WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Topic A Delhi Sultanate 1206 -1526 AD

WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Topic A Delhi Sultanate 1206 -1526 AD Long Question And Answers

Question 1. Who was a Sultan? Describe the main features of the power of the Sultans of Delhi. Write about the administration of Delhi Sultans.
Answer:

Sultan:

The word ‘Sultan’ literally means independent monarch. In the Quran, the Sultan was regarded as a symbol of power. In India, the word Sultan implies power, responsibility, and absolute control.

The main features of the power of the Sultans of Delhi

1. Sovereignty:

The Sultans of Delhi were absolute despots, who had full suzerainty over their subjects. The Sultan was the head of administration, the law-maker, and the lord of his subjects.

Class 7 WBBSE History Question Answer

2. Independent rule:

Apparently, they accepted the overlordship of the Caliphs but, in reality, they were independent in the execution of decisions taken by them.

3. Absolute control over Administration:

The Sultans kept absolute control over the administration.

Administration of Delhi Sultans

1. Central administration: The administration was centralised as the Sultans were absolute despots.
2. Despotism: All the spheres of administration were controlled by the Sultan.
3. Provincial administration: Though the administration was centralized, a provincial administrative structure also existed.
4. The traditional system of administration: The Sultans of Delhi followed the traditional system which was already prevalent in India.

 

Question 2. Give a brief introduction of the Turko-Afghan Age.
Answer:

The Turko-Afghan Age or Sultanate era refers to the period from 1206 to 1526.

Turko-Afghan Age

1. Turkish age:

1. Slave (Mameluk) dynasty: It was started in 1206 by Qutbuddin Aibak and ended in 1290 with the death of Kaikobad and Kayumars.
2. The Khilji Dynasty: It was founded in 1290 by Jalaluddin Khilji when Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah was killed by Nasiruddin Khusru.
3. Tughlaq dynasty: In 1320, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the Tughlaq dynasty which ended with the death of Nasiruddin Muhammad Shah in 1412.

2. Afghan age:

1. Sayyid dynasty: Khizir Khan founded the Sayyid dynasty in 1414, which ended in 1451.
2. Lodi dynasty: Bahlul Lodi founded the Lodi dynasty at the invitation of Alauddin Alam Shah. It ended when Babur defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of Delhi, in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.

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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 3. Give an account of the various rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and their respective dynasties.
Answer:

Five dynasties ruled over the Delhi Sultanate from 1206 to 1526, known as the Turko-Afghan era.

Class 7 WBBSE History Question Answer

Dynasties and their notable rulers

1. Slave Dynasty: Founded by Qutbuddin Aibak, its notable rulers included Iltutmish, Sultan Razia, and Ghiyasuddin Balban.
2.  Khilji dynasty: Jalaluddin Khilji founded the Khilji dynasty, whose notable rulers were Alauddin Khilji and Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah.
3. Tughlaq dynasty: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the Tughlaq dynasty whose notable rulers included Muhammad-bin- Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
4. Sayyid dynasty: Khizr Khan was the first Sultan of the Sayyid dynasty. Thereafter notable rulers included Mubarak Shah and Muhammad Shah.
5. Lodi dynasty: Bahlul Lodi was the first Sultan of the Lodi dynasty. Other rulers included Sikandar Lodi and Ibrahim Lodi.

Question 4. Describe the extent of the sovereignty of the Sultans of Delhi.
Answer:

The Sultan was the absolute head of the Delhi Sultanate. He was the sovereign and all powers of administration were concentrated in his hands.

The extent of the sovereignty of Sultans of Delhi

1. Despotism:

The Sultan was an absolute monarch. He was the fountainhead of civil and military spheres.

2. Representatives of God:

In order to obtain the absolute submission of the subjects, the Sultans portrayed themselves as the representatives of god on earth.

3. Absolute power:

The Sultans accepted the overlordship of the Caliphs but in reality, they were the chief center of all administrative powers.

4. Khutba prayers and the issue of coins:

During Friday prayers, the Imam of the Masjid would deliver a discourse or recite the Khutba. The names of the Caliph and the Sultan were also recited along with the glory of Allah. The Sultans also issued coins bearing their names.

Conceptual Questions on Economic Policies of the Delhi Sultans

5. Sultani etiquette:

The royal umbrella, the scepter, the court etiquette, and the pompous ceremonies enhanced the power and prestige of the Sultan.

Question 5. Discuss the relationship between the Sultans of Delhi and the Caliphs.
Answer:

According to Islamic traditions, the Caliph is the political and spiritual leader of all Islamic territories.

