Focus On Solutions for ICSE Class 7 History Civics Chapter 9 Jahangir Shah Jahan And Aurangzeb

Important Words

The chain of justice
The chain of justice is said to be a chain installed by Jahangir. It was made of pure gold with 60 bells attached to it, between the palace and the banks of the river Yamuna. Anyone could ring the bell and seek justice.
This unique system ensured that any subject could directly appeal to the Emperor for help. It symbolized that the King was always available to protect his people from unfair treatment.
Teacher's Tip: Imagine the chain as a royal "emergency alarm" for the public.
Exam Tip: For full marks, mention both the number of bells (60) and the material (pure gold).

Engineer King
Engineer King is the name by which Shah Jahan is known, as his patronage of architecture is one of the most important characteristics of his reign.
Shah Jahan took a personal interest in the design and materials used for his grand monuments. His era saw the peak of Mughal art, with buildings focusing on symmetry and marble decoration.
Teacher's Tip: Associate "Engineer" with "Expert" builder to remember it is Shah Jahan.
Exam Tip: Use this title when describing Shah Jahan's contribution to the Golden Age of architecture.

Shahjahanabad
Shahjahanabad was a new capital city build by Shah Jahan. Now, it is known as Old Delhi.
The city was built with high walls and several grand gates to provide safety and structure. It served as the heart of the Mughal Empire for many years after Agra was the capital.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that Old Delhi and Shahjahanabad are the same place.
Exam Tip: If asked about the capital shift, mention that Shah Jahan moved his seat of power here.

Time To Learn

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, shows a variety of cultural influences.
2. Jahangir installed a chain of justice for the seekers of justice.
3. The treaty of Purandhar was signed between Mughals and Rajput ruler Jain Singh.
4. The original name of Nur Jahan was Mehrunnisa.
5. Bijapur was annexed in AD 1686.
6. Aurangzeb reimposed Jazia and pilgrimage tax.
7. Guru Tegh Bahadur, ninth Sikh guru, was executed on Aurangzeb’s order.
8. The Sikhs were organised into a military force called the Khalsa.

II. Match Column A with Columb B:

Column A
1. Jahangir’s son
2. Guru Arjan Dev
3. Red Fort
4. Nur Jahan
5. Death of Aurangzeb
6. Guru Tegh Bahadur
7. Ajit Singh

Column B
(a) 1707
(b) was the ruler of Marwar.
(c) was martyred at Delhi.
(d) Shah Jahan
(e) was the ambitious queen of Jahangir.
(f) Khusrau revolted during the first year of his reign.
(g) the fifth Sikh guru, was tortured to death by Jahangir.
Answer:
1. (f) Khusrau revolted during the first year of his reign.
2. (g) the fifth Sikh guru, was tortured to death by Jahangir.
3. (d) Shah Jahan
4. (e) was the ambitious queen of Jahangir.
5. (a) 1707
6. (c) was martyred at Delhi.
7. (b) was the ruler of Marwar.
These matching sets connect famous historical figures to the major events that defined their legacy. Understanding these connections helps us trace the relationship between the Mughals and other local powers.
Teacher's Tip: Use a timeline to see how the Sikh Gurus' history overlaps with different Mughal Kings.
Exam Tip: Re-read the full phrase in Column B before finalising your match to avoid confusion.

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

Question 1: Jahangir left the administration in the hands of his queen, Nur Jahan.
Answer: True.
Nur Jahan was a very capable and intelligent ruler who made many government decisions. Jahangir trusted her completely and even issued coins with her name alongside his.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Nur Jahan as the "True Power" behind the throne.
Exam Tip: Mention her administrative skill if asked about her role in history.

Question 2: Nur Jahan’s influence was good and lasting for the Mughal Empire.
Answer: False.
While she was powerful, her political moves often led to jealousy and conflict within the royal family. This internal struggle weakened the empire's unity during Jahangir's later years.
Teacher's Tip: Power struggles usually lead to negative results for an empire.
Exam Tip: When a statement is false, try to remember the reason why (like internal conflict).

Question 3: Shah Jahan had to fight for the throne.
Answer: True.
After Jahangir's death, there was a war of succession between the brothers. Shah Jahan eventually defeated his rivals to secure his place as the Emperor.
Teacher's Tip: Throne fights were very common in Mughal history after a king passed away.
Exam Tip: Use the term "war of succession" to describe these royal fights.

