Advent of Mughals
A. Answer the Following Questions:
What were the reasons for Babur’s success in the First Battle of Panipat?
Ans: Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the historic Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526. Ibrahim Lodi was defeated and killed, and his army was routed. The key reasons for Babur’s victory were:
- Superior Military Strategy: Babur’s small but well-trained army of 12,000 men was highly disciplined, while Ibrahim Lodi’s large army was undisciplined and disorganized.
- Advanced Artillery: Babur introduced artillery and cannons in Indian warfare for the first time. Ibrahim Lodi’s army was unfamiliar with this technology, giving Babur a significant edge.
- Tactical Warfare: Babur implemented Central Asian cavalry tactics, including the Tulughma strategy, which proved highly effective against Ibrahim Lodi’s 80,000-strong army and 500 war elephants.
What were the challenges faced by Humayun when he became king?
Ans: When Humayun ascended the throne, he faced several challenges:
- Hostile Rivals: The Afghans and Rajputs remained hostile.
- Threat from Bahadur Shah: The ruler of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, aimed to expand his empire.
- Threat from Sher Shah Suri: Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler of Bihar, sought to overthrow the Mughal rule and seize Delhi.
- Internal Revolts: Humayun’s brother Kamran revolted, and uprisings erupted in Bundelkhand, Jaunpur, and Bihar.
- Military Engagements: Humayun defeated Bahadur Shah of Gujarat at Mandasore.
Who was Sher Shah Suri? Why was he given the title “Sher”?
Ans: Sher Shah Suri was the Afghan ruler of Bihar who aspired to overthrow the Mughal Empire and capture Delhi.
- Farid Khan, son of Jagirdar Hasan Khan of Sasaram, Bihar, efficiently managed his father’s estate.
- Due to conflicts with his stepmother, he sought employment under the ruler of Bihar.
- He earned the title “Sher” (meaning lion) after he single-handedly killed a tiger.
- Later, he became the regent of Bihar before ultimately establishing the Suri dynasty.
What were the key features of Sher Shah Suri’s administration?
Ans: Sher Shah Suri is regarded as one of India’s greatest administrators. His reforms laid the foundation for Mughal administration.
- Efficient Governance: He divided his empire into Sarkars, further divided into Parganas.
- Administrative Officers:
- Shiqdar-i-Shiqdaran: Managed finance, law, order, and military affairs.
- Munsif-i-Munsifan: Collected revenue and taxes.
- Qazi: Served as the chief judge.
- Espionage System: To stay informed, Sher Shah Suri established an efficient intelligence network.
What was Sher Shah Suri’s religious policy?
Ans: Sher Shah Suri followed a policy of religious tolerance.
- Inclusivity: He appointed Hindus to high administrative positions.
- Key Hindu Officials:
- Raja Todar Mal was his revenue minister.
- Brahma Jeet Gaur was his Hindu general.
B. Fill in the Blanks:
- Babur traced his ancestry to the two great warrior tribes of Timur and Genghis Khan.
- Babur defeated Ibrahim Shah Lodi in the Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526.
- Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri.
- Humayun recaptured Delhi and Agra after a gap of 15 years.
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C. Tick the Correct Answer:
- who was the founder of the Mughal empire in India? Akbar, Humayun and Babar.
- Babur was a great scholar. what was the name of his autobiography? Mubiyan, baburnama and far Ghana.
- name the battle in which Humayun got defeated by Sher Shah Suri: Battle of Kannauj, Battle of Kalinjar and Battle of chausa
- the Mughal period is also described as: the mediaeval period, the early modern period and the modern period.
- Babur had his capital in India at: Delhi, Kolkata and Agra.
D. True or False:
- Babur is regarded as the founder of the Mughal Dynasty in India. True ✅
- Babur defeated the Rana of Mewar in the First Battle of Panipat. False ❌
- Humayun was a great road maker. False ❌
- Sher Shah Suri is often described as the forerunner of Akbar because of his administrative talents. True ✅
- Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri at Chausa and again at Kannauj. True ✅
E. Match the Following:
| A | B |
| Sher Shah Suri | Grand Trunk Road ✅ |
| Babur | Could read Turkish and Persian ✅ |
| Humayun | Was forced to wander through Rajasthan and Sindh ✅ |
| Bishti | Saved Humayun from drowning ✅ |
Akbar
Are you a Class 7 ICSE student looking for detailed questions and answers on Akbar? This guide covers Akbar’s conquests, administration, religious policy, and Mughal architecture with MCQs, true/false, fill-in-the-blanks, and reasoning questions—perfect for exam preparation. Dive into the Mughal Empire’s golden era with this structured study resource!