Relationship between Sultans and Caliphs

1. Relationship with Qutbuddin Aibak:

The first Sultan of Delhi customarily accepted the sovereignty of the Caliph but got no clean recognition from him.

2. Relationship with lltutmish:

He obtained clear recognition from the Caliph who also presented him with a ceremonial robe and a royal scepter.

3. Relationship with Balban:

He also maintained good relations with the Caliph, from whom he got the robe of legitimacy.

4. Relationship with Alauddin Khilji:

He refused to accept the suzerainty of the Caliph. Moreover, his son Mubarak dared to declare himself the Caliph.

5. Relationship with Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq:

He refused to recognize the suzerainty of the Caliph and would not include his name on his coins. However, when he faced innumerable revolts of his people, he tried to obtain their support by including the name of the Caliph on his coins and by trying to get the robe of legitimacy from the Caliph.

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6. Relationship with Feroze Shah Tughlaq:

He obtained the robe of legitimacy from the Caliph twice.

Question 6. State the achievements of Qutbuddin Aibak.
Answer:

Qutbuddin Aibak was the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, founded by Muhammad Ghori. He ruled from 1206 to 1210.

Achievements of Qutbuddin Aibak

1. Founder of Slave dynasty:

Aibak was a trusted slave of Ghori and conquered many territories of North India on behalf of his master. After Ghori’s death, he seized the throne of Delhi and became its first Sultan. He developed friendly relations with his opponents.

2. Other achievements:

1. The foundation of independent rule: Qutbuddin Aibak broke off all ties with Ghazni and began ruling Delhi independently.
2. Able warrior: He defeated Bhimadeva, the ruler of Gujarat.
3. Kind-hearted: Qutbuddin Aibak was very kind-hearted and received the title Lakh-Baksh, for charity.

3. Constructions:

Aibak constructed mosques at Delhi and Ajmer and started building the Qutub Minar in Delhi in memory of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Qutbuddin of Baghdad.

Question 7. “Iltutmish is the real architect of Delhi Sultanate.”-Justify. Or, State the achievements of Iltutmish.
Answer:

Qutbuddin Aibak undoubtedly founded the Delhi Sultanate but it was established on a strong foundation by Iltutmish.

Real-Life Scenarios Involving Conflicts in the Delhi Sultanate

Achievements of Iltutmish

1. Consolidation:

The term ‘Iltutmish’ means ‘preserver of empire’. Iltutmish established the Delhi Sultanate as a well-consolidated State from the military domain set up by Qutbuddin Aibak.

2. Suppression:

Iltutmish crushed the disruptive forces of the realm and set his empire on a strong system of administrative foundation.

3. Mongol invasions:

• Iltutmish was faced with the danger of the Mongol invasion led by the dreaded Mongol chieftain, Genghis Khan. Ghenghis Khan had appeared on the borders of north-western India, in pursuit of Jalaluddin Mangbarani, the ruler of Khiva.
• Mangbarani’s request for shelter in India was turned down by Iltutmish on grounds of the hot, uncomfortable climate. So Mangbarani left India and the Mongols followed him.
• Ghenghis Khan did not bother to attack India and Iltutmish saved India from the Mongols by his diplomacy.

4. Legitimacy of Sultanate:

Iltutmish obtained legitimacy from the Caliph who presented him with the ‘Khilat’ (ceremonial robe) and ‘Durbash’ (royal sceptre). This raised the prestige of the Turkish monarchy of Delhi and gave it a firm foundation.

5. Hereditary rule:

Iltutmish was far-sighted and tactful. He converted the infant kingdom into a powerful State. At the same time, he established hereditary kingship on the throne of Delhi.

Question 8. Name the two trusted aides of Muhammad Ghori. Why did Sultan Iltutmish require approval for legitimacy from the Caliph?
Answer:

Two trusted aides of Muhammad Ghori

Nasiruddin Qubacha and Tajuddin Yaldoz were the two trusted aides of Muhammad Ghori.

Reasons behind the necessity of recognition by Caliph

1. Controversy regarding inheritance:

Iltutmish was the son-in-law of Qutbuddin Aibak. So, many nobles did not accept him as the rightful, heir of Aibak.

2. Revolts by Amirs:

Many disgruntled Turkish nobles secretly conspired as well as rebelled against Iltutmish to bring about the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate.

3. Foreign Issues:

Nasiruddin Qubacha, the ruler of Sindh, occupied Lahore and some parts of Punjab. Tajuddin Yaldoz, the ruler of Ghazni, also claimed the throne of the Delhi Sultanate.

4. Rights to the throne:

The recognition of Iltutmish as the rightful heir to the Delhi throne was questioned by many but, he silenced his critics and ruled with tact.

