Focus On Solutions for ICSE Class 7 History Civics Chapter 5 Government Society And Culture Under The Delhi Sultanate

Important Words

Qazis administered justice according to the Islamic law, in cases that involved Muslims.
These officials were highly respected and acted as the local judges within the Sultanate's legal system. They ensured that social and religious disputes were settled based on established spiritual guidelines.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a "Qazi" as a "Court Judge" who specializes in religious law.
Exam Tip: Always mention that they followed "Islamic law" to define their role correctly.

Amir Khusrau was a famous Persian poet who invented the Indian sitar.
He is often called the 'Parrot of India' because of his beautiful and prolific literary works. He was a master at blending Persian musical styles with traditional Indian melodies.
Teacher's Tip: Associate Amir Khusrau with "Kombining" cultures – he was a bridge between two worlds.
Exam Tip: If asked about musical inventions, credit him for the "Sitar" and the "Tabla".

Qawwali is the Persian style of chorus singing which was popularized by Sufi saints.
This form of music was used during religious gatherings to express deep devotion and love for the Divine. It became a powerful tool for spreading the message of Sufism throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Qawwali as a "Musical Prayer" sung by a group.
Exam Tip: Mention "Sufi saints" as the primary people responsible for its popularity.

Kathak is a dance form which originated during the Sultanate period. It combines Hindu themes with Persian costumes.
The word 'Kathak' comes from 'Katha', meaning story, as the dancers use movements to narrate ancient tales. This dance is a perfect example of the Indo-Islamic cultural fusion in the performing arts.
Teacher's Tip: Kathak is like a "Katha" (Story) told through beautiful dance steps.
Exam Tip: Highlight the "blending of Hindu and Persian elements" for a high-scoring answer.

Time To Learn

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. The village administration was managed by Muqaddam.
2. Firoz Shah Tughlaq made the Iqtdary system hereditary.
3. Iqtdar received Iqtas.
4. Firoz Shah Tughlaq arranged irrigation facilities for the farmers.
5. The mixture of Persian and Hindu style in architecture is called Indo-Islamic style.

Answer:
These blanks identify the key administrative titles and cultural developments that defined the Delhi Sultanate. From local village heads to the overall architectural style, these terms show how the empire was organized and how it evolved.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that "Muqaddam" was the "Main man" of the village.
Exam Tip: Use the specific term "Indo-Islamic" whenever describing the architecture of this period.

II. Match Column A with Column B:

Column A
1. Qazi
2. Tughlaqabad Fort
3. Qutab Minar
4. Urdu
5. Minhaj-us-Siraj
6. Amir Khusrau
Column B
(a) Historian
(b) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
(c) Delhi
(d) Great poet of Persian and Hindi
(e) Chief Justice
(f) Camp
Answer:
1. (e) Chief Justice
2. (c) Delhi
3. (b) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
4. (f) Camp
5. (a) Historian
6. (d) Great poet of Persian and Hindi
Matching these names and terms helps us visualize the different sectors of society, such as law, literature, and defense. It shows that the Sultanate was a complex civilization with specialized roles for different individuals.
Teacher's Tip: "Urdu" literally means "Camp" because it was the language of the military barracks.
Exam Tip: Match "Qutab Minar" with "Aibak" as he was the one who started its construction.

III. State whether the following statements are True or False:

1. Urdu, a new language, developed in the Sultanate period.
Answer: True
Urdu was born out of the necessity for soldiers of different backgrounds to communicate with each other in the military camps. It blended Persian, Arabic, and local Hindi dialects into a beautiful new language.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Urdu as a "Linguistic Bridge" that connected people.
Exam Tip: If asked about the origin of Urdu, mention it developed in "military camps".

2. The Sufi saints believed in one God.
Answer: False.
[Note: Most historical texts state Sufis did believe in one God, but the provided textbook answer says False.] The Sufi path emphasized a personal and mystical connection with the Divine through music and love. They were often critical of rigid religious structures.
Teacher's Tip: Sufis focused on the "Spirit" of religion rather than just the rules.
Exam Tip: Follow the specific "True/False" facts provided in your textbook even if they seem unusual.

3. The Sultanate was a military rule.
Answer: True.
The power of the Sultan was primarily based on the strength and loyalty of his army. The entire administrative structure, including the Iqta system, was designed to support a large standing military.
Teacher's Tip: The Sultan was first and foremost the "Commander-in-Chief".
Exam Tip: Mention the "Iqta system" as proof of the military-based administration.

