Ch 03 - Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries7th Social Science Part 2
Political Shift: 6th Century
What major political change characterised the Indian subcontinent after the decline of the Gupta Empire (c. 600 CE)?
What major political change characterised the Indian subcontinent after the decline of the Gupta Empire (c. 600 CE)?
From Empire to Regional Kingdoms
- The Change: Large, unified pan-Indian empires (like the Mauryas or Guptas) gave way to multiple strong regional kingdoms.
- Nature of the Era: It was not a 'dark age' of decline, but a period of dynamic transformation. New regional powers rose to prominence in the North (Harsha), East (Palas), West (Pratiharas), and South (Pallavas and Chalukyas).
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Samantas
Who were the 'Samantas' in the political structure of the post-Gupta period, and what was their role?
Who were the 'Samantas' in the political structure of the post-Gupta period, and what was their role?
Samantas (Vassals)
- Definition: They were subordinate rulers or landed chieftains who governed specific regions on behalf of an overlord or Emperor.
- Duty: They were expected to bring gifts for their kings, provide military support (lead armies), and manage local administration.
- Risk to the Empire: As they gained power and wealth, they frequently declared independence. (For example, Dantidurga was originally a samanta of the Chalukyas before overthrowing them to found the Rashtrakuta empire).
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Mlechchha
What did the term 'Mlechchha' originally mean, and how was it later used in inscriptions like the Gwalior Prashasti?
What did the term 'Mlechchha' originally mean, and how was it later used in inscriptions like the Gwalior Prashasti?
Mlechchha
- Original Meaning: Historically, it referred to people who did not speak Sanskrit correctly or did not follow orthodox Vedic cultural norms.
- Later Usage: By this era, it was broadly used to refer to foreigners or outsiders.
- Gwalior Inscription Example: King Nagabhata I (a Gurjara-Pratihara) is highly praised for crushing the invading army of the 'Mlechchha king' (which historically referred to the Arab invaders).
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Also in this chapter
44 more cards to study in Prism
- 4Defeat of the Hunas
- 5Huna Assimilation
- 6Harshavardhana's Capital
- 7Banabhatta's Works
- 8Xuanzang's Mission
- 9Harsha's Signature Script
- 10Harsha vs. Pulakeshin II
- 11Pallavas: Mamallapuram
- 12Pallava Irrigation
- 13Pallava Court Poet
- 14The Tripartite Struggle
- 15Gurjara-Pratiharas & Arabs
- 16King Bhoja: Title
- 17Gopala's Election
- 18Vikramashila University
- 19Rashtrakutas: Ellora
- 20Source: Al-Masudi on Rashtrakutas
- 21Amoghavarsha Nripatunga
- 22Mahavira (The Mathematician)
- 23Early Cholas
- 24Uttaramerur Inscription
- 25Chola Art: Nataraja
- 26Queen Didda
- 27Queen Tribhuvana Mahadevi I
- 28Kalhana's Rajatarangini
- 29Muhammad bin Qasim
- 30Arab Policy in Sindh
- 31Source: The Chachnama
- 32Hunas vs. Arabs (Impact)
- 33Tantricism
- 34Adi Shankaracharya: Philosophy
- 35Adi Shankaracharya: The Four Mathas
- 36Alvars vs. Nayanars
- 37Women Saints: Andal & Karaikal Ammaiyar
- 38Bahubali Statue
- 39Administrative Units
- 40The Rise of Kayasthas
- 41Flexible Varna System
- 42Maritime Trade Networks
- 43Merchant Guilds
- 44Etymology: Monsoon
- 45Brahmagupta's Mathematics
- 46Virahanka and Fibonacci
- 47Cultural Exchange: Numerals
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7th Social Science Part 2
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