Question 9. What were the problems of Iltutmish on his accession to the throne? How did he solve them?
Answer:

Problems of Iltutmish on his accession to the throne

On his accession to the throne, Iltutmish faced a number of problems. They were

1. Nasiruddin Qubacha asserted his independence and occupied Lahore and part of Punjab.
2. Some Amirs of Delhi revolted against Iltutmish.
3. Iltutmish was also confronted with Mongol attacks.
4. As he was not the son of Qutbuddin but his son-in-law, he was worried about his legal status.

Solutions to those problems:

1. He suppressed all the revolts successfully.
2. He avoided direct confrontation with the Mongols
3. He obtained the recognition of Caliph.

Thus Iltutmish created an idea of dynastic rule and his descendants ruled 30 years more.

Question 10. Write what you know about Sultan Razia.
Answer:

Sultan Razia:

After the death of Iltutmish, the Turkish nobles put his son, Rukhnuddin Firoz, on the throne of Delhi. But Firoz was incapable and was killed by Razia, the daughter of Iltutmish. She ascended the throne in 1236 and ruled till 1240.

Achievements of Razia

1. Law and order:

As ruler of Delhi, Razia tried to end all chaos and restored law, order, and peace in the Sultanate.

Examples of Real-Life Applications of Historical Knowledge

2. Administration:

Razia called herself ‘Sultan’ on her coins. She proved herself equal to men in all spheres of administration including the conduction of court, redressal of complaints at the durbar, and leading military campaigns.

3. Suppression of Forty:

Razia tried to curtail the powers of the Turkish aristocratic group, the Forty (Bandegan-i-Chihalgani). However, the Turkish nobles refused to accept the suzerainty of Razia, on the grounds of her being a woman.

They started conspiring against her. In turn, she tried to create dissension among them. She even married Altuniya, one of her opponent members of ‘Forty’ but both were defeated in the hands of the ‘Forty’ in 1240.

Question 11. Why the reign of Razia was remarkable in history?
Answer:

Razia was remarkable in history:

Sultan Razia (1236-40) was the only woman who ascended the throne of Delhi. Never in the history of the Mameluk dynasty had the title of ‘Sultan’ bestowed upon or used to address a woman, because a woman had never ruled before.

1. Significance:

Her ascent to the throne is of much historical significance not only because she was a woman, but also because her ancestors who were originally slave and she was not of nobility.

2. Conflict with the Turks:

Her accession to the throne did not go well with the Turkish nobles who were jealous that a woman could become the Sultan.

3. Conflict intensified:

She was endowed with all the qualities necessary for kings but was not destined to rule in peace. During her reign conflicts raised heads between royals and Turkish aristocrats, later known as the ‘Forty’.

4. Final defeat:

Razia was keen on curbing their powers and started appointing non-Turks in state posts, thus forming her own coterie. Naturally, the aristocrats resented it and rebelled against her. She was defeated and killed in 1240 AD.

Important Definitions Related to the Delhi Sultanate

Question 12. What were the causes behind the transfer of capital by Muhammad bin Tughlaq? Why was his venture unsuccessful?
Answer:

The causes behind the transfer of capital

Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi, shifted his capital from Delhi to Devagiri. Devagiri was later renamed as Daulatabad. Muhammad bin Tughlaq was from the Tughlaq dynasty and ruled from 1324 to 1351 AD.

The reasons behind his decision to transfer the capital are as follows

Protection of Capital:

Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq transferred his capital from Delhi to Devagiri, renamed as Daulatabad. For the sake of safety, to prevent the capital from being buffeted repeatedly by the devastating Mongol attacks, he transferred his capital.

Administrative advantage:

1. Better center of administration:

Daulatabad, being located in the center of the empire was a better center of administration for the whole empire than Delhi.

2. Control over Deccan:

The Sultan also wanted to strengthen Islamic domination in the South by setting up Muslim settlements there.

Opinions of Isami and Ibn Batuta:

Writers like Isami and Ibn Battuta claimed that the Sultan wanted to punish the rebels of Delhi who had revolted against him.

Reasons for failure

His venture was unsuccessful for various reasons.

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1. Discomfort in foreign lands:

The people of Delhi could not adjust or adapt themselves in strange, far-off Daulatabad. This was far away from Delhi, the city of their forefathers, and everything that they knew.

2. Vacant treasury:

This attempt to transfer the capital drained and exhausted the royal treasury. So, the venture had to be abandoned mid-way.

3. Hindu-Muslim conflict:

Another reason was that Daulatabad had more Hindu citizens. This put the Muslim inhabitants of Delhi at a disadvantage and they also felt uncomfortable there.

