Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 8 History Civics Chapter 5 Traders to Rulers I

I. Fill in the Blanks:

Question 1. Elizabeth 1 was the Queen of ________.
Answer: England
In simple words: Elizabeth I was the female ruler of England.

Exam Tip: Remember that Elizabeth I was one of England's most famous queens during the Tudor period.

Question 2. The French company set up its headquarters at ________.
Answer: Pondicherry
In simple words: The main office of the French trading group in India was located in Pondicherry.

Exam Tip: Pondicherry (now Puducherry) remained under French control even after the British took over other parts of India.

Question 3. A group of English merchants formed the ________.
Answer: English East India Company
In simple words: A team of traders from England started the English East India Company.

Exam Tip: Always write the full name 'English East India Company' rather than just 'East India Company' for complete marks.

Question 4. The first Englishman to meet Emperor Jahangir was ________.
Answer: Sir Thomas Roe
In simple words: The very first British person who went to meet the Mughal King Jahangir was Sir Thomas Roe.

Exam Tip: Identify Sir Thomas Roe as the ambassador sent by King James I of England to the Mughal court.

Question 5. In 1668 the English East India Company acquired ________ due to a marriage.
Answer: Bombay
In simple words: The British trading company got control of Bombay in 1668 because of a royal wedding.

Exam Tip: Remember that Bombay was given to King Charles II of England as a wedding gift by the Portuguese, who then leased it to the Company.

Question 6. The wars between the English and the French companies in India are known as ________.
Answer: Carnatic Wars
In simple words: The battles fought between British and French traders in India are called the Carnatic Wars.

Exam Tip: Be careful with the spelling of 'Carnatic' as it is a common place for spelling mistakes.

II. Match the Contents of Column A Column B

Question. Match the contents of Column A with Column B:

Answer:

In simple words: This matching pairs important historical figures, battles, and events from the 18th century in India with their correct descriptions, roles, or dates.

Exam Tip: Memorize key years like 1757 for Plassey and 1764 for Buxar, as they are highly tested in exams.

III. State the following Statements are True or False:

Question 1. Calcutta (now Kolkata) was the centre of the English East India Company’s power in India for many years. State whether True or False.
Answer: True
In simple words: Calcutta was indeed the main city where the British company held its power in India for a long time.

Exam Tip: Remember that Calcutta served as the capital of British India until it was shifted to Delhi in 1911.

Question 2. A Charter is a formal deed by the ruler of a country guaranteeing certain rights to the subjects or a company. State whether True or False.
Answer: True
In simple words: A charter is an official paper signed by a king or queen that gives special rights to a group or company.

Exam Tip: A charter is like an official permit, such as the one Queen Elizabeth I gave to the East India Company.

Question 3. The English prestige rose after the First Carnatic War. State whether True or False.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false because the French won the first war, which did not help the British look strong.

Exam Tip: Remember that the French defeated the English in the First Carnatic War and even captured Madras.

Question 4. Mir Jafar hatched a conspiracy with the English against Siraj-ud-daulah. State whether True or False.
Answer: True
In simple words: Mir Jafar secretly teamed up with the British to betray his own leader, Siraj-ud-daulah.

Exam Tip: Mir Jafar's betrayal at the Battle of Plassey was the main reason why Siraj-ud-daulah lost.

Question 5. Clive rose to fame after his success in the Second Carnatic War. State whether True or False.
Answer: True
In simple words: Robert Clive became very famous because of his clever wins during the second war in the Carnatic region.

Exam Tip: Clive's famous siege of Arcot during the Second Carnatic War established his reputation as a brilliant military leader.

Question 6. The Battle of Buxar led to the foundation of British empire in India. State whether True or False.
Answer: True
In simple words: Winning the Battle of Buxar helped the British firmly set up their rule over India.

Exam Tip: While the Battle of Plassey was the first step, the Battle of Buxar truly established the British as the supreme power in India.

