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Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 18 Anglo-Sikh Relations 1800-1839 A.D. Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 18 Anglo-Sikh Relations 1800-1839 A.D.

Long Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
Who was Jaswant Eao Holkar? Why Ranjit Singh did not help him?
Answer:
Jaswant Rao Holkar was a Maratha Chief. In 1805 A.D. he was defeated by the Britishers. So he came to Punjab to seek Ranjit Singh’s help against the British. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave a warm welcome to Holkar. But Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not agree to extend him active help against the British, which was the real purpose of Holkar’s visit to Amritsar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not help Holkar owing to the following reasons :

Firstly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh overawed by the discipline of the British army. Secondly, a small army of the Britishers had forced a huge army of the Marathas to flee from the battlefield. So it was natural for Maharaja Ranjit Singh to conclude that a small contingent of the Sikh army joining hands with Holkar would not bring about any marked change in the situation. Thirdly, in order to take a decision about Holkar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh called a Gurmata of the Sikh Sardars at Amritsar.

After deep deliberations it was decided that any help extended to Holkar might prove disastrous for the Lahore Raj. Fourthly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not want to convert Punjab into an arena of battlefield. His kingdom was still very small and this battle could prove ruinous for the newly growing Sikh State.

Question 2.
Analyse the relationship of Ranjit Singh and Britishers in the first phase.
Or
Study the circumstances leading to Treaty of Amritsar.
Or
Describe the Anglo-Sikh relations between 1800 to 1809.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring all the Sikh states under him. With this aim in view he invaded the Malwa region twice in 1806 A.D. and 1807 A.D. He conquered many regions and accepted tributes from many chiefs. Scared by these invasions, the Sardars of Malwa region sought help from the English. But as the danger of Napoleon’s invasion on India had increased, so the English wanted to make a friendly treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, instead of giving help to the Sikh Chiefs of Malwa.

In addition the dialogue between Ranjit Singh and Charles Metcalfe in 1808 A.D. failed. Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa for the third time in 1809 A.D. and brought some area under his control. At this time, the danger of Napoleon’s invasion on India had receded. Now the English started military preparations to make Ranjit Singh accept their conditions. As a result, a treaty was signed between Ranjit Si knowri as Treaty of Amritsar.

Question 3.
Describe the singinficance of the Treaty of Amritsar signed between Ranjit Singh and the English.
Or
Describe the historical significance of the Treaty of Amritsar (1809).
Or
Write the main clauses and importance of Amritsar treaty.
Or
Describe the main clauses and importance of Treaty of Amritsar between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English.
Answer:
The Treaty of Amritsar was signed on April 25, 1809 A.D. between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English. This treaty was very significant from the historical point of view. According to this treaty Maharaja Ranjit Singh accepted Sutlej as the eastern boundary of his empire. As such his dream to become the emperor of all the Sikh states was shattered for ever. It caused not only political but also economic loss to Ranjit Singh. But this treaty proved useful to the Maharaja in some aspects. He succeeded in protecting his newly established kingdom from the powerful English.

Now Ranjit Singh had no danger on the east from the English. So he succeeded in expanding his empire in the North-West direction. On the other hand, the influence of the English spread upto the Sutlej river. Having no danger from Punjab side, the English could consolidate their position in other parts of India. This treaty enhanced the prestige of the English to a great extent.

Question 4.
Why was tension created between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh over the Sind tangle?
Answer:
Sind was very important from geographical and commercial point of view. So both, the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring it under their control. In 1831 A.D., the English deputed Alexander Burns to get its geographical knowledge. In order to deceive Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he was invited by Governor- General Lord Bentinck for a meeting at Ropar. This meeting took place on October 26,1831 A.D. By holding this meeting the English, very cleverly, kept Ranjit Singh’s attention diverted.

On the other hand, they sent Colonel Pottinger to Sind to sign a treaty with Sind. He succeeded in signing a commercial treaty with the Amirs of Sind in 1832 A.D. This treaty strained the relations between Ranjit Singh and the English. In 1838 A.D., the English signed another treaty with the Amirs of Sind. Consequently, Sind came under the influence of the English. Maharaja could not swallow this bitter pill. It further strained the Anglo-Sikh relations.

