Home
NCERT Soltions
Class 12
History - Themes in Indian History - II
Peasants, Zamindars and the State
To what extent do you think caste was a factor in influencing social a...

To what extent do you think caste was a | Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II Chapter Peasants, Zamindars and the State, Peasants, Zamindars and the State NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II - Chapter Peasants, Zamindars and the State. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 1: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 1:

To what extent do you think caste was a factor in influencing social and economic relations in agrarian society?

Answer:

(i)Cultivators were divided on the basis of their caste and other caste-like distinctions or caste- based distinctions. Thus, among the peasants were many who worked as agricultural labourers (majurs) or worked as manacles. Thus, they were not allowed to live in villages. They resided outside the village and were assigned to do menial tasks and lacked resources. Thus, they were poverty- stricken.

(ii)Caste distinctions had also begun to permeate other communities as well. In Muslim communities menials were like halkhoron (scavengers). A direct relation existed between caste poverty and social status.

(iii)In the seventeenth century Marwar Rajputs are described as peasants and equated with jats. They were given an inferior status in the caste hierarchy.

(iv)Castes like Ahirs, Gujjars and Malis reached and elevated status in the eastern regions.

(v)The pastoral and fishing castes like the Sadgops and Kaivatas acquired the status of peasants.

Other Questions of Chapter Peasants, Zamindars and the State

On an outline map of the world, mark the areas which had economic links with the Mughal Empire, and trace out possible routes of communication.

Examine the evidence that suggests that land revenue was important for the Mughal fiscal system.

To what extent is it possible to characterise agricultural production in the sixteenth-seventeenth centuries as subsistence agriculture? Give reasons for your answer.

Describe the role played by women in agricultural production.

Discuss, with examples, the significance of monetary transactions during the period under consideration.

How were the lives of forest dwellers transformed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

Discuss the ways in which panchayats and village headmen regulated rural society.

What are the problems in using the Ain as a source for reconstructing agrarian history? How do historians deal with this situation?

Examine the role played by zamindars in Mughal India.

Popular questions of class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II

Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind.

Discuss the extent to which Bernier’s account enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society.

Discuss Al-Biruni’s understanding of the caste system.

On an outline map of the world mark the countries visited by Ibn Battuta. What are the seas that he may have crossed?

Analyse the evidence for slavery provided by Ibn Battuta.

Discuss the ways in which the Alvars, Nayanars and Virashaivas expressed critiques of the caste system.

What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with the mahanavami dibba?

What were the distinctive features of the Mughal nobility? How was their relationship with the emperor shaped?

How were the water requirements of Vijayanagara met?

Fig. 7.33 is an illustration of another pillar from the Virupaksha temple. Do you notice any floral motifs? What are the animals shown? Why do you think they are depicted? Describe the human figures shown.

Recently Viewed Questions of Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II

Discuss, with examples, the distinctive features of Mughal chronicles.

Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind.

On an outline map of India, plot three major sufi shrines, and three places associated with temples (one each of a form of Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess).

How were the water requirements of Vijayanagara met?

Read this excerpt from Bernier:

Numerous are the instances of handsome pieces of workmanship made by persons destitute of tools, and who can scarcely be said to have received instruction from a master. Sometimes they imitate so perfectly articles of European manufacture that the difference between the original and copy can hardly be discerned. Among other things, the Indians make excellent muskets, and fowling- pieces, and such beautiful gold ornaments that it may be doubted if the exquisite workmanship of those articles can be exceeded by any European goldsmith. I have often admired the beauty, softness, and delicacy of their paintings.

List the crafts mentioned in the passage. Compare
these with the descriptions of artisanal activity in
the chapter.

Do you think Ibn Battuta’s account is useful in arriving at an understanding of life in contemporary urban centres? Give reasons for your answer.

Discuss the major features of Mughal provincial administration. How did the centre control the provinces?

Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Baba Guru Nanak, and the ways in which these have been transmitted.

What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with the mahanavami dibba?

What were the concerns that shaped Mughal policies and attitudes towards regions outside the subcontinent?

Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Peasants, Zamindars and the State.
Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

The Secret to Smarter Learning — Building Strong Critical Thinking Skills

In today’s world of endless information , knowing how to think is more important than knowing what to think . From school projects to real – life decisions , critical thinking helps students question ideas , analyze facts and form logical conclusions . But what exactly does critical thinking mean ? Simply put , it’s […]

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Build Productive Habits That Stick

Every student dreams of better grades , stronger focus and more study time – but the real challenge isn’t starting, it’s staying consistent . Building productive study habits is not about studying all day , it’s about studying smart . In today’s fast – paced digital world, distractions are everywhere – from endless phone notifications […]

The Hidden Risks of Online Gaming for Children — Is your child safe while gaming online?

Online gaming has rapidly become one of the most popular pastimes among children. Whether it’s multiplayer mobile games , PC adventures or console challenges , kids are spending more time than ever in the virtual world . On the surface, gaming seems entertaining and even educational – improving hand- eye coordination , teamwork and problem […]

The Role of Parents in Digital Literacy – Guiding Kids for a Smarter Online Future

Kids today are surrounded by screens from the moment they wake up . Whether it’s smart classrooms, online lessons or video games with friends technology has quietly become a part of everything they do. It’s amazing how much they can learn, explore and create with just a tap or a click. But it also brings […]

View All Blog Posts