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Find NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 3 ‘Delhi: 12th to 15th Century’ here.
Let’s recall (Page 37)
1. Which ruler first established his or her capital in Delhi?
Answer:
Ananga Pala (Tomaras) of the Rajput Dynasty first established his capital in Delhi in the early twelfth century (1130).
2. What was the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans?
Answer:
The language of administration under the Delhi Sultans was Persian.
3. In whose reign did the Sultanate reach its farthest extent?
Answer:
During the reign of Muhammad Tughluq, the Sultanate reached its farthest extent and spread across a large part of the Indian subcontinent.
4. From which country did Ibn Battuta travel to India?
Answer:
Ibn Battuta, a fourteenth-century traveller, came to India from Morocco, Africa.
Let’s Understand (Page 38)
5. According to the “circle of justice”, why was it important for military commanders to keep the interests of the peasantry in mind?
Answer:
According to the “circle of justice”, it was important for military commanders to keep the interests of the peasantry in mind because the salaries of the military commanders came from the revenue collected from peasants. The peasants would be able to pay their revenue only if they were prosperous and happy. So, the military commanders promoted justice and honest governance.
6. What is meant by the “internal” and “external” frontiers of the Sultanate?
Answer:
The ‘internal’ frontiers of the Sultanate meant the hinterland of the cities which the Delhi Sultans took control of by forcing the landed chieftains – the Samanta aristocrats – and rich landlords to submit to their authority. The rights of the local chieftains to levy taxes were cancelled and they were also forced to pay taxes.
The “external frontiers” referred to the distant territories like Bengal, and especially the southern part of the sub-continent which could be annexed for a brief period only. The entire region became independent soon after. Even in the Gangetic plain there were forested areas which the Sultanate forces could not penetrate. Sometime rulers like Alauddin Khilji and Muhammed Tugluq could force their control but only for a short duration.
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?
The muqtis were military commanders appointed as governors of territories by the Khalji and Tugluq Sultans. They were to lead military campaigns, and maintain law and order in their ‘iqtas’. They also had to collect revenue and pay their soldiers as well as recover their own salaries from the revenue collected.
Strict control was exercised over the activities of the muqtis. Their post was not inheritable, so they were shifted from their iqtas after a short period of time which was one of the ways to keep their power in check.
Moreover, accountants were appointed specially to scrutinise the amount of revenue collected by the muqtis. They also ensured that muqtis collected only the taxes prescribed by the state and maintained the required number of soldiers.
The muqtis may have wanted to defy the orders of the Sultans because of their personal ambition and also because too many restrictions were imposed on them.
Let’s Discuss (Page 38)
8. Do you think the authors of tawarikh would provide information about the lives of ordinary men and women?
Answer:
It is unlikely that the authors of tawarikh would offer insights into the lives of common people because they typically lived in cities and rarely in rural areas. They often wrote to gain favour with the Sultans, hoping for substantial rewards. They recommended that rulers maintain an ‘ideal social order’ based on birthright and gender differences. Their works were biased towards the Sultans’ interests and were not reflective of the common people’s views
9. Raziyya Sultan was unique in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Do you think women leaders are accepted more readily today?
Answer:
Raziyya Sultan holds a unique place in the history of the Delhi Sultanate because she was the first woman to ascend the throne. She proved to be more capable and skilled than any of her brothers.
I think that women leaders are more readily accepted today, largely due to the principle of equality which is the foundation of democracy.
10. 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 so that they could distribute the cleared land to peasants, thereby promoting agriculture and maximising revenue collection.
In contemporary times, there are multiple causes of deforestation ranging from agricultural expansion, logging or wood harvesting for fuel or charcoal, infrastructure development, including road construction and urbanization.
Let’s Do (Page 38)
11. 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.
Answer:
Hauz Khas lake, a massive water tank, was commissioned in 1296 by Alauddin Khalji to supply water to the newly built Siri Fort and Siri city.
About 4.5 km from Hauz Khas where I live is the Qutab Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. He started construction of the Qutub Minar’s first storey around 1192 to celebrate the victory of Muhammed Ghori over Prithviraj Chauhan. The Minar was later completed by Iltutmish. Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest minaret made of brick. Its height is 72.5 meters.
Solutions for In-Text questions of NCERT Class 7 History Our Pasts ll Chapter 3 ‘Delhi: 12th to 15th Century’
Page 32
1. Do you think the circle of justice is an appropriate term to describe the relationship between the king and his subjects?
