B.A History Important Questions in English (NEP)

Question 1: Explain the political principles of the major Mughal emperors.

Answer: Explain the political principles of the major Mughal emperors.

Babur: Babur established himself as the king in India. He established hereditary rule and gave his majority non-Muslim subjects the right to live peacefully with some restrictions.

Humayun: Humayun considered the emperor to be the representative of God on earth. According to him, the emperor protects his subjects in the same way as God protects all living beings on earth.

Akbar: Akbar nurtured the divine theory of kingship. He established himself as the representative of God on earth, the perfect man and the spiritual guide of his subjects. Abul Fazl has elaborately explained Akbar's principle of secular kingship in Ain-e-Akbari.

Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb abandoned the divine theory of kingship by declaring Islam as the state religion and presented himself as the protector of Islam. He once again established the supremacy of religion over politics

Question 2:- What do you understand by nobility? Describe the elite class system of the Sultanate period.

Answer:-

Nobility is the social class whose members are given more prestige, recognition and rights than other classes of society. Generally, membership in this class is given by the rulers of a country or society and often its members also get titles indicating their status, such as 'King', 'Duke', 'Kunwar', 'Princess', 'Khatun' etc. In most societies, members of the nobility themselves also become nobility on the basis of being born in an elite family.

The elite class system during the Sultanate period was as follows:

Sultan: During the Sultanate period, the Sultan was the supreme head of the state. The Sultan was considered to be the representative of God and he received his position and authority from God.

Amir: Amir was the general noun for the persons appointed to all influential positions in the Sultanate. The nobles had an influence on the Sultan and it was necessary for the Sultan to keep the nobles in his favour to rule.

Council of Ministers: There was a council of ministers for the efficient functioning of the various departments of the Sultan, which was called 'Majlis-e-Khalwat'. The Sultan was not bound to accept the advice of the council of ministers, but if the Sultan was weak or incapable, the ministers would concentrate all the power in their hands.

Administrative units: During the Sultanate period, the formation of administrative units was based on the decimal system. There were various administrative units under the Sultan, such as Iqta, Shik, Pargana, Gram etc.

Religious Department: During the Sultanate period, the administrative system was completely based on Islam. The Ulemas played an important role in the administration and it was the main duty of the Sultan to work according to the Shariat.

Question 3:- Who is called the nobility? Describe the Mughal period nobility system.

Answer:-

Mughal period nobility system

The ruling class had an important place in the Mughal period nobility system. The Mughal Empire had a highly centralized, bureaucratic government, most of which was established during the rule of the third Mughal emperor Akbar. The central government was headed by the Mughal emperor and had four ministries directly below him:

Ministry of Finance/Revenue: was responsible for controlling revenue from the empire's territories, calculating tax revenues, and distributing assignments.

Ministry of Military: was in charge of military organization, messenger service, and the mansabdari system.

Ministry of Law/Religious Protection: appointed judges and managed charities and stipends

Ministry of Imperial Household and Public Works: was devoted to the imperial household and public works.

The Mughal empire was divided into subahs (provinces), each of which was headed by a provincial governor called a subedar. Subahs were divided into administrative units called sarkars, which were further divided into groups of villages called parganas

Question 4:- Who is called the Ulema class? Describe the system of the Ulema class during the Sultanate and Mughal periods.

Answer:-

Ulema class

System of the Ulema class during the Sultanate period

Ulema is a group of scholars of Islam, who have deep knowledge of religious knowledge and Islamic law. Ulema means "scholar" and these people are the guardians of Islamic principles, laws and religious teachings

The Ulema class had an important place in the Sultanate period (1206-1526). During this period, the Ulema played an important role in religious and judicial matters. They used to do justice on the basis of Islamic law (Sharia) and spread religious education. The main function of the Ulema was to run religious institutions and spread religious education

The Ulema class also had an important place in the Mughal period (1526-1857). The Mughal emperors gave the Ulema an important role in religious and judicial matters. The Ulema used to spread religious education and administer justice on the basis of Islamic law. In the Mughal period, the Ulema were entrusted with the task of running religious institutions and spreading religious education.

The main objective of the Ulema class was to follow and spread Islamic principles and laws. They used to spread religious and moral values in the society through religious education.

Question 5:- Give details of the rise and fall of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Answer :-

Rise of Vijayanagar Empire

The Vijayanagar Empire was founded in 1336 AD by two brothers named Harihar and Bukka. This empire was located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the modern Karnataka state of South India. The actual name of the Vijayanagar Empire was the Karnat Empire, which the Portuguese called the 'Bisnag' Empire.

The heyday of the Vijayanagar Empire took place in the 14th and 15th centuries. During this time, the empire expanded its territory from the Krishna River in the north to the far south of the peninsula. The rulers of this empire made unprecedented progress in the fields of administration, society, economy, religion, art-architecture and literature.

