Questions Covered are:
1: How has the meaning of the word “Hindustan” changed over time?
2: What did the term “foreigner” mean in the past?
3: What sources do historians use to learn about the past?
4: Can you give an example of a historical challenge with manuscripts?
5: What new technologies and changes happened between 700 and 1750?
6: What were the Rajputs, and what other groups became important during this time?
7: How did regions and empires develop between 700 and 1750?
8: How did religions change during this period?
9: How did British historians categorize Indian history in the 19th century?
10: What is the difference between the medieval and modern periods?
11: How can the meaning of words change over time?
12: How did the lack of printing presses affect manuscripts?
13: What were some major changes during the period from 700 to 1750?
14: How did the formation of jatis (sub-castes) affect society?
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1: How has the meaning of the word “Hindustan” changed over time?
Originally, in the 13th century, “Hindustan” referred to regions like Punjab, Haryana, and the land between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Today, “Hindustan” means the entire country of India. This shows how the meaning of words can expand or change over time.
2: What did the term “foreigner” mean in the past?
In medieval times, “foreigner” referred to anyone who was a stranger or not part of a specific village or community, not just people from other countries.
3: What sources do historians use to learn about the past?
Historians use coins, inscriptions, old buildings, and written records. They also study manuscripts—handwritten documents that were collected by wealthy people, rulers, monasteries, and temples. Since there were no printing presses, texts were copied by hand, which sometimes led to changes or errors in the manuscripts.
4: Can you give an example of a historical challenge with manuscripts?
Yes, for instance, the 14th-century chronicler Ziauddin Barani wrote two versions of his chronicle, one in 1356 and another in 1358. Historians only found the first version in the 1960s, showing how some important texts can be lost and rediscovered later.
5: What new technologies and changes happened between 700 and 1750?
This period saw new technologies like the Persian wheel for irrigation, the spinning wheel for weaving, and firearms for combat. New foods like potatoes, corn, chilies, tea, and coffee were introduced. These changes led to economic, political, and social transformations.
6: What were the Rajputs, and what other groups became important during this time?
Rajputs were a group of warriors known for their bravery and loyalty. Other important groups included the Marathas, Sikhs, Jats, Ahoms, and Kayasthas. These groups gained political importance and influenced the social and political landscape.
7: How did regions and empires develop between 700 and 1750?
By 700 CE, many regions in India had their own boundaries, languages, and cultures. Dynasties like the Cholas, Khaljis, Tughlaqs, and Mughals built large empires, but not all were stable or successful. Local regions kept their own traditions while being influenced by these larger empires.
8: How did religions change during this period?
Hinduism saw changes like the worship of new deities and the construction of temples by royalty. The Brahmanas (priests) became more important, and the bhakti movement developed, focusing on personal devotion to gods. Islam also spread, with the Holy Quran brought to India in the 7th century, leading to different interpretations and schools of thought.
9: How did British historians categorize Indian history in the 19th century?
British historians divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British. This classification was based on the religion of major rulers and didn’t fully represent the rich diversity of Indian culture.
10: What is the difference between the medieval and modern periods?
The medieval period includes early societies, farms, and early empires. The modern period is associated with material progress and intellectual advancements
11: How can the meaning of words change over time?
Words can change meaning based on historical and cultural shifts. For example, “Hindustan” once referred to specific regions but now means the whole of India. Similarly, “foreigner” used to describe anyone unfamiliar to a community, not just someone from another country.
12: How did the lack of printing presses affect manuscripts?
Without printing presses, texts had to be copied by hand, which led to variations and errors in different copies. Historians have to compare multiple versions of a text to understand the original content.
13: What were some major changes during the period from 700 to 1750?
This period saw new technologies like the Persian wheel and spinning wheel, the introduction of new foods like potatoes and tea, and significant social changes as people moved and settled into new communities.
14: How did the formation of jatis (sub-castes) affect society?
Jatis were groups based on occupation and background, with their own rules enforced by assemblies of elders. They had to follow village rules as well, leading to a complex social structure.
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