MEDIEVAL HISTORY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH
(Solutions)
EXERCISE
Let’s Recall
Q1. Who laid foundation of Sultanate in Kashmir?
Answer:- In 1339 CE, Shah Mir ascended the throne under the name of Sultan Shams-ud-Din Shahmir and laid foundation of Sultanate in Kashmir.
Q2. Which dynasty ruled Jammu during the medieval period?
Answer:- During the medieval period, Jammu was ruled by Dev dynasty.
Q3. State whether true or false:
(a) Sultan Zain-ul-Aabidin was an intolerant leader.
Answer:- False
(b) Nagar Nagar city was built by Mughals.
Answer:- True
(c) Zari-Niyaz was tax on grain.
Answer:- False (it was tax on nobles)
(d) The name ‘Jammu’ first of all occurs in Malfuzat-i-Timuri.
Answer:- True
(e) Timur invaded Jammu in 1399 CE.
Answer:- True
(f) Kavi Devi Dutt was the court poet of Bhiram Dev.
Answer:- True
(g) Mirza Haidar Dughlat conquered Ladakh in the year 1546
Answer:- False (in 1533)
(h) The founder of Namgyal dynasty was Trashi Namgyal.
Answer:- False (Lha Chen Bhagan was the founder)
Fill in the blanks
(a) ———————— adopted name of Sadr-ud-Din.
Answer:- Rinchana adopted name of Sadr-ud-Din.
(b) Mughal Governor of Kashmir province was called ————————.
Answer:- Mughal Governor of Kashmir province was called Subedars.
(c) During Sikh rule ———————— supervised the revenue affairs.
Answer:- During Sikh rule Sahib-I-Kar supervised the revenue affairs.
(d) Haveli Begam was built by ____________.
Answer:- Haveli Begam was built by Maharaja Ranjit Dev.
(e) The central inspiration of the Basohli paintings is _______.
Answer:- The central inspiration of the Basohli paintings is Vaishvanism.
(f) Jammu rulers paid an yearly tribute called _________ to Mughals.
Answer:- Jammu rulers paid an yearly tribute called Nazrana to Mughals.
(g) ___________ King of Ladakh was the worshipper of Vajrapani.
Answer:- King Lhargyal was the worshipper of Vajrapani.
(h) Ladakh and Baltistan were conquered several times by the rulers of __________.
Answer:- Ladakh and Baltistan were conquered several times by the rules of Kashmir.
(i) Enumerate the crafts introduced by Sultan Zain-ul-Aabidin in Kashmir?
Answer:- Zain-ul-Abidin revived the existing crafts and introduced some new ones including carpet weaving, paper making, book binding, silk weaving and paper machie.
(j)Write the features of Basohli paintings?
Answer:- The striking feature of the Basohli school lies in its colour appeal. Rich colours such as mustard yellows, burnt oranges, deep reds are used. The central inspiration of the Pahari school of painting, like other Rajput painting is Vaishvanism.
Let’s understand
Q1. Who laid foundation of Sultanate in Kashmir?
Answer:- In 1339 CE, Shah Mir ascended the throne under the name of Sultan Shams-ud-Din Shahmir and laid foundation of Sultanate in Kashmir.
Q2. Which dynasty ruled Jammu during the medieval period?
Answer:- During the medieval period, Jammu was ruled by Dev dynasty.
Q3. State whether true or false:
(a) Sultan Zain-ul-Aabidin was an intolerant leader.
Answer:- False
(b) Nagar Nagar city was built by Mughals.
Answer:- True
(c) Zari-Niyaz was tax on grain.
Answer:- False (it was tax on nobles)
(d) The name ‘Jammu’ first of all occurs in Malfuzat-i-Timuri.
Answer:- True
(e) Timur invaded Jammu in 1399 CE.
Answer:- True
(f) Kavi Devi Dutt was the court poet of Bhiram Dev.
Answer:- True
(g) Mirza Haidar Dughlat conquered Ladakh in the year 1546
Answer:- False (in 1533)
(h) The founder of Namgyal dynasty was Trashi Namgyal.
Answer:- False (Lha Chen Bhagan was the founder)
Fill in the blanks
(a) ———————— adopted name of Sadr-ud-Din.
Answer:- Rinchana adopted name of Sadr-ud-Din.
(b) Mughal Governor of Kashmir province was called ————————.
Answer:- Mughal Governor of Kashmir province was called Subedars.
(c) During Sikh rule ———————— supervised the revenue affairs.
Answer:- During Sikh rule Sahib-I-Kar supervised the revenue affairs.
(d) Haveli Begam was built by ____________.
Answer:- Haveli Begam was built by Maharaja Ranjit Dev.
(e) The central inspiration of the Basohli paintings is _______.
Answer:- The central inspiration of the Basohli paintings is Vaishvanism.
