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NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Social Science Chapter 5...

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Social Science Chapter 5 Rulers and Buildings

Author at PW

February 13, 2025

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Social Science Chapter 5 Rulers and Buildings: Students of class 7 must go through NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 Question Answer in this article to understand the topic more deeply. The faculty of Physics Wallah have developed NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 Question Answer to help the students with the preparation for the CBSE Class 7th exam. Rulers and Building Class 7 includes details about the ancient monuments and structures that are evidence of our past. Students will get to know the crucial purpose of these structures by going through NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 Question Answer.

NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 Question Answer

Students can go through NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 Rulers and Buildings Question Answer below.

Question 1. How does the “trabeate” approach in architecture differ from the “arcuate”?

Answer: In the trabeate style of architecture, roofs, doors, and windows were created by placing a horizontal beam over two vertical columns. However, in the arcuate architectural style, the weight above doors and windows was occasionally supported by arches.

The trabeate style gained popularity between the seventh and tenth centuries, while the arcuate style became fashionable in the twelfth century.

Question 2. What is a shikhara?

Answer: A shikhara refers to the highest roof of a Hindu temple. For instance, the Rajarajeshvara temple in Thanjavur boasts the tallest shikhara among temples of its time.

Question 3. What is pietra-dura?

Answer: Pietra-dura is a decorative architectural technique wherein coloured, hard stones are placed in carved depressions on marble or sandstone. As an illustration, a set of pietra dura inlays depicted the mythical Greek god Orpheus playing the lute behind Emperor Shah Jahan’s throne.

Question 4. What are the components of a Mughal Chahar bagh garden?

Answer: A Mughal Chahar bagh garden features rectangular walled enclosures divided into four sections by artificial canals. Another variation of the Chahar bagh, known as the “riverfront garden,” positions the residence not in the centre but near the riverbank.

Question 5. How did a temple convey the significance of a king?

Answer: A king’s importance was conveyed through a temple, aiming to showcase the ruler’s power, wealth, and dedication.

It enhanced the king’s image as a deity since the king selected a divine name, considering it fortunate. For instance, an inscription at the Rajarajeshvara temple states it was established by King Rajarajadeva for worshipping his God, Rajarajeshvaram. The king’s name was akin to God’s name. In temple ceremonies, one God (Rajarajadeva) honoured another God (Rajarajeswaram).

This approach enabled the king to assert strong ties with God and bring people closer to him. The temple acted as a small version of the realm ruled by the monarch and his associates. They collectively worshipped their gods in majestic temples, symbolising the Gods’ righteous rule on earth.

Question 6. An inscription in Shah Jahan’s diwan-i Khas in Delhi stated: “If there is Paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” How was this image created?

Answer: During Shah Jahan’s rule, various elements of Mughal architecture were blended into a harmonious synthesis. The public and private audience halls (diwan-i Khas or am) were intricately designed, also known as chihil sutun or forty-pillared halls, situated in a vast courtyard.

Shah Jahan’s audience halls were designed resembling mosques. The pedestal where his throne stood during court sessions was often referred to as the qibla, signifying the direction of Muslim prayers. These architectural elements conveyed that the king was a representative of God on earth. Therefore, this image was crafted through the application of architectural style.

Question 7. How did the Mughal court suggest that everyone – the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak – received justice equally from the emperor?

Answer: As per the Mughal court, everyone – rich and poor, powerful and weak – was equally treated by the emperor:

Architectural features highlighted the king as God’s representative, allowing people to view the king as a just deity.
In Shah Jahan’s newly constructed court in Delhi’s Red Fort, the connection between royal justice and the imperial court was emphasised.
Behind the emperor’s throne, a series of pietra dura inlays depicted the ancient Greek god Orpheus playing the lute, whose song was believed to calm fierce monsters and enable peaceful coexistence.
The audience halls were constructed to signify the king’s justice, treating all, rich and poor alike, fostering a world of peace for everyone.

Question 8. What role did the Yamuna play in the layout of the new Mughal city at Shahjahanabad?

