Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 7 History Civics Chapter 8 Babur Humayun And Sher Shah

EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

Question 1: Babur lost both Farghana and Samarkand and became a homeless wanderer. In 1504 CE, he became the ruler of Kabul.
Answer: Farghana, Samarkand, 1504 CE.
Babur faced many hardships in his early life after losing his ancestral kingdom in Central Asia. Despite being a wanderer, his determination allowed him to establish a new base in Afghanistan which eventually led him to India.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the sequence: Lost two (Farghana, Samarkand), Gained one (Kabul).
Exam Tip: Always mention "CE" with historical dates to represent the Common Era correctly.

Question 2: Humayun lacked the qualities necessary to consolidate the vast empire he had inherited.
Answer: qualities, consolidate.
Humayun was a kind man, but he was not as strong a military leader as his father. He struggled to keep the different parts of the empire together while facing threats from all sides.
Teacher's Tip: Associate Humayun with the word 'unsteady' to remember his struggle to hold power.
Exam Tip: When using the word "consolidate," remember it means to make something stronger and more solid.

Question 3: Sher Shah based his administration on the principle of a welfare state.
Answer: welfare.
Sher Shah believed that the primary duty of a ruler was to take care of the happiness and needs of his people. He introduced reforms in every part of government to help the common citizens.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Sher Shah as the "Public Helper" king of medieval India.
Exam Tip: A "welfare state" is a government that looks after the well-being of all its people.

Question 4: Sher Shah went on regular tours of inspection and set up an efficient spy system.
Answer: tours, spy.
To ensure that his officials were honest, Sher Shah traveled frequently to see things for himself. The spy system kept him informed about everything happening in even the furthest corners of his kingdom.
Teacher's Tip: Use the phrase "Eyes and Ears" to remember how he monitored his empire.
Exam Tip: Mentioning the "spy system" is crucial when discussing the efficiency of Sher Shah's administration.

Question 5: Sher Shah established a large standing army and introduced several reforms to make it disciplined, efficient and strong.
Answer: standing, disciplined, efficient, strong.
He paid his soldiers well and trained them strictly to ensure they were always ready for battle. These military reforms helped him defeat the Mughal forces and maintain order across India.
Teacher's Tip: A "standing army" means the soldiers are always ready and permanently employed.
Exam Tip: Use descriptive adjectives like "disciplined" to get higher marks in administrative answers.

B. Match the following :

A
1. First Battle of Panipat
2. Battle of Khanwa
3. Battle of Ghagra
4. Akbar
5. Kamran
B
(a) Defeat of the Rajput confederacy
(b) Humayun's son
(c) Humayun's brother
(d) 1526 CE
(e) Babur's victory over the Afghans
Answer:
1. First Battle of Panipat - (d) 1526 CE
2. Battle of Khanwa - (a) Defeat of the Rajput confederacy
3. Battle of Ghagra - (e) Babur's victory over the Afghans
4. Akbar - (b) Humayun's son
5. Kamran - (c) Humayun's brother
This matching exercise connects key battles and historical relationships from the Mughal period. Understanding these connections helps you visualize the timeline of how the Mughal Empire was built.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the sequence of Babur's battles: P-K-C-G (Panipat, Khanwa, Chanderi, Ghagra).
Exam Tip: In matching questions, double-check that you haven't used the same letter twice.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1: In 1522 CE, Ibrahim Lodi/Sher Khan Suri/Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to invade India.
Answer: In 1522 CE, Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to invade India.
Daulat Khan Lodi was unhappy with Ibrahim Lodi's rule and thought Babur would just loot and leave. This invitation gave Babur the opportunity he needed to enter the heart of Hindustan.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Daulat Khan as the "Gatekeeper" who let Babur into India.
Exam Tip: Focus on the name "Daulat" as the person who felt betrayed by the Sultan.

Question 2: With the help of the Shah of Persia/Afghanistan/Sind, Humayun returned to India in the year 1555 CE.
Answer: With the help of the Shah of Persia, Humayun returned to India in the year 1555 CE.
During his exile, Humayun sought refuge and military support from the powerful Safavid dynasty in Iran. This alliance provided him with the troops necessary to reclaim his lost throne in Delhi.
Teacher's Tip: Match "P" for Persia with the "Power" Humayun needed to return.
Exam Tip: Remember the year 1555 as the "Year of Return" for the Mughals.

