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

l. Tick (✓) the correct option.

1.
Ans: (c)

2.
Ans: (c)

3.
Ans: (c)

4.
Ans: (a)

5.
Ans: (c)

II. Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion (A) and Reasoning (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option.

1.
Ans: (a)

2.
Ans: (a)

III. State whether the following statements are true or false. Rewrite the corrected statements in your notebook.

1.
Ans: True

2.
Ans: False. The Mughal empire was founded in the 16th century by a dynasty of Chaghtai Turks from Farghana. 

3.
Ans: True

4.
Ans: False. Brahmanas were not just patronized as ritual specialists but were also appointed as administrative and military officials, while the nayakas were military commanders.

5.
Ans: False.  Valangai and Idangai were divisions within the warrior class and not lower castes in Vijayanagara society.

IV. Answer the following questions in brief.

1.
Ans: The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by the brahmana brothers Bukka and Harihara with the blessings of the saint Vidyaranya. It emerged as a significant power in southern India, covering regions of present-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The Mughal Empire, on the other hand, was founded in the 16th century by Babur, a Chaghtai Turk from Farghana, who descended from Timur and Chenghiz Khan.

2.
Ans: Krishnadevaraya’s major state policies included centralization of authority, where the king ruled with absolute power, promotion of Dharma, appointment of Brahmanas to high positions, and using temples as sources of power. He also emphasized the importance of irrigation technology and the Nayaka system for military and administrative governance.

3.
Ans: Temples in Vijayanagara were not only religious centers but also symbols of imperial power. They served as centers of economic activities, including banking and trading. The construction and renovation of temples, often with large gopurams, were acts that demonstrated the wealth and power of the kings. Temples also played a significant role in urbanization and social organization.

4.
Ans: Akbar’s religious policy was guided by the principle of Sulh-i-Kul, meaning 'universal peace.' He abolished discriminatory taxes like jizya and encouraged the inclusion of Hindus in the nobility. He later introduced Din-i-Ilahi, a synthesis of various religious practices focusing on moral and ethical conduct. Akbar also established the Ibadat Khana for inter-religious discussions.

5.
Ans: The mansabdari system was a unique administrative framework of the Mughal Empire, where officials were assigned ranks known as 'mansabs' based on their position, salary, and military responsibilities. The system was divided into zat (personal status) and sawar (cavalry strength). Mansabdars were paid through revenue assignments called jagirs, which were not hereditary.

6.
Ans: Valangai and Idangai were two divisions within the warrior class in southern India, particularly during the time of the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire. They represented a form of socio-political organization based on occupational and regional affiliations.

V. Answer the following questions in detail.

1.
Ans: Akbar introduced significant administrative changes, such as the mansabdari system, which graded officers based on their rank and military responsibilities. He also implemented a centralized system of governance with the empire divided into subas (provinces) and further into sarkars (districts) and parganas. His policy of Sulh-i-Kul promoted religious tolerance and included non-Muslims in administrative roles. In contrast, Krishnadevaraya’s policies focused on the centralization of power through religious symbolism, the promotion of Dharma, and the Nayaka system. While both rulers centralized authority, Akbar’s policies were more inclusive, whereas Krishnadevaraya's rule emphasized religious legitimacy and temple patronage.

2.
Ans: Akbar’s policy of matrimonial alliances was central to his strategy of consolidating the Mughal Empire and ensuring Rajput loyalty. He married Rajput princesses, such as Harkha Bai (Jodhabai), and integrated Rajput chiefs into his administration by assigning them high positions. This policy ensured that the Rajput states remained loyal to the Mughal Empire, reducing the likelihood of rebellion. Akbar also respected the autonomy of Rajput states that accepted his suzerainty and abolished the jizya tax, thereby fostering a sense of unity within his empire.

3.
Ans: During Krishnadevaraya's reign, the economy was bolstered by agriculture, trade, and temple-centered activities. The Vijayanagara Empire had a robust irrigation system, and trade flourished, particularly in high-value goods like spices and jewels, with extensive inland and overseas commerce. Temples served as centers of economic activities, promoting urbanization and acting as hubs for trade and banking.
In contrast, under Akbar’s reign, agriculture remained the backbone of the economy, with Todar Mal’s land revenue system ensuring efficient tax collection. Crafts and trade, especially in luxury goods like silk, brocades, and jewelry, thrived under Mughal patronage. Akbar also promoted long-distance trade and took measures to ensure the security and stability of trade routes by building sarais and encouraging shipbuilding. While both empires had strong economies based on agriculture and trade, Akbar’s policies were more organized and integrated, reflecting a more extensive bureaucratic system.