The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – Life under the Delhi Sultanate

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – Life under the Delhi Sultanate

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EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

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

B. Match the following :
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 6 Life under the Delhi Sultanate 1
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 6 Life under the Delhi Sultanate 2
Answer:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 6 Life under the Delhi Sultanate 3

C. Choose the correct answer :

1. Under the Delhi Sultanate, the aristocrats/the priests/ the peasants were the most powerful class in society.
Ans. Under the Delhi Sultanate, the aristocrats were the most powerful class in society.

2. The brahmanas/the ulema/the merchants were the chief advisors to the sultans.
Ans. The ulema were the chief advisors to the sultans.

3. The life of the peasants/the nobles/the priests was one of drudgery and poverty.
Ans. The life of the peasants was one of drudgery and poverty.

4. The caste system was followed strictly/sometimes followed/ignored by Hindus.
Ans. The caste system was followed strictly by Hindus.

5. Amir Khusrau is believed to have invented the harmonium/sitar/veena.
Ans. Amir Khusrau is believed to have invented the sitar.

D. State whether the following are true or false :

1. The ruling class in the Delhi Sultanate enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.
Ans. True.

2. The Delhi sultans always allowed the ulema to influence their policies.
Ans. False.
Correct : The Delhi sultans sometime does not allow the ulema to influence their policies.

3. The purdah system was strictly observed by- Muslim women.
Ans. True.

4. The Rajput style of miniature painting continued in the Sultanate period.
Ans. True.

5. New types of food, such as bread and wine, became a part of Indian cuisine during the Sultanate period.
Ans. True.

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

Question 1.
Why was the aristocracy the most powerful social group during the Sultanate period?
Answer:
Aristocracy was the most powerful social group because they had wealth and power.

Question 2.
During whose reign did the life and conditions of the peasants improve?
Answer:
During Firoze Shah’s reign peasants condition improved and they enjoyed many benefits.

Question 3.
What was the chief source of revenue for the government?
Answer:
The tax paid by the peasants was the chief source of revenue for the government.

Question 4.
Why did some Hindus convert to Islam?
Answer:
“Many Hindus, especially those belonging to the lower classes, were attracted to the Islamic principles of equality and converted to Islam. Some did the same to escape the jaziya tax, which was imposed only on non-Muslims.

Question 5.
How do we know that women during the Sultanate period were oppressed?
Answer:
Sati, child marriage and the purdah system became widely prevalent. The purdah system was strictly observed by Muslim women.

Question 6.
What is the characteristic feature of Sultanate architecture?
Answer:
The characteristic feature of Sultanate architecture is the extensive use of bricks, arches, domes, beams and balconies.

Question 7.
Which two styles of music influenced the development of Hindustani music?
Answer:
Hindustani music was the outcome of the fusion of the Perso- Arabic and Indian classical music styles.

Question 8.
By whom were qawwalis popularized?
Answer:
Qawwali is the Persian style of chorus singing which was popularized by Sufi saints.

Question 9.
Which style of painting was patronized by the Lodi sultans?
Answer:
Persian style of miniature paintings was patronized by the later Lodi sultans and used to illustrate books.

Question 10.
How did the Turkish rulers gradually become Indianized?
Answer:
When Turkish rulers married Indian Muslims, they assimilated many of their local cultural traits and gradually became Indianized.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1.
What effect did several centuries of interaction between traditional Indian culture and Islamic culture have on the Indian society?
Answer:
The interaction between traditional Indian culture and Islamic culture had a deep impact on Indian society. This fusion resulted in a new pattern called Indo-Islamic culture.

Question 2.
Describe the main features of society during the Sultanate period with reference to (a) the aristocracy and (b) the peasants.
Answer:

(a) Aristocracy : This was the ruling class. It consisted of the Sultan, the nobles, the Hindu rajas and princes and landlords. This was the most powerful social group because they had wealth and power.
(b) Peasants : The peasants during that time were very poor and they had to lead a very hard life. They had to do all kind of small jobs and had to pay heavy taxes to government.

Question 3.
Discuss the distinctive features of Sultanate architecture.
Answer:
The characteristic feature of Sultanate architecture is the extensive use of bricks, arches, domes, beams and balconies. The Turkish monuments were plain. There was liberal use of floral and geometric designs. The use of red sandstone added colour to their buildings. Verses from the Koran were engraved on the walls of some buildings. Some of the important monuments of the Sultanate period are the Qutb Minar complex, the Alai Darwaza, the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah Kotla, the Tughlaqabad for and the tombs of the Lodi kings.

Question 4.
Music and dance during the Sultanate period was the outcome of the fusion of Indo-Islamic culture. Explain.
Answer:
Indian or Hindustani music was the outcome of the fusion of the Perso-Arabic and Indian classical music styles. New musical instruments such as the tabla, sitar and sarangi were developed during this time.
The famous Persian poet, Amir Khusrau, is believed to have inveted the sitar by combining the South Indian veena with the Persian tanpura. The South Indian drum was probably altered to create the table.
The Persian style of chorus singing, known as qawwali, was popularized by the Sufi saints, a group of Muslim mystics, who became popular during this period. They sang devotional songs at their religious meetings.
Kathak, a new dance form that also developed during this time, combines Hindu themes with Persian customes.

Question 5.
Explain how new customs and practices changed the traditional lifestyle of the Indians.
Answer:
New customs and practices changed the traditional lifestyle of the Indians. Hindus and Muslims wore pyjama-kurtas, kaftans and salwar-kameez and continue doing so to this day. New types of foods such as biryani, bread and wine became a part of Indian cuisine.

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

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 6 Life under the Delhi Sultanate 4

Question 1.
Identify the muscial instrument.
Answer:
Sitar.

Question 2.
During which period in medieval Indian history’ was this instrument invented?
Answer:
During Delhi Sultanate.

Question 3.
By whom and how was it invented?
Answer:
Amir Khusrau.

