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Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 Medieval India Notes Questions and Answers
Medieval India Class 7 Notes Pdf
Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus
Question 1.
Collect pictures of Mughal kings and prepare an album
Answer:
Founder of the Mughal Empire in India, Babur was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. He established his rule after defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipatin 1526.
Babur’s son. Humayun. struggled to maintain his father’s conquests and was temporarily ousted by Sher Shah Suri. I-le regained the throne in 1555 but died a year later.
Known as Akbar the Great, he expanded the empire substantially, promoting policies of religious tolerance and administrative reforms. His reign marked a golden age of Mughal culture and economy.
Akbar’s son. Jahangir, continued his father’s policies but faced internal rebellions and external threats. He was a patron of the arts, and his court saw significant cultural developments.
Best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s reign is often considered the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. His rule, however, ended in imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb.
The last of the strong Mughal rulers. Aurangzeb. expanded the empire to its greatest extent. However, his reign was also marked by religious intolerance, heavy taxation, and prolonged military campaigns. leading to the empire’s eventual decline.
Question 2.
Observe the map and find out the existing countries where the Mughals had extended their rule.
Answer:
- Afghanistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
Question 3.
What can you understand about the Mughal ruler Akbar from the above note?
Answer:
- Akbar was a powerful ruler
- Religious Tolerance.
- Equality
- Justice
Question 4.
What was Akbar’s aim in building Ibadat Khana? Make notes.
Answer:
Akbar constructed the Ibadat Khana as a place for discussions on religious and philosophical matters, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. His objective was to work for religious tolerance, reduce religious conflict, and cultivate discussions of thought. This effort supported his objective of achieving worldwide harmony (Sulh-e-Kul) and played a role in the advancement of his blended religion, Din-i-Ilahi.
Question 5.
Based on the above statement, how much did Akbar’s policies help in maintaining religious tolerance among different sections of the people? Organise a class discussion.
Answer:
(Hint) Include the given points below in your class discussion.
- Ibadat kahana
- Jaziah
- Din-i-Ilahi
Question 6.
Organise a discussion on the Mansabdari system of the Mughals.
Answer:
During the Mughal period, a strong army was needed to expand and maintain the kingdom. ‘Mansabdari’ was the military system implemented by Akbar for this purpose. According to this system, each officer had a regiment under him. The title ‘mansab’ refers to the number of cavalry each officer is required to maintain. The rank of the Mansab was determined by the number of soldiers to be maintained. This system was implemented as an alternative to maintain army paying directly from the state finances. Mansabdars were allotted land according to their ranks. The Mansabdar maintained his army by collecting tax from land allotted to them. The support of the Nobles and the military was necessary to carry forward the regime strongly. Mansabdari system was implemented to achieve this objective.
Question 7.
Find out the countries in which these Mughal cities are located now.
Answer:
| Mughal cities | Present countries |
| Dhaka | Bangladesh |
| Murshidabad | West Bengal |
| Lahore | Pakistan |
| Surat | Gujarat |
| Agra | New Delhi |
Question 8.
List out the present-day Indian states included in the city of Vijayanagara from the map given below.
Answer:
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- Goa
Question 9.
Prepare a note by comparing the religious policies of Akbar and Krishna Deva Raya.
Answer:
| Religious policies of Akbar | Religious policies of Krishna Deva Raya |
|
|
Question 10.
Compare and list the Mansabdari-Amaranayaka practices
Answer:
| Mansabdari | Amaranayaka |
|
|
Extended Activities
Question 1.
Create a digital album by collecting pictures related to the cultural contributions of the Vijayanagara period and present it to the class.
Answer:
Question 2.
The achievements in various fields during the periods of Akbar and Krishna Deva Raya were exemplary. Compare their contributions based on the given clues and organise a seminar. Indicators
- Governance
- Culture
- Wealth
- Justice
Answer:
Title: A Comparative Analysis of Governance and Cultural Contributions: Akbar and Krishna Deva Raya
Introduction:
- Brief overview of the reigns of Akbar and Krishna Deva Raya.
- Importance of their contributions to governance, culture, wealth, and justice.
Governance:
Akbar:
- Introduction of a centralised administrative system.
- Land revenue reforms like the Dahsala system.
- Establishment of a strong military administration.
Krishna Deva Raya:
- Efficient administration through the division of the kingdom into provinces.
- Promotion of local self-government.
Culture:
Akbar:
- Patronage of art and architecture, including the construction of Fatehpur Sikri.
- Encouragement of religious tolerance and the promotion of the Din-i Ilahi.
