WBBSE Class 7 History Chapter 7 Lifestyle And Culture Introduction

During the Sultanate and Mughal age, most of the people lived in villages Handicrafts were developed in the villages based on agro-based products. In this period, the most significant industries were cotton, metalwork, stonework, papermaking, etc.

During the Sultanate and Mughal ages, society was based on the joint family system. The position of women in the family and society was lower than that of men. Though there was a change of rulers in different ages in Delhi and the regional states, the lifestyle of common people remained unchanged in these two ages.

• Religion was an integral part of life in medieval India. The preachers emphasized the communion between the divine and the devotees. During this age, people came to know about religious concepts like the Bhakti cult and Sufism.
• The motif of the Bhakti cult was the love or devotion of the devotees for the divine. The Alvar and Naynar priests of South India started preaching the Bhakti cult and made it popular.
• In the 13th-14th century AD, Bhakti spread from the south to northern India via western India. As a result, the influence of the Brahmins declined in social and religious life.
• From the 13th to 15th century AD, Namdev, Jnanesvar, Tukaram, Ramananda, Kabir, Nanak, Shankaradeva, Chaitanyadev, Meera Bai, and many others started their propagation of Bhakti. Their messages, writings, poems, and songs preached and expanded the Bhakti cult.
• Guru Nanak was one of the Bhakti saints of medieval India. Nanak did not introduce any religion. Later, the Sikh religion was founded on the philosophy and teachings of Nanak. Meera Bai was the one to accept the divine in her way devoid of rituals.
• Meera Bai devoted her life to Lord Krishna or Giridhari. The devotional songs created by Meera Bai are an invaluable treasure of Indian music and literature.
• There was a Bhakti saint named Kabir in the 15th-16th century AD. According to him, all religions were the same, all gods are one. In his opinion, Rama, Hari, Govinda, Allah, Sain, and Sahib are different names of the same divine being.
• Besides the Bhakti cult, Sufism had a great impact on religious life during the medieval period. The Sufi saints showed the Muslims to worship God in their own way without following the religious dogma.
• In India, two main factions of Sufis were influential, the Chistis and the Suhrawardis. Moinuddin Chisti was the founder of the Chisti community in India. The founder of the Suhrawardi community was Badruddin Zakaria.
• Nabadwip of Bengal became the center of the Bhakti movement with the leadership of Sri Chaitanya. Sri Chaitanya started preaching the Vaishnava Bhakti movement from Nabadwip.
• According to him, consciousness does not depend on the path of knowledge or birth in high caste, it can be attained only through Bhakti.

 

Srimanta Shankaradeva was the leader of the Bhakti movement in North-East India. A branch of the Bhakti movement had spread to Assam. The essence of his preaching was Naam Dharma (worshiping by name).

• Mughal emperor Akbar introduced a new ideology called Din-i-play. Din-i-llahi was basically an ideal spread among the nobility most loyal to Akbar. According to this ideal, the noblemen had to take a pledge of loyalty to the Emperor through an elaborate ceremony.
• The architecture of both the Sultanate and Mughal periods are the specimens of the history of Indian architecture. During the Sultanate’s rule, Indian and Islamic art merged and introduced a new school of art named the Indo-Islamic school.
• Some noteworthy architectural masterpieces of the Sultanate period are Qutb Minar and Alai Darwaza; and some of the Mughal period are Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Agra Fort and one of the seven wonders, the Taj Mahal.
• Architecture developed in different parts of India during the Sultanate and Mughal age. The architecture of Gujarat, Bengal, and South India are famous among the regional styles.
• Notable examples of regional architecture are Jami Masjid in Ahmedabad, Gol Gumbaj in Bijapur (the largest dome in India), Charminar in Hydrabad, terracotta temples at Bishnupur in Bankura, Adina Masjid at Pandua in Malda, the tomb of Sheikh Aki Siraj at Gauda, Lotan Masjid, Bada Sona Masjid, etc.
• During the Sultanate and Mughal periods, court painting was a significant form of art. The practice of illustrating books and manuscripts was common in these two ages.

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Calligraphy and the use of illustration can be seen in books like Kalpasutra, Kalachakrakatha, Chourapanchashikha, Hamzanama, Razamnama, Nal-Damyanti, Zafarnama, etc. During the reign of Emperor Akbar, the art of illustration of books was improved. The books were illuminated with calligraphy and illustrations. These pictures, small in size and shape, are called ‘miniatures’.

Apart from court paintings, various styles of regional paintings flourished during the Mughal age. The theme of these paintings was Puranic scenes and subjects. Music and dance were practiced during the Sultanate and Mughal age.

• Sama songs of Sufi Pirs, Kirtans of Sri Chaitanya, and Bhajan of Meerabai enriched music. Classical music was in practice during the Sultanate age. Baiju Bawra was a famous singer of this time.
• Amir Khusrau was a famous musician and wrote many Ghazals and lyrics during the Sultanate period.
• Tansen was the most famous singer of the Mughal period.
• The Indian classical dance is basically of six types Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Manipuri.
• Persian language and literature gained greater popularity in medieval India.
• Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish, and the Khilji rulers were patrons of the Persian language. Lahore was one of the main centers of Persian studies during the Sultanate age.
• Amir Khusrau was the most popular among the Persian literateurs and philosophers. Some other famous Persian writers and historians were Minhaj-i-Siraj, Isami, and Ziauddin Barani.
• Some Mughal emperors encouraged literature in Persian and Turkish languages.

Some examples of Persian and Turkish literature are the autobiography of Babur named Tuzuk-i Babari or Baburnama, Humaynnama by Gulbadan Begum, Akbarnama and Ain-i Akbari by Abul Fazl, Muntakhab-ut Tawarikh of Badauni, and Tabqat-i Akbari of Nizamuddin Ahmed.

• Bengali literature started flourishing in the Sultanate period. Some notable literary works of this period are Sree Krishna Kirtan of Badu Chandidas, a translation of the Ramayana by Krittibas Ojha, a translation of the Mahabharata by Kashiram Das, a translation of a section of the Bhagawat named Shree Krishna Vijay by Maladhar Basu, etc.
• One of the most ancient traditions of Bengali literature was Mangal Kavya. ‘Chandi Mangal’ on goddess Chandi, ‘Manasa Mangal’ on goddess Manasa, and ‘Dharma Mangal’ on Dharmathakur were most famous among the Mangal Kavyas.
• There was commendable progress in science and technology during the Sultanate and Mughal ages. In the fields of Mathematics, astronomy, botany, zoology, and medical science, there was much progress.
• Major changes took place in military technology also. Besides, the use of technology became a part of the textile industry and construction.

WBBSE Class 7 History Chapter 7 Lifestyle And Culture Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. There was no purdah system for women of poor peasant families.

1. Poor families could not afford the money to buy clothes.
2. Both men and women had to work side by side in the fields and household.
3. Women of poor, peasant families did not like the purdah system.

Answer: 2. Both men and women had to work side by side in the fields and household.

Question 2. Brahmanical, Buddhist, and Jain religions had become obsolete in medieval times.

1. These religions emphasized unnecessary rituals and rigid ascetic life.
2. They gradually turned anti-humanist in nature.
3. They had no role to play in human life.

Answer: 1. These religions emphasized unnecessary rituals and rigid ascetic life.

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Question 3. The Sikhs placed Kabir beside their ten Gurus.

1. Kabir preached Sikhism like the Sikh Gurus.
2. Kabir helped the Sikhs in their wars against the Mughals.
3. More than five hundred Dohas of Kabir are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Answer: 3. More than five hundred Dohas of Kabir are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Question 4. Akbar’s religious policy was different from that of his predecessors.

1. Since the onset of his reign, he gave up the rigidity and orthodoxy of Islam.
2. He drove away the Ulemas from the realm.
3.  He forced all his subjects to accept Islam.

Answer: 1. Since the onset of his reign, he gave up the rigidity and orthodoxy of Islam.

Question 5. Meera Bai composed more than

1. 400 Bhajans
2. 450 Bhajans
3. 500 Bhajans
4. 550 Bhajans

Answer: 3. 500 Bhajans

Question 6. Ravidas was a disciple of

1. Ramananda
2. Ravidas
3. Sadhana
4. Meera Bai

Answer: 1. Ramananda

Question 7. Ravidas believed in

1. Sufism
2. Shaktism
3. Bhaktism
4. Buddhism

Answer: 3. Bhaktism

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Question 8. Bhakti cult started in Bengal under the guidance of

1. Guru Nanak
2. Kabir
3. Sri Chaitanya
4. Namadev

Answer: 3. Sri Chaitanya

Question 9. Following the evidence of ‘Chaitanya Charitamrita’, Chaitanya was born in

1. 1480
2. 1523
3. 1485
4. 1533

Answer: 1485

Question 10. Alvars were devoted to

1. Lord Vishnu
2. Goddess Durga
3. Lord Shiva
4. Goddess Lakshmi

Answer: 1. Lord Vishnu

Question 11. ‘Christ is’ belonged to

1. Multan
2. Kashmir
3. Punjab
4. Ganga-Yamuna Doab

Answer: 4. Ganga-Yamuna Doab

Question 12. In Sufism, those who followed the Islamic principles were called

1. Qalandars
2. Be-Shara
3. Saint
4. Ba Shara

Answer: 4. Ba Shara

Question 13. Nizamuddin Auliya was the most famous among the ‘Sufi saints of

1. Chisti
2. Firdausi
3. Suhrawardy
4. Safa

Answer: 1. Chisti

Question 14. There was a drastic change in the field of architecture during the Mughal Era.

1. The standard of architecture declined in the Mughal era.
2. The Mughal rulers patronized architecture.
3. The number of artists increased greatly.

Answer: 2. The Mughal rulers patronized architecture.

Question 15. After Shah Jahan, there was no noteworthy development in the field of Mughal painting.

1. The Mughal economy collapsed after the reign of Shah Jahan.
2. During the reign of Aurangzeb, many Mughal painters left the Imperial Court.
3. The Mughal painters revolted in the era after Shah Jahan’s reign.

Answer: 2. During the reign of Aurangzeb, many Mughal painters left the Imperial Court.

Question 16. Arabic is the original language of Islam.

1. Islam originated in Arabia and it was preached in Arabic language.
2. The official language of the Islamic countries was Arabic.
3. Arabic was the language of the Arabs.

Answer: 1. Islam originated in Arabia and it was preached in the Arabic language.