Question 13. Write a note on the First Battle of Panipat.
Answer:

The First Battle of Panipat took place on 21st April 1526 between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.

The first battle of Panipat

1 Background

Collection of wealth:

Babur was attracted by the vast wealth of Hindustan.

Conspiracy of Daulat Khan Lodi:

He was invited to attack India by Daulat Khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab, and Alam Khan Lodi who were offended at the uncouth behavior of Ibrahim Lodi.

Political instability:

Babur was also tempted to attack India to take the advantage of the political inter-tribal conflicts in North India. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi fought the First Battle of Panipat on 21st April 1526.

2. Causes behind Babur’s victory

1. Prowess: Babur possessed exceptional military prowess.
2. Rumi Strategy: Babur adopted the new Rumi strategy of warfare that he had learned from the Turks.
3. Powerful army: Though the Mughal soldiers were less in number than that of Ibrahim Lodi, the cavalry, artillery, and archery were powerful and competent enough to win the battle.

3. Importance

1. Foundation of Mughal empire: The Mughal empire was established in India due to their victory in the First Battle of Panipat.
2. The downfall of the Turko-Afghan empire: The victory of Mughal emperor Babur brought the Delhi Sultanate to an end.
3. Possession of wealth: Babur gained economically as a huge amount of wealth came into his hands.

Question 14. Give a brief description of the Lodi Dynasty.
Answer:

The Lodi dynasty, of Afghan origin, replaced the Sayyid dynasty and became the last ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

Lodi Dynasty

1. Bahlul Lodi:

The founder of the Lodi dynasty was Bahlul Lodi who occupied Jaunpur and extended his empire from Kashi to Bundelkhand.

2. Sikandar Lodi:

After Bahlul Lodi’s death his son, Sikandar Lodi ascended the throne. An able ruler, a patron of art, he also conquered Tirhut.

3. Ibrahim Lodi:

He succeeded his father, Sikandar Lodi. Annoyed at his arrogance, Daulat Khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab, and Alam Khan Lodi, the Sultan’s relative, conspired to dethrone him.

4. Downfall:

Afghan nobles, Jagirdars, and common people throughout India began revolting against the Sultan. Finally, Lodi Dynasty ended when Babur defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat.

Question 15. How did Balban consolidate the Delhi So he was not a good commander. Rather he Sultanate?
Answer:

A despot, Balban believed in ensuring the loyalty of his subjects and peace in his empire by absolute autocracy.

Consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate by Balban

Short Answers on Rulers of the Delhi Sultanate

Suppression of rebellion:

During his period the main problem of the Delhi Sultanate was internal rebellion. The governor of Bengal rose in revolt. But it was suppressed ruthlessly.

Destruction of the nobility:

Balban adopted several measures to curb the power and position of the ‘Forty’.

The superiority of the monarchy:

Balban took several measures to heighten the prestige of the Delhi Sultanate. These were

1. Introduction of ‘Sijda’ and ‘Paibos’ .
2. Establishment of a powerful centralized administration.
3. Efforts to show that the Sultan is more powerful than the nobility.
4. Cut down the forests and strengthened the agrarian economy.

Question 16. Was Firoz Tughlaq an able military commander or a benefactor of people?
Answer:

Firoz Tughlaq was neither a great warrior, astute politician or a secular, tolerant ruler, nor was he a successful conqueror.

Failure:

1. Two of his ventures to independent Bengal failed.
2. On his way back he captured Jajnagar in Orissa.
3. He recaptured the Nagarkot fort and parts of Sindh.
4. He made no attempt to regain the Deccan.

So he was a great benefactor of people. He attached much importance to the material welfare of the people and executed a number of reforms in this respect. Thus, we may conclude, warfare went alongside with welfare.

Question 17. Write a note on Sultanate and succession.
Answer:

Sultanate and succession

1. Anarchy after death:

The history of the Delhi Sultanate shows that the death of the monarch was usually followed by a period of uncertainty. In the absence of a law of succession, intrigues civil war, and violence became the order of the day.

2. No peaceful succession:

Among the important rulers of this dynasty except perhaps for Balban and Bahlul Lodi none of the Sultanates appear to have had a peaceful succession. Even Balban is accused of the murder of Nasirudding Mahmud.

It was mainly by deceit that Bahlol Lodi had assumed the kingship. The process of succession was indeed very unstable and uncertain in the Sultanate period.

3. Nobility-an important question:

Most of the kings during the Sultanate period were themselves nobles having risen to power due to their statesmanship. Hence the nobles also became an active element in the succession question.

