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of water. There were associations, officers appointed by the rulers and leaders of people living
in the area who took an active interest in these matters. The trading associations had also
built extensive networks of irrigation which had enabled agriculture to be carried out in the
region. The agrarian reforms of the Cholas had considerably influenced such works in other
countries of South-East Asia. The trading associations had closer ties with these countries. The
enterprising farmers grew species and sandalwood for export to China and some other South-
East Asian countries. The remains of a tank belonging to some members of Manigramam guild
have also been found. From China they imported ceramics and glass-ware. Cholas had also
sent an embassy to China in 1077 to further these trading contacts. Some historians have found
evidence of trade with Arabia where from Cholas imported horses.
irrigaTiOn faciliTies – agrarian exPansiOn
Both the Chola government and the local authorities gave special attention to providing
irrigation facilities. Apart from utilising water from the river Kaveri and other rivers,
the Cholas also stored water in great tanks. The village assemblies were responsible for
maintaining the tanks. The Cholas also spent huge amounts on building canals and wells.
Thus, providing irrigation facility was an important responsibility of the state and local
assemblies. A sluice gate was used to regulate water from a tank through a water channel
which helped in irrigation to the fields.
Now I Know :
In the early Medieval Period, many regional kingdoms Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas were in power. All these
kingdoms fought over Kanauj–economically and politically a powerful state.
The four major clans of the Rajputs were, the Chawhans, Paramars, Pratiharas, and Chalukyas.
The muslims entered India through Sindh. They were the Turks who established themselves in India in the 12th and
13th centuries A.D.
Mahmud of Ghanzi was the first Turkish invader to invade India and ruler of Ghazni. He attacked India seventeen
times one after the other from 1001-1026 AD.
Muhammad Ghori was the successor of Mahmud. He conquered Peshawar, Sialkot and Punjab.
In 1191 AD. Ghori attacked Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput ruler of Delhi and Ajmer.
There was great difference between Muhammad Ghori and Mahmud of Ghazni.
Mahmud of Ghazni was interested only in the wealth of India while Muhammad Ghori was not a military leader.
In this period, there were great developments and changes in society, economy and religion in north India.
(Assessment of Learning Outcome)
A. Tick () the correct option :
1. Who was the first Turkish invader who invaded India from the Northwestern side?
(a) Muhammad Ghori (b) Mahmud Ghazni
(c) Prithviraj (d) Ibrahim Gardi
2. Who was the founder of Chola Empire?
(a) Vijayalaya (b) Rajaraj
(c) Rajendra (d) Krishna Devarai
56 Social Studies-7
