Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries
Class 7 · Social Science Part 2 · 13 Questions
Why are the 11th and 12th centuries seen as a period of transition in Indian history?
Which new powers emerged during this period? What were the essential features of their economic, military and administrative systems?
What high accomplishments in art, architecture, literature, science, etc., do we come across during this period?
What conclusions can we draw from this remark by someone in Mahmūd's entourage?
In later centuries, the Somanātha temple was rebuilt and destroyed again several times; the existing temple was built in 1950 and inaugurated the next year by the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad. Why do you think it was decided to fund the construction entirely from public donations?
Remembering the meaning of vihāra and noting that Nālandā was known in ancient inscriptions as 'Nālandā Mahāvihāra', can you find two more clues in the above passage to identify the 'fortress' near the Nālandā university? (Hint: Who do you think these 'Brahmans' actually were?)
Why, in your opinion, did Basava want people from all backgrounds to come together and exchange ideas?
If something like an anubhava maṇḍapa existed today, what important topics do you think people ought to discuss there?
What lessons can we draw from the anubhava maṇḍapa spirit to create a just and civil society today?
Why is the period under consideration in this chapter regarded as a major transition in Indian history? Give two examples each of change and continuity from this period.
Match these two pairs: (a) Eastern Gangas — (i) Belur (b) Chandellas — (ii) Bṛihadīśhvara temple (c) Paramāras — (iii) Konark Sun temple (d) Hoysalas — (iv) Kandāriyā Mahādeva temple (e) Cholas — (v) Bhojeshwar temple
Using the chapter and any additional reading, prepare a short note explaining (1) why centres of learning like Nālandā were important; (2) how their destruction may have affected education and culture in India.
Why do you think Mahmūd of Ghazni carry out repeated raids from Afghanistan into India, while Muhammad Ghūrī sought territorial expansion into India and long-term control? Write a short note on how their motives shaped the outcomes of their campaigns.