Keywords To Remember
Keyword | Definition |
Deccan | The plateau region in southern India between the Western and Eastern Ghats. |
Ambassador | An official representative of a country sent to another country for diplomatic purposes. |
Shrine | A holy or sacred place associated with a deity, saint, or religious event. |
Supreme Power | The highest level of authority or control that cannot be challenged. |
Chalukyas | A powerful dynasty that ruled parts of southern and central India after the Satavahanas. |
Pallavas | A dynasty that rose to power in South India after the Satavahanas, known for their art and temples. |
Vatapi | The capital city of the Chalukyas; modern-day Badami in Karnataka. |
Kanchi | Capital city of the Pallavas; modern-day Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. |
Pulkeshin II | The most famous Chalukya king who defeated Harshavardhana. |
Mahendravarman | A Pallava king known for his contributions to art, literature, and architecture. |
Narsimhavarman I | Son of Mahendravarman, known for defeating Pulkeshin II and expanding the Pallava empire. |
Patronised | Supported and promoted, especially in context of art, architecture, or culture. |
Mandaps | Pillared halls usually found in Indian temples used for religious or public ceremonies. |
Rathas | Temple structures shaped like chariots, particularly seen in Mahabalipuram. |
Rock-cut Architecture | Temples or monuments carved directly into natural rock formations. |
Panch Rathas | A group of five monolithic temples at Mahabalipuram, each associated with a Pandava brother. |
Kailashnath Temple | A famous Pallava temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kanchipuram. |
Shore Temple | An ancient temple located on the shores of Mahabalipuram built by the Pallavas. |
Sabha | Assembly of Brahmin landowners during Pallava rule. |
Ur | Assembly of non-Brahmin landowners. |
Nagaram | Assembly of merchants in Pallava administration. |
Bhakti | Devotional worship directed to a personal god, especially Shiva or Vishnu. |
Nayanars | Devotees of Lord Shiva who promoted Bhakti movement. |
Alvars | Devotees of Lord Vishnu who promoted Bhakti movement. |
Contemporary | Living or occurring at the same time. |
Dynasty | A line of rulers from the same family. |
Cave Temples | Temples carved into caves, often associated with early Hindu or Buddhist worship. |
Cultural Programmes | Events or activities related to music, drama, and other forms of art. |
Delicate Beauty | Refined or intricate artistic excellence, often describing sculpture or architecture. |
Irrigation | The artificial application of water to the land for agriculture. |
Temple | A place of worship in Hinduism and other religions. |
Festival Days | Special days of celebration often linked with religious events. |
Musician | A person skilled in playing musical instruments or singing. |
Poet | A person who writes poetry. |
Dramatist | A writer of plays or dramas. |
Cultural Centre | A place where people engage in activities related to art, music, education, and religion. |
Rock-cut Halls | Large interiors cut into rocks, often supported by pillars, used in religious architecture. |
Monolithic | Made from a single large stone, often describing ancient structures or sculptures. |
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- The capital of Chalukyas was-
(a) Madurai
(b) Thanjavur
(c) Vatapi
(d) Arnravati
Answer – (c) Vatapi
- In which state are the Ajanta caves situated?
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Karnataka
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Maharashtra
Answer – (d) Maharashtra
- The powerful ruler of North India who was the contemporary of both King Pulkeshin-ll and Mahendravarman was-
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta
(c) Ashoka
(d) Harshavardhana
Answer – (d) Harshavardhana
- The most famous Rock-cut Rath temple built by the Pallava ruler can still be seen in-
(a) Puducherry
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Odisha
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer – (b) Tamil Nadu
- Which one of the following was a local assembly of the merchants during the Pallava’s rule?
(a) Sabha
(b) Nagram
(c) Ur
(d) Panchayat
Answer – (b) Nagram
B. Fill in the blanks.
- ___________was the most famous Chalukya king.
Answer – Pulkeshin II
- ___________was a local assembly of the brahmin land owners.
Answer – Sabha
- Narsimhavarman succeeded___________.
Answer – Mahendravarman
- Papanatha temple was built in the year___________ .
Answer – 680 CE.
- Pallavas gained power in south after the decline of ___________kings.
