8 worked answers · short steps first, explanations when you need them
Questions and activities
Textbook pages 106–107
Question 1
Why is this period regarded as a major transition in Indian history? Give two examples each of change and continuity.
Steps only
Give two political changes and two things that continued, such as trade, regional kingdoms or cultural life.
Answer
New powers and invasions marked change; trade and cultural creativity continued.
Question 2
Draw a ‘star of dynasties’ showing all or most dynasties in the chapter.
Steps only
Place the period in the centre, add dynasties around it and label arrows for their connections.
Answer
A clear diagram with accurate labels is the goal.
Question 3
Draw a geographical tour on a map of the Subcontinent covering all or most dynasties in the chapter.
Steps only
Mark important cities from the chapter and connect them with arrows on a labelled map.
Answer
Check each location with an atlas; many routes are possible.
Question 4
Using maps of India and Southeast Asia, calculate the approximate distance Rajendra I’s fleet had to navigate.
Steps only
Measure from the Coromandel coast to the Strait of Malacca using the map scale.
Answer
About 2,500–3,000 km, depending on the route and map.
Question 5
Match each dynasty with its associated temple or monument.
Steps only
Recall the location linked to each dynasty, then match it to the monument.
Answer
a–iii, b–iv, c–v, d–i, e–ii.
Question 6
Compare dynasties in this chapter and the previous one. List those present in both, those that disappear, and those that appear.
Steps only
Compare the chapter maps and list continuing, declining and newly prominent dynasties.
Answer
Treat ‘disappear’ as a change in prominence in these chapters, not proof a dynasty ended completely.
Question 7
Explain why centres such as Nālandā were important and how their destruction may have affected education and culture.
Steps only
Explain how a learning centre supports teachers, students, books and exchange, then describe what its loss could disrupt.
Answer
Destruction harmed particular institutions and collections, while learning continued elsewhere.
Question 8
Why did Mahmūd of Ghazni raid India repeatedly while Muhammad Ghūrī sought territorial expansion and long-term control? How did their motives shape the results?
Steps only
Compare a raiding aim with a territorial aim, then connect each to the result.
Answer
Mahmūd sought repeated plunder; Ghūrī sought lasting control of territory.