WBBSE Solutions For Class 7 History Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Topic B Governance Of The Delhi Sultanate

Chapter 4 The Delhi Sultanate Topic B Governance Of The Delhi Sultanate Descriptive Questions

Question 1. What do you mean by centralised administration of the Delhi Sultanate?
Answer:

Centralised administration of the Delhi Sultanate:

The main pivot of the administration of the Delhi Sultanate was the Sultan himself. The entire governing powers like conducting wars enactment of laws, the judicial administration everything rested in the hands of the Sultan.

This is called centralised administration. The main features of the centralised administration of the Delhi Sultanate are

1. Sovereignty of the Sultan:

The Sultan enjoyed vast powers and was the fountainhead of all powers. Some of the Sultans like Balban and Alaluddin enjoyed huge powers. Alauddin used to say that his word was law.

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2. Despotism:

The Sultan usually behaved like a despot.

3. Leader of all departments:

The Sultan was the leader of the executive, judiciary, and army. Some rulers like Alauddin assumed the role of a religious head also.

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4. Relation with the ‘Ulema’:

In general, the Sultans tried to seek the advice of the ‘Ulema’ in various types of administrative matters.

Conclusion:

To keep themselves in power intact the Sultans needed the support of the Amirs and Ulemas. So the Sultan tried to please them with several tributaries and honors to get their support.

Question 2. Write a short note on Jizya.
Answer:

Jizya:

Jizya was the tax imposed on non-Islamic subjects by their Islamic rulers in an Islamic kingdom.

Jizya tax

1. Introduction in India: It was imposed for the first time in India at Sindh, in the 8th century, by the Arab Commander, Muhammad bin Qasim.
2. Individual tax per person: The tax was imposed on individual subjects.
3. Protection: Protection to life, property, and rights of the non-Muslim people was given in lieu of this tax.
4. Alauddin Khilji: Alauddin Khilji charged both Kharaj and Jizya from the non-Muslims to reduce their financial and political influence.
5. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq: He imposed Jizya in such a way that non-Muslims would neither be impoverished nor become powerful or rebellious.
6. Firoz Shah Tughlaq: He was the first Sultan to impose Jizya on the Brahmins.
7. Exemption from Jizya: Brahmins, women, minors, and slaves were exempted from Jizya along with the blind, ascetics, and mentally retarded.

Although Jizya was the means by which the Sultans enhanced the treasury, yet it was highly oppressive for the Hindus.

Question 3. How did Balban increase the power of the and prestige of the Sultanate?
Answer:

Balban’s initiatives to increase the power and prestige of the Sultanate

1. Conception of kingship:

The real head of the administration of the Delhi Sultanate was the Sultan himself. According to Balban, it was possible to extract obedience from the subjects by means of despotism.

Balban restored loyalty and ensured respect for the kingly office by destroying the ‘Forty’, a vicious circle of nobles. He used to take strict steps against them or humiliate them at the slightest offense.

He proved that the Sultan was above everyone else in stature. The nobility, therefore, had hardly dared to challenge Sultan’s authority.

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2. Measures:

Balban knew fully well that the ‘Forty’ would not allow him to exercise his full powers as Sultan.

So he took measures to curb their powers:

1. Balban’s court was an austere assembly where zest and laughter were unknown.
2. He introduced rigorous court discipline such as ‘sijda’ and ‘paibos’.
3. Here wine and gambling were banished.
4. Balban introduced the etiquette of the Persian Court.
5. He wore gorgeous dresses.
6. He conducted the court very seriously.
7. Visitors, rich and poor alike were very scared of Balban.

Thus Balban’s achievements not only saved the Sultanate, but also they paved the way for future expansion.

Question 4. What was the relation of Alauddin with the administration of the Sultanate of Delhi?
Answer:

Relation of Alauddin with the administration of the Delhi Sultanate

1. Relation with the nobility:

A staunch autocrat Alauddin believed in assuming absolute powers to ensure centralized governance. He followed the same policy as Balban followed.

Balban ascended the throne of Delhi at a time when the Sultanate was faced with a number of problems, one of which was the arrogance of nobility. The nobles became entirely self-seekers. But Alauddin suppressed them ruthlessly.

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2. Relation with the Ulema:

Besides the nobles, the Sultans had to keep a connection with the Ulema. As per the advice of the priest to the king, the ‘Ulema’ too advised the Sultan accordingly. But most of the time their advice was not followed by the Sultan.

In the theory of Alauddin’s kingship, there was no scope for the interference of the Ulema. He always preferred politics without religion.

3. Relationship is not cordial:

Both the Hindus and the Muslims were the subjects of the Sultan. Hence the Sultan did whatever he thought to be the best. And so, a conflict was created between the two.

Question 5. What do you know about the market control system of Alauddin Khilji?
Answer:

The market control system was a part of the economic reforms of Alauddin Khilji.

The market control system of Alauddin Khilji

1. Objectives:

Alauddin had to maintain a large army with limited resources of his kingdom. His soldiers were to be paid low salaries.