Answer – Satavahana
C. Match the following:
- Narsimhavarman a. rock-cut halls
- Mahendravarman b. devotees of Shiva
- Pallava kings c. devotees of Vishnu
- Alvars d. a Pallava king
- Nayannars e. defeated Pulkeshin II
Answer –
Column A | Column B |
1. Narsimhavarman | e. defeated Pulkeshin II |
2. Mahendravarman | d. a Pallava king |
3. Pallava kings | a. rock-cut halls |
4. Alvars | c. devotees of Vishnu |
5. Nayannars | b. devotees of Shiva |
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Who defeated the last Chalukya king, Keertivarman?
Answer – Danti Durg, the Rashtrakuta king.
- How were the walls of Chalukya temples decorated?
Answer – They were decorated with scenes from the Ramayana.
- Name the famous temples built by the Chalukya rulers.
Answer – Papanatha Temple (680 CE) and Virupaksha Temple (740 CE).
- Where are the Shore temple and the Kailashnath temple situated?
Answer – Both are in Tamil Nadu — Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and Kailashnath Temple at Kanchipuram.
- Which was the most important kingdom in Deccan after the Satavahanas?
Answer – The Chalukyas.
E. Answer the following questions.
- Describe the administrative system of the Pallavas.
Answer – The king held supreme power. He was helped by princes and officials. Local assemblies like Sabha, Ur, and Nagaram managed village affairs, trade, and irrigation.
- Explain the contribution of Pallavas in the field of art and architecture.
Answer – They built rock-cut temples and mandaps, like the Panch Rathas and Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, showcasing intricate designs and carvings.
- What were the religious beliefs of the Pallavas?
Answer – They were mainly Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Bhakti saints like Nayannars and Alvars promoted devotion to Shiva and Vishnu respectively.
- Justify that, ‘Mahendravarman was the most powerful and famous Pallava king’.
Answer – He was a warrior, artist, dramatist, and poet. He promoted architecture and ruled wisely, making Kanchipuram a cultural hub.
- How were the temples of Pallava’s period socially useful?
Answer – Temples were not just religious centers but also places for education, festivals, public meetings, and cultural programs.
Value Based Questions
Picture 1 Mahabalipuram temple
Picture – 2 Mahabalipuram temple
(a) What is the difference between the two pictures?
Answer – Picture 1 shows neglect and pollution; Picture 2 shows a clean and preserved temple environment.
(b) In your opinion, who is responsible for the condition in Picture-I?
Answer – Negligent visitors and lack of proper maintenance by authorities.
(c) What efforts must have been made to improve the surroundings of the temple in Picture-2?
Answer – Regular cleaning, preservation drives, and awareness campaigns.
(d) Suggest ways and means to keep your school campus clean and tidy.
Answer – Avoid littering, regular cleaning drives, placing dustbins, growing plants, and promoting awareness.
Map Skill
On a political map of India, locate and label the ancient kingdoms of South India along with their modern names given in brackets.
(a) Kalinga (Odisha)
(b) Pandyas (Tamil Nadu)
(c) Cheras (Kerala)
(d) Cholas (Andhra Pradesh)
(e) Rashtrakutas (Karnataka)
(f) Chalukyas (Maharashtra)
Answer – Do it yourself
Something To Do
- Collect the pictures of temples built by Chalukyas and Pallavas and write details about them in a project file.
Answer – Example: Papanatha Temple, Virupaksha Temple (Chalukyas); Panch Rathas, Shore Temple (Pallavas). Write brief info on each.
- Collect and paste pictures of any four ancient temples of south and write, in brief, about them in your assignment copy.
Answer – Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram)
Brihadeshwara Temple (Thanjavur)
Kailashnath Temple (Kanchipuram)
Virupaksha Temple (Pattadakal)
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
FILL IN THE BLANKS (WITH ANSWERS)
- The capital of the Pallavas was ___________.
Answer: Kanchipuram - The famous painting of Pulkeshin II is found in the caves of ___________.
Answer: Ajanta - The Chalukya temples were mainly built in ___________ style.
Answer: Dravidian - The famous Shore Temple was built in ___________.
Answer: Mahabalipuram - The ___________ assembly was formed by non-Brahmin landowners.
Answer: Ur - Pulkeshin II was the contemporary of ___________.
Answer: Harshavardhana - The Pallava king who defeated Pulkeshin II was ___________.
Answer: Narsimhavarman I - The Rathas in Mahabalipuram are named after the characters of the ___________.
