Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Class 8 Extra Questions and Answers SST Part 2 Chapter 8

Students revise important topics using Class 8 Social Science Extra Questions and Class 8 SST Part 2 Chapter 8 Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Extra Question Answer before exams.

Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Class 8 Extra Question Answer

Extra Questions of Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Class 8

Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Class 8 Very Short Question Answer

Question 1.
What is meant by cultural resilience?
Answer:
Cultural resilience means the ability of a culture to adapt to new influences and changes while preserving its core traditions and identity.

Question 2.
Name one ancient foreign visitor who came to India.
Answer:
Pietro Della Valle was a foreign traveller who visited India and wrote detailed accounts of Indian society.

Question 3.
Which new style of garden design was introduced by the Mughals?
Answer:
The Mughals introduced the charbagh style of garden design.

Question 4.
Name one Bhakti saint from Western India.
Answer:
Tukaram was a famous Bhakti saint from Western India.

Question 5.
What is the sacred text that preserves the teachings of Guru Nanak?
Answer:
The teachings of Guru Nanak are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Question 6.
What is zikr in Sufi practice?
Answer:
Zikr is the devotional practice of remembering and repeating the name of God in Sufism.

Question 7.
Who translated the Upanishads into Persian in the 17th century?
Answer:
Dara Shikoh translated the Upanishads into Persian.

Question 8.
Name the two streams of Indian classical music.
Answer:
The two Streams are Hindustani music and Carnatic music.

Question 9.
Which musical genre was developed to great heights under Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior?
Answer:
Dhrupad was developed to great heights under his patronage.

Question 10.
Who was the famous musician in the court of Akbar?
Answer:
Tansen was the famous musician in Akbar’s court.

Question 11.
Name one feature of Rajput miniature paintings.
Answer:
Rajput miniature paintings are known for their bright colours and detailed depictions of royal and mythological themes.

Question 12.
What was the charbagh garden design based on?
Answer:
It was based on the Persian idea of paradise divided into four parts by water channels.

Question 13.
Who was the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
Answer:
Razia Sultan was the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 14.
Name one centre of advanced learning in South India during this period.
Answer:
Hampi was an important centre of learning and culture.

Question 15.
What Geographical Indication (GI) product is associated with Banaras?
Answer:
Banaras is famous for its Banarasi silk sarees, which have GI tag.

Question 16.
From which language did Urdu primarily develop?
Answer:
Urdu primarily developed from Hindavi, with influences from Persian and Arabic.

Question 17.
Who developed the power series for trigonometric functions in India?
Answer:
Madhava of Sangamagrama developed power series for trigonometric functions.

Question 18.
Name one architectural marvel built under the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
Answer:
The Konark Sun Temple is a famous architectural marvel of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Class 8 Short Question Answer

Question 1.
indian culture has always been dynamic and Inclusive, accepting useful ideas from different cultures without losing its identity.’ Explain the statement. (Competency Based Questions)
Answer:
Indian culture adapted to foreign influences in the following ways
By accepting useful ideas and blending them with existing traditions instead of rejecting them. Traders, scholars, and rulers introduced new food habits, clothing styles, art forms, languages, and architectural techniques. Indian artists creatively combined these elements to produce new styles such as Mughal miniature paintings and Persian-inspired charbagh gardens. Over time, these influences became integrated into daily life. This flexibility and openness helped Indian culture remain strong, dynamic, and enriched despite political changes and invasions.

Question 2.
Describe the teachings of Guru Nanak.
Answer:
The teachings of Guru Nanak are as follows

• Guru Nanak taught that there is one God who is the creator of all.
• He emphasised equality, honesty, humility, and selfless service (seva).
• He opposed caste discrimination and meaningless rituals.
• He encouraged people to remember God through prayer and good deeds.
• His teachings are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib.
• He promoted peace, unity, and harmony among different communities.

Question 3.
Sufi saints played an important role in promoting unity and communal harmony in medieval India.’ Explain the statement. (Competency Based Questions)
Answer:
The role of Sufi saints in promoting unity area as follows

• Sufi saints promoted unity by spreading messages of love, devotion, and compassion beyond religious boundaries.
• They believed that all people could reach God through sincere prayer and pure intentions.
• Through qawwalis and spiritual gatherings, they encouraged harmony and mutual respect.
• Their teachings reduced social tensions and helped build peaceful relationships among diverse groups.

Question 4.
Explain the main features of Rajput paintings.
Answer:
The main features of Rajput paintings are as follows

• Rajput paintings mainly depicted Hindu religious themes and scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Artists used bright colours, detailed backgrounds, and nature elements like lotus flowers and banyan trees.
• Animals such as elephants and peacocks were commonly shown. Women were portrayed with large expressive eyes and graceful features.
• These paintings reflected devotion, romance, and courtly life.
• They maintained traditional Indian styles while later absorbing some Mughal influences.

