Grade-7 Social Science, Flowering of Regional Cultures

 

Glossary

Eulogy - A piece of writing praising somebody highly

Bard  - person who writes poems

Ballad - A poem or a song that tells a story

Vernacular - The language that is spoken in a particular area or by a particular group

Minstrel - A musician or a singer in the Medieval Period

 

Key Points

• With the coming of the Turks, Persian became the administrative language of India.

• Some languages that flourished in Medieval India were Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi and Bengali.

• The regional language texts, both religious and secular, composed during the Medieval Period are valuable sources of history.

• Classical dance, painting and music also developed during this period. • Bengal was a major centre of arts and literature in the Medieval Period.

 

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

(a) __ was the official language in north India before the arrival of the Turks. 

(b) Amir Khusrau devised a new literary style called the ___

(c) Krishnadeva Raya was the author of __ or the style of India.

(d)__ is a dance form of Andhra Pradesh.

(e) The studio established by Akbar for painters was called the __

 

(a) Sanskrit was the official language in north India before the arrival of the Turks.

(b) Amir Khusrau devised a new literary style called the sabag-i-hin.

(c) Krishnadeva Raya was the author of the Amuktamalyada

(d) Kuchipudi is a dance form of Andhra Pradesh.

(e) The studio established by Akbar for painters was called the tasvirkhana.

 

Choose the correct answer.

(a) Which of the following was written by Kalhana?

(i) Fatwa-i-Alamgiri

(ii) Rajatarangini

(iii) Sohni-Mahiwal

(iv) Khaliq Bari

Answer: (ii) Rajatarangini

 

(b) The Gita Govinda was written by

(i) Eknath.

(ii) Tukaram.

(iii) Tulsidas.

(iv) Jayadeva.

Answer: (iv) Jayadeva.

 

(c) The greatest classical singer at Akbar's court was

(i) Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan.

(ii) Birbal.

(iii) Tansen.

(iv) Raja Man Singh.

Answer: (iii) Tansen

 

(d) Mohini Attam originated in

(i) Kerala.

(ii) Karnataka.

(iii) Tamil Nadu.

(iv) Manipur.

Answer: (i) Kerala.

 

(e) The mystic minstrels of Bengal are the

(i) bauls.

(ii) janamsakhis.

(iii) ektara.

(iv) dhol.

Answer: (i) bauls.

 

Match the column.

(a) Ramacharitamanas (b) Urdu (c) janamsakhis (d) kathakars (e) Mansur

(i) Turkish word for 'camp' (ii) storytellers   (iii) painter (iv) Tulsidas (v) Punjabi literature

 

Answer:
(a) Ramacharitamanas - (iv) Tulsidas

(b) Urdu - (i) Turkish word for 'camp'

(c) janamsakhis - (ii) storytellers

(d) kathakars - (ii) storytellers

(e) Mansur - (iii) painter

 

 Write true or false. Correct the false sentences in your notebook.

(a) The book Padmavat was written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi

True

(b) Kissas are a popular type of literature in the Tamil language.

False. Correction: Kissas are a popular type of literature in the Punjabi language.

(c) Tukaram wrote a number of short poems called abhangas.

True

(d) Manipuri dance depicts stories from the Ramayana.

False. Correction: Manipuri dance depicts stories from the life of Lord Krishna, particularly the Ras Leela.

(e) Odissi comes from the state of Punjab.

False. Correction: Odissi comes from the state of Odisha.

 

Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

(a) Mention some of the important literary works in Hindi.

Answer: Some important literary works in Hindi include "Ramacharitamanas" by Tulsidas and "Padmavat" by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

 

(b) Name two well-known saint-poets of Maharashtra.

Answer: Two well-known saint-poets of Maharashtra are Jnanadeva and Tukaram.

 

(c) Who were the Ashtadiggas?

Answer: The Ashtadiggas were the eight great poets who were part of the court of Krishnadeva Raya, the Vijayanagar king.

 

(d) How are regional texts useful as a source of history?

Answer: Regional texts provide valuable insights into the customs, traditions, and cultures of specific regions, offering detailed information about life, trade, commerce, and cultural contacts with other kingdoms during historical periods.

 

(e) What were the important results of Aurangzeb's dislike for paintings?

Answer: Aurangzeb's dislike for paintings resulted in a decline in royal patronage for artists, causing many painters to migrate to other regions. This led to a decline in the Mughal painting tradition and the rise of regional schools of painting.