IV. Answer the Following Questions:

Question 1. What were ‘factories’ and who were called factors?
Answer: The word 'factories' referred to the trading offices or depots established by European merchants in India. The people who worked as officers or staff for the company at these places were known as 'factors'.
In simple words: Factories were places for trade, and the workers who ran them were called factors.

Exam Tip: Make sure to clarify that these 'factories' were not manufacturing plants with machines, but simply warehouses for trading goods.

Question 2. When and how was the English East India Company formed?
Answer: A group of traders from England created the company. On December 31, 1600, Queen Elizabeth I granted them an official charter to trade. Later, in 1615, Sir Thomas Roe secured permission from the Mughal Emperor Jahangir to set up a trading center at Surat. From their early days, these British merchants used both trade and clever political deals to grow. They went on to establish trading hubs in places like Surat, Agra, Ahmedabad, Broach, Hooghly, Masulipatam, and Madras.
In simple words: A group of English traders started the company on December 31, 1600, with the Queen's permission. They set up trading centers across India by using clever deals.

Exam Tip: Be sure to mention the date December 31, 1600, and the names of Queen Elizabeth I and Emperor Jahangir for full marks.

Question 3. What were the main reasons for Anglo-French rivalry in India?
Answer: The French wanted to build their own empire in India, which directly clashed with the goals of the British. This competition caused a bitter rivalry and led to three major Carnatic Wars. In the end, the French lost, leaving the British as the main power in southern India. Using this strong position, the British eventually went on to control other parts of the country.
In simple words: Both the French and the British wanted to rule India, which led to wars. The British won and became the strongest power.

Exam Tip: Clearly state that the rivalry resulted in the three Carnatic Wars, which eliminated French power from India.

Question 4. What were the causes of Conflict between Siraj-ud-daulah and the English?
Answer: The British set up trading centers at Patna, Kassimbazar, and other parts of Bengal. When Siraj-ud-daulah became the Nawab in 1756, he grew angry because the British began building walls and forts around their settlements without his permission. In response, Siraj attacked and took over Fort William in Calcutta. However, British forces under Robert Clive fought back, forcing the Nawab to sign a treaty, leave Calcutta, and pay a fine. Clive then made a secret plan with the Nawab's rivals to betray him. This led to the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the Nawab's army was defeated, and he was caught and killed.
In simple words: The Nawab was angry because the British built forts without asking. This disagreement led to a war in 1757, where the Nawab was defeated and killed.

Exam Tip: Highlight two main reasons for the conflict: the unauthorized fortification of Calcutta and the Nawab's subsequent attack on Fort William.

Question 5. Why did Mir Jafar enter into a conflict with English East India Company?
Answer: Following their victory at Plassey, the British Company held actual control over Bengal. They kept asking for huge sums of money that Mir Jafar simply could not afford to pay. This drained the state treasury completely. On top of that, the British began dictating how he should run his daily government. Feeling unhappy and helpless, Mir Jafar resisted. Consequently, the Company removed him from power and replaced him with his son-in-law, Mir Qasim.
In simple words: The British demanded too much money and interfered in Bengal's government, which made Mir Jafar angry. So, they replaced him with his son-in-law.

Exam Tip: Key points to cover are the heavy financial demands that emptied Bengal's treasury and constant British interference in administration.

Question 6. How did Mir Qasim become the Nawab of Bengal?
Answer: The British Company removed Mir Jafar from the throne of Bengal and appointed his son-in-law, Mir Qasim, as the new ruler. Right from the start, they did not get along well. Mir Qasim strongly opposed how the British traders were breaking trade rules and avoiding taxes.
In simple words: The British removed Mir Jafar and made his son-in-law, Mir Qasim, the Nawab. But Mir Qasim soon argued with them over unfair trade rules.

Exam Tip: State clearly that Mir Qasim was Mir Jafar's son-in-law and highlight his objection to the misuse of trade privileges (dastaks) by the British.

