Students revise important topics using Class 7 Social Science Extra Questions and Class 7 SST Part 2 Chapter 4 Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Important Extra Questions before exams.
Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Class 7 Extra Question Answer
Extra Questions of Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Class 7 SST Chapter 4
Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Class 7 Very Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Who was Mahmud of Ghazni?
Answer:
Mahmud of Ghazni was a Turkic ruler of the Ghaznavid dynasty. He invaded India seventeen times.
Question 2.
Who founded the Lingayat movement?
Answer:
Basavanna founded the Lingayat movement. It rejected caste discrimination.
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Question 3.
Who was Al-Biruni?
Answer:
Al-Biruni was a Persian scholar. He wrote about Indian science and culture.
Question 4.
What was Nalanda?
Answer:
Nalanda was a famous Buddhist university. It attracted students from many countries.
Question 5.
Who built Brihadeshwara Temple?
Answer:
Rajraja Chola built Brihadeshwara Temple. It is located in Thanjavur.
Question 6.
What is Lilavati?
Answer:
Lilavati is a mathematics book. It was written by Bhaskaracharya.
Question 7.
Who defeated Prithviraj Chauhan?
Answer:
Muhammad Ghuri defeated him. This happened in 1192.
Question 8.
What was the capital of the Kakatiyas?
Answer:
The capital was Orugallu. It is present-day Warangal.
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Question 9.
What was Somnath?
Answer:
Somnath was a famous Shiva temple. It was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni.
Question 10.
Who was Bhoja?
Answer:
Bhoja was a Paramara king. He was also a great scholar.
Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Class 7 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Describe Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasions.
Answer:
Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India seventeen times. His main aim was to loot wealth and destroy temples. He attacked Mathura and Somnath. He did not establish permanent rule in India.
Question 2.
Write about Bhaskaracharya.
Answer:
Bhaskaracharya was a great Indian mathematician. He wrote Lilavati and Bijaganita. His works influenced later scholars. His contributions are still respected today.
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Question 3.
Explain the importance of Nalanda University.
Answer:
Nalanda was a major Buddhist center of learning. It attracted students from China and Tibet. Many subjects were taught there. It was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji.
Question 4.
Describe Rajendra Chola’s naval expedition.
Answer:
Rajendra Chola led a naval attack on Sri Vijaya. His aim was to control sea trade routes. He defeated the enemy successfully. This proved Chola naval strength.
Question 5.
Write about King Bhoja.
Answer:
Bhoja was the most famous Paramara ruler. He built the Bhojeshwar Temple. He promoted education and literature. He was called a scholar-king.
Question 6.
Who were the Hoysalas?
Answer:
The Hoysalas ruled parts of Karnataka. Their capitals were Belur and Halebidu. They built beautiful stone temples. Their architecture is world- famous.
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Question 7.
Explain the role of Basavanna.
Answer:
Basavanna was a social reformer. He started the Lingayat movement. He opposed the caste system. He supported equality for women and men.
Question 8.
Describe the Chola administration.
Answer:
The Cholas had a strong central administration. They built roads and irrigation tanks. They promoted village self-government. Their empire flourished due to good governance.
Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Class 7 Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Describe the Ghaznavid invasions and their impact on northern India.
Answer:
The Ghaznavid invasions were carried out mainly by Mahmud of Ghazni during the early 11th century. He launched about seventeen raids into India through the north-western routes, especially the Khyber Pass. His attacks targeted wealthy cities and temples such as Mathura, Kannauj, and Somnath.
These raids caused large-scale destruction of temples, cities, and loss of life. Many people were killed or taken as slaves. However, Mahmud did not try to establish permanent rule in most parts of India. Politically, the raids weakened several Indian kingdoms, especially the Hindu Shahis. Culturally, they caused damage to centres of learning and religious sites, but Indian society showed resilience and continued to develop in other regions.
Question 2.
Explain the importance of the Khyber Pass in Indian history.
Answer:
The Khyber Pass is a narrow mountain pass through the Hindu Kush range that connects Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent. For thousands of years, it served as a major gateway for traders, travellers, monks, and invaders entering India. Control over this pass was crucial for defence, as it could slow or stop invasions from the northwest.
The Hindu Shahi rulers controlled the Khyber Pass for a long time, which helped them resist foreign attacks. However, once they were defeated by the Ghaznavids, the pass became open to invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni. This allowed repeated raids into northern India and changed the political history of the region.
Question 3.
Who was Al-BTrunT and why is he important for Indian history?
Answer:
Al-Blrunl was a great scholar of the 11th century who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his campaigns in India. He was a mathematician, astronomer, historian, geographer, and linguist. While staying in India, he learned Sanskrit and studied Indian religion, philosophy, science, and literature.
