The chapter on the Mughal Empire’s genesis likely starts with Babur’s arrival and victory at the First Battle of Panipat (1526), which marked the Delhi Sultanate’s end and the beginning of Mughal rule due to Babur’s superior military tactics, especially artillery. The chapter would then discuss the initial challenges Babur faced in consolidating his power, including resistance from local rulers, and his early efforts to establish governance in a new territory.
Finally, the chapter likely touches upon the succession after Babur and the continuation of the empire’s early stages. It emphasizes these initial military conquests and the very first steps taken to establish Mughal authority as the foundation upon which the vast and influential Mughal Empire would later be built.
Time To Learn
I. Fill in the blanks:
1. Babur’s eldest son assumed the title Humayun which means ___________ .
Ans: fortunate.
2. Humayun reconquered the throne of Delhi in ___________ .
Ans: 1555 AD.
3. Humayun was in __________ after 1540.
Ans: Persia
4. Sher Shah ruled Delhi for ye__________ ars.
Ans: five
II. Match Column A with Column B
Ans:
III. State whether the following statements are True or False:
- The First Battle of Panipat decided once for all the fate of the Lodi dynasty.
True.
- The Battle of Khanwa was fought between Rana Sanga and Babur.
True.
- Babur introduced many new reforms for the administration of his new empire in India.
False.
Sher Shah introduced many new reforms for the administration of his new empire in India.
- Humayun died in 1550 AD.
False.
Humayun died in 1556 AD.
- Sher Shah built the Grand Trunk Road.
True.
IV. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Why was the First Battle of Panipat fought? What were its results?
Ans:
Driven by his ambition to rule India and exploiting the disunited Delhi Sultanate under Ibrahim Lodi, Babur initiated the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. His victory led to the end of the Lodi dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate, the establishment of the Mughal Empire, the introduction of gunpowder firearms and artillery in Indian warfare, the shift of political power to Agra, and the showcasing of innovative military tactics.
Question 2.
What were the reasons for Babur’s victory in the First Battle of Panipat?
Ans:
Babur’s triumph at the First Battle of Panipat stemmed from his innovative military tactics, such as the Tulughma and Araba formations, which outmaneuvered the Delhi Sultanate’s forces. A key advantage was his effective use of artillery and firearms, a relatively new technology in India, which disrupted the enemy’s ranks, especially their war elephants. Furthermore, Babur’s army was well-trained and disciplined, contrasting with the disunity and weak leadership within Ibrahim Lodi’s forces.
In essence, Babur’s strategic brilliance in employing novel battlefield tactics combined with the superior firepower of his artillery and the discipline of his troops overcame the larger, but less adaptable and unified, army of the Delhi Sultanate, securing his decisive victory.
Question 3.
What difficulties did Humayun face in the beginning?When and how did Humayun reconquer India?
Ans:
Humayun faced numerous difficulties at the beginning of his reign after inheriting a fragile empire from his father Babur in 1530. The political landscape was unstable, with Afghan and Rajput forces still harboring resentment towards Mughal rule. His own brothers were ambitious and rebellious, particularly Kamran, who controlled Kabul and Kandahar and posed a constant threat. The treasury was also depleted, and the administrative machinery was not well-established to effectively govern the vast territories. Humayun himself was considered by some historians to lack the decisive military acumen and political foresight of his father, making him less equipped to handle these initial challenges. He made strategic errors, such as underestimating Sher Shah Suri, which ultimately led to his defeat and exile.
He spent the next fifteen years seeking refuge in Sindh and then in Persia. It was with the military assistance of the Safavid Shah of Persia that Humayun was able to reconquer India in 1555. The Sur Empire, established by Sher Shah, had weakened due to internal conflicts and the inefficiency of his successors. Taking advantage of this instability, Humayun, with Persian support, captured Lahore in February 1555 and then decisively defeated Sikandar Suri, the then ruler, at the Battle of Sirhind in July 1555. This victory paved the way for his re-entry into Delhi and Agra, marking his second and brief reign until his accidental death in 1556.
Question 4.
Why is Sher Shah known as a-good administrator?
Ans:
Sher Shah’s reputation as an exemplary administrator stems from the thorough and effective reforms enacted during his concise yet influential reign. He instituted a systematic administrative framework characterized by clear hierarchical divisions within the empire, ensuring accountability at various levels. His land revenue policies, based on accurate land surveys and fair assessment, provided stability for both the state and the peasantry. He also standardized weights, measures, and currency, introducing the Rupiya, which fostered economic cohesion. Significant investment in infrastructure, notably the construction of roads like the Grand Trunk Road and the establishment of rest houses, facilitated commerce and communication. Finally, his commitment to an equitable justice system further solidified his legacy as a capable and just ruler. These multifaceted reforms had a profound and enduring impact on governance in the region.
V. Give reasons.
Question 1.
