The Age of Reorganisation Class 7 Notes Social Science Chapter 6

Students read RBSE Class 7 SST Notes Chapter 6 The Age of Reorganisation Class 7 Notes before attending weekly tests.

Class 7 The Age of Reorganisation Notes

Class 7 SST Chapter 6 The Age of Reorganisation Notes

Class 7 SST Chapter 6 Notes – The Age of Reorganisation Notes Class 7

Many new kingdoms emerged across the subcontinent, which often, were earlier tributary kingdoms under the overlordship of the Maurya empire.

→ The decline of the Mauryan Empire — The last Maurya emperor was assassinated around 185 BCE by his commander in-chief Pushyamitra Shunga. This led to a breakup of the empire. The northwest region became weak, exposing it to invasions from outside the subcontinent.

→ Age of reorganisation — Along with internal conflicts, there were also numerous foreign invasions, which led to a process of political restructuring. According to some scholars, this period is called the age of reorganisation because the previously existing territories in this region were reorganised to form new states. The ‘new’ kingdoms now competed for territorial control. Peaceful methods like matrimonial alliances, and the use of force in warfare etc. The regions near the border were subject to more intense conflict over control. Parallel to all these political activities, there was burst in the development of art, architecture and literature, and enriching cultural exchanges.

→ Surge of the Shungas

• Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty and ruled over parts of north and central India. He performed the ashvamedha yajna. He kept his empire safe from potential invaders and maintained friendly relations with the Greeks.
• But, Shunga dynasty did not last long, it was gone a century later.
• Major achievements of the Shunga period — Ashvamedha yajna, Sanskrit gaining recognition as preferred languages, patronisation of literature, art and architecture, protecting the empire from external invaders was among the major achievements of the Shunga period.

→ The Sâtavâhanas (From the 2nd century BCE onwards)

• Peaceful political stability — From the second century BCE, the Satavahana dynasty ruled over the vast Deccan plateau in southern India. Located south of the Shunga Empire, this dynasty is sometimes referred to as the ‘Andhra’ dynasty. Satavahanas were a powerful dynasty and their empire largely comprised of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. Its major capitals included Amravati and Pratishthana (Paithan).
• Development of literature, art, and culture — Economic prosperity and a relatively peaceful political period facilitated the development of literature, art and culture. The Satavahanas made a significant contribution to the construction of many important caves.
• Public life — In the Sâtavâhana tradition, princes were often named after their mothers, such as — Gautamîputra Satakami. The Satavahanas were devout followers of Vâsudeva (Krishna). But they also patronised other schools of thought. For example, Satavahana kings often granted tax-free agricultural land to Vedic scholars, Jaina and Buddhist monk.
• In the 3rd century CE, the Satavahana Empire fragmented into smaller independent kingdoms. The main reasons for the disintegration were the weakness of the Central government and the gradual economic decline.

→ Coming of the Chedis

• After the decline of the Maurva Empire, Kalinga rose as a prominent power under the kings of the Chedi dynasty.
• Kharavela, was a devoted follower of Jain teachings; although he respected all schools of thoughts.
• The famous Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves, near Bhubaneswar, are Chedi-era caves developed for Jain monks, feature intricate panels and statues, are an excellent example that showcase the skill of the craftsmen.
• Kharavela created a ‘council of ascetics and sages’ from a hundred regions He declared himself to be endowed with virtues, a respecter of all faiths, and the restorer of all temples.

→ Kingdoms and Life in the South

• In India’s southern region, the period, between the 2nd or 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE, saw the rise to prominence of three powerful kingdoms. These kingdoms are-the Cheras, the Cholas and the Pândyas.
• They remained independent even during the height of the Mauryan Empire.
• This entire period is called the Sangam Age. Sangam literature is the oldest literature of South India.

→ The Cholas

• The Cholas were a powerful dynasty that ruled parts of south India from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE.
• The Chola king Karikala defeated a combined force of the Cheras and Pandyas and established his supremacy.
• King Karikala undertook many projects for the benefit of the people. Among them the most famous is the Kallanai or Grand Anicut. It is a complex water diversion system. This enabled more land to be brought under cultivation. It is still in use and helps millions of people in Tamil Nadu by providing water for irrigation and thus supporting agriculture in the region.

→ The Cheras

• The Cheras are also known as the Keralaputra. They ruled over the western parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with their capital at Vanji (present-day Karur).
• The Cheras played an essential role in shaping the region’s cultural and economic history, encouraging the growth of Tamil literature and patronising Sangam poets. They established extensive trade connections with the Roman Empire and West Asia, making this region a hub of global trade.
• The Chera kings issued a number of coins under their reign.

→ The Pandyas

1. The Pandya kings ruled over Tamil Nadu and the surrounding regions for several centuries BCE.
2. Their capital was present-day Madurai.
3. This is a prosperous and well-governed state.
4. The Pândyas were also an important naval power of the subcontinent.
5. They also contributed greatly to the art, architecture, and overall prosperity of the region.
6. He provided protection and encouragement to all philosophical traditions and beliefs.

→ Invasions of the Indo-Greeks

• After Alexander retreat from the areas he had conquered, these regions were ruled by his satraps, who established their own independent kingdoms. These kingdoms are known as the Indo-Greek kingdoms.
• When the Indo-Greek invaders arrived as conquerors, they were much influenced by the rich local culture. This cultural interaction led to a blend of Greek and Indian elements in governance, art, language, and daily life, shaping the cultural landscape of the region.
• The rule of the Indo-Greeks ended with the invasions of the Indo-Scythians or Shakas.

→ Shakas or Indo-Scythians

• The Shakas invaded the northwestern part of the subcontinent and ruled from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE.
• Their kingdoms rose to power after the Indo-Greeks, and remained in power until the arrival of the Kushanas.
• They developed the Shaka Samvat calendar. It was adopted as the Indian National Calendar in 1957.

→ The Emergence of the Kushanas

• The Kushânas, originally from central Asia, entered India probably in the 2nd century CE. King Kanishka, was the most powerful ruler of the Kushana dynasty.
• Their rule marked a period of extensive cultural intermixing. This led to the development of new styles. The Kushan art and architecture, as exemplified by the Gandhara and Mathura art styles, is renowned for its blend of Indian and Greek styles, such as—
  1. The Gândhâra style emerged in the western regions of Punjab. It displays a blend of Greco Roman elements and Indian features. The beauty of the Buddha statues carved in grey black schist stone can be seen here.
  2. The Mathurâ style developed in the Mathura region of present day Uttar Pradesh and is known for its distinct Indian style. This style is known for its sculptures of Indian deities carved in red sandstone.

→ Features of the reorganisation age

• This period witnessed a dialogue of various cultures that absorbed each other’s influence to create new styles of art, architecture, coinage, etc., with ultimately a dominance of Indian themes and flourishing Sanskrit literature.
• This time was also marked by remarkable developments in trade activities, both internal and external.