Therefore, Alauddin had to regulate the market price of essential commodities, so as to make them cheap for the soldiers. So he had to increase the income of the treasury.

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2. Regulation of prices:

All essential commodities from foodgrains to horses and from cloth to cattle were brought under the scope of this regulation.

3. Officials:

Markets were controlled by two officers-Dewan-i Riyasat and Shahna-i Mandi.

4. Rationing system:

Alauddin’s rationing system is a novel venture. This helped him to keep down prices of food grains at the time of famine.

Question 6. What do you know about the economic reforms of Alauddin Khilji?
Answer:

To weaken the nobles and increase state income Alauddin reformed and imposed a revenue system.

Economic reforms of Alauddin Khilji

1. Revenue policy:

Half of all agricultural produce was to be paid as tax. Other taxes imposed by him were on houses, livestock, and livestock rearing. Jizya on Hindus and Khams or Zakat on Muslims were levied. Even Iqtas were confiscated.

2. Market regulations:

He introduced fixed prices of essential commodities and was the first to impose market control so that the expenses of a vast army could be met and residents of Delhi could get consumables at a cheaper rate.

3. Rationing system:

It was a unique achievement of Alauddin. It always kept the food prices low.

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Chapter 4 Topic B Governance Of The Delhi Sultanate Analytical Questions

Question 1. How did Balban combat the Mongol invasions during his reign?
Answer:

The Mongols from Central Asia kept on invading the Sultanate through the north-western frontier and disturbed the security of the empire.

To ensure safety and security, Balban repaired the old forts at Bhatinda, Sunam, Samana, and Dipalpur and posted troops there. He also set up new forts wherever necessary.

Question 2. State three philanthropic activities of Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Answer:

The three philanthropic activities of Firoz Shah Tughlaq are

1. Establishment of employment bureau:

The Sultan put up an employment bureau to register the names of unemployed persons in order to provide them with jobs.

2. Constructions of irrigation canals:

He also supervised the construction of canals to improve irrigation and make fallow lands fit for cultivation.

3. Establishment of charitable institutions:

He set up charitable dispensaries called Dar-ul- Safa, for the medical treatment of the poor.

Question 3. Discuss the Mongol invasion during the rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Answer:

In 1328-29 Tarmashirin, the Mongol chief invaded India. He ravaged the country from Lahore and Multan to the outskirts of Delhi.

As the sultan was preoccupied with a transfer of capital and the revolt in the Doab, he could not build up any resistance against the invasion.

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Question 4. What is Turuskadanda?
Answer:

Literally, the term Turuskadanda means the punishment or ‘danda’ given to Turks. But, in reality, it referred to the tax levied on the Islamic subjects by their Hindu rulers in the Hindu kingdoms.

It was equivalent to Jizya taken by Muslim rulers from their non-Muslim subjects. Some Hindu rulers imposed this tax as a punitive measure as they were annoyed at the imposition of Jizya on Hindu subjects.

 

Chapter 4 Topic B Governance Of The Delhi Sultanate Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Who were the two market officers of Alauddin?
Answer: Dewan-i Riyasat and Shahna-i Mandi were two market officers of Alauddin.

Question 2. What were the names of the commander in charge of the ‘Iqta’s?
Answer: Iqtadar, Muqti, and Wali were the names of the commander in charge of the ‘Iqta’.

Question 3. What were the two most important duties of Iqtadars’?
Answer: Collection of revenues and maintenance of peace and order were the two most important duties of Iqtadars.

Question 4. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji how many times did the Mongols attack Delhi? When?
Answer: During the reign of Alauddin Khilji Mongols attacked Delhi twice; In 1299 / 1300 and 1302-03 AD.

Question 5. What were the two imposing taxes of Alauddin?
Answer: House tax and grazing tax including Jizya were the two imposing taxes of Alauddin.

Question 6. How many markets were set up in Delhi by Alauddin Khilji? What are they?
Answer: Four markets were set up in Delhi by Alauddin Khilji.

They were

1. Central market
2. Agricultural market
3. The market for slaves and animals
4. The market for clothes and other necessities.

Question 7. What were the two charitable institutions of Firoz Tughlaq?
Answer: Diwan-ul-Khairat and Dar-ul-Shifa were the two charitable institutions of Firoz Tughlaq.

Question 8. What was ‘Daag’?
Answer: It was the imperial mark, branded on the flanks of horses, to prevent the stealing of imperial war-horses. This system was introduced by Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

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Question 9. What was ‘Hulia’?
Answer: It was a descriptive roll containing the physical characteristics of the soldiers for proper identification and prevention of corruption in the army. This system was introduced by Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

Question 10. Who were Ulemas?
Answer: Scholars, well-versed in Islamic religious scriptures were Ulemas.

Question 11. Who first introduced Jizya and when?
Answer: Muhammad bin Qasim in the 8th century first introduced Jizya.

Question 12. How did the regional powers come to rise?
Answer: During the closing years of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the administration became weak and the regional powers came to rise.

