Chapter-Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation Social Science Part-1 class 7 in english Medium CBSE Notes

Quick Revision Notes – Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation

Introduction

• After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, many new kingdoms emerged.
• This period is called the Age of Reorganisation.
• Political boundaries changed frequently.
• Many kingdoms competed for power and territory.
• Trade, art, architecture and literature flourished.

Why is it Called the Age of Reorganisation?

• Mauryan Empire broke into smaller kingdoms.
• New dynasties emerged across India.
• Political powers were reorganised.
• Foreign invasions changed the political map.
• Cultural interaction increased.

Major Dynasties of the Period

• Shungas
• Satavahanas
• Chedis
• Cholas
• Cheras
• Pandyas
• Indo-Greeks
• Shakas
• Kushanas

Shunga Dynasty

• Founded by Pushyamitra Shunga.
• Succeeded the Mauryas around 185 BCE.
• Revived Vedic traditions and rituals.
• Performed the Ashvamedha Yajna.
• Patronised art, literature and architecture.
• Associated with the Bharhut Stupa.

Ashvamedha Yajna

• Ancient Vedic royal sacrifice.
• Used to demonstrate a king's supremacy.
• A horse was allowed to roam freely.
• Territories accepting the horse accepted the ruler's authority.

Satavahana Dynasty

• Ruled the Deccan region.
• Known as the Andhras.
• Important capitals were Amaravati and Pratishthana (Paithan).
• Promoted trade and commerce.
• Maintained trade with the Roman Empire.
• Issued coins showing ships.

Gautamiputra Satakarni

• One of the greatest Satavahana rulers.
• Named after his mother Gautami Balashri.
• Strengthened the Satavahana Empire.
• Protected Indian culture and traditions.

Special Feature of Satavahanas

• Kings often used their mother's name.
• Shows respect and importance given to mothers.
• Women held influential positions in society.

Satavahana Contributions

• Development of trade routes.
• Support to Buddhism and Vedic traditions.
• Construction of Karla and Naneghat caves.
• Promotion of art and architecture.

Chedi Dynasty

• Ruled Kalinga after the Mauryan decline.
• Most famous ruler was Kharavela.
• Follower of Jainism.
• Respected all religious traditions.
• Encouraged public welfare.

Important Monuments of Chedis

• Udayagiri Caves
• Khandagiri Caves
• Hathigumpha Inscription

Kharavela

• Known as a benevolent ruler.
• Promoted religious tolerance.
• Supported scholars, monks and sages.
• Developed public works.

Sangam Age

• Flourished in South India.
• Named after assemblies of poets called Sangams.
• Produced rich Tamil literature.
• Described society, culture, trade and warfare.

Sangam Literature

• Oldest literature of South India.
• Written mainly in Tamil.
• Focuses on love, heroism, generosity and social life.
• Important source for studying ancient South India.

The Cholas

• Powerful South Indian dynasty.
• Famous ruler – Karikala Chola.
• Promoted agriculture and irrigation.
• Built the Kallanai (Grand Anicut).

Kallanai (Grand Anicut)

• Ancient water-diversion structure on River Kaveri.
• Built by Karikala Chola.
• Still in use today.
• Supports irrigation and farming.

The Cheras

• Ruled parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Capital – Vanji (Karur).
• Known for overseas trade.
• Exported spices, timber, ivory and pearls.

The Pandyas

• Capital – Madurai.
• Known for pearl trade.
• Maintained strong trade relations.
• Developed art and culture.

Silappadikaram

• Famous Tamil epic.
• Story of Kannagi and Kovalan.
• Highlights justice and righteousness.
• Important work of post-Sangam literature.

Indo-Greeks

• Entered north-western India after Alexander.
• Established independent kingdoms.
• Promoted cultural exchange between India and Greece.
• Issued coins with Indian and Greek symbols.

Heliodorus Pillar

• Located near Vidisha.
• Built by Greek ambassador Heliodorus.
• Dedicated to Vasudeva Krishna.
• Shows cultural assimilation.

Shakas

• Also called Indo-Scythians.
• Ruled parts of north-western India.
• Associated with the Shaka Era.
• Indian National Calendar is based on Shaka Samvat.

Kushana Dynasty

• Originated in Central Asia.
• Controlled parts of Central Asia and North India.
• Promoted international trade.
• Connected India with the Silk Route.

Kanishka

• Most famous Kushana ruler.
• Expanded the empire greatly.
• Supported Buddhism.
• Patronised art and culture.
• Encouraged trade and cultural exchange.

Silk Route

• Ancient trade network linking Asia and Europe.
• Passed through Kushana territories.
• Helped exchange goods, ideas and cultures.

Gandhara School of Art

• Developed in north-western India.
• Mixed Indian and Greek styles.
• Used grey-black stone.
• Famous for realistic Buddha statues.

Mathura School of Art

• Developed in Mathura.
• Purely Indian style.
• Used red sandstone.
• Depicted Buddha, Shiva, Lakshmi, Kubera and Yakshas.

Important Personalities

• Pushyamitra Shunga
• Gautamiputra Satakarni
• Gautami Balashri
• Kharavela
• Karikala Chola
• Kanishka
• Heliodorus

Exam Booster Facts

• Post-Maurya period is called the Age of Reorganisation.
• Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga Dynasty.
• Satavahana kings used their mother's names.
• Kharavela was the famous ruler of the Chedis.
• Sangam literature is the oldest Tamil literature.
• Karikala built the Kallanai dam.
• Cheras were famous for spice trade.
• Pandyas were known for pearls.
• Heliodorus Pillar is dedicated to Vasudeva Krishna.
• Kanishka was the greatest Kushana ruler.
• Gandhara art shows Greek influence.
• Mathura art represents Indian artistic traditions.