Reshaping India’s Political Map explores the historical context of the Delhi Sultanate, detailing the five ruling dynasties: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi. It discusses significant figures like Maharana Pratap and the impact of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims. The document also examines the Paik System of the Ahoms and the role of temples during the Vijayanagara Empire. Key battles such as Talikota and Saraighat are analyzed, highlighting their significance in Indian history. This resource is essential for students studying Indian history and political transformations.

Key Points

  • Explores the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi.
  • Analyzes the impact of Jizya tax on non-Muslims during the Sultanate period.
  • Discusses Maharana Pratap’s resistance against Mughal authority and his significance in Rajput history.
  • Examines the Paik System of the Ahoms and its implications for military service in Assam.
  • Highlights the economic role of temples during the Vijayanagara Empire, including land ownership and employment.
Drishti Pathak
5 pages
Language:English
Type:Study Guide
History
Drishti Pathak
5 pages
Language:English
Type:Study Guide
History
373
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Chapter-2 ( Reshaping India’s political map)
Answers the Following
1. What was the Delhi Sultanate? Name the five dynasties that ruled it.
Ans:
The period of Muhammad Ghori’s victories over Rajput kings marked the beginning of
Muslim rule in Northern India. The Delhi Sultanate was ruled by five dynasties:
(a) Slave Dynasty
(b) Khilji Dynasty
(c) Tughlaq Dynasty
(d) Sayyid Dynasty
(e) Lodi Dynasty
2. Define Jizya Tax.
Ans:
Jizya was a tax imposed on non-Muslims, mainly Hindus, in exchange for protection and
the right to practise their religion.
3. Who was Maharana Pratap?
Ans:
Maharana Pratap was the Rajput ruler of Mewar who refused to submit to Akbar’s authority.
Unlike most Rajput chiefs, he became a symbol of Rajput pride and independence.
4. What was the Paik System of the Ahoms?
Ans:
The Paik System was a system of forced labour practised by the Ahom Kingdom of Assam.
Every adult male was registered as a paik. Each paik had to render military service to the
state.
5. Define Hundi System.
Ans:
Hundi was a traditional Indian financial instrument, similar to a bill of exchange. A
merchant deposited money with bankers in one city and received a written document in
return. This could be encashed in another city.
6. What is Jauhar?
Ans:
When invading Turkish or Mughal armies conquered a territory, they often took women as
slaves. To avoid being captured and enslaved, Rajput women jumped into massive fires.
This practice was called Jauhar.
7. Describe the failures of Muhammad bin Tughlaq that weakened the Delhi Sultanate.
Ans:
(a) Transfer of Capital – He shifted the capital from Delhi to Devagiri in the Deccan, but the
plan failed due to administrative problems.
(b) Token Currency Experiment – He introduced brass and copper coins with the same
value as silver coins. The state could not control the circulation of fake coins, and the royal
treasury suffered huge losses.
(c) Taxation in Doab – He heavily increased taxes in the fertile Doab region during a famine,
which led to peasant revolts.
8. Why was Akbar known as “Akbar the Great”?
Ans:
(a) Military Conquests – He expanded the empire by conquering Rajputana, Gujarat,
Bengal, and Kashmir.
(b) Rajput Policy – He followed a policy of conciliation instead of conflict with the Rajputs
and married Rajput princesses.
(c) Religious Tolerance – He abolished the Jizya tax on non-Muslims and established the
Ibadat Khana (House of Worship). He also propounded Din-i-Ilahi, a spiritual movement
blending ideas from Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity.
(d) Administrative Reforms – He organised the empire into subhas (provinces), introduced
the Mansabdari system, and reformed revenue collection through the Zabt system.
(e) Cultural Patronage – He patronised art, literature, and music. His court included the
Navratnas (Nine Gems).
9. Why did the Sikh community take up arms against the Mughals?
Ans:
(a) Execution of Guru Arjun Dev – The fifth Sikh Guru was arrested under Emperor Jahangir
and was tortured and killed for refusing to convert to Islam.
(b) Guru Hargobind’s Transformation – Guru Hargobind wore two swords symbolising Miri
(temporal power) and Piri (spiritual power). He also built the Akal Takht.
(c) Aurangzeb’s Persecution – Aurangzeb reimposed the Jizya tax, demolished temples, and
followed harsh religious policies.
(d) Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur – The ninth Sikh Guru was publicly executed in Delhi
for refusing to convert. His three disciples were also tortured and killed.
(e) Founding of the Khalsa – Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth on Baisakhi Day.
10. How did temples play the role of economic centres during the Vijayanagara Empire?
Ans:
(a) Landowners – Temples owned vast tracts of land granted by kings through devadana
grants.
(b) Major Employers – Temples employed priests, dancers, musicians, cooks, and
watchmen.
(c) Centres of Trade – Temples had mandapas where merchants set up shops and markets.
(d) Banking and Credit – Temple construction promoted artisans, sculptors, and weavers.
11. Explain the Battle of Talikota and the Battle of Saraighat.
Ans:
(a) Battle of Talikota – Fought in 1565 between the Vijayanagara Empire and a confederacy
of four Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Golconda). The Vijayanagara
Empire was defeated in the battle.
(b) Battle of Saraighat – Fought in 1671 between the Ahom Kingdom and Mughal forces.
This battle permanently halted Mughal expansion into Assam.
12. Imagine you are a Portuguese trader visiting the Vijayanagar capital during
Krishnadevaraya’s reign.
Ans:
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FAQs

What were the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate?
The Delhi Sultanate was ruled by five dynasties: the Slave Dynasty, Khilji Dynasty, Tughlaq Dynasty, Sayyid Dynasty, and Lodi Dynasty. Each of these dynasties contributed to the establishment and consolidation of Muslim rule in Northern India, with varying degrees of influence and administrative practices.
What was the significance of Jizya tax during the Delhi Sultanate?
Jizya was a tax imposed on non-Muslims, primarily Hindus, as a means of protection and to allow them to practice their religion. This tax was a significant aspect of the socio-economic policies of the Delhi Sultanate, reflecting the relationship between the Muslim rulers and their non-Muslim subjects.
How did Maharana Pratap symbolize Rajput pride?
Maharana Pratap was the Rajput ruler of Mewar who famously refused to submit to Akbar's authority. His resistance against the Mughal Empire made him a symbol of Rajput pride and independence, contrasting with many other Rajput chiefs who chose to align with Akbar.
What were the failures of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign saw several failures that weakened the Delhi Sultanate. His decision to transfer the capital from Delhi to Devagiri faced administrative challenges, and his experiment with token currency led to financial losses due to counterfeit coins. Additionally, heavy taxation in the fertile Doab region during a famine incited peasant revolts.
Why is Akbar referred to as 'Akbar the Great'?
Akbar earned the title 'Akbar the Great' due to his military conquests, which expanded the empire significantly. He adopted a policy of conciliation towards the Rajputs, abolished the Jizya tax, and established the Ibadat Khana for interfaith dialogue. His administrative reforms and cultural patronage further solidified his legacy.
What was the Paik System in the Ahom Kingdom?
The Paik System was a system of forced labor utilized by the Ahom Kingdom of Assam, where every adult male was registered as a paik. Each paik was required to provide military service to the state, reflecting the militaristic and organized nature of the Ahom administration.
What led to the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire?
The decline of the Vijayanagar Empire was marked by internal conflicts and its defeat in the Battle of Talikota in 1565. The destruction of Hampi post-battle, along with continuous wars that weakened the economy, ultimately led to the fragmentation of the empire into smaller kingdoms.

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