Question 4.
Name two other musical instruments that were developed during this period.
Answer:
Tabla, Sarangi.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
Into how many groups was society divided during the Sultanate period? Discuss the functions of each group.
Answer:
The society during the Sultanate was divided into four groups, namely

(a) Aristocracy
(b) Priests
(c) Town Dwellers
(d) Peasants

Functions of each group are :

(a) Aristocracy : This was the ruling class. It consisted of the Sultan, the nobles, the Hindu rajas and princes and landlords. This was the most powerful social group because they had wealth and power.
(b) Priests : This group included the ulemas, maulvis, qazis and brahmanas. The Ulemas were the chief advisors of the Sultans. The brahmanas were generally honoured in the Hindu society. They both played an active role in the administration.
(c) Town Dwellers : It consists of officials, artisans, craftsmen, merchants, slaves and domestic servants. Among these the merchants were quite prosperous.
(d) Peasants : The peasants during that time were very poor and they had to lead a very hard life. They had to do all kind of small jobs and had to pay heavy taxes to government

Question 2.
The Persian and Arabic styles blended harmoniously with the classical Hindu style to make a distinctive Indo-Islamic style. Discuss.
Answer:
The turks brought with them Arabic and Persian architectural styles. They liked the classical style of Hindu architecture also, when these two styles were blended by them, a distinctive Indo-Islamic style came out.
The Turkish monuments were plain whereas Hindu styles include use of floral and geometric designs. When both were combined, it gave a unique touch. Some of the important monuments of that time are Qutb Minar, Alai Darwaza, Firoz Shah Kotla etc.

Question 3.
Discuss the development during the Sultanate period in the following fields :

(a) Music
(b) Dance
(c) Painting
(d) Medicine
(e) Dress

Answer:

(a) Music : During this time fusion of Perso-Arabic and Indian classical music styles were done and outcome of it was Hindustani Music. New musical instruments like the tabla, sitar and sarangi were also developed during this time. The Persian style of chorus qawwali was also popularized during this time.
(b) Dance : Kathak a dance form, originated during the Delhi Sultanate period. It combines Hindu themes with Persian costumes.
(c) Painting : The Turkish rulers were not much interested in Painting but the Rajput style of miniature painting continued in the Sultanate period.
(d) Medicine : A Turkish style of medicine known as Yunani became famous during that time.
(e) Dress : Due to new customs and practices the traditional life style of the Indians changed. Hindu and Muslims started wearing pyjama-kurtas. kaftans and Salwar- kameez.

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate : The Khilji and the Tughiaq Dynasties

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate : The Khilji and the Tughiaq Dynasties

ICSE SolutionsSelina ICSE SolutionsML Aggarwal Solutions

Trail HistoryCivics Focus on HistoryCivicsGeographyMathsPhysicsChemistryBiology

EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

  1. The founder of the Khilji dynasty was Jalaluddin – Khilji.
  2. Alauddin was a brilliant general and a shrewd administrator.
  3. Alauddin was the first Turkish ruler to build an empire in India
  4. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was an efficient administrator and a capable military commander.
  5. Muhammad bin Tughlaq realized the importance of a strong and powerful army to strengthen and secure the position of the ruler. He needed additional revenue to increase military resources.
  6. Firoze Shah’s economic reforms improved agricultural production and made the peasants prosperous and happy.
  7. Alauddin built a strong defence system to protect his empire from Mongol raids.
  8. Iltutmish defeated the Rajput rulers of Ujjain, Ranthambore, Malwa, and Gwalior and brought the whole of North India upto the river Narmada under his control.
  9. The Caliph of Baghdad recognized Iltutmish as the sovereign of India. He was succeeded by his daughter Razia.

B. Match the following :
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 5 Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate The Khilji and the Tughiaq Dynasties 1
Answer:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 5 Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate The Khilji and the Tughiaq Dynasties 2

C. Choose the correct answer :

1. Alauddin conquered Chittor, the capital of Mewar/Malwa/Warangal.
Ans. Alauddin conquered Chittor, the capital of Mewar.

2. Alauddin was the first Turkish ruler to send an expedition to Gujarat/Rajasthan/tlie Deccan.
Ans. Alauddin was the first Turkish ruler to send an expedition to the Deccan.

3. Most historians have traced the failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s schemes to his character/education/ intelligence.
Ans. Most historians have traced the failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s schemes to his character.

4. Firoze Shah laid out about 1,200 gardens and orchards/ lakes/roads around Delhi.
Ans. Firoze Shah laid out about 1,200 gardens and orchards around Delhi.

5. The final blow to the Delhi Sultanate was dealt by the invasion of Babur/Timur/Khizr Khan.
Ans. The final blow to the Delhi Sultanate was dealt by the invasion of Timur.

D. State whether the following are true or false :

1. Alauddin dreamt of conquering the whole world.
Ans. True.

2. Under Alauddin, spies were kept in every unit of the army.
Ans. True.

3. Alauddin’s death was followed by great political turmoil.
Ans. True.

4. Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a diligent ruler who undertook projects that were brilliantly conceived and executed.
Ans. False.
Correct : Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a diligent ruler who undertook projects that were brilliantly conceived and poorly executed.

5. Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s of increasing the taxes in the Ganga -Yamuna Doab region led to the development of agriculture in that region.
Ans. False.
Correct : The policy of increasing the taxes in the | Ganga-Yamuna Doab region led to the severe set back of agriculture in that region.

6. Muhammad bin Tughlaq stayed in Daulatabad for 5 years.
Ans. False.
Correct : Muhammad bin Tughlaq stayed in | Daulatabad for 2 years.

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

Question 1.
Under what circumstances did Alauddin ascend the throne of Delhi?
Answer:
Alauddin captured the throne of Delhi by killing his uncle Jalaluddin Khilji. As the situation at that time was very worse because Jalaluddin was very mild and pious person which led to lawlessness and revolts. Alauddin took advantage of the situation and ascended the throne

Question 2.
How did Alauddin Khilji win over the rebellious nobles after capturing the throne?
Answer:
Alauddin Khilji won over the nobles to his side by bribing them with rich gifts.

Question 3.
Name the capital of Mewar.
Answer:
Chittor the capital of Mewar.

Question 4.
What did the Rajput women in the royal palace do when Alauddin Khilji captured Chittor?
Answer:
The women performed jauhar and burnt themselves to death.

Question 5.
Who led Alauddin’s Deccan campaigns?
Answer:
The Deccan expeditions were led by Malik Kafur.

