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CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6 The Age of Reorganisation (c. 6th–11th century) Worksheet with Answers

The Age of Reorganisation marks a transformative period in Indian history when the centralised Gupta Empire fragmented into multiple regional kingdoms. This worksheet helps Class 7 students explore the political dynamics, cultural achievements, and territorial conflicts that shaped India between the 6th and 11th centuries. Practice these questions to strengthen your understanding of CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6 and prepare effectively for assessments.

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Key takeaways

  • ✓The period from 6th to 11th century CE witnessed the decline of the Gupta Empire and the rise of powerful regional kingdoms across India
  • ✓Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas emerged as dominant powers in South India with distinct administrative and cultural contributions
  • ✓The tripartite struggle involved Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas competing for control over Kanauj and the Gangetic plain
  • ✓This era saw remarkable temple architecture, development of regional languages, and growth of trade networks across the subcontinent
  • ✓Decentralised political authority led to the emergence of feudalism and the growth of local chieftains known as samantas

Quick Chapter Recap: The Age of Reorganisation (c. 6th–11th century)

After the decline of the Gupta Empire around 550 CE, India witnessed significant political reorganisation. The post-Gupta political landscape saw the emergence of numerous regional kingdoms that competed for territory, resources, and prestige. In South India, three major dynasties rose to prominence: the Pallavas with their capital at Kanchipuram, the Chalukyas of Badami (later Kalyani), and the Rashtrakutas who built their power base in the Deccan. These kingdoms are known not only for their military conquests but also for magnificent temple architecture and patronage of arts. In North India, the tripartite struggle became a defining feature of this period, with the Gurjara-Pratiharas of Malwa, the Palas of Bengal, and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan fighting for control over Kanauj, which was considered the symbol of sovereignty over the fertile Gangetic plains. This prolonged conflict weakened all three powers and paved the way for subsequent invasions. The period also witnessed the growth of feudalism, where local chiefs (samantas) held land grants in return for military service, transforming the social and economic fabric of Indian society.
  • Post-Gupta period: fragmentation of centralised authority into regional kingdoms
  • Major South Indian powers: Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas with distinct cultural legacies
  • Tripartite struggle: competition among Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas for Kanauj
  • Growth of temple architecture: Pallava rock-cut temples, Chalukya cave temples at Badami and Aihole
  • Emergence of feudalism: samanta system and land grants (land tenure system)

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

These six multiple-choice questions test your foundational knowledge of key dynasties, rulers, capitals, and events from the Age of Reorganisation. Each question has four options with only one correct answer. Read each question carefully, recall the NCERT Class 7 Social Science content, and select the most accurate option. MCQs are designed to assess your understanding of important dates, places, and historical figures mentioned in Chapter 6. They cover topics ranging from the Pallava dynasty's contributions to the strategic importance of Kanauj in medieval North India. For best results, attempt these questions without referring to your textbook first, then verify your answers using the detailed answer key provided at the end of this worksheet. This approach will help identify knowledge gaps and reinforce your conceptual clarity for CBSE examinations and competitive assessments.
  • Question 1: Which dynasty built the famous shore temple at Mahabalipuram?
  • Question 2: The tripartite struggle was fought for control over which city?
  • Question 3: Who was the greatest ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty known for the Kailasanatha temple?
  • Question 4: The Chalukya dynasty initially established their capital at which place?
  • Question 5: Which dynasty controlled Bengal and Bihar during the tripartite struggle?
  • Question 6: The term 'samanta' during this period referred to what?

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete these five statements by filling in the missing words or phrases related to NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6. This section tests your recall of specific terms, names, and concepts central to understanding the Age of Reorganisation. Pay close attention to spellings of dynasty names, geographical locations, and technical terms like 'tripartite struggle' and 'samantas'. Fill-in-the-blank questions require precise knowledge rather than general understanding, so review your Class 7 Social Science notes carefully before attempting. These questions cover the administrative systems, architectural achievements, and political events that characterised the 6th to 11th centuries. If you are unsure about any answer, leave it blank during your first attempt and return to it after completing other sections. The answer key at the end provides the correct terms along with brief contextual explanations to deepen your understanding of each concept and its significance in medieval Indian history.
  • The capital of the Pallava dynasty was __________.
  • The __________ struggle involved three major powers competing for control of Kanauj.
  • The Rashtrakutas overthrew the __________ dynasty in the Deccan region.
  • Local chiefs who received land grants in return for military service were called __________.
  • The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty had its base in __________ region.