Question 17. Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was built by

1. Qutbuddin Aibak
2. Iltutmish
3. Alauddin Khilji
4. Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Answer: 1. Qutbuddin Aibak

Question 18. The construction of Qutb Minar was started by Qutbuddin Aibak in honor of sufi saint

1. Nizamuddin Auliya
2. Muhammad
3. Moinuddin Chisti
4. Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki

Answer: 4. Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki

Question 19. Adina Masjid was built at

1. Gauda
2. Pandua
3. Bishnupur
4. Hyderabad

Answer: 2. Pandua

Question 20. Two main features of Mughal architecture were

1. Dome and arch
2. Octagonal tomb and huge doors
3. Sheer walls
4. Sloping walls

Answer: 1. Dome and arch

Question 21. Akbar created a separate department of painting under

1. Mir Sayid Ali
2. Abdus Samad
3. Abul Hasan
4. Muhammad Nadir

Answer: 2. Abdus Samad

Question 22. Akbarnama was written by

1. Akbar
2. Abul Fazl
3. Gulbadan Begam
4. Faizi

Answer: 2. Abul Fazl

Question 23. Charminar in Hyderabad built

1. 1591 AD
2. 1611 AD
3. 1601 AD
4. 1621 AD

Answer: 1. 1591 AD

Question 24. The art of Pietra Dura evolved as a form of ornamentation during the reign of

1. Babur
2. Jahangir
3. Akbar
4. Aurangzeb

Answer: 2. Jahangir

Question 25. Bhakti elements influenced

1. Odishi dance
2. Kuchipudi dance
3. Manipuri dance
4. Kathakali dance

Answer: 3. Manipuri dance

Question 26. Deepak Raga was created by

1. Baiju Bawra
2. Meera Bai
3. Tansen
4. Abdus Samad

Answer: 3. Tansen

Question 27. Industries were established along the river banks.

1. No tax was imposed for industries established beside rivers.
2. In the past all people lived beside rivers.
3. It was easier to import raw materials and export finished products.

Answer: 3. It was easier to import raw materials and export finished products.

Question 28. Chaitanya adopted Bengali as the means for spreading Bhakti.

1. He only knew Bengali.
2. In those days the language of the common people of Bengal was Bengali.
3. All books on Bhakti were written in Bengali.

Answer: 2. In those days the language of the common people of Bengal was Bengali.

Question 29. Chisti Sufis did not join politics.

1. They believed worshipping God was not possible by involvement in politics.
2. They did not understand politics.
3. They were humanists.

Answer: 1. They believed worshipping God was not possible by involvement in politics.

Question 30. Akbar introduced Din-i-play.

1. He was a follower of Buddhism.
2. He wanted to build a group of followers.
3. He gave up warfare.

Answer: 2. He wanted to build a group of followers.

Question 31. The Mughal emperors were interested in building forts.

1. Building cost of forts was less.
2. Building forts was easier than palaces.
3. Building forts would make the empire secure.
4. Answer: 3. Building forts would make the empire secure.

Question 32. During the reign of Jahangir European painting influenced Mughal painting.

1. In that period European paintings started arriving at the Mughal court.
2. In that period the Mughal painters were Europeans.
3. In that period Indian artists had learned painting from Europe.

Answer: 3. In that period Indian artists had learned painting from Europe.

Question 33. In the medieval age, Radha and Krishna were at the center of Manipuri dance.

1. The god and goddesses of Indian dance were Krishna and Radha.
2. Vaishnava cult spread to Manipur in that period.
3. Chaitanya belonged to Manipur.

Answer: 2. Vaishnava cult spread to Manipur in that period.

Question 34. In ancient India, people used to write on palm leaves.

1. In that period use of paper was not known.
2. In that period cost of paper was high.
3. In that period the Indians had not invented ink to be used on paper.

Answer: 1. In that period use of paper was not known.

Question 35. Bhakti cult started in Bengal under the guidance of

1. Guru Nanak
2. Sri Chaitanya
3. Kabir
4. Namadev

Answer: 2. Sri Chaitanya

Question 36. Jital’ means

1. Rupaya
2. Tanka
3. Mohar
4. Paise

Answer: 2. Tanka

Question 37. Days and nights were divided into prahars

1. Two
2. Six
3. Four
4. Eight

Answer: 4. Eight

WBBSE Class 7 History Chapter 3 Some Aspects Of The Indian Society Economy And Culture Introduction

Since the 7th century AD, there was a downturn in trade and commerce in many parts in northern India. The wretched condition of the towns caught the eyes of the travelers. From the middle of 7th century to the middle of the 12th century, trade and commerce started flourishing again. New trade routes and new cities had been founded.

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• During the middle of the 7th century to the middle of the 12th century trade and commerce became significant in the Indian economy along with agriculture.
• Kanauj and Thaneswar grew as important administrative centres.

In contemporary society, there was the existence of groups such as ‘Samanta’, ‘Raja’, ‘Raunak’, etc. Many of them had control over certain regions.

Thus society was stratified into different classes comprising of the king, the group of leaders, and the common people. The temples played an important role in the economy of south India. Common people and artisans settled around the temples.

In the Chola administration, the king was assisted by a council of ministers. The kingdom was divided into provinces or Mandalams. A council called ‘Nagaram’ was set up to redress the problems of the traders.

• In the Pala-Sena age, Bengal’s economy was based on agriculture, industry, and trade. The king used to grant lands to religious institutions in the agrarian society. ‘Cowrie’ was the main medium of exchange.
• The Bengali language emerged during the Pala age. Ancient Bengali language gradually came into existence from a degenerated Magadhi language in the Gauda-Bengali pattern.
• Works of literature, grammar, religion, philosophy, and medicine were usually written in Sanskrit.
• In the Pala age, Mahayana Buddhism merged with other philosophical thoughts and gave birth to religious concepts like Vajrayana or Tantrayana, Sahajayana, and Kalachakrayana.
• During the Pala age, there was no recognition of gods or goddesses, nor any importance to hymns (mantras) and rituals in the religious concepts. The concept of a clear mind and soul was emphasized.

It was said that eternal deliverance or Nirvana could be achieved only by a pure soul.

During the closing years of the Pala reign, the Buddhist Siddhacharyas started to compose ‘Charyapada’. The charyapadas depicted the contemporary Bengal environment and the livelihood of the common people.

Besides, the early Bengali language gradually developed through charyapada.

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The Buddhist monasteries were the learning centers of the Buddhist philosophers. Moasteries of Nalanda, Odantapuri (near Nalanda), Vikramshil (near Bhagalpur), Sompuri (at Paharpur in Rajshahi district) Jagaddal (in North Bengal), Bikrampuri (in Deccan) are worth mentioning.

The art form of the Pala era is known as the eastern Indian style of art. The main architectures of the Pala age were stupa, vihara, and temple.

WBBSE Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Introduction

Qutbuddin Aibak established Sultanate in India centered on Delhi. The Turkish sultans used the title ‘sultan’ instead of ‘King’ or ‘Emperor’. Starting from the 12th century, the rule continued for almost 300 years, is called Delhi Sultanate.

• ‘Sultan’ is a title. Quite a few Turkish rulers used this title. In Arabic, the word ‘Sultan’ means authority, power, etc. The areas which came under the control of the Sultan was called the ‘Sultanate’.
• After the death of Hazrat Muhammad, the Caliph was the chief ruler of the Islamic world. He ruled over the entire region that was under Islam.
• Among the successors of Iltutmish, Razia was the worthiest. A section of nobles had objections about a female ruler. But eventually, Razia became the true successor of Iltutmish. Razia claimed herself to be ‘Sultan’ in her coins, not Sultana (wife of Sultan).

Balban was the first to establish a powerful centralized administration in Delhi. He increased the honor of the monarchy by introducing ‘Sijda’ and ‘Paibos’ in the court. Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan to expand the territory of the dynasty to south India. He was the first to initiate some economic reforms by controlling market prices.

• Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a controversial ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He created controversy by shifting the capital, introducing copper coins, and so on.
• Scholar and explorer Ibn Battuta came to India during Tughlaq’s reign. The name of his travelogue is ‘Al-Rihala’. The book is a reliable source of information about the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq undertook some measures of social welfare, such as introducing a system of monetary grants to help the poor, opening a new department to solve the unemployment problem, improving the irrigation system, etc.
• During the reign of Sayyid and Lodi Sultans, the territorial extent of the Sultanate was reduced.
• The sultans of Delhi emphasized on military control.
• The real head of the administration was the sultan himself. All powers of governance, the army, law, and the judiciary were in the hands of the Sultan.

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Apart from land revenue, house tax, grazing tax, and Jízya were collected during the Sultanate period. During the reign of Ilyas Shahis and the Hussain Shahis, the literature and culture of Bengal developed remarkably. During the closing years of the Sultanate, there was the rise of the Vijaynagar and Bahmani Kingdoms in the Deccan.

WBBSE Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. After the death of Muhammad Ghori, Tajuddin Yaldoz gained control over

1. Multan and Uchh
2. Delhi and Lahore
3. Ghazni
4. Bengal

Answer: 3. Ghazni

Question 2. Muslim followers believed that person in charge of an Islamic territory is called

1. Caliph
2. Imam
3. Sultan
4. Muhammad

Answer: 1. Caliph

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Question 3. Iltutmish was Qutbuddin Aibak’s

1. Son-In-Law
2. Son
3. Nephew
4. Brother

Answer: 1. Son-In-Law

Question 4. The ceremonial robe sent by the Caliph to Iltutmish was called

1. Durbash
2. Khutba
3. Khilat
4. Sijda

Answer: 3. Khilat

Question 5. The early Turkish Sultans were called

1. Turks
2. Turko-Afghans
3. Ilbari Turks
4. Hindustani

Answer: 3. Ilbari Turks

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Question 6. Paibos was introduced by

1. Alltutmish
2. Ghiyasuddin Balban
3. Razia
4. Alauddin Khilji

Answer: 2. Ghiyasuddin Balban

Question 7. Khilji Revolution was brought about by

1. Alauddin Khilji
2. Jalaluddin Khilji
3. Zulfikar Khilji
4. Mubarak Shah

Answer: 2. Jalaluddin Khilji

Question 8. The boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate were first extended to South India by

1. Alauddin Khilji
2. Ghiyasuddin Balban
3. Muhammed bin Tughlaq
4. Iltutmish

Answer: 1. Alauddin Khilji

Question 9. According to Ibn Batuta, the system of sending letters on horseback in India was called

1. Dawa
2. Mameluk
3. Ulak
4. Paibos

Answer: 3. Ulak

Question 10. The last Lodi Sultan was

1. Bahlul Lodi
2. Ibrahim Lodi
3. Alauddin Alam Shah
4. Sikandar Lodi

Answer: 2. Ibrahim Lodi

Question 11. Rumi is a military strategy of the

1. Greeks
2. Turks
3. Afghans
4. Romans

Answer: 2. Turks

Question 12. The First Battle of Panipat was fought in

1. 1525
2. 1526
3. 1527
4. 1529

Answer: 2. 1526

Question 13. The Caliph sent the royal scepter and the ceremonial robe to Iltutmish

1. The Caliph loved Iltutmish.
2.  Iltutmish requested the Caliph for the approval of his kingship and sent many costly gifts to him.
3. Iltutmish was a close relative of the Caliph.

Answer: 2. Iltutmish requested the Caliph for the approval of his kingship and sent many costly gifts to him.

Question 14. Muhammad bin Tughlaq reintroduced the process of minting the name of the Khalifa/Caliph on his coins after banning it temporarily.

1. The Caliph instructed Muhammad bin Tughlaq to inscribe his name on the coins.
2. Muhammad bin Tughlaq had to face successive revolts.
3. The Caliph threatened to impose his own control over the Delhi Sultanate.

Answer: 2. Muhammad bin Tughlaq had to face successive revolts.

