Short & Long Questions: The Creation of An Empire | Window on the Word Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who were the Mughals descended from?
Ans: The Mughals were descendants of Turkic-Mongol conquerors, Timur and Genghis Khan.

Q2: What was the significance of the First Battle of Panipat?
Ans: It marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and established Mughal rule in India.

Q3: What were the major achievements of Sher Shah?
Ans: Sher Shah extended the Grand Trunk Road, built inns and improved travel facilities, and reformed the currency system.

Q4: Why did Humayun go into exile?
Ans: Humayun went into exile after facing defeats in battles against Sher Shah, who took control of Delhi.

Q5: Who succeeded Humayun to the Mughal throne?
Ans: Humayun was succeeded by his son, Akbar.

Q6: What were some of Jahangir's achievements during his reign?
Ans: Jahangir crushed Afghan rebellions, ended the conflict with Mewar, and brought Ahmudnugor under Mughal control.

Q7: What were Shah Jahan's contributions to art and architecture?
Ans: Shah Jahan was a great patron of literature, art, and architecture. He built the famous Taj Mahal.

Q8: Why did Aurangzeb's policies lead to revolts?
Ans: Aurangzeb's orthodox religious beliefs and policies alienated various groups, leading to revolts.

Q9: What were some of the reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire?
Ans: The empire became too large and unwieldy, wars depleted the treasury, and later Mughal rulers were weak and inefficient.

Q10: Who was the last Mughal emperor and what happened to him?
Ans: The last Mughal emperor was Bahadur Shah Zafar. He was exiled to Burma by the British in 1857.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Discuss the significance of the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE and its impact on Mughal rule in India.
Ans: The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE was a pivotal event in Indian history. It marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the establishment of Mughal rule in India. Babur, despite having a smaller army, strategically used field artillery and gunpowder, enabling him to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. This victory firmly established Mughal authority in North India and paved the way for the Mughal Empire's expansion. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of modern military techniques and laid the foundation for a new era of governance and cultural flourishing under the Mughals.

Q2: Explain the major achievements of Sher Shah during his rule and his contributions to administration and infrastructure.
Ans: Sher Shah's rule from 1540 to 1545 CE left a lasting impact on India. He was a skilled administrator who focused on consolidating his empire. One of his significant achievements was the extension of the Grand Trunk Road, a vital trade route connecting Bengal to Afghanistan. He also constructed sarais (inns), planted trees, and dug wells along the roads to facilitate travel. In addition, Sher Shah reformed the currency system by introducing standardized silver (rupiya), gold (mohur), and copper (dam) coins, replacing earlier mixed-metal currency. His emphasis on law and order, promotion of trade, and infrastructure development significantly improved the socio-economic landscape of his empire.

Q3: Describe Akbar's strategies for expanding the Mughal Empire and how he promoted religious tolerance during his rule.
Ans: Akbar, one of the most notable Mughal emperors, employed a multifaceted approach to expand the empire. He engaged in military conquests and strategic alliances to bring various regions under Mughal control. Akbar also adopted a policy of religious tolerance, known as Sulh-i-Kul, which aimed to foster harmony among different religious communities. He abolished the jizyah tax, providing a level playing field for people of all faiths. Akbar also initiated discussions with religious scholars from different traditions, leading to the formulation of a new syncretic faith called Din-i-Ilahi. This approach helped in creating a more inclusive and cohesive society within the Mughal Empire.

Q4: What was Shah Jahan's legacy in terms of military campaigns and cultural contributions, especially in the field of architecture?
Ans: Shah Jahan's reign, known as the "Golden Age" of Mughal architecture, was marked by both military successes and cultural achievements. He led victorious campaigns in the Deccan and expanded the empire's territorial boundaries. However, his most enduring legacy lies in the realm of architecture. Shah Jahan commissioned some of the most iconic structures in the world, including the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort in Delhi, and the Jama Masjid. These architectural marvels exemplify the fusion of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles, showcasing a high point in Mughal cultural expression.

Q5: Discuss the reign of Aurangzeb and how his policies differed from those of Akbar, leading to challenges and revolts during his rule.
Ans: Aurangzeb's long rule of 49 years was characterized by a strict and orthodox religious approach, in stark contrast to Akbar's policy of religious tolerance. Aurangzeb sought to enforce a more rigid interpretation of Islamic law, which led to the reimposition of the jizyah tax and the destruction of Hindu temples. This alienated various groups, including the Jats, Sikhs, Marathas, and Satnamis, who eventually rose in revolt against his rule. Additionally, Aurangzeb's prolonged military campaigns in the Deccan depleted the royal treasury, weakened the central authority, and created an environment ripe for discontent and rebellion. His reign marked a significant departure from the inclusive policies of Akbar, contributing to the challenges faced by the Mughal Empire during this period.