Question 10 of 13intermediate🔍 AnalyzeLong Answer5 marks

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.

Correct Answer

The 11th and 12th centuries are regarded as a major transition in Indian history because they marked a fundamental shift in political power with the beginning of foreign rule in parts of north India, while also demonstrating remarkable continuity in cultural and economic life.

Examples of CHANGE:

  1. Military campaigns by Turkic invaders (Mahmūd of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghūrī) established foreign rule in parts of north India, fundamentally altering political equations. Mahmūd conducted 17 destructive campaigns, and Muhammad Ghūrī conquered Delhi and the Gangetic plains, establishing the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate.
  2. Centres of learning like Nālandā and Vikramaśhilā were destroyed, causing a decline in Buddhist education and scholarship in India.

Examples of CONTINUITY:

  1. Internal and external trade continued to thrive, with merchant guilds surviving and adapting. India's trade with China and Southeast Asia kept growing, as evidenced by coins and pottery found at many coastal locations.
  2. Cultural traditions persisted across much of India, with new schools of thought emerging. Literary and scientific compositions flourished in Sanskrit and regional languages. Magnificent temples were built, including the Bṛihadīśhvara temple, Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu, and temples at Khajuraho.
Exercise: Questions and activities | Q: 1 | (Page Page 27)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter's 'Taking Stock' section summarises: 'The most visible change was the military campaigns by Turkic invaders and the start of foreign rule in parts of north India, which involved considerable plunder and destruction of temples, cities and centres of learning. This altered the power equations in a profound way.' It also states: 'Despite disruptions in the north, internal and external trade continued and the merchant guilds survived and adapted. External trade was also a vehicle for the spread of Indian culture in Southeast Asia and China.'

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