Emergence of New Dynasties After the Seventh Century

• New Dynasties: Many new dynasties emerged post-seventh century in the Indian subcontinent.
• Major Dynasties: Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, Palas, Cholas, Chahamanas (Chauhans).
• Independence: Warrior chiefs declared themselves independent over time, e.g., Rashtrakutas in the Deccan.
• Important Rituals: Dantidurga, a Rashtrakuta, overthrew his overlord and performed a ritual believed to legitimize his rule.
• Military and Kingdoms: Use of military skills to establish kingdoms by Brahmanas like the Kadamba Mayurasharman and Gurjara-Pratihara Harichandra.

Administration of Kingdoms

• Titles: New kings adopted grand titles but often shared power with others like peasants, traders, Brahmanas.
• Resource Collection: From producers such as peasants and traders; taxes included forced labor and land revenue.
• Hereditary Roles: Revenue collectors and army positions were often hereditary.

Prashastis and Land Grants

• Prashastis: Compositions by Brahmanas illustrating rulers as valiant.
• Land Grants: Copper plates recorded land grants, often given to Brahmanas.

Warfare for Wealth

• Kanauj Struggle: Important city, led to the tripartite struggle among Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, Palas.
• Iconic Raids: Mahmud of Ghazni targeted wealthy temples.
• Chahamanas: Faced internal and external conflicts, with rulers like Prithviraja III.

The Chola Dynasty

• Rise to Power: Vijayalaya conquered the Kaveri delta.
• Temple Building: Big temples like Thanjavur and Gangaikonda-cholapuram were built.
• Economic Role of Temples: Temples were centers of economic, social, and cultural life, aiding craft production.

Agriculture and Irrigation

• River Kaveri: Influenced agriculture; irrigation systems developed.
• Irrigation Methods: Included wells, tanks, and channels.

Administration of the Chola Empire

• Village Administration: Prosperous peasants (velanvagai) had administrative roles.
• Land Categories: Included vellanvagai, brahmadeya, shalabhoga, devadana, and pallichchhandam.
• Structured Elections: Sabha committees elected through lotteries.

Inscriptions and Texts

• Membership Criteria: Land ownership, age, knowledge of Vedas, and honesty were required for sabha membership.
• Ordinary Lives: Descriptions of ordinary people and village life found in texts like Periyapuranam.

Questions for Review

• Tripartite Struggle: Major parties involved.
• Irrigation Development: In the Tamil region.
• Comparison: Between historical and modern-day systems.