Question 18. Discuss briefly the southern expedition of Alauddin Khilji.
Answer:

A relentless imperialist among the Delhi Sultans, Alauddin Khilji was the real founder of Muslim imperialism in India.

Southern expedition of Alauddin Khilji

1. Sultan’s expansionist policy:

After conquering Northern India he paid attention to South India. In fact, the expansionist policy of Alauddin was the most obvious reason for invading the south.

2. Regions:

Alauddin was the first among Delhi Sultans to send expeditions to the Deccan. His trusted general Malik Kafur lead these expeditions. He defeated-

Rama Chandradeva of Yadava king of Devagiri.

1. Prataprudradeva, the Kakatiya king.
2. Virvallalva, the Hoysala king of Dwarasamudra.
3. The Pandya king of Madura.

Malik Kafur advanced as far as Rameswaram.

Question 19. What is your opinion about calling the projects of Muhammad bin Tughlaq ‘tughlaqism”? Or, Is it fair to call Muhammad bin Tughlaq insane?
Answer:

The plans of the Sultan were all fine but they went all unconventional, because of his impractical approach, impatience, and defective implementation.

Tughlaq and his plans

1. Taxation in the Doab:

Hiking taxes at the fertile Doab region was understandable but the time he chose to do so was all wrong.

2. Transfer of capital:

Shifting the capital from Delhi to Debgiri was logical from a geographical point of view. But the method of implementing the project was a crazy decision.

3. Introduction of copper coins:

Launching copper currency was his other right move. But he failed to check the counterfeits.

Some critics have criticized him and have gone too far to call him ‘insane’.

Conclusion:

Though enlightened in his personal life, the Sultan was a failure as a ruler. But he was not at all illogical and unfair. He was not insincere indeed in his attempts.

Question 20. What was the reason behind the taxation in the Doab by Muhammad bin Tughlaq? What was its outcome?
Answer:

Reason behind the taxation in the Doab:

To generate more income for the empire, the Sultan imposed very steep taxes in the Doab region along the Ganga and Yamuna. It came when peasants were reeling under severe drought and shortage of rainfall.

The people being unable to pay the tax, stopped farming and took shelter in the forest. Grains became dear and famine became general.

Outcome:

When at last the Sultan came to know about the misery, he provided them food, money, seeds, and farming loans, introduced irrigation facilities, and reduced taxation. But it was too late then.

Question 21. How logical was the introduction of copper coin by Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
Answer:

Introducing of the Copper coin:

• In 1329-30 AD Muhammad bin Tughlaq issued a token currency in copper coins in immitation of the Chinese token currency. It was in order to meet the deficits in the royal treasury.
• It was a practical decision for several reasons but he did not adopt any measure to prevent counterfeits flooding the country.

Failure:

Foreign merchants refused to accept these coins. Trading nearly come to a close. The Sultan was then forced to withdraw copper coins and re-introduce silver coins. All these further weakened the financial foundation of the empire.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Topic A Delhi Sultanate 1206 -1526 AD Short Question And Answers

Question 1. Who was the Caliph?
Answer:

Caliph:

Islamic traditions established the Caliph as the political and spiritual leader of the Muslims. As it was not possible for him to rule over such a vast area, he kept a host of rulers, who accepted his suzerainty and ruled on behalf of him.

They sent him handsome gifts in return and owed allegiance to him but ruled independently.

Question 2. What is Khutba?
Answer:

Khutba:

Literally, the term ‘Khutba’ means lecture or speech. The Khutba is read out by the Imam of a Masjid after Friday afternoon prayers.

In the era of the Caliphs, the name of the Caliph was mentioned along with the Khutba, to remember that the Caliph had been appointed, on the basis of Islamic traditions.

Question 3. Define Amir, Durbash, and Khilat.
Answer:

Amir, Durbash, and Khilat:

• Literally, the term Amir referred to a rich, aristocratic nobleman, while in the Sultanate era, it referred to an official involved in administrative affairs.
• Durbash was the royal scepter, the symbol of monarchical authority given by a Caliph to a Sultan. Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah sent a Durvash to Iltutmish.
• Khilat was the ceremonial robe sent to an Islamic ruler by the Caliph as a symbol of his legitimacy to rule.

Question 4. What is meant by the Sultanate era in the history of India?
Answer:

Sultanate era in the history of India:

The Delhi Sultanate was established by Muhammad Ghori in 1206. Qutbuddin Aibak was the first Sultan of Delhi. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 and with this, the Delhi Sultanate ended. The era of the Delhi Sultanate continued from 1206 till 1526.