(f) Jammu rulers paid an yearly tribute called _________ to Mughals.
Answer:- Jammu rulers paid an yearly tribute called Nazrana to Mughals.
(g) ___________ King of Ladakh was the worshipper of Vajrapani.
Answer:- King Lhargyal was the worshipper of Vajrapani.
(h) Ladakh and Baltistan were conquered several times by the rulers of __________.
Answer:- Ladakh and Baltistan were conquered several times by the rules of Kashmir.
(i) Enumerate the crafts introduced by Sultan Zain-ul-Aabidin in Kashmir?
Answer:- Zain-ul-Abidin revived the existing crafts and introduced some new ones including carpet weaving, paper making, book binding, silk weaving and paper machie.
(j)Write the features of Basohli paintings?
Answer:- The striking feature of the Basohli school lies in its colour appeal. Rich colours such as mustard yellows, burnt oranges, deep reds are used. The central inspiration of the Pahari school of painting, like other Rajput painting is Vaishvanism.
Let’s understand
Q1. Discuss the role of sufi saints in propogation of Islam in Kashmir?
Answer:- The prominent Muslim missionary to arrive here was Sayyid Sharaf-u-ddin (RA), popularly known as Bulbul Shah. But the most prominent among the Sufi Missionaries was Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdhani (RA) who along with his companions visited Kashmir during the reign of Sultan Qutub-u-Din. The preachers reached the towns and villages of the state to live among the people and spread their faith. The influence of the Sufi saints and mystics like Sheikh Noor-u-Din Norani (RA) and Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) greatly contributed to spread Islam.
Q2. Enumerate the architectural monuments under Sikh rule in Kashmir.
Answer:- Amira Kadel built by Amir Khan was swept away by the flood in 1836 AD and Mohan Singh got it rebuilt. Colonel Mehan Singh, the Sikh Governer built Basant Bagh and laid out localities of Guru Bazar and Shaheed Gunj.
Q3. Discuss the position of women in Medieval Jammu?
Answer:- During the medieval period Sati and female infanticide were widely prevalent in Jammu. We get the references to Sati in the official records also. Although widow remarriage was prohibited but it was practised by the Manhas Clan of Rajputs and Jatts who called it Chaddar-dalna. Female infanticide was universal among the Rajputs. Purdha was also observed by the women of upper class.
Q4. Write down the contributions of Raja Ranjit Dev.
Answer:- Raja Ranjit Dev of Jammu, ascended the throne in 1733 CE, and became independent ruler in the region. He was the most notable chief who ever ruled in Jammu. Ranjit Dev was a man of great ability, and administrative talent. During Ranjit Dev’s reign, the town of Jammu prospered greatly. Ranjit Dev was known for his secular outlook. He accorded full religious freedom to all who took shelter in his territories. Ranjit Dev tried to bring reforms in the society of and took certain initiatives for discouraging the social evils like Sati and female infanticide.
Q5. Write down the contributions of King Lhargyal?
Answer:- King Lhargyal who ruled Ladakh from CE 1250-75 was the worshipper of Buddhist God Vajrapani. He ordered a discourse on the Vajra pani to be copied in gold. Besides this, he ordered two other Lamaist works to be copied in gold. This is the first record of the introduction of Lamaist literature in Ladakh.
Q6. Why the reign of King Nyima Namgyal is significant?
Answer:- The reign of King Nyima Namgyal (1680-1720 AD) is significant in many aspects. During his reign, the art of printing was introduced in Ladakh from China and the blocks of six Lamaist books were engraved in Ladakh. Also during his reign, in the year 1751 AD, the Jesuit Desideri passed through Leh on his way to Lhasa and Nyima Namgyal was the first King, for a long time, under whom there was no warfare and peace and tranquility was established in Ladakh.
Let’s Discuss
Q1. Identify the historical monuments of Kashmir.
Answer:- Zain-Ul-Abdin was great builder. He built Khanqah of Sayyid Mohammad Madni at Srinagar, laid out Rupa Lanka and Sona Lanka; the two man made Islands on Dal Lake besides Zaina Kadal bridge.
Khanqah-i-Mualla: Sultan Qutabuddin built this mosque for the great saint, Shah-i- Hamdan RA. The present Khanqah was built in 1732 AD by Abdul Barkat Khan.
Jamia Masjid Srinagar: This grand mosque was built by Sultan Sikandar on the insistence of Mir Mohammad Hamdani RA during the period of five years from AD 1394-1400 AD. A distinguished architect of the period Syed Sadr-ud Din Khurasani supervised the construction.
Hazratbal Shrine: The Mughal period is famous for the arrival of the Moi Muqadas (Hair of the Holy Prophet PBUH) in Kashmir. A Kashmiri trader Khawaja Nur-ud-Din Ishbari R.A brought this holy relic during the reign of Aurangzeb in 1699 AD, which was kept at the Khanqah of Bahauddin Naqashband RA for some time. It was finally placed in a mosque in Bagh-i-Sadiq Khan now known as Hazratbal.
