CBSE| HISTORY|CLASS 7| New Social and Political Groups (700–1750 CE)

 

New Social and Political Groups (700–1750 CE)

The period between 700 and 1750 CE in the Indian subcontinent was marked by significant economic, social, political, and cultural changes. Historians find it both fascinating and challenging to study this thousand-year span due to the variety of developments and large-scale transformations that occurred.

⚙️ Technological and Agricultural Innovations

• New technologies emerged:

  • Persian wheel – improved irrigation techniques.

  • Spinning wheel – enhanced weaving.

  • Firearms – revolutionized warfare.

• New crops and beverages like potatoes, corn, chillies, tea, and coffee were introduced.

• These innovations were often brought by migrating groups who also introduced new ideas and cultural practices.

🚶‍♂️ Mobility and Search for Opportunities

• This era saw great mobility. People moved across regions seeking fortune, land, and political power.

• The subcontinent’s wealth and diversity attracted many, and some groups rose to prominence.

🛡️ Rise of the Rajputs and Other Groups

• Rajputs (from Rajaputra, meaning son of a ruler):

  • Originally referred to Kshatriya warriors.

  • Included rulers, chieftains, soldiers, and commanders.

  • Known for valour, loyalty, and a chivalric code of conduct, often praised by their poets and bards.

• Other groups that gained importance:

  • Marathas

  • Sikhs

  • Jats

  • Ahoms

  • Kayasthas (caste of scribes and administrators)

These groups used political opportunities to build influence and shape regional histories.

🌾 Forest Clearance and Peasant Expansion

• Large-scale forest clearing led to agricultural expansion.

• Many forest-dwellers became peasants by starting to till the land.

• These peasants began interacting with:

  • Regional markets

  • Priests and temples

  • Local chieftains and monasteries

• They became part of larger, more complex societies and were expected to pay taxes and offer services to local rulers.

💰 Emerging Social Differences

• Differences developed among peasants:

  • Some had fertile land.

  • Others had cattle.

  • Some were artisans during lean seasons.

• These differences led to social stratification and the formation of jatis (sub-castes).

🏷️ Jatis and Their Rules

• People were grouped into jatis based on occupation and background.

• Status was not fixed — it varied by:

  • Region

  • Wealth

  • Political influence

• Jatis created their own rules and regulations and enforced them through jati panchayats (assemblies of elders).

• Yet, they also had to follow village rules set by local chieftains.

🏘️ Villages and Local Governance

• A village was often governed by a chieftain.

• Multiple villages formed small units within a larger state.

• These small political units were part of the fragmented political structure of medieval India.

🧠 Conclusion

The thousand years between 700 and 1750 CE saw the emergence of new social and political groups, driven by technology, migration, war, agriculture, and trade. These groups contributed to the shaping of regional cultures, hierarchies, and governance structures. The dynamic nature of social ranks, political alliances, and economic activity makes this period one of great complexity and transformation.