The Delhi Sultanate NCERT Solutions for Class 7th History Chapter 3 with Questions and answers based on the latest syllabus of CBSE and JKBOSE NCERT Books
1. Which ruler first established his or her capital at Delhi?
The first ruler to establish their capital at Delhi was Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the first Sultan of Delhi.
2. What was the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans?
The language of administration under the Delhi Sultans was Persian. Persian became the official language of the court and administration during the Sultanate period.
3. In whose reign did the Sultanate reach its farthest extent?
The Delhi Sultanate reached its farthest extent during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq. His ambitious military campaigns expanded the Sultanate’s territory significantly.
4. From which country did Ibn Battuta travel to India?
Ibn Battuta traveled to India from Morocco. He was a Moroccan explorer and traveler who visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq.
Understanding the Delhi Sultanate
5. According to the “circle of justice”, why was it important for military commanders to keep the interests of the peasantry in mind?
The “circle of justice” was a concept emphasizing the interconnectedness of the ruler, the military, and the peasantry. It was important for military commanders to keep the interests of the peasantry in mind because the peasantry’s welfare was directly linked to the stability of the kingdom. Prosperous and contented peasants ensured a stable revenue base, which in turn supported the military and the ruler’s authority.
6. What is meant by the “internal” and “external” frontiers of the Sultanate?
The “internal frontiers” of the Sultanate referred to the regions within the core areas of the empire that required administrative control and consolidation. The “external frontiers” referred to the territories at the edges of the empire that were under constant threat from invasions or rebellions and required military attention.
7. What were the steps taken to ensure that muqtis performed their duties? Why do you think they may have wanted to defy the orders of the Sultans?
To ensure that muqtis (military officers in charge of land grants) performed their duties, the Sultans monitored their activities closely and implemented a system of checks and balances. The Sultans made sure that the iqta (land assigned to the muqtis) was not hereditary, preventing muqtis from becoming too powerful. However, muqtis may have wanted to defy the orders of the Sultans due to the allure of increasing their personal power and wealth, as well as the challenges posed by administering distant territories.
8. What was the impact of the Mongol invasions on the Delhi Sultanate?
The Mongol invasions had a significant impact on the Delhi Sultanate. They led to the fortification of cities and the reorganization of military strategies. The Sultans, especially Alauddin Khalji, implemented measures to protect the Sultanate from Mongol threats, including the expansion of the military and the construction of fortresses.
Discussions on the Delhi Sultanate
9. Do you think the authors of tawarikh would provide information about the lives of ordinary men and women?
The authors of tawarikh (historical chronicles) were often court historians who focused primarily on the lives of rulers, nobles, and the elite. Therefore, it is unlikely that they would provide detailed information about the lives of ordinary men and women, as their works were intended to document the reigns of Sultans and significant political events.
10. Raziyya Sultan was unique in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Do you think women leaders are accepted more readily today?
Raziyya Sultan was unique as she was one of the very few female rulers in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. In today’s context, women leaders are more readily accepted in many parts of the world due to greater awareness of gender equality and women’s rights. However, challenges still remain, and the acceptance of women leaders varies across different cultures and societies.
11. Why were the Delhi Sultans interested in cutting down forests? Does deforestation occur for the same reasons today?
The Delhi Sultans were interested in cutting down forests to expand agricultural land and to prevent rebels and bandits from using the forests as hideouts. Today, deforestation often occurs for similar reasons, such as expanding agricultural land, but also for industrial development, urbanization, and logging for timber. However, modern deforestation is often driven by economic factors and has significant environmental impacts.
12. Discuss the contribution of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin to the economy and society of Kashmir.
Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, also known as Budshah, made significant contributions to the economy and society of Kashmir. He encouraged arts and crafts, particularly the famous Kashmiri shawl industry, and promoted agriculture by introducing new crops and improving irrigation. He was also known for his religious tolerance and efforts to maintain peace and harmony in the region, which helped in the social and cultural development of Kashmir.
Activities Related to the Delhi Sultanate
13. Find out whether there are any buildings built by the Delhi Sultans in your area. Are there any other buildings in your area that were built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries? Describe some of these buildings, and draw sketches of them.
This activity encourages students to explore their local history by identifying and studying buildings constructed by the Delhi Sultans or other structures from the twelfth to fifteenth centuries. Students can describe the architecture, historical significance, and current condition of these buildings, and enhance their learning by drawing sketches of them.
