccan
Palas - Bengal
Cholas - Tamil Nadu

Question 2

Who were the parties involved in the 'tripartite struggle'?

Solution: The 'tripartite struggle' was a conflict primarily fought for control over the city of Kannauj. The three major dynasties involved were the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Rashtrakutas, and the Pala dynasties.

Question 3

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

Solution: In the Chola Empire, the sabha was an assembly that had committees to supervise various functions like gardens and temples. To become a member of these committees, individuals had to meet certain qualifications, which included being a prominent landowner. The selection process involved writing the names of eligible persons on small palm leaf tickets, placing them in an earthen pot, and then having a young boy draw the tickets one by one for each committee. Those whose names were drawn were declared members.

Question 4

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

Solution: The two major cities that were under the control of the Chahamanas were Delhi and Ajmer.

Question 5

How did the Rashtrakutas become powerful?

Solution: The Rashtrakutas became powerful through a series of developments. Initially, they were subordinates to the Chalukyas in the Deccan region. During the mid-eighth century, a Rashtrakuta chief named Dantidurga challenged the Chalukya overlord. He performed a ritual called 'Hiranya-garbha' (literally, golden womb), which was believed to grant the sacrificer the status of a Kshatriya, even if they were not born into that caste. After this ritual and by asserting his dominance, Dantidurga established the Rashtrakuta kingdom and laid the foundation for their rise to power.

Question 6

What did the new dynasties do to gain acceptance?

Solution: To gain acceptance and legitimacy, new dynasties employed several strategies. After consolidating their power and accumulating wealth, they often declared themselves with high-sounding titles such as 'maha-samanta' (great lord of a region) or 'mahamandaleshwara' (great lord of a circle). Many rulers adopted even grander titles like 'maharaja-adhiraja' (king of kings) or 'tribhuvana-chakravartin' (lord of the three worlds). They also patronized learned Brahmins who composed 'Prashastis' (eulogies) to depict the rulers as valiant and victorious warriors. Furthermore, they demonstrated their power and resources by undertaking large construction projects, such as building magnificent temples.

Question 7

What kind of irrigation works were developed in Tamil Nadu?

Solution: During the fifth and sixth centuries, the region of Tamil Nadu saw significant advancements in agriculture, leading to its expansion for large-scale cultivation. To support this, various new irrigation methods were developed. These included the digging of numerous wells and the construction of large tanks to effectively store rainwater, ensuring a consistent water supply for crops.

Question 8

What were the activities associated with Chola temples?

Solution: Chola temples were much more than just places of worship; they were central to the growth of settlements around them. These temples served as important centers for craft production. Rulers and other wealthy individuals often endowed temples with land. The produce from this land was utilized for the maintenance of the priests, garland makers, cooks, sweepers, musicians, dancers, and other staff associated with the temple. Consequently, temples became vibrant hubs of economic, social, and cultural life.

Question 9

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

Solution: This question requires you to consult Map 1 from your textbook and identify any kingdoms that existed in the state where you reside. The answer will vary depending on your location. Please refer to the map and your knowledge of your state's history to answer this question.

Question 10

Contrast the 'elections' in Uttaramerur with present-day panchayat elections.

Solution: The system of selecting members for committees in Uttaramerur during the Chola period differed significantly from today's panchayat elections. In Uttaramerur, eligible candidates' names were written on small palm leaf tickets, placed in an earthen pot, and then drawn by a young boy for each committee. In contrast, present-day panchayat elections are conducted through a general voting process. Candidates' names and symbols are printed on ballot papers, voters mark their choice, and votes are cast into ballot boxes. The results are then counted and declared by a Returning Officer, with the entire procedure overseen by a statutory body.

Question 11

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

Solution: This is an activity designed for you to explore and observe. You should attempt to visit a present-day temple in your neighbourhood and compare its architecture, functions, and the activities taking place within and around it with the description of Chola temples provided in the chapter. Note down any similarities in terms of religious practices or community involvement, and any differences in terms of size, construction materials, or the range of activities.

Question 12

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

Solution: Currently, various taxes are collected by the government, such as property tax, road tax, service tax, entertainment tax, and water tax. These taxes are predominantly collected in the form of cash. Unlike in some historical periods where taxes might have been paid in kind (goods) or through labour services, modern taxation primarily involves monetary payments.

Question 1. (Very Short Answer Type)

Who was Dantidurga?

Solution: Dantidurga was a prominent Rashtrakuta chief. He is known for performing the 'Hiranya-garbha' ritual, after which he asserted his independence and became a Kshatriya, marking a significant step in the rise of the Rashtrakuta power.

Question 2. (Very Short Answer Type)

What was called 'rent'?

Solution: In the context of the period discussed, 'rent' referred to the resources that were obtained from the producers. This essentially means the produce or wealth generated by the farmers and artisans that was collected by the rulers or landlords.

Common mistakes

Confusing the geographical locations of different dynasties.
Misunderstanding the role and power dynamics of 'samantas'.
Overlooking the multifaceted functions of temples beyond worship.
Difficulty in differentiating between ancient and modern administrative practices.

Revision tips

Create a timeline of major dynasties and their rulers.
Map the locations of key kingdoms mentioned in the chapter.
Summarize the administrative system of the Cholas in your own words.
Compare and contrast the 'tripartite struggle' with modern political conflicts.
Focus on understanding the role of temples as centers of economic and cultural life.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which dynasty ruled over Bengal during the period discussed?

Q2. What was the primary role of 'samantas' in the new kingdoms?

Q3. The 'tripartite struggle' was primarily fought for control over which city?

Q4. Which ritual did Dantidurga perform to establish his power?

Q5. What was a significant function of Chola temples besides worship?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 2, 'New Kings and Kingdoms'?

This chapter focuses on the political and administrative developments in India between the 7th and 12th centuries, including the rise of new dynasties, the 'tripartite struggle,' and the administration of the Chola empire.

Who were the main contenders in the 'tripartite struggle'?

The main parties involved in the 'tripartite struggle' were the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Rashtrakutas, and the Palas, who fought for control over the city of Kannauj.

How did the Rashtrakutas gain power?

The Rashtrakutas, initially subordinates of the Chalukyas, became powerful when Dantidurga, a Rashtrakuta chief, performed the 'Hiranya-garbha' ritual and overthrew his overlord.

What was the significance of temples in the Chola empire?

Chola temples were not just places of worship but also centers of economic activity, craft production, and social life, often endowed with land and employing many people.

How did ancient village committees select their members?

In places like Uttaramerur during the Chola period, members of village committees were selected through a lottery system using small tickets of palm leaves drawn by a young boy.

Are taxes collected today in the same way as in ancient times?

No, today taxes like property tax, service tax, etc., are primarily collected in cash, unlike in ancient times where taxes could also be collected in kind or through labour services.

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