Question 5.
Describe Mughal miniature paintings.
Answer:
Mughal miniature paintings developed under royal patronage and were influenced by Persian art. They depicted court scenes, royal portraits, hunting expeditions, and landscapes with fine detail and realism. Artists worked collaboratively, each specialising in drawing, colouring, or detailing. These paintings were often included in manuscripts and historical records. Over time, Mughal and Rajput styles influenced each other, creating a rich blend of artistic traditions.

Question 6.
Explain the contributions of the Kerala School of Mathematics.
Answer:
The contributions of the Kerala School of Mathematics are as follows

• The Kerala School of Astronomy and Mathematics made pioneering contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
• Madhava of Sanganiagrama developed infinite series and accurately calculated the value of p centuries before European mathematicians.
• Nilakantha Somayaji proposed an advanced planetary model where Mercury and Venus orbit the Sun.
• Their work greatly influenced trigonometry and early calculus, showing India’s advanced scientific knowledge.

Question 7.
Describe the growth of Urdu language.
Answer:
Urdu developed in the Ganga-Yamuna plains from Hindavi and Hindi, incorporating Persian and Arabic vocabulary. It gradually became a popular language of poetry, music, and administration. In the Deccan region, it evolved into Dakhini by absorbing local words. Amir Khusro, known as the father of Urdu literature, enriched it through multilingual creativity. Urdu later replaced Persian in administration during British rule.

Question 8.
Explain the importance of weaving traditions like Banarasi and Pashmina.
Answer:
Banarasi saris and Pashmina shawls represent India’s rich textile heritage. Banarasi saris are known for brocade work and gold or silver zari embroidery. Pashmina shawls are woven from fine cashmere wool and valued for their softness and warmth. These textiles were patronised by Mughal emperors and nobles, boosting trade and craftsmanship. Persian floral designs blended with Indian motifs, showing cultural exchange in art and fashion.

Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Class 8 Long Question Answer

Question 1.
Explain the growth and Impact of the Bhakti movement in India.
Answer:
The Bhakti movement grew between the 13th and 17th centuries and emphasised personal devotion to God. It did not require rituals or priests, making spiritual practice accessible to everyone, including lower castes. Saints like Kabir, Mirabai, Tukaram, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spread messages of Love, equality, and unity.

Bhakti poetry and songs were composed in local languages, coñnecting people through music and dance. The gatherings helped strengthen social and cultural bonds across communities. The movement also influenced literature, music, and arts. It strengthened literature, music, and regional cultures.It promoted spiritual resilience and cultural continuity during periods of political instability.

Question 2.
Describe the features and contribution of Sufism in medieval India.
Answer:
The features and contributions of Sufism in medieval India are as follows

• Sufism focused on a personal, inner connection with God, emphasising love, devotion, and service.
• Sufi saints used qawwalis and music to express spiritual ideas.
• They often practiced meditation and asceticism, similar to Bhakti traditions.
• Famous saints like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti promoted unity and harmony among different communities.
• Sufi ideas influenced poetry, literature, and music, enriching Indian culture.
• Their teachings encouraged tolerance, social cohesion and spread widely, especially in North India.

Question 3.
A cultural tradition developed into two major streams in North and South India. Court musicians, devotional singers, and new musical instruments played an Important role in its growth. Explain this development. (Competency Based Questions)
Answer:
The development of Indian classical music during this period are as follows

• Indian classical music developed in two main streams:
• Hindustani in the North and Carnatic in the South.
• Tansen in Akbar’s court promoted dhrupad, combining devotion and musical skill.
• Sufi influences blended with Hindustani music, producing qawwalis.
• Purandaradasa developed Carnatic music in South India, composing thousands of kirtanas.
• Musical instruments like tabla and sitar evolved during this period.
• Music was performed in temples, courts, and social gatherings, maintaining traditional elements while embracing local creativity.

Question 4.
Explain the major developments in science and mathematics.
Answer:
The major developments in science and mathematics are as follows

• Science and mathematics advanced in astronomy, chemistry. and mathematics.
• The Kerala School developed infinite series and calculus, with Madhava discovering the value of πr.
• Nilakantha Somayaji proposed a heliocentric model for Mercury and Venus.
• Distillation of zinc and production of perfumes showed progress in chemistry.
• Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine continued to thrive.

Indian saltpetre was used in gunpowder, and refrigeration techniques were developed, showing experimentation and knowledge sharing.

