GSEB Class 7 Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 મુઘલ સામ્રાજ્ય

1. Answer the following questions in one sentence:

Question 1. When and between whom did the First Battle of Panipat happen?
Answer: The First Battle of Panipat occurred on April 20, 1526, between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.
In simple words: The first big fight at Panipat was on April 20, 1526, between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.

Exam Tip: Remember the date and the key figures involved for battles like Panipat; these are common historical facts.

Question 2. Describe Sher Shah's architectural creations.
Answer: Sher Shah built tombs in Sasaram and a mosque in Delhi.
In simple words: Sher Shah made tombs in Sasaram and constructed a mosque in Delhi.

Exam Tip: When asked about architecture, mention specific structures and their locations to earn full marks.

Question 3. Name the great musician-singer of Akbar's time.
Answer: The famous musician-singer during Akbar's reign was Tansen.
In simple words: Tansen was the very skilled musician who worked for Emperor Akbar.

Exam Tip: Important personalities and their roles during the Mughal era are often asked.

Question 4. Name Jahangir's painters.
Answer: Mansoor, a world-famous artist, was in Jahangir's court (he was a bird painter). The other notable painter of Jahangir was Abul Hasan.
In simple words: Jahangir's court had two main painters: Mansoor, known for painting birds, and Abul Hasan.

Exam Tip: For rulers known for art patronage, specific artists are crucial details.

Question 5. Where and when was Chhatrapati Shivaji born?
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji was born in the Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra in 1627 CE.
In simple words: Chhatrapati Shivaji took birth in the Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra, during the year 1627 CE.

Exam Tip: Key biographical details like birth year and place for historical figures are very important.

2. Answer the following questions as required:

Question 1. Outline the Mughal administrative system.
Answer: Akbar systematically arranged the Mughal administrative structure. The emperor was the center of the Mughal rule. A council of ministers was there to advise and assist the emperor. The emperor held supreme authority and was the chief military commander. A Wazir was appointed to ensure coordination between the emperor and the state administration. This official was known as the Diwan-e-Wazir-e-Kul. The Wazir was in charge of finance and revenue management. The head of the army was called the Mir Bakhshi. The Mir Bakhshi recruited soldiers into the army and appointed army officers. He also supervised the state's intelligence system. Mughal administration spies were called Waqianawis. The Qazi was the chief of the state's justice system. The Mir-e-Saman department was responsible for the personal needs of the Mughal emperor. The head of this department was also the chief of royal workshops.
In simple words: Akbar organized the Mughal rule. The emperor was most powerful, advised by ministers. A Wazir managed money and taxes. The Mir Bakhshi was the army head, recruiting soldiers and spying. Spies were Waqianawis. The Qazi led justice. Mir-e-Saman handled the emperor's needs and workshops.

Exam Tip: When describing administrative systems, mention key positions, their roles, and how they contributed to governance.

Question 2. Prepare a note on examples of Mughal architecture.
Answer: Mughal architectural buildings are considered very valuable and unique. Their construction showcased a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim art. The main examples of Mughal architecture (structures) are as follows:
(1) Babur built the Kabuli Mosque near Panipat, the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, and a mosque in Agra.
(2) Akbar built the fort in Agra. He also established a city called 'Fatehpur Sikri', 36 kilometers from Agra, in memory of the famous saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. Here, Akbar built the Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in India, to celebrate his victory in Gujarat. Besides this, he also built Salim Chishti's dargah, a mosque, and the Panch Mahal, among other structures.
(3) During Jahangir's time, marble – white marble – was widely used in the structures built.
(4) Shah Jahan had a great fondness for building structures. His era is considered the golden age of Mughal architecture. Shah Jahan built the 'Taj Mahal' on the banks of the Yamuna river in Agra in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is regarded as one of the world's wonders. Shah Jahan also constructed the Moti Masjid in Agra, which is an amazing building. He also built the famous Red Fort in Delhi.
(5) Aurangzeb built a tomb, the Rabia-ud-Daurani's mausoleum, in Aurangabad, similar in artistry to the Taj Mahal, in memory of his wife.
In simple words: Mughal buildings are special, mixing Hindu and Muslim styles. Babur made mosques. Akbar built the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Buland Darwaza. Jahangir's buildings used lots of white marble. Shah Jahan, who loved building, made the Taj Mahal, Moti Masjid, and Red Fort. Aurangzeb also made a tomb for his wife like the Taj Mahal.

Exam Tip: When discussing architecture, always list specific examples and mention the ruler responsible for each, as well as unique features or materials.

