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Questions and Answers
What was the primary symbol associated with the feudal system in Europe?
What was the primary symbol associated with the feudal system in Europe?
What invention allowed for a cavalry charge without the rider being thrown off?
What invention allowed for a cavalry charge without the rider being thrown off?
What system helped in the development of feudalism by decentralizing military power?
What system helped in the development of feudalism by decentralizing military power?
Which group is believed to have influenced the mode of cavalry warfare in Europe?
Which group is believed to have influenced the mode of cavalry warfare in Europe?
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Which of these statements about the military organization during the feudal era is true?
Which of these statements about the military organization during the feudal era is true?
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What was a significant change in military tactics that occurred by the eighth century?
What was a significant change in military tactics that occurred by the eighth century?
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What invention improved the ability of horses to carry loads during the feudal period?
What invention improved the ability of horses to carry loads during the feudal period?
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What contributed to the rise of feudalism in Europe in terms of military requirements?
What contributed to the rise of feudalism in Europe in terms of military requirements?
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What was one significant factor contributing to the wealth and prosperity during the Abbasid period?
What was one significant factor contributing to the wealth and prosperity during the Abbasid period?
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Which currency was established by the Arabs during the Abbasid period for trade?
Which currency was established by the Arabs during the Abbasid period for trade?
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What was the purpose of the 'House of Wisdom' established by Caliph al-Mamun?
What was the purpose of the 'House of Wisdom' established by Caliph al-Mamun?
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Who were some of the notable caliphs during the Abbasid period?
Who were some of the notable caliphs during the Abbasid period?
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Which practice was adopted by the Arabs during the Abbasid period that contributed to financial management?
Which practice was adopted by the Arabs during the Abbasid period that contributed to financial management?
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What was the cultural impact of the Arabs regarding scientific knowledge during the Abbasid period?
What was the cultural impact of the Arabs regarding scientific knowledge during the Abbasid period?
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Which groups were employed in the administration of the Abbasid caliphate?
Which groups were employed in the administration of the Abbasid caliphate?
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What was the primary reason behind the flourishing of trade during the Abbasid period?
What was the primary reason behind the flourishing of trade during the Abbasid period?
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What significant mathematical system traveled from India to the Arab world during this period?
What significant mathematical system traveled from India to the Arab world during this period?
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Who popularized the decimal system in the Arab world during the ninth century?
Who popularized the decimal system in the Arab world during the ninth century?
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Which famous Indian astronomical work was translated into Arabic?
Which famous Indian astronomical work was translated into Arabic?
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Which device developed by the Arabs was essential for navigating the open sea?
Which device developed by the Arabs was essential for navigating the open sea?
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What type of works were frequently translated from Indian texts into Arabic?
What type of works were frequently translated from Indian texts into Arabic?
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What factor significantly contributed to the wealth of temples during this period?
What factor significantly contributed to the wealth of temples during this period?
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What literary work from Sanskrit contributed to Aesop’s Fables in the West?
What literary work from Sanskrit contributed to Aesop’s Fables in the West?
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Which temple is recognized as an early example of the Dravida style of temple architecture?
Which temple is recognized as an early example of the Dravida style of temple architecture?
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What role did temples play in the common man's life besides worship?
What role did temples play in the common man's life besides worship?
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Which area did Sind facilitate between India and the Arab world after Arab conquest?
Which area did Sind facilitate between India and the Arab world after Arab conquest?
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Which statement is true regarding the Chola rulers and their temple activities?
Which statement is true regarding the Chola rulers and their temple activities?
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During which century did the Arabs begin to make their own scientific contributions?
During which century did the Arabs begin to make their own scientific contributions?
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What is the Brihadiswara temple also known as?
What is the Brihadiswara temple also known as?
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What is a notable example of sculpture from this period?
What is a notable example of sculpture from this period?
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In addition to religious images, what other scenes can be found in the temples of this era?
In addition to religious images, what other scenes can be found in the temples of this era?
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What aspect of art reached its peak with the dancing figure of Siva known as Nataraja?
What aspect of art reached its peak with the dancing figure of Siva known as Nataraja?
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What key factors contributed to the growth of India's foreign trade?
What key factors contributed to the growth of India's foreign trade?
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What significant innovation in maritime navigation did the Chinese utilize to enhance their ships?
What significant innovation in maritime navigation did the Chinese utilize to enhance their ships?
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Which regions of India primarily led in foreign trade during this period?
Which regions of India primarily led in foreign trade during this period?
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What was the living style of ministers and officials during this period?
What was the living style of ministers and officials during this period?
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What impact did the Chinese government's restrictions on exports have on trade?
What impact did the Chinese government's restrictions on exports have on trade?
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How did Arab travelers describe Indian agriculture during this period?
How did Arab travelers describe Indian agriculture during this period?
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What was one characteristic of the affluent merchants in the Chalukyan empire?
What was one characteristic of the affluent merchants in the Chalukyan empire?
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What type of material did officials commonly use for their attire?
What type of material did officials commonly use for their attire?
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Study Notes
Feudalism in Europe
- The importance of feudalism was not whether the peasantry was formally free, but how and to what extent they could exercise their freedom.