Question 6.
Why do modern historians reject the account of a mass exodus from Delhi to Daulatabad?
Answer:
Modem historians, however, do not accept the account of a mass exodus. According to them, Delhi was never depopulated because there is evidence to prove that construction work was carried out in Delhi during the period of transfer.

Question 7.
Mention any one economic reform introduced in the Doab region by Firoze Shah Tughlaq.
Answer:
Land taxes were reduced in the Doab. All loans given during the famine were cancelled. Many taxes were abolished.

Question 8.
Give one example to show that Firoze Shah was concerned about the welfare of his poor subjects.
Answer:
Free hospitals were set up for the poor.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1.
With reference to the following conquests, briefly explain how Alauddin extended the boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate :

(a) Conquest of Gujarat
(b) Conquest of the Rajput states.

Answer:

(a) Conquest of Gujarat : Alauddin extended the boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate by sending an expedition to Gujarat which was conquered and annexed.
(b) Conquest of the Rajput states : Alauddin first captured the fort of Ranthambore and then attacked Chittor, the capital of Mewar. The Rajputs fought bravely but lost the battle. This was followed by the capture of the important cities of Mandu, Ujjain, Dhar and Chanderi in Malwa. By 1305 CE, Alauddin become the master of the whole of North India.

Question 2.
Give an account of Alauddin Khilji’s

(a) Deccan conquest
(b) Deccan policy.

Answer:

(a) Deccan conquest : Alauddin was the first Muslim ruler to send an expedition to the Deccan. This expedition was led by Malik Kafur, who defeated the rulers of Devagiri Warangal and Dwarasamudra and attacked and plundered Madurai in the far South. Thus Alauddin become the first Turkish ruler to extend his influence south of the Vindhyas.
(b) Deccan policy : Alauddin did not annex the Deccan after conquering it because he realized that it would not be easy to control these provinces from Delhi. Moreover his main objective in conquering it was to acquire as much wealth as possible from the South to pay for the maintenance of his huge army.
Alauddin forced the rulers of Deccan to acknowledge his supremacy and pay heavy annual charges as a mark of submission to his over-lordship.

Question 3.
How did Alauddin protect the Delhi Sultanate from repeated Mongol invasions?
Answer:
Alauddin took following steps to protect his empire from the Mongols invasions :

(a) The forts along the route of Mongols-attacks were repaired and the frontier provinces were placed under the best generals.
(b) The army was reorganized and strengthened.
(c) Mongol leaders were captured and trampled under the feet of elephants.
(d) The Mongols who after embracing Islam settled down in Delhi during Jalaluddin’s reign were mercilessly killed.

Question 4.
Why is Muhammad bin Tughlaq regarded as one of the most accomplished and learned scholars of his times?
Answer:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq is regarded as one of the most accomplished and learned scholars of his times due to his intellectual curiosity and thrust for getting more knowledge. He was gifted with an extraordinary memory. He was a master in logic, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy and physical sciences. He was a lover of Persian literature and poetry, calligraphy, fine arts and music. He loved the company of learned men.

Question 5.
Discuss the causes and results of the taxation scheme of Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the Doab.
Answer:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq realized the importance of a strong and powerful army to strengthen and secure the position of the ruler. To increase military resources, he needed additional revenue. The Ganga-Yamuna Doab (the area between) the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers) was a fertile region. The land tax in this area was increased. Unfortunately, the rains failed and a severe famine broke out. People refused to pay the enhanced taxes. But the tax collectors showed no mercy and continued to collect the taxes with such rigour that the peasants were ruined. To escape the tyranny of the tax collectors, the peasants abandoned their lands and fled to the jungles.

Question 6.
Why was the capital transferred from Delhi to Daulatabad? Explain the consequences of this project.
Answer:
The transfer of the capital from Delhi to Devagiri (renamed Daulatabad) in the Deccan. Two major reasons prompted the sultan to take the decision.

  1. Central location : With the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate into the Deccan, Devagiri was centrally located and nearly equidistant from Delhi and other important places.
  2. Mongol invasions : Repeated Mongol attacks posed a great threat to Delhi. Daulatabad was at a safe distance from the invaders.
    Consequences : In the absence of the sultan, Delhi was now exposed to renewed attacks by the Mongols. Realizing his folly, Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital back to Delhi after 2 years. The people were ordered to return. The suffering and mental agony caused great resentment. The experiment was a dismal failure. It had drained the treasury and reduced the grand and prosperous capital of Delhi to a mere shadow of its former self. Daulatabad, a monument of misdirected energy, became a deserted city.

Question 7.
What arrangements did Muhammad bin Tughlaq make to achieve his ambition of a world empire? Why did his scheme fail?
Answer:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq dreamt of establishing a world empire. For this he decided to conquer Khurasan, Persia and Iraq. He mobilized a huge army for it and equipped it and paid one full year’s salary in advance. But later he realized that it was not easy to send such a large army across the snowy Himalayan passes. So this scheme failed and it even drained the wealth of the Royal treasury.

Question 8.
What was the condition of the Delhi Sultanate at the end of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign?
Answer:
The condition of the Delhi Sultanate was in a state of decay and disintegration after twenty five year of reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

Question 9.
To what would you attribute the failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s schemes – personal character or prevailing conditions? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Both personal character and prevailing conditions were responsible for the failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. In personal side he lacked practical sense and was not able to predict things whereas on other side, conditions prevailing were also not favourable. People were backward and did not respond to new ideas and radical reforms.

Question 10.
What evidence do we have to prove that Alauddin was a patron of art and learning?
Answer:
Alauddin was a patron of art and learning which can be seen clear from the large and beautiful monuments built during his reign. There were many learned scholars and poet in his court. Amir Khusrau, the famous Persian poet was one of them.
The Alai Darwaza is one of the most beautiful architecture of that time. He also built many beautiful palaces and mosques. The Siri Fort and the Palace of Thousand Pillars are good examples of it.

G Picture study :
This is a picture of the most beautiful specimen of Khilji architecture, which was added as an entrance to the Qutb complex in Delhi.

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 5 Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate The Khilji and the Tughiaq Dynasties 3

Question 1.
Identify the monument.
Answer:
Alai Darwaja.

Question 2.
During whose reign was it built?
Answer:
Alauddin Khilji.

