CBSE Class 7 Social Science Our Pasts II: Chapter 2 New Kings and Kingdoms NCERT Solutions

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CBSE Class 7 Social Science Our Pasts II Chapter 2 introduces the fascinating era of "New Kings and Kingdoms" that emerged after the fall of large empires. This chapter explores the rise of new dynasties, their systems of governance, and the major wars that shaped ancient India. You'll discover the intense competition for dominance in North India involving three major powers, the specific requirements for holding administrative positions within the Chola kingdom, and the growth of influential empires such as the Rashtrakutas and Chahamanas. These insights help clarify the intricate political situations and how kingdoms were managed during this dynamic period. Understanding these developments is crucial for grasping the evolution of Indian history and preparing effectively for your exams.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectSocial Science Our Pasts II
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 2

Chapter summary

Chapter 2 of CBSE Class 7 Social Science, 'New Kings and Kingdoms,' focuses on the political transformations in India after the 7th century. The NCERT Solutions cover the rise of new dynasties, the 'tripartite struggle,' administrative systems in the Chola empire, and the expansion of kingdoms like the Rashtrakutas and Chahamanas. These solutions help students understand the formation and functioning of early medieval Indian kingdoms.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the emergence of new dynasties in early medieval India.
  • Identify the key participants and reasons for the 'tripartite struggle'.
  • Describe the administrative structure and qualifications for committees in the Chola empire.
  • Explain the factors contributing to the rise of the Rashtrakutas.
  • Locate the territories controlled by the Chahamanas and identify their major cities.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • New Kings and Kingdoms
  • Emergence of New Dynasties
  • Tripartite Struggle
  • Rashtrakutas
  • Palas
  • Gurjara-Pratiharas
  • Cholas
  • Chahamanas (Chauhans)
  • Chola Administration
  • Sabha and its Committees
  • Land Grants (Brahmadeya)
  • Qualifications for Committee Membership

Important topics

  • Tripartite Struggle
  • Chola Administration and Sabha Committees
  • Rise of the Rashtrakutas
  • Territorial Control of Chahamanas
  • Qualifications for Sabha Membership

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Match the following:

Gurjana-Pratiharas | Western Deccan

Rashtrakutas | Bengal

Palas | Gujrat and Rajasthan

Cholas | Tamil Nadu

Solution: The correct matches are:
  1. Gurjana-Pratiharas - Gujrat and Rajasthan
  2. Rashtrakutas - Western Deccan
  3. Palas - Bengal
  4. Cholas - Tamil Nadu
This exercise helps in associating major dynasties with the regions they ruled during the early medieval period in India.

Question 2

Who were the parties involved in the "tripartite struggle"?
Solution: The "tripartite struggle" was a significant conflict fought during the ninth century for control over the region of Kannauj in North India. The three main parties involved in this prolonged struggle were:
  1. The Gurjara-Pratiharas,
  2. The Rashtrakutas, and
  3. The Palas.
Each of these dynasties sought to establish their dominance over the strategically important city of Kannauj and its surrounding territories.

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, an assembly of eminent Brahmana landholders managing brahmadeya (land grants to Brahmanas), had various committees to look after specific functions like irrigation, gardens, and temples. To be eligible for membership in these committees, individuals had to meet several stringent qualifications:
  1. Land Ownership: The candidate must be a landowner from whom land revenue was collected.
  2. Residency: He must possess his own home.
  3. Age: The age of the candidate should be between 30 and 70 years.
  4. Knowledge: He should have a good knowledge of the Vedas.
  5. Character and Skills: He should have been truthful and well-accomplished in administrative matters.
  6. Previous Service: He should not have been a member of any committee in the last three years.
  7. Accountability: He must submit his own accounts, as well as those of his relatives, to be eligible to contest the election.
These qualifications ensured that only qualified and responsible individuals managed the affairs of the brahmadeya settlements.

Question 4

What were the two major cities under the control of the Chahamanas?
Solution: The Chahamanas, who were later known as the Chauhans, were a prominent dynasty that ruled over a significant region in North India. The two major cities that were under their control and served as important centres of their power were:
  1. Delhi
  2. Ajmer
While they attempted to expand their influence further, their expansion was often met with opposition from neighbouring kingdoms like the Chalukyas of Gujarat and the Gahadavalas of western Uttar Pradesh.

Question 5

How did the Rashtrakutas become powerful?
Solution: The Rashtrakutas rose to power through a combination of factors, including their strategic positioning and the prevailing political conditions. By the seventh century, the political landscape of the Deccan region saw the emergence of numerous powerful landlords and warrior chiefs who acted as subordinates, or 'samantas,' to the existing kings. The Rashtrakutas, initially subordinates, gradually asserted their independence and grew in strength. A key event in their rise was the overthrow of the Chalukya ruler by Dantidurga, who was the founder of the Rashtrakuta kingdom. Through military prowess and political maneuvering, they expanded their territory and influence, eventually becoming one of the major powers in the Deccan and engaging in conflicts like the tripartite struggle.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the participants of the 'tripartite struggle'.
  • Incomplete understanding of the qualifications for Chola administrative committees.
  • Misidentifying the major cities controlled by the Chahamanas.

Revision tips

  • Create a timeline to map the rise of different kingdoms discussed.
  • Focus on understanding the reasons behind the 'tripartite struggle'.
  • Memorize the specific qualifications required for Chola sabha committees.
  • Practice identifying the geographical locations of the mentioned kingdoms and cities.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following dynasties were involved in the 'tripartite struggle' for control of North India in the ninth century?

Q2. According to the Chola administration, what was a prerequisite for a Brahmana landholder to be a member of a sabha committee?

Q3. The Chahamanas, also known as Chauhans, primarily controlled which two major cities?

Q4. Which dynasty emerged as powerful in the Western Deccan, eventually challenging other regional powers?

Q5. What was the primary function of the separate committees within the sabha of the Chola empire?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 2 of CBSE Class 7 Social Science (Our Pasts II) about?

Chapter 2, 'New Kings and Kingdoms,' discusses the political history of India after the 7th century, focusing on the rise of new dynasties, major conflicts like the 'tripartite struggle,' and administrative systems of kingdoms such as the Cholas and Chahamanas.

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

The 'tripartite struggle' involved the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Rashtrakutas, and the Palas, who fought for control over North India during the ninth century.

What were the key qualifications for becoming a member of a committee in the Chola empire's sabha?

Members needed to own land and a home, be between 30-70 years old, possess knowledge of the Vedas, be truthful and skilled in administration, not have served in the last three years, and submit their accounts for election.

Which two cities were under the control of the Chahamanas?

The Chahamanas, also known as Chauhans, primarily controlled the regions around Delhi and Ajmer.

How can these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to all questions, helping students understand complex historical events, administrative structures, and the rise of different kingdoms, which is crucial for revising and performing well in exams.

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