Krishna Deva Raya:
- Establishment of schools for the study of Vedas and Sastras.
- Construction of notable temples like the Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi.
- Encouragement of Sanskrit and Telugu literature, leading to the proliferation of literary works.
Wealth:
Akbar:
- Economic prosperity through trade and taxation reforms.
- Expansion of the empire, leading to increased revenue.
- Introduction of market regulations to ensure fair trade practices.
Krishna Deva Raya:
- Economic stability through efficient taxation and revenue collection.
- Promotion of trade and commerce, particularly in diamonds and textiles.
- Development of infrastructure, including irrigation projects and road networks.
Justice:
Akbar:
- Establishment of a secular legal system, with the introduction of the ‘Mansabdari’ system.
- Fair treatment of subjects regardless of religion or caste.
- Implementation of social reforms, including the abolition of the jizya tax.
Krishna Deva Raya:
- Fair and impartial judicial system with the appointment of judges based on merit. Protection of the rights of peasants and artisans.
- Swift resolution of disputes through the ‘Amara-Nayakas’ system.
Conclusion:
- Recap of the significant contributions of Akbar and Krishna Deva Raya in governance, culture, wealth, and justice.
- Reflection on the lasting legacies of their reigns and their impact on Indian history.
Question 3.
Complete the table by comparing the common features of the Mughal and Vijayanagara administrative systems.
Answer:
| Mughal Administration | Vijayanagara Administration |
| Monarchy | Monarchy |
| Manasabdhari system | Amara-Nayakas system |
| Religious Tolerance | Religious Tolerance |
| Urdu language | Sanskrit Language |
| Indo-Persian style in construction | Dravida style in construction |
Question 4.
Collect pictures and make a class presentation about the integration that took place in various fields during the Mughal rule.
Answer:
(Hints) Make a presentation with the help of given pictures.
Class 7 Social Science Medieval India Notes Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Explain about the Mughal Administration.
Answer:
It was during Akbar’s regime in Mughal rule that such an administrative order was effectively formed.
- The emperor was the sovereign authority of the country, the commander-in-chief, the law-maker and the supreme judge.
- During the Mughal period, there were no separate courts for the administration of justice as today. instead, local religious scholars (Qazi) investigated and settle disputes.
- Those who were dissatisfied with this decision had the opportunity to complain directly to the emperor.
- Ministers and Heads of departments were appointed to advise the king on administrative matters.
Question 2.
Describe the Socio-Economic status of the Mughal period.
Answer:
- A feudal social system existed during the Mughal period.
- Society was divided into different strata.
- The common man was at the bottom of society with the king at the top.
- The standard of living of the people depended on wages and income.
- Most of the people were farmers.
- A cae system existed among them.
- Each caste had its own customs and rituals.
- Tavernier, a French traveller who visited India during the Mughal period, recorded the social conditions and lifestyle of the people at that time.
- There existed wide differences in the way of life, food habits and clothing of people from place to place.
- Babur, in his memoirs, recorded the labour system and caste system prevalent in India during those days.
- The economic condition of India was described by Ralph Fitch, an Englishman who visited India during the Mughal period.
- Agricultural achievements were the basis for this economic progress.
- Rice, wheat, barley, sugarcane, cotton and oilseeds were the major agricultural products of the time.
- Abul Fazal in his book ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ recorded that Indians cultivated different varieties of rice.
- The use of technology and new tools enriched the agricultural sector during the Mughal period.
- Increased agricultural productivity accelerated trade and urbanisation.
- Gujarat was the gateway of foreign goods.
- The main export items were textiles,muslin, sugar and rice.
- Water transport made significant progress during this period.
- The major cities of this period were Dhaka, Murshidabad, Surat, Lahore, Agra etc.
- The Persian wheel and canals were widely used for irrigation.
Question 3.
Define Ibadat Khana?
Answer:
In 1575, Akbar built Ibadat Khana in his new capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Scholars and dignitaries of various religions used to gather here. These discussions speak volumes about Akbar’s policy of religious tolerance.
Question 4.
What does the Mansabdari system mean?
Answer:
- During the Mughal period, ‘Mansabdari’ was the military system implemented by Akbar to expand the kingdom as well as to maintain the expanded kingdom.
- According to this system, each officer had a regiment under him.
- The title ‘mansab’ refers to the number of cavalry each officer is required to maintain.
- The rank of the Mansab was determined by the number of soldiers to be maintained.
The main objective on his system was:
- This system was implemented as an alternative to maintaining the army by paying directly from the state exchequer.