Question 3.
With reference to the reign of this ruler, mention two important features of each of the following :

(a) Reorganization of the army
(b) Revenue reforms
(c) Market control policy

Answer:
(a) Alauddin was the first Sultan of Delhi to lay the foundation of a permanent standing army. The size of the standing army was greatly enlarged. Alauddin introduced the system of branding horses and maintaining a descriptive roll of the soldiers. Spies were kept in every unit of the army.
(b) Alauddin introduced certain revenue reforms. The land was measured and the share of the state was fixed. Special revenue officials were appointed to collect the taxes.
(c) Alauddin set up three markets at Delhi – one for food grains, the second for cloth and the third for horses, slaves and cattle. Each market was under the control of an officer called Shahna.

  1. The prices of all commodities were fixed and prices of essential items were kept low.
  2. Market officers were appointed to keep a strict watch on the prices, weights and the activities of the traders.
  3. Anyone caught hoarding goods or cheating customers in price or weight was severely punished
  4. State warehouses were set up and stocked with food grains.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
How did Alauddin Khilji win over, the nodes of Jalaluddin to his side?
Answer:
Alauddin Khilji won over the nobles of Jalaluddin to his side by bribing them with rich gifts and higher posts.

Question 2.
Who was the first Turkish ruler to extend his influence in South of the Vindhyas?
Answer:
Alauddin was the first Turkish ruler to extend his influence in South of the Vindhyas.

Question 3.
What is Price control policy?
Answer:
Price control is the practice where the king or government controls the price of goods so that the shopkeepers cannot increase their price.

Question 4.
What revenue reforms were introduced by Alauddin to meet heavy Army expenditure?
Answer:
Alauddin needed a large amount of money to meet the heavy Army expenses and for this he introduced certain revenue reforms like:

(a) He told the officers to measure the land and fix the share of the state.
(b) He appointed special revenue officials to collect the taxes.
(c) He increased the revenue from one-third to half.

Question 5.
Who was Amir Khusrau?
Answer:
Amir Khusrau was a famous Persian poet in the court of Alauddin Khilji.

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – The Turkish Invasion and the Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – The Turkish Invasion and the Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate

ICSE SolutionsSelina ICSE SolutionsML Aggarwal Solutions

Trail HistoryCivics Focus on HistoryCivicsGeographyMathsPhysicsChemistryBiology

EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

  1. Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India seventeen times in the course of twenty five years.
  2. Mahmud’s raids exposed the weakness of the northern states and paved the way for the conquest of India.
  3. Qutbuddin Aibak took control of Muhammad Ghori’s Indian possessions and laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate.
  4. Iltutmish defeated the Rajput rulers of Ujjain, Ranthambore, Malwa, and Gwalior and brought the whole of North India upto the river Narmada under his control.
  5. The Caliph of Baghdad recognized Iltutmish as the sovereign of India. He was succeeded by his daughter Razia.

B. Match the following :
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 4 The Turkish Invasion and the Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate 1
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 4 The Turkish Invasion and the Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate 2
Answer:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 4 The Turkish Invasion and the Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate 3

C. Choose the correct answer :

1. Mahmud of Ghazni was a powerful/weak/inefficient ruler.
Ans. Mahmud of Ghazni was a powerful ruler.

2. Mahmud of Ghazni was interested in territorial expansion in South Asia/Central Asia/West Asia.
Ans. Mahmud of Ghazni was interested in territorial expansion in Central Asia.

3. Firdausi was a great mathematician/historian/poet.
Ans. Firdausi was a great poet.

4. Nasiruddin Mahmud was a weak and inexperienced ruler and the affairs of the state were managed by Balban/Iltutmish/Razia Sultan on his behalf.
Ans. Nasiruddin Mahmud was a weak and inexperienced ruler and the affairs of the state were managed by Balban on his behalf.

5. Iltutmish/Qutbuddin Aibak/Balban never smiled or allowed others to laugh or joke in his court.
Ans. Balban never smiled or allowed others to laugh or joke in his court.

D. State whether the following are true or false :

1. The kingdoms of Ghazni and Ghor were established by the Abbasids.
Ans. False. Correct: The kingdoms of Ghazni and Ghor were established by the Turks.

2. During Mahmud’s time, North India was divided and there was no unity.
Ans. True.

3. Iltutmish failed to crush the power of the governor of Bengal.
Ans. False.
Iltutmish crush the power of the governor of Bengal.

4. Razia Sultan was brave, intelligent and just.
Ans. False.
Correct : Razia Sultan was brave, intelligent and just woman.

5. Balban made the monarchy weak and dependent on the nobles.
Ans. False.
Correct : Balban made the monarchy absolute and all-powerful.

6. Sultan Mahmud annexed Punjab to create a gateway to India for future invasions.
Ans. True.

7. Mahmud of Ghazni was the founder of the Turkish rule in India.
Ans. False.
Correct : Muhammad Ghori was the founder of the Turkish rule in India.

8. Muhammad Ghori was as great a military leader as Mahmud of Ghazni.
Ans. False.
Muhammad Ghori was not as great a military leader as Mahmud of Ghazni.

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

Question 1.
What happened to the Abbasid Caliphate by the 9th century CE?
Answer:
By the end of the 9th century CE. The once mighty Abbasid empire disintegrated into a number of independent states ruled by the Turks who had earlier served in the armies of the Caliphs.

Question 2.
Name the author of the great epic Shahnama.
Answer:
The Persian poet Firdausi, author of the great epic Shahnama.

Question 3.
What is the significance of the defeat of Prithviraj in the Second Battle of Tarain?
Answer:
The defeat of Prithviraj marked the end of Rajput rule in North India. The kingdom of Delhi passed into the hands of Muhammad Ghori. The throne of Delhi was occupied by Muslim rulers from then till 1858.

Question 4.
Who did Muhammad Ghori appoint as his viceroy?
Answer:
Muhammad Ghori appointed Qutbuddin Aibak as his viceroy before returning to Ghor.

Question 5.
For how many years did the sultans of Delhi rule the country?
Answer:
300 years.

Question 6.
Mention one important reason for the decline of Buddhism in India after the Turkish invasion.
Answer:
Buddhist monasteries and libraries were wantonly destroyed by the Muhammad bin Bakhtiar Khilji. This invasion dealth a death blow to Buddhism in India.

