Reshaping India’s Political Map Class 8 Extra Questions and Answers SST Chapter 2

Students revise important topics using Class 8 SST Extra Questions and Class 8th SST Chapter 2 Reshaping India’s Political Map Important Extra Question Answer before exams.

Class 8 SST Chapter 2 Reshaping India’s Political Map Extra Questions

NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 2 Extra Questions on Reshaping India’s Political Map

Reshaping India’s Political Map Class 8 Very Short Question Answer

Question 1.
What was the iqta system?
Answer:
The iqta system was used by the Delhi Sultanate to manage revenue and administration. Under this system, land (iqta) was assigned to nobles or officials who collected revenue on behalf of the Sultan. Jn return, they maintained troops and fulfilled administrative duties. It helped in expanding control and maintaining loyalty of the ruling class.

Question 2.
Who were mansabdars?
Answer:
Mansabdars were officials in the Mughal Empire who were ranked and paid according to the number of troops they maintained. Appointed by the emperor, they held both civil and military responsibilities. The mansabdari system ensured efficient administration, central control, and army organization, especially during Akbar’s reign.

Question 3.
Why did Guru Tegh Bahadur become a martyr?
Answer:
Guru Tegh Bahadur opposed forced conversions under Aurangzeb’s rule. He stood up for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs to freely practice their religion. His resistance led to his execution by Aurangzeb, making him a martyr and symbol of religious freedom and bravery for the Sikh community.

Question 4.
What role did the Persian wheel play in agriculture?
Answer:
The Persian wheel was used in medieval India for irrigation. It was a water-lifting device powered by animals, mainly bullocks. This tool helped draw water from wells to irrigate fields, thereby improving agricultural productivity and supporting the growing economy during the Sultanate and Mughal periods.

Question 5.
What was the importance of the Khalsa?
Answer:
The Khalsa was formed by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 to militarize the Sikh community. It stood for discipline, courage, and justice. The Khalsa helped protect the Sikhs from persecution, especially during the Mughal era, and played a crucial role in transforming the Sikhs into a powerful religious and military group.

Question 6.
What made Hampi a strong capital?
Answer:
Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, was located in a rocky terrain with the Tungabhadra river on one side, which provided natural defense. Its geographic setting helped prevent invasions, while its temples, trade centers, and fortifications made it a prosperous and culturally significant city in south India.

Question 7.
What is the paik system?
Answer:
The paik system was a form of labor service in the Ahom kingdom. Adult males were enlisted to serve the state in various roles such as soldiers, farmers, and workers for construction or administration. It helped reduce state expenditure and ensured that the economy and military remained functional without relying heavily on money.

Question 8.
Who was Abul Fazl?
Answer:
Abul Fazl was a court historian of Emperor Akbar and the author of the Ain-i-Akbari. He played a vital role in documenting the administrative and cultural details of Akbar’s reign. He also promoted Akbar’s policies of tolerance and helped shape the image of the emperor as a just and secular ruler.

Question 9.
Why did regional kingdoms rise after the Delhi Sultanate?
Answer:
After the decline of the Delhi Sultanate, many regions witnessed the emergence of local rulers who asserted their independence. This was due to the weakening central power, frequent invasions, and internal rebellions. As a result, regional powers like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom kingdom rose to prominence.

Question 10.
How did trade flourish in medieval India?
Answer:
Medieval India had active trade routes and coastal ports like Surat and Calicut. Spices, textiles, and handicrafts were in high demand abroad. Traders, guilds, and the use of hundis made commerce smooth. Despite political instability, trade continued to thrive and supported artisans, farmers, and merchants across regions.g

Reshaping India’s Political Map Class 8 Short Question Answer

Question 1.
Describe the administrative setup of the Mughal Empire under Akbar.
Answer:
Under Akbar, the Mughal Empire was divided into subahs governed by officials. He introduced the mansabdari system, where officers held ranks and maintained soldiers. Key departments included the Diwan for finance and Mir Bakhshi for the military. Todar Mai reformed revenue collection using land surveys. The system balanced power, reduced corruption, and strengthened control. This structured administration contributed to political stability and efficient governance throughout Akbar’s reign.

Question 2.
What were the main features of the Delhi Sultanate’s rule?
Answer:
The Delhi Sultanate had a centralized administration with the Sultan at the top. The iqta system allowed nobles to collect revenue and maintain armies. It imposed strict laws based on Islamic principles and collected heavy land revenue. While it expanded its territory through military campaigns, local resistance and frequent power struggles weakened its hold. The Sultanate’s rule laid the foundation for later Muslim rule, including the Mughals.