Fall of the Vijayanagar Empire

The Vijayanagar Empire fell after the Battle of Talikota in 1565 AD. In this war, the army of Vijayanagar was badly defeated by the combined armies of Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmednagar. After this defeat, the magnificent capital of Vijayanagara was looted and burnt to ashes.

However, even after this great crisis, the empire continued to exist for about 70 years. But gradually, internal conflicts, incompetent rulers, and external invasions led to the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The major reasons for the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire included incompetent rulers, deterioration in war policy and operations, change of dynasty, autocratic rulers, and hostility from neighboring states.

Question 6:- Give details of the emergence of the Maratha Empire and the expansion of the empire of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Answer:-

Emergence of the Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empire was founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674. This empire was located in the Maharashtra state of western India and its main objective was to establish Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule of Hindus). Shivaji Maharaj established an independent state by revolting against the Adil Shahi dynasty and the Mughals.

Expansion of the empire of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured many important forts and regions during his reign. He started his military campaign by capturing Torna Fort. After this he conquered Raigad, Pratapgad, Purandar, Sinhagad, and many other forts. Shivaji Maharaj defeated his enemies and expanded his empire using guerrilla warfare.

Shivaji Maharaj also established a strong navy and captured the Konkan coast and the Maldives. During his reign, the Maratha Empire expanded its territory from the Western Ghats to the Ganges Valley. After Shivaji Maharaj's death, his successors, such as Sambhaji Maharaj and Shahu Maharaj, played an important role in the expansion and consolidation of the empire.

Question 7:- How did the Khalsa state emerge? Discuss the contribution of Banda Bahadur in the formation of the Khalsa Raj.

Answer:-

Emergence of the Khalsa State

The Khalsa State was established in 1699 by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He established the Khalsa Panth on the day of Baisakhi at Anandpur Sahib and made his followers Khalsa by giving them Amrit. The purpose of the Khalsa Panth was to protect Sikhism, promote religious freedom and justice.

Contribution of Banda Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur, whose original name was Laxman Dev, played an important role in the formation of the Khalsa State. Inspired by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Banda Singh Bahadur revolted against the Mughals and established the Sikh state. He captured Sirhind and gave high positions to the people of the lower class. Banda Singh Bahadur promoted justice and equality by following the principles of Sikhism.

Banda Singh Bahadur's bravery and leadership strengthened the Khalsa State and united the Sikh community. His legacy remains an important part of Sikh history and he is revered within the Sikh community

Question 8:- Give details of the state formation and governance system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Answer :-

State formation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born on 13 November 1780 in Gujranwala (now Pakistan). His father, Maha Singh, was the chief of the Sukerchakia Misl. At the age of 12, Ranjit Singh took over the leadership of the Sukerchakia Misl after the death of his father.

Ranjit Singh assumed the title of Maharaja on 12 April 1801 and made Lahore his capital. He fought many battles against the Afghans and established his authority over western Punjab. Ranjit Singh also captured Peshawar, Jammu and Kashmir and Anandpur.

Government

Maharaja Ranjit Singh established a strong and organized governance system. He formed the first modern Indian army, the "Sikh Khalsa Army". Ranjit Singh established law and order in his kingdom and never executed anyone. His rule was secular and he also stopped the Jaziya tax levied on Hindus and Sikhs.

Ranjit Singh gave great encouragement to education and art and installed marble and gold plated Harimandir Sahib Gurudwara in Amritsar, due to which it came to be known as the Golden Temple. His reign is remembered as a golden period in the history of Punjab.

Question 9:- Describe the activities adopted by the East India Company for empire expansion in India.

Answer:-

Activities of empire expansion in India by the East India Company

The East India Company adopted many activities for its empire expansion in India:

Trading activities: The East India Company first entered India through trading activities. They traded goods like spices, cotton, silk, indigo, tea and opium. The company established trading centers in different parts of India and obtained trading rights from the local rulers.

Use of military power: The company expanded its empire in India by using its military power. The company took over Bengal by defeating Siraj-ud-Daula in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. After this, in the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the company defeated the combined forces of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh and Nawab Mir Qasim of Bengal.

Political interference: The company interfered in the internal affairs of Indian rulers and used various political tactics to subjugate them. They entered into treaties with Indian rulers and used bribery and pressure to win them over to their side.

Administrative reforms: The company carried out administrative reforms to strengthen its rule. They reformed the tax system and organized the judicial system. The company also reformed education and health services to increase its influence in Indian society.

Economic exploitation: The company exploited Indian farmers and merchants economically. They purchased crops from Indian farmers at low prices and sold them at higher prices. Also, the company destroyed Indian industries and increased the import of British textiles.

