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Question 1

Pre-Islamic Political State

Answer 1

Divided into small, feuding areas with no concept of unity or nationality.

Question 2

Hindu Varna System (Four Castes)

Answer 2

1. Brahmins (Priests/Scholars) 2. Kshatriyas (Warriors/Rulers) 3. Vaishyas (Merchants/Farmers) 4. Shudras (Laborers).

Question 3

Sati (Historical Practice)

Answer 3

An illegal Hindu practice where a widow self-immolated on her husband’s funeral pyre.

Question 4

Pre-Islamic Economy

Answer 4

Primarily agricultural with wealth concentrated in feudalists; trade occurred with Rome, China, and Egypt.

Question 5

Role of Arab Traders

Answer 5

First introduced Islam to the subcontinent via coastal areas like Malabar.

Question 6

Muhammad Bin Qasim (712 AD)

Answer 6

Marks the official start of preaching in the subcontinent after the conquest of Sindh and Multan.

Question 7

Delhi Sultanate Dynasties (Order)

Answer 7

Mamluk, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodhi (1206–1526).

Question 8

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi (Mujaddid Alif Sani)

Answer 8

Reviver of the second millennium who opposed Akbar’s syncretic “Din-i-Ilahi” to restore orthodox Islam.

Question 9

Wahdat-ul-Shahud

Answer 9

Concept by Sirhindi stating that the Creator and the creation are two distinct entities.

Question 10

Shah Wali Ullah’s Contribution

Answer 10

Translated the Quran into Persian (1738) and wrote to Ahmed Shah Abdali to protect Muslims from Marathas.

Question 11

Third Battle of Panipat

Answer 11

Ahmed Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas following a request from Shah Wali Ullah.

Question 12

Key Reasons for Mughal Downfall

Answer 12

Succession wars, lack of a navy, financial corruption, and extravagant lifestyles of later rulers.

Question 13

Religious Cause of 1857 War

Answer 13

Introduction of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindus and Muslims.

Question 14

Mangal Pandey

Answer 14

Sepoy of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry who attacked British officers on March 29, 1857.

Question 15

Outcome of 1857 War

Answer 15

Dissolution of East India Company; direct rule by the British Crown (British Raj) began.

Question 16

Formation of Indian National Congress

Answer 16

Founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume; initially a platform for educated Indians, later viewed as Hindu-centric.

Question 17

Partition of Bengal (1905)

Answer 17

Implemented by Lord Curzon; divided into West Bengal (Hindu majority) and East Bengal (Muslim majority).

Question 18

Simla Deputation (1906)

Answer 18

35 Muslim leaders led by Aga Khan III met Lord Minto to demand separate electorates.

Question 19

Objectives of Muslim League (1906)

Answer 19

Protect Muslim rights, foster loyalty to British rule, and promote communal understanding.

Question 20

Lucknow Pact (1916)

Answer 20

Agreement where Congress and Muslim League agreed on separate electorates and minority representation.

Question 21

Simon Commission (1927)

Answer 21

British group sent to study reforms; boycotted because it contained no Indian members (“Simon Go Back”).

Question 22

Nehru Report (1928)

Answer 22

Proposed a federal system but rejected separate electorates, favoring joint electorates.

Question 23

Jinnah’s 14 Points (1929)

Answer 23

Response to Nehru Report; demanded provincial autonomy, 1/3 Muslim representation, and separate electorates.

Question 24

Allahabad Address (1930)

Answer 24

Allama Iqbal proposed a separate Muslim state in the northwest (Punjab, NWFP, Sindh, Balochistan).

Question 25

Govt of India Act 1935

Answer 25

Established a federal structure and granted significant autonomy to provinces.

Question 26

1937 Elections Outcome

Answer 26

Congress formed ministries in most provinces; Muslim League failed to form a government on its own.