Answer:
Yes, I think that the circle of justice is an appropriate term to describe the relationship of mutual dependence between the king and his subjects.
Page 33
2. Express Minhaj’s ideas in your own words. Do you think Raziyya shared these ideas? Why do you think it was so difficult for a woman to be a ruler?
Answer:
Minhaj believed that God created a social hierarchy in which women were considered to be subordinate to men. So, a woman like Raziyya had no right to rule because as monarch her position was higher than all the men in her kingdom. Minhaj believed that this was contrary to the divine social order, hence he opposed her rule.
Raziyya, however, did not agree with this idea. Given the social set up of that era, it was extremely challenging for a woman to hold power as women were considered inferior to men.
Page 34
3. Can you think of any reason why a slave would be better than a son?
Answer:
The Delhi Sultans believed that the slaves were totally dependent on their masters, so they could never disobey the masters. Thus, the king could trust and rely upon them. But the sons could rebel against their fathers and even kill for the throne.
Page 34
Why do you think Barani criticised the Sultan?
Answer:
Barani criticized Sultan Muhammad Tughluq for appointing individuals of low social status, including a wine distiller, barber, cook, and gardeners to high administrative positions. Barani believed that these appointments bore witness to the Sultan’s declining political judgment and incapacity to govern effectively.
Page 36
Describe the ways in which the chieftains arranged for their defence.
Answer:
The chieftains fortified their positions in mountainous regions, rocky and uneven terrains, and dense bamboo groves. The bamboo was particularly notable for its strength and resilience, as its intertwined parts made it highly resistant to fire. The chieftains lived amidst the dense forests which serve as protective ramparts. Inside the ramparts were their cattle and crops. They even had a source of fresh water. In their vantage positions, they could not be subdued unless a powerful army came equipped with instruments to cut and clear the bamboo.
Page 37
You are a peasant in Alauddin Khalji’s or Muhammad Tughluq’s reign and you cannot pay the taxes demanded by the Sultan. What will you do?
Answer:
If I were a peasant unable to pay the taxes demanded by Sultan Alauddin Khalji or Muhammad Tughluq, I would have several options:
- I would try to appeal to local officials or the Sultan’s representatives to reduce or defer the taxes, explaining my inability to pay the full sum due to poor harvests or other exigencies.
- I would seek support from my fellow villagers and community members to make a collective appeal. Together, we would have a stronger voice and stand a better chance of receiving leniency.
- I would look for additional work or alternative sources of income, such as working on larger estates or engaging in trade, to gather enough funds to meet the tax demands.
- If I had any goods or livestock, I would try to barter them for the taxes I owe.
- If the situation was dire and no relief forthcoming, I would relocate to another region where the tax burden was lighter or where I could find better opportunities to support my family.
- Finally, if the tax demands were relentless and discontent widespread, I might join a local resistance or rebellion against the Sultan’s ruthless policies.
Extra Questions NCERT Class 7 History Our Pasts ll Chapter 3 ‘Delhi: 12th to 15th Century’
A. Multiple Choice type Questions (MCQ)
Who were the first rulers to establish Delhi as their capital?