Applied chemistry also led to innovations in perfume-making, refrigeration methods, and the use of saltpetre in gunpowder and cooling systems.

Medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani continued to flourish through texts and oral traditions.

Question 5.
Describe the architectural achievements between the 13th and 17th centuries.
Answer:
The architectural achievements between the 13th and 17th centuries are as follows

• Architecture blended tradition and innovation, with intricate carvings and designs.
• The Konark Sun Temple, built under the Eastern Ganga dynasty, stands out for its monumental chariot design and intricately carved stone wheels symbolising time and cosmic order.
• The Ranakpur Jam Temple, constructed in the 15th century. is renowned for its beautifully carved marble pillars arranged with mathematical precision.
• Under Krishnadevaraya, temple construction flourished in Hampi, demonstrating advanced engineering skills and urban planning.
• Mughal gardens such as Nishat Bagh followed the Persian charbagh style with terraces, fountains, and water channels symbolising paradise.
• Forts, palaces, and temples reflected political power, aesthetic taste, and spiritual dedication.
• Even after destruction during invasions, temples were rebuilt, showing cultural resilience and continuity.

Question 6.
Discuss the growth of literature and regional languages.
Answer:
Literature flourished in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Odia, Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi. Bhakti poetry and devotional songs made literature accessible to common people. Regional poets like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Kavindra Paramesvara enriched writing culture. Persian translations and multilingual works encouraged cultural exchange.

Royal patronage from rulers like Krishnadevaraya encouraged poets and scholars to produce remarkable works. Persian texts were translated into regional languages and vice versa, promoting intellectual exchange.

Secular themes gradually appeared alongside devotional writings, showing literary maturity. Overall, literature strengthened regional identities while integrating diverse cultural influences.

Question 7.
Explain the role of Persian ¡n shaping Indian culture.
Answer:
The role of Persian in shaping Indian culture is as follows

• Persian became the official language of administration and court culture under the Mughal rulers, significantly influencing governance, literature, and intellectual life in India.
• Scholars translated important Sanskrit works such as Lilavati and Rajatarangini into Persian, facilitating cross-cultural understanding.
• Dara Shikoh translated fifty-two Upanishads into Persian with the help of scholars from Varanasi, believing that Hindu and Islamic spiritual truths shared common foundations.
• Persian poets, astronomers, and scholars became part of Mughal courts, enriching artistic and intellectual traditions.
• Persian vocabulary entered regional languages, shaping the development of Urdu and influencing everyday speech.
• Architectural styles, miniature paintings, and garden layouts also reflected Persian aesthetics.
• Thus, Persian played a crucial role in blending cultures and shaping India’s composite heritage.

Question 8.
Describe the educational institutions and knowledge traditions of the period.
Answer:

• Despite invasions and political disruptions. education continued through decentralised institutions such as gurukulas, temple schools, mathas, madrasas, and village pathashalas.
• Important centres like Kanchipuram and Sringeri were renowned for advanced studies in philosophy, mathematics, and sacred texts.
• The Kerala School of Astronomy and Mathematics made lasting contributions to astronomy and calculus through systematic scholarship.
• Students in the gurukul system lived with their teachers and studied grammar, law, medicine, astronomy, and scriptures in an integrated manner.
• Madrasas under Muslim rule taught Arabic, Persian, and Islamic studies, reflecting cultural exchange.
• Vocational knowledge in weaving, crafts, and trade was transmitted through apprenticeships within jati and guild systems.
• Knowledge was preserved through manuscripts and oral traditions, ensuring continuity even during instability.
• Education during this period combined spiritual wisdom with practical skills and intellectual enquiry.

Question 9.
Discuss the role of women in society with examples.
Answer:
Women’s roles varied depending on region, religion, and social status in medieval India.
Nur Jahan played an important role in governance during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, issued royal orders (farmans), and influenced court politics and architecture.

Mirabai expressed her devotion to Lord Krishna through poetry and became an important figure in the Bhakti movement, showing women’s participation in religious and literary life.

Rani Durgavati ruled the Gond kingdom bravely and fought against Mughal forces, showing leadership and courage in political and military affairs.

Many royal women donated land, built temples, wells, and dharamshalas for public welfare, contributing to community development.

In northern India, the practice of purdah became more common among elite families, especially for protection during times of political instability.

Women also worked in agricultures crafts, weaving, and household industries, contributing to the economic life of society.