Question 3. Write a note on the victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji expanded the vast Maratha Empire from a small jagir by conquering more than 40 forts. He fought for a long time and won against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the Sultan of Bijapur. For example, Shivaji won the Torna Fort in 1646 CE. After that, he also captured the forts of Kalyan and Mahuli. In 1670 CE, Shivaji conquered the forts of Sinhagad, Velore, and Janjira. In 1677 CE, he seized the fort of Koil, which was like a gateway to the south.
In simple words: Chhatrapati Shivaji grew his Maratha kingdom by taking over many forts, winning against Aurangzeb and Bijapur. He captured Torna in 1646, then Kalyan and Mahuli. In 1670, he took Sinhagad, Velore, and Janjira. By 1677, he had also secured Koil fort, an important southern gateway.

Exam Tip: For historical figures, detailing specific victories, their dates, and strategic importance is key to a comprehensive answer.

Question 4. Discuss Akbar's religious policy.
Answer: Akbar adopted a policy of secularism. He showed religious tolerance by canceling the pilgrimage tax and Jizya tax on Hindus. He appointed Hindus to high positions in his court and other state services. He permitted all sections of the public to follow their own religion. To discuss all religions, Akbar built an 'Ibadatkhana' (house of worship) in Fatehpur Sikri. Every Friday, Akbar used to invite scholars from different religions to debate in the Ibadatkhana. He listened to their religious discussions very carefully. From these discussions, he chose the best principles of each religion and established a new sect called 'Din-e-Ilahi'. Thus, Akbar's religious policy was liberal and commendable.
In simple words: Akbar chose a secular way, ending taxes for Hindu pilgrims and appointing Hindus to important jobs. He let everyone follow their faith. He built an 'Ibadatkhana' for religious discussions with scholars every Friday and listened intently. From these talks, he created 'Din-e-Ilahi'. So, Akbar's religious approach was very open and praiseworthy.

Exam Tip: When explaining Akbar's religious policy, be sure to include his initiatives like the abolition of Jizya, appointment of Hindus, Ibadatkhana, and Din-e-Ilahi.

Question 5. Discuss Sher Shah's reforms.
Answer: Sher Shah implemented many reforms during his five-year rule from 1540 CE to 1545 CE. His main reforms are as follows:
1. Sher Shah eliminated the fear of thieves and robbers, establishing peace in the state.
2. He started a new postal system by initiating horse-mounted couriers.
3. He built rest houses for traders and pilgrims.
4. He started the silver rupee currency.
5. He created a large army in the state.
6. He constructed a long highway, the Grand Trunk Road, which stretched to Bengal and North India.
7. He prepared a uniform land measurement table to ensure proper land revenue collection.
These reforms are attributed to Sher Shah, making his rule notable.
In simple words: Sher Shah made many changes during his five years of rule. He stopped thieves, started a new postal service, built rest houses for travelers, and created the rupee coin. He also made a big army and built the long Grand Trunk Road. He also made fair land tax rules.

Exam Tip: Listing specific reforms with clear descriptions is crucial when answering questions about administrative changes by rulers like Sher Shah.

3. For each of the following questions, choose the correct option and write the answer:

Question 1. The war took place between ................. and .................
(a) Akbar – Shivaji
(b) Akbar – Hemu
(c) Babur – Ibrahim Lodi
(d) Mughal – Maratha
Answer: (b) Akbar – Hemu
In simple words: This question is about the Second Battle of Panipat, where Akbar and Hemu fought.

Exam Tip: When the question is incomplete but options provide context, match the best historical pair for a significant battle.

Question 2. Who built the Buland Darwaza?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (a) Akbar
In simple words: Akbar was the emperor who ordered the construction of the Buland Darwaza.

Exam Tip: Associate famous monuments with the rulers who commissioned them for easy recall in history questions.

Question 3. The Red Fort of Delhi was built by ....................................
(a) Babur
(b) Akbar
(c) Humayun
(d) Shah Jahan
Answer: (d) Shah Jahan
In simple words: Shah Jahan was the person responsible for building the Red Fort in Delhi.

Exam Tip: Remember major architectural contributions of each Mughal emperor, like Shah Jahan's Red Fort.

Question 4. Akbar was born at a place called ....................................
(a) Amarkot
(b) Iran
(c) Delhi
(d) Jaipur
Answer: (a) Amarkot
In simple words: Akbar's birthplace was Amarkot.

Exam Tip: Knowing the birthplaces of important historical figures is a common detail tested in exams.