Question 15. The Sultans of Delhi wanted to obtain the stamp of legitimacy from the Caliph.

1. Questions were raised about the legitimate right of the Sultans of Delhi to rule.
2. Delhi Sultans received power and recognition only by the will of a Caliph.
3. The Sultans of Delhi got relief from the devastating Mongol attacks by recognizing the overlordship of the Caliph.

Answer: 1. Questions were raised about the legitimate right of the Sultans of Delhi to rule.

Question 16. Razia ultimately emerged as the successor of Iltutmish.

1. Iltutmish had no son.
2. Razia was supported by the Turkish nobility.
3. Razia was the most capable of all the offsprings of Iltutmish.

Answer: 3. Razia was the most capable of all the offspring of Iltutmish.

Question 17. Several rulers of the Delhi Sultanate ruled for short periods for the first sixty years.

1. None of the Sultans could prevent Mongol invasions.
2. The ruling Sultans did not live long.
3. There was no definite law of succession to the throne.

Answer: 3. There was no definite law of succession to the throne.

Question 18. Peasants of the Doab revolted during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

1. The Sultan increased revenue tax in the Doab region.
2. Excess agricultural output was forcibly taken away from the peasants of the Doab.
3. The Sultan tried to convert the peasant of the Doab to Islam.

Answer: 1. The Sultan increased revenue tax in the Doab region.

Question 19. Muhammad bin Tughlaq started the circulation of copper coins.

1. There was a shortage of gold in the realm.
2. There was a shortage of silver in the realm.
3. There was a shortage of both gold and silver in the realm.

Answer: 3. There was a shortage of both gold and silver in the realm.

Question 20. Sikandar Lodi brought the Afghan chieftains under his control.

1. Sikandar Lodi followed the traditional policy of the Afghans.
2. Sikandar Lodi considered the Afghan chieftains as conspirators.
3. Sikandar Lodi did not believe in sharing administrative power with the Afghan chieftains as per the traditional policy.

Answer: 3. Sikandar Lodi did not believe in sharing administrative power with the Afghan chieftains as per the traditional policy.

Question 21. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.

1. Babur used the ‘Rumi’ war tactics and strong cannonades in the battle.
2. Babur had a greater number of soldiers than Ibrahim Lodi.
3. The commander-in-chief of Ibrahim Lodi helped Babur secretly.

Answer: 1. Babur used the ‘Rumi’ war tactics and strong cannonades in the battle.

Question 22. Ghiyasuddin Balban sent envoys to the Mongols.

1. Balban wanted to set up friendly relations with the Mongols.
2. This was a diplomatic plot devised by Balban.
3. Balban wanted to negotiate with the Mongols by ceding some territories to them.

Answer: 2. This was a diplomatic plot devised by Balban.

Question 23. Alauddin Khilji increased taxes for the peasants in the Doab region to make provisions for the

1. Salary of the administrators
2. Salary of the soldiers
3. Stabilised border outposts
4. Centralised administration

Answer: 1. Salary of the administrators

Question 24. The Muslim rulers used to collect Jizya from the

1. Muslims
2. Non-Muslims
3. Turks
4. Mongols

Answer: 2. Non-Muslims

Question 25. Jizya was imposed for the first time in India at

1. Delhi
2. Multan
3. Sindh
4. Punjab

Answer: 3. Sindh

Question 26. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji markets were controlled by

1. Amir
2. Omrah
3. Muqti
4. Dewan-i-Riyasat

Answer: 4. Dewan-i-Riyasat

Question 27. In Delhi Sultanate, the land of the empire was divided into several large and small tracts called

1. Iqta
2. Muqti
3. Subah
4. Wali

Answer: 1. Iqta

Question 28. The rationing system was introduced by

1. Sultan Razia
2. Alauddin Khilji
3. Iltutmish
4. Balban

Answer: 2. Alauddin Khilji

Question 29. Kharaj refers to the tax imposed on

1. Agricultural land
2. House
3. Forest land
4. Horses

Answer: 1. Agricultural land

Question 30. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, the number of markets were

1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four

Answer: 4. Four

Question 31. To solve the problem of unemployment, an employment bureau was established by

1. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
2. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
3. Alauddin Khilji
4. Iltutmish

Answer: 2. Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Question 32. Firoz Shah Tughlaq imposed Jizya on the

1. Brahmins
2. Minors
3. Women
4. Slaves

Answer: 1. Brahmins

Question 33. Balban secured the forts of Tabarhind, Sunam, and Samana.

1. To ensure the safety and security of the Delhi Sultanate from Mongol invasion Balban repaired old forts.
2. Balban took up some measures for social welfare.
3. Balban brought the Afghan Amirs under his control.

Answer: 1. To ensure the safety and security of Delhi Sultanate from Mongol invasion Balban repaired old forts.

Question 34. During Alauddin Khilji’s reign, the Shahna-i-Mandi and Dewan-i Riyasat looked after the markets.

1. Alauddin Khilji was completely dependent on military power.
2. Alauddin Khilji wanted to fix the prices of all daily commodities.
3. Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan of Delhi who extended his empire in the south.

Answer: 2. Alauddin Khilji wanted to fix the prices of all daily commodities.

Question 35. Alauddin Khilji collected ‘Kharaj’ along with Jizya.

1. His objective was to decrease the political and economic power of the influential non-Muslims.
2. He had to regulate the market price of essential commodities.
3. His objective was to obtain the loyalty and gratitude of the Hindus.

Answer: 1. His objective was to decrease the political and economic power of the influential non-Muslims.

Question 36. Narasimha Saluva set up the Saluva dynasty at Vijayanagar.

1. Virupaksha, the last ruler of the Sangam dynasty, was very weak.
2. The region of Vijaynagar was very safe and secure.
3. Vijaynagar was rich in natural and mineral resources.

Answer: 1. Virupaksha, the last ruler of the Sangam dynasty, was very weak.

Question 37. Vijayanagar was defeated in the Battle of Talikota.

1. Vijayanagar had collapsed economically.
2. The five Muslim States, formed by the breakdown of the Bahmani kingdom, fought together against Vijayanagar.
3. The army of Vijayanagar was very weak.

Answer: 3. The army of Vijaynagar was very weak.

Question 38. The Brahmani Kingdom broke up into five independent Muslim States.

1. After Mahmud Gawan’s death, the Brahmani Kingdom’s administration collapsed.
2. Alauddin Khilji attacked the Brahmani realm.
3. The nobles of the Brahmani kingdom rebelled against the central authority.

Answer: 1. After Mahmud Gawan’s death, the Brahmani Kingdom’s administration collapsed.

Question 39. Ilyas Shah occupied the throne of Lakhnauti in

1. 1341
2. 1342
3. 1565
4. 1556

Answer: 2. 1342

Question 40. The capital of Ilyas Shah was

1. Lakhnauti
2. Daulatabad
3. Gaur
4. Pandua

Answer: 4. Pandua

Question 41. The other name of Jalaluddin Muhammad Shah was

1. Jadu
2. Madhu
3. Bidhu
4. Sidhu

Answer: 1. Jadu

Question 42. Hussain Shah was a devotee of

1. Nanak
2. Kabir
3. Sri Chaitanya
4. Mirabai

Answer: 3. Sri Chaitanya

Question 43. Hussain Shah was regarded as the incarnation of

1. Lord Krishna
2. Brahma
3. Vishnu
4. Sri Chaitanya

Answer: 1. Lord Krishna

Question 44. The number of dynasties ruled in Vijayanagar was

1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four

Answer: 4. Four

Question 45. ‘Amukta Malyada’ was written by

1. Krishnadeva Raya
2. Deva Raya II
3. Mahmud Gawan
4. Narasimha Saluva

Answer: 1. Krishnadeva Raya

Question 46. The capital of the Brahmani Kingdom was transferred to

1. Bijapur
2. Gulbarga
3. Golconda
4. Bidar

Answer: 4. Bidar

Question 47. The last dynasty of the Vijayanagar Empire

1. Saluva
2. Aravidu
3. Tuluva
4. Sangama

Answer: 2. Aravidu

Question 48. Vijayanagar was compared by the travelers with

1. Rome
2. Venice
3. London
4. Pisa

Answer: 1. Rome

Question 49. In the Delhi Sultanate, the total number of dynasties ruled

1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Five

Answer: 4. Five

Question 50. The last king of the Delhi Sultanate was

1. Khizr Khan
2. Sikandar Lodi
3. Bahlul Lodi
4. Ibrahim Lodi

Answer: 4. Ibrahim Lodi

Question 51. Iltutmish avoided the attacks of the

1. Mongol
2. Turks
3. Afghans
4. Habsis

Answer: 1. Mongol

WBBSE Class 7 History Chapter 3 Some Aspects Of The Indian Society Economy And Culture Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. The temple became the focal point of in habitation and culture in South India.

1. Kings and nobles donated tax-free land to temples.
2. Canals were cut off from rivers to facilitate irrigation projects near temples.
3. South Indian rulers constructed many temples.

Answer: 3. South Indian rulers constructed many temples.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Class 7 History Multiple Choice Questions

Question 2. Bengal’s economy was dependent on agriculture during the Pala-Sena era.

1. The soil of Bengal became more fertile during the Pala-Sena era.
2.  Arab traders began to dominate the western coast of India.
3. Rulers levied taxes on crops produced by farmers.

Answer: 2. Arab traders began to dominate the western coast of India.

Question 3. In Chola administration, the kingdom was divided into

1. Urs
2. Mandalas
3. Nagarams
4. Nadus

Answer: 2. Mandalams

Question 4. Nagaram was set up

1. To look after the trader’s interest
2. For the formation of the industry
3. For war
4. For the development of agriculture

Answer: 1. To look after the trader’s interest

WBBSE Class 7 Geography Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History
WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Geography	WBBSE Class 7 History Multiple Choice Questions
WBBSE Class 7 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Maths

 

Question 5. Chettys were

1. Feudal Lords
2. Vagabonds
3. Traders
4. Farmers

Answer: 3. Traders

Question 6. During the reign of which dynasty, two beautiful temples were built in Tagore and Gangaikondacholapuram?

1. Pratihara
2. Chalukya
3. Chola
4. Pushyavuti

Answer: 3. Chola

Question 7. In the Pala-Sena age, the economy of Bengal depended on

1. Agriculture
2. Trade
3. Industry
4. War

Answer: 1. Agriculture

Question 8. Sandhyakar Nandi named his epic as, Ramcharita.

1. He wanted to spread the fame of Lord Rama through his work.
2. He narrated the story of Lord Rama and Pala ruler, Rampala simultaneously per the Ramayana.
3. Ramcharita is an adapted version of Valmiki’s Ramayana.

Answer: 2. He narrated the story of Lord Rama and Pala ruler, Rampala simultaneously in accordance with the Ramayana.

Question 9. Most non-Indian pupils at Nalanda University came from China.

1. Majority of the Chinese were Buddhists.
2. There were many Chinese professors at Nalanda.
3. There was a special fund for the education of Chinese students.

Answer: 1. Majority of the Chinese were Buddhists.

Question 10. The propagation and influence of Buddhism declined during the Sena era.

