Worksheet Solutions: Nomadic Empires | History Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The term "barbarian" is derived from the Greek word "__________," which meant a non-Greek.
Ans: barbaros
The word "barbaros" in Greek referred to someone whose language sounded like random, unintelligible noise. Greeks used this term to describe non-Greek-speaking people.

Q2: The Great Wall of China was built to defend against nomadic invasions, particularly from the __________.
Ans: Huns
The Great Wall of China was constructed primarily to protect the Chinese states and their agricultural regions from invasions by various nomadic groups, with the Huns being one of the prominent threats.

Q3: Genghis Khan was born near the __________ river in the north of present-day Mongolia.
Ans: Onon
Genghis Khan was born in the region around the Onon River, which is located in northern Mongolia.

Q4: Genghis Khan proclaimed himself as the "Universal Ruler" or "Great Khan" in the year __________.
Ans: 1206
In the year 1206, Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes and declared himself as the "Universal Ruler" or "Great Khan."

Q5: The Mongol courier system known as "__________" connected distant areas of the empire.
Ans: yam
The "yam" was a sophisticated courier system used by the Mongols to maintain communication between distant parts of their vast empire.

Q6: "Yasa" served as a __________ code of Genghis Khan.
Ans: legal
"Yasa" was Genghis Khan's legal code that provided a set of laws and rules for his subjects and helped in governing the Mongol empire.

Q7: The administrative regulations, including the organization of the hunt and the army, were part of the "yasa" and helped integrate the __________ regions.
Ans: conquered
Genghis Khan's "yasa" included various administrative regulations, which were applied in both the Mongol homeland and the conquered regions, contributing to the integration and governance of these territories.

Q8: The tax levied on nomads for the maintenance of the Mongol communication system was known as the __________ tax.
Ans: qubcur
The "qubcur tax" was a tax imposed on nomadic people within the Mongol Empire to fund the maintenance of the courier and communication system known as the "yam."

Match the Column

Q1: 

Ans: 1. Anda - a. Blood-brother
"Anda" referred to the practice of establishing a blood-brother relationship, a significant bond among the Mongols.
2. Tama - b. Military contingents
"Tama" signified military contingents or units in Mongol armies.
3. Paiza - c. A pass or permit for safe conduct
A "paiza" was a metal or wooden tablet that served as a permit for safe conduct and was often used for trade and travel purposes.
4. Qubcur Tax - d. Tax imposed on nomads for communication facilities
The "qubcur tax" was a tax specifically imposed on nomadic populations to fund the maintenance of communication facilities like the "yam."
5. Ulus - e. Conquered but not fixed territory
"Ulus" referred to the territory controlled by a Mongol ruler, including conquered lands, but it wasn't fixed in one place.
6. Barbarian - f. Term derived from the Greek for a non-Greek
The term "barbarian" comes from the Greek word "barbaros," signifying non-Greek or foreign people.
7. Yasa - g. Compilation of customary traditions of Mongol tribes
"Yasa" was a compilation of customary traditions, legal principles, and rules of governance among the Mongol tribes.
8. Guregen - h. Title for a royal son-in-law
"Guregen" was a title given to someone who married the daughter of a Mongol ruler and became part of the royal family.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The term "barbarian" is derived from the Greek word "barbaros."
Reason: "Barbaros" referred to someone whose language sounded like a random noise.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)

• Assertion: The term "barbarian" is derived from the Greek word "barbaros."
  This is true. The word "barbarian" comes from the Greek term barbaros, which was used to describe people who were not Greek.
• Reason: "Barbaros" referred to someone whose language sounded like a random noise.
  This is also true. The ancient Greeks thought that non-Greek languages sounded like "bar-bar" or unintelligible noise to them. Hence, they used the word "barbaros" to describe anyone who was not Greek, and whose speech sounded foreign or incomprehensible.

Q2: Assertion: The Mongol courier system was known as "yam."
Reason:"Yam" was an efficient communication system that facilitated the transmission of messages across vast distances.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (d)

• Assertion: The Mongol courier system was known as "yam."
  This assertion is false because while the Mongols did have a courier system, it was not strictly known as "yam." The term "yam" referred more specifically to a network of relay stations for the movement of messengers. However, it is not universally referred to as the Mongol courier system itself.
• Reason: "Yam" was an efficient communication system that facilitated the transmission of messages across vast distances.
  This is true. The Mongol Empire created a network of relay stations known as "yam" to ensure the swift transmission of messages and to maintain control over their vast territory.