Question 7.
Name the founder of the Turkish kingdom in India.
Answer:
Muhammad Ghori was founder of the Turkish kingdom in India

Question 8.
Why was Qutbuddin known as ‘lakhbaksh’?
Answer:
Lakhbaksh means ‘giver of lakhs’. Qutbuddin Aibak was given this name because of his generosity.

Question 9.
How did Iltutmish save India from the threat of a Mongol invasion?
Answer:
Once Mongol chief, Chenghiz Khan reached the borders of India in search of the Shah of Persia who fled towards India to get shelter but Iltutmish politely refused the Mongol chief to provide refuge and in this way he saved the threat of Mongol invasion.

Question 10.
Why did Iltutmish nominate his daughter Razia as his successor?
Answer:
Iltutmish nominated his daughter Razia as his successor because his sons were inexperienced, weak and worthless ruler and they spent all their time in fun and pleasure loving things whereas Razia was a brave, intelligent and just woman. She possessed all the qualities of a great monarch.

Question 11.
Give any one example to show that Mahmud was a patron of learning.
Answer:
He was a patron of art and learning and enjoyed the company of learned scholars and poets. The Persian poet Firdausi, author of the great epic Shahnama, and the great Persian historian and mathematician A1 Beruni, were among the eminent scholars patronized by Mahmud.

Question 12.
Name the famous Rajput ruler of Delhi and Ajmer.
Answer:
Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput ruler of Delhi and Ajmer.

Question 13.
Mention one important reason for the victory of Muhammad Ghori in the Second Battle of Tarain.
Answer:
Prithviraj organized a confederacy of Rajput chiefs to meet the challenge. Unfortunately, the most powerful Rajput ruler, Raja Jaichandra of Kanauj, refused to help him.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1.
How did Sultan Mahmud transform his capital, Ghazni? How do we know he was a patron of art and learning?
Answer:
Sultan Mahmud transform Ghazni into a magnificent capital city. Ghazni was adorned with splendid mosques, libraries and a museum.
His court glittered with sparkling pearls, mbis and diamonds. This shows that he was a patron of art and learning.

Question 2.
Discuss the (a) causes and (b) results of the First and Second Battles of Tarain.
Answer:
Muhammad Ghori wanted to envieled his kingdom with India’s wealth. He decided to conquer India.

(a) First Battles of Tarain : In 1191 CE, Ghori attacked Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput ruler of Delhi and Ajmer. Prithviraj inflicted a crushing defeat on Ghori in the First

Question 3.
Give any five reasons to prove that Iltutmish was a shrewd, clever and capable ruler.
Answer:

  1. The Turkish nobles who had challenged his claim to the throne were suppressed.
  2. The revolt of the Khilji governor of Bengal was crushed.
  3. The power of his external rivals, the rulers of Ghazni and Multan, was destroyed.
  4. A new danger presented itself when the Mongol chief, Chenghiz Khan, reached the borders of India in pursuit of the Shah of Persia (Iran). The Shah had fled towards India in search of Shelter. Iltutmish politely refused to give him refuge and by doing so he saved India from the threat of the Mongol invasion.
  5. After having got rid of his enemies, Iltutmish defeated the Rajput rulers of Ujjain, Ranthambore, Malwa and Gwalior. He brought the whole of North India up to the river Narmada under his control. The Caliph of Baghdad recognized him as the sovereign of India.

Question 4.
Discuss the important developments that took place during the reign of Razia Sultan.
Answer:
The provincial governors rose in revolt against her. Razia tried to crush the revolt but was defeated and imprisoned. She won over the leader of the rebels, Altunia, by marrying him. Their attempt to recover the throne of Delhi ended in failure and both were killed in 1240 CE.

G Picture study :
This is the picture of a Turkish invader who was involved in the Battles of Tarain.

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 4 The Turkish Invasion and the Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate 4

Question 1.
Identify the person in the picture.
Answer:
Muhammad Ghori

Question 2.
Why did he invade India?
Answer:
At the end of the 12th century CE, a new kingdom based in Ghor arose in north – western Afghanistan (near Ghazni). The founder was Ghiyasuddin Ghori. His famous brother. Muizuddin Muhammad, is commonly referred to as Muhammad Ghori decided to conquer India and enrich his kingdom with India’s wealth. He first brought the frontier areas of Multan. Sind and Punjab under his control.

Question 3.
The Battles of Tarain laid the foundations of Turkish rule in North India. Do you agree? Why?
Answer:
Yes. Two years after the Second Battle of Tarain. Muhammad attacked Kanauj and killed Jaichandra. Ghori annexed the Indian territories to his empire and appointed Qutbuddin Aibak as his viceroy before returning to Ghor.

Question 4.
Explain the causes of the success of the Turkish invaders against the Rajputs.
Answer:
Prithviraj organized a confederacy of Rajput chiefs to meet the challenge. Unfortunately, the most powerful Rajput ruler, Raja Jaichandra of Kanauj, refused to help him. The two armies clashed in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE. This time, Muhammad Ghori routed the Rajput army.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
What did Mahmud do with the vast treasures he had looted from India?
Answer:
Mahmud used the treasures which he drained away from India by transforming Ghazni into a magnificent capital city.
Many mosques, libraries and museum were built in Ghazni. The court of Ghazni was decorated with sparkling pearls, rubies and diamonds.

Question 2.
What is the significance of Muhammad Ghori’s victory’ in the Second Battle of Tarain?
Answer:
The second battle of Tarain marked the end of the Rajput rule in North India and the kingdom of Delhi passed into the hands of Muhammad Ghori, which remained with the Muslim rulers till 1858. This battle helped Ghori to annex more Northern Indian territories and expand his empire.

Question 3.
What effect did Muhammad Ghori’s invasion of India have on Buddhism in India?
Answer:
Due to Muhammad Ghori’s invasion of India many Buddhist monasteries and libraries were badly destroyed by the invaders. These invasions gave a death blow to Buddhism in India.

Question 4.
Why is Muhammad Ghori’s conquest of North India considered to be a turning point in Indian History?
Answer:
Muhammad Ghori’s conquest of North India is considered to be a turning point in Indian History because within ten years of the Second Battle of Tarain, the powerful Rajputs kingdoms collapsed and India came into the hands of those who ruled over it for the next 300 years, that is the Sultans of Delhi.