Through these activities the East India Company expanded its empire in India and had a profound impact on Indian society.

Question 10:- Explain the causes and consequences or effects of the revolt of 1857.

Answer:-

Causes of the revolt of 1857

The revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence of India, arose due to several reasons:

Political reasons: Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance system created discontent among Indian rulers. The merger of states like Jhansi, Satara and Nagpur into the British Empire angered the Indian rulers.
Economic reasons: The economic policies of the British rule badly affected the Indian farmers and artisans. Excessive taxes, mercantilist policies and destruction of Indian industries increased discontent in Indian society.
Social and religious reasons: The social and religious policies of the British rule created discontent in Indian society. The abolition of the Sati system, the spread of English education and the propagation of Christianity angered the Indians.
Military reasons: Discrimination against Indian soldiers, reduction in salary, discrimination in promotion and forced use of greased cartridges encouraged the spirit of rebellion among the soldiers

Results of the Revolt of 1857

The Revolt of 1857 had several important consequences and effects:

Reorganization of British rule: After the revolt, the British government ended the rule of the East India Company and placed India directly under the British Crown. The Government of India Act was passed in 1858.
Administrative reforms: The British government made reforms in Indian administration and appointed Indians to administrative posts. The participation of Indians in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) was increased.
Social reforms: The British government took several steps to reform Indian society. Social reforms like abolition of Sati Pratha, widow remarriage and prohibition of child marriage were done.
Military reforms: The British government made reforms in the Indian Army and reduced the number of Indian soldiers. The number of British soldiers was increased and Indian soldiers were divided into different regiments.

The Revolt of 1857 was a significant event in Indian history that had a profound impact on both Indian society and British rule.

Question 11:- Discuss the Gadar movement in detail. Why was it unsuccessful?

Answer:-

Detailed discussion of the Gadar movement

The Gadar movement is an important chapter in the Indian freedom struggle. The foundation of this movement was laid by the expatriate Indians settled in the United States and Canada, who were troubled by the atrocities of British colonialism and dreamed of liberating their motherland.

Background of the Gadar movement

The Gadar movement started in 1913 in the city of San Francisco in the US state of California, where Indian expatriate laborers together formed the Gadar Party. Its main objective was to free India from British rule. The most important person behind this movement was Lala Hardayal, who was a great intellectual and freedom fighter revolutionary from Punjab.

Main events of the Gadar movement

The Gadar Party also published a weekly paper called 'Gadar' to propagate its objectives, which was in memory of the revolt of 1857. The purpose of this paper was to awaken the national consciousness among Indians and inspire them to revolt against the British rule.

Reasons for the failure of the Ghadar movement

The following are some of the major reasons for the failure of the Ghadar movement:

Lack of planning: The Ghadar movement lacked planning and organization. The agitators did not have a clear and organized plan, due to which they could not effectively struggle against the British government.
Lack of resources: The Ghadar agitators did not have enough resources. They lacked weapons and money, due to which they could not fight the British army.
Strictness of the British government: The British government took strict measures to crush the Ghadar movement. They arrested the agitators, tried them and gave them harsh punishment.
Internal differences: Internal differences and divisions among the Ghadar agitators were also a major reason for the failure of the movement.

The Ghadar movement is an important chapter of the Indian freedom struggle, which awakened the national consciousness and the spirit of independence among Indians

Question 12:- Discuss the reasons for the rise of the Akali movement and its consequences.

Answer :-

Reasons for the rise of the Akali movement

The Akali movement arose in the 1920s. Its main reasons were as follows:

Corruption of Gurudwaras: The money and property of the Gurudwaras were being misused by the Mahants of the Gurudwaras. Discontent grew in the Sikh community due to the corruption and immoral activities of the Mahants.
Religious freedom: The Sikh community wanted freedom and autonomy over their religious places. The Sikh community started a movement against the interference of the British government and the control of the Mahants.
Social reform: The aim of the Akali movement was to bring social reform in the Sikh society. This movement played an important role in bringing social and intellectual change in the Sikh community.

Results of the Akali movement

The Akali movement resulted in several important changes:

Gurudwara Reforms: The Akali movement resulted in the passing of the Gurdwara Reforms Act 1925, which handed over the management of the Gurudwaras to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Social awareness: This movement promoted social awareness and national sentiment among the Sikh community.
Religious freedom: The Akali movement played an important role in providing religious freedom and autonomy to the Sikh community.

The Akali movement played an important role in bringing about a change in the social outlook of the Sikh community and also connected it with the mainstream of the national movement.

Question 13:- Discuss the contribution of Naujawan Bharat Sabha in the Indian National Movement.

Answer :-

Contribution of Naujawan Bharat Sabha

Naujawan Bharat Sabha was an important revolutionary organization in the Indian freedom struggle. It was founded in 1926 by Bhagat Singh and his comrades. The main objective of this organization was to organize Indian youth and inspire them to struggle against British rule.

