Chapter-9: The making of regional cultures

These NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 9 notes explain how different regions of India developed distinct cultures between 700 CE and 1750 CE. The chapter shows the role of regional languages, local rulers and religious traditions in shaping culture.

The Making of Regional Cultures discusses the growth of regional literature, art forms and architectural styles, with case studies from Bengal, Rajasthan and South India. It also explains how rulers patronised poets, artists and temples to promote regional identity.

This chapter helps students understand India’s cultural diversity while highlighting the shared traditions that kept the country culturally united.

1. Introduction

• Between 700 CE and 1750 CE, different regions of India developed their own distinct cultures.
• These cultures were shaped by local languages, regional rulers and religious traditions.
• Art, music and architecture played an important role in cultural identity.
• Regional culture reflected local geography and social life.
• Diversity in culture existed along with a shared Indian tradition.

2. Meaning of regional culture

• Regional culture refers to culture linked to a specific region.
• It includes language, literature, art, architecture and religious practices.
• Regional culture gave people a sense of local identity.
• These cultures did not develop separately from political power.
• Regional cultures grew within larger empires, not in isolation.

3. Role of language

• Sanskrit continued to be important in religion and learning.
• At the same time, regional languages developed rapidly.
• Languages like Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Kannada became popular.
• Literature written in regional languages reached common people.
• Religious ideas spread more easily through local languages.
• A dialect is a regional form of a language.

4. Literature and cultural traditions

• Regional literature reflected local beliefs and traditions.
• Important regional texts included Mangalakavya in Bengal.
• Lilatilakam played an important role in Kerala.
• Miniature paintings developed in regions like Rajasthan and Kangra.
• Many cultural stories were first passed through oral tradition.
• These stories were written down at a later stage.

5. Case study: Bengal

• Bengal saw major religious and cultural changes during this period.
• Bhakti ideas and Sufi traditions spread widely.
• Pirs acted as spiritual guides in forested regions.
• They helped people settle new areas and provided social order.
• Terracotta temples became a unique feature of Bengal.
• These temples were built by local chiefs and merchant groups.

6. Case study: Rajasthan

• Rajasthan developed a strong Rajput cultural tradition.
• Heroic stories of kings were popular among people.
• Ballads were sung by bards to glorify rulers.
• Themes of bravery and loyalty were highlighted.
• These traditions strengthened the authority of rulers.
• Kings were projected as heroic and ideal figures.

7. Case study: South India

• South India was known for grand temple architecture.
• Temples were large and richly decorated structures.
• They acted as centres of culture and economic activity.
• Kings actively supported cultural activities.
• Royal patronage was given to dance, music and sculpture.
• Temples became centres of learning and art.

8. Role of rulers in cultural development

• Rulers played a major role in shaping regional culture.
• They sponsored the construction of temples and mosques.
• Poets, artists and scholars received royal patronage.
• Cultural activities helped rulers gain popularity.
• Promotion of culture strengthened regional identity.
• Culture became a tool of political legitimacy.

9. Interaction between regional and pan-Indian culture

• Regional cultures retained their unique local features.
• At the same time, they shared common Indian traditions.
• People worshipped common deities across regions.
• Architectural styles were similar but had local variations.
• Religious ideas moved freely between regions.
• Unity existed despite cultural diversity.

10. Important keywords

• Regional culture means culture specific to a region.
• Dialect is a regional form of a language.
• Miniature painting is a small and detailed painting style.
• Pir is a spiritual guide in Sufi tradition.
• Mangalakavya is a form of devotional literature from Bengal.
• Temple architecture refers to the style and design of temples.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 9 is important to learn how regional cultures developed within larger political systems and empires. The chapter clearly explains the interaction between language, religion, art and political power in shaping local identities.

The ideas discussed in The Making of Regional Cultures help students appreciate India’s cultural diversity and continuity and are highly useful for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

Continue reading NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 10 – Eighteenth-Century Political Formations to understand how political power fragmented and new regional states emerged after the decline of the Mughal Empire.

FAQs

Q1. What is meant by regional culture in this chapter?
Regional culture refers to cultural practices linked to a specific region, including language, literature, art and religious traditions.

Q2. Why did regional languages grow during this period?
Regional languages grew to reach common people and spread religious and cultural ideas more easily.

Q3. Which type of temples were common in Bengal?
Terracotta temples were a special feature of Bengal.

Q4. How did rulers contribute to cultural development?
Rulers patronised temples, artists, poets and architects to promote regional identity.

Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains cultural development and regional diversity, making it important for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.