📘 Class 7 History – Chapter 1
Tracing Changes Through a Thousand Years
❓ Question 1.
Which sources do historians use to study the changes of the last thousand years?
✅ Answer:
- Manuscripts written on palm leaves & paper.
- Inscriptions engraved on stones & metals.
- Archaeological remains (buildings, coins, tools).
- Travellers’ accounts and historical writings.
❓ Question 2.
In what sense was the term “Hindustan” used by historians?
✅ Answer:
- In the 13th century, Minhaj-i-Siraj used "Hindustan" to refer to areas around Punjab, Haryana & lands between Ganga and Yamuna.
- Later, it was used for the entire subcontinent.
- Meaning of the term changed over time.
❓ Question 3.
What are manuscripts? On what materials were they written?
✅ Answer:
- Manuscripts are handwritten records/books.
- Written on palm leaves or handmade paper.
- They provide valuable knowledge about society, culture, kings & kingdoms.
❓ Question 4.
Why did historians face difficulties in studying the medieval period?
✅ Answer:
- Diversity of languages (Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic, regional languages).
- Manuscripts were handwritten → difficult to read & interpret.
- Manuscripts were often damaged or destroyed.
❓ Question 5.
What major political changes occurred after the 12th century in India?
✅ Answer:
- Rise of Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire.
- Emergence of regional kingdoms.
- Introduction of new administrative & military systems.
❓ Question 6.
How did different communities influence Indian culture?
✅ Answer:
- Arrival of Turks, Afghans, Persians & Arabs.
- Cultural mixing of Hindu, Muslim & regional traditions.
- Development of new art, architecture, food habits & languages.
❓ Question 7.
How did maps change over time? Give examples.
✅ Answer:
- Early maps (by al-Idrisi, 1154) showed South India at the top and were not accurate.
- Later maps (by European cartographers) were more accurate & scientific.
- Maps reflect changes in knowledge & perspectives.
❓ Question 8.
What is calligraphy? What was its importance?
✅ Answer:
- Calligraphy = the art of beautiful handwriting.
- Used to decorate manuscripts, inscriptions & Quranic texts.
- Showed the rich culture & creativity of medieval society.
❓ Question 9.
How did new ideas and practices emerge in society and religion?
✅ Answer:
- Growth of Bhakti movement (personal devotion to God).
- Spread of Sufism (love for God & humanity).
- New rituals, beliefs & social practices influenced people’s lives.
❓ Question 10.
Why did historians divide the Indian history into three periods?
✅ Answer:
- For convenience of study.
- Ancient period → Early kingdoms & empires.
- Medieval period → Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, cultural blending.
Modern period → British rule & post-independence.