Answer: Mahabharata - Pallava temples also served as centres of ___________.
Answer: education - The rock-cut temples of Pallavas can still be seen in ___________ and ___________.
Answer: Trichy, Puddukottai
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (WITH ANSWERS)
- Which city was the capital of the Pallavas? (a) Madurai (b) Kanchi (c) Badami (d) Amaravati
Answer: (b) Kanchi - Who defeated the last Chalukya king? (a) Harshavardhana (b) Mahendravarman (c) Danti Durg (d) Narsimhavarman
Answer: (c) Danti Durg - The Shore Temple is located in: (a) Kanchipuram (b) Trichy (c) Mahabalipuram (d) Puducherry
Answer: (c) Mahabalipuram - Alvars were devotees of: (a) Shiva (b) Brahma (c) Vishnu (d) Indra
Answer: (c) Vishnu - Which Chalukya king defeated Harshavardhana? (a) Pulkeshin I (b) Vikramaditya (c) Pulkeshin II (d) Keertivarman
Answer: (c) Pulkeshin II
TRUE/FALSE (WITH ANSWERS)
- The Chalukyas built temples in the Indo-Islamic style.
Answer: False - The Pallavas promoted rock-cut architecture.
Answer: True - The Cholas ruled after the fall of the Pallavas.
Answer: True - Sabha was an assembly of merchants.
Answer: False - Mahendravarman was a follower of Buddhism all his life.
Answer: False
SHORT QUESTIONS (WITH ANSWERS)
- Name two famous temples built by the Chalukyas.
Answer: Papanatha Temple and Virupaksha Temple. - What were the main features of the Pallava temples?
Answer: Rock-cut architecture, mandaps with pillars, and carved Ratha temples. - Who were Nayannars?
Answer: Nayannars were devotees of Lord Shiva. - Name the major deities worshipped during Pallava rule.
Answer: Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. - What is the significance of the Panch Rathas?
Answer: They are rock-cut temples named after Mahabharata characters and showcase Pallava architecture.
COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS (REASONING & ASSERTION)
- Assertion (A): Narsimhavarman defeated Pulkeshin II.
Reason (R): Narsimhavarman was a weak and lazy ruler.
Answer: (b) A is true, R is false. - Assertion (A): The Chalukyas contributed significantly to temple architecture.
Reason (R): They built wooden structures for worship.
Answer: (b) A is true, R is false. - Assertion (A): The Pallava kings encouraged education.
Reason (R): Temples were also used as educational institutions.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Sabha was a local administrative body.
Reason (R): It included non-Brahmin merchants.
Answer: (c) A is true, R is false. - Assertion (A): Chalukya art flourished under Pulkeshin II.
Reason (R): He invited Iranian artists to his court.
Answer: (d) A is false, R is true.
HIGH ORDER THINKING SKILLS (HOTS)
- Why do you think rock-cut temples were preferred by Pallavas over brick temples? Answer: Rock-cut temples were more durable, showcased superior craftsmanship, and demonstrated royal power through monumental architecture.
- How did temples contribute to society beyond religious use?
Answer: Temples acted as centres for education, cultural activities, festivals, and community meetings.
- Why was the defeat of Harshavardhana by Pulkeshin II significant?
Answer: It showed the military strength of Deccan kingdoms and limited the expansion of North Indian empires.
LONG QUESTIONS (WORD LIMIT: 40-50)
- Describe the contribution of the Pallavas in the field of art and architecture.
Answer: The Pallavas built rock-cut temples and mandaps. The Panch Rathas and Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram are outstanding examples. These structures showcase Dravidian style and intricate carvings, reflecting the rich culture of the Pallava period. - Explain the religious practices followed during the Pallava rule.
Answer: The Pallavas promoted Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Saints like Alvars and Nayannars preached devotion. Bhakti became popular, and everyone, regardless of caste, could worship freely. Temples played a central role in religious and social life. - Discuss the administration of the Pallava kingdom.
Answer: The king was the supreme authority, helped by princes and officials. Local assemblies like Sabha, Ur, and Nagaram managed different aspects of governance, including irrigation, construction, and trade. - How did Chalukya art influence later Indian architecture?
