1.What does the term "Age of Reorganisation" refer to?

A period when large early empires declined and regional kingdoms and new powers emerged across India.

2.Name three regional powers discussed in this chapter.

Shungas, Satavahanas and the Chedis.

3.Which regions are focused on in this chapter?

North India, the Deccan, north-west and South India.

4.Which foreign groups are important for this period?

Indo-Greeks and the Kushanas are important foreign contacts and rulers in this period.

5.Why is trade important in this chapter?

Trade shaped the wealth and power of kingdoms by connecting regions, bringing revenue and cultural exchange.

6.What are the main sources historians use for this period?

Coins, inscriptions, travellers’ accounts, archaeological remains and art objects.

7.Who founded the Shunga dynasty?

Pushyamitra Shunga established the Shunga dynasty after the fall of the Mauryas.

8.Where did the Shungas primarily rule?

They ruled in parts of the Gangetic plain and surrounding regions.

9.What was a key focus of Shunga rulers?

They focused on consolidating power, fortifying towns and supporting religious institutions.

10.Where did the Satavahanas rule?

The Satavahanas ruled large parts of the Deccan region in central and southern India.

11.How did Satavahanas benefit from trade?

They controlled trade routes in the Deccan and coastal ports, gaining revenue and foreign contacts.

12.Who were the Chedis?

A regional clan/rulers who held power in central India during the reorganisation era.

13.What role did regional capitals play?

Capitals served as administrative centres, military bases and market hubs for rulers.

14.Did Satavahanas have relations with the south?

Yes — they had cultural and trade links with South Indian kingdoms and ports.

15.What kinds of patronage did these rulers provide?

They patronised religious institutions, artists and local artisans through donations and public works.

16.How did these dynasties collect taxes?

Through land revenue, market taxes and tolls on trade routes and ports.

17.What were the main types of trade routes?

River routes, overland caravan routes and coastal maritime routes.

18.How did ports affect southern kingdoms?

Ports boosted trade with Southeast Asia and brought wealth, spices and luxury goods to southern rulers.

19.What is a market town?

A small urban centre where goods are bought, sold and crafts are produced for local and long-distance trade.

20.Why did rulers protect trade routes?

To secure revenue from taxes, ensure safe passage for merchants and maintain economic stability.

21.Give an example of a traded good.

Textiles, spices, precious stones and metalware were commonly traded goods.

22.What is the significance of caravanserais?

They were resting places for caravans and traders, providing shelter, storage and trade spaces along routes.

23.How did trade encourage cultural exchange?

Merchants and travellers brought ideas, religious beliefs and art forms that mixed with local traditions.

24.Which Indian kingdoms had strong maritime links?

Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas are notable for their maritime trade with Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka.

25.Who were the Indo-Greeks?

Greek rulers and settlers who established kingdoms in the north-west after Alexander’s campaigns.

26.When did Greek influence reach India?

From Alexander’s invasion in the late 4th century BCE and continued through successor kingdoms.

27.What is Gandhara known for?

Gandhara is known for Greco-Indian art that blends Hellenistic and Indian styles.

28.Who were the Kushanas?

A Central Asian group who established a powerful empire in north-west and north India, linking trade with Central Asia.

29.How did Kushanas help Buddhism spread?

By patronising Buddhist institutions and supporting missionary activities along trade routes.

30.What changes appeared in coinage during this period?

Coins began showing portraits, bilingual inscriptions and diverse iconography influenced by Hellenistic styles.

31.Why are coins valuable to historians?

They provide information on rulers, dates, trade links and artistic styles of the period.

32.Give one example of cultural blending from Indo-Greek contact.

Gandhara sculptures combining Greek realism with Indian religious themes are a clear example.

33.Who were the Cholas?

A powerful South Indian dynasty known for maritime trade, agriculture and temple culture.

34.Where were the Cheras located?

In the western coastal region of South India, often associated with early Kerala.

35.What were the Pandyas famous for?

They were famous for trade, pearl fisheries and commerce through eastern ports.

36.How did southern kingdoms interact with Southeast Asia?

Through maritime trade, religious links and cultural exchange with Southeast Asian polities.

37.What role did ports play in the economy?

Ports were centres of trade, taxation and contact with foreign merchants and cultures.

38.Did local institutions exist alongside kings in the south?

Yes — village assemblies and local bodies managed land, water and local disputes alongside royal power.

39.Name a craft important in South India.

Textile production, especially cotton cloth and silk weaving, was important for trade.

40.How did temples contribute to society?

Temples were centres of worship, economic activity, learning and patronage for arts and crafts.

41.Which exports linked South India to foreign markets?

Spices, textiles, pearls and timber were key exports to Southeast Asia and beyond.

42.Why were maritime skills important for South Indian rulers?

Maritime skills enabled navigation, control of sea trade and projection of power to overseas regions.

43.Which religion continued to receive royal patronage?

Buddhism continued to receive support from various rulers and merchants.

44.What is Gandhara art noted for?

Gandhara art is noted for blending Greek realism with Indian religious themes.

45.How did inscriptions help record history?

Inscriptions recorded donations, royal orders and events, providing direct historical evidence.

46.What was a common occupation besides farming?

Craft production such as weaving, pottery and metalwork was commonly practiced.

47.How did towns change daily life?

Towns offered markets, services and jobs, creating urban livelihoods beyond agriculture.

48.Why are coins important cultural sources?

Coins show rulers’ names, dates and artistic influences and indicate trade and economic links.

49.What role did public works serve?

Public works like wells, roads and temples supported trade, agriculture and social welfare.

50.Give a quick revision tip for this chapter.

Group kingdoms by region (north, Deccan, south) and link each to trade, art and key rulers for easier recall.