1. Sena rulers were anti-Buddhists.
2. Sena rulers gave preference to Brahmanical religion.
3. The number of Sudras increased in society.

Answer: 2. Sena rulers gave preference to Brahmanical religion.

Question 11. The abode of Dipankar Srijnan was called the ‘homestead of an atheist scholar.

1. He did not believe in Brahmanism.
2. He was a true atheist.
3. He disobeyed the orders of the Brahmin Pandits and traveled to Tibet.

Answer: 1. He did not believe in Brahmanism.

Question 12. Charyapadas were based on the philosophy of

1. Buddhism
2. Jeevika
3. Jainism
4. Hinduism

Answer: 1. Buddhism

Question 13. Chakrapani Dutta wrote a book on

1. Poem
2. Mathematics
3. Astrology
4. Medical Science

Answer: 4. Medical Science

Question 14. The Bengali language originated during the time of

1. The Mauryas
2. The Palas
3. The Kushanas
4. The Senas

Answer: 2. The Palas

Question 15. During the Pala reign, works of literature, grammar, religion, philosophy, and medicine were usually written in

1. Bengali
2. Sanskrit
3. Pali
4. Magadhi

Answer: 2. Sanskrit

Question 16. The story of the Kaivarta revolt is found in

1. Ramcharita
2. Ramcharitmanas
3. Charyapada
4. Ramayana

Answer: 1. Ramcharita

Question 17. Pala kings were devoted to

1. Buddhism
2. Jainism
3. Hinduism
4. Islam

Answer: 1. Buddhism

Question 18. Dipankar Srijnan was one of the Mahacharyas of

1. Nalanda
2. Vikramshil
3. Odantapuri
4. Sompuri

Answer: 2. Vikramshil

Question 19. A lexicographer in the time of Lakshamansena was

1. Sivananda
2. Sridhar Das
3. Srinivas
4. Halayudh

Answer: 1. Sarvananda

Question 20. Who recovered the manuscripts of Charyapada from Nepal?

1. Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay
2. Ramesh Chandra Dutta
3. Alexander Cunningham
4. Haraprasad Shastri

Answer: 4. Haraprasad Shastri

Question 21. According to Buddhism, the meaning of ‘Nirvana’ is

1. Devotion
2. Salvation
3. Force
4. Destruction

Answer: 2. Salvation

Question 22. Who composed ‘Geet Govinda’?

1. Halayudh
2. Vallalsena
3. Joydev
4. Jivak

Answer: 3. Joydev

Question 23. What was the main item of trade during the Pala-Sena ages?

1. Cotton clothes
2. Spices
3. Fruits
4. Coals

Answer: 1. Cotton clothes

Question 24. Feudalism was first introduced in Europe in the

1. 9th century
2. 11th century
3. 10th century
4. 12th century

Answer: 1. 9th century

Question 25. Irrigation was developed in Tamil Nadu by creating canals from the river

1. Krishna
2. Ganga
3. Kaveri
4. Godavari

Answer: 2. Kaveri

Question 26. In the Pala-Sena age, Bengal’s economy was based on

1. Fishery
2. Carpentry
3. Artistry
4. Agriculture

Answer: 3. Agriculture

Question 27. The economy of Bengal became age-dependent during the Pala-Sena period.

1. The soil of Bengal in the Pala-Sena era became more fertile than before.
2. On the western side of India, the maritime dominance of the Arab traders increased in the Pala-Sena era.
3. The kings of the Pala-Sena period collected taxes from the farmers on their produce.

Answer: 2. On the western side of India, the maritime dominance of the Arab traders increased in the Pala-Sena era.

Question 28. In South India, human habitation grew up around the temple.

1. The kings and the nobles donated rent-free lands to the temples.
2. The system of irrigation was improved by digging canals from the rivers.
3. The South Indian kings built up many temples.

Answer: 2. The irrigation system was improved by digging canals from the rivers.

Question 29. The Spread of Buddhism declined during the Sena age.

1. Sena kings were Buddhists.
2. Sena kings attached great importance to Brahmanism.
3. The number of Sudras increased.

Answer: 2. Sena kings attached great importance to Brahmanism.

WBBSE Class 7 History Chapter 2 Some Aspects Of The Indian Political History Introduction

We are the inhabitants of India. We live in a state of India called Paschimbanga (West Bengal). It was a part of the undivided Bengal and was known as Vanga, Bangla, etc.

Ancient Bengal was divided into different territorial divisions in various periods. These territorial divisions were Pundravardhana, Varendra, Vanga, Vangala, Radh-Suhma, Gauda, Samatata, and Harikel.

Sasanka, the vassal of the Gupta Emperor, became the lord of Gauda. The capital of Sasanka was Karnasuvarna. After the death of Sasanka, Karnasuvarna became the capital of King Bhaskarvarman and Jayanaga.

During the reign of Sasanka, the officials or civil servants developed an administrative system called Gaudatantra.

After the death of Sasanka, for about a hundred years, from the middle of the 7th century to the middle of the 8th century, there was anarchy in Bengal. During this period, the Kshatriya, aristocrats, brahmin, and merchants—everyone controlled their own areas.

This situation was called Matsya- nyaya. A person called Gopala was elected to put an end to this anarchy. From this period (approximately 750 AD), the Pala rule in Bengal began.

After the foundation of Pala dynasty, Gopala included almost all of Bengal within his kingdom. His successor Dharmapala took part in the ‘Tripartite Struggle’ with the Rashtrakutas and the Pratiharas.

The domination of the Palas started to wane after Devapala. The power of the Pala ruler decreased after the Kaivarta revolt and the Pala dynasty came to end within fifty years after the death of Ramapala.

In the second half of the 11th century AD, during the reign of the Palas, the Kaivarta revolt took place in Bengal. Three leaders of the revolt were Divya (Divvok), Rudok, and Bhim.

The Sena rulers started to rule in Bengal in the 11th century. They were originally Brahmins but later became Kshatriyas. The two remarkable Sena rulers were Ballalsena and Lakshmanasena. Vijaysena was the first to expand the territory of the Sena dynasty.

The Sena dynasty came to an end with the invasion of the Turks (1204/1205 AD).

Other than Bengal, in the 7th and 8th century AD, a few new dynasties and kingdoms rose in both north and south India, such as Rashtrakuta, Chalukya, Chola, Gurjara- Pratihara, Pandya, etc.

WBBSE Class 7 Geography Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History
WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Geography	WBBSE Class 7 History Multiple Choice Questions
WBBSE Class 7 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Maths

 

Since the 8th century AD, the Tripartite Struggle started over the control of Kanauj. The strife continued for almost 200 years and the three dynasties—Palas, Gurjara- Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas, were destroyed.

The Cholas became the most powerful among the other dynasties of South India. The Cholas strengthened the commercial relationship with South-East Asian countries.

Hazrat Muhammad started preaching Islam from Mecca. The followers of Islam are known as Muslims. After the death of Hazrat Muhammad, the Caliphs were the leaders of Muslim community.

In the 11th and 12th century AD, Sultan Mahmud and Muhammad Ghori invaded India.

WBBSE Chapter 8 Topic A The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Long Question And Answers

Question 1. Who were the Mawalis?
Answer:

Mawalis:

• In his youth, Shivaji made himself thoroughly familiar with the hilly country around Pune. He freely mixed with the local peasantry known as Mawalis.
• The Mawalis were hardy and brave people and well acquainted with every nook and corner of the country.
• Shivaji organized them into a loyal guerilla force and began to raid neighboring territories. Mawalis belonged to the ‘Mawal’ region.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History

Question 2. Explain the ideas of Hindupad-pad-shahi.
Answer:

The ideas of Hindupad-pad-shahi:

• Shivaji died in 1780. But his dream of as Hindu empire remained unfulfilled. After fifty years of his death, that is in 1720, it was Peshwa Bajirao I who thought of establishing a Hindu state.
• So he tried to win the support and sympathy of the Hindu chiefs by holding before them the ideals of the ‘Hindupad-padshahi’ or the Hindu empire.
• Thus he wanted to unite other kings against the Mughals based on religion.

Question 3. What do you know about Shivaji’s forefathers?
Answer:

Shivaji’s forefathers:

• Shivaji’s forefathers, Maloji and Vitoji lived in Daulatabad, where they were cavalrymen under the Yadavas of Sindhukhere.
• Maloji took service under Malik Ambar of Ahmadnagar.
• His son, Shahaji, (Shivaji’s father), received from Ambar, the two Parganas, Sholapur, and Pune, as Jagirs.

Question 4. Give a brief description of Shivaji’s early life.
Answer:

Shivaji’s early life:

• In 1630, Shivaji was born at the hill fort of Shivneri, in the district of Pune. His father’s name was Shahaji Bhonsle and his mother’s name was Jijabai.
• Shivaji was greatly influenced by his mother and Dadaji Kondadev, his teacher.
• He learnt horse riding, and weaponry but neglected academics. He built a strong Maratha force with Mawali youths.
• At the age of 18, he occupied the hill forts of Pune, Raigad, and Bhona.

Question 5. State the political significance of Shi- Shivaji’s coronation.
Answer:

Shivaji’s coronation was politically highly significant.

1. His territorial conquests acquired a stamp of legitimacy.
2. He acquired the same status as the Mughal rulers and the Sultans of Bijapur and Golconda.
3. He also attained recognition among the rival Maratha chieftains.
4. Gaga Bhatta, the most famous scholar of Varanasi, recognized him as a Suryavanshi Kshatriya and the descendant of the Rana of Mewar.
5. Thus, Shivaji’s humble Shudra origin was forgotten and he attained social recognition and immense political influence.

WBBSE Class 7 Geography Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History
WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Geography	WBBSE Class 7 History Multiple Choice Questions
WBBSE Class 7 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Maths

 

Question 6. What was the aim of Shivaji’s territorial conquests?
Answer:

The aim of Shivaji’s territorial conquests:

• Since childhood, Shivaji wanted to set up an independent Hindu state in India.
• He started to conquer territories and built up a Maratha force with Mawali youths.
• After becoming the Jagirdar of Pune, he began conquering the nearby forts and territories to fulfill his dream.

Real-Life Scenarios Involving Rebellions During Mughal Decline

Question 7. Why was Shivaji successful in fulfilling the ideal of Maratha unity and nationalism?
Answer:

Shivaji was successful in fulfilling the ideal of Maratha unity and nationalism because

Geographical Location:

• Shivaji succeeded in setting up an independent Maratha state as it was difficult for foreign invaders to attack Maharashtra due to its hilly terrain and strategically located forts.
• In such unfriendly terrain, the Marathas emerged as brave, hardy, and self-reliant.

Shivaji’s strategy of war:

Again, Shivaji himself was a brave military strategist and diplomat and used his diplomacy to carry on a long struggle against the Mughals and unified the Marathas into a political entity.

Question 8. Who were Bargis and Silahdars?
Answer:

Bargis and Silahdars:

• Shivaji’s cavalry force had two wings, the Bargis, and the Silahdars. The Bargis were the regular-standing cavalry units and were provided uniforms, horses, and weapons by the state.
• The Silahdars were the irregular mercenary cavalry troops who had to arrange their weapons.

