NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 7 The Making of Regional Cultures

The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the ninth century in the south-western part of the peninsula, part of present-day Kerala. It is likely that Malayalam was spoken in this area. The rulers introduced the Malayalam language and script in their inscriptions.

The regional cultures grew around religious traditions. The best example of this process is the cult of Jagannatha (literally, lord of the world, a name for Vishnu) at Puri, Orissa. To date, the local tribal people make the wooden image of the deity, which suggests that the deity was originally a local god, who was later identified with Vishnu.

In the nineteenth century, the region that constitutes most of present-day Rajasthan, was called Rajputana by the British. While this may suggest that this was an area that was inhabited only or mainly by Rajputs, this is only partly true. There were (and are) several groups who identify themselves as Rajputs in many areas of northern and central India. And of course, there are several peoples other than Rajputs who live in Rajasthan. However, the Rajputs are often recognised as contributing to the distinctive culture of Rajasthan.

Manipravalam, literally means “diamonds and corals, refers to the two languages Sanskrit and the regional language of Kerala. A book dealing with grammar and poetics – Lilatilakam was written in Manipravalam.

Major patrons of Kathak were the Mughal emperors, the Nawabs of Lucknow, mainly Wajid Ali Shah.

The main architectural features of the temples of Bengal are as under: The brick and terracotta temples of Bengal were built with the support of several “low” social groups. Initially, local deities were worshipped in thatched huts in villages. But, as soon as Brahmanas gave recognition to these local deities, temples were built for them. Temples copied the double-roofed or four-roofed structure of the thatched huts. This led to the evolution of typical Bengali style in temple architecture. For example, “Bengla Dome”. In the complex of four-roofed structure, for triangular roofs placed on the four walls move up to converge on a curved line and a point. Temples were usually built on a square platform. The interior was relatively plain, but the outer walls of many temples were decorated with paintings, ornamental tiles or terracotta tablets.

The minstrels proclaimed the achievements of heroes in order to: Preserve their memories. Inspire other to follow their example.

Rulers adopted many methods to preserve their achievements, such as, minstrels singing their heroic stories, paintings inscriptions, historical worth, donation to temples, etc., while ordinary people did not do anything to preserve the records of their heroic deeds. Therefore, we know more about the cultural practices of rulers than about those of ordinary people.

Conquers tried to gain control over the Jagannatha temple at Puri because it would make their rule acceptable to the local people since the temple was important as a place of pilgrimage and was a center of authority in social and political matters.

The temple builders of Bengal wanted to demonstrate their power and proclaim their piety. Therefore, they built temples.