Question 3.
How did trade and craft support India’s economy during medieval times?
Answer:
Crafts like weaving, metalwork, and pottery thrived in towns and villages. Traders transported these goods to ports like Surat and Calicut. India’s spices and textiles were highly valued abroad. The use of hundis and organized guilds helped in commercial exchanges. Despite political instability, the economy remained strong due to its skilled artisans and active trade routes, connecting India with the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Question 4.
Explain the rise of the Sikh community as a political and military force.
Answer:
Initially a spiritual path started by Guru Nanak, Sikhism transformed into a militarized community due to persecution. Guru Hargobind introduced military training. Under Guru Gobind Singh, the Khalsa was formed in 1699. This brotherhood emphasized bravery and religious discipline. In response to Mughal repression, Sikhs united as a force that defended their faith and later challenged Mughal authority in northern India.

Question 5.
How did the Mughal Empire decline?
Answer:
After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal Empire weakened. His long wars drained the treasury and caused unrest. Religious intolerance and high taxes led to revolts. Successors lacked his authority, and regional powers gained strength. Meanwhile, European traders, especially the British, began interfering in Indian politics, exploiting the empire’s instability. Gradually, the Mughal Empire lost control and faded into a symbolic power.

Reshaping India’s Political Map Class 8 Long Question Answer

Question 1.
Compare the administration of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire.
Answer:
The Delhi Sultanate’s administration relied on the iqta system. Nobles were given land for revenue collection and military service, but the system often led to corruption and disloyalty. In contrast, the Mughal Empire, especially under Akbar, had a more structured administration. The mansabdari system ranked officers and assigned them responsibilities based on merit and loyalty. Departments like Diwan, Mir Bakhshi, and Sadr handled finance, military, and religion respectively. The Mughal system ensured better central control and long-term stability, while the Sultanate struggled with internal revolts and weak succession. Thus, Mughal governance was more efficient and long-lasting.

Question 2.
How did the Vijayanagara Empire contribute to India’s cultural and economic development?
Ans.
The Vijayanagara Empire became a cultural beacon in south India. Its capital, Hampi, was known for magnificent temples, art, and festivals. The rulers supported literature in Sanskrit and regional languages. The economy thrived through trade in textiles and spices from its coastal ports. Efficient irrigation supported agriculture. Despite constant warfare, it preserved Hindu traditions during Muslim invasions in the north. The empire united southern India and left a legacy of cultural richness and architectural marvels that continues to influence south Indian identity.

Question 3.
Discuss the impact of Aurangzeb’s religious policies.
Answer:
Aurangzeb reversed the tolerant policies of Akbar. He reimposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims and ordered the destruction of temples. His strict Islamic laws alienated many Hindu nobles and caused unrest among subjects. These actions led to revolts by the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs. The religious divide weakened internal unity and overextended the empire. Though he expanded the Mughal territory, his policies sowed the seeds of decline, making future administration difficult and leading to the eventual fragmentation of the empire.

Question 4.
How did geography help the Ahoms defend their kingdom?
Answer:
The Ahoms ruled Assam, a region surrounded by hills, forests, and rivers. These natural barriers helped prevent large-scale invasions. They built forts along riverbanks and used the Brahmaputra for transport and strategy. Dense forests offered cover for guerilla warfare. The paik system ensured local manpower to maintain roads and defenses. The terrain made it difficult for enemies to sustain long campaigns, giving the Ahoms time to regroup and resist effectively, which helped them rule for centuries.

Question 5.
What were the major challenges faced by common people during this period?
Answer:
Common people suffered from heavy taxation, especially during wars. Famines and natural calamities worsened their condition. Forced labor under systems like paik added to their burden. However, agriculture remained the primary livelihood, and local trade gave some economic relief. Despite hardships, community systems and temple-based support helped people survive. Craftsmen and traders continued their work, showing resilience even during times of political instability and invasions.

Reshaping India’s Political Map Class 8 Source Based Questions

Question 1.
Read the below sources and answer the questions that follow:
The paik system in the Ahom kingdom required each male subject to render service to the state. These paiks worked in shifts and served in various capacities such as soldiers, builders, and laborers. This system helped reduce military expenses while also managing the economy effectively.
(i) What was the paik system in the Ahom kingdom?
Answer:
The paik system was a form of labour service where every male subject had to work for the state in turns.