Question 4: Shah Jahan married Mumtaz Mahal, in whose memory the built the Taj.
Answer: True.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in the world and serves as a tomb. It took thousands of workers and many years to complete this white marble masterpiece.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the Taj Mahal as a "Grave of Love."
Exam Tip: Always spell "Mumtaz Mahal" correctly for full marks.

Question 5: Shah Jahan died in AD 1666, as a captive in the fort of Agra.
Answer: True.
Aurangzeb imprisoned his father after winning the battle for the throne. Shah Jahan spent his last eight years looking at the Taj Mahal from his window in the Agra Fort.
Teacher's Tip: Captive means being held like a prisoner.
Exam Tip: Note the location "Agra Fort" as the place where he was kept.

Question 6: Aurangzeb had friendly relation with the Rajputs and the Marathas.
Answer: False.
Aurangzeb's strict and orthodox policies often led to wars with these groups. His constant conflicts in the Deccan drained the empire's resources and created many enemies.
Teacher's Tip: Aurangzeb was more of a "Warrior" than a "Diplomat" compared to Akbar.
Exam Tip: Identify the Rajputs and Marathas as major opponents of Aurangzeb.

Question 7: The Sikhs were hostile to the Mughal Emperor after the execution of the ninth Sikh guru.
Answer: True.
The execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur was a major turning point that changed the Sikhs into a military force. They fought against the Mughals to protect their religion and independence.
Teacher's Tip: Hostile means behaving like an enemy.
Exam Tip: Mention "Guru Tegh Bahadur" to explain the cause of the tension.

Question 8: Aurangzeb died in 1707 in the Red Fort at Delhi.
Answer: False.
He actually died in Ahmednagar in the Deccan region while he was still on military campaigns. His long stay away from Delhi was one of the reasons the administration in the north grew weak.
Teacher's Tip: Aurangzeb spent his last 25 years fighting in the South.
Exam Tip: Remember the year 1707 as the official end of the Great Mughal era.

Question 9: Aurangzeb reimposed .
Answer: True.
[Note: Textbook refers to reimposing Jazia tax]. This tax was forced on non-Muslim subjects, which Akbar had earlier removed to promote unity. This move made Aurangzeb very unpopular among the majority of his people.
Teacher's Tip: Reimpose means to bring back a rule that was gone.
Exam Tip: "Jazia" is the key word to look for when discussing Aurangzeb's taxes.

IV. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: Jahangir is sometimes called a mixture of opposites. Discuss.
Answer: Sometimes Jahangir was needlessly cruel and inflicted punishments disproportionate to the offence committed. For this combination of good qualities and bad qualities of his character some historian have rightly called him as ‘the mixture of opposites’.
While he was a great lover of art and nature, his sudden bursts of anger led to very harsh actions. This duality in his personality made his reign quite different from the stable rule of his father, Akbar.
Teacher's Tip: Think of him as being half-gentle (art) and half-harsh (punishment).
Exam Tip: Use the specific phrase "mixture of opposites" in your conclusion to match the textbook.

Question 2: How did Jahangir deal with the European traders? Name two travellers who visited Jahangir’s court.
Answer: Jahangir was on good terms with the Portuguese traders. He gave them some trade concessions. Captain Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe, visited Jahangir’s court.
Jahangir realized the importance of global trade and allowed the British to set up factories in India. This was the very beginning of the British presence that would later change Indian history forever.
Teacher's Tip: Hawkins and Roe were the first British "ambassadors" to the Mughals.
Exam Tip: Name both Captain Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe to get full marks.

Question 3: The age of Shah Jahan is the Golden Age of Mughal rule. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Yes, The age of Shah Jahan is the Golden Age of Mughal rule. The points describing are as follows:
1. During the regin of Shah Jahan, there was undisturbed peace within the country. There were no foreign threats and Shah Jahan too devoted most of his time in maintaining peace and order in the country. Trade and commerce flourished bringing in lots of wealth. The land was fertile and revenue flowed into the treasury.
2. Shah Jahan carried out many works of public welfare. Roads, canals, bridges, sarais, etc., were constructed for the welfare of the people. Similarly, during the famine and plague he did a lot to relieve the people of their sufferings.
3. Shah Jahan had a natural love for magnificence, which was reflected in the buildings that he constructed. His reign is, in fact, called the Golden Age of the Mughal Architecture. One of the most important buildings constructed by him is the Taj Mahal, which was built in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
His reign is called "Golden" because the empire reached its highest point of wealth and artistic achievement. The peaceful environment allowed people to focus on trade and construction rather than just surviving wars.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the "Three Ps": Peace, Prosperity, and Palaces.
Exam Tip: List "Taj Mahal" as the primary example of architectural brilliance.