Question 5. Why is the era of the Delhi Sultanate called the Turko-Afghan Age?
Answer:

The era of the Delhi Sultanate was called the Turko-Afghan Age:

Among the five dynasties that ruled over the Delhi Sultanate from 1206 to 1526, two were Turkish-the Slave dynasty and the Tughlaq dynasty. The latter dynasties-the Sayyids and Lodis were Afghans.

So, historians refer to the Sultanate era as the Turko-Afghan era.

Question 6. Who set up the Slave dynasty? Why was it called so?
Answer:

Slave dynasty:

Qutbuddin Aibak set up the Slave Dynasty. It was called so, as Aibak, Iltutmish, and Balban were formerly slaves, who later gained freedom and ascended the throne.

Question 7. Who received the title of Sultan-i-Azam from the Caliph of Baghdad? How did it help the receiver?
Answer:

The Caliph of Baghdad bestowed the title of Sultan-i-Azam on Iltutmish, the ruler of Delhi.

It helped the receiver with the following:

1. Legal recognition: Tutmish was legitimately recognized as a Sultan.
2. Power and Prestige: He received both power and prestige. The Delhi Sultanate emerged as an independent entity in the Islamic world.

Question 8. State the number and the names of the ruling dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer:

The five ruling dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate were the Slave Dynasty, the Khilji Dynasty, the Tughlaq dynasty, the Sayyid dynasty, and the Lodi dynasty.

Question 9. Describe the relations between the Caliphs and the Sultans of Delhi.
Answer:

The relations between the Caliphs and the Sultans of Delhi:

The relationship between the Caliphs and the Sultans of Delhi was purely ceremonial. The Sultans obtained the robe of legitimacy from the Caliphs to consolidate their control over the subjects and to enhance the power and prestige of the State.

So, they sent costly gifts and tributes to the Caliphs. On the other hand, some Sultans refused to accept the suzerainty of the Caliphs.

Question 10. Describe the relations between the Sultans of Delhi and the nobility.
Answer:

The relations between the Sultans of Delhi and the nobility:

At the onset, the Sultans of Delhi were greatly dependent on the nobility for administrative purposes. Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban was himself a former member of the Turkish nobility group, the Forty or Bandegan-i-Chihalgani.

Later, relations between the Sultan and the nobles worsened. Ghiyasuddin Balban and Alauddin Khilji kept the nobles under absolute control.

Question 11. Write a note on the circle of forty/ Bandegan-i-Chihalgani/Turkan-i- Chihalgani.
Answer:

The circle of forty/ Bandegan-i-Chihalgani/Turkan-i- Chihalgani:

• The term the circle of forty/Bandegan-i-Chihalgani/Turkan-i-Chihalgani referred to a group of forty Turkish slaves, belonging to Sultan Iltutmish.
• Later, they were granted freedom and were placed at the higher ranks of administration. They were ultimately crushed by Balban, one of their former members. He became the next Sultan.

Question 12. What type of diplomacy did Iltutmish adopt to prevent Mongol attacks?
Answer:

Jalaluddin Mongbarani, the ruler of Khiva, was chased by Ghenghis Khan, the dreaded Mongol chieftain. He entered India and begged for shelter from Iltutmish, the Sultan of Delhi but Iltutmish cleverly cited the hot, uncomfortable climate of India as an excuse and refused to give shelter to Mongbarani.

Mongbarani left India and Ghenghis Khan did not invade North India. Thus, Iltutmish diplomatically saved North India from Mongol attacks.

Question 13. State with arguments, which one is more applicable, Sultan Razia or Sultana Razia.
Answer:

1. Meaning: The Arabic term Sultan means ruler, while Sultana stands for the wife of the Sultan.
2. Sovereignty: Razia was a sovereign ruler and referred to herself as Sultan on her coins too.
3. Historical recognition: Historian Minhaj-i Siraj referred to her as Sultan.
4. Conclusion: Razia should be rightly called Sultan and not Sultana.

Question 14. What measures did Ghiyasuddin Balban adapt to resist Mongol attacks?
Answer:

The measures Ghiyasuddin Balban adopted to resist Mongol attacks were

• Preservation of forts: Ghiyasuddin Balban tried to repel Mongal attacks by repairing the frontier forts of Bhatinda, Sunam, and Samana.
• Construction of garrisons: He built a series of forts along river Beas and garrisoned them with troops. He fortified Delhi and took complete control over the region.
• Diplomacy: He even sent envoys to the Mongols as a diplomatic plot to dissuade them from attacking Delhi.

Question 15. What is Khilji Revolution?
Answer:

Khilji Revolution:

In 1290, Jalaluddin Faroz Khilji killed the sick ruler Kaikobad and his infant son Kayumars and ascended the throne of Delhi. Thus the rule of the Turks ended. This event, by which the Khiljis became the ruling dynasty of Delhi is called Khilji Revolution.