Q3: Assertion: Genghis Khan's "yasa" served as a code of law.
Reason: It was a compilation of customary traditions of Mongol tribes.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)

• Assertion: Genghis Khan's "yasa" served as a code of law.
  This assertion is true. "Yasa" was a set of laws established by Genghis Khan to regulate the behavior of people within the Mongol Empire. It was a key part of Genghis Khan's governance and contributed to the stability of his empire.
• Reason: It was a compilation of customary traditions of Mongol tribes.
  This is true. "Yasa" was influenced by the customs and traditions of Mongol tribes, but it was not merely a compilation. Genghis Khan adapted and formalized these customs into a more structured legal code that applied across his empire, addressing various aspects of life, including military conduct, administration, and punishment.

Q4: Assertion: The tax levied on nomads for communication facilities was known as the "qubcur tax."
Reason: Nomads paid this tax willingly for the multiple benefits it brought.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)

• Assertion: The tax levied on nomads for communication facilities was known as the "qubcur tax."
  This assertion is true. The "qubcur" was a tax that the Mongol Empire levied on its nomadic population, primarily for the use of the communication and transportation facilities, including the "yam" system.
• Reason: Nomads paid this tax willingly for the multiple benefits it brought.
  This is false. While the tax was part of the Mongol administration, it was not always paid willingly. The Mongols were known for imposing strict policies, and taxes, including the "qubcur," were sometimes resented by the nomadic populations.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What does the term "barbarian" mean, and where does it originate?
Ans: The term "barbarian" historically referred to non-Greek or non-Roman peoples, often associated with being uncivilized. It originates from ancient Greece.

Q2: What was the primary purpose of the Great Wall of China?
Ans: The primary purpose of the Great Wall of China was defense against invasions, especially from northern nomadic tribes.

Q3: When and where was Genghis Khan born?
Ans: Genghis Khan was born in 1162 in the Khentii Mountains of Mongolia.

Q4: What title did Genghis Khan proclaim himself in 1206?
Ans: Genghis Khan proclaimed himself as the "Great Khan" in 1206, which made him the leader of all Mongol tribes.

Q5: What was the Mongol courier system known as, and what was its purpose?
Ans: The Mongol courier system was known as the "Yam." Its purpose was to facilitate communication and the swift relay of messages across the vast Mongol Empire.

Q6: What did "yasa" serve as, and what did it compile?
Ans: "Yasa" served as the legal code and constitution of the Mongol Empire. It compiled laws and regulations for various aspects of Mongol life.

Q7: What tax did nomads pay for the maintenance of the Mongol communication system?
Ans: Nomads paid a tax called the "yam tax" to support the maintenance of the Mongol communication system.

Q8: What was the significance of the term "guregen" in the Mongol context?
Ans: "Guregen" referred to Mongol princesses who played a crucial role in diplomatic marriages, alliances, and power dynamics within the Mongol Empire.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the reasons for the success of Genghis Khan's military campaigns.
Ans: Genghis Khan's military success can be attributed to several key factors:

• Innovative tactics: He developed new strategies that surprised his enemies.
• Discipline and organisation: His troops were well-trained and effectively managed.
• Adaptability: Genghis Khan adjusted his methods based on the situation and environment.
• Effective use of cavalry: His army relied on fast-moving horsemen, which gave them a significant advantage in battle.

Q2: What were the main features of Genghis Khan's political system, and how did it differ from Attila's?
Ans: Genghis Khan's political system was characterised by:

• Centralised authority: Unlike Attila's tribal system, Genghis Khan established a strong central government.
• Legal code (Yasa): This code provided a framework for governance and social order.
• Military organisation: His army was structured into decimal units, promoting unity among diverse tribes.

In contrast, Attila's Huns had:

• Decentralised structure: Authority was more tribal and less formalised.
• Less durable governance: Attila's system did not survive long after his death

Q3: How did the relationship between nomadic and settled societies affect trade and communication in the Mongol empire?
Ans:The Mongols played a crucial role in enhancing trade and communication between nomadic and settled societies. They established a vast network that enabled:

• Exchange of goods: Agricultural products and iron tools from settled areas were traded for horses, furs, and game from the steppe.
• Cultural interaction: This interaction fostered a blend of traditions and knowledge.
• Military influence: At times, the Mongols used military strength to secure better trade terms, leading to tensions.