4. The village administration was managed by the Bakshi.
Answer: False. The village administration was managed by the Muqaddam.
The Bakshi was actually a high-ranking military official responsible for the army's pay and organization. The Muqaddam was the traditional headman who handled affairs at the village level.
Teacher's Tip: Remember: Bakshi = Army, Muqaddam = Village.
Exam Tip: When correcting a false statement, always provide the right name to get full marks.

5. The culture of the sultanate period saw healthy blending of Hindu and Muslim traditions.
Answer: True.
This period is famous for "syncretism," where two different cultures live together and adopt each other's best features. This blending is most visible today in our food, music, and architecture.
Teacher's Tip: Think of this period as a "Cultural Melting Pot".
Exam Tip: Use the term "fusion" or "blending" to describe the Indo-Islamic culture.

IV. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: How did the government function during the Sultanate Period?
Answer: The government run under various departments. Each department was supervised by a minister or a high official. The most important departments were:
1. Diwan-i-wazarat or the revenue department headed by the Chief Minister called Wazir.
2. Diwan-i-Arz or the military department headed by Ariz- i-Mumalik. It was the responsibility of this department to recruit, equip and pay the army.
3. Diwan-i-Risalat dealing with religious matters, pious foundations and stipends to scholars. It was presided over by Chief Sadr also known as Chief Qazi. The Chief Qazi was the head of department of justice.
4. Diwan-i-Insha dealt with all kinds of domestic as well as foreign correspondence. The village administration was managed by the Muqaddam. The Munsif supervised the accounts of the village while Patwari kept the local records.
This departmental structure ensured that the Sultan could manage his vast empire efficiently by delegating power. It also provided a clear hierarchy for tax collection and military readiness.
Teacher's Tip: The "Wazir" is like the Modern Prime Minister and Finance Minister combined.
Exam Tip: List at least three departments with their specific names (like Diwan-i-Arz) for full marks.

Question 2: What do you understand by Iqta system? How was this system organised?
Answer: The system of granting revenue from a piece of land or a village to an officer instead of paying him a cash salary was called the Iqta system. Under this system, an officer (iqtadar) would collect the revenue from his territory (iqta). He would keep a certain amount of his salary from this revenue and another part of revenue was spent for maintaining the soldiers for the Sultan. They also had to pay a fixed amount annually to the Sultan. The officer had to keep a detailed account of his income and expenditure.
The Iqta system was a clever way for the Sultan to pay his officers without using physical cash. It also made the officers responsible for the welfare and military defense of the land they controlled.
Teacher's Tip: Think of an "Iqta" as a piece of land given as a "Paycheck".
Exam Tip: Mention that the Iqtadar had to maintain "soldiers for the Sultan" from his revenue.

Question 3: How was society divided during the Sultanate period?
Answer: The society during the Sultanate period was divided into-four main classes. The first or the aristocratic class was the most influential class in the society. This class consisted of the nobility and high officials. They were very rich and lived a luxurious life. The second important group were the Ulemas and the Hindu priests who advised the Sultan on how to carry on his administration in accordance with the sacred law. The third category of people or the town dwellers consisted of officials, merchants and artisans who were fairly well-to- do. The common people or the peasantry who formed the bulk of the population were poor and did not have enough to satisfy their needs.
This rigid social structure meant that wealth and power were concentrated at the top. While the town dwellers could prosper through trade, the peasants carried the heavy burden of supporting the empire's economy.
Teacher's Tip: Imagine society as a pyramid with the Sultan/Nobles at the peak and peasants at the base.
Exam Tip: Name all "four main classes" to show a comprehensive understanding of the social structure.

Question 4: Describe the important developments which took place in the following fields during the Sultanate period (a) Language (b) Music and (c) Dance.
Answer: (a) Language: Persian was the language of administration and the nobility. Arabic was mostly used by traders from Western Asia. Sanskrit continued to be the language of high learning among the Hindus. The blending of Persian and Hindi, gave birth to a new language, Urdu. The word ‘Urdu’ means camp. It was the language used in camps by soldiers with different mother-tongues to communicate with each other.
(b) Music: During this time fusion of Perso-Arabic and Indian classical music styles were done and outcome of it was Hindustani Music. New musical instruments like the tabla, sitar and sarangi were also developed during this time. The Persian style of chorus qawwali was also popularized during this timer
(c) Dance: Kathak a dance form, originated during the Delhi Sultanate period. It combines Hindu themes with Persian costumes.
These developments show that the Sultanate was a time of great artistic creativity and cultural exchange. These forms of expression survived the fall of the empire and remain a vital part of Indian culture today.
Teacher's Tip: Focus on the word "Fusion" – everything was a mix of old and new.
Exam Tip: Clearly separate your answer into three sections (a), (b), and (c) for clarity.

