Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Notes

Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Notes

Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Notes

1. Post-Classical Period: This term refers to the time after the Gupta Empire, roughly from 600 CE to 1200 CE . It is characterised by the rise of several smaller kingdoms instead of large empires.

2. Tripartite Struggle: A conflict during the 8th and 9th centuries involving three major powers: the Chalukyas, the Palas, and the Gurjara-Pratiharas, who fought for control over Kannauj.

3. Monolithic: Made of a single ('mono') stone or rock ('lithic').

4. Mahayana Buddhism: A branch of Buddhism that became popular during this period, focusing on the idea of helping others achieve enlightenment.

5. Vikramashila: A famous Buddhist monastery founded by Dharmapala, which served as an important centre for learning and attracted students from various regions.

6. Maritime Trade: Trade that takes place over the sea. The Pala dynasty benefited from maritime trade through their ports, connecting them to Southeast Asia.

7. Idol: A worshipped image. Because orthodox sects of Judaism, Christianity and Islam condemn the worship of idols, we prefer to use the term 'image' or Indian words such as mūrti or vigraha.

8. Cave Temples: Temples carved into rock, often seen in the architecture of the Chalukyas and Pallavas. They are significant for their artistic and religious value.

9. Court Poet: A poet who is employed by a king or noble to write poetry, often celebrating the ruler's achievements and the culture of the time.

10. Infidel: For medieval Islam, infidels were non-Muslims, especially Hindus, Buddhists or Jains.

11. Mlechchha: This term, which originally referred to those who did not speak clearly or did not follow Vedic culture, came to refer to foreigners.

12. Harshavardhana (606-647 CE)

1. Belonged to Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty
2. Capitals: Sthaneshvara → Kannauj (Kanyakubja)
3. Expanded empire across North & East India
4. Checked in the south by Pulakeshin II (Chalukyas)
5. Allied with Varman dynasty of Kamarupa (Assam)

13. Culture & Learning

1. Sanskrit poet and dramatist; three plays on love, sacrifice, ethics
2. Patronised Banabhatta (Harshacharita, Kadambari)
3. Literature reveals governance, society, food, clothing, technology

14. Religion & Administration

1. Shaiva by faith; respected Buddhism and other beliefs
2. Religious coexistence and tolerance
3. Grand assemblies at Kannauj
4. Five-yearly Prayaga charity ceremony

15. Xuanzang's Account

1. Chinese pilgrim (630-644 CE)
2. Described politics, religion, diplomacy
3. Took 600+ Buddhist manuscripts to China

17. After Harsha

1. Death in 647CE → political instability
2. Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj

18. The Pala Dynasty (Eastern India)

1. Founded by Gopala (750 CE) after chaos in Bengal
2. Dharmapala expanded empire; patron of Mahayana Buddhism

19. Education & Buddhism

1. Founded Vikramashila University
2. Supported Nalanda
3. Monasteries: Vikramashila, Somapura

20. Vikramashila University

1. Six colleges, monasteries, temples, library
2. ~ 3,000 scholars (grammar, logic, philosophy)
3. Strict entry via dvarapanditas
4. Links with Tibet

21. Economy & Decline

1. Strong inland and maritime trade
2. Declined later; Vikramashila destroyed in 12th century.

22. Gurjara-Pratiharas (North-West India)

1. Founded by Nagabhata I
2. Capitals: Bhillamala → Ujjayini
3. Successfully repelled Arab invasions

King Bhoja (9th century)

1. Devotee of Vishnu
2. Titles: Mihira, Adi Varaha
3. Empire stretched from Punjab to Kannauj
4. Promoted arts and literature

Decline & Legacy

1. Kannauj destroyed by Rashtrakutas
2. Ended by Ghaznavids
3. Remembered for defending India

23. Rashtrakutas (Deccan Power)

1. Founder: Dantidurga
2. Capital: Manyakheta
3. Controlled vast territory; involved in Tripartite Struggle Architecture & Culture
4. Krishna I built Kailashanatha Temple, Ellora
5. Patronised Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
6. Supported. Sanskrit, Prakrit, Kannada literature