Question 13. What were the regional powers that drifted away from the Delhi Sultanate?
Answer: Ilyas Shahi Dynasty and Hussain Shahi Dynasty of Bengal and the Vijaynagar and Bahmani Kingdoms were the regional powers that drifted away from the Delhi Sultanate.

 

Chapter 4 Topic B Governance Of The Delhi Sultanate Objective Type Questions

State whether the following statements are true or false

Question 1. The other name of the river Jhelam was Bitasta.
Answer: True

Question 2. Dar-ul-Shifa was established by Firoz Tughlug.
Answer: True

Question 3. Iltutmish fought a massive battle with the Mongols.
Answer: False

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Question 4. Muhammad was the youngest son of Balban.
Answer: False

Question 5. During the reign of Alauddin, Khilji Mongols attacked Delhi thrice.
Answer: False

Question 6. The word ‘Amirs’ means nobility.
Answer: True

Question 7. In the beginning, the Sultan was completely dependent on military power.
Answer: True

Question 8. Iqtadars were also called ‘Muqti’.
Answer: True

Question 9. Alauddin established Diwan-ul-Khairat.
Answer: False

Question 10. In total five dynasties ruled over the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: True

Fill In the Blanks By Selecting The Appropriate Expressions From The Bracket

Question 1. Mongol invasions took place through the north-western frontiers from ________ (1209/ 1221/1227) onwards.
Answer: 1221

Question 2. ________ (Muhammad/Abu Fateh Khan/ Mohsin), the eldest son of Balban, was killed while fighting against the Mongols, in 1285.
Answer: Muhammad

Question 3. Alauddin Khilji built a new city called ________(Agra/Siri/Aligarh) to accommodate soldiers.
Answer: Siri

Question 4. The provinces of the Delhi Sultanate were called ________ (Subah/Alim/Iqta).
Answer: Iqta

Question 5. Under the Ottoman Turks, the Iqta system was replaced by the ________ (Muqti/Dimar/Ijara) system.
Answer: Dimar

Question 6. Muslim rulers imposed ________(Pilgrimage tax/Jizya/Turuska Danda) on non-Muslim subjects.
Answer: Jizya

Question 7. Some Hindu rulers imposed ________(Turuska Danda/Jizya/Tax on beards) on Muslim subjects.
Answer: Turuska Danda

Question 8. During the reign of Firoz Tughlaq, the revenue obtained from agricultural land was called ________ (Khams/Kharaj/Zakat).
Answer: Kharaj

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Question 9. ________ (Alauddin Khilji/Ghiyasuddin Balban/Muhammad bin Tughlaq) appointed Shahan-i-Mandi and Dewan-i-Riyasat to control the market price.
Answer: Alauddin Khilji

Question 10. ________ (Alauddin Khilji/Muhammad bin Tughlaq/Firoz Shah Tughlaq) opened an employment bureau to tackle the problem of unemployment.
Answer: Firoz Shah Tughlaq

 

Chapter 4 Topic B Governance Of The Delhi Sultanate Answer In A Complete Sentence

Question 1. What do you mean by the word ‘Raj’?
Answer: The word ‘Raj’ means ‘Raja’.

Question 2. Who were ‘Amirs’?
Answer: They were the nobles and aristocrats, who were in charge of the administration of the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 3. Who founded the Sayyid dynasty?
Answer: Khizr Khan founded the Sayyid dynasty.

Question 4. Who was the last Delhi Sultan?
Answer: Ibrahim Lodi was the last Delhi Sultan.

Question 5. Who lost the first battle of Panipat?
Answer: Ibrahim Lodi lost the first battle of Panipat.

Question 6. Which ruler of Delhi never called himself Sultan?
Answer: Khizr Khan, the ruler of Delhi never called himself Sultan.

Question 7. What were the provinces of Delhi Sultanate called?
Answer: The provinces of Delhi Sultanate were called ‘Iqta’.

Question 8. Which Sultan did take up some measures of social welfare?
Answer: Firoz Shah Tughlaq took up some measures of social welfare.

Question 9. Why did Alauddin Khilji initiate some economic reforms?
Answer: To increase the income of the treasury, Alauddin Khilji initiated some economic reforms.

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Select The Most Appropriate Option For The Following Statements

Question 1. 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 2. 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 3. 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.

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Chapter 4 Topic B Governance Of The Delhi Sultanate Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. 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 2. The Muslim rulers used to collect Jizya from the

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

Answer: 2. Non-Muslims

Question 3. Jizya was imposed for the first time in India at

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

Answer: 3. Sindh

Question 4. 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

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Question 5. 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 6. The rationing system was introduced by

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

Answer: 2. Alauddin Khilji

Question 7. Kharaj refers to the tax imposed on

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

Answer: 1. Agricultural land

Question 8. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, the number of markets were

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

Answer: 4. Four

Question 9. 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 10. Firoz Shah Tughlaq imposed Jizya on the

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

Answer: 1. Brahmins