Question 5: With examples explain how the Turks and the Arabs influenced the architecture of the Sultanate period.
Answer: The characteristic feature of Sultanate architecture is the extensive use of bricks, arches, domes, beams and balconies. The Turkish monuments were plain. There was liberal use of floral and geometric designs. The use of red sandstone added colour to their buildings. Verses from the Koran were engraved on the walls of some buildings. Some of the important monuments of the Sultanate period are the Qutab Minar complex, the Alai Darwaza, the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah Kotla, the Tughlaqabad for and the tombs of the Todi kings.
The introduction of the "True Arch" and the "Dome" was a major engineering breakthrough brought by the invaders. These features allowed for much larger and taller buildings than the traditional Indian style could support.
Teacher's Tip: If you see a "Dome" or an "Arch" on an old building, it's likely influenced by this period.
Exam Tip: Mention "Red sandstone" and "Koranic verses" as specific decorative features.

V. Picture study:

This is a picture of popular form of devotional music.

1. What is the name of this form of music?
Answer: Qawwali performance.
Qawwali is characterized by its energetic rhythm and the use of hand-clapping to maintain the beat. It creates a powerful atmosphere that often leads to a state of spiritual trance.
Teacher's Tip: Qawwali is always performed in a group (chorus).
Exam Tip: Spell "Qawwali" correctly for full credit.

2. Name the famous personality who created this.
Answer: Amar Khusrau.
Amir Khusrau is credited with transforming the musical landscape of India during his lifetime. He served in the courts of seven different Sultans, showing how highly his talent was valued.
Teacher's Tip: Khusrau is the "Father" of Qawwali.
Exam Tip: Use his full name "Amir Khusrau" in your answers.

3. What is the theme of the music?
Answer: Ghazal, a combination of beautiful poetry with melody, is also a contribution of the Sultanate period.
The primary theme of this music is the soul's longing for God, often expressed through metaphors of love and beauty. It is meant to evoke deep emotion and spiritual reflection in the listener.
Teacher's Tip: The theme is always about "Spiritual Love".
Exam Tip: Mention that it combines "poetry and melody".

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The rule of the Delhi Sultans lasted for over three centuries.
2. Society during the Sultanate period was divided into four major groups.
3. The Turks introduced Arabic and Persian architectural styles.
4. New musical instruments such as the tabla, sitar and sarangi were developed during the Sultanate period.
5. The establishment of the Turkish rule in India led to the replacement of Sanskrit by Persian as the official language in many regions.

B. Match the following:

Column A
1. The ulemas
2. Alai Darwaza
3. Qawwali
4. Kathak
5. Yunani

Column B
(a) Qutb Minar
(b) chorus singing
(c) combines Hindu themes with Persian costumes
(d) a system of medicine which was a legacy of Turkish rule
(e) Muslim religious leaders
Answer:
1. (e) Muslim religious leaders
2. (a) Qutb Minar
3. (b) chorus singing
4. (c) combines Hindu themes with Persian costumes
5. (d) a system of medicine which was a legacy of Turkish rule
These matching pairs link historical groups and developments to their specific definitions or associations. For example, the Yunani system of medicine remains a popular alternative medicine in India today.
Teacher's Tip: "Yunani" sounds like "Unani" – a system of healing still used today.
Exam Tip: Make sure to link "Alai Darwaza" with the "Qutb Minar" complex.

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. Under the Delhi Sultanate, the aristocrats/the priests/ the peasants were the most powerful class in society.
Answer: Under the Delhi Sultanate, the aristocrats were the most powerful class in society.
The aristocrats held the highest administrative and military positions, giving them control over both land and taxes. Their lifestyle was vastly different from the common people, marked by great luxury.
Teacher's Tip: Aristocrats = The "VIPs" of the Sultanate.
Exam Tip: Always pick "aristocrats" when discussing social power in this period.

2. The brahmanas/the ulema/the merchants were the chief advisors to the sultans.
Answer: The ulema were the chief advisors to the sultans.
Because the Sultanate was an Islamic state, the Ulema provided legal guidance based on religious texts. However, some strong Sultans sometimes limited their influence over political matters.
Teacher's Tip: Ulema were the "Religious Experts" of the court.
Exam Tip: The term "ulema" refers specifically to Muslim religious scholars.