Question 3: Sher Shah divided his empire into 47 sarkars/parganas/ villages.
Answer: Sher Shah divided his empire into 47 sarkars.
Sher Shah organized his vast kingdom into administrative units called 'Sarkars' to manage them more easily. These units were further divided into smaller districts to ensure better local control.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Sarkars" as large states and "Parganas" as smaller districts.
Exam Tip: Be careful with the number; it is specifically 47 sarkars.

Question 4: The rupia introduced by Sher Shah was made of gold/ silver/copper.
Answer: The rupia introduced by Sher Shah was made of silver.
Sher Shah's silver 'Rupia' was a high-quality coin that became the standard for Indian currency for many centuries. It was so well-made that it even influenced the modern Indian Rupee we use today.
Teacher's Tip: Associate "Sher" with "Silver" (both start with the 'S' sound).
Exam Tip: Note that Sher Shah also issued copper coins called 'Dam', but the silver one was the Rupia.

Question 5: Sher Shah's greatest achievement was the construction of new roads/issuing of coins/his revenue system.
Answer: Sher Shah's greatest achievement was his revenue system.
His method of measuring land and collecting fair taxes helped both the farmers and the government treasury. This system was so efficient that even later rulers like Akbar used it as a model.
Teacher's Tip: "Revenue" means the money the government earns from taxes.
Exam Tip: While he built great roads, his "revenue system" is considered his greatest administrative gift to history.

D. State whether the following are true or false :

Question 1: Babur was a descendant of Timur and Chenghiz Khan.
Answer: True.
Babur had royal blood from two of the most famous conquerors in history: the Turks and the Mongols. This heritage gave him great pride and influenced his military strategies.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Babur as a "Hero of two bloodlines."
Exam Tip: Mentioning both ancestors shows you understand the dual heritage of the Mughal dynasty.

Question 2: Babur's war-weary and homesick soldiers wanted to return to Kabul after the Battle of Panipat.
Answer: True.
The hot climate of India and the long distance from home made the soldiers tired and eager to leave. Babur had to give a great speech and distribute riches to convince them to stay.
Teacher's Tip: Imagine the soldiers missing the cool mountains of Kabul while sweating in the Indian heat.
Exam Tip: Use the term "homesick" to explain the soldiers' motivation to leave.

Question 3: Babur won the Battle of Khanwa through treachery and cunning.
Answer: False.
Correct : Babur won the Battle of Khanwa with his superior artillery and covering.
Babur's success came from his use of gunpowder and cannons, which were new technologies in India at the time. His disciplined army and tactical maneuvers were too strong for the Rajput soldiers to overcome.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that Babur used "Modern Weapons" (artillery) to win his battles.
Exam Tip: For False statements, always provide the correct fact to show deeper understanding.

Question 4: Sher Shah ruled for 15 years.
Answer: False.
Correct : Sher Shah ruled for 5 years.
Sher Shah's actual reign as emperor was very short, lasting only from 1540 to 1545. However, he achieved so much during those five years that he is considered one of India's greatest rulers.
Teacher's Tip: Think of how much work you can do in 5 days; Sher Shah did that for his whole empire.
Exam Tip: Don't confuse the 15 years Humayun spent in exile with the 5 years Sher Shah ruled.

Question 5: To prevent the officers from becoming corrupt, Sher Shah introduced the system of periodical transfers.
Answer: True.
By moving officials from one place to another every few years, he prevented them from becoming too powerful in one region. This kept the administration honest and focused on serving the king's orders.
Teacher's Tip: Transferring people is like mixing a deck of cards; it keeps things fair.
Exam Tip: Mention "periodical transfers" as a method of maintaining honesty in government.

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

Question 1: Why did Daulat Khan Lodi invite Babur to invade India?
Answer: In 1522 CE, Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to invade India and help him overthrow Ibrahim Lodi, the cruel and unpopular sultan of Delhi.
The Afghan nobles were fed up with the harsh attitude of Ibrahim Lodi and wanted a change. They hoped that Babur would remove the Sultan and leave them in charge, though Babur had other plans.
Teacher's Tip: Think of this as a "Revenge Invitation" from the local nobles.
Exam Tip: Include the date 1522 CE to make your answer more precise.