Question 5.
Which was the most ambitious and profitable expedition of Mahmud Ghazni?
Answer:
The attack on the Somnath temple in Kathiawar was Mahmud’s most ambitious and profitable expedition.

Question 6.
Throw some light on art and learning during Mahmud Ghazin’s period?
Answer:
Mahmud Ghazni was a patron of art and learning and enjoyed , the company of learned scholars and poets. The Persian poet Firdausi who wrote ‘Shahnama’ and the great Persian historian and mathematician A1 Beruni were among the eminent scholars patronized by Mahmud.

Question 7.
Describe the First Battle of Tarain?
Answer:
The First Battle of Tarain was fought in AD 1191 between Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan the Rajput ruler.

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – Birth of Prophet Muhammad and Spread of Islam

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – Birth of Prophet Muhammad and Spread of Islam

ICSE SolutionsSelina ICSE SolutionsML Aggarwal Solutions

Trail HistoryCivics Focus on HistoryCivicsGeographyMathsPhysicsChemistryBiology

EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

  1. Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE.
  2. Muhammad forbade idol worship and stressed the importance of God and kind behaviour.
  3. The two holy places of the Muslims are Mecca and Medina.
  4. Muhammad was succeeded by Abu Bakr, who was known as Caliph. He transformed the Arabs into an excellent fighting force and inspired them to cany the word of Allah throughout the world.
  5. The first Arab expedition to India took place in 712 CE under the leadership of Muhammad bin Qasim.

B. Match the following :
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 3 Birth of Prophet Muhammad and Spread of Islam 1
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 3 Birth of Prophet Muhammad and Spread of Islam 2
Answer:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 3 Birth of Prophet Muhammad and Spread of Islam 3

C. Choose the correct answer :

1. As a young man, Muhammad worked as a trader/farmer/ craftsman.
Ans. As a young man, Muhammad worked as a trader.

2. During Muhammad’s time, the Arabs were divided into a number of kingdoms/tribes/empires.
Ans. During Muhammad’s time, the Arabs were divided into a number of tribes.

3. Muslims must say their prayers four/five/six times a day.
Ans. Muslims must say their prayers five times a day.

4. The Abbasid Caliphs shifted the Caliphate from Damascus to Medina/Mecca/Baghdad.
Ans. The Abbasid Caliphs shifted the Caliphate from Damascus to Baghdad.

5. The Arab traders established trade settlements on the eastern/western/southern coast of India.
Ans. The Arab traders established trade settlements on the western coast of India.

D. State whether the following are true or false :

1. The Medieval Period in India stretches from the 8th century CE to the 16th century CE.
Ans. False.
Correct : The Medieval Period in India stretches from the 8th century CE to the 18th century CE.

2. Before the rise of Islam, the Arabs practiced idol worship.
Ans. True.

3. The Arab empire under the Abbasid Caliphs was one of the most powerful and enlightened regions in the world.
Ans. True.

4. The occupation of Sind ended with the death of Muhammad bin Qasim.
Ans. True.

5. In the 9th century CE, the power of the Caliphs declined.
Ans. True.

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

Question 1.
Where was Prophet Muhammad born?
Answer:
Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca

Question 2.
What important event took place in Muhammad’s life around 610 CE?
Answer:
When Muhammad was about forty years old, he had a vision of God, who revealed to him the divine message, to carry the word of God or Allah to the people of Mecca. He declared that Allah was the one and only God and Muhammad was his Prophet. This gave way to a new religion called Islam.

Question 3.
What does the term Hijrat mean?
Answer:
Hijrat marks the departure of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

Question 4.
What title did Abu Bakr assume after he succeeded Prophet Muhammad?
Answer:
Abu Bakr took the title of Khalifa or Caliph.

Question 5.
Under whose reign did the Arabs achieve their greatest heights of intellectual and cultural excellence?
Answer:
The greatest intellectual and cultural excellence was seen during the reign of the Abbasid Caliphs.

Question 6.
Why was the House of Wisdom established?
Answer:
The house of Wisdom was set up in Baghdad as it was advised by Prophet Muhammad to pursue learning among Arabs. So Baghdad become the place of wisdom where various ancient civilizations such as Greek, Byzantine, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian and Persian were translated into Arabic.

Question 7.
Which Arab city became the preserve of the rich cultural heritage of the ancient world?
Answer:
Baghdad became the repository and preserve of the rich cultural heritage of the ancient world.

Question 8.
What were the chief items of export and import in India’s trade relations with the Arabs?
Answer:
The chief items of export during India’s trade relations with the Arabs were Pepper, Muslin, Indigo etc. and import were luxury items and fine Arabian horses.

Question 9.
Why were the Indians not receptive to Arab learning and civilization during this period?
Answer:
The spirit of exclusiveness among the Hindus made them reject foreign cultural influence. The Hindus believed that no other country on earth but theirs had any knowledge of Science. Hence, they were not receptive to the rich treasures of Arabic learning and civilization.

Question 10.
Name any one independent state established by the Turks in Central Asia.
Answer:
Two independent states established by the Turks in Central Aisa were Ghazni and Ghor.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1.
Why did Muhammad shift from Mecca to Medina? Discuss the events that followed this move.
Answer:
Muhammad forbade idol worship and stressed the importance of good and kind behaviour. His teachings angered the rich Arabs, and Muhammad and his small band of followers were forced to shift to Medina in 622 CE. Muhammad’s move from Mecca to Medina is known as Hijrat.

Question 2.
State the main principles of Islam.
Answer:
The main principles of Islam:

  1. There is only one God and Muhammad is his Prophet.
  2. Muslims must turn towards Mecca and say their prayers five times a day.
  3. They must fast from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramzan.
  4. They must help the poor and needy by giving away a portion of their wealth in charity.
  5. They must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Question 3.
The greatest intellectual and cultural excellence was seen during the reign of the Abbasid Caliphs. Discuss.
Answer:
The Abbasids shifted the Caliphate from Damascus to Baghdad (capital of modem Iraq). For the next 150 years, the Arab empire under the Abbasids emerged as one of the most powerful, prosperous and enlightened regions in the world. The Arabs absorbed and assimilated the best of what other cultures and civilizations had to offer in terms of ideas, skills and scientific knowledge.Muhammad had advised the Arabs to pursue learning. One of the Abbasid Caliphs established a House of Wisdom at Baghdad to translate into Arabic the collective wisdom of various ancient civilizations such as the Greek, Byzantine, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian and Persian civilizations. Baghdad became the repository and preserve of the rich cultural heritage of the ancient world.