- Mansabdars were allotted land according to their ranks.
- The Mansabdar maintained his army by collecting tax from land allotted to them.
- The support of the Nobles and the military was necessary to carry forward the regime strongly.
Question 5.
Name the battle held between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.
Answer:
Battle of Panipat
Question 6.
When was the Battle of Panipat held?
Answer:
1526
Question 7.
Where did Akbar build Ibadat Khana?
Answer:
Fatehpur Sikri
Question 8.
Explain about the Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer:
- The Vijayanagara Kingdom existed in South India during the Mughal dynasty.
- The Vijayanagara was founded in 1336 CE by the brothers Harihara and Bukka.
- Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529) was the most famous ruler of the powerful and wealthy kingdom of Vijayanagara.
Question 9.
Who was the powerful ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Answer:
Krishna Deva Raya
Question 10.
Describe the Administrative system of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Answer:
- Monarchy prevailed in the Vijayanagara administrative system.
- For administrative convenience, the country was divided into mandalam (provinces), nadu (districts), sthla (sub-districts) and grama (village).
- There was a cabinet to help the king.
- The King had the power to demote and punish ministers.
- There were courts at various levels for the administration ofjustice.
- The appellate authority was the King himself.
- Minor offences and labour disputes were dealt by the village courts.
- Nayakas and Amara-Nayakas played an important role in the administration of Vijayanagara.
- The military commanders were known as ‘Amara-Nayakas’.
- The Kings allotted lands known as ‘Amara’ to them.
- The administration of Amara was carried out by Amara-Nayakas.
- Amara-Nayakas had the right to collect taxes from these areas.
- The Arnara-Nayakas paid a fixed amount to the king.
- They also maintained a certain number of foot soldiers (infantry), horses and elephants.
Question 11.
Explain the cultural life of Vijayanagara.
Answer:
- Many schools were established for the study of Vedas and Sastras.
- The Vijayanagara period, witnessed unprecedented growth in the fields of art, architecture, sculpture, literature and music.
- Kings like Krishna Deva Raya were patrons of art and literature.
- The ‘Dravidian style of sculpture’ was dominant during this period.
- Another important feature of the Vijayanagara style of sculpture was the gigantic temple gates known as ‘Gopurarns’.
- Telugu literature was the most flourished one.
- Numerous Sanskrit works were also translated into many regional languages during this period.
Question 12.
Akbar became successful as a ruler, acceptable to all through his adminis terative measures. Substantiate.Define the Mughal Administration.
Answer:
It was during Akbar’s regime in Mughal rule that such an administrative order (structure) was effectively formed. The emperor was the sovereign authority of the country, the commander-in-chief, the law-maker and the supreme judge. During the Mughal period, there were no separate courts for the administration of justice as today. Instead, local religious scholars (Qazi) investigated and adjudicated disputes. Those who were dissatisfied with this decision had the opportunity to complain directly to the Ministers and Heads emperor of departments were appointed to advise the king on administrative matters. The administration was divided into four sections they are Suba, Sarkar, Pargana and Grama
Question 13.
Explain the Socio-Economic status of the Mughal period.
Answer:
Social Status:
A feudal social system existed during the Mughal period. Society was divided into different strata. The common man was at the bottom of society, with the king at the top. The standard of living of the people depended on wages and income. Most of the people were farmers. A caste system existed among them. Each caste had its own customs and rituals. Tavernier, a French traveller who visited India during the Mughal period, recorded the social conditions and lifestyle of the people at that time.
Economic Status:
There existed wide differences in the way of life, food habits and clothing of people from place to place. Babur, in his memoirs, recorded the labour system and caste system prevalent in India during those days. The economic condition of India was described by Ralph Fitch, an Englishman who visited India during the Mughal period.
Question 14.
Define Din-i-Ilahi?
Answer:
In 1575, Akbar built Ibadat Khana in his new capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Scholars and dignitaries of various religions used to gather here. These discussions speak volumes about Akbar’s policy of religious tolerance.
Question 15.
Explain the Mansabdari system?
The Mansabdari system was introduced to strengthen the authority of the emperor. Substantiate.
Answer:
During the Mughal period, ‘Mansabdari’ was the military system implemented by Akbar to expand the kingdom as well as to maintain the expanded kingdom. According to this system, each officer had a regiment under him. The title ‘mansab’ refers to the number of cavalry each officer is required to maintain. The rank of the Mansab was determined by the number of soldiers to be maintained. This system was implemented as an alternative to maintaining the army by paying directly from the state exchequer, Mansabdars were allotted land according to their ranks. The Mansabdar maintained his army by collecting tax from land allotted to them. The support of the Nobles and the military was necessary to carry forward the regime strongly.