Question 2: Between whom was the First Battle of Panipat fought?
Answer: Babur and Ibrahim Lodi came face-to-face at Panipat in 1526 CE.
This battle featured a massive army of the Lodi Sultan against the smaller but technologically advanced Mughal force. It marked the definitive end of the Delhi Sultanate.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "Babur vs Lodi" as the fight for the crown of India.
Exam Tip: Always mention the year 1526 CE as it is one of the most important dates in Indian history.

Question 3: What was the significance of the Battle of Panipat (1526 CE)?
Answer: After the First Battle of Panipat Delhi came under the rule of Babur and he was declared the emperor of Hindustan.
This victory gave Babur control over the most important cities of Delhi and Agra. It was the moment when the Mughal Dynasty officially began its long rule over the subcontinent.
Teacher's Tip: Significance means "Why it matters" - and this battle started the Mughals!
Exam Tip: Use the title "Emperor of Hindustan" to describe Babur's new status.

Question 4: What is the name of Babur's autobiography?
Answer: Tuzuk-i-Baburi it is written in flawless Turkish, and considered to be one of the best autobiographies in the world.
Babur was not just a warrior but also a great writer who described birds, animals, and flowers in detail. This book gives us a very personal look into his thoughts and his view of the world.
Teacher's Tip: "Tuzuk" means memoirs or a personal record.
Exam Tip: Remember the language was Turkish; this is a common trick question as later Mughals used Persian.

Question 5: Who was Humayun's most dangerous enemy?
Answer: Sher Khan was Humayun's most dangerous enemy.
Sher Khan (later known as Sher Shah) was a brilliant Afghan general who outsmarted Humayun at every turn. His military skill eventually forced the Mughal emperor to flee India for fifteen years.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Sher Shah as the "Lion" who chased the "Fortunate" Humayun away.
Exam Tip: You can refer to him as either Sher Khan or Sher Shah Suri; both are correct.

Question 6: How did Humayun escape after his deafeat in the Battle of Chausa (1539 CE)?
Answer: Humayun jumped into the Ganga and floated down the river with the help of a water carrier's inflated water bag.
This was a very lucky escape for the emperor, who would have otherwise been captured or drowned. He later showed his gratitude by letting the water carrier sit on the throne for half a day.
Teacher's Tip: Imagine the emperor hanging onto a bag of air to stay alive in the big river.
Exam Tip: Mention the "inflated water bag" to show you know the specific detail of the escape.

Question 7: How many years did Humayun spend in exile?
Answer: 15 years (1540-55 CE), Humayun wandered about from place to place in search of shelter.
During this difficult time, he traveled through the deserts of Sind and eventually reached the safety of Persia. This long period of exile tested his patience and taught him how to be a better ruler.
Teacher's Tip: 15 years is the time between being forced out and coming back.
Exam Tip: State the date range 1540-55 CE to provide a complete answer.

Question 8: Who helped Humayan to recover Kabul and Kandahar?
Answer: Shah of Persia helped Humayun and he recovered Kabul and Kandahar from his brother Kamran.
The Persian King provided Humayun with a strong army and supplies in exchange for help and political friendship. Reclaiming these cities was the first step toward winning back his empire in India.
Teacher's Tip: Persia was Humayun's "Big Brother" helper during his time of need.
Exam Tip: Be sure to mention both Kabul and Kandahar as the cities recovered.

Question 9: What is the significance of the Battle of Kanauj (1540 CE)?
Answer: The large but fragile Mughal empire came to an end and was replaced by Afghan rule.
This battle was the final blow that completely removed the Mughals from power in India. It allowed Sher Shah Suri to establish the Suri Dynasty and rule from Delhi.
Teacher's Tip: Kanauj was the "Final Exit" for Humayun before his long exile.
Exam Tip: Contrast "Mughal rule" with "Afghan rule" to show the historical shift.