Question 4: Describe the religious policy of Aurangzeb. What were its results?
Answer: Aurangzeb’s religious policy had two aspects i.e:
1. To promote the tenets of Islam and to ensure that the people led their lives accordingly.
2. To adopt anti-Hindu measures.
The religious fanaticism of Aurangzeb overshadowed his virtues. His reversal of Akbar’s policy of religious toleration resulted in weakening the entire structure of the Mughal empire. It led to several conflicts and wars in different parts of the country. These conflicts were: 1. Conflict with the Jats 2. Conflict with the Satnamos 3. Conflict with the Sikhs 4. Conflicts with the Rajput’s 5. Conflict with the Marathas. All these rebellions destroyed the peace of the empire, disrupted its economy, weakened the administrative structure, diminished its military strength, led to the failure of Aurangzeb to make any impact. Ultimately all these contributed to the downfall of the Mughal enterprise.
Aurangzeb's strict approach lost him the support of the various groups that had previously helped the Mughals rule peacefully. By fighting everyone at once, he made the empire too weak to survive after his death.
Teacher's Tip: Reversing Akbar's "Peace for All" policy was Aurangzeb's biggest mistake.
Exam Tip: Name at least three groups (like Jats, Sikhs, or Marathas) who rebelled against him.

Question 5: Who were the Sikhs? How did they emerge as a political power?
Answer: Khalsa’s were the sikhs. Open wars started between the Sikhs and the Mughals after Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed on Aurangzeb’s order. Aurangzeb and his successors had to face continous trouble from the sikhs. After Aurangzeb’s death, his successors failed to check the rising power of the Sikhs. The Sikhs gradually emerged as a political power.
Under the leadership of Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikhs transformed from a religious group into a disciplined military community. Their bravery and organization allowed them to eventually establish their own kingdom in the Punjab.
Teacher's Tip: The "Khalsa" was the name of the Sikh military brotherhood.
Exam Tip: Identify the execution of "Guru Tegh Bahadur" as the trigger for the political rise of the Sikhs.

Question 6: Briefly describe aurangzeb’s clash with : (a) the Rajputs, (b) the Marathas, (c) the Sikhs.
Answer: (a) The Rajputs were not well treated by Aurangzeb. Raja Jai Singh and Raja Jaswant Singh were kept away from the court at Delhi. Raja Jai Singh was a loyal general but he was suspected and insulted after the escape of Shivaji.
(b) Conflicts started between the Mughals and the Marathas over the conquest of Bijapur.
(c) The relations between the Sikhs and the Muslims were already strained because of Guru Arjan Dev’s execution at the hands of Jahangir for helping his rebel son. From then onwards, the Sikhs had become the enemies of the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru and son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, continued the policy of his father. He organised the Open wars started between the Sikhs and the Mughals.
These clashes showed that Aurangzeb could no longer rely on the alliances that had built the Mughal Empire. Each group fought hard for their own land and religion, making the empire a constant battlefield.
Teacher's Tip: Divide your answer clearly into the three groups: Rajputs, Marathas, and Sikhs.
Exam Tip: Mention "Raja Jai Singh" when discussing the Rajput clash for specific detail.

Question 7: Why do you think Aurangzeb reimposed some taxes?
Answer: Aurangzeb reimposed Jazia and pilgrimage tax because of his orthodox religious policies.
He believed that as an Islamic ruler, it was his duty to strictly follow traditional religious laws regarding non-Muslims. This decision ignored the political benefits of equality that Akbar had previously established.
Teacher's Tip: Orthodox means following traditional and strict religious rules.
Exam Tip: Always link the reimposition of taxes to Aurangzeb's personal religious beliefs.