Question 16.
How was the rank of a Mansabdari determined?
Answer:
The rank of a Mansabdari was determined by the number of horses and cavalrymen he maintained.
Question 17.
To what extent Din-i-Ilahi formulated by Akbar was helpful in maintaining administrative stability and religious harmony? Analyse
Answer:
Akbar wanted to maintain peace, friendship and unity among different sections of people in his country. In order to have intellectual discourses, Akbar constructed the Ibadat Khana at his capital, Fatehpur Sikri. By inculcating the essence of all these discussions, he formulated the ideology of Din-i-Ilhai. It was a combination of ideas and principles of different religions. He never compelled anyone to accept it. It did not have any rites, religious texts, places of worship or priests, except the joining function.
Question 18.
Describe the Cultural Integration of the Mughal Period.
Answer:
The Mahabharata was translated into Persian during the Mughal era. Dara Shukoh, the son of the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, translated it. This is an example of the Mughal’s blending with Indian culture. Such blending of culture took place in many regions. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Red Fort are examples of the fusion of Indian Architectural style with the Persian style brought here by the Mughals. Urdu, a new language, was also formed by the fusion of Persian and Hindi languages during this period. Hindustani music also originated as a result of this synthesis.
Question 19.
Fill in the blanks
a) Babur established the Mughal rule in …………..
b) The name Mughal is derived from the term ……………
c) Akbar built …………. in his new capital, Fatehpur Sikri.
d) The abolition of the religious tax is called …………….
e) ……… was the military system implemented by Akbar.
Answer:
a) 1526
b) Mongol
c) Ibadat Khana
d) Jaziah
e) Mansabdari
Question 20.
Prepare a note on the administrative system of Vijayanagara rule.
Answer:
Monarchy prevailed in the Vijayanagara administrative system also. For administrative convenience, the country was divided into mandalam (provinces), nadu (districts), sthala (sub-districts) and grama (village). There was a cabinet to help the king. The King had the power to demote and punish ministers. There were courts at various levels for the administration of justice. The appellate authority was the King himself. Minor offences and labour disputes were dealt with by the village courts themselves.
Nayakas and Amara-Nayakas played an important role in the administration of Vijayanagara. The military commanders were known as ‘Amara- Nayakas’. The Kings allotted lands known as ‘Amara’ to them. The administration of Amara was carried out by Amara-Nayakas. Amara-Nayakas had the right to collect taxes from these areas. The Amara-Nayakas paid a fixed amount to the king. They also maintained a certain number of foot soldiers (infantry), horses and elephants. This system was called the ‘Amara-Nayaka System’.
Question 21.
Describe the Vijayanagara Kingdom.
Answer:
The Vijayanagara Kingdom existed in South India during the Mughal dynasty. The Vijayanagara was founded in 1336 CE by the brothers Harihara and Bukka. Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529) was the most famous ruler of the powerful and wealthy kingdom of Vijayanagara. The reign of Krishna Deva bos Raya was a period of imperial expansion and development of the empire. A lot of construction works were carried out during his reign. Apart from constructing more facilities in the capital city of Hampi, he also built new forts, palaces and temples.
Another important reason for his fame was religious tolerance. Art, literature, and cultural spheres also witnessed remarkable progress under Krishna Deva Raya. He had extraordinary erudition and authored the works ‘Amuktamalyada’ and ‘Jambavatikalyanam’. He promoted Telugu, Kannada and Tamil literature. Scholars known as ‘Ashtadiggajas’ adorned the court of Krishna Deva Raya.
Question 22.
Explain the Socio-Economic Condition of Vijayanagar rule?
Answer:
Vijayanagara society consisted of various castes and religions. Brahmins were the dominant group in the society. They were entitled to the revenue from the land allotted to the temples. Brahmins used to lead the rituals and religious ceremonies in the temples. Other sections of the society were mainly engaged in agriculture, trade and handicrafts. Kings employed women to prepare accounts of the royal palace and decorate gardens. Polygamy prevailed among the wealthy. Child marriage and the practice of sati were also prevalent in society.
