The Mughals

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 4

This chapter delves into the fascinating story of the Mughals, a dynasty that ruled a vast Indian empire from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Get ready to discover their rise to power, unique blend of influences, and the lasting impact they left on the subcontinent.

From Central Asia to the Indian Throne:

• The chapter will introduce you to the origins of the Mughals. They were descendants of both Mongols and Central Asian Turks, inheriting a rich cultural and military heritage.
• Babur, a charismatic leader and a descendant of Genghis Khan, laid the foundation for the Mughal Empire in India through his victories in the early 16th century.

A Fusion of Traditions:

• The Mughals weren’t just conquerors; they were cultural facilitators. Their rule saw a beautiful blend of Islamic, Persian, Central Asian, and Indian traditions.
• Persian became the official court language, but regional languages like Hindi flourished as well.
• The chapter might explore how the Mughals embraced religious tolerance, promoting peaceful coexistence between Hindus and Muslims through Akbar’s concept of “Sulh-i-Kul” (universal peace).

The Mughal Emperors: Shaping an Empire:

• Prepare to meet some of the most iconic Mughal emperors:
  • Akbar (1556-1605): A visionary ruler known for his religious tolerance, administrative reforms, and patronage of the arts. 
  • Jahangir (1605-1627): A patron of art and literature, his reign saw the development of Mughal miniature paintings.
  • Shah Jahan (1628-1658): The “emperor of aesthetics,” he commissioned the architectural marvel, the Taj Mahal, as a testament to his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
  • Aurangzeb (1658-1707): The last great Mughal emperor, his reign witnessed territorial expansion but also religious tensions.

Beyond Warfare: Contributions to Indian Society:

• The Mughals weren’t just about military might. Their rule left a lasting legacy in various fields:
  • Architecture: Prepare to be awestruck by iconic structures like the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort, and majestic forts across India. These buildings showcase a unique blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic architectural styles.
  • Art: The Mughal period saw the flourishing of miniature paintings depicting court scenes, portraits, and battles.
  • Literature: Urdu flourished under the Mughals, and literary works were produced in both Persian and Hindi.
  • Cuisine: Mughal cuisine introduced new flavors and cooking techniques to India, enriching the culinary landscape.

A Legacy that Endures:

• Even after the decline of the Mughal empire, their influence continued to shape India’s social fabric, art, and architecture.
• The chapter might discuss the lasting impact on:
  • Language: Urdu continues to be a prominent language in India and Pakistan.
  • Food: Mughal dishes like biryani and kebabs are still popular today.
  • Architectural Techniques: Mughal architectural styles influenced later Indian architecture.

Exercises

Let’s Recall 

1. Match the following:

Ans : 

2. Fill in the blanks:

1. The five Deccan Sultanate were Berar, Khandesh, Ahmadnagar,
2. If zat determined a mansabdar’s rank and salary, sewer indicated his………………………
3. Abul Faze, Akbar’s friend and counsellor, helped him frame the idea of …………. so that he could govern a society composed of many religions, cultures, and castes.

Ans : 

1. Golconda, and Bijapur.
2. number of horses maintained
3. Administration

3. What were the central provinces under the control of the Mughals?

Ans : 

• Delhi: The capital city and seat of power for most of the Mughal Empire.
• Agra: A significant city, especially during the reigns of Akbar and Shah Jahan.
• Lahore: An important administrative and military center, particularly in the early years of the empire.
• Awadh: A fertile and wealthy province known for its agricultural production.
• Gujarat: A prosperous region known for its trade and textile production.
• Malwa: A central Indian plateau with strategic forts and resources.

4. What were the relationships between the mansabdar and the jagir?

Ans : The relationship between a mansabdar and a jagir in the Mughal Empire was one of revenue assignment. 

• Mansabdar: A military officer or official who held a rank (mansab) in the Mughal administration.
• Jagir: A land grant given by the emperor to a mansabdar.

Let’s Understand

5. What was the role of the zamindar in Mughal administration?

Ans : The zamindars played a vital role in the Mughal administration, acting as intermediaries between the central government and the peasantry

• Tax Collection: The primary responsibility of a zamindar was to collect taxes from the peasants within their assigned territory. These taxes formed a significant portion of the Mughal Empire’s revenue.
• Maintaining Records: Zamindars were expected to keep detailed records of landholdings, taxes collected, and peasant demographics. This information was crucial for the central government to assess revenue potential and ensure proper accounting.
• Maintaining Order: In some cases, zamindars were entrusted with maintaining a degree of local security and resolving minor disputes within their territory.
• Military Support: During times of war, zamindars might be expected to provide military support by supplying soldiers or resources to the Mughal army. However, their military contribution was generally less significant compared to the mansabdars.

