NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 5 Rulers And Buildings contains answers to the exercise questions given in the “Our Pasts-II”. All the answers provided here are accurate and simple that will help you understand the concepts easily and continue your studies without a doubt. These solutions will also help you to score higher marks with the help of well-illustrated answers. All the questions and answers are provided here in PDF format.
NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 5 Questions and Answers
Question 1: How is the “trabeate” principle of architecture different from the “arcuate”?
Answer: In the trabeate principle of architecture, roofs, doors and windows were made by placing a horizontal beam across two vertical columns. On the other hand, in the arcuate principle of architecture, the weight of the superstructure above the doors and windows was carried by arches.
Question 2: What is a shikhara?
Answer: The highest roof of a Hindu temple is called a ‘Shikhara’. For example, the Rajarajeshvara temple at Thanjavur had the tallest shikhara amongst the temples of its time.
Question 3: What is pietra-dura?
Answer: Pietra-dura is an architectural style in which coloured, hard stones were placed in depressions carved into marble or sandstone creating beautiful, ornate patterns. For example, behind the Emperor Shah Jahan’s throne, were a series of pietra dura inlays that depicted the legendary Greek god Orpheus playing the lute.
Question 4: What are the elements of a Mughal chahar bagh garden?
Answer: A Mughal Chahar Bagh was a garden that was placed within a rectangular walled enclosure. It was divided into four quarters by artificial channels. These gardens were known as ‘Chahar Bagh’ because of their symmetrical division into four parts.
Question 5: How did a temple communicate the importance of a king?
Answer: Temples were constructed as places of worship and are meant to demonstrate the power, wealth and devotion of the patron. The temples were miniature models of the world ruled by the king and his allies. For example, the Rajarajeshvara temple was built by King Rajarajadeva for the worship of his god, Rajarajeshvaram. Generally, the names of the rulers and the gods were very similar. The king took the god’s name because it was auspicious and he wanted to appear like a God. Through the rituals of worship in the temple, one god (Rajarajadeva) honoured another (Rajarajeshvaram).
Question 6: An inscription in Shah Jahan’s diwan-i Khas in Delhi stated: “If there is Paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” How was this image created?
Answer: The image of Paradise on Earth was created through the construction of audience halls, which were modelled like a mosque. The pedestal of Shah Jahan’s throne was frequently described as the Quibla, the direction which Muslims face while praying. These architectural features communicated a sense of divine justice and the idea that the king was the representative of God on earth.
Question 7: How did the Mughal court suggest that everyone – the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak – received justice equally from the emperor?
Answer: The construction of the royal court in Red Fort emphasized the connection between the imperial court and royal justice. Behind the emperor’s throne were a series of inlays which pictured Orpheus playing the lute. It was believed that Orpheus’ music calmed ferocious beasts and made them co-exist in harmony. All this gave the impression that the king’s justice would treat the high and the low as equals, creating a world in which all could live in harmony.
Question 8: What role did the Yamuna play in the layout of the new Mughal city at Shahjahanabad?
Answer: Shah Jahan used the river front garden as a way of controlling the access that the nobles had to river Yamuna. The imperial palace at Shahjahanabad had the Yamuna river front view. However, only the favoured nobles of the Emperor, like his son Dara Shikoh, had access to the river. All others were compelled to built their homes in the city, away from the river.