3. The life of the peasants/the nobles/the priests was one of drudgery and poverty.
Answer: The life of the peasants was one of drudgery and poverty.
The peasants had to pay nearly half of their produce as tax to the Sultanate, leaving them with barely enough to survive. Their lives consisted of back-breaking manual labor in the fields.
Teacher's Tip: Life was "Hard" for the peasants and "Easy" for the nobles.
Exam Tip: "Drudgery" means very hard and boring work.

4. The caste system was followed strictly/sometimes followed/ignored by Hindus.
Answer: The caste system was followed strictly by Hindus.
Even under Muslim rule, traditional Hindu social structures remained very strong and rigid. This dictated where people lived, what jobs they did, and whom they could marry.
Teacher's Tip: Religious change at the top didn't always change social rules at the bottom.
Exam Tip: Use the word "strictly" to describe the adherence to the caste system.

5. Amir Khusrau is believed to have invented the harmonium/sitar/veena.
Answer: Amir Khusrau is believed to have invented the sitar.
Legend says he combined the Indian veena with the Persian tanpura to create this versatile instrument. His musical innovations defined the Hindustani style that we know today.
Teacher's Tip: Sitar = A "Khusrau Special" instrument.
Exam Tip: If you see "Amir Khusrau" and "Invention," the answer is almost always the "Sitar".

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. The ruling class in the Delhi Sultanate enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.
Answer: True.
The Sultans and their nobles lived in grand palaces and spent vast amounts of money on jewels, fine clothes, and banquets. This wealth was gathered through the heavy taxes paid by the common people.
Teacher's Tip: "Lavish" means very expensive and rich.
Exam Tip: Link the "lavish lifestyle" to the aristocracy.

2. The Delhi sultans always allowed the ulema to influence their policies.
Answer: False. Correct: The Delhi sultans sometime does not allow the ulema to influence their policies.
Rulers like Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq often ignored religious advice if it conflicted with their military or political goals. They believed that the state should come before religion.
Teacher's Tip: The Sultan was the "Big Boss" and didn't like being told what to do.
Exam Tip: Use the word "sometime" or "occasionally" to describe the Sultan's independence.

3. The purdah system was strictly observed by Muslim women.
Answer: True.
The system of seclusion, or 'Purdah,' meant that women of the upper classes rarely appeared in public and were veiled when they did. This was a common social practice among the Muslim nobility of the time.
Teacher's Tip: Purdah means "Curtain" or "Veil".
Exam Tip: Note that this was "strictly observed" as a social rule.

4. The Rajput style of miniature painting continued in the Sultanate period.
Answer: True.
While new Persian styles were introduced, the traditional Indian methods of painting did not disappear. Instead, they began to absorb new influences, leading to even more vibrant artworks.
Teacher's Tip: Old styles "Lived on" alongside the new ones.
Exam Tip: This shows that culture was "additive" rather than "replacing".

5. New types of food, such as bread and wine, became a part of Indian cuisine during the Sultanate period.
Answer: True.
The interaction between different cultures led to a revolution in the kitchen. Many items that we consider "Indian" today, like certain types of breads (naan) and spiced dishes (biryani), arrived during this era.
Teacher's Tip: We have the Sultanate period to thank for many of our favorite foods!
Exam Tip: Mention "bread" as a specific example of food influence.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1: Why was the aristocracy the most powerful social group during the Sultanate period?
Answer: Aristocracy was the most powerful social group because they had wealth and power.
They controlled the army and the land, which were the two main sources of authority in a military state. Their closeness to the Sultan gave them a significant voice in how the country was run.
Teacher's Tip: Money + Military = Power.
Exam Tip: Use the words "wealth and power" as your core answer.

Question 2: What was the chief source of revenue for the government?
Answer: The tax paid by the peasants was the chief source of revenue for the government.
Agriculture was the backbone of the medieval economy, and the "Kharaj" (land tax) funded everything from palace construction to military wars. Peasants often paid up to 50% of their crops to the state.
Teacher's Tip: No farming meant no money for the Sultan.
Exam Tip: Identify "peasants" as the group that provided the most revenue.

Question 3: During whose reign did the life and conditions of the peasants improve?
Answer: During Firoze Shah’s reign peasants condition improved and they enjoyed many benefits.
He built extensive canal systems for irrigation and abolished many unfair taxes that had burdened the farmers. His reign is often remembered as a peaceful time for the rural population.
Teacher's Tip: Firoz Shah was the "Farmer's Friend".
Exam Tip: Name "Firoze Shah" as the specific ruler who helped peasants.

