CLASS: VII SOCIAL SCIENCE

Chapter 1 – Medieval India

1. What are monuments?
Old temples, mosques, palaces, forts, tombstones and clock towers are called
monuments.
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2. Who wrote Humayunnama?

Gulbadan Begum.
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 3. What does the word medieval mean in history? Name the two sources of
medieval history.
The period that lies between the ancient and the modern periods of history is
known as the medieval period.
A. Archeological sources B. Literary sources
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4. Write a short note on inscriptions as a source of medieval history.

Inscriptions consist of religious instructions or records of royal proclamations and
gifts to temples and villages. Inscriptions are found on the walls of Red Fort, Taj
Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and the palace walls of the Rajputs.
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5. What is the difference between numismatics and epigraphy?

Numismatics is the science f systematic collection and study of coins. Epigraphy is
the science of studying inscriptions or epigraphs.
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 6. How has the extensive use of paper during the medieval period helped
historians?
In the 13th century, paper was invented. This revolutionized the writing of history.
The medieval period has plenty f literary sources available for us because paper
was available.
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Answer the following in detail.

1. List the historical developments witnessed during the medieval period.
A. The later medieval period saw the rise of Muslim dynasties. This resulted in
several cultural influences and exchanges.
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 B. The Muslim rulers provided political stability for many centuries. As a result,
there was an increase in trade and commerce.
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C. Overseas trade flourished. Export and import was given impetus, as the traders
did business with other countries as well.
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D. Spread of Islam and the Bhakti and Sufi movements were some of the important
highlights of the medieval period.
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 E. Art and architecture showcased a splendor like never before.
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2. What are travelogues? Name two travelogues and give reasons for them being
important sources of history.
A travelogue is a film, written up from a travel diary, or illustrated talk describing
the experiences of and places visited by traveler.
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Tarikh Al Hind – Gave a detailed account of Indian philosophy and culture.

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 Riha – Gave a detailed account of when Iban Battuta travelled from his birthplace
Morocco to visit India during the rule of the Tughluqs.
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3. The name Hindustan has been used since medieval times. What does Hindustan
stands for?
A.The name Hindustan, which was used in the 13th century by Minhaj – i- Siraj
described as the areas of Punjab, Haryana and the fertile land between the rivers
Ganga and Yamuna.
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 B.Babur describes Hindustan as the geography, culture and natural vegetation of
the subcontinent.
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C.It the 19th century, during the British Raj that Hindustan with its territorial
boundaries became identical with India.
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 4.How do archeological sources help in the study of history?
Archeological sources such as monuments like mosques, temples, tombs, forts, art
objects like paintings and sculptures, inscriptions and coins, tools, utensils,
ornaments and jewels give valuable information of the period to which they
belong.
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Monuments showcase the style of architecture that highlights the religious or

foreign influences.
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Carvings and sculptures showcase creative skills of artisans as well as customs,

food habits, dresses and jewelry and various hairstyles of the period.
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The inscriptions on the walls of monuments or pillars give an insight into the rule
of a particular dynasty.
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Coins help us to identify the names and ruling periods of kings.

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5. What is the importance of monuments to you as a study of history?

Monuments showcase the style of architecture that highlights the religious or
foreign influences. Use of basic building materials like stones and burnt bricks
show the advancement and research to ensure strength and quality. Monuments
depict the vision and interests of the ruler towards enriching the culture and talent,
and also demonstrate the strengths of a particular phase in history.
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 6. Why are more sources available for the study of the medieval period as
compared to the ancient period?
Literary sources in the form of written documents throw light on the life of the
people, the administration and military exploits of different rulers. The buildings
and monuments constructed still adorn our country and attract tourists from all
over the world. Ex: Taj Mahal .These are the main reasons that we have more
information about the medieval period than the ancient period.
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