Question 10.
Explain cultural exchange in daily life, focusing on food and clothing.
Answer:
Cultural exchange in daily life, focusing on food and clothing are as follows

• Cultural exchange during this period deeply influenced everyday life, especially in food habits and clothing styles, blending indian traditions with Persian and Central Asian elements.
• Dishes such as naan, cooked in a tandoor, and samosa, adapted from the Persian sambusak, became popular in India with modified fillings suited to local tastes.
• Jalebi evolved from the Persian zalabiyeh but adopted Indian ingredients like sugar syrup and distinct circular shapes.
• The widespread use of spices such as cardamom, turmeric, clove, and black pepper enriched both royal and common cuisines.
• Under rulers like Akbar, royal kitchens reflected a fusion of culinary traditions, and vegetarian influences were sometimes encouraged.

Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Class 8 Case Based Questions

Question 1.
Read the passage given below and answer the following questions.
This era witnessed flourishing literature across several languages. Indian languages such as Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Odia, Hindavi, Bengali and Marathi began to thrive in both everyday communication and poetic expression. Bhakti literature further enriched the culture of writing, spreading ideas through accessible poetry and song.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu influenced 16th-century Bengali literature, including biographies and a new style of folk songs called Dhamali. The themes were about Krishna and episodes from his life; these also became part of kathak performances. Court-poet Kavindra Paramesvara translated the Mahabharata into Bengali. Persian poetry was also translated into Bengali.

(i) How did literature during this period help in connecting religion with common people?
Answer:
Literature used simple regional languages and devotional songs, making religious ideas easy for common people to understand.

(ii) What does the translation of major texts into regional languages indicate about society at that time?
Answer:
It shows an effort to make knowledge and religious texts accessible to a wider audience.

(iii) How did cultural exchange influence Bengali literature in the 16th century?
Answer:
Bengali literature was influenced by devotional movements and translations from Persian, leading to richer and more diverse literary traditions.

Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Class 8 Picture Based Questions

Question 1.
Observe the given picture carefully and answer the following questions.
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(i) The people shown in the picture belong to which spiritual tradition?
Answer:
The Sufi tradition (Sufism).

(ii) What is the special devotional practice shown in the picture called?
Answer:
Whirling (Sema), a devotional dance performed by Sufi dervishes.

(iii) Name any one famous Sufi saint mentioned in the chapter.
Answer:
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti or Nizamuddin Auliya.

Class 8 Cultural Currents 13th to 17th Centuries Extra Questions for Practice

Objective Type Questions

Question 1.
Which feature mainly explains the survival of Indian culture through periods of invasion and political change?
(a) Isolation from other civilisations
(b) Strict uniformity of practices
(c) Ability to adapt and absorb new ideas
(d) Dependence only on royal patronage

Question 2.
Which Bhakti saint was associated with the court of Krishnadevaraya?
(a) Kabir
(b) Purandaradasa
(c) Ravidas
(d) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Question 3.
The Persian charbagh garden design symbolised
(a) The four Vedas
(b) The four seasons
(c) The rivers of Paradise
(d) The four directions of trade

Question 4.
Which Indo-Persian poet is credited with shaping early qawwali traditions?
(a) Tansen
(b) Faizi
(c) Amir Khusro
(d) Dara Shikoh

Question 5.
The Rajput style of painting was especially known for depicting
(a) Industrial life
(b) European landscapes
(c) Hindu religious themes and nature motifs
(d) Only Mughal emperors

Question 6.
Which centre in South India became famous for advanced studies in philosophy and mathematics?
(a) Nalanda
(b) Sringeri
(c) Taxila
(d) Ujjain

Question 7.
The blending of Mughal and Rajput painting styles was encouraged by
(a) Complete isolation of artists
(b) Migration of painters between courts
(c) Ban on religious themes
(d) Lack of royal patronage

Question 8.
Which development marked a major shift in Indian painting techniques during this period?
(a) Use of stone carving
(b) Painting only on temple walls
(c) Introduction of paper for miniature paintings
(d) Abandonment of natural colours

Subjective Type Questions

Question 1.
What was the role of madrasas under Muslim rule?

Question 2.
What is meant by the term buta motif in textile traditions?

Question 3.
Why was Persian important in Mughal administration?

Question 4.
How did Bhakti poetry strengthen regional languages?

Question 5.
Explain how Sufi practices showed similarities with Vedantic ideas.

Question 6.
Describe two main features of Mughal miniature paintings.

Question 7.
How did royal patronage influence architecture between the 13th and 17th centuries?

Question 8.
In what way did vocational education preserve traditional crafts?

Question 9.
Explain how cultural exchange between India and Persia influenced food. clothing, and language during this period.

Question 10.
Discuss the contributions of scholars like Madhava of Sangamagrama and Nilakantha Sornayaji to science and mathematics.