CBSE Class 7 Social Science Our Pasts II: Chapter 9 The Making of Regional Cultures NCERT Solutions

Solution: The correct matches are:

Anantavarman - Orissa

Jagannatha - Puri

Mahodayapuram - Kerala

Lilatilakam - Kerala

Mangalakavya - Bengal

Miniature - Kangara

Solution: Manipravalam is a distinctive literary style that emerged in the region of Kerala. It is characterized by its unique blend of two languages: Sanskrit, the classical language of scholarship, and Malayalam, the regional vernacular. This linguistic fusion created a rich and complex literary form.

The most significant work written in Manipravalam is the 'Lilatilakam'. This important text, composed during the 14th century, delves into the intricacies of grammar and poetics, providing valuable insights into the literary conventions and linguistic structure of the period.

Solution: The development and flourishing of Kathak, a major classical dance form of India, were significantly supported by powerful patrons. Primarily, the Mughal emperors played a crucial role in nurturing this art form. Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Nawabs of regions like Lucknow became important patrons.

Under the patronage of rulers such as Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, Kathak evolved further, developing distinct styles known as 'gharanas'. Two prominent gharanas that emerged were the Jaipur gharana from Rajasthan and the Lucknow gharana from Awadh, each contributing unique elements to the dance form.

Solution: Bengal developed a distinctive and recognizable style in temple architecture, influenced by local building traditions and aesthetics. The key architectural features include:

1. Roof Structure: A characteristic feature is the adoption of the double-roofed (dochala) or four-roofed (chauchala) structure, which mimics the design of local thatched huts. This style, known as the 'Bangla Dome', became a hallmark of Bengali temple architecture.
2. Four-Roofed Structure: In the chauchala style, four triangular roofs are placed on the four walls of the temple. These roofs rise upwards and converge either at a curved line or a single point, creating a unique visual effect.
3. Platform: Temples were typically constructed on a square platform, providing a stable and elevated base.
4. Decoration: While the interior walls of these temples were generally kept plain, the outer walls often featured elaborate decorations. These could include vibrant paintings, ornamental tiles, or intricate terracotta tablets, showcasing artistic craftsmanship.

Solution: In ancient societies, minstrels, who were poets and singers, held a significant position. They played a vital role in preserving and disseminating the stories of brave warriors and heroes, particularly the Rajput heroes. They proclaimed the achievements of these heroes through poems and songs for several important reasons:

1. Preservation of Memory: To ensure that the valorous deeds and sacrifices of heroes were not forgotten by future generations.
2. Inspiration: To inspire ordinary people by recounting tales of courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice, encouraging them to emulate such noble qualities.
3. Entertainment and Social Cohesion: The captivating stories and songs attracted the common people, serving as a form of entertainment and reinforcing social values associated with heroism and honor.

Minstrels often focused on warriors who exemplified bravery by choosing death in battle over accepting defeat, thus celebrating the highest ideals of valor.

Solution: Our understanding of historical periods is often skewed towards the elite because rulers and wealthy individuals had the means and influence to document their lives and cultural practices. Here's why we know more about them:

1. Patronage and Resources: Rulers could commission artists, poets, architects, and musicians, funding the creation of grand temples, palaces, literature, and art. These creations often carried inscriptions or were described in texts, providing detailed records.
2. Literacy and Record-Keeping: The ruling class and their courts were typically literate and maintained official records, chronicles, and biographies. These documents served as a primary source of information about their activities, beliefs, and lifestyle.
3. Visibility and Influence: The lives of rulers were public and politically significant. Their ceremonies, courtly manners, and cultural pursuits were often observed and recorded by courtiers, foreign visitors, and chroniclers.
4. Preservation of Material Culture: Wealthy patrons could afford to build durable structures and create artifacts that have survived over centuries, offering tangible evidence of their cultural practices.

In contrast, the lives of ordinary people, involving daily routines, agricultural practices, and folk traditions, were less likely to be formally documented. Their cultural expressions were often oral or ephemeral, making them harder to trace and preserve through historical records.