Kingdoms in South India – Solutions
Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternative and write the complete sentences.
(1) The name of the well-known king of Vakataka dynasty was ______ .
(a) Sarvasena (b) Pravarasena
(c) Jaising (d) Chandragupta
Answer: (b) Pravarasena
(2) After the conquest in South, Pulakeshin II took up the title of _______ .
(a) Parameshwara (b) Vishayapati
(c) Deshadhipati (d) Satyajay
Answer: (a) Parameshwara
(3) Kalidasa composed ______ at Ramtek near Nagpur.
(a) Shakuntal (b) Meghdoot
(c) Malavikagnimitra (d) Harivijay
Answer: (b) Meghdoot
(4) The world famous Kailasa temple was built during the ______ period.
(a) Chalukya (b) Pallava
(c) Cher (d) Rashtrakuta
Answer: (d) Rashtrakuta
(B) Find the incorrect pair from set B and write the correct ones.
| Set ‘A’ | Set ‘B’ |
| (a) Setubandh | Panini |
| (b) Harivijay | Sarvasena |
| (c) Indica | Megasthenes |
| (d) Sangit Ratnakar | Sharangdev |
Answer: (a) Ashtadhyayi – Panini
Q.2 Explain the following statements with reasons.
(1) A strong rule of the Chalukyas was created in south India.
Answer: The Chalukyas established a powerful rule in South India under kings like Pulakeshi I and Pulakeshi II. Pulakeshi I built the fort of Badami and performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice, asserting his authority. Pulakeshi II, the greatest Chalukya king, expanded the empire through his Digvijaya, defeating dynasties like the Kadambas, Mauryas, and Rashtrakutas. His victory over Harshavardhan and conquests extending from Narmada to Kaveri strengthened Chalukya dominance, earning him the title ‘Parameshwara’. Their rule, centered at Vatapi (Badami), lasted approximately 200 years, showcasing administrative and military prowess.
(2) Yadava period has a special importance in the history of Maharashtra.
Answer: The Yadava dynasty, particularly under kings like Bhillam V and Singhan, significantly shaped Maharashtra’s history. Bhillam V expanded the kingdom by defeating the Kalachuris and established Devgiri as the capital. The period saw cultural advancements, with the rise of the Mahanubhav and Warkari sects, fostering Marathi literature through works like Dnyaneshwari and Lilacharitra. Architectural achievements, such as the Hemadpanti temples (e.g., Gondeshwar temple at Sinnar), and the construction of forts like Ankai and Tankai, highlight their contribution. The Yadava era marked a flourishing of Maharashtra’s cultural, religious, and architectural heritage.
Q.3 Write short notes.
(1) Administrative system in South India.
Answer: The administrative systems of South Indian dynasties, such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras, Vakatakas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Pallavas, Shilaharas, and Yadavas, were highly organized. The Chola kingdom had a council called ‘Udankuttam’ and was divided into provinces called ‘Mandalam’, led by royal family members. Officers like ‘Vishayapati’, ‘Deshadhipati’, and ‘Rashtrika’ managed regional affairs. Village autonomy was a key feature, with the ‘Gramasabha’ (village council) handling local administration under elected or appointed heads like ‘Gramabhojaka’. Orders were recorded and authenticated, ensuring efficiency. Land revenue, excise, professional, and pilgrimage taxes were primary income sources.
(2) Coins in South Indian dynasties.
Answer: South Indian dynasties issued distinctive coins reflecting their economic and cultural identity. During the Mauryan period, Maurya coins circulated, followed by punch-marked coins of the Pandyas with symbols like sun, horse, stupa, tree, and fish. Chera coins featured a bow and arrow on one side and an elephant on the other. Chola coins, made of gold, silver, or copper, bore the tiger as their royal emblem and used Devnagari script. Chalukya king Rajaraja’s coins, issued in gold, silver, and copper, depicted his image and a tiger. Roman coins, often re-stamped with Indian seals, indicate extensive trade with Rome.
Q.4 Answer the following question in brief with the help of points given below.
Describe the rule of Shilahara dynasty.
a. Founder: Jimutvahan is considered the founder of the three branches of the Shilahara dynasty, which ruled as feudatories of the Rashtrakutas and later the Chalukyas for about 300 years, calling themselves ‘Tagarapuradhishwar’.
b. Shilahara of South Konkan: Sanafulla established this branch. Dhammiyar set up Vallipattana village and built a fort, while Adityavarma expanded the kingdom from Thane to Goa. Rattaraj was the last ruler, with historical details known from copper plates found at Kharepatan.
c. Shilaharas of North Konkan: Kapardi founded this branch, with Sthanak (Thane) as the capital. Initially feudatories of the Rashtrakutas, rulers like Aparajita, who ruled for about 35 years, were significant. Chittaraj’s brother Mummuni built the Amreshwar Mahadev temple at Ambarnath, marking the beginning of the Bhoomija style of temple architecture.
d. Shilaharas of Kolhapur: Jatiga established this branch, covering modern Satara, Sangli, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum districts. Bhoj II was a prominent king, with capitals at Kolhapur, Valivade, and Panhala. The dynasty is credited with constructing the magnificent Koppeshwar Mahadev temple at Khidrapur.
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