Important Definitions Related to the Mughal Crisis

Question 9. Why did the Sikhs revolt against the Mughals?
Answer:

Sikhs Revolt against the Mughals:

• The ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur had criticised the orthodox religious policy of Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, and helped the Hindu rulers in their struggles.
• A furious Aurangzeb destroyed Sikh Gurudwaras and killed Tegh Bahadur.
• The tenth Sikh Guru, Govind Singh unified the Sikhs and turned them into a martial race.
• After his death, his disciple Banda Bahadur inspired the Sikhs to fight the Mughals.

Question 10. What is Khalsa?
Answer:

Khalsa:

• The term ‘Khalsa’ means pure or holy. It applied to those Sikh soldiers who fought against their foes bravely and dedicated their lives to the defence of their faith.
• So, the Khalsa denoted the military organisation of the Sikhs.
• It was set up by Guru Govind Singh. The soldiers had to put on their person, five ‘K’s. Guru Govind Singh declared, ‘Khalsa is Guru and the Guru is Khalsa’.

Question 11. What crisis appeared in the Mansabdari and Jagirdari systems during the reign of Shah Jahan?
Answer:

During Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s reign, a grave crisis appeared in the Mansabdari and Jagirdari systems.

• Inability to pay salary: Mansabdars were not paid on time nor in full due to the exhaustion of the treasury for the prolific building activities of Shah Jahan.
• Difference between Jama and Haasil: There was a wide gap between Jama (revenue collection estimated) and Haasil (actual revenue collected).

Question 12. State two causes for the decline of Mughal power in India.
Answer:

Two causes for the decline of Mughal power in India were

Weakness of rulers:

• The successors of Aurangzeb were weak and pleasure-loving. Taking advantage of this, the Marathas and the Sikhs rose to power.
• The rise of the Marathas and the expansion of their empire greatly weakened the Mughal power.

Invasion of Nadir Shah:

The invasion of Nadir Shah in 1739 gave a death blow to the already weak Mughal Empire.

Question 13. How did the Peshwas come to power?
Answer:

Process of disintegration:

• During the period of decline of the Mughal empire, the Marathas emerged as a strong political force in India. They also took a leading part in the politics of Delhi.
• All this credit goes to the ‘Peshwas’ or the Prime Ministers who actually conducted affairs of the Maratha state from the time of Shivaji’s son Shahu.

Short Answers on Causes of the Mughal Empire Crisis

The struggle for power:

• After a long forty years of struggle for political power, it passed at last into the hands of the ‘Peshwa’ with the help of a Chitpaban Brahman named Balaji Viswanath, Shahu occupied the Maratha throne.
• Balaji was appointed as his Peshwa or Prime Minister in 1713. From this time Peshwa became the virtual ruler of the Maratha empire.

Question 14. Write a note on Mughal court politics.
Answer:

Mughal court politics:

The degeneration of the nobility was very much responsible for the downfall of the Mughal empire.

• Under the early Mughals, the nobles like Abdur Rahman, Mahabat Khan, and Mirjumla played vital roles.
• They were equally great in war and peace.
• But under the later Mughals, nobles were different.
• Their character had degenerated. They were split up into three factions-Irani, Turani, and Hindusthanis.
• They quarreled among themselves for getting good jagirs.
• In fact, the crisis of the Jagirdari system intensified the party struggle.
• Thus factionalism and many other evils arose out to the Jagirdari system and greatly weakened the Mughal government.

WBBSE Chapter 8 Topic A The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Short Question And Answers

Question 1. Explain the nature of the Mughals.
Answer:

• The Mughal empire reached the height of its expansion during the reign of Aurangzeb.
• The empire extended from Kabul to Gauhati and from Kashmir to ‘Far South’.
• Such an extensive empire had never been built in the past. So there is no doubt that the Mughals were extremely powerful.

Question 2. Name two peasants’ revolts of the Mughal period.
Answer: The two peasants’ revolts are ‘Satnami’ and ‘Jat’ rebellion.

Question 3. What is ‘Ashta pradhana’?
Answer:

• ‘Ashta pradhana’ is the name of the council of ministers, who assisted Shivaji in the administrative work.
• The council consisted of eight ministers. That is why the council was called ‘Ashta pradhan.

Question 4. When and between whom the Treaty of Porbundar was signed?
Answer: The Treaty of Porbundar was signed between Jaisingh and Shivaji in 1665 AD.

Question 5. Who was Banda Bahadur?
Answer:

• Banda Bahadur was the disciple of the tenth Sikh Guru Govind Singh.
• After his death Banda Bahadur continued his fight against the Mughals.

Question 6. Why did Aurangzeb turn the highest, revenue-yielding lands into Khalisa lands?
Answer:

• Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb designated the highest revenue-yielding lands as Khalisa lands.
• Because their handsome revenues would be deposited directly in the imperial treasury and no portion had to be given to the tax collectors.

Question 7. What are the five ‘K’s?
Answer:

• Guru Govind Singh instructed his disciples to adopt the surname Singh and to always keep on their person, five Ks.
• They are ‘Kesh’ (Beard and long hair), “Kangha’ (Comb), “Kachha” (Long underwear), “Kripan’ (Sword), and ‘Kara’ (Iron bracelet).

Question 8. When did the Satnami Revolt start? Who was the leader of this revolt?
Answer:

1. The Satnami Revolt started in 1672.
2. The Satnami peasants were exploited by the Mughal revenue collectors, so they revolted under their leader, Garibdas Hada.

Question 9. How was Shivaji’s coronation held?
Answer:

• In 1674, Shivaji’s coronation was held at Raigad fort.
• Pandit Gaga Bhatta (Vishveshwar) recognised him as a Kshatriya. He took the title’ Chatrapati Maharaja’.

WBBSE Chapter 8 Topic A The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Very Short Question Answers

Question 1. During whose reign the Mughal empire expanded further?
Answer: During the reign of Aurangzeb the Mughal empire expanded further.

Question 2. What was the name of Shivaji’s father?
Answer: The name of Shivaji’s father was Shahaji Bhonsle.

Question 3. What was name of Shivaji’s mother?
Answer: The name of Shivaji’s mother was Jijabai.

Question 4. Who was Shivaji’s guardian?
Answer: Shivaji’s guardian was Dadaji Kondadev.

Question 5. Who was sent by the Sultan of Bijapur to suppress Shivaji?
Answer: Afazl Khan was sent by the Sultan of Bijapur to suppress Shivaji.

Question 6. Who was killed by Shivaji with a ‘tiger’s claw’?
Answer: Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji with a ‘tiger’s claw’.

Question 7. How many times did Shivaji attack the port- city of Surat?
Answer: Shivaji attacked the port city of Surat twice.

Question 8. Who were called ‘Bargi’?
Answer: Shivaji’s soldiers were called ‘Bargi’.

Question 9. Which Sikh guru was killed by the Mughals?
Answer: The ninth Sikh guru Tegh Bahadur was killed by the Muhgals.

Question 10. Who was the tenth Sikh guru?
Answer: Guru Govind Singh was the tenth Sikh guru.

Question 11. What is the meaning of the word ‘Khalsa’?
Answer: The meaning of the word ‘Khalsa’ is pure.

Question 12. Which Maratha hero first opposed the Mughals?
Answer: Shivaji was the first Maratha hero to oppose the Mughals.

Question 13. Name the first and tenth Sikh Gurus.
Answer:

First Sikh Guru was Guru Nanak and the tenth Sikh Guru was Guru Govind Singh.

Question 14. Name the two states of the Deccan, which were annexed by the Mughals.
Answer:  Bijapur and Golconda were annexed by the Mughals.

Question 15. What were the names of Shivaji’s parents?
Answer:  Shivaji’s father was Shahaji Bhonsle and mother was Jijabai.

Question 16. Name the two Mughal emperors with whom the Sikhs started their conflict.
Answer: During the reign of emperor Jahangir and Shah Jahan, the sikhs started their conflict with the Mughals.

Question 17. Name the two political groups of the Mughal court.
Answer: Irani and Turani are the two political groups of the Mughal court.

Question 18. Where and when the coronation of Shivaji was held?
Answer: Shivaji’s coronation was held at Raigad Fort in 1674.

WBBSE Chapter 8 Topic A The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. Conflicts arose among ________ (nobles/ ministers/wazirs) over Mansabs.
Answer: Nobles

Question 2. ________ (Jijabai/Tarabai/Laxmibai) was Shivaji’s mother.
Answer: Jijabai

Question 3. Dadaji Kondadev was the ________ (brother/ friend/preceptor) of Shivaji.
Answer: Preceptor

Question 4. ________ (Afzal Khan/Shaista Khan/Jaisingh) forced Shivaji to conclude the Treaty of Porbundar.
Answer: Jaisingh

Question 5. Shivaji’s coronation was held at ________ (Raigad/Shivan/Agra) fort.
Answer: Raigad

Question 6. The Ashta Pradhan or Eight Ministers helped ________ (Shershah/Akbar/Shivaji) in matters of administration.
Answer: Shivaji

Question 7. ________ (Peshwa Baji Rao I/Peshwa Baji Rao II/Shivaji) took up the ideal of a pan-Indian Hindu state or Hindupad-pads haha.
Answer: Peshwa Baji Rao I

Question 8. There were ________ (10/15/20) Sikh Gurus.
Answer: 10

Question 9. ________ (Guru Nanak/Guru Tegh Bahadur/ Guru Govind Singh) was the tenth Sikh Guru.
Answer: Guru Govind Singh

Question 10. ________ (Balaji Vishwanath/Peshwa Baji Rao I/Peshwa Baji Rao II) was the first Maratha Peshwa.
Answer: Balaji Vishwanath

Question 11. ________ (Gokla/Rajaram/Churaman) started the Jat Revolt.
Answer: Gokla

Question 12. ________ (Garibdas Hada/Surajmal/Jawahir Singh) started the Satnami Revolt.
Answer: Garibdas Hada

Question 13. In the 17th century, ________ (Shivaji/Sambhuji/Shahaji) unified Marathas.
Answer: Shivaji

WBBSE Chapter 8 Topic A The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire True Or False

Question 1. Shivaji’s mother was Meerabai.
Answer: False

Question 2. The Treaty of Porbundar was signed in 1665.
Answer: True

Question 3. Shivaji was coronated at Raigad.
Answer: True

Question 4. Son of Guru Govind was Guru Arjun.
Answer: False

Question 5. Shivaji united the Marathas.
Answer: True

Question 6. Afzal Khan was killed with Bagh Naka.
Answer: True

Question 7. The founder of the Maratha power was Shivaji.
Answer: True

Question 8. Bijapur and Golconda was occupied by Afzal Khan.
Answer: False

Question 9. The Mughal ministers quarrelled among themselves for a better Jagir.
Answer: False

Question 10. Mughal emperors increased the fertility of lands.
Answer: False

WBBSE Chapter 9 India Today Topic B Miscellaneous Long Question And Answers

Question 1. Why is India called democratic and federal? What is the role of the Constitution in the administration of the country?
Answer:

India called democratic and federal:

India is called a democratic federal country, because

Democratic:

India is called a democracy, as its citizens elect their leaders, on the basis of a universal adult franchise. These representatives constitute the legislature. The leader of the majority party of votes ultimately becomes the Prime Minister.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History

Federal:

India has both unitary and federal features of government. It was clearly instructed so, in the Constitution of India, which became effective on and from 26 January 1950. India is, therefore, a quasi-federal state.

