Class 7 SS Chapter 6 The Age of Reorganisation

 

1. Why was the post-Maurya era also known as the era of reorganisation?

The post-Maurya era is called the era of reorganisation because after the decline of the Maurya Empire, many large and small kingdoms emerged across the Indian subcontinent. Political power was reorganised among dynasties such as the Śhungas, Sātavāhanas, Chedis, Cholas, Cheras, Pānḍyas, Indo-Greeks, Śhakas, and Kuṣhāṇas. This period also witnessed foreign invasions, cultural exchanges, growth of trade, and the development of new styles of art, architecture, and literature.

2. Write a note on the Sangam literature in 150 words.

Sangam literature is the oldest known literature of south India and belongs to the Sangam Age. The word “Sangam” means an association or assembly of poets. This literature consists of several collections of poems written mainly in Tamil. Historians use Sangam literature to understand the society, culture, trade, and political life of ancient south India.

The poems beautifully describe themes such as love, heroism, generosity, war, and everyday life. The literature also gives information about the three powerful kingdoms of south India — the Cholas, Cheras, and Pānḍyas. Famous works like Silappadikāram belong to this tradition. Sangam literature reflects the richness of Tamil culture and language and highlights the importance of morality, justice, and bravery. It remains an important source for studying the history and traditions of ancient south India.

3. Which rulers mentioned in this chapter included their mother’s name in their title, and why did they do so?

The Sātavāhana rulers included their mother’s names in their titles. One important example is Gautamīputra Sātakarṇi, who was named after his mother Gautamī Balaśhrī.

This tradition may have signified the respect and importance given to royal women in the Sātavāhana kingdom. It also showed the influence and status of queens, many of whom donated land, supported religious activities, and played an important role in administration and society.

4. Write a note of 250 words about one kingdom from this chapter that you find interesting.

The Chola kingdom is one of the most interesting kingdoms mentioned in this chapter. The Cholas were a powerful dynasty that ruled parts of south India from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. Their kingdom played an important role in the political, cultural, and economic development of south India.

The Sangam texts mention the Cholas as one of the three “crowned kings” of south India, along with the Cheras and the Pānḍyas. One of the most famous Chola rulers was Karikāla Chola. He is known for defeating a combined force of the Cheras and Pānḍyas and establishing his supremacy in the region.

Karikāla also carried out many public welfare projects. His greatest achievement was the construction of the Kallaṇai or Grand Anicut on the Kaveri River. This water diversion system helped supply water for irrigation and brought more land under cultivation. Because of this, the Kaveri delta became known as the “rice bowl of the South.”

The Cholas also encouraged trade, agriculture, and Tamil culture. Their ports connected them with other kingdoms and foreign traders. Sangam literature gives valuable information about their administration, society, and achievements.

I find the Chola kingdom interesting because of its strong rulers, advanced irrigation system, and contribution to culture, trade, and agriculture.

 

Fill in the Blanks

 

1.   The period after the Maurya Empire is called the Age of ______.
Ans: Reorganisation

2.   Puṣhyamitra Śhunga founded the ______ dynasty.
Ans: Śhunga

3.   The Sātavāhanas are also called the ______.
Ans: Andhras

4.   Gautamīputra Sātakarṇi was named after his ______.
Ans: mother

5.   The famous epic Silappadikāram is known as the Tale of the ______.
Ans: Anklet

6.   The Chola king Karikāla built the ______ or Grand Anicut.
Ans: Kallaṇai

7.   The capital of the Cheras was ______.
Ans: Vanji

8.   The Indo-Greeks entered India through the ______ frontier.
Ans: northwest

9.   Kaṇiṣhka was a famous ruler of the ______ dynasty.
Ans: Kuṣhāṇa

10.               The Gāndhāra school of art showed a blend of Indian and ______ styles.
Ans: Greek

MCQs with Answers

1.   Why is the post-Maurya period called the Age of Reorganisation?
A) New religions started
B) Many kingdoms emerged and reorganised power
C) Foreign trade stopped
D) Agriculture declined