A. Answer the Following Questions (Akbar Class 7 ICSE Important Topics)
- When and why was the Second Battle of Panipat fought?
- Ans: The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) was fought between Akbar’s forces (led by Bairam Khan) and Hemu, a Hindu general. Akbar’s victory re-established Mughal rule in India, a key event in ICSE Class 7 history.
- Describe Akbar’s main conquests.
- Ans: Akbar expanded the Mughal Empire by conquering Gujarat, Bengal, Kashmir, and Rajput states (Mewar, Amer). These conquests strengthened his rule—a major topic in ICSE Class 7 Akbar chapters.
- What were Akbar’s administrative reforms?
- Ans: Key features:
- Division into Subas (provinces) led by Subedars.
- Mansabdari system for military/rank management.
- Tolerant religious policies (e.g., abolishing jizya tax).
- Ans: Key features:
- Explain Akbar’s religious policy.
- Ans: Akbar promoted Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace), abolished jizya tax, and founded Din-i-Ilahi to harmonize religions—central to ICSE Class 7 Akbar studies.
- Mughal architecture under Akbar?
- Ans: Blended Persian-Indian styles; used red sandstone (e.g., Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza).
- Who were Akbar’s Navratnas?
- Ans: The Nine Gems included:
- Birbal (wit)
- Tansen (music)
- Raja Todar Mal (revenue system)
- Ans: The Nine Gems included:
B. MCQ (Tick the Correct Answer)
- The Second Battle of Panipat was fought in:
- ✅ 1556 (ICSE Class 7 Akbar key date)
- Fatehpur Sikri is in:
- ✅ Agra (Akbar’s capital)
- Din-i-Ilahi was founded by:
- ✅ Akbar
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C. True/False (Akbar Class 7 ICSE Facts)
- ❌ Akbar forced Islam on all. (False—he promoted tolerance.)
- ✅ Birbal was a Navratna. (True)
- ✅ Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar’s creation. (True)
D. Give Reasons (ICSE Exam-Style Answers)
- Why did Akbar abolish jizya?
- Ans: To ensure religious equality and gain non-Muslim support.
- Why was Fatehpur Sikri built?
- Ans: To commemorate Akbar’s Gujarat victory and serve as his new capital.
E. Fill in the Blanks (Class 7 ICSE Practice)
- The Second Battle of Panipat was in 1556.
- Akbar’s Nine Gems were called Navratnas.
- Tansen was a legendary musician.
Jahangir and Shahjahan
Are you preparing for your Class 7 ICSE History exam and need accurate and well-structured study material on Jahangir and Shah Jahan? This complete worksheet provides topic-wise questions and answers, including MCQs, true or false, give reasons, and fill in the blanks. Learn about Jahangir’s administration, Nur Jahan’s influence, European traders, and Shah Jahan’s conquests and architecture—everything you need to excel in the ICSE 2024–25 history syllabus.
A. Answer the following questions (Jahangir and Shah Jahan Class 7 ICSE)
1. What steps were taken by Jahangir to strengthen the Mughal Empire?
Ans:
Jahangir continued Akbar’s policies to strengthen the empire. He ensured law and order, promoted foreign trade, and maintained a strong army. His rule supported the stability of the Mughal Empire during the early 17th century.
2. How did Jahangir deal with European traders?
Ans:
Jahangir allowed British and Portuguese traders to operate in India. He gave the British East India Company permission to set up trading posts, which boosted foreign trade and contact with Europe.
3. How did Nur Jahan help Jahangir in his administration?
Ans:
Nur Jahan, Jahangir’s wife, played a major role in administration. She issued farmans (royal orders), appointed officials, and influenced court decisions. She was one of the most powerful Mughal women in history.
4. Describe briefly how Shah Jahan contributed to the extension of the Mughal Empire.
Ans:
Shah Jahan expanded the empire into the Deccan (Ahmednagar and Bijapur) and led campaigns in Central Asia. His reign is known for both military strength and architectural brilliance.