Question 8: Explain the factors responsible for the decline of the Mughal empire.
Answer: The factors responsible for the decline of the Mughal empire are:
1. Aurangzeb’s Faulty Policies: Aurangzeb followed an orthodox religious policy. He reimposed Jazia and pilgrimage tax. Thus, he antagonised not only the Hindus but also the Muslims. He also made enemies of communities like the Jats, Sikhs and the Marathas.
2. Aurangzeb’s Deccan Policy: The conquests of Bijapur and Golconda made the empire too big to be administered efficiently. Moreover, Aurangzeb’s long stay in the Deccan (almost 25 years) neglected the administration of his empire in the North. His absence also helped the rise of the Maratha power.
3. Weak Successors: Aurangzeb’s successors were incompetent and weak, and they could not suppress the revolts or control the nobles. They become too ambitious, and independent. Eventually, the governors of the Deccan, Awadh and Bengal declared themselves as independent rulers.
4. Empty Treasury: Aurangzeb maintained a large standing army. But his long wars in the Deccan caused a big drain on the state treasury. Thus, after the death of Aurangzeb (AD 1707), the treasury became empty and the later Mughal rulers were unable to pay the soldiers and officers and meet their expenses.
The empire became too large to manage and too poor to defend itself. When the leaders became weak, the governors of distant regions decided to start their own separate kingdoms.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "Policies, Deccan, Successors, Treasury" as the four main reasons.
Exam Tip: Mention the date 1707 (Aurangzeb's death) as the starting point of the major decline.

V. Write a short note on

Question 1: Aurangzeb’s Deccan Campaigns
Answer: Aurangzeb wanted to crush the growing powers of the Maratha’s. As these people were very strong and courageous and they also did not accept the over lordship of the ruler. This empire was also very vast and prosperous, so Aurangzeb wanted to have it under his control.
He spent the last 25 years of his life in the South, away from the capital city of Delhi. This long absence allowed many rebellions to grow in the North while his treasury was being emptied by the war.
Teacher's Tip: The Deccan campaigns were a "black hole" that swallowed Mughal money and power.
Exam Tip: Mention the "Marathas" as the primary force Aurangzeb fought in the Deccan.

Question 2: Abdali’s invasion on India
Answer: Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India several times between 1747 and 1767. He gave a crushing defeat to the Marathas in 1761 in the third Battle of Panipat. The Marathas could not regain their past power ever again.
This invasion came at a time when the Mughal Empire was already very weak and could not protect its borders. The defeat of the Marathas by Abdali created a power vacuum that eventually helped the British take over India.
Teacher's Tip: Abdali came from Afghanistan to take advantage of India's weakness.
Exam Tip: Associate Ahmad Shah Abdali with the "Third Battle of Panipat (1761)."

Additional Questions (Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb)

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. Nur Jahan became the virtual ruler of the Mughal empire.
2. During the final years of Jahangir’s reign, there was a power struggle between Nur Jahan and Shah Jahan.
3. Shah Jahan’s reign is often referred to as the Golden Age of the Mughal empire.
4. Aurangzeb spent the first half of his reign in the North and the second half in the Deccan.
5. Aurangzeb spent the last twenty six years of his reign fighting against the Marathas and the Sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda.

B. Match the following:

Column A
1. Salim
2. Khusrau
3. Nur Jahan
4. Taj Mahal
5. Mumtaz Mahal
6. Red Fort
Column B
(a) son of Jahangir
(b) wife of Shah Jahan
(c) red sandstone
(d) son of Akbar
(e) wife of Jahangir
(f) white marble
Answer:
1. Salim - (d) son of Akbar
2. Khusrau - (a) son of Jahangir
3. Nur Jahan - (e) wife of Jahangir
4. Taj Mahal - (f) white marble
5. Mumtaz Mahal - (b) wife of Shah Jahan
6. Red Fort - (c) red sandstone
Matching these names and materials helps us understand the personal relationships and artistic choices of the Mughal rulers. Knowing that Salim was the childhood name of Jahangir is essential for connecting his early life to his reign.
Teacher's Tip: Salim = Jahangir; Khurram = Shah Jahan. Use their birth names to remember their families.
Exam Tip: Match "Red Fort" with "Red sandstone" and "Taj Mahal" with "White marble" as a rule of thumb.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1: The foundations laid by Akbar/Babur/Humayun were so strong that Jahangir did not have any major problems maintaining the empire.
Answer: The foundations laid by Akbar were so strong that Jahangir did not have any major problems maintaining the empire.
Akbar created a stable tax system and built strong alliances that Jahangir simply had to follow. This allowed Jahangir to focus more on arts and gardening than on constant warfare.
Teacher's Tip: Akbar was the "Empire Builder," Jahangir was the "Empire Maintainer."
Exam Tip: Always pick "Akbar" as the ruler who stabilized the Mughal government.