Question 16. What are ‘Paibos’ and ‘Sijda’?
Answer:

‘Paibos’ and ‘Sijda’:

• Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban introduced the Persian customs of Paibos and Sijda at the Delhi court to maintain the sovereign power of the Sultan.
• Sijda implied prostration before the Sultan while Paibos referred to kissing the feet of the Sultan. But in reality, the nobles had to kiss the throne.

Question 17. Who were the neo-Muslims?
Answer:

Neo-Muslims:

In 1292, the Mongols invaded India but were defeated by Sultan Jalaluddin Khilji. A few thousand Mongols led by Hulaku, the great-grandson of Ghenghis Khan, accepted Islam and settled down an the outskirts of Delhi. These Mongols were called neo-Muslims.

Question 18. Describe the relation between Muhammad bin Tughlaq and the Caliph.
Answer:

Relationship:

At the beginning of his reign, Muhammad bin Tughlaq did not include the name of the Caliph on his coins. Thus he did not accept the suzerainty of the Caliph.

Relationship in later period:

Later when he faced numerous revolts of his people, he tried to strengthen his position by allying with the Caliph and had the name of the Caliph minted on his coins. He also obtained the robe of legitimacy from the Caliph.

Question 19. Write a short note on Ibn Batuta.
Answer:

Ibn Batuta:

Original inhabitation: Ibn Batuta was a native of Tanjier in Morocco, in North Africa. He came to India in 1333, during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and stayed in India for nine years.

Composition:

He wrote a famous book, Al- Rihala or Travels, describing his travels in India. This book describes the social, economic, and political conditions of India, during the 14th century.

Question 20. What do you know about the foundation of the Sayyid dynasty?
Answer:

The foundation of the Sayyid dynasty:

• Khizr Khan founded the Sayyid dynasty but he never took the title of Sultan. Rather, he declared himself to be the representative of Timur and ruled the kingdom on his behalf.
• Thus, the first Sultan of the Sayyid dynasty was Mubarak Shah.

Question 21. How far was it necessary for Iltutmish to approach Caliph?
Answer:

• The Caliph was the supreme head of the Islamic world. So whenever and whatever question arose regarding the legitimacy of authority, the Sultans expressed their loyalty to the Caliph and sought his recognition.
• For that very reason Iltutmish too had to approach Caliph to assert his claim over the throne.

Question 22. How did the dynastic rule of Iltutmish come to an end?
Answer:

• A weak leadership after Iltutmish combined with Mongol invasion brought bad times for Delhi Sultanate. The last ruler of the slave dynasty, Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah died without an heir. His father-in-law and prime minister, usurped power, assuming the name, Ghiyasuddin Balban.
• Thus the dynastic rule of Sultan Iltutmish come to an end and a new phase in the history of the Delhi Sultanate began.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Topic A Delhi Sultanate 1206 -1526 AD Very Short Question And Answers

Question 1. Who was ‘Sultan’?
Answer: Sultan is a title. Quite a few Turkish rulers used this title. The word ‘Sultan’ means ‘authority”.

Question 2. What is the ‘Sultanate’?
Answer: The areas which came under the control of the ‘Sultan’ were called ‘Sultanate’.

Question 3. Who founded the ‘Slave Dynasty’? Why was it named so?
Answer:

1. Qutbuddin Aibak founded the ‘Slave Dynasty
2. The Slave dynasty is so named because its sultans were slaves or the heirs of slaves.

Question 4. Who obtained the title from the Caliph of Bagdad? How did it help him?
Answer:

1. Iltutmish obtained the title Sultan-i-Azam from the Caliph of Bagdad.
2. The title enhanced his prestige.

Question 5. How long Qutbuddin ruled? State the tenure.
Answer:

1. Qutbuddin ruled for 4 years.
2. The tenure was from 1206 AD to 1210 AD.

Question 6. Who introduced ‘Bandegan-i- Chihalgani’? Who abolished it?
Answer:

1. Bandegan-i-Chihalgani was introduced by Iltutmish.
2. Balban abolished it.

Question 7. Who was the first Sultan to conquer the Deccan? Who was his commander in this expedition?
Answer:

1. Alauddin Khilji first conquered the Deccan.
2. Malik Kafur was his commander in this expedition.

Question 8. Who was Ibn Battuta? What was the name of his book?
Answer:

1. Ibn Batuta was a Moroccan traveler, who came during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
2. The name of his book was ‘Al-Rihala’.