 

 Answer the following questions in four or five sentences.

 

(a) What is the main contribution of Amir Khusrau to the world of literature?

Answer: Amir Khusrau made significant contributions to the world of literature, particularly in Persian and Hindavi poetry. He devised a new literary style called the sabk-i-hindi or the style of India, blending Persian and Indian influences. Khusrau's innovative compositions, including ghazals and historical poems, reflected the cultural exchange between Persian and Indian literary traditions, influencing subsequent generations of poets.

 

(b) Which are the classical dances of south India? What are their main features?

Answer: The classical dances of south India are Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, and Odissi. Bharatanatyam, originating from Tamil Nadu, is known for its precise footwork, intricate hand gestures, and expressive facial expressions. Kathakali, from Kerala, is a dance-drama form characterized by elaborate costumes, vivid makeup, and dramatic storytelling. Kuchipudi, from Andhra Pradesh, combines both dance and drama elements, with graceful movements and intricate footwork. Mohiniattam, also from Kerala, emphasizes fluid movements and lyrical expressions, often depicting themes of love and devotion. Odissi, from Odisha, features graceful poses, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures, with themes often revolving around devotion to Lord Krishna.

 

(c) Discuss the main features of the Mughal school of painting.

Answer: The Mughal school of painting flourished under the patronage of Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Its main features include a fusion of Persian and Indian artistic styles, characterized by realistic depictions of human figures and landscapes. Mughal paintings often portrayed scenes from royal life, court events, battles, hunting expeditions, and religious themes. Notable characteristics of Mughal painting include the use of vibrant colors, intricate details, and a focus on portraying emotions and narratives.

 

(d) Write a short note on the literature of Bengal.

Answer: The literature of Bengal has a rich and diverse heritage, influenced by various cultural and religious traditions. Early Bengali literature comprised translations of Sanskrit texts and oral folk traditions. The Bhakti movement in Bengal led to the emergence of devotional literature, with compositions praising saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Notable works include translations of Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, along with contributions from Muslim writers like Daulat Qazi and Alaol. Bengal's literature reflects its cultural synthesis and historical evolution, spanning across diverse genres and themes.

 

(e) Who were the bauls? What were the main themes of their music?

Answer: he bauls were mystic minstrels from Bengal, belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities. They wandered from place to place, singing songs of spiritual longing and seeking the inner ideal, known as the "Man of the Heart." The main themes of their music revolve around love, devotion, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Baul music often incorporates simple instruments like the ektara and focuses on expressing profound philosophical ideas in a simple and earthy manner, appealing to both the heart and the soul.

 

Analytical Skill

Read the following text.

The bauls' music is part of the oral tradition and most of the songs were never recorded on paper. In 2005, their heritage was included by UNESCO list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

 

(i) What do you understand by the term Intangible heritage

Answer: Intangible heritage refers to cultural practices, traditions, expressions, knowledge, and skills that are passed down from generation to generation within a community or group. Unlike tangible heritage, which includes physical objects like monuments or artifacts, intangible heritage encompasses aspects of culture that are non-material and often involve oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, social practices, and language.

 

(ii) Why do you think the baul tradition was included on the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity?

Answer: The baul tradition was included on the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity because it represents a unique and valuable cultural heritage that is passed down orally from generation to generation. Baul music is deeply rooted in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of Bengal, embodying themes of love, devotion, and spiritual seeking. By recognizing the baul tradition as intangible heritage, UNESCO acknowledges its significance in preserving cultural diversity, promoting social cohesion, and fostering intercultural dialogue. Additionally, inclusion on this list helps raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding and transmitting intangible cultural heritage for future generations.

 

Thinking Hat

HOTS-Analytical Skills

Why do you think so much regional literature revolved around devotion, especially the cult of Bhakti?

1.    Answer: Cultural Influence: Bhakti literature responded to societal rigidity by advocating a more personal approach to spirituality.

2.    Social Context: Amidst poverty and inequality, Bhakti literature provided solace and hope, transcending social barriers.

3.    Language Accessibility: Bhakti literature in vernacular languages made spiritual teachings accessible to the masses.

4.    Emotional Appeal: Bhakti poetry's emotional expressions resonated deeply, fostering a profound spiritual connection.

5.    Cultural Identity: Regional literature celebrated cultural heritage by integrating Bhakti ideals with local themes and dialects.