Question 5.
Why was tension created between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and English over Ferozepur tangle?
Answer:
The Britishers wanted to bring Ferozepur under their control. This city was hardly at a distance of 40 miles from Lahore. The English could have a better view of Ranjit Singh’s activities from this place. Besides, the possession of Ferozepur was essential to surround the Punjab. Although the Britishers had been looking towards Ferozepur greedily for a long time, they had been postponing its acquisition lest Ranjit Singh should feel annoyed with them.

That is why, the Britishers had been conceding his control over Ferozepur till 1835 A.D. But, by now the situation had changed. The Britishers did not need Ranjit Singh’s friendship any more. Therefore, they forcibly took possession of Ferozepur in 1835 A.D. In 1838 A.D., the Britishers set up a big military cantonment here. Although Ranjit Singh expressed his resentment over the seizure of Ferozepur and setting up of a military cantonment there by the British, yet they did not bother about it. The Maharaja had to just swallow his pride.

Question 6.
Write a brief note on Tri-partite Treaty and its significance.
Or
Discuss about Tri-partite Treaty.
Answer:
In 1837 A.D., Russia was fast advancing towards Asia. In order to check . any possibility of Russian attack on India, the Britishers wanted to establish friendly relations with the Afghanistan ruler, Dost Mohammad Khan. With this end in view, they sent Captain Alexander Burns to Afghanistan. But the talks could not mature. Then the British made a plan to make the ex-ruler of Afghanistan, Shah Shuja, the new ruler of Afghanistan. The British forced Ranjit Singh, also to become a party to the treaty. In this way, a tripartite treaty between the British, Shah Shuja and Maharaja Ranjit Singh was signed on 26th June, 1838 A.D.

The prominent terms of the tripartite treaty were :

• Shah Shuja would be made the king of Afghanistan with the co-operation of the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh,
• Shah Shuja would accept Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s suzerainty ‘ over the Afghan territories conquered by him.
• Shah Shuja promised to abide by all those decisions concerning Sind taken by the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
• Shah Shuja would have no contact with any world power without the permission of the British and the Sikhs.
• The enemy of one power would be regarded as the enemy of the other two powers also.
• In order to enthrone Shah Shuja, Maharaja Ranjit Singh would help him with 5,000 soldiers and Shah Shuja would give Rs. 2 lakh to the Maharaja in return thereof.

According to the tripartite treaty, the Sikh and the British forces jointly attacked Afghanistan in January 1839 A.D. In April 1839 A.D., they captured Qandhar. The action against Dost Mohammad Khan was still going on when Maharaja Ranjit Singh passed away on 27th June, 1839 A.D.

Question 7.
Write about the relations between the English and the Sikhs from 1809 to 1839.
Answer:
On 25th April, 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed the treaty of Amritsar with the Britishers. It provided for perpetual friendship between both as the British agreed to have no concern to the north of the river Sutlej. There was the state of distrust and suspicion between 1809 A.D. and 1812 A.D. as each side entertained imaginary apprehensions.

Gradually the doubts began to disappear, David Oterlony was given warm welcome at the marriage of Prince Kharak Singh. During 1812 A.D. and 1821 A.D. both sides adopted a neutral policy. In 1822 A.D. the Anglo-Sikh relations got little bit strained over the ownership of village Wadni.

The signing of a Commercial treaty with Sind and the capture of Shikarpur and Ferozepur by British widened the gulf between Maharaja and the British. Moreover, Ranjit Singh was forced to sign a tripartite treaty in 1838 A.D. Maharja Ranjit Singh died in 1839 A.D.

Essay Type Questions:

Question 1.
Study the Anglo-Sikh relations from 1800 to 1809 A.D. from a critical point of view.
Or
Critically examine Ranjit Singh’s relations with the British from 1800 to 1809 A.D.
Or
Examine the circumstances leading to the Treaty of Amritsar of 1809 A.D. What were its terms and respective advantages derived by the Maharaja and the British from it?
Or
Discuss the circumstances leading to the Treaty of Amritsar (1809 AD.). Examine the significance of this treaty.
Or
What do you kngw about the Treaty of Amritsar? What was gained by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English by this Treaty?
Answer:
The British were looking towards Punjab with greedy eyes since long times. On the other hand Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to establish his sovereignty over the whole of Punjab. Thus the imperialist attitjide of both the powers influenced their relations to a great extent. The relationship between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British during the period between 1800 to 1809 A.D. can be discussed as follows:

1. Mission of Yusuf Ali 1800 A.D.: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had established cordial relations with the ruler of Afghanistan Shah Zaman. So, the British government was alarmed at it. It feared that Shah Zaman and Maharaja Ranjit Singh might jointly attack the British. Such a situation could prove dangerous for them. In order to avert this possibility, the Britishers sent their emissary, Yusuf Ali, to the court of Mdharaja Ranjit Singh. But this mission was yet on the way, when a civil war broke out in Afghanistan. As the possibility of the Shah Zaman’s invasion of India was over Yusuf Ali was recalled. So, this mission remained confined to the level of a goodwill mission only.

