Class 7 History Chapter 3 Question Answers - The Delhi Sultans

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Discuss briefly the types of taxes in Delhi Sultanate.

Ans : There were three types of taxes-

1. The tax levied on crops was called 'kharaj' which was about 50 percent of the peasant's produce.
2. The second tax was on the cattle.
3. The third tax was on the Houses.

Q2: What was the difference between the administrative system of Alauddin Khilji and Muhammad Tughluq?

Ans : 

Q3: State the conditions under which Delhi became an important commercial centre.

Ans : Delhi first became a capital kingdom under the Tomara Rajputs. They were defeated by the chauhans or the Chamanas in the twelfth century who were from Ajmer. It was then that Delhi became a commercial centre. Many Jaina merchants lived in the city and constructed important temples.Coins minted here had a wide circulation.

Q4: Discuss briefly why the admistrative character and methods of Muhammad Tughluq were a failure?

Ans : Muhammad Tughluq's administrative character and methods were a failure. The main reasons for the failures were-

• His campaign into Kashmir was a disaster, after which he gave up his plans to invade Transoxiana.
• The shifting of Capital, from Delhi to Daulatabad, was a spoiled decision.
• The raising of taxes and famine in the Ganga-Yamuna belt led to widespread rebellion.
• Finally, the 'Token' currency had to be recalled.

Q5: Mention all the ways in which the chieftains arranged themselves for their defense?

Ans: A fourteenth century traveler 'Ibn Battuta' explained that the Chieftains fortified themselves in mountains, in Rocky, uneven and rugged places, as well as in bamboo groves. They lived in these forests, which serve them as ramparts, inside which was their cattle and the crop, and water was available for them, this is usually rainwater. These chieftains cannot be subdued except by powerful armies who enter the forests by cutting the bamboos with special instruments.

 Q6: Why did the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate fail to control the hinterlands initially?

Ans : Because of following reasons:

• Long distance
• Rebellion and war
• Challenge of Mongol Invasions from Afghanistan
• Rebellions of Governors.

Q7: Why was Raziya, daughter of Sultan Iltutmish removed from the throne of Delhi?

Ans : In 1236, Sultan iltutmish's daughter Raziya became the Sultan. Minhaj-i-Siraj the chronicler of that time recognised that she was better qualified than her brothers to rule the kingdom but as per the rules and norms of Gender distinctions and Birthright he was not comfortable with a female becoming the ruler, even the nobles were not happy. She was removed from the throne in 1240.

Q8: What forced the two rulers Allauddin Khilji and Muhammed Tughluq to mobilise a large standing army in Delhi?

Ans : The Mongols under Genghis Khan attacked the Delhi Sultanate repeatedly after 1219.This forced the two rulers to mobilise a large standing army in Delhi because the attacks increased during the reign of Allaudin Khilji and in the early years of Muhammed Tughluq's rule.

Q9: When did Delhi become the capital city under the Delhi Sultanate?

Ans : Delhi became as capital city under the Delhi Sultanate in 13 Century.

Q10: What are the important historical sources to study the history of the Delhi Sultanate?

Ans : Important historical sources to study the history of the Delhi Sultanate are coins, inscriptions and architecture and the most important sources are Histories (Tarikh (singular) or Tawarikh (plural). They were written in Persian language.

Q11: Why was Razziya, the Sultana of Delhi Sultanate dethroned?

Ans : Razziya was the daughter of Iltutmish. She was appointed as the Sultana of Delhi in 1236. Minhaj-I-Siraj was a Chronicler of the age. He favored the subordination of women. Religious leaders of that period did not like a woman ruling the state. That was why, Razziya was removed from the throne in 1240

Q12: Write briefly about the invasion of the Mongols and its results ?

Ans : Invasion of the Mongols took place under Genghis Khan in the north-east Iran in 1219. During this time Delhi also was invaded. And the rule of Alauddin Khalji and Tughluq witnessed many invasions of the Mongols. Due to this reason the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate had to mobilize their army and strengthened it.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of Delhi during the 12th to 15th century, highlighting its political, cultural, and economic importance.

Ans : During the 12th to 15th century, Delhi emerged as a significant political center in India, serving as the capital of several powerful dynasties, including the Slave Dynasty, Khalji Dynasty, Tughlaq Dynasty, and the Lodhi Dynasty. It became the heart of the Delhi Sultanate, which controlled vast parts of the subcontinent. Culturally, Delhi attracted scholars, poets, and artists, leading to a blend of Persian, Arabic, and Indian influences. 

Architecturally, the city witnessed the construction of iconic structures such as the Qutub Minar and various mosques. Economically, Delhi thrived as a trade hub, benefiting from its strategic location on important trade routes, fostering connections with Central Asia and other parts of the world. The city thus played a central role in shaping medieval India's history.

Q2: Write a brief note on the administration of Delhi Sultanate provinces under the Tughlaqs and the Khaljis.

Ans :  The Khalji and Tughlaq rulers appointed military leaders as governors to manage different areas of land, called "iqtas". These governors were known as "iqtadars" or "muqtis". Their job was to provide military support to the Sultan of Delhi. In return, they were allowed to collect taxes from the land and keep a portion as their salary. They also used this money to pay their soldiers.

The government made sure the muqtis followed the rules by appointing accountants to check how much tax was collected. The muqtis were only allowed to collect the taxes decided by the government, and they had to maintain a certain number of soldiers. The kings also made sure that the local aristocrats, called "samantas", accepted their rule and authority.

Q3: What is meant by the “internal” and “external” frontiers of sultanates?

Ans: The internal frontiers of the Delhi Sultanate referred to regions within the empire that were not directly under Sultanate control, such as areas occupied by forest tribes, local chieftains, and autonomous rulers. To consolidate power over these regions, the Sultans encouraged the expansion of agriculture by clearing forests and settling people in these areas. This helped bring them into the Sultanate's economic and administrative fold.

The external frontiers, on the other hand, referred to regions outside the core territories of the Sultanate, which were acquired through military campaigns. These included areas such as Bengal, Gujarat, and South India. The Sultans sought to expand their empire into these territories to gain control over important resources and trade routes, thereby extending the Sultanate's influence.