Question 2: Shah Jahan built the magnificent Agra Fort/Taj Mahal/ Red Fort in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Answer: Shah Jahan built the magnificent Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
While he lived in the Red Fort and expanded the Agra Fort, the Taj Mahal was specifically built as a mausoleum for his queen. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.
Teacher's Tip: Memory of wife = Taj Mahal.
Exam Tip: Distinguish between buildings built for residence (Red Fort) and those built for memory (Taj Mahal).

Question 3: Shah Jahan built a new city called Fatehpur Sikri/ Daulatabad/Shahjahanabad.
Answer: Shah Jahan built a new city called Shahjahanabad.
He moved the capital to this city from Agra because it had more space and better access to water. The city featured grand mosques and markets that still exist today.
Teacher's Tip: Look for "Shah Jahan" in the name "Shahjahanabad."
Exam Tip: Note that Shahjahanabad is the historical name of Old Delhi.

Question 4: Aurangzeb’s reign can be roughly divided into four/ three/two
Answer: Aurangzeb’s reign can be roughly divided into two periods.
The first half was focused on conquering territories in Northern India and securing the borders. The second half was a long, exhausting struggle to bring the Deccan sultanates and Marathas under Mughal control.
Teacher's Tip: Think of his reign as "North Phase" and "Deccan Phase."
Exam Tip: Choose "two" to describe the major geographical split in his ruling years.

Question 5: One of the most serious challenges faced by Aurangzeb came from the Sikhs/Marathas/Rajputs in the Deccan.
Answer: One of the most serious challenges faced by Aurangzeb came from the Marathas in the Deccan.
Led by leaders like Shivaji, the Marathas used guerrilla warfare to fight the much larger Mughal army. They were very familiar with the local geography and refused to give up their freedom.
Teacher's Tip: The Deccan and the Marathas go together in Aurangzeb's history.
Exam Tip: Use the word "Marathas" specifically when referring to the Deccan challenge.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. Jahangir defeated the Rana of Mewar.
Answer: True.
Jahangir succeeded where Akbar had struggled for many years. Although he defeated Mewar, he allowed the Rana to keep his lands as long as he accepted the Emperor's authority.
Teacher's Tip: This victory finally ended the long-standing war between the Mughals and Mewar.
Exam Tip: Note that this was a "military defeat but diplomatic peace."

2. Jahangir is said to have installed a chain of justice.
Answer: True.
The chain allowed common people to bypass corrupt officials and talk directly to the Emperor. It was a sign that Jahangir valued the happiness and safety of his subjects.
Teacher's Tip: Think of it as the 17th-century version of an "open door policy."
Exam Tip: Link "Chain of Justice" directly to "Jahangir."

3. The Peacock Throne was taken to Persia by Nadir Shah.
Answer: True.
This legendary throne was encrusted with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. It was stolen during an invasion long after the Great Mughal kings had passed away.
Teacher's Tip: The Peacock Throne was the most expensive seat in history!
Exam Tip: Associate the loss of the throne with the Persian king "Nadir Shah."

4. The Jama Masjid is said to be the most perfect of Jahangir’s buildings.
Answer: False. Correct: The Jama Masjid is said to be the most perfect of Shah Jahan’s buildings.
Shah Jahan was the one who built the grand Jama Masjid in Delhi using red sandstone and white marble. It remains one of the largest mosques in India.
Teacher's Tip: Most grand buildings in Delhi were built by Shah Jahan, not Jahangir.
Exam Tip: Always attribute the major architectural wonders of Delhi/Agra to Shah Jahan.

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

Question 1: Why did Jahangir not face any major problems in maintaining his large empire?
Answer: The foundations laid by Akbar were so strong that Jahangir did not have any major problems maintaining the empire.
Akbar's hard work in creating a stable and fair government meant that the country could run almost automatically for a few years. Jahangir benefited from the peace and wealth that his father had established.
Teacher's Tip: It's easier to run a business that is already successful.
Exam Tip: Mention "Akbar" as the person who laid the foundations.

Question 2: Name Jahangir’s son who rebelled against him.
Answer: The rebellion of his eldest son, Khusrau.
Khusrau was supported by some powerful nobles who thought he would be a better king. Jahangir had to fight a war against his own son to keep his throne.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the name "Khusrau" - he was the first to revolt.
Exam Tip: Use "eldest son" to specify which son it was.

