NCERT Questions & Answers
Q1. Compare the political strategies of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. What similarities and differences existed between them?
Answer (150 words):
The Delhi Sultanate relied heavily on military campaigns, plunder, and taxation to expand its power. Their succession was unstable, with frequent violence. They imposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims and often destroyed temples, leading to resistance. Administration was centred on the Sultan, assisted by nobles under the iqta system.
The Mughals, especially Akbar, also expanded through conquest but used diplomacy and alliances, such as marriage ties with Rajputs. They built a more organised administration with the mansabdari and jagirdari systems, regular revenue surveys, and efficient officials. They promoted tolerance, abolished jizya, and supported cultural synthesis.
Similarity: Both used military power and land revenue as their foundation.
Difference: The Mughals developed a stronger administrative framework and adopted policies of conciliation, while the Sultanate remained unstable and relied more on force.
Q2. Why did kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom manage to resist conquest for a longer time compared to others? What geographical, military, and social factors contributed to their success?
Answer (120–150 words):
The Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahoms survived longer due to geography, unity, and innovative strategies. The Vijayanagara capital Hampi was protected by rocky hills and rivers, making invasions difficult. Strong forts, disciplined armies, and efficient use of cavalry and elephants helped them resist. Cultural unity and patronage of temples also strengthened identity.
The Ahoms, settled in Assam, used their knowledge of rivers, hills, and forests to adopt guerrilla tactics. Their paik system ensured every able-bodied man contributed labour or military service, giving them a large flexible army without maintaining a permanent one. Their unity, adaptability, and use of terrain helped them defeat larger Mughal forces at the Battle of Saraighat (1671). Thus, geographical barriers, military innovation, and social organisation ensured their survival.
Q3. Imagine you are a scholar in the court of Akbar or Krishnadevaraya. Write a letter to a friend describing the politics, trade, culture, and society you are witnessing.
Answer (Letter format, ~150 words):
My dear friend,
I write to you from the splendid court of Emperor Akbar. The empire is vast, stretching from Bengal to Gujarat. Politics here is based on both war and diplomacy. The emperor welcomes Rajput nobles into his court and promotes tolerance among different religions under the principle of sulh-i-kul (peace with all). Trade flourishes; markets in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri overflow with textiles, spices, and precious stones. Art and architecture thrive, with magnificent palaces, forts, and translations of Sanskrit epics into Persian. Scholars, poets, and painters from many lands gather here, creating a vibrant cultural environment. Society is diverse, with Hindus, Muslims, Jains, and Christians living together, though the peasants often suffer heavy taxation. Life at the court reflects grandeur and wisdom.
Yours faithfully,
A humble scholar
Q4. How come Akbar, a ruthless conqueror in his young days, grew tolerant and benevolent after some years? What could have led to such a change?
Answer (120 words):
Akbar’s early years were marked by violent conquests, such as the siege of Chittorgarh. However, as his empire grew, he realised that ruling through fear alone would not ensure stability. He observed that his subjects followed diverse religions and cultures, and peace could only be maintained through tolerance. His interactions with scholars, saints, and philosophers broadened his outlook. He abolished the jizya, initiated interfaith dialogues, and promoted sulh-i-kul(universal peace). Political necessity also played a role—alliances with Rajputs and local leaders helped strengthen his empire. Thus, maturity, exposure to diverse ideas, and practical governance needs transformed him into a more tolerant and benevolent ruler.
Q5. What might have happened if the Vijayanagara Empire had won the Battle of Talikota? Imagine and describe how it could have changed the political and cultural history of south India.
Answer (150 words):
If Vijayanagara had won the Battle of Talikota (1565), south India’s history might have been very different. The empire would have continued to dominate the Deccan, preventing the rise of the Deccan Sultanates. Its capital, Hampi, with its magnificent temples, palaces, and markets, would not have been destroyed. The flourishing art, literature, and temple architecture of Vijayanagara might have continued for centuries, influencing cultural traditions deeply. Politically, the empire could have united most of southern India, providing stability against Mughal expansion. Maritime trade through ports like Calicut and Pulicat might have grown further, making Vijayanagara a stronger economic power. The preservation of its cultural and architectural heritage could have left an even greater impact on Indian civilisation.
Q6. Many values promoted by early Sikhism, including equality, seva, and justice, remain relevant today. Select one of these values and discuss how it remains relevant in contemporary society.
Answer (100–120 words):
The Sikh value of seva (selfless service) is highly relevant today. In times of natural disasters, pandemics, and poverty, voluntary service helps society overcome challenges. The tradition of langar (community kitchen) started by the Sikh Gurus continues today, feeding millions irrespective of caste, religion, or status. This promotes social equality and compassion, values much needed in a world divided by inequality and discrimination. Modern NGOs and community groups adopt the same spirit of seva, showing how timeless this value is. It reminds us that true strength lies in serving humanity with humility and compassion.
Q7. Imagine you are a trader in a port city (Surat, Calicut or Hooghly). Describe the scenes you see as regards goods, people you trade with, movement of ships, etc.
Answer (~150 words):
In the bustling port city of Surat, I witness ships from Arabia, Persia, and Europe arriving daily. The docks are filled with workers unloading spices, textiles, indigo, and precious stones, while horses, silk, and metals are brought in from abroad. Traders from different lands—Arabs, Persians, Gujaratis, and Europeans—bargain loudly in the markets. The streets are crowded with oxen, camels, and carts transporting goods. Warehouses are stacked with cotton cloth, which is in great demand overseas. Moneylenders provide hundis (credit notes) to transfer wealth securely. The air is filled with the smell of spices and the sound of many languages. The city reflects India’s wealth and its place in global trade networks. Life here is vibrant, yet competition is fierce, as every merchant hopes for great profit.