As the Mongol Empire evolved, their relationship with settled societies shifted, impacting both trade and regional stability.

Q4: Discuss the administrative features of Genghis Khan's rule and the significance of "yasa" in Mongol society.
Ans: Genghis Khan's rule was marked by centralised authority, meritocracy, and the implementation of yasa, a legal code crucial for governance. He established a strong central government, promoted leadership based on merit, and introduced yasa, which evolved from a simple law to a comprehensive legal framework.

The significance of yasa in Mongol society includes:

• Unifying Mongol tribes with a shared legal identity.
• Enhancing Genghis Khan's authority, viewed as divine law.
• Maintaining cultural identity while governing diverse populations.

These features played a key role in the establishment and stability of the Mongol Empire.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Describe the social and political background of the Mongols during Genghis Khan's time.
Ans: The Mongols were a diverse group of people, connected by language to the Tatars, Khitan, and Manchus in the east, and Turkic tribes in the west. Their society included:

• Pastoralists: They raised horses, sheep, and some cattle, goats, and camels.
• Hunter-gatherers: They lived in the northern regions, relying on hunting and foraging.

The Mongols roamed the vast steppes of Central Asia, particularly in modern-day Mongolia. This area is known for its:

• Majestic landscapes with wide horizons and rolling plains.
• Snow-capped Altai mountains to the west.
• Arid Gobi desert in the south.
• Rich pastures and small game during good seasons.

Genghis Khan emerged from this fragmented society, adapting their traditional customs to establish a formidable military and an effective governance system. His rule:

• Integrated various peoples and economies.
• Innovated governance methods to manage diverse cultures.
• Created a lasting political structure that outlived him.

Despite their nomadic roots, the Mongols engaged in trade with sedentary societies, benefiting both sides. This interaction shaped their society and contributed to the development of a vast empire.

Q2: Provide an overview of Genghis Khan's early life and the challenges he faced before becoming the Great Khan. How did he rise to power and unify the Mongol tribes?
Ans: Genghis Khan, originally named Temüjin, was born in 1162 in Mongolia. His early life was filled with challenges:

• His father, a tribal leader, was assassinated when Temüjin was young.
• After his father's death, his family was abandoned by their tribe and faced extreme poverty.
• These hardships instilled in him the values of unity and resilience.

As he matured, Temüjin focused on building alliances to unite the Mongol tribes:

• He demonstrated exceptional military strategy.
• He formed key alliances, including with his blood-brother Jamuqa.
• He fought against powerful enemies like the Tatars and the Naimans.

By 1206, after defeating Jamuqa, he was recognised as the Great Khan of the Mongols at a tribal assembly, known as a quriltai. His rise to power was marked by:

• Reorganising the Mongol tribes into a disciplined military force.
• Conquering various regions, including parts of China.
• Utilising innovative tactics, such as siege engines, to overcome fortified positions.

Q3: Examine the impact of the Mongol Empire on Eurasian history, including its military conquests, administrative innovations, and the establishment of the Pax Mongolica. How did the Mongols facilitate cultural exchanges and trade along the Silk Road?
Ans: The Mongol Empire, led by Genghis Khan and his successors, significantly shaped Eurasian history through various means:

• Military Conquests: The Mongols expanded their territory from China to Eastern Europe, creating one of the largest empires in history.
• Pax Mongolica: Their rule established a period of peace and stability, known as the Pax Mongolica, which encouraged trade and cultural exchanges.
• Administrative Innovations: Genghis Khan introduced a merit-based system for appointing officials, ensuring governance was based on competence rather than birthright. The Yasa, a legal code, provided a consistent framework for law and order.
• Cultural Exchanges: The Mongols promoted religious tolerance and facilitated the flow of ideas, leading to a flourishing of the Silk Road. This made trade routes safer and more interconnected, allowing for the exchange of knowledge, technology, and culture.

Overall, the Mongol Empire's influence fostered significant developments in trade and cultural interactions across Eurasia, leaving a lasting legacy on the societies within and beyond its borders.