Question 7. Describe the circumstances that led to the Battle of Buxar.
Answer: Mir Qasim was unhappy that British traders were not paying duties on local trade, which ruined the state's main source of money. To strengthen his power, he began training his soldiers like European armies and moved his government treasury from Murshidabad to Munghyr. The British disliked these changes. Soon, a war broke out between Mir Qasim and the Company. After losing, he escaped to Awadh and formed a joint team with Shuja-ud-daulah, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam, the Mughal Emperor. Their combined forces fought the British at Buxar on October 22, 1764. The British won the battle, put Mir Jafar back on the throne, and became the undisputed rulers of India.
In simple words: Mir Qasim tried to stop the British from avoiding taxes and made his army stronger. This led to a war where he, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor fought the British at Buxar in 1764 but lost.

Exam Tip: Mention the date October 22, 1764, the shifting of the treasury to Munghyr, and the names of the three allies who formed the coalition.

Question 8. What were the results and significance of the Battle of Buxar?
Answer: In 1765, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed to end the conflict. Under this treaty, the Nawab gave up control of Allahabad and Kara to the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam, and paid Rs. 50 lakhs as a war fine to the British. In addition, the Mughal Emperor gave the British the 'Diwani' rights to collect taxes in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. In exchange, the British promised to pay the Emperor Rs. 26 lakhs every year. This marked the very first time the British Company took direct control over running the government of Bengal.
In simple words: The war ended with the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765. The British got the legal right to collect taxes in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, which made them extremely powerful.

Exam Tip: The grant of Diwani rights is the most important outcome of the Battle of Buxar - make sure to name Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

V. Picture Study - This is a picture of a fort built by the British.

Question 1. Identify the building.
Answer: The building shown in the picture is Fort William, located in Calcutta.
In simple words: This is a picture of Fort William in Calcutta.

Exam Tip: Fort William was named after King William III of England and served as the British stronghold in Bengal.

Question 2. When did the British purchase the three villages to develop into a city? Also name the villages and the city.
Answer: In the year AD 1680, the British bought three local villages named Sutanati, Govindpur, and Calicata. Over time, these three areas were joined and built up to form the major city of Calcutta, which is now known as Kolkata.
In simple words: The British bought Sutanati, Govindpur, and Calicata in AD 1680 to build the city of Calcutta.

Exam Tip: Remember the names of the three villages: Sutanati, Govindpur, and Calicata, as they are frequently asked in short-answer questions.

Question 3. Write a short note on establishment of British factories in India.
Answer: In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe obtained an official royal order (farman) from the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, granting permission to set up a trade depot in Surat. Gradually, the British built more trading stations in Agra, Ahmedabad, Broach, Hooghly, Masulipatam, and Madras. Their first trading post in southern India was opened at Masulipatam in AD 1639. By the year AD 1640, they had also set up a factory at Hooghly in Bengal.
In simple words: The British got permission from Emperor Jahangir in 1615 to trade. They set up their first southern trading center in Masulipatam in 1639 and another in Hooghly in 1640.

Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between the first factory in Western India (Surat) and the first factory in the South (Masulipatam).

Additional Questions

A. Fill in the Blanks:

Question 1. Balaji Vishwanath laid the foundation of the ________ rule of the Peshwas.
Answer: Hereditary Dynastic
In simple words: Balaji Vishwanath started the system where the Peshwa rule was passed down from father to son.

Exam Tip: Understand that the office of the Peshwa became hereditary under Balaji Vishwanath, making it a powerful dynasty.

Question 2. ________ was the cultural capital of Awadh.
Answer: Lucknow
In simple words: Lucknow became the main city for art, music, and culture in the region of Awadh.

Exam Tip: Lucknow is famous for its distinct Lucknavi culture, which blossomed under the patronage of the Nawabs.

