Turning Tides | Class 7 Social Science Notes

The 11th and 12th centuries are seen as a period of transition in Indian history because this era witnessed significant changes in political power, with the emergence of new Turkic powers that penetrated deeper into north India. This period marked the decline of earlier kingdoms and the beginning of Muslim rule in parts of India. It was also a time of cultural and economic transformation, with new administrative and military systems being introduced, and notable achievements in art, architecture

The new powers that emerged during the 11th and 12th centuries were primarily Turkic powers, such as the Ghaznavids and later the Ghurids. These powers introduced new military techniques including rapid cavalry attacks with archers on horseback, which were decisive in their conquests. Economically, they accumulated wealth through campaigns and booty, and administratively, they established sultanates with centralized authority under a sultan. Their administration included the use of Persian as th

During the 11th and 12th centuries, there were significant accomplishments in various fields. In art and architecture, magnificent monuments such as the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia were constructed. In literature and science, scholars like Bhāskarāchārya composed important works such as Lilāvati, a treatise on mathematics. The period also saw the flourishing of poets, philosophers, saints, and scientists whose works continue to be influential. These achievements reflect a vibrant cultural and

The sketch of the Khyber Pass depicts a narrow, mountainous terrain with steep slopes and a winding path through the Hindu Kush range.

Advantages for an army:

• The narrow pass allows control over movement, making it easier to defend against invaders.
• The high ground provides strategic vantage points.

Dangers for an army:

• The difficult terrain can slow down movement and make large-scale troop deployment challenging.
• The army is vulnerable to ambushes from higher elevations.

For caravan