Question 10: How were the affairs of the villages managed during Sher Shah's reign?
Answer: The villages were looked after by the panchayats composed of village elders. Sher Shah himself kept in touch with the villages through village officials like patwaris and muqaddam.
This system gave local people a voice in their own government while keeping them connected to the king. It ensured that disputes were settled quickly and taxes were collected fairly at the local level.
Teacher's Tip: Panchayats are like the "Councils of Wisdom" in a village.
Exam Tip: Mention the terms "patwaris" and "muqaddam" to show your knowledge of official titles.

Question 11: Explain the Chehra system in Sher Shah's military administration.
Answer: Sher Shah adopted a system of branding horses (dagh) and maintaining a descriptive roll of the soldiers (chehra) were revived. The army was divided into many units and each unit was placed under a commander.
This system prevented corruption by making sure that the same soldier didn't try to collect salary twice or use poor-quality horses. Every soldier's physical description was recorded in the government books.
Teacher's Tip: "Chehra" means face; the system kept a record of every soldier's face/identity.
Exam Tip: Explain both 'Dagh' (horses) and 'Chehra' (soldiers) for a full mark answer.

Question 12: Mention one reason why Sher Shah built an excellent network of good roads?
Answer: Sher Shah built an excellent network of good roads, to facilitate the quick movement of officials and troops throughout the empire and to promote trade and commerce and even to make travelling comfortable and easier.
These roads acted like the "arteries" of the empire, allowing information and goods to travel very fast. The most famous of these was the Grand Trunk Road, which connected distant parts of Asia.
Teacher's Tip: Think of roads as the "Internet of the past" for moving news and things.
Exam Tip: Mention "trade and commerce" as a key economic reason for building roads.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1: Give a brief account of Babur's early life.
Answer: Babur lost his father, when he was eleven years old and at that tender age he became the ruler of a small principality in Central Asia called Farghana which he inherited from his father. He was also able to fulfill his dream of conquering Samarkand, when he was just 14 years old. But within a short time he lost both Farghana and Samarkand and became homeless but due to his courage and determination, after some time he became the ruler of Kabul.
Babur's childhood was full of war and running away from enemies, which made him a very tough soldier. His ability to never give up even when he had nothing is what eventually made him a great emperor.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the age 11 - that's when his journey as a ruler started.
Exam Tip: Highlight the word "determination" as it defines Babur's early survival.

Question 2: Give an account of the causes, events and consequences of the First Battle of Panipat.
Answer: Babur and Ibrahim Lodi came face-to-face at Panipat in 1526 CE. Ibrahim's large army was no match for Babur's small, disciplined and loyal army with its excellent cavalry and fine artillery. Babur was a born leader and an experienced military general. Within a few hours, Ibrahim's army was routed. By evening, Ibrahim and 15,000 of his soldiers lay dead on the battlefield. The following day, Babur triumphantly entered Delhi where he was proclaimed the emperor of Hindustan.
The main cause was the invitation from Indian nobles and Babur's own ambition to rule a rich land. The consequence was the birth of the Mughal Empire and the end of the Sultanate era in India.
Teacher's Tip: Small army with guns (Babur) beats a big army without them (Lodi).
Exam Tip: Mention the "15,000 dead" and the entry into "Delhi" to show the results clearly.

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.
Answer: After the Battle of Panipat Babur fought three more battles. The significance of each battle are :
(a) Battle of Khanua : This battle was fought between Babur and Rana Sangha of Mewar at Khanua. Babur won this battle and this victory gave him supreme control over central India and it also removed all the obstacles in the way of Mughal rule.
(b) Battle of Chanderi : This battle was fought between Babur and Medini Rai of Malwa. Babur won the battle and captured Chanderi. After this battle, no other Rajput chief ever dared to challenge Babur's authority.
(c) Battle of Ghagra : The Afghans had control over Bihar and Bengal and they posed a threat to Babur's authority. So Babur had a war with them and after crushing them he became the master of Punjab, Delhi and the Ganga plains near Bihar.
Winning Panipat was just the start; these three battles were necessary to destroy the remaining powerful enemies in India. By the time he was finished, Babur had successfully secured a vast kingdom for his family.
Teacher's Tip: Use a table in your notes to compare these three battles by opponent and region.
Exam Tip: For each battle, mention which specific group (Rajputs or Afghans) Babur defeated.

