NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 3 Delhi Sultans

Author at PW

February 08, 2025

Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 3 Delhi Sultans:- In Class 7 Social Science History, Chapter 3, titled "Delhi Sultans," we explore the origins and establishment of the Sultanate, highlighting the key rulers and their contributions to the political and cultural landscape of medieval India. Through a detailed examination of the Delhi Sultans, students will gain insights into the administrative innovations, military conquests, and societal changes that shaped the region during this era. Check out the Delhi Sultans Class 7 History Chapter 3 NCERT Solutions from the below article.

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Class 7 History Chapter 3 Questions and Answers

1. Which ruler first established his or her capital in Delhi?

Answer: Ananga Pala (Tomaras) of the Rajput Dynasty first established his capital in Delhi.

2. What was the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans?

Answer: Persian was the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans.

3. In whose reign did the Sultanate reach its farthest extent?

Answer: Under Muhammad Tughluq's rule, the Sultanate expanded to its greatest territorial extent, extending its reach across much of the Indian subcontinent. The Sultanate's forces achieved victories over rival armies and captured numerous cities. During this period, the Sultanate implemented tax collection from peasants and administered justice throughout its territories.

4. From which country did Ibn Battuta travel to India?

Answer: Ibn Battuta, a renowned traveler of the 14th century, journeyed to India from Morocco, located in North Africa. Originating from Tangier, Morocco, he embarked on his extensive travels across various regions, including the Indian subcontinent. His visit to India was part of his broader exploration of the Islamic world and beyond, during which he documented his experiences and observations in his famous travelogue.

5. According to the “circle of justice”, why was it important for military commanders to keep the interests of the peasantry in mind?

Answer: According to the concept of the "circle of justice," it was crucial for military commanders to consider the welfare of the peasantry, as their salaries were derived from the revenue collected from these peasants. The theory posited that for the peasants to be able to fulfill their tax obligations, they needed to be prosperous and content. Therefore, it was in the military commanders' best interest to ensure fair and just governance. By promoting the well-being of the peasantry and maintaining their happiness, commanders could secure a steady and reliable revenue stream, thus sustaining their own positions and the broader stability of the state. This principle underscored the interdependence between effective administration, military leadership, and the prosperity of the common people.

6. What is meant by the “internal” and “external” frontiers of the Sultanate?

Answer: The "internal" frontiers of the Sultanate involved efforts to consolidate control over the hinterlands surrounding garrison towns, such as clearing forests in the Ganga-Yamuna doab and displacing hunter-gatherers and pastoralists to repurpose the land for agriculture. This expansion was aimed at increasing agricultural output and enhancing regional trade through the establishment of new fortresses and garrison towns. Conversely, the "external" frontiers referred to the military expeditions launched to extend the Sultanate's influence into southern India, starting under Alauddin Khalji and culminating during Muhammad Tughluq’s reign. These campaigns were crucial for the Sultanate's strategy to broaden its territorial reach and assert dominance beyond its core regions.

7. What were the steps taken to ensure that muqtis performed their duties? Why do you think they may have wanted to defy the orders of the Sultans?

Answer: The muqtis, or iqtadars, were military commanders appointed by the Khalji and Tughluq rulers to govern various territories, known as ‘iqtas’. These appointees were responsible for a range of duties essential to the administration and stability of the Sultanate.

Firstly, the muqtis were tasked with leading military campaigns and maintaining law and order within their assigned iqtas. Their role was crucial in ensuring the security of the region and implementing the Sultanate's policies effectively.

Secondly, the muqtis collected revenue from their iqtas as part of their compensation for military services. This revenue served as their salary, and they were responsible for paying their soldiers from these funds. This arrangement linked their economic benefits directly to their performance and efficiency in managing their territories.

To maintain control and prevent the consolidation of power, the appointment of muqtis was designed to be non-hereditary. They were assigned to their posts for limited periods before being reassigned, ensuring that no single individual could establish a permanent power base.

Additionally, the Sultanate employed accountants to monitor and verify the revenues collected by the muqtis. This oversight was crucial in ensuring that the muqtis only collected taxes as prescribed by the state and that they maintained the necessary number of soldiers. This system of checks and balances helped to maintain administrative integrity and prevent abuse of power.

8. What was the impact of the Mongol invasions on the Delhi Sultanate?

Answer: During the reign of Alauddin Khalji and the early years of Muhammad Tughluq, the Delhi Sultanate faced intensified Mongol attacks. In response, both rulers established new garrison towns to support their armies and collected taxes from lands between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to ensure their soldiers were well-fed and equipped.

Alauddin Khalji paid his soldiers in cash, which helped maintain control and boost morale. In contrast, Muhammad Tughluq introduced a token currency made from cheap metals to pay his troops, aiming to streamline financial management. While this system was innovative, it also faced issues with currency devaluation and public trust. Both rulers' efforts were crucial in addressing the Mongol threat and maintaining the Sultanate’s stability.

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Class 7 History Chapter 3 Summary

Chapter 3 of Class 7 History, "Delhi Sultans," covers the establishment and expansion of the Delhi Sultanate, a pivotal period in medieval Indian history. The Delhi sultans class 7 begins with the rise of the early Delhi Sultans, starting with Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who founded the Sultanate after the decline of the Ghaznavid Empire.

Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The chapter explains how Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of the Ghaznavid ruler, founded the Sultanate in 1206. His reign marked the beginning of Muslim rule in northern India, setting the stage for future sultans.
Expansion and Administration: The chapter discusses the achievements of subsequent rulers like Iltutmish, who consolidated the Sultanate’s control and expanded its territory. Iltutmish's efforts included administrative reforms and the establishment of a more structured governance system.
The Slave Dynasty: It covers the Slave Dynasty, which ruled from 1206 to 1290. This period saw the strengthening of the Sultanate's foundations, despite challenges and invasions from rival powers.
The Khilji and Tughlaq Dynasties: The chapter introduces the Khilji Dynasty, known for its military conquests and economic reforms under Alauddin Khilji. It also covers the Tughlaq Dynasty, which implemented ambitious projects and faced internal strife.
Cultural and Architectural Contributions: The chapter highlights the cultural and architectural advancements during the Delhi Sultanate, including the construction of important landmarks like the Qutb Minar and the development of a distinctive Indo-Islamic architectural style.
Decline of the Sultanate: Finally, the chapter touches on the factors leading to the decline of the Delhi Sultanate, including weak rulers and external invasions, which eventually paved the way for the rise of the Mughal Empire.

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Class 7 History Chapter 3 FAQs

Q1. Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?

Ans. Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He established the Sultanate in 1206 after the decline of the Ghaznavid Empire.

Q2. What was the significance of Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s rule?

Ans. Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s rule marked the beginning of Muslim dominance in northern India and laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate.

Q3. Which dynasty ruled during the early years of the Delhi Sultanate?

Ans. The early years of the Delhi Sultanate were ruled by the Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty.

Q4. What were some key achievements of Iltutmish?

Ans. Iltutmish is known for consolidating the Sultanate’s power, expanding its territory, and implementing administrative reforms, including the introduction of the Iqta system.

Q5. What is the Iqta system?

Ans. The Iqta system was an administrative system where land was assigned to nobles and military commanders in return for their service. This helped in the effective management and revenue collection.

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