He wrote detailed accounts comparing Indian ideas with Greek and Islamic traditions. His work is very valuable because it gives an unbiased and scholarly description of Indian society at that time. Al-Blrunl also recorded the damage caused by invasions and the decline of learning centres. His writings help historians understand both India’s achievements and its challenges during the medieval period.
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Question 4.
Describe the achievements of Bhaskaracharya.
Answer:
Bhaskaracharya, also known as Bhaskara II, was one of the greatest Indian mathematicians and astronomers of the 12th century. He was born in present-day Maharashtra and belonged to a family of scholars. His famous works include Lilavati, Bijaganita, and Siddhantashiromani. These books deal with arithmetic, algebra, and astronomy.
Bhaskaracharya used clear explanations, everyday examples, and poetic language, which made his works popular among students. His mathematical ideas were far ahead of his time and influenced later scholars in India and abroad. Even during a period of invasions, his work shows that scientific learning continued to flourish in some regions of India.
Question 5.
Explain how eastern India developed differently from northern India during this period.
Answer:
During the 11th and 12th centuries, eastern India faced fewer invasions compared to northern India. As a result, kingdoms like the Senas in Bengal and the Eastern Gangas in Odisha enjoyed greater political stability. This stability allowed them to support art. literature, and temple construction.
The Senas promoted Hindu culture and patronised poets like Jayadeva, the author of GTtagovindam. The Eastern Gangas built magnificent temples such as the Jagannatha Temple at Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark. While northern India suffered destruction due to repeated invasions, eastern India continued cultural and architectural development, leaving behind monuments that remain important even today.
Question 6.
Describe the architectural achievements of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
Answer:
The Eastern Ganga dynasty ruled parts of present- day Odisha and became famous for its contributions to temple architecture. One of their most important achievements was the construction of the Jagannatha Temple at Puri, which became a major centre of pilgrimage.
Later, they built the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark in the 13th century. The Konark temple is designed in the shape of a huge stone chariot with detailed carvings of wheels, horses, gods, dancers, and animals. These temples reflect advanced engineering skills, artistic excellence, and deep religious devotion. The architectural achievements of the Eastern Gangas show that cultural growth continued strongly in regions not affected by invasions.
Question 7.
Explain the rise and contributions of the Kakatlya dynasty.
Answer:
The Kakatlyas emerged as a powerful dynasty in the Deccan during the 12th century. Their capital was Orugallu, present-day Warangal. They are remembered for strong administration, support for Telugu literature, and impressive architecture. One of their finest achievements is the Thousand Pillar Temple at Hanamkonda and the massive Warangal Fort with stone gateways.
The Kakatlyas encouraged village self-government and developed irrigation systems such as tanks and canals, which improved agriculture. They collected revenue efficiently and supported scholars and writers. Their rule brought prosperity and cultural development to the region, leaving a lasting impact on the history of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Question 8.
Describe the main features of Hoysala temple architecture.
Answer:
Hoysala temple architecture is known for its extraordinary beauty and fine craftsmanship. The Hoysalas built temples mainly in present-day Karnataka, especially at Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura. These temples are famous for star-shaped plans, intricately carved stone pillars, and detailed sculptures.
The walls are covered with scenes from epics, figures of gods and goddesses, dancers, musicians, and animals. Soapstone was used, which allowed very fine carving. The level of detail shows the high skill of Hoysala artisans. Today, these temples are admired as masterpieces of medieval Indian art, and some have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Class 7 Source Based Questions
Question 1.
Mahmud of Ghazni launched 17 military campaigns into India. He targeted rich temples and cities, such as Mathura and Somnath, carrying away enormous wealth. Despite resistance from Indian rulers, his cavalry and swift movements gave him a decisive advantage. Mahmud also replaced some destroyed temples with mosques to spread Islam. Local Indian rulers continued to resist, showing Courage and determination.
(i) How many campaigns did Mahmud of Ghazni carry out in India?
Answer:
17 campaigns
(ii) Name one city attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni.
Answer:
Mathura or Somnath
(iii) Why did Mahmud replace some temples with mosques?
Answer:
He replaced temples with mosques to spread his version of Islam and show the dominance of his religion in conquered regions.
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Question 2.
Bhaskaracharya, born in 1114 CE, was a mathematician and astronomer. He wrote LIlavatT for basic mathematics and Bljaganita for algebra. His work Siddhantashiromani explained advanced astronomical calculations. His books included riddles, puzzles, and real-life examples, making learning enjoyable. His contributions were influential in India and were later translated into Persian.
