Important In Text Question Answers-Chapter 2 Reshaping India’s Political Map for Class 8 in Subject Social Science
In Text Question Answer:
1. How did foreign invasions and the rise of new dynasties reshape India’s political boundaries during this period?
Answer:
Many Central Asian, Turkic, Afghan, and Mughal rulers invaded India and took control of large areas.
Old kingdoms fell and new dynasties like the Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, and Mughal Empire rose.
Boundaries kept changing because of wars, alliances, and conquests.
Some regions resisted successfully, like the Ahom Kingdom in Assam and Mewar in Rajasthan.
New capitals, forts, and cities were built, shifting the centres of power.
2. How did Indian society respond to invasions? How did India’s economy adapt during times of political instability?
Answer:
People rebuilt towns, cities, and temples after destruction.
Trade and agriculture continued, often under new rulers and tax systems.
Merchant communities used systems like hundis (credit notes) to trade safely across regions.
Different communities learned to work under changing rulers, sometimes mixing cultures.
Strong kingdoms like Vijayanagara and Ahoms strengthened defences and adapted military tactics.
3. What impact did this period have on the lives of the people?
Answer:
Common people faced heavy taxes, forced labour, and sometimes displacement due to wars.
Many suffered from famines and loss of land, becoming bonded labourers.
Religious intolerance at times led to persecution and destruction of sacred places.
Arts, architecture, music, and literature flourished under certain rulers.
People of different faiths generally lived side by side, depending on each other for trade and work.
Important Question Answer:
(Answer in 2 marks each)
Who established the Delhi Sultanate and when?
It was established in 1206 CE.
Qutub-ud-din Aibak became the first Sultan.
Name any two dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate.
Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty.
Tughlaq Dynasty.
Who defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat?
Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi.
This happened in 1526 CE.
What was the jizya tax?
A tax on non-Muslims.
Paid for protection and exemption from military service.
Name two kingdoms that resisted the Delhi Sultanate.
Eastern Ganga Kingdom (Kalinga).
Hoysala Kingdom.
Who were Harihara and Bukka?
Founders of Vijayanagara Empire.
They were former governors under the Tughlaqs.
What was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Hampi.
Located in present-day Karnataka.
Who was Krishnadevaraya?
A famous ruler of Vijayanagara.
Known for military victories and support of art and literature.
Name two Deccan Sultanates.
Bijapur.
Golconda.
What was the paik system of the Ahoms?
Every man gave labour or military service to the state.
In return, he got land to use.
Who established the Khalsa and when?
Guru Gobind Singh.
In 1699 CE.
What is jauhar?
Mass self-immolation by women.
Done to avoid capture by enemies.
Who was Rani Durgavati?
Queen of Garha Kingdom.
Fought bravely against Akbar’s army.
What was the hundi system?
Written order to pay money to someone.
Used for safe trade without carrying cash.
Name two important ports in medieval India.
Surat.
Calicut.
(Answer in 3 marks each)
Name the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate.
Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty.
Khilji Dynasty.
Tughlaq Dynasty.
Sayyid Dynasty.
Lodi Dynasty.
Why was Ala-ud-din Khilji called the ‘Second Alexander’?
He expanded his empire through many conquests.
Repelled Mongol invasions.
His coins had the title ‘Sikander Sani’ (Second Alexander).
Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq shift his capital to Daulatabad?
It was in a central location.
He thought it would help control the empire better.
The plan failed and caused suffering to people.
Mention three achievements of Krishnadevaraya.
Expanded Vijayanagara Empire.
Supported poets and scholars.
Built many temples like the Vitthala temple.
Who fought in the Battle of Talikota?
Vijayanagara Empire vs. Deccan Sultanates.
Sultanates formed a coalition.
Vijayanagara city was destroyed.
What helped the Ahoms defeat the Mughals at Saraighat?
Knowledge of rivers and forests.
Guerrilla tactics.
Skilled in rowing boats and using weapons.
Why is Guru Tegh Bahadur remembered?
Stood against religious persecution.
Refused to convert to Islam.
Was beheaded in 1675 CE.
Give three features of the mansabdari system.
Officers kept soldiers, horses, and elephants for the state.
Paid through land grants (jagirs).
Ranks decided the number of troops to maintain.
Name three important crops of medieval India.
Rice and wheat.
Cotton.
Sugarcane.
Why was trade important in medieval India?
Brought wealth from exports like textiles and spices.
Connected India to other countries.
Supported artisans and craftsmen.
(Answer in 5 marks each)
How did foreign invasions reshape India’s political boundaries?
Many Central Asian rulers invaded India.
Old kingdoms fell and new ones rose.
Borders changed often due to wars.
Capitals and centres of power shifted.
Some regions stayed independent through resistance.
Describe Ala-ud-din Khilji’s conquests.
Conquered large areas of north and central India.
Repelled Mongol invasions.
Sent Malik Kafur to conquer the south.
Plundered rich temples and cities.
Used wealth to strengthen his army.
Explain Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s major policies.
Shifted capital to Daulatabad and back.
Introduced token currency of copper coins.
Expanded territories widely.
Policies failed and caused suffering.
Economy weakened due to poor planning.
Write about the achievements of Krishnadevaraya.
Expanded Vijayanagara Empire.
Won wars against Bahmani Sultanate and Gajapati rulers.
Supported literature in Telugu, Sanskrit, and Kannada.
Built grand temples like Vitthala and Tirupati.
Maintained peace and prosperity in his empire.
Describe the Battle of Talikota and its results.
Fought in 1565 CE.
Vijayanagara Empire vs. Deccan Sultanates.
Sultanates defeated Vijayanagara forces.
City was destroyed, temples and buildings ruined.
Empire broke into smaller states.
How did the Ahoms resist the Mughals?
Used paik system to maintain strong forces.
Knew local geography well.
Used guerrilla warfare.
Won Battle of Saraighat in 1671.
Preserved independence.
Describe the role of the Sikhs in resisting Mughal rule.
Guru Arjan was executed by Jahangir.
Guru Hargobind started martial training.
Guru Tegh Bahadur martyred for protecting religious freedom.
Guru Gobind Singh formed the Khalsa.
Sikhs fought many battles for justice and equality.
What were the main features of Akbar’s administration?
Divided empire into provinces (subahs).
Used mansabdari system for military.
Kept checks and balances between officials.
Encouraged tolerance (sulh-i-kul).
Improved revenue system under Todar Mal.
Explain the importance of temples in medieval India.
Centres of worship and culture.
Managed markets and economic activity.
Stored wealth given as donations.
Built infrastructure like tanks and dharmashalas.
Provided credit to traders.
How did trade and economy survive during political instability?
Merchants used hundis for safe payments.
Strong local economies kept production going.
Agriculture provided main income.
Artisans continued making goods for export.
Trade connected India to Arabia, Persia, and Europe.
To Learn More Check Below:
NCERT Solutions:
Chapter 1- Natural Resources and Their Use – CLICK HERE
Important Question Answers:
Chapter 1- Natural Resources and Their Use – CLICK HERE
MCQs:-
Chapter 2-Reshaping India’s Political Map – CLICK HERE
NCERT Solutions:
Chapter 2-Reshaping India’s Political Map– CLICK HERE
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