Question 4.
What knowledge did the Arabs gather from

(a) Indian
(b) various other ancient civilizations?

Answer:
(a) The Arabs, learnt a great deal from the ancient Indian civilization. Knowledge of Indian mathematics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy and the art of administration were assimilated by the Arabs, leading to further enrichment of the Arab civilization and culture.
(b) Knowledge absorbed and assimilated by Arab scholars from different civilizations

  1. Chinese : (a)Art of paper making, (b) Glass making techniques, (c) Use of mariner’s compass.
  2. Greeks : (a) Geometry.
  3. Persians : (a) Astronomy.
  4. Indians : (a) Mathematical theories, (b) medicine, (c) Astronomy, (d) Philosophy, (e) Administration.

G Picture study :
This is a picture of a mosque where Muslims go to pray (picture on next page).

Question 1.
Name :

(a) their religion
(b) their holy book
(c) the founder of their religion.

Answer:

(a) Islam
(b) Quran Sharif
(c) Prophet Muhammad.

Question 2.
Name the two holy places of the Muslim.
Answer:

(a) Mecca
(b) Medina

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 3 Birth of Prophet Muhammad and Spread of Islam 4

Question 3.
Why does the Muslim calendar begin from the year 622 CE?
Answer:
Muhammad and his small band of followers were forced to flee to Medina in 622 CE. Muhammad’s departure from Mecca to Medina is known as hijrat. The Muslim calendar, hijri, begins from that year.

Question 4.
Mention any four important principles of the religion.
Answer:
The main four principles of Islam are as follows :

  1. There is only one God and Muhammad is His Prophet.
  2. Muslims must say their prayers five times a day.
  3. They must help the poor and needy by giving away a portion of their wealth in charity.
  4. They must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Question 5.
Briefly describe the role of Abu Bakr in the spread of the this religion.
Answer:
Abu Bakr mobilized and transformed the Arabs into an excellent fighting force. He and his successors inspired the Arab armies to sweep across countries and continents and carry the word of Allah throughout the world. Inspired by missionary zeal, these invincible and extraordinary Arab armies conquered vast territories. Their empire stretched over Iran, Syria, Central Asia, North Africa and Spain.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
What is the importance of the year 622 OK in the history of Islam?
Answer:
In the year AD 622 Muhammad and his small band of followers were forced to flee to Medina, due to their teachings which angered the rich Arabs. There in Medina people welcomed them and within ten years Muhammad won considerable support. His supporters included a small but devoted army which was ready to lay down their lives for the sake of Islam.

Question 2.
How did the Arabs enrich their knowledge?
Answer:
Arabs enriched their knowledge a great deal from the ancient Indian civilization. Knowledge of Indian mathematics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy and the art of administration was assimilated by the Arabs, leading to enrichment of the Arab civilization and culture.

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – Spread of Christianity

The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions – Spread of Christianity

ICSE SolutionsSelina ICSE SolutionsML Aggarwal Solutions

Trail HistoryCivics Focus on HistoryCivicsGeographyMathsPhysicsChemistryBiology

EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

  1. The great Roman empire began to disintegrate in the 5th century CE.
  2. One important reason for the fall of the Roman empire was the repeated attacks by the Germanic tribes.
  3. In 395 CE, the Roman empire was divided into two parts – eastern and western.
  4. By 900 CE, Christianity had become the state religion in every European state.
  5. The Crusades or holy wars were fought between the Christians and the Turkish Muslims, between the 11th and 13th centuries CE.

B. Match the following :
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 2 Spread of Christianity 1
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 2 Spread of Christianity 2
Answer:
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 2 Spread of Christianity 3

C. Choose the correct answer :

1. The mighty Turkish/Roman/Greek empire began to disintegrate in the 5th century CE.
Ans. The mighty Roman empire began to disintegrate in the 5th century CE.

2. The capital of the Byzantine empire was Rome/ Jerusalem/Constantinople.
Ans. The capital of the Byzantine empire was Constantinople.

3. The orders built great monasteries, where monks/kings/ soldiers stayed and pursued their missions.
Ans. The orders built great monasteries, where monks stayed and pursued their missions.

4. In the 11th century CE, the Goths/Turks/Vandals invaded the lands of the Christian emperor of Constantinople.
Ans. In the 11th century CE, the Turks invaded the lands of the Christian emperor of Constantinople.

5. The Crusaders learned the use of gunpowder and guns from the Greeks/Franks/Turks.
Ans. The Crusaders learned the use of gunpowder and guns from the Turks.

D. State whether the following are true or false :

1. The invaders who attacked the Roman empire were semi-civilized tribes.
Ans. True.

2. In the confusion and disorder that followed the disintegration of the Roman empire, the only unifying factor was Christianity and the Roman Church.
Ans. True.

3. The spread of Christianity was one of the most important developments in the Early Medieval Period.
Ans. True.

4. By the end of the 5th century, Christian churches had been established in almost every town and city.
Ans. True.

5. The greatest contribution of the monasteries was in the field of education.
Ans. True.

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

Question 1.
What were the ‘barbarian invasions’?
Answer:
The repeated attacks and raids by various Germanic tribes such as the Goths, the Vandals and the Franks are referred to as the ‘barbarian invasions’.

Question 2.
Name the capital of the eastern Roman empire.
Answer:
Capital of eastern Roman empire was Constantinople (modem Istanbul).

Question 3.
What effect did the barbarian invasions have on the Byzantine (eastern Roman) empire ?
Answer:
The Byzantine empire was attacked by the barbarian tribes but it proved to be more resilient than its western counterpart It successfully withstood the onslaughts and preserved some of the great legacies of the glorious Roman empire.