Question 4: Give a brief account of Sher Shah's early life.
Answer: Sher Shah was the son of Hasan Khan, ajagirdar of Sasaram in Bihar. His real name was Farid Khan. He was given the name Sher Khan after he single-handedly killed a tiger. He joined the Mughal army when Babur invaded India and learnt the techniques of Mughal warfare.
As a young man, Farid Khan had to manage his father's lands, which gave him early experience in administration. His time in the Mughal army was very important because he used their own methods against them later.
Teacher's Tip: Farid = Tiger-killer = Sher Khan = Sher Shah.
Exam Tip: Don't forget to mention his original name was "Farid Khan."

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.
Answer: (a) The supreme head of the central government was Sher Shah himself. He divided the government into several departments. Each department was under the charge of a minister, who was assisted by other officials.
(b) The whole empire was divided into forty seven provinces or sarkars. Each province was further subdivided into districts or parganas. Each paragana was made up of a number of villages. The villages were looked after by the panchayats composed of village elders. Each Sarkar was placed under an Afghan chief. In every pargana there were several officials who were supervised by Shiqdar and Munsif. The Shiqdar was responsible for law, order and general administration and the Munsif looked after the collection of revenue and civil cases.
Sher Shah's rule was "enlightened" because it was organized perfectly to serve the people while maintaining the king's power. He made sure that even the smallest village felt connected to the central government in Delhi.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the hierarchy: Sultan → Sarkar (47) → Pargana → Village.
Exam Tip: Learn the roles of "Shiqdar" and "Munsif" carefully as they are often asked in detail.

Question 6: Sher Shah introduced several measures to make the army disciplined, efficient and strong. Explain?
Answer: Sher Shah introduced many reforms to make his army efficient, disciplined and strong. He used to take personal interest in the appointment and training of soldiers. The salaries of the soldiers and the officers were fixed according to their skill and ability. The army was divided into many units and each unit was placed under a commander. The cavalry and infantry were highly trained, disciplined and were equipped with artillery.
By taking a personal interest, Sher Shah ensured that only the best men served in his defense force. This personal connection made the soldiers very loyal to him during difficult times.
Teacher's Tip: Good pay and good training lead to a winning army.
Exam Tip: Use keywords like "skill and ability" to explain how he decided on salaries.

Question 7: Discuss the important measures taken by Sher Shah to boost the growth of trade and commerce.
Answer: The growth of trade and commerce increased after the construction of roads and sarais. Sher Shah even abolished all duties, except two to boost it further more. He even instructed his officials to treat the merchants well and look after their interests. Proper safety was provided to traders and the village headmen was responsible for it in their respective regions. New weights and measures were introduced. Coins of gold, silver and copper of uniform standard were introduced.
By making travel safe and taxes simple, Sher Shah invited merchants from all over the world to do business in India. The uniform standard of coins made buying and selling much easier for everyone.
Teacher's Tip: Sarais are rest-houses that acted like motels for tired traders.
Exam Tip: Mention the abolition of duties to show how he encouraged economic growth.

Question 8: What steps did Sher Shah take to maintain law and order in his kingdom?
Answer: Sher Shah strongly believed injustice and he treated all the people equally. In his kingdom the criminal law was harsh and punishments were severe. The village headmen and the local chieftains were made responsible for any crime that took place in their area. They were severely punished if they failed to track down a robber or a murderer.
This system of local responsibility meant that officials worked very hard to keep their areas safe from criminals. As a result, it was said that even an old woman carrying gold could travel safely through the empire.
Teacher's Tip: High responsibility for officials = Low crime for the people.
Exam Tip: Explain that the "harsh punishments" acted as a deterrent to stop people from committing crimes.

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
Answer: (a) Land assessments : Sher Shah made proper arrangements that the land should be carefully surveyed and measured every year and the average produce to be calculated on the basis of its fertility.
(b) Taxation policy and its impact : One - third of the produce was paid as tax in cash or kind. The land was divided into three types - good, bad and medium on the basis of fertility and taxes were levied on this basis.
This was the first time a ruler used scientific measurement to decide how much tax a farmer should pay. This fairness made the farmers happy and provided a steady income for the state treasury.
Teacher's Tip: Better soil = More tax; Poor soil = Less tax. This was the logic.
Exam Tip: Mention "one-third of produce" as the specific tax rate to gain full marks.