Sher Khan was able to strengthen his position in Bengal and Bihar.
Ans:
Sher Khan strategically solidified his power in Bengal and Bihar by shrewdly exploiting political vacuums and internal conflicts. In Bihar, he rose through deputy governorship, while in Bengal, he used military force to overcome the existing sultanate. These successful consolidations provided him with crucial resources and a strong base for his future ambitions against the Mughals.
Question 2.
Sher Shah was named so.
Ans:
Farid Khan received the honorific “Sher Khan,” translating to “Lion Lord” or “Lion King,” as a testament to his exceptional courage. While in the service of Bahar Khan Lohani, the governor of Bihar, Farid Khan is credited with single-handedly slaying a tiger during a hunting expedition. Impressed by this display of valor and strength, Bahar Khan bestowed upon him the prestigious title. Subsequently, upon his ascension to the throne of Delhi, he adopted the imperial title “Sher Shah,” meaning “Lion Emperor.”
Question 3.
We say that Sher Shah looked after the welfare of his people.
Ans:
Sher Shah prioritized his people’s welfare through infrastructure development (roads and rest houses), a fair land revenue system, standardized trade practices (weights, measures, currency), an impartial justice system, promotion of agriculture, and the maintenance of peace and order. His reforms aimed to create a stable, prosperous, and just society.
Additional Questions
(Foundation of The Mughal Empire)
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. Babur lost both _____________ and ____________ and became a homeless wanderer. In 1504 ce, he became the ruler of ___________ .
Ans: Farghana , Samarkand , Kabul.
2. Humayun lacked the ______________ necessary to _________________ the vast empire he had inherited.
Ans: qualities , consolidate.
3. Sher Shah based his administration on the principle of a ___________ state.
Sher Shah went on regular ________ of inspection and set up an efficient ________system.
Ans: welfare , tours , spy
4. Sher Shah established a large standing army and introduced several reforms to make it disciplined, _________ and ___________ .
Ans: efficient and strong.
B. Match the following:
Answer:
C. Choose the correct answer:
1. In 1522 ce, Ibrahim Lodi/S her Khan Suri/Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to invade India.
Ans.
In 1522 ce, Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to invade India.
2. With the help of the Shah of Persia/Afghanistan/Sind, Humayun returned to India in the year 1555
Ans.
With the help of the Shah of Persia, Humayun returned to India in the year 1555 ce.
3. Sher Shah divided his empire into 47 sarkars/parganas/ villages.
Ans.
Sher Shah divided his empire into 47 sarkars.
4. The rupia introduced by Sher Shah was made of gold/ silver/copper.
Ans.
The rupia introduced by Sher Shah was made of silver.
5. Sher Shah’s greatest achievement was the construction of new roads/issuing of coins/his revenue system.
Ans.
Sher Shah’s greatest achievement was his revenue system.
D. State whether the following are true or false:
- Babur was a descendant of Timur and Chenghiz Khan.
True.
- Babur’s war-weary and homesick soldiers wanted to return to Kabul after the Battle of Panipat.
True.
- Babur won the Battle of Khanwa through treachery and cunning.
False.
Correct: Babur won the Battle of Khanwa with his superior artillery and covering.
- Sher Shah ruled for 15 years.
False.
Correct: Sher Shah ruled for 5 years.
- To prevent the officers from becoming corrupt, Sher Shah introduced the system of periodical transfers.
True.
E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
1.Why did Daulat Khan Lodi invite Babur to invade India?
Ans.
Daulat Khan Lodi’s invitation to Babur stemmed from his intense dissatisfaction and fear of Sultan Ibrahim Lodi’s oppressive and centralizing reign. Seeking to protect his own interests and potentially gain power, Daulat Khan hoped Babur’s military might could topple the Sultan.
2.Between whom was the First Battle of Panipat fought?
Ans.
Babur and Ibrahim Lodi came face-to-face at Panipat in 1526 ce.
3.What was the significance of the Battle of Panipat (1526 ce)?
Ans.
The Battle of Panipat (1526) was significant because it ended the Delhi Sultanate, established the Mughal Empire, introduced effective gunpowder warfare to India, and showcased superior Mughal military tactics.
4.What is the name of Babur’s autobiography?
Ans.
Babur’s autobiography is the Baburnama (also called Tuzuk-i Baburi).
5.Who was Humayun’s most dangerous enemy?
Ans.
Sher Khan was Humayun’s most dangerous enemy.
6.How did Humayun escape after his deafeat in the Battle of Chausa (1539 ce)?
Ans.
Humayun jumped into the Ganga and floated down the river with the help of a water carrier’s inflated water bag.
7.How many years did Humayun spend in exile?
Ans.
15 years (1540-55 ce), Humayun wandered about from place to place in search of shelter.
8.Who helped Humayan to recover Kabul and Kandahar?
