Samacheer Class 7 Social Science - Emergence of New Kingdoms in South India: Later Cholas and Pandyas

1. Rajaraja I built the famous Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur. This grand temple is a magnificent example of Chola architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 2. Rajendra I established a Vedic college at Ennayiram. This highlights the Chola patronage of education and Vedic studies during his reign. 3. Jatila Parantaka Nedujadayan (Varguna I) was the donor of Velvikudi Copper plates. These copper plates are important historical records providing insights into the Pandya dynasty's administration and grants. 4. The royal secretariat of the Pandya kingdom was known as Eluttu – Mandapam. This administrative body was responsible for maintaining records and managing royal correspondence, crucial for the functioning of the kingdom.

1. A Muslim state subordinate to Delhi Sultan was in Madurai. True. The Madurai Sultanate was established in the 14th century and was initially subordinate to the Delhi Sultanate before gaining independence. 2. Koodal – Nagar Kavalan was the title of a Pandya king. True. This title signifies the Pandya king as the protector of Madurai, also known as Koodal Nagar. 3. Chola kingdom was situated in the Vaigai delta. False. The Chola kingdom was primarily situated in the Kaveri delta region, which was known for its fertile lands and extensive irrigation systems. The Vaigai delta was more associated with the Pandya kingdom. 4. Kulothunga I belonged to Chalukya – Chola dynasty. True. Kulothunga I was a significant ruler who unified the Chola and Chalukya dynasties, marking a new era in South Indian history. 5. The elder son of the Chola king was called Yuvaraja. True. The Yuvaraja was the designated heir apparent and often played an active role in administration and military campaigns during the reign of his father.

1. The average cost of Jama – lud din’s own breed cost was 220 dinars of Gold. True. This detail highlights the significant value placed on high-quality horses during that period, likely for military purposes and prestige. 2. Marco Polo and Wassaff state the importance of the spice trade. False. While the spice trade was indeed important, the statement implies that these specific individuals did not highlight its importance, or perhaps their accounts focused on other aspects. Marco Polo, however, did extensively document the trade and wealth of the regions he visited, including the spice trade. 3. Marco Polo hailed the Chola kingdom as the richest and the most splendid province in the world. False. Marco Polo visited the Pandya kingdom, specifically the port of Kayal, and described its wealth and trade, but he did not specifically hail the Chola kingdom in these terms. His accounts are more closely associated with the Pandya territories. 4. The 16-mile long embankment built by Rajendra Chola in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. True. This massive embankment was part of a large artificial lake, the Chola Gangam, which served as a crucial irrigation source and symbolized the Chola's engineering prowess and their control over water resources.

The chronological order of events leading to the establishment of a Muslim state in Madurai is as follows: First, Maravarman Kulasekaran had two sons named Virapandyan and Sundrapandyan. Subsequently, Maravarman appointed Virapandyan as co-regent to assist in governance. This decision led to civil war breaking out between the two brothers as they competed for power and control of the kingdom. During this internal conflict, Sundrapandyan sought military help from Ala-ud-din Khalji, the powerful Delhi Sultan. In response to this request, Malik Kafur, the military commander of Ala-ud-din Khalji, invaded Madurai with his forces. Finally, as a result of this invasion and the subsequent political upheaval, a Muslim state was established in Madurai, marking a significant change in the political landscape of South India.

Brahmadeya – Land gifted to Brahmins
Devadana – Land gifted to temples
Pallichchandam- Land donated to Jain institution
Vellanvagai Land of non – brahmins properties

The Chola empire left a remarkable legacy that influenced South Indian civilization for centuries. First, the Cholas established a well-organized and hierarchical system of administration in which the empire was divided into Mandalams, Nadus, Kurrams, and Gramams, enabling efficient governance across vast territories. Second, they developed a very efficient local administration system that allowed for effective control and management of local affairs, with clear administrative procedures and accountability. Third, the Cholas gave great importance to irrigation and water management through systems like Vati-Vaykkal, Ur-Vaykkal, and Nadu-Vaykkal, which ensured proper distribution of water for agriculture and contributed to agricultural prosperity. Fourth, Chola rulers were great patrons of architecture and religion, building the famous temples in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram, which remain architectural marvels and centers of religious significance. Fifth, Chola kings were great patrons of learning and culture, supporting scholars, poets, and artists, which led to a flourishing of Tamil literature, music, and dance. Additionally, trade flourished during their period, making the Chola empire a major commercial power with extensive maritime and overland trade networks.

Rajaraja I was undoubtedly the most powerful and popular ruler of the Chola empire, and his reign marked the zenith of Chola power and influence. He successfully established Chola authority over South India, extending the empire's control across the southern peninsula. Beyond the mainland, he extended Chola dominion to the West coast of India, bringing maritime regions under his control and facilitating trade. Most significantly, Rajaraja I conquered Sri Lanka, a major military achievement that demonstrated the naval power and military prowess of the Chola empire. He built the famous Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, one of the greatest architectural achievements of the medieval period, which stands as a testament to his patronage of arts and religion. Rajaraja I also had strategic marriage alliances with the Eastern Chalukyas, which strengthened his political position and helped him extend his empire through diplomatic means as well as military conquest. His reign was characterized by administrative efficiency, cultural patronage, and military expansion, making him one of the greatest rulers in South Indian history.

The Chola kings were indeed great patrons of learning and made significant contributions to education and literature. Rajendra I established a Vedic college at Ennayiram where the Vedas, grammar, and Upanishads were taught to students. This initiative was followed by his successors, who founded two more such colleges, demonstrating the dynasty's sustained commitment to preserving and promoting Vedic knowledge. The Chola period witnessed the creation of great literary works that enriched Tamil literature. The Periyapuranam, a devotional text, and the Kamba Ramayanam, an adaptation of the Ramayana in Tamil, belong to this period and represent the flourishing of literary arts under royal patronage. These colleges and literary works show how Chola rulers invested in intellectual and cultural development, making their kingdom a center of learning and scholarship in South India.