 

Understanding Skills

Find out the meanings of the words 'language' and 'dialect' and write them in your notebook.

Answer:  Language: Language refers to a system of communication used by a particular community or nation, typically consisting of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. It is a means of expressing thoughts, ideas, and emotions through spoken or written symbols, understood by a group of people.

Dialect: A dialect is a variety of a language spoken by a particular group of people, characterized by distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar features. Dialects often arise due to regional, social, or cultural factors and may differ from the standard or mainstream language spoken in a larger community.

 

Values and Life Skills

It is important to preserve the culture and tradition of a place as it reflects and shapes its values and beliefs, and defines its identity.

• What are the ways in which you can preserve the cultural heritage of your region?

1.    Answer: Documentation and Research: Encourage scholars, historians, and cultural enthusiasts to document and research various aspects of the region's culture, including language, literature, music, dance, painting, folklore, and traditions. This helps in preserving knowledge and understanding of cultural practices.

2.    Education and Awareness: Incorporate the region's cultural heritage into educational curricula at schools and universities. Organize workshops, seminars, and cultural events to raise awareness among the community about the significance of their heritage.

3.    Conservation and Restoration: Take steps to conserve and restore historical sites, monuments, artifacts, and artworks that represent the region's cultural heritage. This may involve collaborations with government agencies, heritage organizations, and local communities.

4.    Cultural Festivals and Celebrations: Organize cultural festivals, fairs, and exhibitions to showcase the region's traditional arts, crafts, music, dance, cuisine, and rituals. These events help in promoting cultural pride and fostering a sense of belonging among the community.

5.    Supporting Traditional Artists and Artisans: Provide support and encouragement to traditional artists, artisans, musicians, dancers, and craftsmen by preserving their skills and providing platforms for showcasing their work. This can include financial assistance, training programs, and market access.

6.    Community Participation and Involvement: Involve local communities in decision-making processes related to cultural heritage preservation. Encourage community-led initiatives for safeguarding and promoting cultural practices and traditions.

7.    Digital Archiving and Accessibility: Utilize technology to digitize cultural resources such as manuscripts, recordings, photographs, and oral histories. Make these resources accessible to a wider audience through online platforms and digital archives.

8.    Heritage Tourism: Promote responsible tourism that respects and preserves the cultural heritage of the region. Develop heritage trails, guided tours, and interpretive centers to educate visitors about the significance of historical sites and traditions.

9.    Inter-generational Transmission: Foster inter-generational dialogue and exchange of knowledge between elders and youth to ensure the continuity of cultural traditions and practices.

10.    Environmental Conservation: Recognize the interconnectedness between cultural heritage and the environment. Promote sustainable practices that protect natural resources and ecosystems, which are integral to the region's cultural identity.

Additional Questions from Text

1.    What impact did the introduction of Arabic and Persian have on the development of languages in Medieval India?

Answer: The introduction of Arabic and Persian by the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate influenced the development of languages by patronizing these languages, especially in religious and administrative contexts. It also gave birth to new languages like Urdu.

2.    Who was Amir Khusrau and what were his contributions to literature?

Answer: Amir Khusrau was a prominent Persian poet and scholar associated with the courts of the Delhi Sultanate. He introduced a new literary style called the sabk-i-hindi and developed a language called Hindavi. His works included historical poems, ghazals, and literary compositions that reflected a blend of Persian and Indian literary traditions.

3.    What role did regional languages play in Medieval India, particularly during the Sultanate and Mughal periods?

Answer: Regional languages were used for administrative purposes in smaller kingdoms and chiefdoms, especially in remote areas. They also served as a medium for the growth of devotional literature during the Bhakti movement, adapting religious texts for easy understanding by the common people.

4.    How did the Bhakti and Sufi movements influence music in Medieval India?

Answer: The Bhakti and Sufi movements, being largely music-based, influenced the development of various musical traditions. Sufi musical gatherings led to the creation of qawwalis, while Bhakti saints composed devotional songs and poems in regional languages, celebrating themes of love, devotion, and spirituality.

5.    Describe the significance of miniature paintings during the Mughal period.

Answer: Miniature paintings flourished under Mughal patronage, representing a fusion of Persian and Indian artistic styles. They depicted scenes from royal life, court events, battles, and religious themes with intricate details and vibrant colors. Miniature paintings played a crucial role in preserving Mughal cultural heritage and promoting intercultural exchange.

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