Short & Long Questions: Medieval Society: The Empires of Krishnadevaraya and Akbar | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Describe the significance of Domingo Paes' visit to Vijayanagara.
Ans: Domingo Paes visited Vijayanagara around 1520 CE and provided valuable insights into the fortified urban landscape, markets, temples, and royal center of the city during Krishnadevaraya's reign.

Q2: What is the importance of temples in the Vijayanagara Empire under Krishnadevaraya?
Ans: Temples were considered a source of power in the Vijayanagara Empire. They were pivotal in establishing the king's authority, sovereignty, and kingship over the people and different parts of the empire.

Q3: How did the Vijayanagara rulers use irrigation technology for the benefit of their kingdom?
Ans: The Vijayanagara rulers, especially Krishnadevaraya, gave great importance to constructing huge tanks and channels for irrigation. This helped in irrigating gardens and rice fields, contributing to agricultural prosperity.

Q4: Explain the policy of 'Sulh-i kul' followed by Akbar in the Mughal Empire.
Ans: 'Sulh-i kul' means 'universal peace' or 'peace with all'. Akbar believed in this policy, which aimed at establishing peace and harmony across his empire by abolishing discriminatory taxes and promoting inclusivity among his subjects.

Q5: How did the Vijayanagara kings demonstrate their power through temples?
Ans: The Vijayanagara kings showcased their imperial power and vast wealth by building and renovating temples on a grand scale. They depicted royal portraits in temples and used them as venues for state functions and dispute resolution.

Q6: What was the Nayaka System in the Vijayanagara Empire?
Ans: The Nayaka System involved military commanders or chiefs known as amara nayakas who controlled forts or territories. They collected taxes, maintained armed support, and administered their territories under the king's authority.

Q7: Describe the Mansabdari System introduced by the Mughals.
Ans: The Mansabdari System was a unique ranking system that linked ranks to land revenue administration. Mansabdars were given ranks, salaries, and military responsibilities based on their zat and sawar ranks, and they received revenue assignments called jagirs.

Q8: How did agriculture and trade contribute to the prosperity of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Ans: Agriculture formed the basis of wealth in Vijayanagara, with a surplus used for trade. Trade, especially in horses and other commodities, flourished, enhancing the status of merchants and contributing to the empire's prosperity.

Q9: What steps did Akbar take to encourage economic activities during his reign?
Ans: Akbar supported state workshops, encouraged crafts like jewellery making and textile manufacturing, and promoted long-distance trade through stable environments, resting places, and shipbuilding efforts.

Q10: How did the Mughals manage their land revenue system under Todar Mal?
Ans: Todar Mal, under Akbar, designed a land revenue system based on surveys and fixed taxes for crops. This system, divided into revenue circles with specific rates, provided stability and income for the Mughal state.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Discuss the significance of temples as a source of power in the Vijayanagara Empire under Krishnadevaraya.
Ans:

• Temples played a crucial role in the Vijayanagara Empire's power structure. They were not just places of worship but also symbols of authority and influence.
• Under Krishnadevaraya's reign, temples were extensively built and renovated. For example, the Krishna Temple was constructed, and majestic gopurams were added to existing temples.
• The construction and patronage of temples by the Vijayanagara rulers showcased their wealth, power, and devotion to religion, establishing a strong connection between the state and religious institutions.
• Temples were not only spiritual centers but also economic hubs. They facilitated economic activities such as banking, trading, and employment, contributing to the prosperity of the empire.
• The association between the deity and the king was emphasized through royal portrait sculptures in temples, highlighting the king's divine right to rule and his close ties to religious institutions.

Q2: Explain the Mansabdari System introduced by the Mughals and its significance in the administration.
Ans:

• The Mansabdari System was a unique administrative framework introduced by the Mughals. It involved granting ranks to officers, known as mansabdars, based on their military responsibilities and status.
• Each mansabdar held a rank that determined their salary and position in the royal court. The higher the rank (zat), the more prestigious the noble's status and salary.
• Mansabdars were given revenue assignments called jagirs as salaries, which were not hereditary. This ensured that loyalty and meritocracy played a significant role in the system.
• The system also included the division of ranks into zat and sawar, indicating the personal status of the officer and the number of cavalrymen they could maintain, respectively.
• The Mansabdari System was crucial in organizing the Mughal administration, ensuring a clear hierarchy, and linking military responsibilities with revenue administration.

Q3: Compare and contrast the state policies of Vijayanagara and the Mughal Empire in terms of centralization of authority.
Ans:

• Vijayanagara kings centralized authority through symbolism, claiming divine right to rule as Hindu sultans. They promoted strict adherence to 'Dharma' and established authority through grand celebrations and festivals.
• In contrast, the Mughal emperor held absolute power, with decisions of the state being carried out in his name. The emperor was the supreme authority in all matters of justice and military command.
• While Vijayanagara rulers emphasized kingship through religious symbolism and festivals, the Mughal emperor centralized authority by being the ultimate authority in the empire, with all officials owing their positions to him.
• The Vijayanagara kings' authority was often linked to religious legitimacy, while the Mughal emperor's authority was more secular and based on the emperor's role as the head of the state and military.
• Both empires showcased centralization, but Vijayanagara's centralization was often intertwined with religious and symbolic elements, whereas the Mughal Empire's centralization was more bureaucratic and administrative in nature.

Q4: Analyze the economic activities during the reign of Akbar, focusing on agriculture, taxation, and crafts/trade.
Ans:

• Agriculture remained a cornerstone of the Mughal economy. Different classes of the rural population were involved in agriculture, with a variety of rights and obligations, including sharecroppers and landless laborers.
• Todar Mal, Akbar's minister, designed a comprehensive land revenue system based on surveys of crop yields, fixing taxes for each crop in cash. This system brought stability and revenue for the empire.
• Crafts and trade flourished during Akbar's reign. The Mughals supported state workshops, jewelry making, gun manufacturing, textile production, and diamond mining, contributing to economic prosperity.
• Akbar's administration recognized the potential of long-distance trade, owning ships and securing trade routes. The construction of sarais and support for shipbuilding enhanced economic activities and trade within the empire.
• The Mughal state's emphasis on agriculture, taxation reforms, and support for crafts and trade sectors contributed to economic growth, stability, and the overall prosperity of the empire during Akbar's rule.

Q5: Describe the role of irrigation technology in the Vijayanagara Empire and its impact on agriculture and society.
Ans:

• Under Krishnadevaraya's reign, the Vijayanagara Empire placed significant emphasis on irrigation technology. The construction of tanks, canals, and wells played a vital role in ensuring agricultural prosperity.
• Abdur Razzaq's accounts mention the construction of a large tank with the help of Portuguese masons, highlighting the empire's innovation and collaboration with foreign expertise in water management.
• Irrigation facilities in the Vijayanagara Empire included water storage tanks, river diversions through canals, and wells, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to water management for agriculture.
• The irrigation projects facilitated by the empire, such as the tank described by Domingo Paes, enabled the irrigation of gardens and rice fields, ensuring a reliable water supply for agricultural production and enhancing food security.
• Vijayanagara's focus on irrigation technology not only boosted agricultural yields but also contributed to economic prosperity, social stability, and the overall well-being of the empire's population by ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.