Question 9. What are ‘Sijda’ and ‘Paibos’?
Answer: Ghiyasuddin Balban introduced two Persian customs ‘Sijda’ and ‘Paibos’ in the court of Delhi to maintain the power of the Sultan.

Question 10. When was the First Battle of Panipat fought and among whom?
Answer: The First Battle of Panipat was fought on 21st April 1526, between Babur, the Chagatai Turkish invader, and Sultan Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 11. When did the Battle of Banihati or Talikota take place and among whom?
Answer: The Battle of Banihati or Talikota took place in 1565, between the Vijaynagar Empire on one side and Ahmadnagar, Berar, Bidar, Bijapur, and Golconda on the other side.

Question 12. Who was the first and the last female Sultan of the Sultanate of Delhi?
Answer: Sultan Raziya was the first and the last female Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 13. Whose daughter was Razia?
Answer: Sultan Razia was the daughter of Iltutmish.

Question 14. When Razia died?
Answer: Razia died in 1240 AD.

Question 15. Who established Turkan-i-Chihalgani?
Answer: Turkan-i-Chihalgani was established by Iltutmish.

Question 16. Who was the first Sultan of the Khilji dynasty?
Answer: The first Sultan of the Khilji dynasty was Jalaluddin Firoz Khilji.

Question 17. When Alauddin Khilji ascended the throne?
Answer: Alauddin Khilji ascended the throne in 1296 AD.

Question 18. Which Sultan shifted his capital to Daulatabad?
Answer: Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital to Daulatabad.

Question 19. What was the second capital of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
Answer: The second capital of Muhammad bin Tughlaq was Daulatabad.

Question 20. When the Slave Dynasty was established?
Answer: The Slave Dynasty was established in 1206 AD.

Question 21. To which dynasty did Iltutmish belong?
Answer: Iltutmish belonged to the Slave Dynasty.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Topic A Delhi Sultanate 1206 -1526 AD Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. The ablest successor of Iltutmish was ________ (Raziya/Nasiruddin Mahmud / Ghiyasuddin Balban).
Answer: Raziya

Question 2. ________ (Caliphs / Sultans / Ulema) was the supreme head of the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: Caliphs

Question 3. ________ (Muhammad Ghori / Sultan Mahmud / Qutbuddin Aibak) was the founder of the Slave Dynasty.
Answer: Qutbuddin Aibak

Question 4. ________ (Alauddin Khilji / Ghiyasuddin Balban / Firoz Tughlaq) obtained the Caliph’s title.
Answer: Firoz Tughlaq

Question 5. The title given to Iltutmish was ________ (Sultan-i-Azam / Kaid-i-Azam / Mughal-i-Azam).
Answer: Sultan-i-Azam

Question 6. Razia passed away in ________ (1240/1246/ 1266).
Answer: 1240

Question 7. The dynastic rule of Iltutmish came to an end after ________ (Razia / Nasiruddin Mahmud/Ghiyasuddin Balban).
Answer: Ghiyasuddin Balban

Question 8. The fort of Siri was founded by ________ (Alauddin Khilji/Ghiyasuddin Balban / Firoz Tughlaq).
Answer: Alauddin Khilji

Question 9. The Deccan was first conquered by ________ (Iltutmish / Balban / Alauddin).
Answer: Alauddin

Question 10. ________ (Jizya / Khams / Kharaj) was a personal tax.
Answer: Jizya

WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Topic A Delhi Sultanate 1206 -1526 AD True Or False

Question 1. After the death of Muhammad Ghori, Bakhtiar Khilji became the ruler of Bengal.
Answer: True

Question 2. The word ‘Sultan’ means authority or power.
Answer: True

Question 3. The term ‘Raja’ is derived from Bengali.
Answer: False

Question 4. The Mameluk Sultans were Ilbari Turks.
Answer: True

Question 5. Iltutmish withdrew the Jizya from the non-Muslims.
Answer: False

Question 6. Ghiyasuddin Balban was a member of Bandegan-i-Chihalgani.
Answer: True

Question 7. Alauddin Khilji was the founder of the Khilji dynasty.
Answer: False

Question 8. Alauddin Khilji’s southern expedition was led by his commander Malik Kafur.
Answer: True

Question 9. The name of Al-Beruni’s travelogue is Al- Rihala.
Answer: False

Question 10. Muhammad bin Tughlaq ascended the throne in 1922 AD.
Answer: False

Question 11. Muhammad bin Tughlaq increased the rate of tax in the Doab region.
Answer: True

Question 12. During the reign of Bahlul Lodi, Jaunpur was included in the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: True

Question 13. Razia got the recognition of the Caliph twice.
Answer: False