Class 7 - Social Science - History - CBSE
Chapter 2 Kings and kingdoms
Summary of "Kings and Kingdoms"
A long time ago, many new kingdoms started appearing in India after the seventh century. Some of the most important dynasties were the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, Palas, Cholas, and Chahamanas (Chauhans). These rulers controlled different parts of the country and often fought with each other to expand their kingdoms.
How New Kings Emerged
Many powerful landlords and warrior chiefs gained importance during this time. They served under bigger kings but later became independent. Some kings, like Dantidurga of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, overthrew their rulers and became kings themselves. Others, like Mayurasharman (Kadamba dynasty) and Harichandra (Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty), were originally Brahmins but became kings through their military skills.
How Kings Ruled
The kings gave themselves grand titles like Maharajadhiraja (Great King), Tribhuvana-chakravartin (Lord of the Three Worlds), and more. However, they did not rule alone. They shared power with powerful landlords, traders, and Brahmins. The money for running the kingdom came from taxes collected from farmers, traders, and artisans.
The Cholas of Tamil Nadu had a well-organized system with many different taxes, including land taxes, taxes on houses, ladders, and even palm trees! The officials who collected taxes were usually from important families, and their jobs were often passed down from father to son.
Prashastis and Land Grants
Rulers wanted people to think they were great and powerful, so they hired Brahmins to write prashastis (praise poems) about them. Some kings also gave land to Brahmins and temples, and these gifts were recorded on copper plates.
The Tripartite Struggle
One of the biggest fights in history was for the city of Kanauj in the Ganga Valley. Three dynasties—Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Palas—kept fighting for control over this important city. This conflict is called the Tripartite Struggle.
Another famous ruler was Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan, who attacked India 17 times (1000–1025 AD). He targeted rich temples like Somnath in Gujarat and took their wealth to build his capital city, Ghazni.
The Cholas
The Cholas were among the greatest kings of South India. Vijayalaya Chola defeated the Muttaraiyar chiefs and established the Chola kingdom. Later, Rajaraja I and Rajendra I expanded the empire further. They built amazing temples like the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur and developed irrigation systems to improve farming.
Irrigation and Agriculture
Farming improved during this time because the Cholas built canals, embankments, and wells to provide water. They also cleared forests to create more farmland.
Chola Administration
The Cholas had a well-organized government. Villages had their own councils, like the sabha (Brahmin assemblies) and nadu (peasant councils). The village assemblies looked after irrigation, temples, and tax collection. In Uttaramerur (Tamil Nadu), committee members were chosen through a lottery system using palm leaf tickets.
Temples were more than just places of worship—they were centers of economic, social, and cultural life. Many people worked for temples, including priests, musicians, dancers, and cooks. The Cholas were also famous for their beautiful bronze sculptures.
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Chapter 2 Kings and Kingdoms
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