ssc history 2nd chapter grade 7

• What is the time period discussed in this chapter regarding political developments in India?

  700-1200 CE
• What is the significance of the map mentioned in the study material?

  The map shows the dynasties that ruled different parts of India during the early medieval period.
• What happened to Harshavardhana's empire after his death in 647 CE?


  His empire broke up into several small states and kingdoms, each ruled by different dynasties.
• Who were the samantas in the context of the early medieval period in India?

  Samantas were warriors and chiefs who served under the rulers and grew powerful over time.
• Which clans were principal among the Rajput clans in northern and western India?

  The Gurjara-Pratiharas, Chauhans, Paramaras, and Chandelas.
• Who ruled mainly in Bengal during the early medieval period?

  The Palas.
• What was the role of the Rajputs during the 8th to 12th centuries CE?


  They created large kingdoms and protected their land against Arab and Turkic invasions.
• Who established the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty?

  Nagabhata I.
• What was significant about Bhoja I in the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty?

  He was a powerful ruler under whom the territory stretched from the Himalayas to the Narmada River.
• When did the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire start breaking up into independent kingdoms?

  Around 950 CE.
• What was the outcome of Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions around 1019 CE?

  He took control of Kannauj, marking the end of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.
• Who were the Chahamanas, and what was their relationship with the Pratiharas?

  The Chahamanas, or Chauhans, were feudatories of the Pratiharas who broke free as their power declined.
• What was the significance of Prithviraj Chauhan in Indian history?

  He was a legendary warrior known for his victory over Mohammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain.
• What was the outcome of the Second Battle of Tarain for Prithviraj Chauhan?

  He was defeated by Mohammad Ghori, marking a turning point in Indian history.
• What was the capital of the Paramara dynasty?

  Dhar.
• Who founded the Pala dynasty, and when?

  Gopala founded the Pala dynasty around 750 CE.
• What was the impact of the Pala kings Dharmapala and Devapala on the kingdom?

  They expanded the Pala kingdom to include Bengal, Bihar, and parts of Odisha.
• What was the significance of the university at Nalanda during the Pala dynasty?

  It was revived under the patronage of the Palas.
• What was the main reason for the success of the Turkic invaders in India?

  The lack of unity among Indian rulers and the disciplined, organized Turkic army.
• Who was Mahmud of Ghazni, and what did he do?


  He was a Turkic chief who invaded India between 1010 and 1026 CE, raiding several important cities.
• What was the difference between Mahmud of Ghazni and Mohammad Ghori in their approach to India?

  Mahmud was interested in raiding for riches, while Ghori aimed to establish a new empire.
• What was the role of the Ghorid dynasty in the context of Mohammad Ghori?

  The Ghorid dynasty was a vassal state of the Ghazni empire from which Ghori declared independence.
• What territories did Mohammad Ghori conquer before establishing Turkic rule in north India?

  He conquered Multan, Peshawar, and Lahore.
• How did the fragmented kingdoms of India affect the invasions by the Turkic tribes?

  The fragmentation made it easier for the Turkic tribes to invade and conquer territories.
• What are the learning outcomes of this chapter?

  • Provide an outline of political developments from 700-1200 CE
  • Compare the history of north India with south India during this period
  • Explain the effect of invading tribes on Indian kingdoms
  • Sketch the history of the Cholas, focusing on administrative and economic structure
• What are the key dynasties and clans discussed in the early medieval period of India?

  • Gurjara-Pratiharas
  • Chauhans
  • Paramaras
  • Chandelas
  • Palas
  • Rashtrakutas
  • Cholas
  • Pandyas
  • Cheras
• What were the main reasons for the decline of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty?


  • Internal fragmentation into independent kingdoms
  • Invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni
  • Loss of control over key territories like Kannauj
• What were the contributions of the Rajputs to north India between the 8th and 12th centuries CE?

  • Established large kingdoms
  • Protected their land against invasions
  • Influenced politics and culture significantly
• What were the main characteristics of the Turkic invasions in India?

  • Fragmented kingdoms made invasions easier
  • Well-organized and disciplined Turkic army
  • Focus on raiding for riches rather than ruling
• Who laid the foundation of a new empire in India?

  Mohammad Ghori
• What was the main reason for the success of the Turkic invaders in India?

  The lack of unity among the Indian rulers at that time
• What skills were the Turkic tribes famous for?

  Skills as warriors on horseback
• What dynasty was Mohammad Ghori a general of?


  The Ghorid dynasty
• What significant action did the Ghoris take in relation to the Ghazni empire?

  They declared their independence from the Ghaznis
• When did Mohammad Ghori become the governor of Ghazni?

  Around 1160 CE
• Which cities did Mohammad Ghori conquer?

  Multan, Peshawar, and Lahore
• Who did Mohammad Ghori come into conflict with after his conquests?

  Prithviraj Chauhan of Delhi
• What characterized the history of south India and the Deccan during the same period?

  A period of relative calm and considerable economic and cultural progress
• What were the main kingdoms in south India and the Deccan during this period?

  • Rashtrakutas
  • Chalukyas
  • Hoysalas
  • Kakatiyas
  • Cholas
  • Pandyas
  • Cheras
  • Pallavas
• What is the Kailashnath Temple at Ellora known for?

  It is believed to be one of the most elaborate rock-cut monuments in the world