Class 7 History and Civics Summary

Chapter: The Early Mughals

1) An Overview of the Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire was one of the most powerful empires in Indian history. It
was founded by Babur in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of
Panipat. The empire expanded across a large part of the Indian subcontinent
and lasted until the mid-18th century. The Mughals brought administrative
efficiency, military innovations, and cultural development, leaving a lasting
impact on India.
2) Babur (1526-1530)
Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, was the first Mughal emperor.
He invaded India and established the Mughal rule by defeating Ibrahim Lodi at
the First Battle of Panipat (1526). He also defeated Rana Sanga at the Battle of
Khanwa (1527) and the Rajputs at Chanderi. His autobiography, Baburnama,
provides insights into his life and reign.
3) Sher Shah Suri – The Great Administrator (1540-1545)
Sher Shah Suri, a Pashtun ruler, defeated Humayun in 1540 and established the
Sur Empire. He was an efficient administrator and is best known for:
 Introducing the Rupiya (silver coin).
 Building the Grand Trunk Road for trade and military movement.
 Setting up an efficient postal and revenue system.
 Encouraging justice and local administration.
4) The Portuguese Arrival in India
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India. Vasco da Gama
reached Calicut in 1498. They established trading posts along the west coast,
mainly in Goa, Daman, and Diu. The Portuguese controlled Indian Ocean trade
until the arrival of the British and Dutch.
5) Humayun (1530-1540, 1555-1556)
Humayun, Babur’s son, faced many difficulties, including Afghan and Rajput
opposition. Sher Shah Suri defeated him in 1540, forcing him to flee to Persia.
He regained the throne in 1555 but died in 1556 after falling down the stairs of
his library. His son, Akbar, succeeded him.
6) Islam Shah (1545-1554)
Islam Shah was the son of Sher Shah Suri. He continued his father’s policies,
strengthening the empire's administration and military. However, after his
death, the Sur Empire weakened, leading to the restoration of Mughal rule
under Humayun.

Chapter: Akbar the Great

1) The Conquests of Akbar (1556-1605)
Akbar expanded the Mughal Empire through diplomacy and military
campaigns:
 2nd Battle of Panipat (1556): Defeated Hemu and re-established Mughal
rule.
 Rajput Campaigns: Won over Rajputs like Raja Man Singh and married
Rajput princesses.
 Deccan Campaigns: Conquered Gujarat, Bengal, and parts of the Deccan.
2) The Administration of Akbar – 9 Gems and Their Contribution
Akbar’s administration was highly organized. His court had nine famous
intellectuals, known as the Navratnas (Nine Gems):
1. Birbal – Advisor known for his wisdom.
2. Tansen – Great musician.
3. Raja Todar Mal – Finance minister, introduced land revenue system
(Zabt).
4. Abul Fazl – Wrote Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama.
5. Faizi – Poet and scholar.
6. Raja Man Singh – General in Akbar’s army.
7. Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana – Poet and noble.
8. Fakir Aziao-Din – Spiritual advisor.
 9. Mullah Do Piaza – Scholar and humorist.
3) Cultural Development
Akbar promoted art, music, and architecture. He built the Buland
Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri, and encouraged Persian and Indian art.
4) Akbar’s Rajput Policy
Akbar respected Rajputs and gave them high positions in his administration. He
married Rajput princesses and abolished the Jizya tax on non-Muslims to
ensure harmony.
5) Akbar’s Religious Policy
He introduced Din-i-Ilahi, a blend of various religions, and encouraged
discussions among different religious scholars at the Ibadat Khana in Fatehpur
Sikri.

Chapter: Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, and Later Mughals

1) Jahangir (1605-1627)
Jahangir continued Akbar’s policies but became addicted to luxury. His
wife, Nur Jahan, played an influential role in administration. He encouraged
trade with the British.
2) Shah Jahan (1628-1658)
Shah Jahan is known for his architectural marvels, including the Taj Mahal, Red
Fort, and Jama Masjid. He spent heavily on wars and construction, which
drained the treasury.
3) Aurangzeb (1658-1707)
Aurangzeb expanded the empire but faced opposition from
the Marathas and Sikhs. He imposed strict Islamic policies, reintroduced
the Jizya tax, and destroyed temples, which alienated many communities.
4) The Marathas
The Marathas, under Shivaji, resisted Mughal rule. Shivaji established a strong
kingdom, using guerrilla warfare tactics against Aurangzeb’s forces.
5) The Sikhs
The Sikhs, led by Guru Gobind Singh, formed the Khalsa to fight Mughal
oppression. After his death, the Sikh community became a strong military
power.
6) The Disintegration of the Mughal Empire
After Aurangzeb, the empire weakened due to weak rulers, court conspiracies,
and invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
7) The Main Features of the Mughal Empire
 Centralized administration.
 Strong military and revenue systems.
 Persian-influenced art, architecture, and literature.
 Religious policies varied from tolerance (Akbar) to orthodoxy
(Aurangzeb).
8) Later Mughals
 Bahadur Shah I & Farrukh Siyar – Weak rulers, controlled by nobles.
 Jahandar Shah – Inefficient ruler, overthrown quickly.
 Mohammad Shah – Last powerful Mughal, but empire declined under
him.

Chapter: Fundamental Rights and Duties

1) Fundamental Rights
The Indian Constitution grants six fundamental rights:
1. Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom
3. Right against Exploitation
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
5. Cultural and Educational Rights
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
2) Fundamental Duties
Citizens must:
 Respect the Constitution and national symbols.
 Protect the environment.
 Defend the country.
 Promote harmony and brotherhood.

Chapter: The Directive Principles of State Policy

1) The Welfare State – Features
A welfare state aims for economic and social justice. The government provides
education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
2) Directive Principles of State Policy
Guidelines for governance, including:
 Equal distribution of wealth.
 Protection of workers’ rights.
 Rural development.
3) Policies Promoting Economic Equality
 General Principles – Free education, fair wages.
 Gandhian Principles – Promotion of village industries, prohibition of
intoxicating drinks.
4) Relationship Between Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Rights are legally enforceable, while Directive Principles are
guidelines. However, both aim to ensure justice, equality, and development.