Nagar Nagar City: Palaces, Barracks, houses constitute the well fortified and magnificent city around Hari Parbat. A strong stone wall was constructed around the city. The foundation of this fort was laid in 1597.
Inns: The Mughals constructed a chain of inns (Sarai) over main trade routes. The first inn was built in 1597 AD at Khampora (Chadoora) and also at Send Brari. Besides these inns Mughals mostly developed gardens in Kashmir. The most prominent gardens constructed are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi and Verinag.
Q2. Compare the taxes of medieval period with taxes we pay today.
Answer:- Some of the taxes of medieval period were;-
There are mainly two types of Taxes, direct tax and indirect tax which are governed by two different boards, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
Direct Taxes
Important direct taxes are listed below:
Answer:- This period is remarkable for the development of Pahari school of painting. The most prominent was the Basohli school. Basohli school flourished under the patronage of Raja Kirpal Pal (1678-93 CE). The Basohli style arose as a result of the marriage of the folk art of the hills with Mughal technique. This period marks the growth of Sanskrit as well as Dogri literature in Jammu. Kavi Devi Dutt wrote Vir Vilas, Bara-mah, Brajraj Panchasika and Krishna Mahima Stotra. Pandit Ganga Ram composed a popular poem in Dogri “Kandia da Basna” (Life in Kandi) besides, many other Sanskrit work
Q4. Discuss the structures built in Jammu during Medieval period?
Answer:- A large number of monuments were erected at Basohli, Jammu and the regions around them during the early medieval and medieval period. The Peerkho cave temple of Shiva at Jammu was built in the reign of Raja Ajeo Dev during the fifteenth century. The monuments constructed during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Dev are the Haveli Begum, the Mastgarh mosque and Panjbakhtar Shiva temple. The royal palace of the Balawaria princes was built by Raja Bhupat pal of Basohli. The Bhimgarh fort and palace at Reasi are also remanants of the Dogra architecture.
Q5.Discuss the trade and religion in Ladakh?
Answer:- For centuries, Ladakh had been an important centre of trade between India and Central Asia. The principal commodity of trade was wool. Kashmir received wool and leather from Ladakh and Baltistan. Other items of export were salt, dry fruits and Gold and the items of imports were grain, sugar, tobacco, etc. Buddhism is the main religion of the people of Ladakh. Christianity and Islam also made their appearance in Ladakh about 1100 and 600 years ago respectively.
Answer:- The prominent Muslim missionary to arrive here was Sayyid Sharaf-u-ddin (RA), popularly known as Bulbul Shah. But the most prominent among the Sufi Missionaries was Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdhani (RA) who along with his companions visited Kashmir during the reign of Sultan Qutub-u-Din. The preachers reached the towns and villages of the state to live among the people and spread their faith. The influence of the Sufi saints and mystics like Sheikh Noor-u-Din Norani (RA) and Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) greatly contributed to spread Islam.
Q2. Enumerate the architectural monuments under Sikh rule in Kashmir.
Answer:- Amira Kadel built by Amir Khan was swept away by the flood in 1836 AD and Mohan Singh got it rebuilt. Colonel Mehan Singh, the Sikh Governer built Basant Bagh and laid out localities of Guru Bazar and Shaheed Gunj.
Q3. Discuss the position of women in Medieval Jammu?
Answer:- During the medieval period Sati and female infanticide were widely prevalent in Jammu. We get the references to Sati in the official records also. Although widow remarriage was prohibited but it was practised by the Manhas Clan of Rajputs and Jatts who called it Chaddar-dalna. Female infanticide was universal among the Rajputs. Purdha was also observed by the women of upper class.
Q4. Write down the contributions of Raja Ranjit Dev.
Answer:- Raja Ranjit Dev of Jammu, ascended the throne in 1733 CE, and became independent ruler in the region. He was the most notable chief who ever ruled in Jammu. Ranjit Dev was a man of great ability, and administrative talent. During Ranjit Dev’s reign, the town of Jammu prospered greatly. Ranjit Dev was known for his secular outlook. He accorded full religious freedom to all who took shelter in his territories. Ranjit Dev tried to bring reforms in the society of and took certain initiatives for discouraging the social evils like Sati and female infanticide.
Q5. Write down the contributions of King Lhargyal?
Answer:- King Lhargyal who ruled Ladakh from CE 1250-75 was the worshipper of Buddhist God Vajrapani. He ordered a discourse on the Vajra pani to be copied in gold. Besides this, he ordered two other Lamaist works to be copied in gold. This is the first record of the introduction of Lamaist literature in Ladakh.