a) Chauhans
b) Khaljis
c) Tomara Rajputs
d) Tughluqs
2. What were the coins minted in Delhi during the reign of the Rajput kings called?
a) Rupiah
b) guinea
c) Delhiwal
d) Sikka
3. What was the primary language of administration under the Delhi Sultans?
a) Hindi
b) Sanskrit
c) Arabic
d) Persian
4. Who succeeded the Tomara Rajputs as rulers of Delhi?
a) Khaljis
b) Sayyids
c) Chauhans
d) Lodi
5. What was the duty of the muqtis?
a) to collect revenue
b) to maintain an army
c) To lead military campaigns
d) All of the above
6. Who was the only female Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate?
a) Raziyya
b) Jahanara
c) Didda
d) Rudramadevi
7. What were the chronicles written in Persian during the Delhi Sultanate called?
a) bandagan
b) Tawarikh
c) kharaj
d) Iqta
8. Which dynasty’s rule ended with the establishment of the Mughal Empire in 1526?
a) Sayyid
b) Lodi
c) Tughluq
d) Khalji
9. Who wrote about the ‘circle of justice’ during the Delhi Sultanate?
a) Ibn Battuta
b) Ziyauddin Barani
c) Fakhr-i Mudabbir
d) Minhaj-i Siraj
10. What were the revenue officers appointed by the Delhi Sultans known as?
a) Bandagan
b) Mansabdars
c) Zamindars
d) Muqtis
11. What was the term used for the land revenue system where taxes were collected by the muqtis?
a) Jagir
b) Iqta
c) Mansab
d) Inam
12. Who was the founder of the Khalji dynasty?
a) Alauddin Khalji
b) Jalaluddin Khalji
c) Ghiyasuddin Khalji
d) Nasiruddin Khalji
Answers:
1. c) Tomara Rajputs
2. c) Delhiwal
3. d) Persian
4. c) Chauhans
5. d) All of the above
6. a) Raziyya
7. b) Tawarikh
8. b) Lodi
9. c) Fakhr-i Mudabbir
10. d) Muqtis
11. b) Iqta
12. b) Jalaluddin Khalji
B. Fill in the blanks with suitable words from the box to complete the following sentences:
| Rudramadevi | ramparts | Iltutmish’s | consolidated | independent |
1. In 1236 Sultan__________ daughter, Raziyya, became Sultan.
2. __________changed her name on her inscriptions and pretended she was a man.
3. It was difficult to control distant provinces like Bengal from Delhi and soon after annexing southern India, the entire region became ____________
4.. The chieftains live in these forests which serve them as __________, inside which are their cattle and their crops.
5. Sher Shah’s administration became the model followed by the great emperor Akbar (1556 –1605) when he _________ the Mughal Empire.
Answer:
1. In 1236 Sultan Iltutmish’s daughter, Raziyya, became Sultan.
2. Rudramadevi changed her name on her inscriptions and pretended she was a man.
3. It was difficult to control distant provinces like Bengal from Delhi and soon after annexing southern India, the entire region became independent.
4.. The chieftains live in these forests which serve them as ramparts, inside which are their cattle and their crops.
5. Sher Shah’s administration became the model followed by the great emperor Akbar (1556 –1605) when he consolidated the Mughal Empire.
C. Match the words in column A with those in column B
| A | B |
| bandagan | Mongol leader whose invasions impacted the Delhi Sultanate |
| Jaina merchants | Tax amounting to 50 per cent of peasant’s produce |
| Genghis Khan | Land revenue system wjhere taxes were collected by muqtis |
| kharaj | Slaves purchased for military service |
| iqta | Challenged and defeated Mughal emperor Humayun |
| Sher Shah Sur | Prominent community in Delhi during the Tomara and Chauhan period. |
Answer:
| A | B |
| bandagan | Slaves purchased for military service |
| Jaina merchants | Prominent community in Delhi during the Tomara and Chauhan period. |
| Genghis Khan | Mongol leader whose invasions impacted the Delhi Sultanate |
| kharaj | Tax amounting to 50 per cent of peasant’s produce |
| iqta | Land revenue system where taxes were collected by muqtis |
| Sher Shah Sur | Challenged and defeated Mughal emperor Humayun |
D. State whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE:
1. The Lodi dynasty was the first dynasty to rule Delhi.
2. The Delhi sultanate was ruled by five dynasties: Early Turkish rulers (1206-1290), Khalji (1290-1320), Tughluq (1320-1414), Sayyid (1414-1451), and Lodi (1451-1526).
3. The term tawarikh refers to Persian historical writings
. Answer: True
4. Minhaj-i Siraj was a chronicler who supported the idea of a female ruler.
Answer: False
5. By the end od Muhammed Tuglaq’s reign the armies of the Delhi Sultanate had marched across a large part of the subcontinent.
Answer:
1. False – The Lodi dynasty was in fact the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
2. True
3. True
4. False – On the contrary, Minhaj-i-Siraj thought that the queen’s rule violated the ideal social order created by god, in which women were supposed to be subordinate to men.
5. True – But it was difficult to control distant territories like Bengal from Delhi and soon after annexing southern India, the entire region became independent.
E. Very Short Answer type Questions:
1. By whom were the Tomara Rajputs defeated in the twelfth century?
Answer:
The Tomara Rajputs were defeated by theChauhans (Chahamanas) of Ajmer.
2. Name the first ruler of the early Turkish rulers in Delhi?
Answer:
Qutbuddin Aybak was the first of the early Turkish rulers in Delhi.
3. Which dynasty did Alauddin Khalji belong to?
Answer:
Alauddin Khalji belonged to the Khalji dynasty.
3. Which chronicler criticised Sultan Muhammad Tughluq.
Answer:
Ziyauddin Barani criticised Sultan Muhammad Tughluq.
4. What were the slaves who served in high political offices called?
Answer:
The slaves who served in high political offices were called ‘bandagans’. They were purchased for military service.
