7 worked answers · short steps first, explanations when you need them
Questions and activities
Textbook pages 76–77
Question 1
If you lived in Kannauj during the struggle between the Pālas, the Pratīhāras and the Rāṣhṭrakūṭas, how would it change your daily life and your estimate of the rulers? Write a letter to a friend in Kanchipuram.
Steps only
Write as a resident and mention how conflict affects safety, work and trade.
Answer
A model letter can describe how warfare disturbed daily life and made people judge rulers by both power and their care for ordinary people.
Question 2
What were the advantages and challenges of rulers governing through subordinate vassals?
Steps only
Give one benefit of local control and one risk of vassals becoming disloyal or powerful.
Answer
It made wide areas easier to govern, but could weaken central authority.
Question 3
How were the invasions of the Hūṇas and the Arabs different in their aims, methods and impact?
Steps only
Compare when and where each came, their methods, how far they controlled territory and what happened later.
Answer
Hūṇa power was defeated and assimilated; Arab rule remained mostly limited to Sindh.
Question 4
Imagine you are a common citizen watching the Prayāga assembly. How would you react to Harṣha giving away most of his wealth?
Steps only
Give a personal reaction and say what the act suggests about Harsha’s rule.
Answer
Answers can differ; explain your view with a reason.
Question 5
Choose one Ālvār and one Nāyanār and prepare a biography poster or booklet, including a life story and translated poem samples.
Steps only
Research one Ālvār and one Nāyanār, summarise their lives and devotional work, and credit approved poem sources.
Answer
A poster or booklet should compare both poets clearly.
Question 6
Mark modern names beside the ancient names for kingdoms’ capitals and main cities, then locate them on a current map of India.
Steps only
Match each ancient name with its present name, then locate it using an atlas.