Class 7 Social Science - BIHAR
History: The Age of Reorganisation
The chapter 'The Age of Reorganisation' in Class 7 Social Science explores the major political, social, and cultural changes that took place in India during the medieval period. It focuses on the rise of new regional kingdoms, the shifting patterns of power, and how administration, trade, and culture were reorganised under different rulers. For Bihar Board exams, this chapter is crucial as it helps students understand the historical roots of regional identities in India, the administrative structures of early medieval states, and major developments in society, making it a frequent source of both objective and descriptive questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Rise of Regional Kingdoms
The period saw the decline of large central empires, leading to the emergence of numerous regional kingdoms across India, each with its own unique culture and administration.
Feudalism and Samantas
Kings often took help from subordinate chiefs or landlords known as samantas, who provided military support in exchange for land grants and revenue.
Administrative Reorganisation
Rulers adopted new ways to govern, including the collection of heavy taxes from peasants, traders, and artisans to maintain armies and build grand temples.
Prashastis and Land Grants
Kings rewarded learned Brahmans and warriors with land grants, which were often recorded on copper plates and praised in poetic compositions called prashastis.
Temple Architecture and Culture
Temples became the cultural and economic centers of towns, where kings showcased their power, wealth, and devotion through magnificent architecture.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In Bihar Board Class 7 Social Science examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions usually include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), fill-in-the-blanks, short-answer questions defining key terms like 'samantas' or 'prashastis', and long-answer questions explaining the administrative changes during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Samantas and what was their role?
Samantas were big landlords or warrior chiefs in regions who brought wealth and military support to the king. Over time, as they gained power and wealth, they declared themselves as maha-samantas or maha-mandaleshwra.
What is a Prashasti?
A prashasti is a special kind of inscription composed by learned Brahmans in praise of rulers. Even though they may not be literally true, they tell us how rulers wanted to depict themselves.
Why were temples built by kings during this era?
Kings built large temples to demonstrate their power, wealth, and devotion to gods. Temples also served as major economic and cultural centers of towns.
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