Question 4.
What were the Crusades?
Answer:
Crusades were the holy wars waged by the Christians against the Turks, who had captured the lands of the Christian emperor of Constantinople and Jerusalem (the holy land of the Christians).

Question 5.
How did the Crusades pave the way for the Renaissance?
Answer:
In the course of their travels to the holy land, the crusaders came in contact with the superior civilizations and cultures of the Greeks and Muslims. They assimilated the best elements of these cultures and started the process of revival of western education and learning and paved the way for the Renaissance.

Question 6.
How did the Crusades lead to the decline of feudalism?
Answer:
The Crusaders learnt the use of gunpowder and guns from the Muslims. These two discoveries contributed to the decline of feudalism. The armoured knights had outlived their usefulness and their services were no longer required.

Question 7.
Where did the Christian monks live?
Answer:
They lived in monasteries and did not marry.

Question 8.
Name two arts that flourished in monasteries.
Answer:
Architecture, mural painting, wood carving and stained glass painting developed and flourished in the monasteries.

Question 9.
Name one internationally renowned university that evolved from a Christian monastery.
Answer:
The University that evolved from a Christian monastery of Oxford in England is know as Oxford University in the English – speaking world.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1.
Briefly discuss the causes of the decline of the mighty Roman empire?
Answer:
The barbarian invasions penetrated deep into the Roman territory and plundered and ravaged it. Even the magnificent city of Rome was not spared. These tribes gradually settled down and assumed control of the western part of the Roman empire which lead to its decline.

Question 2.
The Crusades brought about significant changes in medieval Europe. In this context, discuss the following:

(a) Advent of the Renaissance
(b) Economic prosperity.

Answer:

(a) Advent of the Renaissance : In the course of their travels to the holy land, the Crusaders came in contact with the superior civilizations and cultures of the Greeks and the Turks. They assimilated the best elements of these cultures and started the process of the revival of Western education and learning, paving the way for the Renaissance.
(b) Economic prosperity : The Crusaders got a taste of the luxurious lifestyle of the East. To meet the demand for luxury items, European traders began to establish trade links with the East. As trade increased, the economy of Europe flourished.

Question 3.
Write short notes on the following :

(a) Monks and nuns
(b) Life in a monasteries

Answer:

(a) Monks : They were priests who devoted their lives to the services of God and humanity. They lived in monasteries and did not marry.
Nuns : They were the women who devoted their lives to the service of God and humanity. They lived in nunneries and did not marry.
(b) Monasteries : These were the places where the monks lived. They were located in isolated places, far away from human habitation. Life in these monasteries was simple and orderly.

Question 4.
Describe a monastery. What did the monks and nuns do for the welfare of the people?
Answer:
A monastery was usually a large, strong and simple building, surrounded by gardens, fruit orchards, fields and ponds. Inside the abbey was a small church, living quarters for the monks and nuns, a kitchen and storerooms. Attached to most monasteries were hospitals, schools and libraries.
Monasteries played a very important role in medieval Europe. The nuns educated children and treated the sick and wounded. The greatest contribution of the monasteries was in the field of education. Some of these monasteries later developed into famous secular universities, such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Besides the religious texts, secular subjects such as history, philosophy, medicine, law and astrology were also taught in these universities. The printing press and paper had not yet been invented, so the monks wrote books by hand on parchment. Most of the books were copies of the Bible and prayer books, and copies of Latin and Greek books on secular subjects. These books were a very useful source of knowledge of the ancient and medieval civilization in Europe.

Question 5.
What was the contribution of the monasteries in the field of education?
Answer:
The greatest contribution of the monasteries was in the field of education. Some of these monasteries later developed into famous secular universities, such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Beside the religious texts, secular subjects such as history, philosophy, medicine, law and astrology were also taught in these universities.

G Picture study :
This is a picture of a renowned English university built by the Christian Church (picture on next page).

Question 1.
Identify the university.
Answer:
Oxford University.

Question 2.
What part did the Church play in the field of education?
Answer:
The Christian Church played an important role in the field of education. These Churches become great centres of scholarship, art. literature and religious studies. Educational institutions like the internationally renowned Cambridge and Oxford Universities were built bv the Church.
The Trail History and Civics for Class 7 ICSE Solutions Chapter 2 Spread of Christianity 4

Question 3.
Mention any two reasons for the rapid spread of Christianity in Europe between 400 CE and 900 CE.
Answer:
The conversion of a king or feudal lord was usually followed by mass conversion of his subjects. As Christianity spread, the power and wealth of the Church multiplied.
Christian monks, fired by religious fervour, organized themselves into religious orders.

Question 4.
In what way did the increase in wealth and power influence the policies of the Church?
Answer:
As the wealth and power of the Church increased, it became increasingly conservative and authoritarian, demanding from every Christian unqualified obedience, loyalty and total submission to its dictates.

Question 5.
What does the term ‘Crusades’ mean? How did the Crusades contribute to the revival of learning and pave .the way for the Renaissance in Europe?
Answer:
Crusades were the holy wars of the Christians against the Turkish Muslims. In the course of their travels to the holy land, the Crusaders came in contact with the superior civilizations and cultures of the Greeks (Byzantium) and Muslims. They assimilated the best elements of these cultures and started the process of the revival of Western education and learning and paved the way for the Renaissance.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1.
Explain how Christianity spread in Early Medieval Europe?
Answer:
Christianity became popular in Early Medieval Europe. Many Europeans converted themselves to Christianity and as the time passed, it became the state religion. If a king or Feudal lord converted to Christianity, their subjects also followed them. Many beautiful Churches and Monasteries were built, which helped in spreading the religion.

Question 2.
Briefly explain who were serfs ?
Answer:
The land owned by the vassals were cultivated by peasants, who were bound to the land. These peasants were known as serfs. These serfs could not change their jobs, move to another area or marry without the permission of their masters.

Question 3.
Briefly explain the term Feudalism ?
Answer:
Feudalism was a form of government based on land holding. The king granted land in exchange for military support.

Question 4.
How did the Crusades pave the way for establishing trade contacts ?
Answer:
The Crusades were fond of luxurious life style of the East. To meet the demand for luxury items, European traders began to establish trade links with the East.

Question 5.
Briefly describe the duties of priests ?
Answer:
The duties of priest were to preach and perform religious rites and help the poor and the needy.