SECTION B — 50-WORD ANSWERS
(All answers approx. 50 words each)
Q4. Which means were used for irrigation in the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer (50 words):
The Indus Valley people used several irrigation methods to support agriculture. They depended mainly on natural flooding of rivers, especially the Indus and its tributaries. They also used canal-like channels and reservoir systems to store water. Dams, wells, and carefully planned drainage systems helped regulate water supply for crops across settlements.
Q5. Mention any two important events that took place in the 6th century BCE.
Answer (50 words):
Two major events of the 6th century BCE were the rise of new religious movements, especially Buddhism and Jainism, which challenged Vedic rituals. Another key development was the emergence of 16 Mahajanapadas, powerful territorial states that transformed political structures in northern India and created conditions for large empires like Magadha.
Q6. What do you mean by ‘Gotra’?
Answer (50 words):
‘Gotra’ refers to a lineage or clan system traced through the male line. It identified descendants of an ancient sage and determined marriage rules within early Vedic society. People belonging to the same gotra were considered related and therefore prohibited from marrying each other, ensuring social order and controlled kinship networks.
Q7. What features of Delhi did Ibn Battuta mention?
Answer (50 words):
Ibn Battuta described Delhi as a vast and impressive city with bustling markets, magnificent mosques, and well-built fortifications. He observed its diverse population and the grandeur of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s court. Battuta also mentioned Delhi’s wealth, frequent processions, and the administrative complexity he witnessed during his stay.
Q8. What do you understand by ‘Qawwali’ in the context of Chishti devotionalism?
Answer (50 words):
Qawwali is a devotional musical tradition practiced in Chishti Sufism. It involves rhythmic singing, clapping, and instrumental accompaniment to evoke spiritual ecstasy. Qawwals sing praises of God, the Prophet, and Sufi saints. For Chishtis, Qawwali served as a medium to experience divine love and strengthen emotional connection with the sacred.
Q9. Write any two rituals associated with the Mahanavami Dibba.
Answer (50 words):
Two rituals performed at the Mahanavami Dibba in Vijayanagara included:
- Royal military review—kings inspected horses, elephants, and soldiers.
- Ceremonial processions with decorated animals, dancers, and musicians.
These rituals symbolized royal authority, military strength, and celebration of the state’s prosperity during the annual Mahanavami festival.
Q10. Justify the statement: “The distinction between artisans and peasants in village society was sometimes fluid.”
Answer (50 words):
In Mughal India, many peasants worked as part-time artisans, producing pottery, weaving cloth, or crafting tools during non-harvest months. Similarly, artisans often cultivated small plots for subsistence. This overlap of agricultural and artisanal activities blurred rigid social boundaries, showing that economic roles in villages were flexible and interdependent.
Q11. Explain the difference between ‘Jotedar’ and ‘Ryot’.
Answer (50 words):
Jotedars were powerful landholders in Bengal who controlled large tracts of land and often dominated village society. Ryots were ordinary cultivators who directly tilled the soil and paid rent. Unlike ryots, jotedars acted as intermediaries, sometimes challenging zamindars and influencing local administration and revenue politics.
Q12. Under what circumstances did the Rani of Jhansi take up leadership of the uprising?
Answer (50 words):
Rani Lakshmibai assumed leadership after the British annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse, rejecting her adopted son’s claim. When British forces attacked Jhansi during the 1857 revolt, she organized resistance to defend her kingdom. Her courage, loyalty to her land, and public support pushed her into leading the rebellion.
Q13. Why was ‘Direct Action Day’ called for?
Answer (50 words):
Direct Action Day was declared by the Muslim League on 16 August 1946 to demand the creation of Pakistan after negotiations with Congress and the British failed. It aimed to demonstrate Muslim political strength through mass mobilization. Unfortunately, the event triggered widespread communal violence, intensifying tensions before Partition.