(i) In which year was Bhaskaracharya bom?
Answer:
1114 CE
(ii) Name one work of Bhaskaracharya that deals with algebra.
Answer:
Bljaganita
(iii) How did Bhaskaracharya make mathematics interesting for students?
Answer:
He used riddles, puzzles, and real-life examples in his books, which made learning mathematics enjoyable and easier to understand.
Question 3.
The Eastern Gangas ruled parts of present-day Odisha and strengthened their kingdom over several centuries. They built the Jagannatha Temple at Puri and the Sim Temple at Konark. The dynasty formed matrimonial alliances with the Choi as to strengthen political ties but also engaged in conflicts at times. Their inscriptions claim their kingdom stretched from the Ganga to the Godavari.
(i) Name one temple built by the Eastern Gangas.
Answer:
Jagannatha Temple at Puri or Sun Temple at Konark
(ii) Which southern dynasty did the Eastern Gangas form alliances with?
Answer:
The Cholas
(iii) How did political stability help the Eastern Gangas achieve cultural progress?
Answer:
With fewer invasions, they could focus on building temples, supporting art and literature, and expanding their territories, leading to significant cultural and architectural achievements.
Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Class 7 Picture Based Questions
Question 1.
(i) Identify the temple shown in the picture.

Answer:
Angkor Wat temple, Cambodia.
(ii) To which deity was Angkor Wat originally dedicated?
Answer:
Vishnu
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(iii) Explain how Angkor Wat reflects the influence of Indian culture in Southeast Asia.
Answer:
Angkor Wat features Sanskrit and Old Khmer inscriptions, carvings from the Ramayaņa and Mahabharata, and temple architecture similar to South Indian temples. Its design, symbolism, and religious dedication show the strong cultural and religious influence of India in Southeast Asia.
Question 2.

(i) Identify the ruler shown in the statue.
Answer:
King Bhoja Paramara
(ii) Name the large lake built by King Bhoja for irrigation and water management.
Answer:
Bhojtal
(iii) Explain why King Bhoja is remembered as a scholar-king.
Answer:
King Bhoja was known for his capable administration, public works, and patronage of learning. He encouraged Sanskrit literature, arts, and sciences. He also authored works on architecture, town planning. temple construction, governance, medicine, and poetics, making his capital a celebrated centre of learning.
Class 7 Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries Extra Questions for Practice
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Assertion (A): The Ghurid invasions led to the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate.
Reason (R): Muhammad Ghuri left his generals to rule the conquered territories.
(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.
Question 2.
Which important pass played a major role in slowing down invasions from the northwest into India?
(a) Bolan Pass
(b) Khyber Pass
(c) Thal Pass
(d) Nathula Pass
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Question 3.
Who was the famous scholar that accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni to India and wrote extensively about Indian culture, science, and religion?
(a) Bhaskaracharya
(b) Al-Biruni
(c) Patanjali
(d) Varahamihira
Question 4.
Which dynasty was responsible for building the Jagannatha Temple at Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark?
(a) Cholas
(b) Hoysalas
(c) Eastern Gangas
(d) Senas
Question 5.
Which Chola ruler is known for his naval expedition against the Shrivijaya Empire to protect trade interests?
(a) Rajaraja Chola I
(b) Rajendra Chola I
(c) Vishauvardhana
(d) Bhoja Paramara
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Name the capital of the Hindu Shahi dynasty.
Question 2.
Who was the ruler of the Paramaras known for his scholarship and public works?
Question 3.
Which famous temple did Rajaraja Chola I build in Thanjavur?
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Question 4.
Mention one important contribution of the Kakatiya dynasty in administration or architecture.
Question 5.
Which dynasty succeeded the Palas in Bengal and promoted Hindu culture?
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain why Mahmud of Ghazni carried out repeated raids in India.
Question 2.
Describe the role of Al-Biruni in studying Indian culture and science during Mahmud’s invasions.
Question 3.
Outline the main achievements of Bhaskaracharya in mathematics and astronomy.
Question 4.
How did the Cholas expand their influence overseas, and what was the purpose of their naval expeditions?
Question 5.
Write a short note on the impact of Bakhtiyar Khilji’s campaigns on Buddhist universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila.
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why are the Cholas called ‘Masters of the Seas’?
Question 2.
Discuss the importance of King Bhoja of the Paramara dynasty.
Question 3.
Explain the causes and effects of the destruction of Nalanda.
Question 4.
How did Muhammad Ghuri’s invasions differ from those of Mahmud of Ghazni?
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Question 5.
Describe cultural and intellectual life in India during the 11th-12th centuries.