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.
Answer: During his reign Sher Shah established a vast, powerful and prosperous empire. Some of his achievements are listed below :
1. In his empire there was a powerful central government and a sound administrative system.
2. He created a huge standing army that was disciplined, well organized and strong.
3. His revenue system was efficient progressive and humane and he also showed concern for the welfare of the peasants.
4. During his reign good roads and rest houses were constructed for travellers and merchants.
5. New weights and measures were introduced by him.
6. He also followed a policy of religious tolerance and appointed many Hindus to high posts of trust.
Sher Shah was a ruler who looked after everything from big wars to small weights in the market. His legacy lived on through the coins, roads, and government systems that remained in India for centuries.
Teacher's Tip: He was a "Jack-of-all-trades" who mastered government in just 5 years.
Exam Tip: Always mention "religious tolerance" to show the inclusive nature of his rule.

G. Picture study :

This is a picture of the tomb of the successor of Babur Picture Given Below

Question 1: Name the Mughal emperor who is buried in this tomb.
Answer: Humayun.
The tomb was built by his widow, Hamida Banu Begum, and it is a masterpiece of early Mughal architecture. It was the first garden-tomb in India and inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.
Teacher's Tip: Humayun's Tomb is the "Grandfather" of the Taj Mahal.
Exam Tip: Recognize this monument by its large dome and beautiful symmetric gardens.

Question 2: Where is this monument located?
Answer: Nizamuddin Delhi.
The tomb is located in a very historic part of the capital city, near the shrine of a famous saint. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by thousands of tourists.
Teacher's Tip: It's in South Delhi, very close to the Nizamuddin Railway Station.
Exam Tip: Mentioning "Delhi" is essential, but adding "Nizamuddin" shows extra accuracy.

Question 3: In which book could you find a detailed account of his life? Who wrote it?
Answer: Humayunnama. Gulbadan wrote it.
Gulbadan Begum was Humayun's sister, and her book gives a very close-up and personal look at the life inside the royal palace. It is one of the few historical records written by a woman from that time.
Teacher's Tip: Sister Gulbadan wrote the "Nama" (story) of her brother Humayun.
Exam Tip: Be careful with the spelling of "Humayunnama."

Question 4: Why did he spend 15 years in exile?
Answer: After defeat from Sher Khan Humayun wandered about 15 years from place to place in search of shelter. His brother refused to help him. In 1542 CE, in a small town in Amarkot in Sind, a son, Akbar was born to Humayun and his wife, Hamida Banu.
Sher Shah's military power was simply too great for Humayun to fight back immediately. During this hard time, he lost his crown but gained a family, including his son who became the greatest Mughal emperor.
Teacher's Tip: The exile was a "Time-Out" where the Mughals gathered strength in other lands.
Exam Tip: Mention the birth of "Akbar" as a key event during the years of exile.

Question 5: How did he reconquer his lost empire?
Answer: With military help from the Shah of Persia, Humayun returned and recovered Kabul and Kandahar from his brother Kamran. Kamran was blinded and sent to Mecca. By 1554 CE, Humayun had consolidated his position in Afghanistan. Sher Shah had died in 1545 CE. His successors were weak and incompetent. Taking advantage of the situation, Humayun returned to India and recaptured Delhi and Agra in 1555 CE. Humayun died shortly afterwards in an accidental fall down the stairs of his library.
The death of the strong Sher Shah left a opening for the Mughals to strike back. Humayun's patience finally paid off, though he only enjoyed his reclaimed throne for a very short time.
Teacher's Tip: It was a story of "Patience and Opportunity" - waiting for the enemy to grow weak.
Exam Tip: Mention the role of the "Shah of Persia" as the key external helper in the reconquest.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1: Describe the political conditions in India on the eve of Babur's invasion.
Answer: On the eve of Babur's invasion India was divided into many small kingdoms ruled by independent kings. The Delhi Sultanate was reduced in size and power. The political seen was disunity among each other.
Because there was no single strong power, the kingdoms were always fighting each other instead of working together. This "disunity" made it very easy for a foreign conqueror like Babur to defeat them one by one.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a broken mirror - India was many small pieces instead of one big picture.
Exam Tip: Use the word "disunity" to describe why India was vulnerable to attack.