Extra Short Answer Questions
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Name the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate.
→ Mamluks (Slave), Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, Lodis. -
Who founded the Mughal Empire and in which year?
→ Babur, in 1526 after the First Battle of Panipat. -
What was the paik system of the Ahoms?
→ Every able-bodied man provided labour or military service in exchange for land rights. -
Who was Rani Durgavati?
→ A Gond queen who bravely resisted Mughal forces and sacrificed her life in battle (1564). -
What is jizya?
→ A tax imposed on non-Muslims by some rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals. -
Name two literary works patronised by Krishnadevaraya.
→ Telugu epic Āmuktamālyada (authored by him) and Sanskrit poetry by court scholars. -
What is sulh-i-kul?
→ Akbar’s policy of universal peace and tolerance among all religions. -
Who led the Ahoms in the Battle of Saraighat?
→ Lachit Borphukan in 1671. -
Which Sikh Guru was executed by Aurangzeb in Delhi in 1675?
→ Guru Tegh Bahadur. -
Who unified the Sikhs into an empire?
→ Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Extra Long Answer Questions
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Compare the administration of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.
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Describe the rise and achievements of the Vijayanagara Empire under Krishnadevaraya.
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Explain the causes of decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb.
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Discuss the role of the Sikhs in resisting Mughal oppression.
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How did trade and commerce flourish in medieval India? Give examples of ports and trading practices.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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The Delhi Sultanate was established after the defeat of:
(a) Prithviraj Chauhan (b) Rana Sanga (c) Babur (d) Timur
Answer: (a) Prithviraj Chauhan -
The five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate were:
(a) Rajputs (b) Mughals (c) Turkic-Afghans (d) Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi
Answer: (d) -
Who shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
(a) Alauddin Khilji (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (c) Babur (d) Akbar
Answer: (b) -
Which tax was imposed on non-Muslims?
(a) Jizya (b) Lagaan (c) Khilaat (d) Mansab
Answer: (a) -
The Battle of Talikota (1565) led to the decline of:
(a) Mughals (b) Vijayanagara Empire (c) Bahmani Sultanate (d) Ahoms
Answer: (b) -
Who led the Ahoms in the Battle of Saraighat (1671)?
(a) Rani Durgavati (b) Lachit Borphukan (c) Rana Pratap (d) Durga Das
Answer: (b) -
Which Rajput ruler fought at Haldighati (1576)?
(a) Rana Sanga (b) Rana Pratap (c) Rana Kumbha (d) Durga Das
Answer: (b) -
Who abolished jizya?
(a) Babur (b) Akbar (c) Aurangzeb (d) Alauddin Khilji
Answer: (b) -
Who reimposed jizya?
(a) Akbar (b) Aurangzeb (c) Jahangir (d) Humayun
Answer: (b) -
Which empire was described as “as large as Rome” by Domingo Paes?
(a) Mughal (b) Vijayanagara (c) Bahmani (d) Delhi Sultanate
Answer: (b) -
Who built the Konark Sun Temple?
(a) Narasimhadeva I (b) Rana Kumbha (c) Krishnadevaraya (d) Shah Jahan
Answer: (a) -
Who was called ‘the second Alexander’?
(a) Akbar (b) Alauddin Khilji (c) Babur (d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (b) -
Who introduced the mansabdari system?
(a) Babur (b) Akbar (c) Sher Shah Suri (d) Jahangir
Answer: (b) -
Which Mughal ruler built the Taj Mahal?
(a) Akbar (b) Jahangir (c) Shah Jahan (d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (c) -
Who shifted the capital back from Daulatabad to Delhi?
(a) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (b) Alauddin Khilji (c) Babur (d) Akbar
Answer: (a) -
Who founded the Mughal Empire?
(a) Humayun (b) Babur (c) Timur (d) Sher Shah
Answer: (b) -
The Ahoms originally migrated from:
(a) Tibet (b) Myanmar (c) China (d) Nepal
Answer: (b) -
Who established the Khalsa?
(a) Guru Nanak (b) Guru Arjan (c) Guru Hargobind (d) Guru Gobind Singh
Answer: (d) -
Who was executed in Chandni Chowk in 1675?
(a) Guru Nanak (b) Guru Arjan (c) Guru Tegh Bahadur (d) Guru Gobind Singh
Answer: (c) -
Who unified the Sikhs into an empire?
(a) Banda Bahadur (b) Guru Gobind Singh (c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh (d) Guru Arjan
Answer: (c) -
Which finance minister introduced revenue reforms under Akbar?
(a) Abul Fazl (b) Todar Mal (c) Birbal (d) Bairam Khan
Answer: (b)
Fill in the Blanks
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The last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate was the Lodi dynasty.
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The Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.
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Krishnadevaraya composed the Telugu epic Āmuktamālyada.
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The Ahom general who defeated the Mughals at Saraighat was Lachit Borphukan.
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The Konark Sun Temple was built by Narasimhadeva I.
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Akbar’s policy of tolerance was called sulh-i-kul.
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The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan.
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The Sikh Guru executed in Delhi by Aurangzeb was Guru Tegh Bahadur.
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The Khalsa was founded in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh.
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The Sikh Empire was unified under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.