Class 7 History Chapter 3 Notes PDF on Delhi: 12th to 15th Century Download for FREE
Vedantu provides CBSE Class 7 History Revision Notes for the chapter Delhi: 12th to 15th Century, focusing on the city’s transformation over time. This chapter explores the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, the rule of significant emperors, and how Delhi became a major centre of power and culture. The notes follow the CBSE Class 7 History Syllabus, making it easier for students to understand the key events during this period.
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These Revision Notes for Class 7 History by Vedantu simplify complex topics, helping students focus on essential aspects of the chapter. With content aligned with the CBSE syllabus, these notes are perfect for effective exam preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped to tackle their exams confidently.
FAQs on Delhi: 12th to 15th Century Class 7 Notes: CBSE History Chapter 3
1. What were the primary administrative challenges faced by Alauddin Khalji during his reign?
Alauddin Khalji encountered significant challenges such as repeated **Mongol invasions** (in 1299 and 1302), which necessitated maintaining a large, well-equipped army. To manage this, he built a new garrison town called **Siri**, collected high taxes (up to 50% of peasant produce on cultivation, plus taxes on cattle and houses), and implemented strict **market controls** to ensure stable prices and supplies for his soldiers.
2. How was the administration of the Delhi Sultanate structured under the Khaljis and Tughlaqs?
Under the Delhi Sultanate, large territories were divided into units called **iqtas**. These iqtas were governed by military commanders known as **iqtadars** or **muqtis**. Their primary duty was to lead military campaigns and maintain law and order within their iqtas. In return, they collected revenue from their assigned lands, which they used to pay their soldiers and keep a part as their salary. To prevent misuse of funds, the state appointed **accountants** to check the amount of revenue collected by the muqtis.
3. What were the main types of taxes collected by the Delhi Sultans?
The Delhi Sultans primarily levied three kinds of taxes. The first was **kharaj**, a tax on cultivation, which amounted to about 50 percent of the peasants’ produce. The second tax was imposed on **cattle**, and the third tax was levied on **houses**.
4. What were the key differences between the administrative policies of Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughlaq?
The administrative policies of Alauddin Khalji were largely successful, especially his **market controls** which ensured stable prices and efficient supplies. He effectively managed the threat of **Mongol invasions**. In contrast, Muhammad Tughlaq’s administrative experiments, such as shifting the capital to **Daulatabad** and introducing **token currency**, often failed, leading to widespread discontent and rebellions. His attempts to raise taxes were also met with strong resentment, contributing to a less stable rule.
5. How did Delhi develop into an important commercial centre during the early Sultanate period?
Delhi first became a significant capital kingdom under the **Tomara Rajputs**. Its importance grew further when the **Chahamans** of Ajmer defeated the Tomaras in the twelfth century. During this period, Delhi flourished as a commercial hub. Many wealthy **Jaina merchants** resided in the city and built several temples. The coins minted here, known as **dehliwal**, were widely circulated and popular, highlighting Delhi's growing economic prosperity.
6. Why did chroniclers like Ziauddin Barani criticize Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq's appointments?
Ziauddin Barani, a chronicler from the fourteenth century, criticized Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq for appointing individuals from humble backgrounds to high administrative positions. For instance, Tughlaq appointed a barber (**Firuj Hajjam**), a wine distiller (**Aziz Khummar**), a cook (**Manka Tabbakh**), and two gardeners (**Ladhs and Pira**) to key posts. Barani viewed these appointments as a sign of the Sultan’s lack of political judgment and his unsuitability to rule effectively.
7. What are the main concepts to focus on for a quick revision of the Delhi Sultanate period (12th-15th century)?
For quick revision of this period, focus on the **major dynasties** (e.g., Tomaras, Chauhans, Slave Dynasty, Khaljis, Tughlaqs) and their prominent rulers. Understand their **key administrative reforms**, military strategies, and significant architectural contributions. It's also important to grasp the **economic structure**, types of taxes, and the reasons behind the rise and fall of various sultanates to build a comprehensive understanding.
8. How did the threat of Mongol invasions influence the policies of the Delhi Sultans?
The constant threat of **Mongol invasions**, particularly from the northwest, profoundly influenced the policies of the Delhi Sultans. To counter this, rulers like Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughlaq had to maintain very **large standing armies**, which required substantial financial resources. This led to increased taxation on peasants, the construction of new garrison towns, and strict price controls to manage military expenses, fundamentally shaping their economic and administrative decisions.
9. What factors led to the emergence of new cities and garrison towns during the Delhi Sultanate?
The expansion and defense needs of the Delhi Sultanate were key factors in the emergence of new cities and **garrison towns**. These settlements, such as **Siri** built by Alauddin Khalji, served as strategic military strongholds for soldiers. They were essential for protecting the Sultanate's borders, controlling trade routes, and providing bases for military campaigns, thereby facilitating the administration and security of the expanding empire.
10. What was the role of influential figures like Razia Sultan in the history of the Delhi Sultanate?
While male rulers largely dominated the Delhi Sultanate, **Razia Sultan** stands as a remarkable figure. Daughter of Iltutmish, she ruled as Sultan from 1236 to 1240. Despite facing strong opposition from conservative nobles who disliked being ruled by a woman, Razia proved to be a very capable, intelligent, and just monarch. Her reign highlights the rare instances of female leadership and her significant administrative prowess during that era.
11. Why is understanding the chronological order of rulers important for revising the Delhi Sultanate chapter?
Understanding the **chronological order** of rulers and events from the 12th to 15th century is vital for effective revision as it helps to grasp the **evolution** of the Delhi Sultanate over time. It allows students to trace the succession of dynasties, compare their unique administrative styles, and understand how political and social developments unfolded sequentially, providing a clear narrative for quick recall and deeper comprehension.