Question 2: What information do we get from Babur's memoirs about : (a) Babur (b) Babur's countrymen (c) Hindustan
Answer: (a) Babur : This autobiography gives detail description of Babur. It shows him as a keen observer and provides a picture of his personality. It tells his achievements, adventures, habits and hobbies.
(b) Babur's countrymen : In this book Babur had given full description of personality, habits, adventures, customs, appearances, manners and occupations of his countrymen.
(c) Hindustan : Babur had given description of boundaries, population, resources, revenues etc. of Hindustan in this book which is quite accurate account. He had also beautifully described about fruits, flowers, birds and animals found here.
Babur's memoirs, called the 'Baburnama', are like an encyclopedia of his life and times. He was so observant that he even described the different kinds of mangoes and birds he saw in India.
Teacher's Tip: Memoirs are like a "Personal Diary" that becomes a history book later.
Exam Tip: Use the three sub-headings (a, b, c) to structure your answer clearly.

Question 3: Humayun was surrounded by dangerous enemies on all sides. Name any three.
Answer: The three enemies by which Humayun was surrounded are :
(a) Afghan Chiefs : Many Afghan chiefs were rebellious and the most dangerous in them was Sher Shah, who had an eye on the throne of Delhi.
(b) Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and Malwa : He was also a powerful ruler and he wanted to become the emperor of Delhi.
(c) Brother Kamran : Babur's brother Kamran was openly hostile and he constantly plotted against him.
While external kings wanted his land, even his own family members were working to take his power. This "enemy within" made it almost impossible for Humayun to protect his borders effectively.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the enemies: A rival (Sher Shah), a king (Bahadur Shah), and a brother (Kamran).
Exam Tip: Mention that Sher Shah was the "most dangerous" of the Afghan chiefs.

Question 4: When and how did Humayun lose his empire? When did he return and recapture his lost kingdom?
Answer: Humayun lost his empire after a defeat in the Battle of Kanauj in AD 1540. He was so badly defeated in this war that he went into Exile. With the military help from the Shah of Persia in AD 1554. Humayun was able to capture his kingdom.
The loss was so complete that he had to leave India entirely and stay as a guest in a foreign land. His return fourteen years later showed that he had never given up on his family's dream of ruling India.
Teacher's Tip: Loss in 1540, Exile for 14-15 years, Return in 1554-55.
Exam Tip: Clearly state both the "lose" date (1540) and the "return" date (1554/55).

Question 5: Humayun lost his empire because of inherent flaws in his character. Explain.
Answer: Humayun was a pleasure loving ruler and he lacked political wisdom, military foresight and was not able to take quick and wise decisions. He could not understand the jealousy of his brothers and was not able to take a firm decision on them. He was a capable soldier but a poor general. These all characteristics led to the downfall of Mughal empire.
Instead of focusing on the dangers around him, Humayun often spent time in celebrations and rest. His inability to be firm with his rebellious brothers allowed his enemies to gather more strength while he was distracted.
Teacher's Tip: He was a "Good person" but a "Bad leader."
Exam Tip: Use phrases like "military foresight" and "political wisdom" to explain his failures.

Question 6: Give reasons to show Babur was a religious tolerant ruler?
Answer: Babur was an orthodox Sunni Muslim but he was not a fanatic. He did not allow the Ulemas to influence his decisions and he followed a policy of religious tolerance towards people of other faiths.
He believed that to rule India effectively, he needed to respect all religions and not just his own. By keeping religious leaders out of government decisions, he made choices that were better for the whole country.
Teacher's Tip: Being "tolerant" means respecting others' beliefs even if you don't share them.
Exam Tip: Mention that he didn't allow the "Ulemas" to influence his political decisions.

Question 7: When did Humayun ascend the throne and describe the length of boundaries of the kingdom?
Answer: Humayun ascended the throne in AD 1530. He succeeded a vast empire which extended from Kabul in the west to Bihar in the east and from the Himalayas in the north to Gwalior in the South.
The empire he received from his father was huge but it was not yet stable. Managing such a long border while facing rebellious chiefs in every corner was a massive challenge for the new emperor.
Teacher's Tip: Imagine a rectangle from the mountains (North) down to Central India (South).
Exam Tip: Name the four boundary points: Kabul, Bihar, Himalayas, and Gwalior.