The Constitution contains guidelines on how a country should be administered. Governments function on this basis. Laws are formulated, the judiciary supervises whether the country is being run according to the Constitution and whether the public interest is being upheld.

Question 2. What are the branches of the Government? What are the functions of these branches? Why is the Judiciary kept separate?
Answer:

• Government has three branches. They are the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
• At present, the government has to perform many functions, through its component organs.
• Various branches or departments of government are

Executive:

• It is the most important department of the government.
• It looks after administrative duties like the preservation of internal law and order, foreign relations, defense affairs, and financial affairs.

Legislature:

• It makes and passes laws, holds discussions necessary for law-making, and introduces no-confidence motions against ministers.
• Through legislature, the aims and aspirations of the state are expressed and fulfilled.

Judiciary:

• It settles the conflicts between the Government and citizens, among citizens and among different social organisations.
• It also performs different functions like interpreting the laws, including the Constitution, advising the legislature, and making legal suggestions.
• The Judiciary is deliberately kept aloof and detached to secure equal, fair, and impartial justice.

Question 3. What are the functions of Municipalities and Gram Panchayats?
Answer:

The institutes of local self-government of the cities and the villages are called Municipalities and Gram Panchayats respectively, the latter being the lowest level of the three-tiered village Panchayat system.

The activities of Municipalities are

1. Obligatory Duties:

1. Construction and maintenance of roads
2. Supply of clean drinking water
3. To put up street-lamps
4. Sewerage and water purification
5. Development of cities and slums
6. To prevent pollution.

2. Voluntary activities:

1. To develop small-scale and cottage industries
2. To undertake rescue operations during floods and famines
3. To recover fallow land,
4. To build houses for the under-privileged classes
5. To undertake social reafforestation
6. To build and supervise health centers, maternity homes, and child welfare centers.

3. Imposed by State Government:

1. To check pollution
2. To ensure fire prevention
3. Sports and youth welfare activities
4. Health and family welfare activities.

The activities of Gram Panchayat are-

1. Obligatory Duties:

1. To look after village- roads, schools, ponds, government property
2. To record births and deaths
3. To determine and collect taxes
4. To maintain crematoriums and graveyards
5. To organise and supervise nyaya panchayats
6. Supply clean drinking water.

2. Optional duties:

1. To put up street-lights
2. To dig wells and ponds
3. To set up and maintain libraries
4. Welfare of under-privileged
5. To build cow-sheds
6. To set up agricultural co-operatives.

3. Imposed by State Government:

1. Primary Education
2. Establishment Of Primary Health Centres
3. Development Of Agrarian Activities
4. Planting Of Trees.

WBBSE Class 7 Geography Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History
WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Geography	WBBSE Class 7 History Multiple Choice Questions
WBBSE Class 7 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Maths

 

Question 4. Write a note on self-governance in West Bengal.
Answer:

Self-governance in West Bengal:

Self-government means the system of government, which is formed and run by the citizens or inhabitants of a particular region. There are two types of self-government- the municipality in cities and the Panchayat in villages.

1. Municipality:

The citizens aged 18 and above, in cities and towns, elect their own representatives to the Municipality. The elected members are called councilors. One among them becomes the head of the municipality.

The municipality looks after the supply of clean drinking water, the Construction and repair of roads, schools, and hospitals, and providing healthcare and health facilities.

2. Panchayat:

In every village of West Bengal is a Village Panchayat, whose members are elected for a tenure of five years by the villagers. The elected members choose from among themselves, the head of the Panchayat and a deputy’s head.

The Panchayat supervises the repair and construction of roads, the digging of ponds, wells, tube wells, fitting pumps, construction of pasture grounds, and so on.

Question 5. Can we know about the democratic system in ancient India or elsewhere? What do you think about that democracy?
Answer:

• In ancient times, democracy existed in ancient India and at Athens in ancient Greece. The views of the citizens, and their rights, were given utmost importance.
• In ancient India if democracy is concerned, more than a hundred years after the death of Sasanka, there was extreme political turmoil and social anarchy in Bengal, which is termed Matsyanyaya.
• To get rid of this situation, the aristocracies of Bengal nominated a feudal lord called Gopala as the king of Bengal. Thus in 750, Gopala ascended the throne of Bengal in a democratic way.
• In ancient Greece, more than 2500 years ago, democracy was prevalent in Athens. The people of Athens elected their own leaders by a unique process.
• In particularly marked pots, citizens had to throw a shard of pottery, bearing a particular symbol. The candidate who got the highest number of shards was declared the leader.

Question 6. Suppose you are a municipal councilor/member of a panchayat. What shall you do for the development of your local area?
Answer:

If I were a municipal councilor/member of the panchayat, I would have taken many steps for the welfare of the people of my locality, like

1. Water supply:

• I shall pay attention to the fact that there is a proper supply of water in every part of my locality.
• Besides, I shall initiate cleaning of the water tanks and making the water germ-free.

2. Boosting self-employment:

• I shall arrange exhibitions of local agricultural products and handicrafts for their sale.
• Apart from that, I shall provide people the opportunity to become self-employed by setting up and controlling markets, fair, local small markets etc.

3. Pulblic welfare:

I shall provide the facilities of building and maintaining roads and bridges, crematoriums and cemeteries, resting places and inns, etc.

4. Maintenance of public health:

• I shall provide hospitals, health care centers, dispensaries, and other medical facilities.
• Besides, I shall ensure that vaccinations are provided for diseases like cholera, tuberculosis, polio, and smallpox.

Important Definitions Related to Modern Indian Society

5. Environmental safety:

For maintaining environmental safety, I shall initiate proper drainage system and emphasize tree plantation programs.

6. Electrification:

I shall take the necessary steps to ensure that every house of my locality is having electricity and I shall arrange more street lights.

7. Others:

I shall look into the matters like safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped and mentally retarded ones, vital statistics including registration of births and deaths, slum improvement and upgradation, etc.

Question 7. Suppose you are a common man of India. What do you want to do for the development of your locality? How would you plan for development?
Answer:

First of all, I will try to modernise the communication system. I will also initiate to construction new metalled roads and make the narrow ones more widened.

• I will make necessary arrangements. Repairing of damaged roads will also be undertaken.
• Without an advanced education system, a nation can not prosper. So I will try to educate the local students properly and make necessary arrangements to set up new schools and colleges.
• I will ask the government and the moneyed class of the society for financial help. I will try to promote the health rules of the government and make them executed.
• Purified water, regular clearance of garbage, and underground drainage will be my first priority.
• I will appeal to the government for introducing polio immunisation in my locality.
• Old health centers will be reoriented and the new ones will be set up with the help of competent of authority.

Question 8. Suppose by chance you come across a commoner of the Pala period. You are talking about monarchy, democracy etc. Write a short dialogue on this conversation.
Answer:

Myself: All you know about the present political condition of Bengal. We have at last put an end to the prevailing anarchy and confusion of the country. We have elected Gopala, a powerful feudatory as our king. How would you explain the situation?

Commoner: I think, the entire situation is the product of a long democratic process. As you know, the powerful feudatories of Bengal, in the best interest of the country, have collectively elected Gopala as the king. We all have submitted to his rule.

Myself: Yes, that is correct. We have never seen it before. Previously the people had no option for electing the king of their own.
Commoner: It is true. So long we have listened about monarchy. In a monarchy, the ruling king would have nominated the successor of his own. That was the order of the day.

Myself: What do you think is the best? Monarchy or democracy?

Commoner: If you seek my opinion, I will go for democracy.

Myself: Why do you think so?

Commoner: In fact, democracy is the reflection of public opinion. In a democracy, people can select their own ruler. So I would always opt for democracy. I think, that is more acceptable.

WBBSE Chapter 9 India Today Topic B Miscellaneous Short Question And Answers

Question 1. What characteristics do you notice in the administrative system of India?
Answer:

Characteristics noticed in the administrative system of India:

At present, India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. At the time of the compilation of the Constitution, the two terms, socialist and secular were not included. Later, these two ideals were added. Again, all citizens, of the age of 18 and above, can exercise their Voting rights and elect their leaders for five years.

Question 2. What are the Federal System and Constitution?
Answer:

Federal System And Constitution:

• Federal System is one which follows the principle of division of power and empowers both the Central and the State Governments. The Constitution of India assigns to power and duties to both the Central and the Provincial Governments.
• Constitution is the document or collection of rules and regulations, according to which, a country is governed. Most countries have written Constitutions.
• Again, some countries do not have written Constitutions but are governed by age-old traditions and conventions.

Short Answers on Indian Government Initiatives

Question 3. What are the functions of the government?
Answer:

Generally, the main duties of government are

1. To conduct the administration of the country
2. To collect taxes
3. To uphold the independence of the country
4. To work for the unity and integrity, peace and development of the country
5. To secure the welfare of the people
6. To rule the country according to the Constitution.

Question 4. What do you mean by Self-Governance?
Answer:

Self-Governance:

Definition:

When the local inhabitants of a village or a town govern their own area, it is called local self-government.

Significance:

The two points of importance of local self-government are

1. Decentralization of power: Power is distributed among all.
2. Participation of common folk: Common people can also participate directly in administrative affairs.

Question 5. What is an election commonly known as? At what interval are elections held in India? What are the relation between the election of the government and democracy?
Answer:

1. The election is commonly known as Voting.
2. Elections are held in India every five years.
3. Through the election of a new government, a direct relationship is established between the government and the electorates. All citizens of India, aged 18 and above can exercise their voting power and elect a government.

Question 6. Do you stay in a Municipal area or a Panchayat area? Do you have a school and a Health centre in your locality? How do you get drinking water? How many parks or fields are there?
Answer:

1. Yes. I stay in a Municipal area.
2. There are 3 schools and 3 nursing homes.
3. We get drinking water from Tala water works and the municipal water supply.
4. There is a park, a swimming pool, and a field.

Question 7. What is the actual meaning of democracy?
Answer:

• The actual meaning of democracy is the people themselves decide the system of governance.
• The method of selecting the ruler among themselves is known as ‘democracy’.

Question 8. What do you mean by the Theory of Separation of Power?
Answer:

• Separation of Powers is a doctrine of constitutional law under which the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judiciary) are kept separate.
• Each branch has separate powers and generally, each branch is not allowed to exercise the powers of the other branches.

WBBSE Chapter 9 India Today Topic B Miscellaneous Very Short Question And Answers

Question 1. Long ago the people of Bengal once selected their own rulers. Can you say who he was?
Answer: In 750 AD the people of Bengal elected Gopala, a powerful feudatory as the King.

Question 2. Can you say what was the type of the government during the Sultanate and the Mughals?
Answer: The administrative system during the rule of the Sultanate and the Mughals was called ‘Monarchy’.