6. How were the debates with religious scholars important in the formation of Akbar’s ideas on governance?

Ans : Akbar’s debates with scholars exposed religious conflicts and the need for harmony. This helped him develop Sulh-i-Kul, a policy promoting religious tolerance and a focus on good governance for a peaceful empire.

7. Why did the Mughals emphasise their Timurid and not their Mongol descent?

Ans : The Mughals preferred to highlight their Timurid ancestry over their Mongol lineage for several reasons:

• Mongol Image: Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, was associated with ruthless conquests and massacres. The Mughals, wanting to project a different image, distanced themselves from this negative perception.
• Timurid Legacy: Timur, the founder of the Timurid dynasty and a great-great-grandfather of Babur (Mughal founder), was seen as a cultured and successful ruler. Highlighting this connection offered a more prestigious lineage.
• Political Advantage: Emphasizing Timurid ancestry helped the Mughals gain legitimacy and acceptance within the Indian subcontinent, where Mongol rule wasn’t well-regarded.

Let’s Discuss

8. How important was the income from land revenue to the stability of the Mughal Empire?

Ans : Land revenue was the lifeblood of the Mughal Empire. It funded everything from the army to fancy palaces. Without it, the empire would have crumbled.

9. Why was it important for the Mughals to recruit mansabdars from diverse backgrounds and not just Turanis and Iranis?

Ans : The Mughals recruited widely (not just Turanis & Iranis) for their mansabdari system. This brought in diverse ethnicities, promoting loyalty, local knowledge, and reducing the risk of rebellions from any one group becoming too powerful.

10. Like the Mughal Empire, India today is also made up of many social and cultural units. Does this pose a challenge to national integration?

Ans : India’s rich tapestry of social and cultural units, similar to the Mughal Empire, can be both a challenge and an opportunity for national integration.

Challenges:

• Regional Tensions: Differences in language, religion, and customs can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between communities.
• Unequal Development: Disparities in economic development across regions can create feelings of resentment and hinder national unity.
• Preserving Traditions: Balancing the need for modernization with the desire to preserve cultural traditions can be a delicate act.

11. Peasants were vital for the economy of the Mughal Empire. Do you think that they are as important today? Has the gap in the income between the rich and the poor in India changed a great deal from the period of the Mughals?

Ans : Farmers were, and still are, essential to India’s economy, providing food, materials, and livelihoods. The rich-poor gap remains a challenge, though less extreme than in Mughal times. Land reforms and modern farming methods have changed the agricultural landscape.

Let’s Do

12. The Mughal Empire left its impact on the different regions of the subcontinent in a variety of ways. Find out if it had any impact in the city, village or region in which you live.

Ans : 

• Rich Architectural Heritage: The city boasts impressive architectural remains from the Mughal period, offering valuable insights into construction techniques, materials used, and popular styles of the era.
• Islamic Influence: Islam’s presence left a distinct mark on the city’s cultural landscape.
• Enduring Legacy of Urdu: The introduction of Urdu by the Mughals continues to enrich the city’s literature, music, and even the art of writing.
• Tourist Magnet: Mughal monuments and sites remain major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.

FAQ’s

What topics are covered in Class 7 History Chapter 4, focusing on “The Mughals”?

Class 7 History Chapter 4 delves into the expansive history of the Mughal Empire, covering its establishment, key rulers, administration, cultural contributions, and decline.

How do NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 4 provide insights into “The Mughals”?

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 4 offer detailed explanations and analyses of the Mughal era, elucidating the political, social, and economic dynamics that characterized Mughal rule in India.

Can Class 7 History Chapter 4 shed light on the significant rulers and achievements of the Mughal Empire?

Yes, Class 7 History Chapter 4 explores the reigns of prominent Mughal rulers such as Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, highlighting their contributions to art, architecture, governance, and diplomacy.

How did the Mughals impact Indian society, culture, and administration, as discussed in Class 7 History Chapter 4?

Class 7 History Chapter 4 discusses the enduring legacy of the Mughal Empire, examining its influence on architecture, language, religion, trade, and governance, shaping the socio-cultural landscape of India.

What are some key events and developments associated with “The Mughals,” as explored in Class 7 History Chapter 4?

Class 7 History Chapter 4 delves into pivotal events such as the Battle of Panipat, the establishment of the Mughal administration, the patronage of art and literature, and the decline of the empire, providing a comprehensive overview of Mughal history.