Economic Condition
Many travellers who visited that country recorded the grandeur and richness of Vijayanagara. The main occupation of the people was agriculture. Silk and cotton clothes were commonly used. Irrigation was the provided in arid around Vijayanagara. The Kamalapuram Lake, constructed in the 15th century CE, Hiriyakanal and the dam across the Tungabhadra River strengthened the agricultural sector. The land was surveyed and taxed according to productivity. Apart from land tax, the main sources of revenue to the government were professional tax, building tax, license fees of various kinds and fines imposed by courts.
Vijayanagara developed into a major trading centre. Traders from different parts of India and the world flocked to the famous city of Vijayanagara. The rulers greatly encouraged foreign trade. The Portuguese and the Arabs had a monopoly over foreign trade. Trade was also done with China and Sri Lanka.
The trade of horses, brought from Arabia and Central Asia, was mainly done by the Arabs. Horses were an important item of trade. Local traders involved in horse trading were known as ‘Kuthirachettis’. Gradually, the Portuguese pushed out the Arabs and took control of this trade. Income from trade strengthened the nation’s economy. Chinese pottery found in the city indicates trade relations with China.
Question 23.
Write the importance of Nayakas and Amara-Nayakas in the administrative system of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer:
Nayakas and Amara-Nayakas played an important role in the administration of Vijayanagara. The military commanders were known as ‘Amara-Nayakas’. The Kings allotted lands known as ‘Amara’ to them. The administration of Amara was carried out by Amara-Nayakas. Amara-Nayakas had the right to collect taxes from these areas. The Amara-Nayakas paid a fixed amount to the king. They also maintained a certain number of foot soldiers (infantry), horses and elephants. This system was called the ‘Amara-Nayaka System’.
Question 24.
Krishna Deva Raya was the most famous ruler of the powerful and wealthy kingdom of Vijayanagara. Explain
Answer:
The reign of Krishna Deva Raya was a period of imperial expansion and development of the empire. A lot of construction works were carried out during his reign. Apart from constructing more facilities in the capital city of Hampi, he also built new forts, palaces and temples. Another important reason for his fame was religious tolerance. Art, literature, and cultural spheres also witnessed remarkable progress under Krishna Deva Raya. He had extraordinary erudition and authored the works ‘Amuktamalyada’ and ‘Jambavatikalyanam’. He promoted Telugu, Kannada and Tamil literature.Scholars known as ‘Ashtadiggajas’ adorned the court of Krishna Deva Raya.
Question 25.
Fill in the blanks
a) The Vijayanagara was founded by ………… and ………. brothers.
b) ……… and ………. are the works of authored by Krishna Deva Raya
c) Local traders involved in horse trading were known as ………….
d) Vijayanagara style of sculpture was the gigantic temple gates known as ………..
Answer:
a) Harihara and Bukka
b) Amuktamalyada and Jambavatikalyanam
c) Kuthirachettis
d) Gopurams
Std 7 Social Science Medieval India Notes
- Babur established the Mughal rule in 1526.
- The Mughals ruled India till 1857 with Delhi as their capital.
- In 1575, Akbar built Ibadat Khana in his new capital, Fatehpur Sikri.
- During the Mughal period, ‘Mansabdari’ was the military system implemented by Akbar to expand the kingdom as well as to maintain the expanded kingdom.
- It was during Akbar’s regime in Mughal rule that such an administrative order was effectively formed.
- Abul Fazal, in his book ‘Ain-i-Akbari’, recorded that Indians cultivated different varieties of rice.
- The Persian wheel and canals were widely used for irrigation.
- The Vijayanagara Kingdom existed in South India during the Mughal dynasty.
- The Vijayanagara was founded in 1336 CE by the brothers Harihara and Bukka.
- Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529) was the most famous ruler of the powerful and wealthy kingdom of Vijayanagara.
- Scholars known as ‘Ashtadiggajas’ adorned the court of Krishna Deva Raya.
- Monarchy prevailed in the Vijayanagara administrative system.
- For administrative convenience, the country was divided into mandalam (provinces), nadu (districts), sthala (sub-districts) and grama (village).
- Nayakas and Amara-Nayakas played an important role in the administration of Vijayanagara. The military commanders were known as ‘Amara-Nayakas’.
- Brahmins were the dominant group in the society.
- Polygamy prevailed among the wealthy.
- The Vijayanagara period, witnessed unprecedented growth in the fields of art, architecture, sculpture, literature and music.
- The ‘Dravidian style of sculpture’ was dominant during this period.
- Kings like Krishna Deva Raya were patrons of art and literature.
- The ‘Dravidian style of sculpture’ was dominant during this period.
- Another important feature of the Vijayanagara style of sculpture was the gigantic temple gates known as ‘Gopurams’.