Question 3: Why is Shah Jahan known as the Engineer King?
Answer: Shah Jahan is known as Engineer King due to his work in the field of architecture. During his time magnificent buildings were constructed which are remembered still now. Some of the finest examples of monuments during his reign are - the magnificent Taj Mahal at Agra, the Moti Masjid at Agra Fort and the dignified Jama Masjid at Delhi.
He didn't just pay for buildings; he was actively involved in their design and planning. His passion for construction changed the skyline of India's major cities forever.
Teacher's Tip: Engineer = Builder. Shah Jahan = Great Builder.
Exam Tip: List at least two buildings like the "Taj Mahal" and "Jama Masjid" as proof.

Question 4: Which fort did Shah Jahan build in the new city of Shahjahanabad?
Answer: Red Fort.
Built from massive slabs of red sandstone, this fort served as the home of the Mughal emperors for 200 years. It contains beautiful halls and gardens that show the luxury of the Mughal court.
Teacher's Tip: The Red Fort is in Delhi and is where we celebrate Independence Day today.
Exam Tip: Simply identify it as the "Red Fort."

Question 5: Who succeeded Shah Jahan as the Mughal emperor?
Answer: Shah Jahan’s third son, Aurangzeb.
Aurangzeb took the throne after a violent struggle with his brothers. He ruled for almost 50 years, which was one of the longest reigns in Mughal history.
Teacher's Tip: Aurangzeb was the "Last of the Great Mughals."
Exam Tip: Mention he was the "third son" for added detail.

Question 6: State any one major cause of the decline of the Mughal empire.
Answer: He spent too much money on military expeditions and building magnificent monuments which drained the royal treasury.
By the time Aurangzeb died, there was almost no money left to pay the army or fix the roads. Without a strong economy, the empire could not stop its enemies from taking over.
Teacher's Tip: An "Empty Wallet" leads to a "Weak Ruler."
Exam Tip: Use the term "drained the royal treasury" to sound like a history expert.

Question 7: What was the nature of Aurangzeb’s Rajput policy in the early years of his reign?
Answer: During the early years of his reign, Aurangzeb followed Akbar’s policy of friendship with the Rajputs. He granted the Rajput rulers high mansabs and tried to win their support.
He knew that the Rajputs were the best warriors in India and he needed them to keep his empire safe. However, this friendship changed later when he became more strict about religious laws.
Teacher's Tip: He started as a friend (Akbar style) but ended as a foe.
Exam Tip: Use the term "high mansabs" (high ranks) to describe how he rewarded them.

Question 8: What were the objectives of Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy?
Answer: Aurangzeb wanted to crush the growing powers of the Maratha’s. As these people were very strong and courageous and they also did not accept the overlordship of the ruler. This empire was also very vast and prosperous, so Aurangzeb wanted to have it under his control.
He believed that to truly rule India, he had to completely defeat the kingdoms in the South. This obsession with the Deccan kept him away from Northern India for decades.
Teacher's Tip: Objective = A goal you want to reach. His goal was to beat the Marathas.
Exam Tip: Mention that the Marathas "did not accept the overlordship" of the Mughals.

Question 9: Why did the annexation of Bijapur and Golconda prove harmful for the Mughal empire?
Answer: It became too vast and unwieldy and brought the Mughals into direct contact with the Marathas.
Instead of ending the war, these victories just created new borders that were hard to defend. The Mughals now had to fight the Marathas directly without any "buffer" states in between.
Teacher's Tip: Unwieldy means something that is too big and heavy to handle easily.
Exam Tip: Use the word "unwieldy" to describe the size of the empire after annexation.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: Jahangir fulfilled Akbar’s unrealized imperial dreams by conquering Mewar. Explain.
Answer: Jahangir sent an expedition against Rana Amar Singh of Mewar who, like his father, Rana Pratap Singh, had refused to acknowledge the overlordship of the Mughal emperor. The Rana of Mewar was defeated. He pledged his loyalty to Jahangir, who treated him with courtesy. He allowed the Rana to retain his territory and appointed his son, Kama, as a military commander in the imperial army. The submission of Mewar established the paramountcy of Mughal authority in Rajputana and marked the fall of the last bastion of Rajput resistance.
By using both strength and kindness, Jahangir brought a 100-year conflict to a peaceful end. This allowed the Rajputs to serve the Mughals with honor while keeping their own pride.
Teacher's Tip: Jahangir used "soft power" to win over a "hard enemy."
Exam Tip: Mention "Rana Amar Singh" as the person who finally submitted.

