1.What is meant by the Age of Reorganisation?

A period when older central powers declined and new regional kingdoms emerged across India.

2.Which regions saw new powers after earlier empires declined?

North India, the Deccan, north-west and South India developed new regional powers.

3.Name three new powers mentioned in this chapter.

The Shungas, Satavahanas and the Chedis.

4.Which foreign groups invaded or influenced India in this period?

Indo-Greeks and later the Kushanas from Central Asia influenced the region.

5.Why study this period?

It explains regional political changes, trade connections and cultural exchanges shaping early medieval India.

6.How do historians learn about this period?

From coins, inscriptions, travellers’ accounts, archaeological remains and art.

7.Who were the Shungas?

A dynasty that came to power in the Gangetic region after the fall of earlier rulers.

8.Where did the Satavahanas rule?

They ruled primarily in the Deccan region of central and southern India.

9.Who were the Chedis?

A regional clan/rulers who gained power in parts of central India during the reorganisation period.

10.What helped Satavahanas become important?

Control of trade routes in the Deccan and support for local agriculture and crafts.

11.Name one activity royal courts supported.

Patronage of religion, art and local craft production.

12.How did regional kings collect revenue?

Primarily through land taxes, market taxes and tolls on trade routes.

13.What role did forts play for regional rulers?

Forts provided defence and acted as administrative centres controlling nearby territories.

14.Did Satavahanas interact with southern kingdoms?

Yes, they had trade and cultural links with southern polities and coastal ports.

15.What evidence helps us know about the Shungas?

Inscriptions, coins and archaeological remains like stupas and relics.

16.Were these regional powers centralized like earlier empires?

No—most had regional centres with local autonomy and less central control than earlier large empires.

17.Why were trade routes important in this period?

They carried goods, wealth and ideas, boosting the prosperity and power of kingdoms that controlled them.

18.What is coastal trade?

Trade carried by ships along the coast connecting ports within India and with foreign lands.

19.Which regions benefited from maritime trade?

South Indian kingdoms like the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas gained from maritime trade.

20.What are market towns?

Small urban centres where goods were bought and sold and crafts were made for local and long-distance trade.

21.How did control of ports help rulers?

Control of ports brought customs revenue and links to long-distance trade networks.

22.What goods were commonly traded?

Spices, textiles, precious stones, metals and craft goods were commonly traded.

23.How did trade influence culture?

Trade brought foreign ideas, religions and art styles that blended with local traditions.

24.What is a caravanserai?

A halting place or inn where traders and caravans rested and resupplied along land routes.

25.Who were the Indo-Greeks?

Greek rulers and settlers who remained or established kingdoms in northwest India after Alexander’s campaigns.

26.When did Greeks contact India?

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

27.What cultural impact did Greeks have?

They influenced art (realistic styles) and coinage, introducing Hellenistic elements into local culture.

28.Who were the Kushanas?

A Central Asian group that established a powerful empire in north-west and north India, controlling trade routes.

29.How did Kushanas support trade?

By protecting caravan routes, issuing coins and maintaining links with Central Asia.

30.Which religion did Kushanas patronise?

They patronised various religions, including Buddhism, which spread along trade routes under their rule.

31.How do coins help historians?

Coins provide dates, kings’ names and artistic styles that help reconstruct political history and trade links.

32.Give one example of Greco-Indian cultural blending.

Gandhara art combining Greek realism with Indian religious themes is a key example.

33.Who were the Cholas?

A major South Indian dynasty known for maritime trade, temple-building and strong administration.

34.Where were the Cheras based?

In the western coastal region of South India, often linked to Kerala’s early history.

35.What were the Pandyas known for?

The Pandyas were known for trade, especially pearl fisheries and connections with eastern ports.

36.How did South Indian kingdoms use the sea?

They used maritime routes for trade with Southeast Asia and beyond, exporting goods and importing luxuries.

37.What role did ports play in south India?

Ports were hubs for merchants, customs revenue and cultural exchange with foreign sailors.

38.Did village institutions exist in the south?

Yes—local village assemblies and institutions often managed land, water and local disputes alongside royal authority.

39.Name a craft produced in South India for trade.

Textiles, especially cotton and silk goods, were important crafts for trade.

40.How did South Indian literature and temples grow?

Royal patronage supported poets, temples and architectural projects that enriched cultural life.

41.Which foreign regions did South India trade with?

Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East and sometimes the Mediterranean via intermediaries.

42.Why were maritime links important for political power?

Maritime trade increased wealth, diplomatic ties and access to foreign resources, strengthening rulers’ authority.

43.Which religious tradition continued to receive patronage?

Buddhism continued to receive royal patronage in many regions.

44.What is Gandhara art associated with?

Gandhara art is associated with Greco-Indian sculpture showing realistic human forms.

45.How did towns affect everyday life?

Towns provided markets, jobs for artisans, and centres for social and religious life.

46.What role did farmers play?

Farmers produced food surpluses that supported towns, armies and rulers’ revenues.

47.How did art reflect cultural links?

Art blended local and foreign styles, showing shared motifs and techniques across regions.

48.Why are inscriptions important?

Inscriptions record royal orders, donations and historical events, helping reconstruct the past.

49.What was a common occupation besides farming?

Craft production such as weaving, metalwork and pottery were common occupations.

50.Give one tip for remembering this chapter.

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