Important Questions and Answers for Class 11 History Chapter 3 Nomadic Empires 2025-26

1. Multiple choice questions.

1. Which Mongol leader founded the largest contiguous land empire in history?

• (a) Güyük Khan
• (b) Ogedei Khan
• (c) Genghis Khan
• (d) Kublai Khan

Answer: (c) Genghis Khan.

2. During whose reign did the Mongols conquer Baghdad in 1258 CE?

• (a) Möngke Khan
• (b) Hulagu Khan
• (c) Batu Khan
• (d) Tolui Khan

Answer: (b) Hulagu Khan.

3. What was the traditional script adopted and modified for writing Mongolian language during the empire?

• (a) Devanagari script
• (b) Uighur script
• (c) Latin script
• (d) Cyrillic script

Answer: (b) Uighur script.

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

1. Who was Temujin?

Answer: Temujin was the birth name of Genghis Khan, who unified various Mongol tribes and founded the Mongol Empire.

2. Name the title given to the supreme ruler of the Mongol tribes.

Answer: The title given was “Great Khan” or “Khagan”, signifying the supreme authority over all Mongol tribes.

3. What was the 'kuriltai'?

Answer: 'Kuriltai' was an assembly of Mongol chieftains, where major decisions such as choosing the next Khan were made.

4. Which region was the original homeland of the Mongols?

Answer: The original homeland of the Mongols was the steppes of Central Asia, covering present-day Mongolia.

5. Who succeeded Genghis Khan as the Great Khan?

Answer: Ogedei Khan, Genghis Khan’s third son, succeeded him as the Great Khan.

3. Short Answer Questions.

1. Explain why the Mongols were successful in building such a vast empire in the 13th century.

Answer: The Mongols succeeded due to their skilled cavalry, use of superior military strategies, unity under strong leaders like Genghis Khan, and adaptability to diverse battle conditions. Their effective communication and intelligence systems also played key roles in their rapid conquests.

2. Discuss the significance of the nomadic lifestyle in shaping the character of the Mongol Empire.

Answer: The nomadic lifestyle fostered tough, adaptable warriors among the Mongols and encouraged strong tribal loyalty. Their mobility, endurance, and knowledge of vast terrains helped them during campaigns, making each member an efficient soldier and scout.

3. How did the Mongol empire affect trade along the Silk Road?

Answer: The Mongol empire brought stability and security along the Silk Road, boosting trade between East and West. Merchants, travelers, and envoys could move safely, which increased cultural and economic exchanges across continents.

4. Long Answer Questions.

1. Analyze the administrative strategies employed by Genghis Khan to manage the vast Mongol Empire.

Answer: Genghis Khan adopted efficient administrative strategies to manage the sprawling Mongol Empire. He divided the empire into regional units and appointed loyal officials based on merit. A system of strict laws, the Yassa, was implemented to maintain discipline and order. Communication was facilitated by an organized relay system using mounted couriers across the empire. Tolerance of different religions and recruitment of administrators from conquered societies also helped in efficient governance.

1. Division into regional units with delegated power
2. Merit-based appointments
3. Implementation of Yassa (code of law)
4. Efficient relay communication system
5. Inclusion and tolerance of various cultures

2. Describe the impact of Mongol invasions on the societies of Central and West Asia.

Answer: Mongol invasions dramatically changed Central and West Asian societies. Cities like Baghdad were destroyed, leading to immense loss of life and culture. The invasions also weakened local dynasties, but the ensuing Mongol peace helped revive trade routes and cultural contacts across Eurasia, fostering new exchanges and innovation.

1. Destruction of cities and centers of learning
2. Decline of local powers
3. Later revival of trade under Pax Mongolica
4. Enhanced intercultural exchange

6. Case-based questions.

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
"In the early 13th century, the Mongols, under the unified leadership of Genghis Khan, expanded rapidly and crossed into Central Asia. Capitalizing on shifting alliances and local rivalries, the Mongols used superior cavalry tactics to overcome vast distances and varied environments."

(i) What was one key factor behind Mongol military success as stated in the passage?

Answer: Superior cavalry tactics enabled them to adapt to different terrains and situations.

(ii) How did Genghis Khan ensure unity among the Mongols, according to the passage?

Answer: Through unified leadership, he brought together various tribes under one command.

(iii) Explain the significance of "shifting alliances" in Mongol expansion.

Answer: The Mongols exploited divisions among their enemies, making it easier to conquer new lands.

Understanding Nomadic Empires: A Key to Global History

• Refer these extra questions class 11 history chapter 3 to gain insight into the rise of the Mongol Empire.
• Exploring these questions can help students understand chapter 3 important concepts and their influence on world trade and culture.
• Going through class 11 history chapter 3 important questions and answers is great for revision.
• You get to revisit key themes like nomadic lifestyles, Mongol conquests, and their effects.
• Download the important questions and answers pdf to prepare easily and stay confident during exams.