B. Tick the Correct Answer (MCQs for Jahangir and Shah Jahan Class 7 ICSE)
- Jahangir allowed the British to set up their first trading post at:
a) Surat ✅
b) Delhi
c) Agra
d) Lahore - Nur Jahan was the wife of:
a) Akbar
b) Shah Jahan
c) Jahangir ✅
d) Humayun - Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of:
a) His daughter
b) His wife ✅
c) His mother
d) His sister
C. True or False (ICSE Class 7 History – Mughal Rulers)
- Jahangir did not allow Europeans to trade in India. – False
- Nur Jahan had no role in Jahangir’s administration. – False
- Shah Jahan was a great builder and expanded the empire. – True
- Jahangir followed many of Akbar’s policies. – True
D. Give Reasons (Class 7 ICSE Long Answer Practice)
Have a look on the essay on Evil of Wars Essay For Class 6
Read the Question and Answer on Akbar Class 7 Study Guide
- Nur Jahan issued royal orders in her own name.
- Ans: She had great influence over Jahangir and played an important role in running the Mughal court.
- Shah Jahan is known as the ‘Builder of the Mughal Empire’.
- Ans: Because he built architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid.
- Jahangir allowed the British East India Company to trade in India.
- Ans: He wanted to increase foreign trade and boost the economy of the Mughal Empire.
E. Fill in the Blanks (Class 7 ICSE Revision Activity)
- Nur Jahan was an intelligent queen who helped Jahangir in administration.
- The British set up their first factory at Surat.
- Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- Jahangir was the son of Akbar.
- Shah Jahan expanded the empire in the Deccan region.
Aurangzeb
Studying for your Class 7 ICSE History exam? This worksheet on Aurangzeb and the Marathas provides everything you need to revise the chapter efficiently. It includes long answer questions, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), true or false, give reasons, and fill in the blanks—all designed to help students understand important topics like Aurangzeb’s rise to power, his religious policies, Shivaji’s administration, and the rise of the Maratha Empire. Perfect for ICSE 2024–25 exam prep.
A. Answer the Following Questions
1. How did Aurangzeb occupy the throne of Delhi?
Ans:
Aurangzeb became the ruler by defeating his brothers in the war of succession. After Shah Jahan fell ill, his sons fought for the throne. Aurangzeb defeated Dara Shikoh and imprisoned his father to become the emperor in 1658.
2. Why were the peasants unhappy during the reign of Aurangzeb?
Ans:
Peasants were unhappy due to heavy taxes, continuous wars, and lack of support during droughts and famines. They had to give a large part of their produce as tax, which made life very difficult.
3. Describe briefly Shivaji’s administration.
Ans:
Shivaji ran an efficient administration. He divided the empire into provinces and appointed honest officers. He maintained a strong army and navy, followed a fair revenue system, and took care of the welfare of his people.
4. What made the Marathas establish a strong and powerful state?
Ans:
The Marathas became strong due to Shivaji’s leadership, use of guerrilla warfare, strategic forts, and the support of the people. Their administration was well-organized, and they were determined to protect their independence.
B. Tick the Correct Answer (MCQs)
- Aurangzeb defeated his brother Dara Shikoh in the war of succession.
a) Shah Shuja
b) Dara Shikoh ✅
c) Murad
d) Bahadur - Shivaji was the founder of the:
a) Mughal Empire
b) British Empire
c) Maratha Empire ✅
d) Vijayanagar Empire - Aurangzeb ruled for about:
a) 10 years
b) 20 years
c) 49 years ✅
d) 60 years
C. True or False (Quick Revision)
- Aurangzeb was known for his strict religious policies. – True
- Shivaji followed a cruel and unfair revenue system. – False
- The Marathas used guerrilla warfare to fight. – True
- Aurangzeb gave full freedom to all religions. – False
D. Give Reasons (Long-Form Practice)
- Aurangzeb imprisoned his father Shah Jahan.
- Ans: To eliminate any opposition and secure his claim to the throne.
- Peasants suffered during Aurangzeb’s rule.
- Ans: They faced high taxes, long wars, and received little help during natural disasters like famines.
- Shivaji built many forts across his kingdom.
- Ans: To protect his territory and use them as safe bases during enemy attacks.
E. Fill in the Blanks
- Aurangzeb became the emperor in the year 1658.
- Shivaji used guerrilla warfare to defeat the Mughals.
- The Maratha Empire was founded by Shivaji.
- Aurangzeb ruled the Mughal Empire for about 49 years.
- The capital of Shivaji’s kingdom was Raigad.