Section C: Match the Following

Match the items in Column A with their corresponding entries in Column B. This exercise connects dynasties with their capitals, rulers with their achievements, and architectural monuments with their builders. Matching questions develop your ability to establish relationships between historical facts, which is crucial for analytical thinking in Social Science. For Class 7 students preparing for CBSE examinations, this format frequently appears in term assessments. Draw lines or write the correct letter combinations (such as 1-C, 2-A) to indicate your matches. Each item in Column A has exactly one correct match in Column B. Take your time to recall information from Chapter 6 before making connections. This section specifically focuses on linking the Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas with their respective capitals, notable rulers, and cultural contributions. The answer key will provide not just the correct matches but also brief explanations about why each pairing is historically accurate, helping reinforce your understanding of political geography and dynastic achievements during this transformative period in Indian history.
  • Column A: 1. Pallavas, 2. Rashtrakutas, 3. Badami, 4. Kanauj, 5. Narasimhavarman I
  • Column B: A. Prize of tripartite struggle, B. Kanchipuram capital, C. Chalukya capital, D. Ellora caves, E. Mahabalipuram builder

Section D: Short Answer Questions

Answer these five questions in 2-3 sentences each (approximately 30-40 words per answer). Short-answer questions assess your ability to explain concepts concisely while demonstrating clear understanding of the subject matter. Focus on including key terms from NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6, such as 'post-Gupta political landscape', 'tripartite struggle', and names of specific dynasties. Structure your answers with a clear opening statement followed by supporting details or examples. These questions cover the administrative systems, causes and consequences of the tripartite struggle, architectural contributions of South Indian dynasties, and the socio-economic changes during the 6th to 11th centuries. When writing about the Pallavas, Chalukyas, or Rashtrakutas, mention specific rulers, their capitals, and notable achievements. For questions about the tripartite struggle, identify the three competing powers and explain the strategic importance of Kanauj. Good short answers demonstrate factual accuracy, logical flow, and effective use of historical terminology without unnecessary elaboration or irrelevant information.
  • Question 1: Why did the tripartite struggle take place? Name the three dynasties involved.
  • Question 2: Describe the contributions of the Pallava dynasty to Indian art and architecture.
  • Question 3: What was the samanta system? How did it affect the political structure?
  • Question 4: Write a brief note on the Rashtrakuta dynasty and its cultural achievements.
  • Question 5: What were the main features of the post-Gupta political landscape in India?

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions

These three questions require detailed responses of 80-100 words each and test Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). Long-answer questions assess your ability to analyse historical processes, compare different dynasties, evaluate causes and consequences, and synthesise information from multiple parts of Chapter 6. Structure each answer with a clear introduction, 3-4 well-developed points in the body, and a brief conclusion. Use specific examples, dates, and names of rulers to support your arguments. For CBSE Class 7 Social Science examinations, long answers typically carry 4-5 marks, so ensure you cover multiple dimensions of the question. When comparing dynasties, create a balanced analysis covering political, cultural, and economic aspects. For questions on impact and significance, discuss both immediate and long-term consequences. Reference the NCERT textbook content while adding your analytical insights. These questions encourage you to think critically about how political fragmentation led to cultural diversification, how prolonged conflicts affected regional development, and how this period laid foundations for subsequent historical developments in medieval India.
  • Question 1: Compare and contrast the Pallava and Chalukya dynasties in terms of their political structure, territorial extent, and cultural contributions.
  • Question 2: Analyse the causes and consequences of the tripartite struggle. How did it affect the political scenario in North India?
  • Question 3: Discuss the architectural and cultural developments during the Age of Reorganisation. How did regional kingdoms contribute to India's cultural heritage?

Section F: Case Study Question

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Case-study questions have become increasingly important in CBSE assessments as they test your ability to apply knowledge to new contexts, analyse source material, and draw informed conclusions. This format develops critical reading skills and the ability to extract relevant information from historical descriptions. The passage below describes a scenario related to the tripartite struggle and the political dynamics of the 8th-9th centuries. After reading, answer three sub-questions that require you to identify key information, explain underlying concepts, and evaluate historical significance. Each sub-question should be answered in 20-30 words. Case studies often include maps, inscriptions, or contemporary accounts, so practice interpreting different types of historical sources. For this worksheet, focus on understanding the motivations of different dynasties, the strategic importance of geographical locations, and the broader implications of prolonged military conflicts on regional development and cultural exchange during the Age of Reorganisation.

