Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Extra Questions and Answers SST Chapter 3

Students revise important topics using Class 7 Social Science Extra Questions and Class 7 SST Part 2 Chapter 3 Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Important Extra Questions before exams.

Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Extra Question Answer

Extra Questions of Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 SST Chapter 3

Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Very Short Question Answer

Question 1.
Who was Harshavardhana?
Answer:
Harshavardhana was a powerful ruler of northern India who ruled from 606 CE. He belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty and ruled from Kannauj. He was known for his military campaigns, patronage of learning, and religious tolerance. He supported both Shaivism and Buddhism and encouraged scholars and monks.

Question 2.
What information do we get from Xuanzang’s travel accounts?
Answer:
Xuanzang’s writings provide detailed information about Indian society, administration, cities, trade, religions, and education. He described rulers like Harsha, famous centres such as Nalanda, and everyday life. His accounts help historians understand early medieval India through a foreign observer’s perspective.

Question 3.
What was the Tripartite Struggle?
Answer:
The Tripartite Struggle was a long conflict between the Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rașhțrakuas for control over Kannauj. Kannauj was important due to its strategic location and fertile land. None of the dynasties could hold it permanently, leading to continuous warfare.

Question 4.
Describe the achievements of the Pala dynasty.
Answer:
The Palas ruled eastern India and were great patrons of Mahayana Buddhism. They established famous universities like Vikramaśhila and supported Nalanda. They encouraged education, art, and trade, especially maritime trade with Southeast Asia, making eastern India prosperous and culturally rich.

Question 5.
Why were the Gurjara-Pratiharas important?
Answer:
The Gurjara-Pratiharas played a crucial role in protecting northern India from Arab invasions. They ruled large parts of north India and made Kannauj their capital. They encouraged art and architecture and maintained political stability for nearly three centuries.

Question 6.
What were the cultural contributions of the Rashtrakuas?
Answer:
The Rashtrakutas supported Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. They built the magnificent Kailashanatha temple at Ellora and encouraged literature in Sanskrit and Kannada. Their rulers patronised scholars and artists, contributing greatly to Indian culture.

Question 7.
Who was Kalhana and why is he important?
Answer:
Kalhana was a Kashmiri historian who wrote the Rajatarangini. He carefully used inscriptions, earlier texts, and traditions to write history. He believed historians should remain unbiased, making his work similar to modern historical methods.

Question 8.
Describe the rule of Queen Didda.
Answer:
Queen Didda ruled Kashmir in the late 10th century. She strengthened her authority through alliances and firm actions. Despite harsh measures, she built towns, temples, and restored shrines, leaving a lasting impact on Kashmir’s political and cultural life.

Question 9.
Who was Pulakeshin II?
Answer:
Pulakeshin II was a powerful Chalukya ruler of the Deccan. He successfully stopped Harshavardhana from expanding southwards. His kingdom was known for efficient administration and magnificent cave temples at Badami and Aihole.

Question 10.
What were the achievements of the Pallavas?
Answer:
The Pallavas ruled from Kanchi and were great patrons of temple architecture. They built rockcut and structural temples at Mamallapuram. They supported Sanskrit and Tamil literature and promoted trade with Southeast Asia.

Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Short Question Answer

Question 1.
How did village assemblies strengthen administration in southern India?
Answer:
Village assemblies, especially under the Cholas, played a major role in local governance. Inscriptions from Uttaramerur describe systematic methods for selecting assembly members. These assemblies managed land, irrigation, taxes, and community disputes. By involving local people in decision-making, they ensured efficient administration, accountability, and continuity, reflecting India’s long tradition of local self-governance.

Question 2.
What factors led to the absorption of the Hunas into Indian society?
Answer:
After their defeat, the Hunas gradually adopted Indian culture to survive. They used Sanskrit and Prakrit, followed Indian religions, served in local administrations, and issued coins with Indian symbols. Indian society’s flexible social structure allowed their integration. Unlike later invaders, the Hūnas did not maintain a separate identity, showing India’s ability to absorb foreign groups peacefully.

Question 3.
Why was Arab political expansion in India limited?
Answer:
Arab expansion in India was limited due to strong resistance from Indian rulers like the GurjaraPratiharas and kings of Kashmir. Geographic barriers, local rebellions, and administrative challenges also restricted their control. Although Arabs ruled Sindh, they allowed local religions and customs to continue. This prevented deep political penetration but encouraged long-term trade and cultural exchange.

Question 4.
How did the Bhakti Movement promote social change?
Answer:
The Bhakti Movement emphasised personal devotion over ritual and caste distinctions. Saints from diverse social backgrounds composed hymns in regional languages, making religious ideas accessible to all. Women saints like Auda] and Karaikal Ammaiyar played important roles. Bhakti teachings encouraged equality before the divine and helped reduce social barriers, reshaping religious and cultural life.

