New Kings and Kingdoms

1.Who were the parties involved in the tripartite struggle?

Ans.
• The parties involved in the tripartite struggle were the rulers belonging
to the Gurjara-Pratihara, Rashtrakuta and Pala dynasties who fought to
gain control of Kanauj.
• Since three dynasties were involved in the long drawn conflict, historians
often describe it as tripartite struggle.

2. What were the qualifications necessary to become a member of a

committee of the ‘sabha’ in the Chola empire?
Ans. The qualifications necessary to become a member of a committee of the
‘sabha’ in the Chola empire were as follows –
• Owner of land from which land revenue was collected.
• Should have their own homes
• Should be between the age group of 35 to 70 years.
• Must have knowledge of Vedas
• Must be honest and well-versed in administrative matters.

3. What were the two major cities under the control of the Chahamanas?
Ans. The two major cities under the control of the Chahamanas were –
Indraprastha and Ajmer.

4. How did the Rashtrakurtas become powerful?

Ans.
• Initially the Rashtrakutas were subordinates to the Chalukyas of
Karnataka.
• In the mid 8th century, Dantidurga, a Rashtrakuta chief, overthrew his
Chalukya overlord and performed a ritual called Hiranya Garbha and
became ruler.
5. What did the new dynasties do to gain acceptance?
Ans.
• For gaining acceptance the new dynasties performed rituals to
convert themselves to Kshatriya status.
• They engaged in warfare to assert their power and carve kingdoms
for themselves.
• They also shared power with their samantas and associations of
peasants, Brahamanas and traders.

6. What kind of irrigation works were developed in the Tamil region?

Ans. Although agriculture had developed earlier in other parts of Tamil
Nadu, it was only from the fifth or sixth century that this area was opened
up for large-scale cultivation.
• Forests were cleared in some regions; land was levelled in other areas.
• In the delta region embankments were built to prevent flooding.
• Canals were constructed to carry water to the fields.
• In many areas two crops were grown in a year.
• For irrigation, wells were dug and in other places huge tanks were
constructed to collect rainwater.

7. What were the activities associated with Chola temples?

Ans. Chola temples became the nuclei of settlements which grew around
them.

• These were centres of craft production. Amongst the crafts associated

with temples, bronze images and paintings were distinctive and world
famous.

• Temples were also endowed with land by rulers as well as by others. The
produce of this land went to maintain all the specialists who worked at
 the temple and very often lived near it – priests, garland makers, cooks,
sweepers, musicians, dancers, etc.

• Temples were not only places of worship, they were the hub of
economic, social and cultural life as well.