Question 3. Mysore, under the leadership of ________ became the most formidable adversary of the English East India Company in the south.
Answer: Hyder Ali
In simple words: Under Hyder Ali, Mysore became the strongest and most challenging opponent for the British in South India.

Exam Tip: Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan fought multiple Anglo-Mysore wars against the British.

Question 4. ________, the tenth Sikh guru, organized a military brotherhood of Sikhs called Khalsa.
Answer: Guru Govind Singh ji
In simple words: The tenth Sikh guru, Guru Govind Singh ji, formed a strong soldier group called the Khalsa.

Exam Tip: Remember that Guru Gobind Singh ji established the Khalsa in 1699 to protect people from oppression.

Question 5. The Sikhs were organized into a loose confederacy of ________ misls or groups.
Answer: 12
In simple words: The Sikh community was split into 12 different groups or clans known as misls.

Exam Tip: The word 'misl' refers to a sovereign state or district in the Sikh Confederacy.

B. Match the Following:

Question. Match the following:

Answer:

In simple words: This matching connects famous Indian rulers with the kingdoms or regions they ruled over.

Exam Tip: Knowing which leader ruled which kingdom (like Tipu Sultan in Mysore) is very helpful for solving historical MCQs.

C. Choose the Correct Answer:

Question 1. The Marathas/Sikhs/Rajputs had the power and potential to establish an all-India empire after the collapse of the Mughal empire.
Answer: The Marathas
In simple words: After the Mughal rule grew weak, the Marathas were the ones who had the best chance to rule all of India.

Exam Tip: The Marathas were the strongest domestic power in 18th-century India before the British took control.

Question 2. Shahu was ease-loving and a weak Maratha/Sikh/Rajput ruler.
Answer: Maratha
In simple words: Shahu was a Maratha king who preferred a quiet life instead of active fighting.

Exam Tip: Shahu's passive nature led to the rise of the Peshwas, who took over actual administrative power.

Question 3. The Maratha empire reached the heights of its power and glory during the reign of Balaji Vishwanath/Baji Rao I/Balaji Baji Rao.
Answer: Balaji Vishwanath
In simple words: The Maratha kingdom achieved its greatest power and success during the rule of Balaji Vishwanath.

Exam Tip: Follow your textbook's answer, even though different historians sometimes debate the exact peak period of Maratha power.

Question 4. Shuja-ud-Daulah was the nawab of Hyderabad/Awadh/Bengal.
Answer: Awadh
In simple words: Shuja-ud-Daulah ruled over the region of Awadh as its Nawab.

Exam Tip: Do not confuse Shuja-ud-Daulah of Awadh with Siraj-ud-daulah of Bengal.

Question 5. The state of Hyderabad/Awadh/Mysore was founded by the Mughal viceroy of the Deccan, Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah.
Answer: Hyderabad
In simple words: A Mughal officer named Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah started the independent state of Hyderabad.

Exam Tip: Remember Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah as the founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty in Hyderabad.

D. State whether the Following are True or False:

Question 1. Bengal was one of the poorest provinces of the Mughal empire. State whether True or False.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false because Bengal was actually the wealthiest area in the Mughal Empire.

Exam Tip: Because of its massive trade and wealth, Bengal was often called the 'Paradise of the Earth'.

Question 2. The most capable among the successors of Murshid Quli Khan was Alivardi Khan. State whether True or False.
Answer: True
In simple words: Alivardi Khan was indeed the most talented and successful ruler who came after Murshid Quli Khan.

Exam Tip: Alivardi Khan successfully kept both the Marathas and European traders under check during his rule.

Question 3. Lucknow was the cultural centre of Bengal. State whether True or False.
Answer: False
In simple words: This is false because Lucknow served as the center of culture for Awadh, not Bengal.

Exam Tip: Remember that Lucknow became the capital of Awadh under Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula.

Question 4. The most powerful kingdom in the south was Mysore. State whether True or False.
Answer: True
In simple words: During the 18th century, Mysore became the strongest state in southern India.