Question 5.
What made the Kailaśhanātha temple at Ellora architecturally unique?
Answer:
The Kailaśhanătha temple was carved from a single rock, making it the largest monolithic temple in India. Built under Raşhtrakuta king Krishna I, it required advanced engineering, careful planning, and skilled labour. The temple reflects artistic excellence and religious devotion, symbolising the dynasty’s power and their support for monumental architecture.

Question 6.
How did inscriptions help historians understand early medieval India?
Answer:
Inscriptions provide details about land grants, administration, religion, language, and economy. They record royal titles, donations, village boundaries, and tax conditions. Often written in Sanskrit and local languages, they reveal both elite and everyday life. Unlike literary texts, inscriptions offer direct evidence, helping historians reconstruct political and social structures accurately.

Question 7.
What was the importance of regional languages during this period?
Answer:
Regional languages like Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu flourished alongside Sanskrit. Rulers patronised poets and scholars who wrote in local languages, making literature accessible to more people.Inscriptions often used regional languages for practical details. This period laid the foundation for rich regional literary traditions that continue to influence Indian culture today.

Question 8.
How did irrigation projects support economic growth?
Answer:
Kings and local communities built tanks, wells, and canals to expand agriculture. Improved irrigation increased crop variety and productivity, supporting population growth and trade. Donating irrigation structures was seen as a religious merit. Many Pallava and Chola irrigation systems still function today, showing their long-term impact on economic stability.

Question 9.
Why was Kashmir an important centre of learning and culture?
Answer:
Kashmir developed as a major centre of Sanskrit learning, philosophy, and art. Schools like Kashmir Shaivism produced scholars such as Abhinavagupta. Its location connected India with Tibet and Central Asia, aiding cultural exchange. Despite its mountains, Kashmir remained intellectually linked to the rest of India and played a key role in spreading ideas.

Question 10.
How did royal patronage support scientific progress?
Answer:
Kings supported mathematicians and astronomers by providing grants and positions at courts. Scholars like Brahmagupta, Bhaskara I, and Mahavira made major advances in mathematics and astronomy. Their work helped develop calendars, navigation. and agriculture. Royal support ensured continuity of scientific research and allowed Indian knowledge to spread beyond the subcontinent.

Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Long Question Answer

Question 1.
Why is the period from 600 CE to 1200 CE considered a time of regional growth rather than complete decline?
Answer:
The period from 600 CE to 1200 CE is often misunderstood as an age of decline because large empires like the Guptas disappeared. However, it was actually a time of strong regional growth. Many powerful regional kingdoms such as the Palas, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, and Cholas emerged and contributed to administration, culture, and learning.

Art, temple architecture, literature, trade, and education flourished in different regions. Universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila attracted students from Asia. Regional languages developed, and local cultures became stronger. Though political unity weakened, Indian civilisation remained dynamic, creative, and resilient.

Question 2.
Describe the importance of Kannauj in early medieval Indian politics.
Answer:
Kannauj was one of the most important cities in early medieval India because of its strategic location in the fertile Gangetic plains. It was a centre of trade, culture, and political power. After Harshavardhana’s death, control over Kannauj became a symbol of supremacy in north India.

Three major dynasties-the Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas-fought repeatedly to control it in what is known as the Tripartite Struggle. However, none could hold Kannauj permanently. Constant warfare over the city weakened all three powers and caused political instability, showing how crucial geography was in medieval politics.

Question 3.
Explain Harshavardhana’s role as a ruler and patron of culture.
Answer:
Harshavardhana was one of the most remarkable rulers of early medieval India. Ruling from Kannauj, he expanded his kingdom across much of northern India. He was known for his strong administration, military campaigns, and generosity. Harsha was also a great patron of learning, art, and literature.

He supported scholars like Banabhatta, who wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari. Harsha himself wrote Sanskrit plays reflecting court life and moral values. He respected different religions, worshipped Shiva, and supported Buddhism. His assemblies at Prayaga, where he donated wealth to monks and the poor, showed his charitable nature.

Question 4.
How do Xuanzang’s accounts help historians understand early medieval India?
Answer:
Xuanzang’s travel account is one of the most valuable sources for understanding early medieval India. He travelled across India between 630 and 644 CE to study Buddhism and collect manuscripts. He described cities, kingdoms, administration, religious practices, universities, trade routes, and everyday life.

His observations help historians compare literary and inscriptional evidence. Xuanzang provided detailed information about Harsha’s court, the prosperity of Kannauj, and the functioning of monasteries like Nalanda. Since Indian historical records are limited for this period, Xuanzang’s unbiased foreign perspective helps historians reconstruct political, social, and cultural conditions accurately.

