NCERT Solutions for Class 11 History The Central Islamic Lands [Old Book]

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th

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Class : 11th

Subject : History

Chapter : 4

Chapter Name : The Central Islamic Lands

Q1 What were the features of the lives of the Bedouins in the early seventh century?

Answer. The Arabs were divided into tribes, each led by a chief who was chosen on the basis of
his wisdom. Many Arab tribes were Bedouins or nomadic. The features of their lives are :

→ They moved from dry to green areas (oases) in the desert in search of food and fodder for
their camels.

→ They had their own gods and goddesses.

→ Some settled in cities and practiced trade or agriculture.

Q2 What is meant by the term 'Abbasid revolution' ?

Answer. It was a well organised movement, called 'dawa'. This brought down the Umayyads and
replaced them with another family of Mecca origin, the Abbasids, in 750. The Abbasid uprising
broke out in the distant region of Khurasan. The revolution led not only to a change of dynasty
but changes in the political structure and culture of Islam.

Q3 Give examples of the Cosmopolitan character of the states set up by Arabs, Iranians and
Turks.

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Answer. Arabs : The Jews and Christians were declared protected subjects of the state and
given a large measure of autonomy in the conduct of their communal affairs. The non-Muslim
population retained their rights to property and religious practices on payment of taxes.

Iranians : The Abbasids established their capital at Baghdad. The army and bureaucracy were
recognised on non-tribal basis to ensure greater participation by Iraq and Khurasan.

Turks : They had professional army of Turks and Indians.

Q4 What were the effects of the Crusades on Europe and Asia?

Answer. The Crusades left a lasting impact on two aspects of Christian-Muslim relations. One
was the harsher attitude of the Muslim state towards its Christian subjects which resulted from
the bitter memories of the conflicts as well as needs for security in areas of mixed populations.
The other was the greater influence of Italian mercantile communities in the trade between the
East and the West even after the restoration of Muslim power

Q5 How were Islamic architectural forms different from those of the Roman Empire?

Answer. The Islamic architectural forms were different from those of the Roman Empire in many
ways like :

Islamic Architecture :

→ Religious buildings were the greatest external symbols of the Islamic world.

→ Mosques, shrines and tombs from Spain to Central Asia showed some basic designs -
arches, domes, minarets and open courtyards and expressed the spiritual and practical needs
of Muslims.

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Book : Themes in World History Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Social Science History

→ In the first Islamic century, the mosque acquired a distinct architectural form i.e roof
supported by pillars which transcended regional variations.

→ The mosque had an open courtyard where a fountain or pond was placed, leading to a
vaulted hall which could accommodate long lines of worshippers and the prayer leader. Two
special features were located inside the hall : a niche (Mihrab) in the wall indicating the direction
of Mecca, and a pulpit from where sermons were delivered during noon prayers on Friday.

→ The same pattern of construction appeared in hospitals and palaces.

→The Umayyads built desert palaces in oases, which served as luxurious residences and
retreats for hunting and pleasure.

Roman Architecture :

→ Temples, Shrines and sanctuaries were constructed throughout the empire.

→ The colosseum was built in 79 CE where gladiators fought wild beasts and it could
accommodate 60,000 people.

Page : 103 , Block Name : Long Answer

Q6 Describe a journey from samarqand to Damascus, referring to the cities on the route.

Answer. If a person starts from Samarqand, he/she needs to cross the Amu Darya and then
pass through cities like Merv, Nishapur in Iran then Isfahan, Baghdad and Basra in Iraq . After
that one needs to cross Euphrates and then reach Damascus in Syria. Damascus is located at a
distance of 838 Kms from Baghdad in Iraq.

Damascus, Samarqand and Isfahan were older towns which later developed with the flourishing
of the Islamic civilisation.

Page : 103 , Block Name : Long Answer

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