Q6. Why the reign of King Nyima Namgyal is significant?
Answer:- The reign of King Nyima Namgyal (1680-1720 AD) is significant in many aspects. During his reign, the art of printing was introduced in Ladakh from China and the blocks of six Lamaist books were engraved in Ladakh. Also during his reign, in the year 1751 AD, the Jesuit Desideri passed through Leh on his way to Lhasa and Nyima Namgyal was the first King, for a long time, under whom there was no warfare and peace and tranquility was established in Ladakh.
Let’s Discuss
Q1. Identify the historical monuments of Kashmir.
Answer:- Zain-Ul-Abdin was great builder. He built Khanqah of Sayyid Mohammad Madni at Srinagar, laid out Rupa Lanka and Sona Lanka; the two man made Islands on Dal Lake besides Zaina Kadal bridge.
Khanqah-i-Mualla: Sultan Qutabuddin built this mosque for the great saint, Shah-i- Hamdan RA. The present Khanqah was built in 1732 AD by Abdul Barkat Khan.
Jamia Masjid Srinagar: This grand mosque was built by Sultan Sikandar on the insistence of Mir Mohammad Hamdani RA during the period of five years from AD 1394-1400 AD. A distinguished architect of the period Syed Sadr-ud Din Khurasani supervised the construction.
Hazratbal Shrine: The Mughal period is famous for the arrival of the Moi Muqadas (Hair of the Holy Prophet PBUH) in Kashmir. A Kashmiri trader Khawaja Nur-ud-Din Ishbari R.A brought this holy relic during the reign of Aurangzeb in 1699 AD, which was kept at the Khanqah of Bahauddin Naqashband RA for some time. It was finally placed in a mosque in Bagh-i-Sadiq Khan now known as Hazratbal.
Nagar Nagar City: Palaces, Barracks, houses constitute the well fortified and magnificent city around Hari Parbat. A strong stone wall was constructed around the city. The foundation of this fort was laid in 1597.
Inns: The Mughals constructed a chain of inns (Sarai) over main trade routes. The first inn was built in 1597 AD at Khampora (Chadoora) and also at Send Brari. Besides these inns Mughals mostly developed gardens in Kashmir. The most prominent gardens constructed are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi and Verinag.
Q2. Compare the taxes of medieval period with taxes we pay today.
Answer:- Some of the taxes of medieval period were;-
- Zari Niyaz, on Mansabdars and Jagirdars,
- Zari-Ashkhas, on merchants and bankers,
- Zari-Hubab, a tax on grain,
- Dagi-i-Shawl, the department for taxing and stamping of Shawls levied an anna per rupee on the price of every piece of shawl from the shawl weavers.
- One-half of the produce was the state share.
There are mainly two types of Taxes, direct tax and indirect tax which are governed by two different boards, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
Direct Taxes
Important direct taxes are listed below:
- Income Tax
- Wealth Tax
- Property Tax/Capital Gains Tax
- Gift Tax/ Inheritance or Estate Tax
- Corporate Tax
- Service Tax
- Custom Duty
- Excise Duty
- Sales Tax and VAT
- Security Transaction Tax (STT)
Answer:- This period is remarkable for the development of Pahari school of painting. The most prominent was the Basohli school. Basohli school flourished under the patronage of Raja Kirpal Pal (1678-93 CE). The Basohli style arose as a result of the marriage of the folk art of the hills with Mughal technique. This period marks the growth of Sanskrit as well as Dogri literature in Jammu. Kavi Devi Dutt wrote Vir Vilas, Bara-mah, Brajraj Panchasika and Krishna Mahima Stotra. Pandit Ganga Ram composed a popular poem in Dogri “Kandia da Basna” (Life in Kandi) besides, many other Sanskrit work
Q4. Discuss the structures built in Jammu during Medieval period?
Answer:- A large number of monuments were erected at Basohli, Jammu and the regions around them during the early medieval and medieval period. The Peerkho cave temple of Shiva at Jammu was built in the reign of Raja Ajeo Dev during the fifteenth century. The monuments constructed during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Dev are the Haveli Begum, the Mastgarh mosque and Panjbakhtar Shiva temple. The royal palace of the Balawaria princes was built by Raja Bhupat pal of Basohli. The Bhimgarh fort and palace at Reasi are also remanants of the Dogra architecture.
Q5.Discuss the trade and religion in Ladakh?
Answer:- For centuries, Ladakh had been an important centre of trade between India and Central Asia. The principal commodity of trade was wool. Kashmir received wool and leather from Ladakh and Baltistan. Other items of export were salt, dry fruits and Gold and the items of imports were grain, sugar, tobacco, etc. Buddhism is the main religion of the people of Ladakh. Christianity and Islam also made their appearance in Ladakh about 1100 and 600 years ago respectively.
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