Question 5.
What was the Tripartite Struggle, and why did it weaken northern India?
Answer:
The Tripartite Struggle was a long conflict among three powerful dynasties-the Palas, GurjaraPratiharas, and Rashtrakutas-for control of Kannauj. Each dynasty wanted Kannauj because of its political prestige and strategic importance. From the 8th to the 9th centuries, these kingdoms fought repeated wars. Although each gained control at times, none could retain it permanently.

Continuous warfare exhausted resources, weakened armies, and destabilised administration. Instead of strengthening northern India, the struggle divided power and made kingdoms vulnerable to future invasions. This conflict shows how rivalry over key regions shaped medieval Indian politics.

Question 6.
Describe the contribution of the Palas to education and Buddhism.
Answer:
The Palas made outstanding contributions to education and Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism. Under rulers like Dharmapala, they established great universities such as Vikramashila and supported Nalanda. Vikramashila was a major centre of learning with thousands of students studying philosophy, grammar, logic, and ritual practices.

Admission was strict, with scholarship gatekeepers testing students. The Palas also built huge monasteries like Somapura Mahavihara. These institutions attracted scholars from Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia, helping spread Indian knowledge abroad. The Palas’ patronage ensured that learning and Buddhist traditions flourished for several centuries.

Question 7.
How did the Gurjara-Pratiharas help protect India from foreign invasions?
Answer:
The Gurjara-Pratiharas played a crucial role in defending northern India from foreign invasions, especially Arab attacks from the northwest. Under rulers like Nagabhata I and Bhoja, they built a strong military system and controlled key regions in western and northern India.

Inscriptions praise their victories over Arab forces, referred to as “Mlechchhas.” Their resistance prevented Arab expansion deep into the subcontinent. By acting as a defensive barrier, the Pratiharas protected Indian political stability and culture. Their efforts ensured that foreign invasions remained limited and allowed Indian kingdoms to continue developing independently.

Question 8.
Explain the cultural achievements of the Rashtrakutas.
Answer:
The Rashtrakutas were not only powerful warriors but also great patrons of art, religion, and literature. One of their greatest achievements is the Kailashanatha temple at Ellora, carved out of a single rock under King Krishna I. It is one of the largest and most impressive rock-cut temples in India.

Rashtrakuta rulers supported Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism equally. They encouraged literature in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Kannada. King Amoghavarsha I was a scholar-king who wrote important works. Their inscriptions show efficient administration and support for regional languages and culture.

Question 9.
Why is Kalhana considered an important historian?
Answer:
Kalhana is considered an important historian because of his systematic and thoughtful approach to writing history. In his work Rajatarangini, he recorded the history of Kashmir using inscriptions, earlier texts, oral traditions, and temple records. Unlike many earlier writers, he tried to remain objective and warned against bias.

Kalhana believed that rulers who oppressed people met tragic ends, while just rulers prospered. He openly evaluated kings’ actions instead of merely praising them. His critical method and emphasis on evidence make his work similar to modern historical writing, earning him recognition as India’s first true historian.

Question 10.
Discuss the role of village assemblies in early medieval administration.
Answer:
Village assemblies played a vital role in early medieval administration, especially in southern India. Inscriptions from places like Uttaramerur describe how village sabhas were organised and how members were selected through detailed procedures.

These assemblies managed local matters such as irrigation, land distribution, tax collection, and temple maintenance. They enjoyed a high degree of self-governance and reduced the burden on central rulers. This system strengthened administration by involving local people in decision-making. It also shows that democratic traditions existed in India long before modern times, contributing to stable and efficient governance.

Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Source Based Questions

Read the below sources and answer the questions that follow:

Question 1.
Harshavardhana shifted his capital to Kanyakubja (modern Kannauj) and ruled over large parts of northern and eastern India. He welcomed scholars and poets to his court, including Banabhatta, who wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang visited his kingdom and described him as a generous and just ruler. Harsha held grand assemblies at Prayaga every five years and donated wealth to monks, Brahmins, and the poor.

(i) Which city did Harshavardhana make his capital?
Answer:
Kanyakubja (Kannauj)

(ii) Name the Chinese pilgrim who visited Harsha’s court.
Answer:
Xuanzang

(iii) How did Harşha encourage learning and religion in his kingdom?
Answer:
He welcomed scholars and poets to his court, encouraged literary works like Harshacharita and Kadambari, and donated wealth to monks, Brahmins, and the poor during grand assemblies.

Question 2.
The Pala dynasty was founded by Gopala in the 8th century CE in Bengal. His son Dharmapala expanded the empire over eastern and northern India. The Palas supported education and Buddhism, establishing important centres of learning such as Vikramashila and Somapura Mahavihara. Scholars from Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia visited these universities to study philosophy, logic, and religion.