Ans.
Shah Tahmasp I, the Safavid ruler of Persia, was instrumental in assisting Humayun’s recapture of Kabul and Kandahar, providing him with the necessary military support.
9.What is the significance of the Battle of Kanauj (1540 CE)?
Ans.
The Battle of Kanauj (1540 CE) was significant as it led to the decisive defeat of Humayun and the Mughal forces by Sher Shah Suri. This victory resulted in the establishment of the Sur Empire and forced Humayun into a long period of exile, interrupting the early Mughal rule in India.
10.How were the affairs of the villages managed during Sher Shah’s reign?
Ans.
Village affairs under Sher Shah were mainly managed by traditional local bodies like Village Panchayats, which handled disputes, local administration, and maintained order. The village headman (Muqaddam/Chaudhery) and the village accountant (Patwari) assisted in these functions and revenue collection. Sher Shah largely respected the autonomy of these village systems, focusing his administration on higher levels while utilizing village officials for revenue matters.
11.Explain the Chehra system in Sher Shah’s military administration.
Ans.
The Chehra system in Sher Shah’s army was a descriptive roll of every soldier, including their name and physical details. This aimed to prevent fraud by ensuring accurate record-keeping and making it difficult to maintain fake soldiers or substitute personnel during musters, contributing to a more efficient military.
12.Mention one reason why Sher Shah built an excellent network of good roads?
Ans.
One key reason why Sher Shah built an excellent network of good roads was to facilitate and improve trade and commerce throughout his vast empire. These well-maintained roads enabled faster and safer movement of goods, stimulating economic activity and prosperity, which in turn benefited the state through increased revenue and a more stable economy.
F. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Give a brief account of Babur’s early life.
Ans:
Babur’s formative years were defined by ambitious pursuits amidst considerable hardship. Born in the Fergana Valley (modern-day Uzbekistan) in 1483, he possessed lineage tracing back to both Timur and Genghis Khan. Upon his father’s unexpected death, he ascended to the throne of the minor kingdom of Fergana at the tender age of eleven.
His early reign was fraught with continuous power struggles and endeavors to enlarge his dominion. He encountered persistent opposition from neighboring Uzbek forces, notably the powerful Shaibani Khan, resulting in repeated loss of control over Fergana and periods of displacement and privation. Notwithstanding these obstacles, Babur remained resolute in his aspiration to forge a substantial kingdom. His initial experiences underscore his resilience, martial ambition, and the relentless maneuvering for authority within the volatile political climate of Central Asia. These trials forged him into the adept military leader and unwavering sovereign who would ultimately found the Mughal Empire in India.
Question 2.
Give an account of the causes, events and consequences of the First Battle of Panipat.
Ans:
Driven by his expansionist aims and the allure of India’s wealth, Babur’s army, possessing superior military technology, achieved a decisive victory over the fragmented Delhi Sultanate under Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat (1526). This crucial triumph brought about the dissolution of the Sultanate, the establishment of the Mughal Empire, the introduction of gunpowder-based warfare to the Indian subcontinent, and the display of advanced Mughal military tactics, leading to a substantial transformation in the political dynamics of the region.
Question 3.
How many battles did Babur have to fight after the Battle of Panipat? Mention the significance of his victory in each of these battles.
Ans:
After Panipat, Babur fought three key battles to solidify his rule. The Battle of Khanwa (1527) against Rana Sanga was crucial in establishing Mughal dominance over North India by defeating a major Rajput confederacy. The subsequent Battle of Chanderi (1528) further weakened Rajput power and extended Mughal influence into Malwa. Finally, the Battle of Ghagra (1529) secured Mughal control over the eastern territories by defeating the combined Afghan and Bengal forces.
Each of these victories was significant in eliminating major threats to Babur’s fledgling empire and extending Mughal authority across a substantial part of North India. They were essential steps in consolidating the Mughal dynasty’s foundation and paving the way for its future expansion and stability.
Question 4.
Give a brief account of Sher Shah’s early life.
Ans:
Sher Shah Suri, originally known as Farid Khan, was born in 1486 in Sasaram, Bihar. He belonged to a Pashtun Afghan family. Due to a family dispute, he left home at a young age and went to Jaunpur for his education, where he studied Arabic and Persian.
His administrative skills became apparent early in his life when his father, a jagirdar, entrusted him with the management of his estates. Farid implemented reforms and efficiently managed the affairs, but due to further family issues, he left his position. He later served under various rulers, including the Mughals under Babur, where he impressed with his capabilities. It was during his service under Bahar Khan Lohani, the governor of Bihar, that he earned the title “Sher Khan” for his bravery in killing a tiger.
Question 5.
With reference to Sher Shah’s enlightened rule, explain:
(a)How was the central government organized? (b) The important features of provincial administration.
