Class VII History Term Assessment – Official Answer Key
(Total: 60 Marks)

For teachers / evaluation purposes only

A. Give reasons for the following (8 Marks)

Any TWO answered × 4 marks each

1. Mahmud Gawan was the real ruler of the Bahmani kingdom.
Mahmud Gawan was an able and powerful Prime Minister under the later Bahmani rulers. He effectively controlled administration, finance, military and foreign policy due to the weak sultans, making him the de facto ruler.
2. There were regular wars between the Vijayanagar and Bahmani kingdoms.
Both kingdoms fought for control over the fertile Raichur Doab region, the diamond mines of Golconda, and the important seaports on the western coast which were crucial for trade and revenue.
3. Firoz Shah Bahmani made Gulbarga a cultural centre.
Firoz Shah was a great patron of art, literature and architecture. He invited scholars, poets, and artists from Persia and other places, built mosques, madrasas and palaces, turning Gulbarga into an important centre of Islamic learning and culture.
4. Akbar wanted to win the support of the Rajputs.
Rajputs were brave warriors with strong forts and armies. By winning their support through matrimonial alliances, military appointments and religious tolerance, Akbar strengthened his empire, reduced rebellions and expanded Mughal power in Rajasthan.
5. Akbar made an appearance at the balcony every day called jharokha darshan.
Jharokha darshan was introduced to create direct contact between the emperor and common people. It increased Akbar’s popularity, showed he cared for his subjects, and helped maintain law and order by allowing people to present grievances.
6. Humayun is said to be the most unfortunate ruler in Mughal history.
Humayun lost his empire to Sher Shah Suri, was defeated in battles (Chausa & Kannauj), lived in exile for 15 years, faced family betrayals (especially Kamran), and died accidentally after falling from stairs shortly after regaining the throne.

B. Question and Answers (20 Marks)

Any 10 × 2 marks each (model correct answers – exact wording may vary slightly)

1. Name the three main dynasties of the Vijayanagar empire.
Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva (Aravidu is sometimes counted as fourth)
2. Which five independent kingdoms emerged after the decline of the Bahmani kingdom?
Bijapur (Adil Shahi), Ahmadnagar (Nizam Shahi), Golconda (Qutb Shahi), Berar (Imad Shahi), Bidar (Barid Shahi)
3. Mention any four achievements of Babur.
Defeated Ibrahim Lodi in First Battle of Panipat (1526), introduced gunpowder & artillery effectively, wrote Baburnama (autobiography), laid foundation of Mughal Empire in India, introduced garden style (charbagh)
4. State the extent of Sher Shah’s empire.
From Bengal in the east to the Indus in the west, and from Himalayas in the north to Malwa and Bundelkhand in the south.
5. Mention three highlights of Akbar's Rajput Policy.
Matrimonial alliances (e.g. Jodha Bai), abolition of jaziya on Hindus, giving high mansabs to Rajput nobles, respectful treatment of Rajput rulers, no forced conversion
6. Name three famous architectural achievements during Akbar's period.
Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri (complete city), Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas
7. What was the significance of the Second Battle of Panipat?
Fought in 1556 between Akbar (Bairam Khan) and Hemu. Akbar’s victory restored Mughal power in India after Humayun’s death and ended Afghan challenge.
10. Who were referred to as Sufis?
Muslim mystics who followed the path of love, devotion and inner purification to reach close to God.
11. List any four teachings of the Bhakti saints.
One God, equality of all humans, devotion over rituals, rejection of caste system, love and service to God and humanity
12. What did Guru Nanak do to remove caste discrimination?
Started langar (community kitchen) where people of all castes ate together, preached equality before God, rejected caste system in his teachings
13. Mention any three effects of the Bhakti and Sufi movements.
Promoted religious harmony, encouraged use of regional languages, weakened caste rigidity, inspired new devotional literature, influenced emergence of Sikhism

C. True or False (10 Marks)

Any 10 attempted – 1 mark each (T / F + correction if false)

  1. The Vijayanagar empire was divided into provinces called nadus and sthalas. F
    Correction: Provinces were called rajyas / mandalams, below them were nadus and sthalas.
  2. Agriculture was the main source of income for the kingdom of Vijayanagar. T
  3. The main items of import in Vijayanagar were spices, sugar and salt. F
    Correction: These were items of export.
  4. The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1596 CE. F
    Correction: It was fought in 1526 CE.
  5. Akbar never realised the benefits of the support of the Rajputs. F
    Correction: Akbar actively sought and valued Rajput support.
  6. The Battle of Haldighati saw the defeat of Maharana Pratap. F
    Correction: It was inconclusive; Pratap escaped and continued resistance.
  7. Chand Bibi was the queen of Gujarat. F
    Correction: She was the queen regent of Ahmadnagar.
  8. Akbar's empire spread from Himalayas in the north to Godavari in the south. T
  9. Both Bhakti and Sufi movements believed in the oneness of God. T
  10. The Bhakti movement discouraged the growth of regional languages. F
    Correction: It encouraged the growth of regional languages.

D. Match the following (10 Marks)

Any two sets × 5 marks each

Set 1

Column AColumn BCorrect Match
1. Vijayanagar’s capital citya. Hampi1-a
2. Amuktamalyadab. Krishnadeva Raya2-b
3. Land revenuec. Main source of income3-c
4. Madhuravijayamd. Ganga Devi4-d
5. Ashtapradhane. Council of eight ministers5-e

Set 2

Column AColumn BCorrect Match
1. Bhaktia. Personal devotion to God1-a
2. Langarb. Community dining2-b
3. Sri Chaitanyac. Devotee of Lord Krishna3-c
4. Mirabaid. Rajput princess4-d
5. Dohase. Couplets5-e

Set 3

Column AColumn BCorrect Match
1. Baburnamaa. Autobiography of Babur1-a
2. Pietra Durab. Stone inlay work2-b
3. Mansabdarc. Ranked officer in Mughal administration3-c
4. Din-i-Ilahid. Akbar’s religious philosophy4-d
5. Zinda Pire. Title of Aurangzeb5-e

E. Choose the correct answer (10 Marks)

Any 10 × 1 mark each – correct options marked

  1. c) Akbar & Hemu
  2. a) alliance & conquest
  3. d) Chief Judge
  4. c) Grand Trunk Road
  5. b) Dahshala system
  6. b) Zinda Pir
  7. b) wool
  8. a) Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
  9. a) Weaver
  10. a) Pietra Dura

F. Write one word answers (2 Marks)

Any TWO × 1 mark each

  1. Babur’s autobiography → Baburnama
  2. Babur called his dynasty by this name → Timurid (or Mughal)
  3. Persian version of “Mongol” → Mughal
  4. Tax imposed by Aurangzeb → Jaziya
  5. Chain or order of Sufi masters → Silsila
  6. Chanting of God's name → Zikr
  7. Devotional music that takes us closer to God → Qawwali
  8. Guru Granth Sahib was compiled by → Guru Arjan Dev
Note: Minor variations in wording may be accepted if the core meaning is correct. Full marks should be given for accurate and relevant points.

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