Chapter 16 Solutions — Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries

Questions and Activities

1. 1.
   Why is the period under consideration in this chapter regarded as a major transition in Indian history? Give two examples each of change and continuity from this period.
2. 2.
   Observe Fig. 3.27 in the previous chapter and draw a similar 'star of dynasties' gathering all or most of the dynasties that appear in this chapter.
3. 3.
   Taking a map of the Subcontinent, draw a geographical tour that covers all or most dynasties in this chapter (you may draw inspiration from some of the 'travels' the chapter's narration follows).
4. 4.
   With the help of a map of India and Southeast Asia, can you calculate the approximate distance that Rajendra I's fleet of ships had to navigate to reach their objective?
5. 5.
   Match these two pairs:

   • (a) Eastern Gangas —
   • (i) Belur
   • (b) Chandellas —
   • (ii) Brihadishvara temple
   • (c) Paramaras —
   • (iii) Konark Sun temple
   • (d) Hoysalas —
   • (iv) Kandariya Mahadeva temple
   • (e) Cholas —
   • (v) Bhojeshwar temple
6. 6.
   Working in groups, compare the dynasties in this chapter and in the preceding one; create a table to list the dynasties present in both, those that disappear from the preceding period, and those that appear in this chapter's period.
7. 7.
   Using the chapter and any additional reading, prepare a short note explaining (1) why centres of learning like Nalanda were important; (2) how their destruction may have affected education and culture in India.
8. 8.
   Why do you think Mahmud of Ghazni carried out repeated raids from Afghanistan into India, while Muhammad Ghuri sought territorial expansion into India and long-term control? Write a short note on how their motives shaped the outcomes of their campaigns.