Question 8: What is Humayunnama?
Answer: Humayunnama is a book written by Humayun's sister Gulbadan. It gives a detailed account of Humayun's life.
This book is very valuable because it describes how the royal family lived, what they ate, and how they felt during their years of trouble. It is one of the most important historical sources for the early Mughal period.
Teacher's Tip: "Nama" means book or record of a person.
Exam Tip: Always mention "sister Gulbadan" as the author to get full marks.

Question 9: Mention three important objectives of Sher Shah's wise and enlightened rule.
Answer: Important objectives of Sher Shah's rule :
1. The most important objective was to drive out the Mughals from India and re-establish the Afghan rule in which he was successful.
2. He wanted to built an excellent network of communication and for this he built roads to facilitate the quick movement of officials and troops and to promote trade.
3. He wanted to improve the Revenue system and for this he brought many reforms like reducing the taxes, providing loans if the crops are damaged and improving the conditions of the peasants.
His goal was to make the country safe, wealthy, and strong under Afghan leadership. By helping the farmers, he ensured that the base of the economy remained solid and loyal to him.
Teacher's Tip: Objectives are like a "To-Do List" for a king.
Exam Tip: List the three points clearly: Political (Mughals), Communication (Roads), and Economic (Revenue).

Question 10: Describe briefly the main features of Sher Shah's communication system?
Answer: Sher Shah built an excellent network of roads to improve the communication system. He built four major roads among which the Grand Trunk road was the longest and the most important. It connected Sonargaon in the east to Peshawar in the north-west. Shady trees were planted on both sides of the roads and rest houses and wells were built for travellers and merchants.
This system was so good that news could travel hundreds of miles in just a few days using horse-riders. The rest houses, called sarais, also acted as post offices and police stations for the local areas.
Teacher's Tip: Good roads are the "Nervous System" of an empire.
Exam Tip: Mention "shady trees" and "wells" to show how he cared for the comfort of travelers.

Question 11: On which principle administration of Sher Shah was based?
Answer: Sher Shah was a brilliant organizer, both in military and civil affairs. He based his administration on the principle of a welfare state and introduced many reforms.
He believed that if the people were happy and safe, his kingdom would stay strong and stable. Every law he made was checked to see if it benefited the common citizen and promoted the strength of India.
Teacher's Tip: A "Welfare State" means the government's job is to make people's lives better.
Exam Tip: Use the term "Brilliant organizer" to summarize Sher Shah's skill as a ruler.

Question 12: Describe the features of 'The Grand Trunk Road' build by Sher Shah during his reign?
Answer: The Grand Trunk Road, built by Sher Shah was the longest and the most important of the four roads that he built. It connected Sonargaon in the east to Peshwar in the North West. Shady trees were planted on both sides of the road and rest houses and wells were built at regular intervals for travellers and merchants,
This massive road stretched across the entire northern part of the Indian subcontinent. It was so well-constructed that parts of it are still in use today as major highways.
Teacher's Tip: The road went from modern-day Bangladesh all the way to Pakistan.
Exam Tip: Mention the two endpoints: Sonargaon and Peshawar.

Question 13: What was the duty of Shiqdar and Munsif?
Answer: The Shiqdar was responsible for law, order and general administration and the Munsif looked after the collection of revenue and civil cases.
Working together, these two officials ensured that their district was both peaceful and profitable. While one focused on keeping people safe, the other made sure the laws were followed and taxes were paid.
Teacher's Tip: Shiqdar = Police/Admin; Munsif = Judge/Tax collector.
Exam Tip: Clearly separate the two roles so the teacher sees you know the difference.

Question 14: What did Sher Shah do to stop the officials from / becoming corrupt or powerful?
Answer: To stop the officials from becoming corrupt or powerful, Sher Shah introduced the practice of transferring them periodically and he even looked into every detail of administration himself.
By checking everything himself, he made sure that no official could hide their mistakes or steal from the people. Constant movement meant officials never stayed long enough to build their own local power base.
Teacher's Tip: Transfers keep officials on their toes and prevent them from getting too comfortable.
Exam Tip: Mention "periodical transfers" as the key method to stop corruption.