Short & Long Questions: Places of Eminence | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: How can we learn about events that happened in the past?
Ans: We can learn about events from the past through history. History tells us about things that happened long ago and how they have shaped the world today.

Q2: What are sources that help us understand the past?
Ans: Sources like writings (books, letters, etc.), archaeological findings, and oral histories (stories, songs, legends) help us understand the past.

Q3: How do literary sources help us learn about the past?
Ans: Literary sources such as books and manuscripts provide written records of the past, giving us insights into historical events and people's lives.

Q4: What types of information can archaeological sources provide?
Ans: Archaeological sources offer information about past civilizations through material remains like monuments, inscriptions, coins, pottery, and other artifacts.

Q5: Why are oral histories important in understanding the past?
Ans: Oral histories, passed down through generations, help us learn about traditions, people, and events that may not be recorded in written form, enriching our understanding of history.

Q6: What are some examples of monumental remains?
Ans: Monumental remains include temples, forts, palaces, mosques, stupas, residential complexes, and other buildings and structures.

Q7: What information can coins provide us with?
Ans: Coins can tell us about the economic condition of the period when they were issued, help us fix the dates of dynasties and kings, and provide incidental information on religious and cultural practices.

Q8: Describe the Chand Baori at Abhaneri.
Ans: The Chand Baori at Abhaneri is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. It has 13 storeys and 3500 narrow steps leading to a greenish water tank at the bottom. The structure is in the form of an inverted pyramid with interesting architectural features.

Q9: Who constructed the Madan Mohan Temple in Bishnupur?
Ans: The Madan Mohan Temple in Bishnupur was constructed by King Durjana Singh Dev in 1694. It is a square building with a curved roof and a single shikhara, devoted to the worship of Radha Krishna.

Q10: What story pertains to the foundation of the Malla Raj according to the oral sources?
Ans: The story relates to the foundation of the Malla Raj, where a prince abandoned his wife in a forest near Laugram, leading to the birth of Adi Malla who founded the Malla dynasty, ruling the Bankura region for a thousand years.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: How can historical information be sourced and what are the types of sources available?
Ans: Historical information can be sourced from various outlets, offering a rich tapestry of the past.
The types of sources available include:

• Literary Sources: These encompass written records such as books, newspapers, letters, journals, and diaries penned by individuals from bygone eras. They offer valuable insights into historical events and perspectives.
• Archaeological Sources: These material remains, unearthed by archaeologists, shed light on the lives of ancient civilizations. They include artifacts like pottery, inscriptions, coins, and monumental structures.
• Oral Histories: Passed down through generations via stories, poems, songs, and legends, oral sources provide a glimpse into traditions, customs, and cultural practices of the past.
• Inscriptions: These written engravings on various surfaces, such as pillars and monuments, offer information on historical events, religious practices, and societal norms of ancient times.
• Court Chronicles and Travelogues: Accounts by foreign travelers and court chroniclers provide valuable narratives on historical events, dynasties, and cultural exchanges.

Q2: Why is it essential to analyze different sources when studying history, and how can they collectively enrich our understanding of the past?
Ans: Analyzing various historical sources is crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the past.
Here's how different sources collectively enrich our perception:

• Comprehensive Perspective: By examining literary, archaeological, oral, and inscriptive sources together, we can construct a holistic narrative of historical events and societal dynamics.
• Cultural Context: Different sources provide insights into the cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions prevalent during specific periods, helping us appreciate the diversity and evolution of human civilization.
• Validation and Corroboration: Cross-referencing information from multiple sources helps in validating historical facts and events, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our historical knowledge.
• Filling Gaps: Each source type fills gaps left by others, offering varied perspectives and details that collectively create a more nuanced and detailed picture of the past.
• Critical Thinking: Engaging with diverse sources encourages critical thinking and analysis, fostering a deeper intellectual engagement with historical narratives and encouraging students to form their interpretations.

Q3: Describe the significance of monuments in conveying historical information.
Ans:

• Monuments like temples, forts, palaces, and mosques serve as tangible remnants of the past, offering insights into the thoughts and beliefs of the people who built them.
• These structures provide a visual representation of the ideologies prevalent during their construction, allowing us to connect with the past on a more personal level.
• For example, the Red Fort's Delhi Gate not only showcases architectural brilliance but also symbolizes the grandeur of the Mughal era in India.
• By studying monuments, historians can unravel the socio-cultural, religious, and economic conditions of the societies that created them, enriching our understanding of bygone civilizations.
• Exploring these monumental remains helps us appreciate the rich heritage and diverse cultural tapestry that has shaped our world over centuries.

Q4: Discuss the historical significance of coins as artifacts.
Ans:

• Coins, as ancient currency, provide valuable insights into the economic conditions and trade practices of the eras in which they were minted.
• They were issued by rulers or guilds and were crafted from various metals like silver, gold, copper, or lead, reflecting the wealth and resources of the issuing authority.
• Studying coins aids in establishing timelines of dynasties and reigns, enabling historians to date specific periods accurately.
• Furthermore, the imagery and inscriptions on coins offer glimpses into the religious beliefs, cultural practices, and political agendas of the societies that produced them.
• For instance, the gold coins of Chandragupta II from the Gupta Empire, dated to 400 CE, showcase the opulence and artistic sophistication of that era.

Q5: Explore the cultural and historical significance of the Chand Baori at Abhaneri.
Ans:

• The Chand Baori, a majestic stepwell in Abhaneri, Rajasthan, stands as a testament to ancient engineering and architectural marvels.
• Built over a millennium ago by King Raja Chanda, the baori served as a solution to water scarcity and reflects the ruler's concern for his people's well-being.
• With its 13 storeys and 3500 steps leading to a greenish water tank, the baori exhibits intricate craftsmanship and geometric precision.
• The adjacent Harshat Mata Temple, associated with joy and happiness, adds a religious dimension to the historical site, showcasing a blend of architectural styles over centuries.
• The legends surrounding the Chand Baori and its connection to Abhaneri's past highlight the cultural richness and folklore that enrich the heritage of the region.