5. Who founded the Sayyid dynasty?
Answer:
The Sayyid dynasty was founded by Khizr Khan.
6. What term is used for the lands assigned to military commanders in the Sultanate?
Answer:
The lands assigned to military commanders were known as ‘Iqtas’.
7. Name a famous traveller from Morocco who visited India during the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer:
Ibn Battuta was a famous traveller who visited India during the Delhi Sultanate.
8. Name the tax that was imposed on cultivation during the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer:
The tax imposed on cultivation during the Delhi Sultanate was known as ‘Kharaj’.
9. Who was the first ruler of the Lodi dynasty?
Answer:
Bahlul Lodi was the first ruler of the Lodi dynasty.
10. During whose reign did the Delhi Sultanate reach its farthest extent?
Answer:
The Delhi Sultanate reached its farthest extent during the reign of Muhammad Tughluq.
11. What did Raziyya Sultan mention on her inscriptions and coins to legitimize her rule?
Answer:
Raziyya Sultan mentioned that she was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish to legitimise her rule.
11. Name a ruler from the Tughluq dynasty.
Answer:
Ghiyasuddin Tughluq or Muhammad Tughluq or Firuz Shah Tughluq.
12. What does the term ‘tawarikh’ mean in English?
Answer:
The term Tawarikh means ‘histories’ in English
13.Who was founded the Khalji dynasty?
Answer:
The Khalji dynasty was founded by Jalaluddin Khalji.
14. What type of posts did the chroniclers of tawarikh typically hold?
Answer:
The chroniclers of the tawarikh were secretaries, administrators, poets, and courtiers.
15. What was the function of the muqtis in the iqta system?
Answer:
The main function of the ‘muqtis’ was to lead military campaigns and maintain law and order.
16. How did the Delhi Sultans keep a check on the amount of revenue collected by muqtis?
Answer:
The Delhi Sultans appointed accountants to check the amount collected by the muqtis.
17. Which chronicler noted that Raziyya Sultan was more capable and qualified than her brothers? Answer:
Chronicler Minhaj-i Siraj noted that Raziyya Sultan was more capable and qualified than her brothers.
18. Why was Raziyya Sultana removed from the throne in 1240?
Answer:
The nobles were not happy at Raziyya Sultan’s attempts to rule independently, so she was removed from the throne in 1240.
19. In which period did the Tughluq dynasty rule over Delhi Sultanate?
Answer: The Tughlaq dynasty ruled from over Delhi Sultanate from 1320 -1414.
20. Under whose rule did the local chieftains lose their rights to levy taxes?
Answer:
The rights of the local chieftains to levy taxes were cancelled under Alauddin Khalji.
F. Short Answer Type Questions:
1. What do you know about the authors of the tawarikh?
Answer:
The authors of tawarikh were educated individuals, serving as secretaries, administrators, poets, and courtiers. They recorded events and provided governance advice to rulers emphasizing the need for just rule. Residing mainly in urban areas like Delhi, these authors were disconnected from village life. They composed histories praising the Sultans, often receiving substantial rewards in return. These writers recommended that rulers adhere to a social hierarchy based on birthright and gender roles, ideas that were irrelevant to the general populace.
2. Who was Raziyya? Why was she removed from the throne inspite of being talented?
Answer:
Raziyya, the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish, ascended to the throne in 1236. She was exceptionally talented, and the chronicler of the time, Minhaj-i-Siraj, noted that she was more able and qualified than her brothers. However, her rule was not accepted because, during that era, women were not permitted to have an independent identity and were expected to be subordinate to men. This societal norm ultimately led to her removal from the throne in 1240.
3. Why did the Khaljis and Tughluqs appoint their bandagans and people of humble birth as governors and administrators? How did it lead to political instability?
Answer:
The Khaljis and Tughluqs elevated their special slaves called bandagans and also people of humble birth who were their clients to prominent political roles such as generals and governors rather than appoint aristocrats and landed chieftains. These people had been carefully trained to man some of the most important political positions in the kingdom, and their loyalty was unquestionable.
However, this practice caused political instability. These individuals, including slaves and clients, were loyal to their masters and patrons but not to their successors. Consequently, when a new Sultan ascended the throne, conflicts frequently arose between the existing nobility and the new appointees.