Question 2: To what extent were Jahangir’s Deccan campaigns successful?
Answer: Jahangir sent an expedition under Prince Khurram who managed to recapture the fort of Ahmadnagar. Prince Khurram was honoured with the title of Shah Jahan (Lord of the World). The war continued and by the end of Jahangir’s reign, Ahmadnagar reasserted its independence and remained outside Mughal control.
The success was only temporary because the Mughal army could not stay in the South forever. As soon as the main army left, the local rulers fought back and won their freedom again.
Teacher's Tip: Success was limited because it didn't last very long.
Exam Tip: Mention that Khurram received the title "Shah Jahan" after this campaign.

Question 3: What qualities did Nur Jahan possess to make her worthy of her name?
Answer: Nur Jahan means-light of the world and according to her name she possessed all the qualities like she was intelligent, beautiful, educated and cultured. She was a good poet and designer too. She designed new varieties of fabrics and jewellery. She was also strong and courageous and helped Jahangir to take decisions in matters related to the government.
She was much more than just a Queen; she was a brilliant administrator who understood how to run a country. Her influence helped Jahangir maintain the empire when his own health was failing.
Teacher's Tip: "Nur" = Light, "Jahan" = World. She was the "Star" of the court.
Exam Tip: List her different talents like "poetry," "designing," and "courage."

Question 4: Nur Jahan was very ambitious and eventually became the power behind the throne. Explain.
Answer: Nur Jahan was ambitious and soon became the power behind the throne. Jahangir consulted her on all matters concerning the affairs of the government. Nur Jahan soon became the virtual ruler of the Mughal empire. Graudally, Jahangir left the administration in her hands and spent his time indulging in his addiction to wine and opium. Coins began to be issued jointly in the name of Jahangir and Nur Jahan. Nur Jahan used her position and influence to appoint her father, brother and other relatives to important posts in the administration. Her niece, Mumtaz Mahal, was married to Jahangir’s third son, Khurram (Shah Jahan).
She ensured that her family was in charge of all the important departments of the government. This made her so powerful that almost no decision could be made without her permission.
Teacher's Tip: "Virtual ruler" means she acted as the King in everything but name.
Exam Tip: Mention that coins were issued in her name as proof of her power.

Question 5: Shah Jahan’s reign was an age of splendour and cultural brilliance. In this context, discuss: (a) Taj Mahal (b) Red Fort
Answer: (a) Taj Mahal: It took more than 20 years to complete the Taj Mahal, at a cost of one crore rupees at that time. It is made of pure white marble and is lavishly decorated with semi-precious stones and lace-like screens. It is an octagonal monument with a splendid dome and four slender minerals, set in a beautiful garden, (b) Red Fort: This building is made of red sandstone. There are many splendid buildings inside the Red Fort. The Diwan-i-Khas is the most impressive. Its ceiling is made of silver. Its walls are made of marble and decorated with gold and semi-precious stones.
Shah Jahan used the best materials and the smartest artists to create structures that are still famous today. These buildings show that the Mughal Empire was incredibly wealthy and artistic during his time.
Teacher's Tip: White marble = Taj Mahal; Red sandstone = Red Fort.
Exam Tip: Use the word "splendid" or "magnificent" to describe his architecture style.

Question 6: Why did Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign against the Marathas prove to be a ruinous misadventure? What were the long-term consequences of this campaign?
Answer: The Deccan campaign proved to be a ruinous misadventure that showed lack of political wisdom. Suspicious by nature, he did not trust his sons and nobles. His officials were like puppets on strings. Aurangzeb’s supervision of every department often bordered on interference. His policy of discrimination between his subjects on grounds of faith also made him unpopular. He was a man of unshakeable convictions and tried very hard to reach his goals by doing what he thought was right. As he lay on his deathbed, he wrote several letters to his son. In one letter he wrote, ‘I know not who I am or why I came into the world … I have not done well for the country or its people . . . I know what punishment will be in store for me to suffer.’ During the first half of the 19th century ce, the great Mughal empire decayed and disintegrated. The Mughal emperors lost their power and glory and their vast empire finally shrank to a few square miles around Delhi.
Aurangzeb stayed in the South for too long, which left the rest of the empire without a strong leader. By the time he realized his mistakes, the treasury was empty and his enemies were too strong to stop.
Teacher's Tip: Misadventure means a plan that went terribly wrong.
Exam Tip: Mention the "empty treasury" and "disintegration" as long-term results.