Major contributions of Naujawan Bharat Sabha

Organizing youth: Naujawan Bharat Sabha organized Indian youth and inspired them to actively participate in the freedom struggle. This organization awakened the spirit of nationalism and independence among the youth.
Revolutionary activities: Naujawan Bharat Sabha organized many revolutionary activities. This organization trained the youth to revolt against the British rule and taught them the use of weapons.
Propaganda and awareness: Naujawan Bharat Sabha published magazines and books to propagate its objectives. This organization promoted the spirit of freedom and justice in Indian society.
Social reforms: Naujawan Bharat Sabha also promoted social reforms. The organization fought against caste system, child marriage and other social evils

Reasons for failure

Although Naujawan Bharat Sabha made significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle, it faced some challenges:

Strictness of the British government: The British government arrested the members of Naujawan Bharat Sabha and imposed harsh punishment on them. This reduced the activities of the organization.

Internal differences: Internal differences and divisions among the members of the organization were also a major reason for the failure of the organization.

Naujawan Bharat Sabha played an important role in the Indian freedom struggle and inspired Indian youth to fight for independence.

Question 14:- Discuss the contribution of Indian National Army and Subhash Chandra Bose in the Indian freedom movement.

Answer :-

Contribution of Indian National Army (INA) and Subhash Chandra Bose

The Indian National Army (INA) and Subhash Chandra Bose had a significant contribution in the Indian freedom movement.

Indian National Army (INA)

The Indian National Army, also known as Azad Hind Fauj, was founded in 1942 by Rash Bihari Bose and Mohan Singh. But its actual leadership was taken over by Subhash Chandra Bose. The main objective of the INA was to advance the Indian freedom struggle through armed struggle. The INA fought against British rule with the cooperation of Japan and played an important role in the Indian freedom struggle.

Contribution of Subhash Chandra Bose

Subhash Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was a prominent leader of the Indian freedom struggle. He was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha. Bose participated in the freedom struggle by joining the Indian National Congress and became the President of the Congress in 1938 and 1939.

Major Contributions:Leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj: Subhash Chandra Bose took over the leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj in 1943 and turned it into an organized army. He inspired Indians through slogans like "Delhi Chalo" and "Give me blood, I will give you freedom".
Establishment of Provisional Government: On 21 October 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose established the Provisional Government of Free India, which was recognized by Japan, Germany, Italy and other countries.
Military Operations: Bose, along with the INA, led several military operations against the British Army. He fought against the British Army in Burma, Imphal and Kohima.

Subhash Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army had a significant contribution in the Indian freedom struggle. His courage and leadership inspired Indians to fight for independence and gave a new direction to the Indian freedom struggle.

Question 15:- What do you understand by monarchy? Explain the monarchy theory of the major Sultans of the Sultanate period.
Answer:-

Meaning of monarchy

Monarchy is a system and principle of governance, under which a ruler or king is the supreme leader of the state. According to this principle, the main function of the ruler is to provide security, justice and administration to the state and the people. The monarchy theory also emphasizes the religious, moral and social responsibilities of the ruler.
Monarchy theory of the major Sultans of the Sultanate period
During the Sultanate period (1206-1526), various sultans ruled on the basis of their own monarchy theories. Here the monarchy theories of the major Sultans of the Sultanate period have been explained:

Qutubuddin Aibak (1206-1210): The first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, Qutubuddin Aibak, emphasized religious tolerance and justice in his monarchy theory. He tried to strengthen the security and administration of the state.
Iltutmish (1211-1236): Iltutmish gave importance to strategic and administrative reforms in his political theory. He established a strong administrative system and organized his army. He expanded the boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate and maintained the stability of the state.
Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266-1287): Balban emphasized autocratic rule and strict discipline in his political theory. He crushed his opponents strictly and gave priority to the security of the state. Balban established a centralized administrative system to increase his power and authority.
Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316): Alauddin Khilji gave importance to strategic and economic reforms in his political theory. He brought about agricultural reforms, trade and tax system reforms. Khilji organized his army and fought successfully against the Mongols.
Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351): Muhammad bin Tughlaq emphasized innovation and reforms in his political theory. He shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and carried out currency reforms. However, many of his schemes failed and led to instability in the state.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388): Firoz Shah Tughlaq emphasized social and religious reforms in his political theory. He established educational institutions, improved the irrigation system, and reformed the tax system. Firoz Shah Tughlaq promoted religious tolerance and tried to maintain peace and stability in his state.

The political theories of the major sultans of the Sultanate period played an important role in promoting state security, administration, economic reform, and social development during their reign.

B.A History Important Questions in English (NEP)