Question 4: Why did some Hindus convert to Islam?
Answer: Many Hindus, especially those belonging to the lower classes, were attracted to the Islamic tax, which was imposed only on non-Muslims.
[Note: Standard history also notes attraction to the message of equality; provided text focuses on tax.] Converting to Islam exempted individuals from paying the "Jizya" tax, which was a significant financial relief for many. Additionally, some were inspired by the egalitarian message taught by Sufi saints.
Teacher's Tip: For some, it was a "Financial decision" to save on taxes.
Exam Tip: Mention the "Islamic tax" (Jizya) as the primary reason given in the text.

Question 5: How do we know that women during the Sultanate period were oppressed?
Answer: Sati, child marriage and the purdah system became widely prevalent. The purdah system was strictly observed by Muslim women.
These practices limited the freedom of women and kept them away from education and public life. It was a time when women's safety and status were often compromised by rigid social traditions.
Teacher's Tip: Women were "Kept inside" and had very few rights.
Exam Tip: List "Sati" and "Child marriage" as specific examples of oppression.

Question 6: What is the characteristic feature of Sultanate architecture?
Answer: The characteristic feature of Sultanate architecture is the extensive use of bricks, arches, domes, beams and balconies.
These new shapes replaced the flat roofs and simple pillars of older Indian buildings. The combination of Indian stone-carving skills with Islamic design created a unique aesthetic.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the "Arch and Dome" – they are the superstars of this style.
Exam Tip: List "Arches" and "Domes" as the two most important features.

Question 7: Which two styles of music influenced the development of Hindustani music?
Answer: Hindustani music was the outcome of the fusion of the Perso- Arabic and Indian classical music styles.
The interaction between these two distinct systems created new ragas and rhythms. This fusion is what makes North Indian classical music distinct from South Indian (Carnatic) music.
Teacher's Tip: Hindustani music is a "Musical Smoothie" made from Persian and Indian flavors.
Exam Tip: Name "Perso-Arabic" and "Indian classical" as the two styles.

Question 8: By whom were qawwalis popularized?
Answer: Qawwali is the Persian style of chorus singing which was popularized by Sufi saints.
The Sufis used these songs to reach the hearts of common people who might not have understood complex theological books. It remains a beloved tradition in shrines across India and Pakistan.
Teacher's Tip: Qawwali = Sufi Pop Music of the Middle Ages.
Exam Tip: Connect "Qawwali" directly to "Sufi saints".

Question 9: Which style of painting was patronized by the Lodi sultans?
Answer: Persian style of miniature paintings was patronized by the later Lodi sultans and used to illustrate books.
These small, highly detailed paintings were often created to show scenes from famous stories or historical events. They paved the way for the grand Mughal painting style that followed.
Teacher's Tip: "Miniature" means "Small and Detailed".
Exam Tip: Mention "Persian style" and "Lodi sultans" together.

Question 10: How did the Turkish rulers gradually become Indianized?
Answer: When Turkish rulers married Indian Muslims, they assimilated many of their local cultural traits and gradually became Indianized.
Over time, they adopted local languages, foods, and social customs, making India their permanent home rather than just a conquered land. They began to see themselves as Indian rulers rather than foreign invaders.
Teacher's Tip: They came as "Guests" (invaders) but stayed as "Family" (Indians).
Exam Tip: Use the word "assimilated" to describe how they adopted local culture.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: What effect did several centuries of interaction between traditional Indian culture and Islamic culture have on the Indian society?
Answer: The interaction between traditional Indian culture and Islamic culture had a deep impact on Indian society. This fusion resulted in a new pattern called Indo-Islamic culture.
This new culture was visible in everything from the way people dressed to the music they enjoyed and the buildings they lived in. It created a unique shared heritage that defined medieval India.
Teacher's Tip: The result of the mix was a "New Identity" for India.
Exam Tip: The keyword is "Indo-Islamic culture".

Question 2: Describe the main features of society during the Sultanate period with reference to (a) the aristocracy and (b) the peasants.
Answer: (a) Aristocracy: This was the ruling class. It consisted of the Sultan, the nobles, the Hindu rajas and princes and landlords. This was the most powerful social group because they had wealth and power.
(b) Peasants: The peasants during that time were very poor and they had to lead a very hard life. They had to do all kind of small jobs and had to pay heavy taxes to government.
The gap between the rich and the poor was enormous during this period. While the aristocrats lived in massive mansions, the peasants struggled to feed their families after paying their taxes.
Teacher's Tip: Society was like a "Coin" with two very different sides.
Exam Tip: Contrast "wealth and power" with "poverty and heavy taxes" in your answer.

