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NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 1...

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 1 Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years

Author at PW

February 06, 2025

Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 1 Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years: The NCERT Book Solutions for Class 7 History "Our Pasts – II" Chapter 1, titled "Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years," introduces students to the major transformations in India's history from the early medieval period to the beginning of the modern era. This chapter covers the evolution of historical sources, changes in terminology, advancements in cartography, the rise of new religions, economic shifts, and the emergence of new social and political groups. It provides a foundational understanding of how historical narratives are constructed and the various factors that drive change. Check out the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 1 Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years for exam preparation from the below article.

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Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 1 Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years

1. Who was considered a “foreigner” in the past?

Answer: In the medieval period, a foreigner was considered anyone who did not belong to a specific society or culture, particularly those who were not part of a particular village. For instance, a person living in a city might have viewed someone from a forest community as a foreigner. However, individuals from the same village were not seen as foreigners, regardless of differences in their religion or caste.

2. State whether true or false:

(a) We do not find inscriptions for the period after 700.

(b) The Marathas asserted their political importance during this period.

(c) Forest-dwellers were sometimes pushed out of their lands with the spread of agricultural settlements.

(d) Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban controlled Assam, Manipur and Kashmir.

Answer:

(a) False

(b) True

(c) True

(d) False

3. Fill in the blanks:

Archives are places where _________ are kept.

_____________ was a fourteenth-century chronicler.

_______, _______, _______, ________ and ________ were some of the new crops introduced into the subcontinent during this period.

Answer:

(a) Archives are places where manuscripts are kept.

(b) Ziyauddin Barani was a fourteenth-century chronicler.

(c) Potatoes, corn, chillies, tea and coffee were some of the new crops introduced into the subcontinent during this period.

4. List some of the technological changes associated with this period.

Answer: The following are some of the technological changes that were associated with this period:

Firearms in combat
The Persian Wheel in irrigation
The Spinning Wheel in textile production

5. What were some of the major religious developments during this period?

Answer: During this period, significant religious developments took place, including the construction of temples by royalty and the worship of new deities. The Brahmanas, or priests, gained growing importance as dominant groups in society. Additionally, the idea of bhakti emerged, promoting a loving, personal deity that devotees could connect with directly, without needing priests or elaborate rituals. The 7th century also saw the introduction of the teachings of the Holy Quran in India, brought by merchants and migrants.

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6. In what ways has the meaning of the term “Hindustan” changed over the centuries?

Answer: The term "Hindustan" has undergone significant changes in its meaning and usage over the centuries, reflecting the dynamic history and cultural evolution of the Indian subcontinent. In the 13th century, chronicler Minhaj-i-Siraj used "Hindustan" in a political context to denote the lands under the control of the Delhi Sultanate. During the 14th century, the Persian poet Amir Khusrau referred to "Hind" to describe the culture and people around the Indus River, emphasising the region's cultural diversity. By the early 16th century, Babar, the founder of the Mughal Empire, expanded the term "Hindustan" to encompass the culture, geography, and ecological diversity of the entire subcontinent in his memoirs.

Today, "Hindustan" commonly refers to the modern nation of India, a meaning that emerged with the rise of Indian nationalism and the country's independence from British colonial rule. The term's evolution from a political and geographical reference to a cultural and national identity highlights the region's rich history and the changing perspectives of those who documented its past. "Hindustan" has thus transformed from denoting specific territories and cultural landscapes to symbolizing the broader identity and unity of India.

7. How were the affairs of Jatis regulated?

Answer: During this period, social and economic differences led to the formation of jatis, or sub-castes, where people were ranked based on their jobs and backgrounds. In some areas, the jati panchayat, an assembly of elders, managed the affairs of these jatis. Jatis also had to follow the rules of their villages, which were governed by a chieftain.

8. What does the term pan-regional empire mean?

Answer: A pan-regional empire refers to an empire that extends across multiple regions characterized by diverse cultures, geography, and religions. Examples include dynasties like the Mughals, Cholas, Khaljis, and Tughluqs, which ruled over vast territories encompassing various cultural and geographical landscapes.

9. What are the difficulties historians face in using manuscripts?

Answer: Historians face significant challenges when working with manuscripts. Before the invention of printing presses, manuscripts had to be copied by hand, which made them susceptible to errors and changes with each new copy. Over time, these variations accumulated, leading to differences between manuscripts of the same text. This means that original manuscripts created by historians are very rare to find today, as they often evolved through multiple generations of copying and editing. This complicates historians' efforts to accurately reconstruct historical texts and understand the original intentions of their authors.

10. How do historians divide the past into periods? Do they face any problems in doing so?

Answer: Historians categorize the past into periods based on significant cultural, social, and economic changes. In Indian history, British historians in the mid-19th century divided it into three main periods: "British," "Muslim," and "Hindu." This division primarily focused on changes in rulers' religions, often overlooking the diverse complexities of the Indian subcontinent. For instance, the social dynamics and economic structures of the 11th and 8th centuries differed greatly from those of the 16th or 18th centuries.

Dividing history into periods helps historians study and understand similarities and changes in economic systems, social structures, beliefs, and ideas over time. However, they must navigate challenges such as the evolution of languages and meanings. For example, Medieval Persian differs significantly from modern Persian not just in vocabulary and grammar but also in nuanced meanings that have shifted over centuries.

Moreover, historians must interpret texts, maps, and documents within their historical contexts, considering changes in cartography and other factors that shape how information was recorded and understood across different periods. This careful approach ensures a nuanced understanding of historical developments and avoids oversimplifying complex historical realities.

11. Compare either Map 1 or Map 2 with the present-day map of the subcontinent, listing as many similarities and differences as you can find.

Answer: Map 1, created by the Arab geographer Al-Idrisi in 1154 C.E., features place names written in Arabic, contrasting with present-day maps where locations in the subcontinent are labeled in English. Notably, South India's placement corresponds to where North India is situated on modern maps. This historical map lacks detailed coastal markings compared to Map 2, crafted in the 1720s by a French cartographer, which meticulously delineates coastal regions.

In Map 1, some well-known names are spelled differently from their current forms. Conversely, Map 2, employed by merchants and European sailors during their voyages, offers extensive detail on coastal areas. The Survey of India produced the first modern maps of India, marking a significant advancement in cartography.

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Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 1 Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years FAQs

Q1. How did historical sources influence the understanding of the past?

Ans. Historical sources such as manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, and artefacts help historians reconstruct the past and understand the socio-economic and cultural changes over time.

Q2. What role did maps play in understanding historical changes?

Ans. Maps evolved from simple sketches to detailed representations, reflecting changing political boundaries and geographical perceptions, thereby aiding in the study of historical transformations.

Q3. What were the main economic changes discussed in the chapter?

Ans. The chapter discusses transformations in trade, agriculture, and craft production, which significantly impacted social structures and economic activities.

Q4. How did new religious movements influence society during this period?

Ans. The emergence of bhakti movements introduced the concept of devotion to a personal deity, challenging existing religious practices and promoting social inclusivity.

Q5. What were the social hierarchies like during this period?

Ans. Society was stratified based on caste and occupation, with jatis (sub-castes) playing a crucial role in organizing communities and regulating social norms.