Answer: The Yamuna played a pivotal role in shaping the design of Shahjahanabad, the new Mughal city:

In Delhi’s new city, Shahjahanabad, the imperial palace dominated the riverfront of the Yamuna.
Only a privileged few, like Shah Jahan’s eldest son Dara Shukoh, had access to the river.
Others were compelled to construct their residences within the city, away from the Yamuna River.
A growing architectural trend regulated the nobility’s access to the Yamuna, with white marble mausoleums set on terraces near the riverbank, featuring gardens to the south.

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Question 9. The rich and powerful construct large houses today. In what ways were the constructions of kings and their courtiers different in the past?

Answer: The constructions of kings and their courtiers were different in the past in the following ways:

Safety and security was a major consideration.
Diwan-i am was constructed for the general public.
The constructions were carried out on uplands and surrounded by water bodies.

Question 10. Look at Figure 4. How could that building be constructed faster today?
Answer: Such buildings were usually constructed as a matter of pride in old days. It was very difficult to construct them but they were made possible with the help of skilled masons and labourers. Such buildings took a very long time and a number of labourers to be constructed. But now as technologies have advanced, we have many facilities, equipment, tools which can construct huge buildings very easily and in less time.

Question 11. Find out whether there is a statue of or a memorial to a great person in your village or town. Why was it placed there? What purpose does it serve?
Answer: There is a very busy chowk in my village. We find there a statue of Subhash Chandra Bose and hence this chowk is known as Subhash Chowk. Subhash Chandra Bose was such a great person that he dared to challenge the British empire by forming his own army. He is now no more but his statue is there to inspire us. Its purpose is to encourage the youth to do something different and challenging.

Question 12. Visit and describe any park or garden in your neighbourhood. In what ways is it similar to or different from the gardens of the Mughals?
Answer: The gardens of Mughals gardens were spread over a very large area. There was a large variety of flowers. They were well-decorated and protected. But the garden in my neighbourhood is not so large. Everyone has easy access to this garden. So the flowers are not safe. Thus, we don’t find any similarities.

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NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 Question Answer Summary

Chapter 5 of NCERT Class 7 History is titled "Rulers and Buildings." This chapter explores how different rulers in India built impressive structures that reflect their power and culture.

The chapter starts by explaining the importance of buildings during the time of kings and empires. Rulers used architecture to show their strength and to leave a lasting legacy. Many famous monuments were built during this period, such as forts, palaces, and temples.

One key example mentioned is the Red Fort in Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was not only a palace but also a symbol of the Mughal Empire's grandeur. The chapter describes the beautiful architecture and the materials used in constructing such buildings. The Mughal style, with its intricate designs and gardens, became very popular.

Another important point discussed is the role of local rulers. Many regional kings also built impressive structures. For example, temples in places like Khajuraho and Hampi showcase the skill of ancient artisans and reflect the local culture and religious beliefs.

The chapter also highlights how buildings can tell us about history. For instance, inscriptions and carvings on walls provide insights into the lives and values of the people who built them.

Additionally, the chapter touches on the changes in architecture over time. With different rulers came different styles, influenced by various cultures.

In conclusion, "Rulers and Buildings" teaches us that architecture is not just about buildings; it tells us stories of the past and helps us understand the lives of people during different historical periods. Through these structures, we can learn about the rulers’ ambitions, beliefs, and artistic talents of the time.

NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 Question Answer FAQs

Q1. What is the main focus of Chapter 5, "Rulers and Buildings"?

Ans. The main focus of this chapter is to explore how different rulers in India built significant structures like forts, palaces, and temples. These buildings reflect the rulers’ power, cultural values, and architectural styles.

Q2. Can you give an example of a famous building mentioned in the chapter?

Ans. Yes, one of the famous buildings mentioned is the Red Fort in Delhi, constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It represents the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and features beautiful architecture.

Q3. What types of buildings were built by regional rulers?

Ans. Regional rulers built various types of structures, including temples, forts, and palaces. Examples include the intricate temples in Khajuraho and the historical ruins in Hampi, which highlight local culture and craftsmanship.

Q4. Who constructed the Kandariya Mahadeva temple?

Ans. King Dhangadeva of the Chandela dynasty constructed the Kandariya Mahadeva temple.

Q5. What materials were commonly used in building these structures?

Ans. Rulers used a variety of materials to construct their buildings. Common materials included stone, bricks, and wood. Different regions used what was locally available, directing to unique styles and designs in the buildings.

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