Which new powers emerged during this period? What were the essential features of their economic, military and administrative systems?
Several new powers emerged during this period. The Ghaznavids and Ghūrids were Turkic powers that invaded from Afghanistan.
The Ghaznavids, under Mahmūd, conducted raids for plunder using rapid cavalry marches and archers on horseback.
The Ghūrids, under Muhammad Ghūrī, sought territorial conquest with a more centralised administration granting temporary land assignments to officers.
Among Indian dynasties, the Senas emerged in Bengal, promoting Hindu thought and literature.
The Eastern Gangas dominated Kalinga (Odisha), initiating the Jagannatha and Sun temples.
The Kākatīyas controlled Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with strong village self-governance and irrigation infrastructure.
The Hoysalas rose in Karnataka with unique temple architecture.
The Cholas mastered the seas, conducting naval expeditions and building extensive public works like tanks, wells, and canals.
Explanation
The chapter details various dynasties and their systems. For the Ghūrids: 'Muhammad Ghurī's system, which was more centralised and granted temporary land assignments to officers in return for revenue collection and military service.' For Kākatīyas: 'promoted a strong local administration based on village self-governance; they developed an efficient revenue system and an irrigation infrastructure.' For Cholas: 'engaged in large public works, such as roads to facilitate communications, tanks, wells and canals for irrigation, and artificial lakes.'
Solution Steps
Ghaznavids and Ghūrids were Turkic powers that invaded from Afghanistan
Ghaznavids under Mahmūd conducted raids for plunder using rapid cavalry and archers
Ghūrids under Muhammad Ghūrī established centralised administration with temporary land assignments to officers
Senas emerged in Bengal promoting Hindu thought and literature
Eastern Gangas dominated Kalinga (Odisha) and initiated Jagannatha and Sun temples
Kākatīyas controlled Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with village self-governance and irrigation infrastructure
Hoysalas rose in Karnataka with unique temple architecture
Cholas mastered naval expeditions and built extensive public works including tanks, wells, and canals