Chapter-2: New kings and kingdoms

These NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 2 notes explain how new kings and kingdoms emerged in India after the 7th century CE. The chapter focuses on the rise of regional dynasties, changing administrative systems and frequent conflicts among rulers.

New Kings and Kingdoms introduces important concepts like land grants, samantas, prashastis and the growing role of temples as political and economic centres. It also explains the powerful Chola kingdom, its efficient administration and temple-based economy.

This chapter helps students understand how political power became decentralised in medieval India and how regional states strengthened their authority.

1. Introduction

• After the 7th century CE, many new dynasties emerged in different parts of India.
• These rulers tried to establish their authority through land grants, temples, inscriptions and wars.
• Political power was shown by building monuments and issuing official records.
• Rulers wanted public acceptance of their rule and legitimacy.
• This period marks the growth of regional political powers in India.

2. Major kingdoms (7th–12th century CE)

• Several powerful dynasties ruled different regions between the 7th–12th century CE.
• The Gurjara-Pratiharas ruled parts of Western India.
• The Rashtrakutas controlled large areas of the Deccan region.
• The Palas ruled Eastern India, especially Bengal–Bihar.
• The Cholas dominated the Tamil region in South India.
• The Chahamanas (Chauhans) ruled the Ajmer–Delhi region and fought frequent wars for land and resources.

3. Administration: land grants and samantas

• Kings gave land grants to Brahmanas and temples to gain religious support.
• These land grants were recorded through inscriptions.
• Samantas were powerful landowners or military chiefs under the king.
• Initially, samantas worked as subordinates of rulers.
• Over time, many samantas became powerful and independent rulers.
• The term Samanta refers to a feudal lord who gained political power.

4. Role of prashastis

• Prashastis were poems written to praise kings and their achievements.
• These were composed by court poets under royal patronage.
• Kings were often shown as conquerors of vast territories.
• Achievements mentioned in prashastis were usually exaggerated.
• Historians use prashastis carefully while studying history.

5. Warfare and power

• Wars between kingdoms were very common during this period.
• Rulers fought to control fertile land and important trade routes.
• Temples were often targets because they were wealthy institutions.
• Temples functioned as religious centres for society.
• They also acted as economic hubs and symbols of royal power.

6. Case study: the Cholas

• The Cholas ruled the Tamil Nadu region and the Kaveri river basin.
• Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE) was one of the most powerful Chola rulers.
• Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE) expanded the empire further.
• The Cholas maintained a strong navy and efficient administration.
• They built grand temples like the Brihadishvara Temple, Thanjavur.
• Chola administration included village assemblies such as Ur, Sabha and Nagaram, and groups of villages were called Nadu.

7. Temples as centres of life

• Temples were important places of religious worship.
• They managed large areas of land donated by rulers.
• Temples provided employment to priests, artisans and labourers.
• Education and learning activities were also linked to temples.
• Many towns developed around major temples over time.

8. Inscriptions as a source of history

• Inscriptions provide information about land grants and donations.
• They record military victories and achievements of rulers.
• Administrative details are clearly mentioned in inscriptions.
• Names of rulers, places and officials are preserved through inscriptions.
• They were written in Sanskrit, Tamil and other regional languages.

9. Important dates and places

• The 7th–12th century CE marks the rise of new kingdoms in India.
• Thanjavur served as the capital of the Chola kingdom.
• The Kaveri basin formed the agricultural base of the Chola state.
• Control over fertile river valleys strengthened regional kingdoms.
• Geography played a key role in political power during this period.

10. Important keywords

• Dynasty refers to a line of rulers from the same family.
• Samanta means a powerful feudal lord under a king.
• Prashasti is a poem praising a ruler’s achievements.
• Inscription is writing engraved on stone or metal.
• Nadu was a group of villages under Chola administration.
• Sabha, Ur and Nagaram were village assemblies in the Chola system.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 2 is important to learn how regional kingdoms replaced early central powers and reshaped medieval Indian politics. The chapter clearly explains the link between administration, land revenue, warfare and temple building.

The ideas discussed in New Kings and Kingdoms help students grasp the nature of medieval state formation and are highly useful for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

Continue reading NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 3 – The Delhi Sultans to understand how a powerful centralised Sultanate emerged in North India.

FAQs

Q1. Which period is covered in NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 2?
The chapter mainly covers the period from the 7th century CE to the 12th century CE.

Q2. Who were samantas?
Samantas were powerful landowners or military chiefs who later became independent rulers.

Q3. Why were temples important in this period?
Temples acted as religious, economic and political centres and symbolised royal power.

Q4. Which dynasty is discussed as a case study in this chapter?
The Chola dynasty of South India is discussed in detail.

Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains medieval political structures and administration, making it important for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.