Exam Tip: Mysore's power peaked under the rules of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

Question 5. Ranjit Singh became the master of Punjab by the end of the 18th century. State whether True or False.
Answer: True
In simple words: By the close of the 1700s, Ranjit Singh had successfully united Punjab under his rule.

Exam Tip: Maharaja Ranjit Singh is famous for establishing a strong, secular Sikh empire with Lahore as his capital.

E. Answer the Following Questions in One or Two Words / Sentences:

Question 1. What followed the disintegration of the Mughal empire?
Answer: When the Mughal Empire broke apart, several independent and semi-independent local states arose, such as Bengal, Awadh, Hyderabad, the Maratha Kingdom, Mysore, and the Sikh Kingdom.
In simple words: After the Mughal Empire collapsed, many smaller, independent kingdoms grew across India.

Exam Tip: Be ready to name at least three independent regional states that emerged after the Mughals.

Question 2. What is the significance of the Third Battle of Panipat?
Answer: In 1761, the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali completely defeated the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat. This defeat crushed the Maratha dream of replacing the Mughal Empire. Since the Afghans also did not stay to build their own empire, it created a perfect opportunity for the British East India Company to step in and try to control India.
In simple words: The defeat of the Marathas in 1761 stopped them from ruling India, which cleared the way for the British to take over.

Exam Tip: Explain that the battle created a power vacuum in India because both the Marathas and Afghans could not establish their rule, which directly benefited the British.

Question 3. What advantage did Murshid Quli Khan take of the decline in the power of the Mughal empire?
Answer: As the Mughal Empire grew weak, Bengal's Governor, Murshid Quli Khan, used the opportunity to break free from the King's control. Even though he still sent yearly payments to the Mughal Emperor, he started ruling Bengal as an independent leader.
In simple words: Murshid Quli Khan broke free from the weak Mughal rule and started governing Bengal on his own, while still paying a yearly tax to the Emperor.

Exam Tip: Remember that while Bengal became practically independent, it still kept a formal relationship with the Mughal court by sending annual tributes.

Question 4. How did political and economic stability in Awadh impact cultural development in Lucknow?
Answer: The clever and capable Nawabs of Awadh brought peace, improved taxes, and made their army stronger. This long period of safety and wealth helped create a highly polished and unique Lucknavi culture. As a result, the capital city of Lucknow turned into a thriving hub for art, music, writing, and beautiful buildings.
In simple words: Under the rich and peaceful rule of the Nawabs, Lucknow became famous for its special art, music, literature, and buildings.

Exam Tip: Link economic prosperity and peace directly to the flourishing of art and literature in Lucknow.

Question 5. How did political instability in the Carnatic benefit the , European trading companies?
Answer: After the Carnatic region broke away from Hyderabad's control, its leaders set up family rule. This caused bitter family fights over who would rule next, making the area politically weak. European companies took this chance to interfere in local politics, helping them win land, trade rights, and money.
In simple words: Fights over who would rule the Carnatic made the region weak. This allowed the British and French to step in and get land and wealth.

Exam Tip: This political interference was the basis for the Carnatic Wars, where the British and French supported rival local candidates.

Question 6. Name any two principal Rajupt states that took advantage of the declining power of the Mughals and asserted their independence.
Answer: Major Rajput kingdoms, including Jaipur (formerly Amber), Jodhpur (Marwar), and Udaipur (Mewar), used the weakness of the Mughal rulers to claim their own freedom.
In simple words: As the Mughals grew weak, Rajput states like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur declared themselves free.

Exam Tip: You only need to name two states to get full marks, but learning all three (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur) is safer.

Question 7. What made the Rajputs vulnerable to the selfish designs of the English East India Company?
Answer: The same dirty political games, secrets, betrayals, and bribery seen in the Mughal government also took place inside the Rajput courts. These constant inner fights wasted their strength, making it easy for the British East India Company to trick and control them.
In simple words: Fights and lies inside the Rajput courts made them weak, which allowed the British company to easily take advantage of them.