Question 7: Why did Aurangzeb fail as a ruler?
Answer: Aurangzeb possessed qualities of an ideal man but he was failure as a ruler. Like his father he was not able to follow the policy of religious tolerance and friendship. His list of enemies not only included Rajput’s but also Sikhs and the Marathas. He was also very suspicious by nature, which was not liked by his officials. His policy of discrimination with his subjects also made him an unpopular ruler.
He was a very hard worker and lived a simple life, but he was too rigid and did not understand how to make friends with different groups. Because he tried to control everything himself, his officials felt they were not trusted.
Teacher's Tip: A good ruler needs to be "Liked" as well as "Feared."
Exam Tip: Contrast him with Akbar to explain why his "intolerance" led to failure.

Question 8: Briefly explain the negative aspects of Shah Jahan’s reign that eventually led to the decline of the Mughal empire.
Answer: The policy of religious tolerance and friendship with the Rajputs was continued by Shah Jahan. Behind the glamour and the glitter of Shah Jahan’s reign, however, lurked some disturbing shadows.
1. Shah Jahan’s military expeditions to Central Asia and Kandahar and the extravagant building projects drained the royal treasury.
2. To improve the country’s financial resources, heavier taxes were imposed on the peasantry.
3. According to Bernier, the French traveller, many villages were mined and left desolate. This setback to agriculture became a major cause of the decline of the Mughal empire.
4. The failure of military campaigns during this period was an indication of the decline of the military might of the Mughals.
5. The administrative machinery had grown in size but corruption had crept in.
Even though his reign looked beautiful, it was becoming too expensive to maintain. The heavy taxes made the farmers poor, and the army was starting to lose battles against foreign powers.
Teacher's Tip: "Shadows" refers to the hidden problems behind the beautiful "Glitter."
Exam Tip: Mention "Bernier" (the traveler) to add historical evidence to your answer.

G Picture study: This is a picture of a 17th century-CE monument, built in red sandstone by a Mughal emperor.

Question 1: Identify the monument.
Answer: Red Fort.
This fort is located in Delhi and is made of solid red sandstone walls. It is a symbol of India's history and power.
Teacher's Tip: Look for the distinctive red color and the long battlements.
Exam Tip: Simply name it "Red Fort."

Question 2: Where is it located?
Answer: Old Delhi.
In the 17th century, this area was known as Shahjahanabad. Today, it is a bustling part of the capital city of India.
Teacher's Tip: Old Delhi and the Red Fort go together.
Exam Tip: Provide the modern name "Delhi" or "Old Delhi."

Question 3: Who built this monuments?
Answer: Shah Jahan.
He built it to be his new royal residence after moving his capital. It took almost nine years to finish this massive construction.
Teacher's Tip: Shah Jahan = The Architect King.
Exam Tip: Always associate the Red Fort in Delhi with Shah Jahan.

Question 4: Name two important buildings inside this monument.
Answer: (a) Diwan-i-Khas (b) Diwan-i-Aam
These halls were used for meetings with the public and with special royal guests. They were decorated with the finest jewels and carvings.
Teacher's Tip: Khas = Private, Aam = Public.
Exam Tip: Use both names (a) and (b) for a complete answer.

Question 5: Mention its important features.
Answer: Important features are as: The Diwan-i-Khas is the most impressive. Its ceiling is made of silver and its walls are made of marble decorated with gold and semi-precious stones. Diwan-i-Aam was Shah Jahan’s Peacock Throne. It had a canopy supported by twelve emerald pillars, each bearing two peacocks studded with gems. This golden throne, which took 7 years to complete, was taken to Persia by Nadir Shah in 1739 ce.
The fort was not just a military building but a beautiful palace. The use of silver, gold, and emeralds showed the extreme wealth of the Mughals at that time.
Teacher's Tip: The Peacock Throne is the most "Royal" feature mentioned.
Exam Tip: Mention the "Peacock Throne" and the "silver ceiling" as key features.