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

This comprehensive answer key provides correct answers along with brief explanations for every question in the worksheet. Use this section to verify your responses after completing all sections independently. For MCQs, the correct option is identified along with reasoning why other options are incorrect. Fill-in-the-blank answers include the precise terms from NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6. Matching exercises show correct pairings with historical context. Short-answer model responses demonstrate how to structure concise yet complete answers within word limits. Long-answer solutions provide detailed frameworks covering multiple aspects of complex questions. The case-study answers show how to extract and apply information from source material. While checking your answers, do not just mark right or wrong—read the explanations to understand the reasoning behind each correct answer. This deepens conceptual clarity and helps you learn from mistakes. If you scored below 60 percent on any section, revisit that portion of Chapter 6 in your NCERT textbook and your Class 7 Social Science notes before attempting similar questions again.
  • Section A MCQ Answers: 1-Pallavas, 2-Kanauj, 3-Krishna I, 4-Badami, 5-Palas, 6-Local chiefs/feudal lords
  • Section B Fill-in-the-Blanks: 1-Kanchipuram, 2-Tripartite, 3-Chalukya, 4-Samantas, 5-Malwa
  • Section C Matching: 1-B, 2-D, 3-C, 4-A, 5-E
  • Section D Short Answers: Detailed 30-40 word responses with key terms and examples
  • Section E Long Answers: Structured 80-100 word responses covering multiple dimensions
  • Section F Case Study: (a) Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, Rashtrakutas; (b) Strategic location, trade hub, symbol of imperial authority; (c) Weakened all three kingdoms, made North India vulnerable to invasions

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  • Instant doubt resolution: Upload any question from this worksheet and get detailed explanations
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Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty level and suggested time for this Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6 worksheet?+
This worksheet is of medium difficulty, suitable for Class 7 students who have completed reading Chapter 6. The suggested time is 60 minutes for attempting all sections, allowing approximately 10 minutes for MCQs and fill-in-the-blanks, 15 minutes for short answers, 20 minutes for long answers, and 10 minutes for the case study. Students should attempt it under exam-like conditions for best practice.
Which are the three major South Indian dynasties covered in this chapter?+
The three major South Indian dynasties discussed in NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6 are the Pallavas (capital: Kanchipuram), the Chalukyas (capital: Badami, later Kalyani), and the Rashtrakutas (who dominated the Deccan plateau). Each made significant contributions to temple architecture, administration, and regional culture between the 6th and 11th centuries.
What was the tripartite struggle and why was it important?+
The tripartite struggle was a prolonged conflict lasting nearly 200 years among three powerful kingdoms: the Gurjara-Pratiharas of Malwa, the Palas of Bengal, and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan. They fought for control over Kanauj, which was considered the symbol of sovereignty over the fertile Gangetic plains. This struggle significantly weakened all three powers and shaped North Indian politics during this period.
How should students prepare for long-answer questions on this chapter?+
For long-answer questions worth 4-5 marks, students should structure responses with a clear introduction, 3-4 developed points with specific examples (names of rulers, dates, places), and a brief conclusion. Practice writing 80-100 word answers covering multiple dimensions—political, cultural, economic. Use NCERT terminology precisely and support arguments with concrete historical evidence from Chapter 6.
What is the samanta system mentioned in this chapter?+
The samanta system was a feudal arrangement where local chiefs (samantas) received land grants from kings in return for military service and loyalty. This decentralised political authority and created a hierarchy of lords and vassals. The system changed the social and economic structure of Indian society during the post-Gupta period and strengthened regional powers at the expense of centralised empires.
Which architectural monuments should students remember from this period?+
Key monuments include the Shore Temple and rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram built by the Pallavas, the cave temples at Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal constructed by the Chalukyas, and the magnificent Kailasanatha temple at Ellora carved from a single rock by Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. These demonstrate the architectural excellence and cultural patronage of this era.
How can this worksheet help in preparing for CBSE Class 7 term exams?+
This worksheet covers all question formats that appear in CBSE Social Science exams: MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, short answers, long answers, and case studies. Practicing these questions helps students recall key facts, develop answer-writing skills, manage time effectively, and identify knowledge gaps. The detailed answer key provides model responses that show exactly what examiners expect.
What are the most important dates and rulers to remember from Chapter 6?+
Focus on the period c. 6th-11th century CE as the Age of Reorganisation. Remember Narasimhavarman I (Pallava, built Mahabalipuram), Pulakeshin II (Chalukya, defeated Harsha), and Krishna I (Rashtrakuta, built Kailasanatha temple at Ellora). Also note the approximate duration of the tripartite struggle (8th-10th centuries) and the decline of the Gupta Empire around 550 CE that began this period.
Why is Kanauj called the prize of the tripartite struggle?+
Kanauj was strategically located in the fertile Gangetic plains, making it economically prosperous through agriculture and trade. More importantly, it was considered the symbol of imperial authority in North India—whoever controlled Kanauj was seen as the paramount power. This symbolic and strategic importance made it the coveted prize that three major kingdoms fought over for two centuries.
How does this chapter connect to other parts of Class 7 Social Science curriculum?+
Chapter 6 connects to earlier chapters on ancient India by showing what happened after the Gupta Empire declined. It links to later chapters on medieval India by explaining the political fragmentation that made the subcontinent vulnerable to invasions. The administrative systems, temple architecture, and cultural developments discussed here continue to influence Indian civilisation and appear in subsequent historical periods.

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