Exam Tip: Internal division and court conspiracies were the primary reasons why the British could easily establish supremacy over Indian kingdoms.

Question 8. Name the signatories of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer: Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British representative, acting under Governor-General Lord Minto, signed the Treaty of Amritsar.
In simple words: The Treaty of Amritsar was signed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British rulers.

Exam Tip: Note that the Treaty of Amritsar was signed in 1809, establishing the Sutlej River as the boundary between Ranjit Singh's kingdom and British territory.

F. Answer the Following Questions Briefly:

Question 1. The second phase of Maratha history was a period of the dominance of the peshwas. In this context answer the following questions: (a)State the circumstances that led of the growth of peshwa dominance in the Maratha kingdom.(b)Discuss the achievements of 1. Baji Rao I and 2. Balaji Baji Rao. (c) was the Maratha confederacy established?
Answer:
(a) Shivaji's grandson, Shahu, took control of the Maratha kingdom with the assistance of Balaji Vishwanath. Out of gratitude, Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath as the Peshwa (prime minister). Since Shahu was a gentle ruler who preferred a quiet life, he became a nominal leader. As a result, the real power passed to the Peshwas, who began running the state.
(b)
1. **Baji Rao I:** He was an outstanding military leader. Under his brave and active guidance, the Marathas won many battles against the Mughals and other enemies, turning their kingdom into a large empire.
2. **Balaji Baji Rao:** He continued to expand Maratha territory. During his rule, the empire became extremely powerful, and the Marathas even controlled the decisions of the Mughal Emperor in the north.
(c) To manage the large empire, powerful Maratha families like the Sindhias, Bhonsles, Holkars, and Gaekwads came to power. The Peshwa divided the lands among these families, giving them a lot of freedom to rule their own areas. The Peshwa remained the overall leader of this group, which was called the Maratha Confederacy.
In simple words: The Peshwas became the real rulers because King Shahu was weak. Baji Rao I and Balaji Baji Rao expanded the empire, and they shared power with other strong Maratha families to form a group called the Confederacy.

Exam Tip: Be prepared to name the four main Maratha families of the Confederacy: Sindhia, Bhonsle, Holkar, and Gaekwad.

Question 2. With reference to the rise and growth of Bengal as a regional power, discuss the following: (a) achievements of Murshid Quli Khan (b) The rule of Alivardi Khan (c) The failures of the nawabs of Bengal
Answer:
(a) **Achievements of Murshid Quli Khan:** He was a highly skilled ruler. He protected Bengal from both inside and outside threats, bringing peace, safety, and wealth back to the region.
(b) **Rule of Alivardi Khan:** He knew that trade was very important. He welcomed both Indian and foreign traders to do business in Bengal. However, he was smart and did not let the British or French build forts around their trading centers in Calcutta and Chandennagar.
(c) **Failures of the Nawabs:** The Nawabs did not realize that the British Company wanted to conquer and rule Bengal. They foolishly believed that a group of traders would never challenge their royal power. Because of this, they did not make their army stronger, and they allowed bribery and corruption to grow. This made it very easy for the British to take over Bengal.
In simple words: Murshid Quli Khan brought peace, while Alivardi Khan helped trade but stopped Europeans from building forts. However, later Nawabs ignored the British threat and failed to build a strong army, letting the British take over.

Exam Tip: For part (c), highlight the Nawabs' failure to modernize their army and their underestimation of the British East India Company's military and political ambitions.