- The manor system and the system of labour dues by peasants disappeared after the 14th century in many western European countries.
- The most typical symbol of the feudal system was the armored knight on horseback.
- Cavalry warfare in Europe can be traced back to the 8th century
- The arrival of Arabs in Europe with their horses and mounted archers led to a change in warfare from infantry to cavalry, leading to the rise of feudalism.
- The use of cavalry warfare required a large number of soldiers, which no king could sustain on their own.
- This led to the decentralization of the army with fief-holders responsible for maintaining a cavalry and infantry force for the king.
- The iron stirrup and a new horse harness, possibly originating in the East, were crucial for cavalry warfare and spread to Europe.
- The strength of the feudal system made it hard for monarchs to reduce the power of feudal chiefs even when stronger governments emerged after the 11th century.
The Abbasid Caliphate
- The Abbasid Caliphate controlled important regions of West Asia and North Africa and was a major trading route connecting the Mediterranean world to India.
- The safety and security provided by the Abbasids to these trade routes contributed to wealth and prosperity, as seen in the splendor of the Abbasid court.
- Arabs were keen merchants and became some of the most enterprising and wealthy merchants and seafarers in the world.
- Arab cities were known for their magnificent buildings.
- The standard of living and cultural environment of Arab towns were comparable to none in the world during that period.
- Arabs established the Gold Dinar and Silver Dirham, which became the currency of global trade, made possible by access to African gold.
- They introduced double-entry bookkeeping, advanced accountancy, and large-scale banking and credit, including bills of exchange.
The Arabs and Cultural Exchange
- The Abbasid Caliphs, while orthodox Muslims, encouraged learning from all cultures, including Greek, Byzantine, Egyptian, Iranian, and Indian civilizations.
- Al-Mamun created a ‘House of Wisdom’ in Baghdad for translating ancient knowledge into Arabic.
- The example of the Caliphs was followed by nobles, leading to the translation of important scientific works into Arabic.
- Arabic translations allowed for the transmission of Chinese inventions like the compass, paper, printing, gunpowder, and the wheelbarrow to Europe.
- Marco Polo's travels to China were motivated by a desire to learn more about the country and bypass the Arab monopoly on Europe's trade with China.
- The decimal system, developed in India in the 5th century, traveled to the Arab world during this time and was popularized by al-Khwarizmi.
- Many Indian works on astronomy, mathematics, and medicine were translated into Arabic, including Surya Siddhanta, Charak, and Sushruta.
- Indian traders and merchants visited Iraqi and Iranian markets, and Indian physicians and craftsmen were welcomed at the Caliph's court in Baghdad.
- Sanskrit literary works, such as Kalila wa Dimma (Panchatantra), were translated into Arabic and influenced Aesop's Fables in the West.
- During the 10th century, Arabs made significant contributions to geometry, algebra, geography, astronomy, optics, chemistry, medicine, and other sciences.
- Arab geographers and maps advanced knowledge about the world.
- Arab inventions for sea travel were in use until the 15th century.
Chola Temples
- Chola Temples, particularly in the Dravida style, were built with impressive scale and grandeur.
- The eighth-century Kailasanath temple in Kanchipuram is an early example of the Dravida style.
- A fine example of Dravida temple architecture is the Brihadiswara temple at Tanjore, built by Rajaraja I, also known as the Rajaraja temple.
- The temple at Gangaikondacholapuram is another fine example of Chola temple architecture.
- Though many temples were constructed, some of the funds came from Chola rulers' plunder of neighboring populations.
- Temple construction continued under the Chalukyas of Kalyani and the Hoysalas.
- The Hoysalesvara temple, with finely sculpted panels depicting daily life, is considered the best example of the Chalukyan style.
- Temples played a vital role in social and cultural life beyond worship.
Indian Art and Sculpture
- Sculpture reached its zenith in South India during this period, exemplified by the giant statue of Gomateswara at Sravana Belgola.
- The dancing figure of Siva, called Nataraja, became a major subject in sculpture, achieving masterpieces in bronze.
India's Trade and Economy
- The growth of India's foreign trade was based on a strong maritime tradition, shipbuilding, and the skills of Indian traders
- India's trade with Southeast Asia and China flourished.
- The most significant trade centers were in South India, Bengal, and Gujarat, contributing to their wealth and prosperity.
- Indian handicrafts, such as textiles, gold and silver work, metallurgy, and agriculture remained in a flourishing condition.
- Arab travelers described the fertility of Indian soil and the skills of Indian peasants.
- Indian ships were overtaken by larger and faster Arab and Chinese ships, especially those using the mariner's compass, initially discovered in China.
- Ministers, officials, and feudal chiefs lived in great luxury, emulating the king with large houses, imported clothes and jewels, and extensive households.
- Rich merchants also lived in great luxury, demonstrating their wealth with expensive belongings, such as horses, elephants, and banners with bells.
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Description
Explore the intricate system of feudalism that shaped European society. This quiz covers the significance of the manor system, the evolution of cavalry warfare, and how external influences like the arrival of Arabs transformed military tactics in the continent. Test your knowledge of the factors that led to the rise and eventual changes in feudal structure.
