Chapter_6_The_Age_of_Reorganisation.pptx

The Age Of Reorganization Class 7 SST History Chapter-6.PPTX

1. The Age of Reorganisation Grade 7 – Exploring Society: India and Beyond “By continuous living tradition and a vital power of rejuvenescence, this land has readjusted itself through unnumbered transformations.” — Jagdish Chandra Bose (1917)

2. Introduction • Period after the Mauryan Empire’s decline (185 BCE onward) • Known as the Age of Reorganisation due to emergence of many new kingdoms • Political instability + cultural growth = dynamic transformation

3. Major Dynasties • Śhungas – North & Central India • Sātavāhanas – Deccan region • Chedis – Kalinga (Odisha) • Cholas, Cheras & Pāṇḍyas – South India • Indo-Greeks, Śhakas, Kuṣhāṇas – Foreign dynasties

4. Śhunga Dynasty • Founder: Puṣhyamitra Śhunga • Revival of Vedic rituals (Aśhvamedha Yajña) • Patronised Sanskrit literature & art – Bharhut Stūpa • Period of religious coexistence

5. Sātavāhanas • Powerful Deccan dynasty (2nd cent. BCE – 3rd cent. CE) • Capitals: Amrāvati & Pratiṣṭhāna (Paithan) • Prosperity from trade with Rome; coins show ships • Queens like Gautamī Balaśhrī played key roles • Supported Hindu, Buddhist & Jain traditions

6. Chedis of Kalinga • Prominent ruler: King Khāravela (monarch & Jain devotee) • Udayagiri–Khandagiri Caves – rock-cut architecture • Hāthīgumphā inscription records his deeds & religious tolerance

7. Southern Kingdoms • Cholas – King Karikāla; built Kallaṇai (Grand Anicut) • Cheras – Traders with Rome and West Asia; spice exporters • Pāṇḍyas – Based at Madurai; known for pearls and naval power • Sangam Literature – poems on love, valor & justice

8. Indo-Greeks & Śhakas • Indo-Greeks settled in north-west India post-Alexander • Coins show mix of Greek and Indian deities (Vāsudeva, Lakṣhmī) • Śhakas (Indo-Scythians) followed them; introduced Śhaka Samvat calendar (used even today)

9. Kuṣhāṇas • Origin: Central Asia; most famous ruler Kaṇiṣhka (2nd cent. CE) • Patron of Buddhism & art • Controlled Silk Route → flourishing trade • Art styles: - Gāndhāra – Greek influence (gray stone, realistic figures) - Mathurā – Indian style (red sandstone, round figures)

10. Cultural Highlights • Rise of Sanskrit literature – Mahābhārata & Rāmāyaṇa • Fusion of Greek and Indian artistic traditions • Spread of religious tolerance and multiculturalism

11. Summary • Post-Maurya period = fragmentation & reorganisation • Rise of regional powers & foreign dynasties • Flourishing trade, art, literature, and religious thought • Integration of cultures created a unique Indian identity