Ans:
Sher Shah’s central government was a centralized monarchy with the Sultan at the top, assisted by key ministers overseeing revenue, military, foreign affairs, communications, and justice. He personally supervised these departments. The empire was divided into provinces (Sarkars), mirroring the central structure with a Sikdar-i-Sikdaran for law and order and a Munsif-i-Munsifan for revenue and civil affairs. Sarkars were further divided into Parganas with their own officials.
Key features of provincial administration included decentralization with central control through the appointment of top officials, separation of powers between military and revenue officers at the Sarkar level, accountability of officials, a degree of uniformity with the central model, and a primary focus on revenue collection and maintaining order. This efficient structure ensured effective governance throughout Sher Shah’s empire.
Question 6.
Sher Shah introduced several measures to make the army disciplined, efficient and strong. Explain?
Ans:
Sher Shah implemented several significant reforms to forge a disciplined, efficient, and potent military force. He rigorously reinstated and enforced the Dagh system (horse branding) and the Chehra system (soldier identification rolls). This effectively curbed corruption by ensuring precise identification of personnel and animals, thereby preventing fraudulent musters and the misappropriation of resources. Furthermore, Sher Shah took a direct and active role in the recruitment, training, and equitable remuneration of his soldiers and officers, cultivating a sense of professionalism and allegiance within the ranks. By maintaining a substantial standing army directly answerable to him, rather than depending on potentially unreliable feudal contingents, he ensured greater control and readiness.
Moreover, recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, Sher Shah integrated artillery into his military and ensured comprehensive training for both his cavalry and infantry units. These multifaceted measures collectively resulted in the creation of a highly effective and well-organized army that played a pivotal role in his military successes and the consolidation of his imperial authority.
Question 7.
Discuss the important measures taken by Sher Shah to boost the growth of trade and commerce.
Ans:
Sher Shah boosted trade by building good roads with rest houses (sarais), standardizing currency (Rupiya) and weights and measures, abolishing most transit duties, ensuring law and order along trade routes, and treating merchants fairly. These measures reduced costs, increased safety, and fostered a stable economic environment for commerce to flourish.
Question 8.
What steps did Sher Shah take to maintain law and order in his kingdom?
Ans:
Sher Shah maintained law and order through a centralized administration with officials like the Shiqdar-i-Shiqdaran at the provincial level responsible for peace. He enforced local responsibility, holding village headmen and Zamindars accountable for crimes within their jurisdiction. An efficient policing and intelligence network helped monitor and address potential threats.
Furthermore, Sher Shah’s strict and impartial justice system, where even high-ranking individuals were punished, instilled fear and respect for the law. By clearly defining responsibilities at each administrative level and ensuring accountability, he created a system that prioritized the safety and security of his subjects.
Question 9.
Sher Shah’s greatest achievement was his land revenue system. In this context explain: (a) Land assessments (b) Taxation policy and its impact
Ans:
(a) Land Assessments: Sher Shah implemented a just framework relying on detailed land surveys and classification according to fertility (high, medium, low). The government’s share was uniformly fixed at one-third of the usual crop output. The implementation of the Patta (land patent) and Qabuliyat (acceptance deed) system guaranteed clear written agreements between the state and farmers.
(b) Taxation Policy and its Impact: The customary government share was one-third, with farmers having the option to pay in currency or goods. This approach secured stable government income and safeguarded farmers from unfair demands. It also encouraged trade and cultivated a more favorable connection between the state and the farming community, fostering agricultural and economic growth. His system provided a model for later administrations.
Question 10.
Sher Shah is one of the most striking personalities in medieval India. In this context, briefly state the important achievements of his 5-years reign.
Ans:
In his brief but impactful 5-year rule, Sher Shah Suri revolutionized medieval India through key achievements. He established a centralized and efficient administration with land reforms. He stimulated trade via road construction and standardized systems. He built a disciplined army and invested in public works. His comprehensive reforms left a lasting influence.
G Picture study:
This is a picture of the tomb of the successor of Babur
Question 1.
Name the Mughal emperor who is buried in this tomb.
Ans:
Humayun.
Question 2.
Where is this monument located?
Ans:
Nizamuddin Delhi.
Question 3.
In which book could you find a detailed account of his life? Who wrote it?
Ans:
Humayunnama. Gulbadan wrote it.
Question 4.
Why did he spend 15 years in exile?
Ans:
Humayun spent 15 years in exile due to his two major defeats by Sher Shah Suri at the Battles of Chausa (1539) and Kanauj (1540), which forced him to flee India.
Question 5.
How did he reconquer his lost empire?
Ans:
Humayun reconquered his lost empire by securing military aid from the Persian Shah, which allowed him to recapture Kabul and Kandahar. He then exploited the weakness of the Suri successors after Sher Shah’s death, eventually defeating them at the Battle of Sirhind (1555) and re-entering Delhi to re-establish Mughal rule.