4. Why did large parts of the subcontinent remain outside the control of the Delhi Sultans? What were the repercussions?
Answer:
Significant portions of the subcontinent remained beyond the Delhi Sultans’ control due to their considerable distance from Delhi. For instance, governing Bengal from Delhi proved challenging and southern India became independent soon after it was annexed. This helplessness of the Delhi Sultans to control remote provinces allowed the latter to gain independence. Additionally, in the Gangetic plain, there were forested areas that the Sultanate’s forces could not access. This provided a valuable opportunity for local chieftains to establish their own rule in these regions.
5. How did the chieftains defend their positions?
Answer:
The chieftains established their strongholds in mountainous, rocky, and rugged areas, as well as in dense bamboo groves. The bamboo had distinctive characteristics, being strong and fire-resistant due to its tightly interwoven parts. The chieftains resided in these forests, which acted as natural fortifications. Inside, they had all essentials for survival, including cattle, crops, and water, ensuring their safety. Only formidable armies could overpower them.
6. Describe Sher Shah’s Suri’s administration.
Answer:
Sher Shah Suri (1540—1545) founded a powerful and well-administered state. Beginning his career as the manager of a small territory for his uncle in Bihar, he ultimately challenged and defeated the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Sher Shah seized Delhi and established the Suri dynasty. Despite its brief 15-year rule, the Suri dynasty implemented an administrative system that incorporated and improved upon elements from Alauddin Khalji’s governance. The great emperor Akbar later adopted Sher Shah’s administrative techniques to strengthen the Mughal Empire.
7. What was the impact of the Mongol invasions on the Delhi Sultanate?
Answer:
The Mongol invasions forced the Delhi Sultans, especially Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq, to maintain large standing armies to safeguard Delhi, creating significant administrative and financial challenges.
G. Long Answer Type Questions
Describe the taxes that were levied during Alauddin Khalji’s reign and the prevalent method of tax collection.
Answer:
During Alauddin Khalji’s reign, three main types of taxes were levied:
Kharaj: This was a tax on cultivation, amounting to about 50% of the peasant’s produce.
Tax on cattle: Peasants were required to pay a tax on their cattle.
Tax on houses: There was also a tax imposed on houses.
Alauddin Khalji implemented a rigorous and systematic approach to tax collection:
- The state took direct control over the assessment and collection of land revenue, eliminating the rights of local chieftains to levy taxes.
- The Sultan’s administrators measured the land to ensure accurate assessment of the amount of tax to be collected.
- Detailed records were kept to maintain transparency and accountability in tax collection.
- Some of the former local chieftains and landlords served as revenue collectors and assessors under the state’s supervision.
- The state ensured that the muqtis (holders of iqtas) collected only the taxes prescribed by the state and maintained the required number of soldiers. The conditions of service were rigorous and strictly enforced to prevent abuse of power.
- By centralizing the tax collection process and maintaining strict supervision, Alauddin Khalji aimed to maximize revenue and strengthen the state’s control over its territories.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) on NCERT Class 7 History Our Pasts ll Chapter 3 ‘Delhi: 12th to 15th Century’
Our team of competent subject experts have crafted these accurate solutions taking into account every detail and presenting them in the most easy-to-understand way possible. Every single aspect of the lesson has been explained in a clear and lucid manner. We recommend that you go through them in detail to resolve any doubts you may have, improve your conceptual knowledge and hone your analytical skills.
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The NCERT Solutions Class 7 Our Pasts-II Chapter 7 discusses the following topics:
The Rulers of Delhi
Understanding Delhi under the Sultans
Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate
A Closer Look: Administration under the Khaljis and Tughlaqs
The Sultanates in the 15th and 16th Centuries
Yes indeed! You can download the free PDF versions of these excellent solutions anytime (please look towards the top of the page)!
Which ruler first established his or her capital at Delhi?
What was the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans?
Who was the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and when did she rule?
What are the five dynasties that made up the Delhi Sultanate?
Explain the term ‘Circle of Justice’ as described by Fakhr-i Mudabbir.
Describe the significance of the ‘dehliwal’ coins.
What measures did Alauddin Khalji take to control the revenue system?
What was the purpose of the iqta system and who were the muqtis?
Why did the Delhi Sultans cut down forests and what was the impact?
Discuss the role and status of bandagan (special slaves) in the Delhi Sultanate’s administration.
What were the reasons behind the political instability introduced by the Khaljis and Tughluqs in raising people of humble birth to high positions?
How did Sher Shah Sur’s administration influence the Mughal Empire?
What were the primary challenges faced by the Delhi Sultanate in controlling distant provinces like Bengal?
How did the authors of tawarikh influence the perception of the Delhi Sultans’ rule?
What was the impact of the Mongol invasions on the Delhi Sultanate?
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