Question 3. Who is the constitutional head of the government of India?
Answer: The President of India is the constitutional head of India

Question 4. Where has the word ‘democracy’ come from?
Answer: The Word ‘democracy’ comes from Greece.

WBBSE Chapter 9 India Today Topic B Miscellaneous Strike The Odd One Out

Question 1. Monarchy, Democracy, Dictatorship, Fascism
Answer: Fascism

Question 2. King, Sultan, Badshah, Minister
Answer: Minister

Question 3. President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Finance Minister
Answer: President

Question 4. India, China, Russia, England
Answer: England

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History

Question 5. Legal division, administrative division, Financial division, judicial division
Answer: Financial division

Question 6. Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad, High Court
Answer: High Court

Question 7. School, hospital, library, hotel
Answer: Hotel

Question 8. Head of municipality, head of Panchayat, President of Panchayat Samiti, Election Commissioner
Answer: Election Commissioner

Question 9. Vice-President, Governor, Secretary, Home Minister
Answer: Secretary

Question 10. District Police Superintendent, District Collector, District Magistrate, President of Zilla Parishad
Answer: President of Zilla Parishad

Question 11. Gopala, Qutbuddin Aibak, Babur, Sher Shah
Answer: Gopala

Question 12. Village, Block, District, Playground
Answer: Playground

WBBSE Chapter 9 India Today Topic B Miscellaneous Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. _________ (Bangladesh/Japan/France) has King voting rights and elect their leaders for a period and Queen even today.
Answer: Japan

Question 2. The system of electing rulers from among ourselves is known as _________ (democracy/ monarchy/federal).
Answer: Democracy

Question 3. The longest constitution of the world is of _________ (India/Japan/England).
Answer: India

Question 4. The system of administration in which people are governed by themselves is known as _________ (Constitution/Sabha and Samity/Self Government).
Answer: Self-Government

Question 5. A cluster of villages forms a _________ (Block/District/Municipality).
Answer: Block

Question 6. Kingship still prevails in _______ (Japan/Bangladesh/France).
Answer: Japan

Question 7. The policy of ‘Separation of Powers’ was first mentioned by _______ (Voltaire/Montesquieu/Rousseau).
Answer: Montesquieu

WBBSE Chapter 9 India Today Topic B Miscellaneous True Or False

Question 1. The word ‘govern’ means ‘government’.
Answer: False

Question 2. There are ‘governments’ in all independent countries.
Answer: True

Question 3. There is no monarchy in any country now.
Answer: False

WBBSE Chapter 9 India Today Topic B Miscellaneous Match The Columns

Question 1.

Answer: 1. C. 2. D, 3. A, D. B

Question 2.

Answer: 1. C. 2. D, 3. A, D. B

Question 3. 

 

 

 

Answer: 1. D. 2. C, 3. E, 4. A, 5. B

WBBSE Chapter 8 The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Topic B Miscellaneous Long Question And Answers

Question 1. What were the economic and political changes during Aurangzeb’s reign?
Answer:

Understanding the Decline of the Mughal Empire

Economic changes during Auranzeb’s reign:

• During Aurangzeb’s reign, the Mughal Empire became too vast and so administrative expenses went up.
• Again, the number of Mansabdars went up but the number of corresponding Mansabs did not.
• So, conflicts broke out among the nobles over capturing the best Mansabs.
• Again, agriculture was badly affected due to the revolts of the Jats and the Satnamis.

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History

Political Changes during Auranzeb’s reign:

The Mughal power weakened, and the Marathas rose as a threat to the Deccan. Relations between the Mughals and the Sikhs also worsened.

Question 2. When and with whom was the Treaty of Purandar signed? What was its outcome?
Answer:

The Treaty of Purandar was signed (11 June 1665) between the Maratha leader Shivaji and Jaisingh, on behalf of the Mughals.

Result:

1. Shivaji agreed to hand over 23 forts to the Mughals.
2. By this treaty, Jaisingh tried to create conflict between Bijapur and Shivaji.

Question 3. Why did the Jats have a conflict with the Mughals?
Answer:

The Jats have a conflict with the Mughals:

• The Jats were Hindu peasants and inhabited the regions of Delhi, Agra, and Mathura.
• They protested against Mughal high-handedness over revenue collection during the reign of Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
• They also wanted to set up their independent kingdom which was not acceptable to the Mughals.

WBBSE Class 7 Geography Notes	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History
WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Geography	WBBSE Class 7 History Multiple Choice Questions
WBBSE Class 7 Geography Multiple Choice Questions	WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 Maths

 

Question 4. What was the reason behind the conflict between Shivaji and the Mughals?
Answer:

The reason behind the conflict between Shivaji and the Mughals:

• Conflicts broke out between Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and Maratha chief Shivaji as the latter attacked Mughal territories in the Deccan and set up Maratha hegemony over them.
• He aimed to set up a Maratha state (Swarajya) in the Deccan and levied taxes on the Mughal territories in the Deccan.
• Aurangzeb found it impossible to tolerate the rapid rise of Shivaji and his marauding attacks on Mughal territories in the Deccan and sent Afzal Khan, Shaista Khan, Muazzam, and Jaisingh against him.
• So, conflicts arose between the Mughals and the Marathas.

Question 5. What advantages did the Mughals enjoy by their victory at Bijapur and Golconda?
Answer:

Advantages Of The Mughals enjoy by their victory at Bijapur and Golconda:

• Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb invaded, conquered, and annexed the two Deccan kingdoms, Bijapur and Golconda.
• Thus the Mughal territory was expanded. Aurangzeb designated the most fertile region of the Deccan as Khalisa land.
• They were not granted as Mansabs but the revenue levied on them was directly deposited in the state treasury.

Question 6. How did the Sikhs organize themselves against the Mughals?
Answer:

The Sikhs organize themselves against the Mughals:

• During the reigns of the Mughal rulers, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, there were scattered encounters between the Mughals and the Sikhs.
• Gradually, the Sikhs began to emerge as an independent political power and their conflict with the Mughals grew more imminent.

Organisation of Sikhs against the Mughals

1. Under Guru Tegh Bahadur:

• The ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur opposed the orthodox religious policy of the Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb, and started collecting funds to support the rise of Sikh power.
• He supported the Kashmiri Brahmins who opposed the Mughals. He wanted Sikhs to emerge as independent political entities.

2. Under Guru Govind Singh:

• The tenth and last Sikh Guru, Govind Singh turned the Sikhs into a powerful martial race by setting up the Khalsa.
• He put forward three ideas for the Sikhs: God, Guru, and the Sword.
• He instructed the Sikhs to take the title of Singh and to wear on their person the five Ks, the ‘Kangha’, (comb) ‘Kesh’ (hair and beard), ‘Kachha’ (long undergarment), ‘Kripan’ (dagger) and ‘Kara’ (bracelet).

Conceptual Questions on Political Fragmentation After Aurangzeb

3. Under Banda Bahadur:

• Banda Bahadur was the faithful disciple of Guru Govind Singh.
• He organized the Sikhs and continued to fight against the Mughals.
• He established Sikh control between the Yamuna and the Sutlej.
• He occupied Mughal territories and redistributed them among the landless.
• He also distributed plundered wealth among his followers.

Question 7. Why did the agrarian crisis break out during the last phase of the Mughal age? What was the outcome of this crisis?
Answer:

The agrarian crisis break out during the last phase of the Mughal age:

A grave crisis overtook agriculture towards the end of the Mughal era and hurt the Mughal Empire.

Causes of agricultural crisis

1. Exploitation by Jagirdars:

• The Jagirdars, using auction, would lease out land to Ijaradars, who started to exploit the peasants, to obtain higher revenue.
• So, many peasants gave up agriculture and fled from the villages, thus leading to a fall in agricultural output.

2. Peasant revolt:

• Unable to bear the torture, peasants sometimes burst out into rebellion.
• Sikhs, Jats, and Satnamis revolted against the Mughals towards the end of the Mughal era.

3. Rise in Prices:

• During the 17th century, the prices of items of daily use went up.
• The nobles tried to maximize their income to combat this inflation and began putting pressure on peasants, which enhanced the crisis in the agrarian sector.

The outcome of this crisis

• Breach in unity and integrity: The successive peasant revolts gave a death blow to the unity and integrity of the Mughal Empire.
• Financial decay: Agrarian output fell drastically, creating an overall economic crisis.

Question 8. Why did the last phase of the Mughal era run into a crisis of the Jagirdari and Mansabdari systems? What was its impact upon the Mughal empire?
Answer:

The last phase of the Mughal era ran into a crisis of the Jagirdari and Mansabdari systems:

• A grave crisis appeared in the Jagirdari system towards the end of the Mughal era.
• Irfan Habib says, the inhuman oppression by the Jagirdars and Mansabdars at last brought about the downfall of the Mughal Empire.

Causes of the Jagirdari crisis

1. Main cause:

• The main cause is that in the Mughal era, the Mansabdars were paid in the form of land grants or Jagirs instead of cash salaries.
• During Aurangzeb’s reign, the number of Mansabdars went up but the quantity of Mansabs did not increase in the same proportion.

2. Other Causes:

Real-Life Scenarios Involving Peasant Revolts During Mughal Decline

• Selfishness and conflict among Mansabdars: Towards the end of the Mughal era, an immense rivalry started among the Mansabdars to occupy the highest-yielding Mansabs.
• Instability: Mansabdars were regularly transferred from one Mansab to another to prevent corruption. So they were unable to foster a bond with their Mansab, but only aimed to exploit it to the fullest.
• Difference between Jama and Haasil: There was often a wide gulf between Jama (the estimated revenue of the Jagir, shown on paper) and Haasil (the actual amount by collected revenue).

Its impact upon the Mughal empire

• Beginning of corruption: The intense rivalry of the Mansabdars over the Jagirs led to the formation of factions in north and south India and pushed the empire toward its ruin.
•  Decrease in production: The Jagirdars often leased out land to traders and Mahajans. To get more revenue, these intermediaries greatly exploited the peasants, forcing many of them to give up agriculture. So, agricultural output declined.
• Weakness of the army: Most of the Jagirdars or Mansabdars received low salaries, which was not enough to maintain the fixed number of horses and soldiers. In times of need, little military help could be got from mansabdars. So, the army lost its strength.

Question 9. What is your view about the overall condition of the Mughal empire during Aurangzeb’s rule?
Answer:

Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ruled for nearly 50 years. From 1658 to 1681, he resided in North India, and then from 1681 till his death in 1707, he lived in the Deccan.

Condition of the Mughal Empire during Aurangzeb’s rule

1. Boundary:

• The boundaries of the Mughal empire under Aurangzeb reached their maximum limit.
• It stretched from Kashmir in the north to Jingee in the South and from the Hindukush Mountains in the West to Chittagong in the East.

2. Administrative system:

• Aurangzeb wanted to set up an Islamic State in the Indian subcontinent. He repealed nearly 80 taxes.
• To build up the ethical character of the Muslim subjects and to keep vigilance on Islamic rites and rituals, he appointed an officer called Muhtasib.