Answer: Chalukya temples at Aihole and Pattadakal inspired later Dravidian and Nagara styles. Their intricate carvings, structural techniques, and storytelling murals laid the foundation for South Indian temple design. - Why were local assemblies important during Pallava rule?
Answer: Local assemblies like Sabha (Brahmins), Ur (non-Brahmins), and Nagaram (merchants) handled village affairs. They ensured participation in governance, maintained infrastructure, and resolved local issues, showing early forms of decentralised administration.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The capital of the Chalukyas was ________.
Answer: Vatapi (Badami) - The famous Chalukya ruler who defeated Harshavardhana was ________.
Answer: Pulkeshin II - The ________ Temple is a famous Chalukya temple built in 740 CE.
Answer: Virupaksha - The Pallava capital was ________, near Chennai.
Answer: Kanchi (Kanchipuram) - ________ was the most powerful Pallava king and a contemporary of Harshavardhana.
Answer: Mahendravarman - The rock-cut Ratha temples are located at ________.
Answer: Mahabalipuram - The devotees of Shiva during the Pallava period were called ________.
Answer: Nayannars - The ________ assembly consisted of non-Brahmin landowners.
Answer: Ur - The Rashtrakuta king ________ defeated the last Chalukya king in 753 CE.
Answer: Danti Durg - The ________ Temple is a notable Pallava temple near Chennai.
Answer: Shore
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- Which kingdom became prominent after the fall of the Satavahanas?
a) Pallavas
b) Chalukyas
c) Rashtrakutas
d) Cholas
Answer: b) Chalukyas - What was the capital of the Chalukyas?
a) Kanchi
b) Vatapi
c) Mahabalipuram
d) Aihole
Answer: b) Vatapi - Who was the famous Chalukya ruler who defeated Harshavardhana?
a) Keertivarman
b) Pulkeshin II
c) Mahendravarman
d) Narsimhavarman I
Answer: b) Pulkeshin II - Which Pallava king was known for his contributions to poetry and music?
a) Narsimhavarman I
b) Mahendravarman
c) Pulkeshin II
d) Danti Durg
Answer: b) Mahendravarman - Where are the rock-cut Ratha temples located?
a) Badami
b) Mahabalipuram
c) Aihole
d) Trichy
Answer: b) Mahabalipuram - Which temple was NOT built by the Chalukyas?
a) Papanatha Temple
b) Virupaksha Temple
c) Kailashnath Temple
d) Cave shrines at Aihole
Answer: c) Kailashnath Temple - Who were the devotees of Vishnu during the Pallava period?
a) Nayannars
b) Alvars
c) Sabhas
d) Urs
Answer: b) Alvars - Which assembly consisted of Brahmin landowners?
a) Nagaram
b) Sabha
c) Ur
d) Gramik
Answer: b) Sabha - Who ended the Chalukya rule in 753 CE?
a) Narsimhavarman I
b) Danti Durg
c) Harshavardhana
d) Mahendravarman
Answer: b) Danti Durg - Which Pallava temple is located near Chennai?
a) Virupaksha Temple
b) Shore Temple
c) Papanatha Temple
d) Ajanta Caves
Answer: b) Shore Temple
True/False Questions and Answers
- The Chalukyas’ capital was Vatapi, modern-day Badami.
Answer: True - Pulkeshin II was defeated by Harshavardhana in a battle.
Answer: False - Mahendravarman was initially a follower of Jainism but later worshipped Shiva.
Answer: True - The Pallava capital was Aihole.
Answer: False - The rock-cut Ratha temples at Mahabalipuram were built by the Chalukyas.
Answer: False - Narsimhavarman I defeated Pulkeshin II and captured Badami.
Answer: True - The Nayannars were devotees of Vishnu.
Answer: False - The Sabha was an assembly of non-Brahmin landowners.
Answer: False - The Chalukyas built the Kailashnath Temple.
Answer: False - Temples during the Pallava period served as centers of education and community meetings.
Answer: True
Short Questions and Answers
- What was the capital of the Chalukyas?
Answer: Vatapi (Badami). - Who was the famous Chalukya ruler who defeated Harshavardhana?
Answer: Pulkeshin II. - Name one famous Chalukya temple.
Answer: Virupaksha Temple. - What was the capital of the Pallavas?
Answer: Kanchi (Kanchipuram). - Who was the most powerful Pallava king?