(i) Who was the founder of the Pala dynasty?
Answer:
Gopala

(ii) Name one university established by the Palas.
Answer:
Vikramaahila (or Somapura Mahavihara)

(iii) How did the Palas contribute to the spread of Buddhism?
Answer:
By establishing major centres of learning like Vikramashila and Somapura Mahavihara, they attracted scholars from Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia, spreading Buddhist teachings and philosophy.

Question 3.
The Pallavas ruled from Kanchī (Kanchipuram) and reached their peak under Narasimhavarman I. They excelled in temple architecture, creating rockcut caves, monolithic temples, and stone reliefs at Mamallapuram. The Pallavas traded with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia and promoted both Sanskrit and Tamil literature. Poets like Dandin flourished under their patronage, and kings themselves composed plays and inscriptions.

(i) Who was the Pallava king at the height of their power?
Answer:
Narasimhavarman I

(ii) Name one artistic or architectural achievement of the Pallavas.
Answer:
Rock-cut caves or monolithic temples at Mamallapuram

(iii) How did the Pallavas support literature and culture?
Answer:
They patronised poets like Dandin, promoted Sanskrit and Tamil literature, and kings themselves.
composed plays and inscriptions, encouraging cultural development in their kingdom.

Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Picture Based Questions

Question 1.

(i) Identify the person shown in the image and name the country he originally belonged to.
Answer:
Xuanzang, a Chinese pilgrim.

(ii) How many Sanskrit manuscripts did Xuanzang bring back to China?
Answer:
Over 600 Sanskrit manuscripts.

(iii) Describe Xuanzang’s observations about Harshavardhana and his kingdom.
Answer:
Xuanzang described Harshavardhana as a just, energetic, and generous ruler who maintained a large ammy and often engaged in military campaigns. He observed that Kannauj was a rich and beautiful city, and noted that Harsha held grand assemblies every five years at Prayaga, performing sacred rituals and donating wealth to Buddhist monks, Brahmins, and the poor.

Question 2.

(i) Identify the historical site shown in the image.
Answer:
Vikramashila Buddhist Mahavihara.

(ii) Who was the founder of Vikramashila, and in which century was it established?
Answer:
Dharmapala founded Vikramashila in the late 8th century.

(iii) Describe the significance of Vikramashila as a centre of learning.
Answer:
Vikramashila was a renowned Buddhist university with six colleges, monasteries, temples, lecture halls, and an extensive library. Nearly 3,000 scholars studied subjects such as grammar, logic, philosophy, and ritual practices. Admission was selective, with dvarapanditas (scholar-gatekeepers) testing students.

The university had close links with Tibet, where Sanskrit texts were translated, influencing Tibetan Buddhism. It, along with other centres like Somapura and Nalanda, helped preserve and spread India’s knowledge and traditions.

Class 7 Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Extra Questions for Practice

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Who was the founder of the Pala dynasty?
(a) Dharmapala
(b) Gopala
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Amoghavarsha I

Question 2.
Which city did Harşhavardhana shift his capital to?
(a) Sthaneshvara
(b) Kanyakubja (Kannauj)
(c) Vatapi (Badami)
(d) Ujjayini

Question 3.
Which Chalukya king successfully blocked Harsha’s southward expansion?
(a) Pulakeshin I
(b) Pulakeshin II
(c) Krishna I
(d) Amoghavarşha I

Question 4.
Which of the following was a famous mathematician of this period who explained the rules for zero?
(a) Mahavira
(b) Bhaskara I
(c) Brahmagupta
(d) Virahanka

Question 5.
Assertion (A): Harşhavardhana welcomed the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang and held a grand assembly in his honour. Reason (R): Xuanzang had come to India to collect manuscripts, study Buddhism, and document the kingdoms and cultures he visited.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How did the Cholas rise to power?

Question 2.
What was the role of village assemblies?

Question 3.
How were the Hunas absorbed into Indian society?

Question 4.
Why did Arab rule remain limited in India?

Question 5.
What were the contributions of mathematicians like Brahmagupta?

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How did the decline of large empires change political administration in early medieval India?

Question 2.
Why was Kannauj considered a prestige city in early medieval India?

Question 3.
What role did monasteries and temples play beyond religion during this period?

Question 4.
How did trade contribute to the prosperity of regional kingdoms?

Question 5.
Why is Kalhana’s Rajatarangini considered an important historical source?

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How did land grants affect society and economy during this period?

Question 2.
Describe the growth of trade and urban life in early medieval India.

Question 3.
Explain how social structure changed during this period.

Question 4.
How did the Bhakti Movement influence Indian society and culture?

Question 5.
Why is this period important in the history of science and mathematics?