Amoghavarsha I

1. Reign of 64 years
2. Jain influence; poet
3. Peaceful and prosperous rule

Religious Tolerance

1. Praised by Al-Masudi
2. Protection of Muslims; mosques built

24. Karkota Dynasty (Kashmir)

1. Ruled Kashmir (8th-10th century)
2. Sources: Coins, inscriptions, Rajatarangini

Rulers

1. Lalitaditya: strong, expansionist ruler
2. Queen Didda: powerful administrator, temple builder

Culture

1. Centre of Sanskrit learning
2. Scholars like Abhinavagupta
3. Bridge for Buddhist scholars to Tibet
4. Political instability after Lalitaditya

25. Chalukyas

1. Founded by Pulakeshin I
2. Pulakeshin II stopped Harsha
3. Capital: Vatapi (Badami) Culture & Architecture
4. Rock-cut Hindu & Jain temples
5. Promoted Kannada, Telugu literature

Decline

1. Defeated by Pallavas
2. Replaced by Rashtrakutas
3. Revival as Western Chalukyas of Kalyani

26. Pallavas (South India)

1. Capital: Kanchipuram
2. Zenith in 7th century

Key Rulers

1. Mahendravarman 1: patron of arts
2. Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla): Defeated Pulakeshin II Naval expeditions to Sri Lanka

Culture & Trade

1. Major port: Mamallapuram
2. Trade with Southeast Asia
3. Rock-cut and monolithic temples
4. Overthrown by Cholas

29. Southern Kingdoms: Pandyas

1. Capital: Madurai
2. Temple builders, poets
3. Maritime trade via Korkai

Cheras

1. Kerala coast

Cholas

1. Revival under Vijayalaya
2. Capital: Tanjavur
3. Strong navy, irrigation, administration
4. Dominance till the 13th century

30. Polity, Economy & Society

1. Decentralisation; rise of samantas
2. Provinces → districts → villages
3. Village assemblies show democratic traditions
4. Land grants expanded, Ports linked India to West Asia \& Southeast Asia
5. Growth of jatis; social flexibility
6. Women rulers like Tribhuvana Mahadevi

31. Foreign Invasions & Exchanges

Hunas

1. Weakened Guptas
2. Defeated by Indian rulers

Arabs

1. Early naval raids
2. Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh
3. Limited long-term impact
4. Allowed temple rebuilding

32. 598 CE

Brahmagupta was born in Bhillamala.

33. 6th Century

Rise of the Chalukya Dynasty: The Châlukyas become a powerful dynasty in southern India.

Hūnna were defeated by kings of the Aulikara dynasty which ended Hünna power in India.

34. 606 Harshavardhana's Rule Begins at Kannauj: Harshavardhana becomes the ruler of Kannauj, a significant city in northern India, and attempts to unite northern India.

35. 630-644

Xuanzang's Travels in India: The Chinese monk Xuanzang travels through India, documenting his experiences and the cultural landscape, including the Chalukya kingdom.

36. 637

First Arab Naval Attack Repulsed at Thana.

37. 650

Start of the Bhakti Tradition in South

India: A significant religious movement begins, emphasising personal devotion to deities, which influences culture and society in the region.

38. 6th century

The Pandyas rose to power and controlled much of southern Tamil Nadu.

39. 6th to 8th Century

Pallava-Chalukya Struggle: A-series of conflicts between the Pallavas and Chălukyas for control over territories in southern India.

40. 712

Arabs Conquer Sindh: After several attempts, Arab forces successfully conquer the region of Sindh, marking the beginning of Islamic influence in India.

41. 750

Rise of the Pala Dynasty: The Pallas emerge as a powerful dynasty in eastern India, known for their support of Buddhism and the establishment of universities.

42. Mid-8th Century

Rise of Karkota dynasty under the rule of Lalitaditya Muktapida.

43. 8th-9th Centuries

Tripartite Struggle over Kannauj: A power struggle occurs among three major kingdoms-the Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas-over control of Kannauj, leading to a period of instability.

44. 9th Century

The Cholas Emerge as a Dominant Power: The Chola dynasty, reborn under Vijayalaya, begins to expand its influence, eventually becoming one of the largest empires in southern India.