Ans: B) Many kingdoms emerged and reorganised power

2.   Who founded the Śhunga dynasty?
A) Karikāla
B) Kaṇiṣhka
C) Puṣhyamitra Śhunga
D) Khāravela

Ans: C) Puṣhyamitra Śhunga

3.   Which ritual was performed to declare supremacy by ancient kings?
A) Rajasuya
B) Ashvamedha Yajña
C) Agnihotra
D) Vajapeya

Ans: B) Ashvamedha Yajña

4.   Which language became important for literature during the Śhunga period?
A) Tamil
B) Persian
C) Sanskrit
D) Arabic

Ans: C) Sanskrit

5.   Which dynasty ruled large parts of the Deccan region?
A) Cheras
B) Kuṣhāṇas
C) Sātavāhanas
D) Indo-Greeks

Ans: C) Sātavāhanas

6.   Which river system helped agriculture under the Sātavāhanas?
A) Indus-Ganga
B) Krishna-Godavari
C) Narmada-Tapi
D) Brahmaputra

Ans: B) Krishna-Godavari

7.   Which queen’s name appears in Gautamīputra Sātakarṇi’s title?
A) Kaṇṇagi
B) Gautamī Balaśhrī
C) Lakṣhmī
D) Draupadi

Ans: B) Gautamī Balaśhrī

8.   Khāravela belonged to which dynasty?
A) Chedi
B) Śhunga
C) Chola
D) Kuṣhāṇa

Ans: A) Chedi

9.   The Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves are located near ______.
A) Madurai
B) Pune
C) Bhubaneswar
D) Mathura

Ans: C) Bhubaneswar

10.               Sangam literature is mainly associated with ______ India.
A) North
B) East
C) South
D) West

Ans: C) South

11.               Which Chola ruler built the Kallaṇai dam?
A) Kaṇiṣhka
B) Karikāla
C) Khāravela
D) Gautamīputra

Ans: B) Karikāla

12.               Which kingdom was famous for trade in spices and pearls?
A) Chera
B) Śhunga
C) Kuṣhāṇa
D) Indo-Greek

Ans: A) Chera

13.               The Heliodorus pillar is linked with the ______.
A) Mauryas
B) Sātavāhanas
C) Indo-Greeks
D) Cholas

Ans: C) Indo-Greeks

14.               Kaṇiṣhka was the ruler of the ______ Empire.
A) Śhunga
B) Kuṣhāṇa
C) Chedi
D) Chera

Ans: B) Kuṣhāṇa

15.               Which school of art used red sandstone?
A) Gāndhāra
B) Greek
C) Mathurā
D) Roman

Ans: C) Mathurā

Questions Answers

 

1. Why is the post-Maurya period called the Age of Reorganisation?

After the Maurya Empire declined, many new kingdoms emerged across India.
Political powers were reorganised, and kingdoms competed for control.

2. Who was Puṣhyamitra Śhunga?

Puṣhyamitra Śhunga was the founder of the Śhunga dynasty.
He overthrew the last Maurya ruler and performed the Ashvamedha Yajña.

3. What was special about the Sātavāhana kingdom?

The Sātavāhanas ruled large parts of the Deccan and promoted trade and commerce.
They had strong maritime trade links with the Roman Empire.

4. Why is Gautamīputra Sātakarṇi’s name important?

His name included his mother’s name, Gautamī Balaśhrī.
This shows the respect and importance given to royal women.

5. What is Sangam literature?

Sangam literature is the oldest known Tamil literature of South India.
It contains poems about love, heroism, war, and daily life.

6. Who was Karikāla Chola?

Karikāla was a famous Chola ruler known for military victories and public works.
He built the Kallaṇai dam to improve irrigation and farming.

7. Why were the Cheras important in trade?

The Cheras traded spices, pearls, timber, and ivory with the Roman Empire and West Asia.
Their trade made the kingdom wealthy and prosperous.

8. Who were the Indo-Greeks?

The Indo-Greeks were Greek rulers who settled in northwest India after Alexander’s campaign.
They mixed Greek and Indian culture in art, coins, and governance.

9. Who was Kaṇiṣhka?

Kaṇiṣhka was a great ruler of the Kuṣhāṇa dynasty.
He promoted Buddhism, trade, art, and cultural exchange.

10. What is the difference between the Gāndhāra and Mathurā schools of art?

The Gāndhāra style showed strong Greek influence and used grey stone.
The Mathurā style used red sandstone and had more Indian features.