(ii) How did the paik system help the king manage the army?
Answer:
It ensured a steady supply of trained men without maintaining a permanent standing army, reducing military costs.

(iii) In what way did the paik system benefit the economy?
Answer:
By using manpower efficiently in both military and civil works, it supported infrastructure and economic activities.

Question 2.
Akbar introduced the mansabdari system, where officials were ranked and given responsibility to maintain troops. The empire was divided into subahs, each managed by governors. Officials like the Diwan and Mir Bakhshi looked after finances and the military respectively.

(i) What was the mansabdari system introduced by Akbar?
Answer:
It was a system of ranking officials who were required to maintain a specified number of troops.

(ii) How was the Mughal Empire divided administra-tively under Akbar?
Answer:
The empire was divided into provinces called subahs, each governed by appointed officials.

(iii) What roles did the Diwan and Mir Bakhshi play in Akbar’s administration?
Answer:
The Diwan managed revenue and finances, while the Mir Bakhshi was in charge of the military and recruitment.

Reshaping India’s Political Map Class 8 Picture Based Questions

Observe the picture and answer the questions that follow:

(i) What does the image depict in relation to the Ahom resistance against the Mughals?
Answer:
The image shows a statue memorializing Ahom warriors. likely representing Lachit Borphukan and his men preparing for or engaged in battle, symbolizing their bravery and determination during the Battle of Saraighat.

(ii) Who is-as the Ahom military commander during the Battle of Saraighat. and what was the result of the battle?
Answer:
Lachit Borphukan was the Ahom commander during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. l-le led lO,00() Ahom soldiers to defeat a Mughal force of 30,000, presen’ing Ahom independence.

(iii) What tactics did the Ahoms use to repel the Mughal forces despite being outnumbered’?
The Ahoms used guerrilla warfare and their deep know ledge of local geography—dense forests, hills, and rivers—to effectively resist the Mughal invasion.

Reshaping India’s Political Map Class 8 Map-based Question

On the political map of India, mark and locate the following:
(i) Junagadh
(ii) Daulatabad
(iii) Belur
(iv) Madurai
Answer:

Class 8 Reshaping India’s Political Map Extra Questions for Practice

I. Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
What was the iqta system?
(a) Tax-free land grant
(b) Religious tax
(c) Land assigned for revenue collection
(d) Fortified region

Question 2.
Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed under the orders of:
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb

Question 3.
Who wrote the Ain-i-Akbari?
(a) Todar Mai
(b) Abul Fazl
(c) Tansen
(d) Birbal

Question 4.
The main source of state income during medieval times was:
(a) Trade taxes
(c) Land revenue
(c) Mining
(d) Donations

Question 5.
Assertion (A): Trade in medieval India expanded due to internal peace and stability.
Reason (R): Ports like Surat and Calicut were active centers of trade.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(d) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.

II. Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What was the function of the Diwan in Akbar’s court?

Question 2.
Name two items exported from India during this period.

Question 3.
Why was the Kumbhalgarh Fort strategically located?

Question 4.
What is the significance of the inscription ‘Sikander Sani’?

Question 5.
What was the impact of the Vijayanagara Empire on culture?

III. Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq shift his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, and what were the results of this move?

Question 2.
How did Akbar promote cultural and intellectual growth during his reign despite being illiterate?

Question 3.
What role did Narasimhadeva I and the Hoysala rulers play in resisting the Delhi Sultanate?

Question 4.
What role did the Bhils play in Maharana Pratap’s resistance against the Mughals?

Question 5.
What key strategies did Akbar use to consolidate and stabilize the Mughal Empire?

IV. Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What were the key reasons behind the rise and fall of the Delhi Sultanate?

Question 2.
Describe the rise and fall of the Vijayanagara Empire. What were its major achievements and challenges?

Question 3.
Describe the rise of the Mughal Empire from Babur to Akbar. How did military conquests and political reforms shape the early Mughal rule?

Question 4.
Compare the reigns of Akbar and Aurangzeb in terms of their religious policies and administrative approaches. How did these policies impact the Mughal Empire?

Question 5.
Describe how different regional powers such as the Rajputs, Ahoms, and Sikhs resisted Mughal authority. What strategies or values helped them maintain their independence or identity?