The Making Of Regional Cultures Class 7 Extra Questions and Answers Free PDF Download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 7 Social Science The Making Of Regional Cultures - 2025-26
1. What are the key architectural features of the temples built in Bengal, as mentioned in CBSE Class 7 History Chapter 7?
The temples in Bengal developed a unique architectural style from the late fifteenth century. The most important features, often expected in exams, include:
Roof Structure: The most striking feature was the double-roof (dochala) or the four-roof (chauchala) structure. This design was inspired by the thatched huts of the region.
Platform: Temples were typically built on a square platform.
Interior and Exterior Walls: The interior was usually plain, but the outer walls were richly decorated with paintings, ornamental tiles, or terracotta tablets depicting scenes from scriptures and daily life.
For a detailed summary of this topic, you can refer to the Revision Notes for Class 7 History Chapter 7.
2. How did miniature painting flourish under Mughal patronage?
Miniature paintings, which are small, detailed paintings on cloth or paper, flourished under the patronage of Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. They employed highly skilled painters to create these artworks. Key aspects of this development include:
Subject Matter: These paintings often illustrated manuscripts of historical accounts and poetry. They depicted court scenes, battle scenes, hunting scenes, and other aspects of social life.
Style: The paintings were known for their brilliant colours and intricate details.
Purpose: They were frequently exchanged as gifts and were viewed exclusively by the emperor and his close associates, signifying prestige and taste.
3. Explain the connection between the Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram and the development of the Malayalam language.
The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram, established in the ninth century in present-day Kerala, played a crucial role in the development of the Malayalam language. Here's the connection:
Regional Language in Official Records: The Chera rulers introduced the use of the regional language and script, Malayalam, in their official inscriptions. This was one of the earliest examples of a regional language being used in official documents in the subcontinent.
Influence of Sanskrit: The temple theatre of Kerala, which traced its origins to this period, borrowed stories from Sanskrit epics. The earliest literary works in Malayalam, dating to the twelfth century, are directly indebted to Sanskrit traditions, showing a blend of regional and pan-Indian influences.
4. What is an important question for 1 mark from the section on the Jagannatha cult?
An important 1-mark question could be:
Question: Who proclaimed himself as the 'deputy' of the god Jagannatha and ruled Odisha on his behalf?
Answer: King Anangabhima III of the Ganga dynasty dedicated his kingdom to the deity Jagannatha and proclaimed himself as the god's 'deputy' in 1230.
5. Why did rulers associate themselves with the Jagannatha cult in Puri?
This is a higher-order thinking question. Rulers associated themselves with the Jagannatha cult for significant political and social reasons:
To Gain Legitimacy: By dedicating their kingdoms to the deity and ruling as his 'deputy', rulers sought divine sanction for their authority. This made their rule more acceptable to the people.
To Demonstrate Power: Constructing a massive temple like the one for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri was a display of wealth, power, and piety. It established their credentials as protectors of the faith and the region.
Social and Cultural Influence: As the temple gained importance as a major pilgrimage centre, its patrons (the rulers) gained immense influence and respect over social and political matters in their realm.
6. For 5 marks, describe the ideals and traditions of heroism associated with the Rajputs.
The traditions of heroism associated with Rajput clans are a central theme of this chapter. For a 5-mark answer, you should include:
Valour as a Core Ideal: From the eighth century, most of present-day Rajasthan was ruled by various Rajput families. Rulers like Prithviraj Chauhan were known for their valour.
The Ideal of the Hero: The stories and poems of that era celebrated heroes who fought valiantly, often choosing death on the battlefield over defeat. This was a core part of the Rajput identity.
Role of Women: Stories about Rajput heroes also depicted the lives of women. They were often shown as following their heroic husbands in life and death, with stories of sati (self-immolation on the husband's funeral pyre) being prominent in these narratives.
Preservation in Culture: These ideals were preserved in memory through songs and poems recited by specially trained minstrels, which were meant to inspire future generations to follow these heroic examples.
7. How did the dance form Kathak evolve from a temple tradition to a courtly art?
The evolution of Kathak is an excellent example of how regional cultures change and adapt. Initially, Kathakars were storytellers in North Indian temples who used gestures and songs to narrate stories from epics. Its evolution can be summarised in two phases:
Bhakti Movement Influence: During the 15th and 16th centuries, with the spread of the Bhakti movement, Kathak began to incorporate themes of Radha-Krishna through performances of raslila.
Mughal Patronage: Under the Mughal emperors and their nobles, Kathak was performed in the court. Here, it acquired its distinct features, with more emphasis on rapid footwork, intricate movements, and elaborate costumes, moving away from its purely narrative and religious function.
Development of Gharanas: By the nineteenth century, it developed into a major art form in the courts of Rajasthan (Jaipur) and Lucknow, where distinct styles or gharanas emerged.
To explore the textbook exercises on this topic, check the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 7.
8. What does the making of regional cultures in medieval India tell us about the interaction between different traditions?
The development of regional cultures was not a process of isolation but of complex interaction. Key takeaways are:
Integration, Not Isolation: Regional cultures often emerged through a process of integrating local traditions with ideas from other parts of the subcontinent. For example, the Jagannatha cult identified a local deity with a pan-Indian god, Vishnu.
Sanskrit and Regional Languages: The growth of regional languages like Bengali and Malayalam did not happen by rejecting Sanskrit. Instead, they often borrowed heavily from it, creating a new literary tradition that was both regional and cosmopolitan.
Patronage and Adaptation: Art forms like Kathak and miniature painting show how traditions adapted to new patrons. A temple art could become a courtly entertainment, and an imperial art style could be adopted and modified by regional courts.
This shows that the making of regional cultures was a dynamic process of exchange, adaptation, and integration, rather than the growth of separate, sealed traditions.