3. Economic Condition:

• As regards the economic system, the North-Western frontier policy and the Deccan policy of Aurangzeb caused a deterioration of law and order, which in turn, adversely affected trade and commerce.
• So, the Mughal economy became weak.

4. Peasant Revolts:

• Peasant revolts broke out during Aurangzeb’s reign. The Jagirdari Crisis and the evils of the Ijaradar system spurred peasant revolts.
• The Jats, Sikhs, and Satnamis gave fatal blows to the unity and integrity of the Mughal Empire.

5. Jagirdari Crisis:

• A grave crisis also came up in the Jagirdari system. During Aurangzeb’s reign, the number of Mansabdars increased but the number of Mansabs did not rise.
• So, there broke out a struggle among the Mansabdars for the best Mansabs.
• The Mansabdars also began to fudge the records of Jama and Haasil for greater profits.

Question 10. Suppose you are a Maratha ruler. You have chanced to meet a Jat peasant. Now write a dialogue between your- self and the peasant about the various aspects of the Mughal rule.
Answer:

Jat peasant: Well, how do you like the Mughal administration, Sir?

Maratha ruler: According to my opinion, the Mughal administration, though benevolent, is largely autocratic.

Jat peasant: What do you mean by autocracy?

Maratha ruler: In fact, the Mughal administration is a centralized monarchy. The emperor is the head of the administration. He combines in himself the supreme civil, military, judicial, and legislative authority. The power of the emperor is limitless.

Jat peasant: But he is no tyrant. He always considers himself the guardian of his subjects. Their welfare is the only aim of his government.

Maratha ruler: Yes. That is correct. Division of power is a good sign. For the convenience of administration, the Emperor has divided his empire into 15 ‘Subas’ or provinces.

Jat peasant: How is the central government?

Maratha ruler: Though the Emperor is all in all, he has ministers to assist him in the administration.

Jat peasant: And what about the provincial government?

Maratha ruler: Each ‘Suba’ or province is divided into several ‘Sarkars’ and each ‘Sarkar’ into several Parganas. This is called provincial government.

Jat peasant: How is the revenue administration?

Maratha ruler: By this system, the emperor introduced three methods of land revenue assessment, namely Zabti, Ghalla baksh, and Nasaq in different parts of the empire.

Jat peasant: How is the judicial system? Maratha ruler: The emperor is the fountain of all justice. But he has some judicial assistants.

Jat peasant: And army?

Maratha ruler: The Mughal army is divided into five divisions. It includes people of different races and nationalities. That is why the army has not developed into a national force.

Question 11. Suppose you are a historian in the court of Emperor Aurangzeb. You are writing the history of the Maratha, Sikh, Jat, and Satnami movements. How would you explain these movements in your writings?
Answer:

• I am a historian of the Mughal court. I have to write the history of the Maratha, Sikh, Jat, and Satnami movements against the Mughal rule.
• I would certainly explain the revolts as a reaction against Aurangzeb’s religious policy.
• But whatever may it be, I would mark any sort of reaction against the emperor as seditious. I would not excuse them.

1. Struggle of the Marathas:

• When Aurangzeb was preoccupied with the affairs of the North, he could not devote much time to the smaller movements.
• Taking this opportunity, the Allied force started their operation against the Mughals.
• Shivaji captured the forts of Raigad, Chakan, Sinhagar, Baramati, Indrapur, Purandar, and Konkan one by one, and started collecting taxes from the Mughal-dominated areas. This was unfair.

2. Struggle of the Sikhs:

• Sikh farmers did not remit a single farthing to the Mughal exchequer as land tax.
• On the contrary, they exacted money from the people in the name of ‘Sikh Panth’, to be built up by Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Govind Singh.
• Tegh Bahadur preached against the religious policy of the emperor.
• They turned the Sikh into a martial force. They also encouraged the anti-Aurangzeb uprising. So the emperor opposed the Sikh.

3. Struggle of the Jats:

• Although the Jats were farmers, they refused to pay taxes in any form.
• While the Mughals tried collecting taxes, they protested. In the name of rebellion, they started plundering.
• Not only that, they built up an independent state namely Bharatpur. This was also unfair.

4. Struggle of the Satnamis:

• The Satnamis got into an unnecessary dispute with the Mughal employees.
• They applied forces to exact taxes from the honest and simple populace.
• To protest against these unfair activities of the Satnamis, a large number of the Rajputs joined hands with the Mughals.

Question 12. Suppose you are an aristocratic jagirdar towards the end of the 17th century. Write a dialogue between yourself and your peasants.
Answer:

A dialogue between an aristocratic Jagirdar and the peasants

Place: Deccan.

Time: End of the 17th century.

Jagirdar: I Hope, you know it well that your family has been entrusted with the duties of production for years.

Peasants: Yes, we know.

Jagirdar: Last year you took much care about production.

Peasants: Sir, as you know, we have been carrying that goodwill for generations.

Jagirdar: For that very reason we have been conferring our trust on you people till now. But-

Peasants: What do you mean Sir?

Jagirdar: I would like to say that this year our production has fallen far short of our expectations. Is not it? May I know why?

Peasants: Sir, rainfall was less this year. Moreover, there was no other arrangement of irrigation too. That is why production got interrupted.

Jagirdar: I feel, everything is okay. Peasants: Excuse me Sir.

Jagirdar: Look, it is quite clear now that you are trying to postpone the payment. But you must have to pay it off.

Peasants: Sir, it is next to impossible. Please forgive us this year.

Jagirdar: Look, I have nothing to do. My ‘Izaradars’ will compel you to meet up my dues in the due course.

Peasants: Then we have no other way than to invite death. We are already disgusted with their oppression. Now they will exploit us for more profit.

Question 13.  Write a Chronology Of Dates And Events
Answer:

WBBSE Chapter 8 The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Topic B Miscellaneous Short  Question And Answers

Question 1. What do you mean by the agricultural crises? Think over.
Answer:

Agricultural crises:

• When the production of crops falls short of the expected target, cultivation of land becomes impossible and the prices of commodities become dearer.
• Thus agricultural crises are created.

Question 2. Can you say why did emperor Aurangzeb convert all the good fertile lands into prime lands?
Answer:

Mughal emperor Aurangzeb designated the highest revenue yielding land as ‘Khalisa’ or prime lands because the handsome revenues collected from them would be deposited directly into the imperial treasury and no portion had to be given to the tax collectors.

Question 3. Name any such states.
Answer:

• Egypt, Iraq, Greece, Lybia, Tunisia, and Kazakhstan are a few such states.
• After going through the questions above, students will come to know about the crisis of modern states along with those of medieval states.
• As a result, social empathy and cooperation will be created among them.

Question 4. Draw a chart, showing the reasons for the recent administrative crisis, either singly or jointly.
Answer:

Causes leading to the recent administrative crisis of some states

1. Apathy and unwillingness of the representatives to perform their duties.
2. Administrative complexities.
3. Lack of goodwill of the political leaders.
4. Tendencies of dishonesty and corruption of the representatives.
5. The complicated situation created to get financial aid.
6. Rise of religious separatist forces.

After making the chart the students will be able to communicate with the greater society. Along with this, creativity will also be formed among them.

Question 5. Who was Banda Bahadur?
Answer:

Banda Bahadur:

• Banda Bahadur was the disciple of the tenth Sikh Guru Govind Singh.
• After his death, Banda Bahadur continued his fight against the Mughals.

Question 6. State the political significance of Shivaji’s coronation.
Answer:

Shivaji’s coronation was politically highly significant.

1. His territorial conquests acquired a stamp of legitimacy.
2. He acquired the same status as the Mughal rulers and the Sultans of Bijapur and Golconda.
3. He also attained recognition among the rival Maratha chieftains.
4. Gaga Bhatta, the most famous scholar of Varanasi, recognized him as a Suryavanshi Kshatriya and the descendant of the Rana of Mewar.
5. Thus, Shivaji’s humble Shudra origin was forgotten and he attained social recognition and immense political influence.

WBBSE Chapter 8 The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Topic B Miscellaneous Strike The Odd One Out

Question 1. Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, Shivaji
Answer: Shivaji

Question 2. Shivaji, Shahaji, Sambhuji, Safdarjung
Answer: Safdarjung

Question 3. Guru Arjun, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Nizamuddin Auliya, Guru Govind Singh
Answer: Nizamuddin Auliya

Question 4. Turani, Irani, Dakshini, Sheikhzada
Answer: Dakshini

Question 5. Jat Revolt, Satnami Revolt, Sikh Revolt, Revolt of 1857
Answer: Revolt of 1857

Question 6. Asad Khan, Zulfikar Khan, Muazzam, Ghaziuddin Feroze Khan
Answer: Muazzam

Question 7. Raigad Fort, Pratapgarh Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Fort William
Answer: Fort William

Read and Learn More WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History

Question 8. Shaista Khan, Dadaji Kondadev, Muazzam, Jaisingh
Answer: Dadaji Kondadev

Question 9. Mansabdar, Jagirdar, Zamindar, Iqtadar
Answer: Zamindar

Question 10. Sikh, Maratha, Rajput, Irani
Answer: Irani

Question 11. Garibdas Hada, Mangal Pandey, Gokla, Churaman
Answer: Mangal Pandey

WBBSE Chapter 8 The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Topic B Miscellaneous Spot The Odd One And Underline It

Question 1. Pune, Konkan, Agra, Bijapur
Answer: Agra

Question 2. Banda Bahadur, Afzal Khan, Shaista Khan, Muazzam
Answer: Banda Bahadur

Question 3. Ashtapradhan, Bargi, Mawale, Khalsa
Answer: Khalsa

Question 4. Ramdas, Tegh Bahadur, Jaisingh, Hargovind
Answer: Jaisingh

Question 5. Kesh (hair), Kirpan (dagger), Kalam (pen), Kanga (comb)
Answer: Kalam

WBBSE Chapter 8 The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Topic B Miscellaneous Very Short Question And Answers

Question 1. Who was the ninth Sikh Guru?
Answer: Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru

Question 2. Who occupied Bijapur and Golconda?
Answer: Aurangzeb occupied Bijapur and Golconda

Question 3. Has any country faced a crisis recently?
Answer: Yes, some states have faced an official and administrative crisis recently.

WBBSE Chapter 8 The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Topic B Miscellaneous Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. Shivaji was coronated in _______ (1665/1674/1680).
Answer: 1674

Question 2. ‘Khalsa’ was introduced by _______ (Banda Bahadur/Tegh Bahadur/Guru Govind).
Answer: Guru Govind

WBBSE Chapter 8 The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Topic B Miscellaneous True Or False

Question 1. The Treaty of Porbundar was signed in 1665 AD.
Answer: False

Question 2. Shivaji’s father was Dadaji Kondadev.
Answer: True

Question 3. The word ‘Khalsa’ means ‘pure’.
Answer: False

WBBSE Chapter 8 The Crisis Of The Mughal Empire Topic B Miscellaneous Match The Column

Question 1.

Answer: 1. D, 2. A, 3. E, 4. B, 5. C

Question  2.

Answer: 1. D, 2. C, 3. B, 4. A, 5. E

Question 3.

Answer: 1. B, 2. D, 3. E, 4. A, 5. C