NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation

The title "Age of Reorganisation" covers two of the most important phases of ancient Indian history, but at this level it refers to both the periods that were violent, as well as transformational, movements following the collapse of large scale, centralised empires, one where a fragmentation of power was replaced with a reallocation of power on a new regional basis.

This period is marked by:

1. Political Fragmentation: The rise of numerous local powers in place of a single, large empire.
2. Cultural Fusion: The assimilation of foreign invaders (like the Indo-Greeks and Kushanas) into Indian society, leading to the birth of new art and religious styles (Gandhara Art).
3. Economic Restructuring: The development of sophisticated regional trade networks and the flourishing of centers like Aihole (Chalukyas) and Kanchipuram (Pallavas).

The NCERT Solutions offer focused, narrative-style answers to textbook questions, helping students appreciate the dynamic political and cultural shifts that shaped early medieval India.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation - Free PDF

Download the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter: The Age of Reorganisation in our free PDF, meticulously prepared by experts for clear understanding and thorough revision.

2.0Important Concepts of Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation - Brief Explanation

The "Age of Reorganisation" signifies a period where power shifted from single imperial control to a diverse range of competing and co-existing regional dynasties across the subcontinent.

Fragmentation and New Powers in the North (Post-Gupta)

• The Power Vacuum: After the decline of the Gupta Empire (c. 6th Century CE), North India split into numerous smaller kingdoms like the Maukharis, Maitrakas, and Gaudas.
• Harshavardhana: The most prominent ruler of the Pushyabhuti dynasty (Thanesar, later Kannauj). He temporarily reunited a large part of North India and was a great patron of Buddhism and the arts. His life is detailed in the Harshacharita by his court poet Banabhatta and the travelogue of Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang.

Dominant Powers in the South (The Chalukyas and Pallavas) 

During this same era, two major dynasties controlled South India, frequently engaging in conflict over the fertile Raichur Doab (land between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers):

• The Chalukyas (Capital: Aihole/Badami): Centered in the Deccan, their best-known ruler was Pulakeshin II. He is famous for defeating Harshavardhana when Harsha attempted to expand south of the Narmada River. Their capital, Aihole, was a major trading and temple center.
• The Pallavas (Capital: Kanchipuram): Dominated the region from Kanchipuram to the Kaveri delta. They were known for their patronage of art and the construction of magnificent rock-cut and structural temples (like those at Mahabalipuram).

Administrative Changes and Feudalism

• Land Revenue: Land revenue remained the primary source of income.
• Hereditary Posts: Kings began to appoint powerful men to hereditary positions (sons succeeding fathers), and often one person held multiple important offices (e.g., maha-danda-nayaka or chief judicial officer).
• Feudal Tendency (Samantas): Kings tried to win the support of powerful military and economic men by making large land grants. These powerful landholders, known as Samantas, often became semi-independent and maintained their own armies, leading to a political system with feudal characteristics.

3.0NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter: The Age of Reorganisation - Detailed Solutions

4.0NCERT QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS

• Why was the post-Maurya era also known as the era of reorganisation? Ans. After the death of the last Maurya ruler around $185$ BCE, central authority broke down, and the empire fragmented. Regional powers like the Shunga, Satavahana, Kushana, Indo Greek, Shaka, and southern Tamil kingdoms (Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas) emerged, reorganising political boundaries across the subcontinent. These new kingdoms competed for power, restructuring political and cultural landscapes. With foreign invasions in the northwest and the rise of smaller dynasties everywhere, India saw constant shifts in power, administration, religious practices, art, and trade. These widespread changes are why historians call this period the Age of Reorganisation.
• Write a note on the Sangam literature in 150 words. Ans. Sangam literature, also known historically as Cānrōr ceyyul ("Poems of the Scholars"), is a collection of ancient Tamil poetry written between approximately 100 BCE and 250 CE. Compiled in poetic gatherings (Sangams) believed to have been held in Madurai, it includes the Ettuttokai (Eight Anthologies) like Akaṇānūru (love poems) and Puraṇānūru (heroic poetry), and the Pattuppāțu (Ten Idylls). Together they cover themes of love (akam), war and public life (puram), landscapes, ethics, and values. Sangam poetry was composed by over 400 poets-estimated 473-with at least 102 anonymous, including at least 27 women poets. These poems vividly depict the lives, emotions, and heroes of ancient Tamilakam, and even refer casually to epic stories like the Ramayana, suggesting their familiarity across regions. Sangam literature remains fundamental in understanding early South Indian culture, values, trade, and royal ideals.
• Which rulers mentioned in this chapter included their mother's name in their title, and why did they do so? Ans. Among post Maurya dynasties, Gautamiputra Satakarni of the Satavahana dynasty prominently included his mother's name-Gautami Balāśrī-in his title. He became known with the matronymic designation Gautamiputra, meaning "son of Gautami." Historical inscriptions attest this; his mother issued Nasik cave inscriptions referring to him and her welfare deeds. Scholars believe this practice served two purposes: a. It honored his mother's royal lineage or influential status within the dynasty. b. It acted as a political strategy to reinforce legitimacy by highlighting maternal connections, particularly during periods of dynastic expansion or internal consolidation.

5.0Key Features and Benefits of NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter: The Age of Reorganisation

The solutions provide a clear overview of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of this post-imperial age.

• Regional Power Focus: Clearly outlines the concurrent rule of major dynasties in the North (Harsha) and the South (Chalukyas and Pallavas).
• Primary Source Integration: Highlights the significance of contemporary records like the Harshacharita and the Aihole Prashasti (inscription praising Pulakeshin II).
• Comparative South Indian History: Details the conflict between the Chalukyas and Pallavas, explaining the strategic importance of the Raichur Doab.
• Explaining Feudalism: Simplifies the complex system of land grants and the emergence of Samantas (feudatories).
• NCERT Textbook Alignment: Provides precise, structured answers for all exercises and chapter questions.
• Understanding Political Cycles: Students grasp the historical pattern of centralized empires giving way to decentralized regional states.
• Grasping Geographic Importance: Learning about the strategic value of regions like the Narmada River (Harsha's limit) and the Raichur Doab (Chalukya-Pallava conflict).
• Historical Personas: Acquiring knowledge about key figures like Harshavardhana and Pulakeshin II and the sources of information about them.
• Vocabulary Mastery: Introduction to critical terms like Samanta, Prashasti, Mahabaladhikrit, and the names of local assemblies like sabha and nagaram.
• Foundation for Later Dynasties: This period sets the stage for the rise of the Rashtrakutas and Cholas, providing necessary context for future chapters.