Answer: Mahendravarman. - Where are the rock-cut Ratha temples located?
Answer: Mahabalipuram. - Who were the devotees of Shiva during the Pallava period?
Answer: Nayannars. - Name one Pallava temple near Chennai.
Answer: Shore Temple. - Who ended the Chalukya rule in 753 CE?
Answer: Danti Durg. - What was the assembly of merchants called during the Pallava period?
Answer: Nagaram.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): Pulkeshin II was a significant Chalukya ruler.
Reason (R): He defeated Harshavardhana in a fierce battle.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): The Pallavas built rock-cut Ratha temples at Mahabalipuram.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Mahendravarman was a versatile Pallava king.
Reason (R): He was a poet, artist, dramatist, and musician.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Temples were important centers during the Pallava period.
Reason (R): They served as places for education and community meetings.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): The Chalukya rule ended in 753 CE.
Reason (R): The Rashtrakuta king Danti Durg defeated Keertivarman.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why did the Chalukyas and Pallavas focus on temple architecture?
Answer: The Chalukyas and Pallavas built temples to demonstrate their power, devotion, and cultural patronage. Temples like Virupaksha and Shore served as religious, educational, and community centers, fostering social cohesion and showcasing artistic excellence, which strengthened their political legitimacy. - Question: How did Mahendravarman’s shift from Jainism to Shaivism impact his rule?
Answer: Mahendravarman’s shift to Shaivism aligned him with the dominant religious sentiments, enhancing his appeal among the majority. This strengthened his rule by fostering cultural unity, supporting temple construction, and gaining the support of Shaivite communities, boosting his political stability. - Question: Evaluate the significance of the rock-cut Ratha temples of Mahabalipuram.
Answer: The rock-cut Ratha temples of Mahabalipuram, built by the Pallavas, showcase their architectural innovation and artistic finesse. Named after the Pandavas, these temples reflect cultural narratives, served as religious centers, and attracted devotees, cementing Pallava influence in South India. - Question: Why was Pulkeshin II’s victory over Harshavardhana significant?
Answer: Pulkeshin II’s victory over Harshavardhana halted northern expansion into the Deccan, asserting Chalukya dominance. This strengthened their regional control, boosted their prestige, and ensured political stability, allowing them to focus on cultural patronage, like temple-building at Aihole and Pattadakal. - Question: Analyze the role of local assemblies in Pallava administration.
Answer: Local assemblies like Sabha, Ur, and Nagaram in Pallava administration managed local governance, including roads and irrigation. These decentralized bodies ensured efficient administration, addressed community needs, and empowered landowners and merchants, contributing to the stability and prosperity of the Pallava kingdom.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Question: Describe the contributions of the Chalukyas to art and architecture.
Answer: The Chalukyas built magnificent temples like Virupaksha and Papanatha at Aihole and Pattadakal, adorned with Ramayana scenes. They also constructed cave shrines and sculptures, with a notable Ajanta painting of Pulkeshin II, reflecting their patronage of art and architectural excellence. - Question: Explain the significance of Mahendravarman in Pallava history.
Answer: Mahendravarman, a versatile Pallava king, excelled as a warrior, poet, and musician. Initially a Jain, he embraced Shaivism, promoting temple construction and cultural growth. His leadership strengthened the Pallava kingdom, laying the foundation for his son Narsimhavarman’s conquests and cultural achievements. - Question: Discuss the role of temples in Pallava society.
Answer: Pallava temples, like those at Mahabalipuram, were centers of education, worship, and community gatherings. The rock-cut Ratha and Shore temples hosted cultural programs and festivals, fostering social cohesion and religious devotion, while showcasing Pallava architectural innovation and artistic heritage. - Question: How did Narsimhavarman I strengthen the Pallava empire?
Answer: Narsimhavarman I, a skilled warrior, defeated Pulkeshin II, capturing Badami, and subdued other rulers, expanding the Pallava empire. His military successes, combined with patronage of rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram, enhanced Pallava prestige, ensuring political and cultural dominance in South India. - Question: Analyze the administrative structure of the Pallava kingdom.
Answer: The Pallava king held supreme power as Chief Justice and army commander. Princes and officials assisted in governance, with local assemblies like Sabha, Ur, and Nagaram managing roads and irrigation. This decentralized system ensured efficient administration and addressed community needs effectively.