07. The Making of Regional Cultures Class 7 NCERT Notes Chapter 7 History for CBSE

Welcome to The Making of Regional Cultures Class 7 NCERT Notes Chapter 7 History for CBSE

The Making of Regional Cultures – Class 7 history Chapter 7

Introduction

• Describing people based on language: People are often identified and described based on the language they speak, which plays a significant role in defining their cultural identity.
• Regions associated with distinct food, clothing, arts: Different geographical regions are known for their unique cultural aspects, including food, clothing, arts, and traditions.
• Evolution of regional identities and cultures: Regional identities have evolved over time due to various historical, social, and cultural factors.
• Influence of intermixing and outside ideas on regional cultures: Regional cultures have been shaped by the intermixing of local traditions and the infusion of ideas from other parts of the subcontinent.

The Cheras and the Development of Malayalam

• Example of language and region connection: The Chera kingdom’s use of Malayalam exemplifies the connection between language and region.
• Malayalam introduced in Chera kingdom (Kerala): The Cheras introduced the Malayalam language and script in their inscriptions, one of the earliest instances of using a regional language in official records.
• Early use of regional language in official records: The use of Malayalam in official records marked a significant departure from the use of other languages in the subcontinent.

Rulers and Religious Traditions: The Jagannatha Cult

• Formation of regional culture around religious traditions: In some regions, regional cultures are intricately linked to religious traditions.
• The Jagannatha cult in Puri, Orissa: The cult of Jagannatha in Puri, Orissa, became a central point around which the regional culture developed.
• Deity’s evolution from local god to Vishnu: The deity Jagannatha originally had local origins but later became identified with the god Vishnu, reflecting the evolving nature of regional religious traditions.

The Rajputs and Traditions of Heroism

• The Rajput contribution to Rajasthan’s culture: The Rajputs played a crucial role in shaping the cultural traditions of Rajasthan.
• The ideal of heroic rulers and their stories: Rajput rulers were known for their heroic ideals, often choosing valor and even death on the battlefield over defeat.
• Role of minstrels in preserving heroic tales: Specially trained minstrels played a vital role in preserving and recounting stories of Rajput heroes, passing them down through generations.

Beyond Regional Frontiers: The Story of Kathak

• The evolution of Kathak dance: Kathak, originally associated with story-telling in temples, evolved into a distinct form of dance over centuries.
• Influence of the bhakti movement on Kathak: The spread of the bhakti movement contributed to the evolution of Kathak by incorporating stories of Radha and Krishna into the dance.
• Development into classical dance forms in different regions: Kathak developed into distinct regional styles, with gharanas in places like Jaipur and Lucknow.

Painting for Patrons: The Tradition of Miniatures

• Evolution of miniature painting: Miniature painting evolved over time, with influences from Mughal and regional courts.
• Mughal influence on regional courts: Mughal artistic tastes influenced the artistic traditions of regional courts in areas like the Deccan and Rajasthan.
• Miniature painting in Himalayan foothills: The Himalayan foothills also witnessed the development of miniature painting, with distinct regional styles emerging.

A Closer Look: Bengal – The Growth of a Regional Language

• The emergence of Bengali as a language: Bengali, now recognized as a language derived from Sanskrit, went through stages of evolution.
• Influence of Sanskrit and historical factors: Commercial ties with Magadha, Gupta rule, and the spread of Sanskrit influenced the development of Bengali.
• Early Bengali literature and its categories: Early Bengali literature included translations of Sanskrit epics, bhakti literature, and Nath literature, reflecting diverse cultural influences.

Fish as Food

• The significance of fish in Bengali cuisine: Fish has a prominent place in Bengali cuisine due to the region’s riverine nature.
• Relaxation of dietary prohibitions for Brahmanas: In Bengal, Brahmanas were allowed to eat certain types of fish due to its importance in the local diet.

Keywords and Definitions

Important Definitions for The Making of Regional Cultures Class 7 NCERT Notes Chapter 7 History for CBSE.

• Classical: Refers to forms of art or literature that are considered of high quality, often due to their historical significance, complexity, and skill required.
• Miniature: A small, detailed painting, often created with meticulous care.
• Pir: A spiritual guide or religious leader in Islamic Sufism.
• Dialect: A particular form of a language that is specific to a particular region or social group.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Important Questions for The Making of Regional Cultures Class 7 NCERT Notes Chapter 7 History for CBSE.

What is the significance of regional cultures?

• Regional cultures play a crucial role in preserving unique traditions, languages, and identities within a larger nation or subcontinent.

How did language influence regional identities?

• Language often serves as a key marker of regional identity and is closely linked to cultural practices.

Why did the Cheras use Malayalam in their inscriptions?

• The Cheras used Malayalam to emphasize their regional identity and connect with the local population.

What is the central role of the Jagannatha cult in Orissa?

• The Jagannatha cult played a central role in shaping the religious and cultural identity of Orissa.

Why are Rajput rulers known for their heroic ideals?

• Rajput rulers were valorous and upheld a code of honor and heroism, which contributed to their reputation.

How did the bhakti movement influence Kathak dance?

• The bhakti movement introduced stories of devotion to gods like Radha and Krishna, which became a part of Kathak dance.

What influenced the distinct styles in miniature painting?

• Miniature painting styles were influenced by various factors, including Mughal tastes and regional preferences.

Why is the evolution of Bengali as a language significant?

• The evolution of Bengali reflects historical changes and cultural influences in the region.

Why were some Brahmanas in Bengal allowed to eat fish?

• Some Brahmanas in Bengal were permitted to eat fish due to its abundance in the region.

What is the role of dialects in shaping regional cultures?

• Dialects contribute to the richness and diversity of regional cultures by reflecting the language variations within a region.

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) with Answers

1. What is the connection between language and regional identity?
   a) Language has no impact on regional identity.
   b) Language is the sole determinant of regional identity.
   c) Language plays a significant role in defining regional identity.
   d) Regional identity is unrelated to language.
   Answer: c) Language plays a significant role in defining regional identity.
2. Which language was introduced by the Cheras in their inscriptions?
   a) Sanskrit
   b) Tamil
   c) Malayalam
   d) Kannada
   Answer: c) Malayalam
3. In which region did the Jagannatha cult play a central role in shaping regional culture?
   a) Kerala
   b) Rajasthan
   c) Orissa
   d) Bengal
   Answer: c) Orissa
4. What is one of the defining characteristics of Rajput rulers?
   a) Pacifism
   b) Heroic ideals
   c) Religious tolerance
   d) Trade expertise
   Answer: b) Heroic ideals
5. Which religious movement contributed to the evolution of Kathak dance?
   a) Bhakti movement
   b) Sufism
   c) Jainism
   d) Buddhism
   Answer: a) Bhakti movement
6. What influenced the development of distinct styles in miniature painting?
   a) European art
   b) Mughal tastes
   c) Chinese calligraphy
   d) African sculpture
   Answer: b) Mughal tastes
7. What is the significance of Bengali’s evolution as a language?
   a) It led to the decline of Sanskrit.
   b) It influenced trade routes.
   c) It reflected historical changes in the region.
   d) It led to the spread of Buddhism.
   Answer: c) It reflected historical changes in the region.
8. Why did some Brahmanas in Bengal have dietary allowances for fish?
   a) They followed a pescatarian diet.
   b) It was considered a delicacy.
   c) It was abundant in the region.
   d) It was a religious obligation.
   Answer: c) It was abundant in the region.

This was the end of The Making of Regional Cultures Class 7 NCERT Notes Chapter 7 History for CBSE.

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