Question 3: Discuss the distinctive features of Sultanate architecture.
Answer: The characteristic feature of Sultanate architecture is the extensive use of bricks, arches, domes, beams and balconies. The Turkish monuments were plain. There was liberal use of floral and geometric designs. The use of red sandstone added colour to their buildings. Verses from the Koran were engraved on the walls of some buildings. Some of the important monuments of the Sultanate period are the Qutb Minar complex, the Alai Darwaza, the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah Kotla, the Tughlaqabad for and the tombs of the Lodi kings.
Buildings during this time were built for both beauty and defense, which is why many of them look like strong forts. The use of geometric patterns was preferred over human figures because of religious traditions.
Teacher's Tip: Bricks + Arches + Koranic Verses = Sultanate Style.
Exam Tip: List specific monuments like "Qutb Minar" to support your discussion.

Question 4: Music and dance during the Sultanate period was the outcome of the fusion of Indo-Islamic culture. Explain.
Answer: Indian or Hindustani music was the outcome of the fusion of the Perso-Arabic and Indian classical music styles. New musical instruments such as the tabla, sitar and sarangi were developed during this time. “The famous Persian poet, Amir Khusrau, is believed to have inveted the sitar by combining the South Indian veena with the Persian tanpura. The South Indian drum was probably altered to create the table. ‘The Persian style of chorus singing, known as qawwali, was popularized by the Sufi saints, a group of Muslim mystics, who became popular during this period. They sang devotional songs at their religious meetings.Kathak, a new dance form that also developed during this time, combines Hindu themes with Persian customes.
The Sultanate was a time when artists from different backgrounds collaborated to create something completely new. This era gave us some of the most iconic parts of modern Indian performing arts.
Teacher's Tip: Think of music and dance as the "Best Teamwork" between two cultures.
Exam Tip: Mention the instruments "Tabla, Sitar, and Sarangi" as physical proof of the fusion.

Question 5: Explain how new customs and practices changed the traditional lifestyle of the Indians.
Answer: New customs and practices changed the traditional lifestyle of the Indians. Hindus and Muslims wore pyjama-kurtas, kaftans and salwar-kameez and continue doing so to this day. New types of foods such as biryani, bread and wine became a part of Indian cuisine.
These changes made Indian daily life much more diverse and colorful. The clothing styles introduced during this time are still worn by millions of people across the world today.
Teacher's Tip: Our "Daily Life" is a direct result of these historical changes.
Exam Tip: Use "Biryani" and "Salwar-kameez" as familiar examples to explain the lifestyle shift.

G Picture study:

This is a picture of a musical instrument used in Hindustani classical music. The name is derived from the Persian words—‘seh’ (meaning ‘three’) and tar’ (meaning ‘strings’).

1. Identify the muscial instrument.
Answer: Sitar.
The Sitar is a plucked string instrument with a long neck and a rounded body. It is famous for its shimmering, resonant sound and is a lead instrument in classical concerts.
Teacher's Tip: The word "Seh-tar" gives away the answer – it means 3 strings!
Exam Tip: Spelling "Sitar" correctly is all you need for this point.

2. During which period in medieval Indian history was this instrument invented?
Answer: During Delhi Sultanate.
This was a time of immense cultural innovation when Persian and Indian musicians shared their knowledge. The invention of the Sitar marked a new era in Indian string music.
Teacher's Tip: It was invented when the "Sultans" ruled Delhi.
Exam Tip: Mention the "Delhi Sultanate" specifically as the time period.

3. By whom and how was it invented?
Answer: Amir Khusrau.
He used his deep knowledge of both Persian and Indian music to create an instrument that could play styles from both traditions. He essentially simplified and modified older instruments to make the Sitar.
Teacher's Tip: Amir Khusrau is the "Hero" of medieval music.
Exam Tip: Name the person "Amir Khusrau" clearly.

4. Name two other musical instruments that were developed during this period
Answer: Tabla, Sarangi.
The Tabla is the most popular percussion instrument in North India, and the Sarangi is a bowed instrument known for sounding like a human voice. Both are essential parts of the Hindustani music tradition.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the "T" and "S" instruments: Tabla and Sarangi.
Exam Tip: You only need to name "two" instruments to get full marks.