Question 3. The collapse of the Vijayanagar kingdom was followed by the emergence of the powerful kingdom of Mysore. In this context discuss the following: (a) The collapse of the Vijayanagar empire (b)The achievements of Hyder Ali (c)The contribution of Tipu Sultan
Answer:
(a) **Collapse of the Vijayanagar Empire:** When this large empire fell in the 1600s, many small states arose and fought with each other. Mysore was one such state that kept its freedom despite being attacked. By the mid-1700s, Mysore became incredibly strong under its new leader, Hyder Ali.
(b) **Achievements of Hyder Ali:** In 1761, Hyder Ali took charge of Mysore's government. He turned Mysore into a rich and powerful state that stood up firmly against the British Company.
(c) **Contribution of Tipu Sultan:** Tipu Sultan was a great ruler who followed his father. He brought in many new ideas to improve the government. He upgraded his army with modern weapons and helped Mysore's economy grow by supporting farming, trade, and factories.
In simple words: After the Vijayanagar Empire fell, Mysore became independent. Hyder Ali took power in 1761 and made it strong, and his son Tipu Sultan modernized the army and improved trade.

Exam Tip: State the year 1761 for Hyder Ali's rise to power and mention Tipu Sultan's efforts in modernizing the military and administrative systems.

Question 4. With reference to the rise of independent Rajput states and the establishment of the Sikh kingdom, answer the following questions: (a) Why did the resurgent Rajputs fail to establish an empire in India? (b) To what extent was Guru Gobind Singh responsible for the transformation of the peace-loving Sikhs into a martial race? (c) Discuss the achievements of Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
(a) The Rajputs failed to build a large empire because they only cared about their own small kingdoms and often fought with each other. Instead of working together, they wasted their power in small fights. Like the Mughal court, Rajput courts were full of plots and bribes, which caused their downfall.
(b) Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, started a group of soldiers called the Khalsa. He filled the peaceful Sikh community with a brave warrior spirit, helping them stand up and fight against Mughal cruelty.
(c) Ranjit Singh was a natural leader who ruled one of the Sikh clans (misls). He united all the Sikh leaders on the west of the Sutlej River under his rule, becoming the king of Punjab by the end of the 1700s.
In simple words: The Rajputs failed because they kept fighting each other. Guru Gobind Singh made the Sikhs brave soldiers called the Khalsa. Ranjit Singh united the Sikh clans and ruled Punjab.

Exam Tip: For part (a), emphasize the lack of unity among Rajput rulers as the primary cause of their failure.

G. Picture Study:

This is a picture of the founder of the kingdom that extended from the Khyber Pass in the north to Sindh in the south.

Question 1. Identify the person in the picture.
Answer: Ranjit Singh
In simple words: The person in the picture is Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Exam Tip: He is popularly known as 'Sher-e-Punjab' (Lion of Punjab) for his courage.

Question 2. Name the kingdom founded by him.
Answer: Punjab
In simple words: He started the kingdom of Punjab.

Exam Tip: Punjab was a powerful and independent sovereign state before the British annexed it in 1849.

Question 3. What did he do to expand his kingdom?
Answer: To expand his land, he brought all the local Sikh leaders who lived west of the Sutlej River under his rule. By the close of the 1700s, he had made himself the sole ruler of Punjab.
In simple words: He united all the Sikh leaders west of the Sutlej River under his power to rule Punjab.

Exam Tip: Mention that he united the various independent Sikh 'misls' to create a single, unified kingdom.

Question 4. Name the treaty signed between him and the English East India Company.
Answer: Treaty of Amritsar
In simple words: He signed a peace agreement with the British called the Treaty of Amritsar.

Exam Tip: The Treaty of Amritsar was signed in 1809 and prevented Ranjit Singh from expanding east of the Sutlej River.

Question 5. What effect did this treaty have on his policy of expansion?
Answer: Because he could not expand to the east of the Sutlej River, he focused on other directions. His bold moves helped him create a massive empire that stretched from the Khyber Pass in the north all the way to Sindh in the south.
In simple words: The treaty stopped him from moving east, so he expanded north and west instead, creating a huge kingdom.

Exam Tip: Explain that the treaty limited his expansion to the east, prompting him to conquer territories like Kashmir, Multan, and Peshawar in the west and north.