2. Holkar’s visit to Punjab 1805 A.D.: After having suffered a defeat at the hands of the Britishers in 1805 A.D. the Maratha Sardar Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab to seek Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s help against the British. He declined the help to Holkar. At that time, Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not want to convert Punjab into an arena of battlefield. His kingdom was still very small and this battle could prove ruinous for the newly growing Sikh State.

3. Treaty of Lahore 1806 A.D.: Since Maharaja Ranjit Singh had not helped Holkar, the Britishers were very happy with him. They signed a treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore on 1st January, 1806 A.D. This treaty which is famous in history as the treaty of Lahore had the following main clauses :

• Ranjit Singh would not help Jaswant Rao Holkar and his companion Amir Khan. He would permit them to go away peacefully to a distance of 30 miles from Amritsar.
• In future too, Ranjit Singh would have no relations of any kind with Holkar.
• As long as Ranjit Singh abstained from any intercourse with the enemies of the British Government the latter would not enter the Sikh territory. Thus, by signing a treaty with the British, Maharaja Ranjit Singh saved his empire from the likelihood of facing a great danger.

4. Napoleonic Danger : Soon after the arrival of the new Governor-General Lord Minto in India, the international situation in Europe underwent a radical change. In the year 1807 A.D., Napoleon signed the treaty of Tilsit with Russia. According to this treaty, Russia assured him of its full co-operation in the event of his invasion on India. The growing influence of Napoleon upset the British Government in India. In order to face this situation, it decided to make friendship with Maharaja Ranjit Sii)gh.

5. Metcalfe’s First Mission : The Britishers sent Charles Metcalfe to sign a treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He met the Maharaja at Khem Karan on 11th Sept. 1808 A.D. Here he placed the following proposals before Maharaja Ranjit Singh:

• In case Napoleon invaded India, both Ranjit Singh and the British would jointly face him. Ranjit Singh would not allow the army of Napoleon to pass through the Punjab.
• In case of war with France, Maharaja Ranjit Singh would permit the British forces to pass through the Punjab.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very wise. He had realised that the Britishers were in dire need of his friendship at that time. So before agreeing to the proposals of the Britishers, he placed the following conditions before Charles Metcalfe

• Firstly the British government should acknowledge his sovereignty over the whole of Sikh country.
• Secondly, the British shouldn’t interfere in case Ranjit Singh was involved in a war against the ruler of Kabul. As Metcalfe had no authority to concede what Ranjit Singh had asked for, so the negotiations broke off.

6. Metcalfe’s Second Mission: Napoleon was involved in a battle with Spain. Therefore, the danger of his invasion on India was averted. Now, the British .decided to check the growing influence of Ranjit Singh. In this connection Charles Metcalfe met Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Amritsar on 10th December, 1808 A.D. This talk also remained inconclusive.

7. Warfare Preparations : The British began to make warfare preparations in order to have their conditions conceded. In February, 1809 A.D., they sent an army to Ludhiana under the command of Sir David Ochterlony. On seeing this attitude of the Britishers, Maharaja Ranjit Singh also started making preparations for warfare. Diwan Mohkam Chand who was the commander of the Maharaja’s : army was deputed to Phillaur. Maharaja Ranjit Singh even performed the ceremony of auspicious moment for starting the battle. Despite all these preparations, Maharaja Ranjit Singh at the last moment yielded to the British demands.

8. The Treaty of Amritsar 1809 A.D.: On 25th April, 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed the treaty of Amritsar with the Britishers. The treaty had the following clauses :

• It provided for perpetual friendship between the British Government and the State of Lahore. The British agreed to have no concern with the territories and subjects of the Maharaja to the north of the river Sutlej.
• The State of Lahore bound itself not to commit any encroachments on the possessions of the Cis-Sutlej Chiefs or to maintain in its territories more troops than were necessary for internal duties.
• Any violation of these stipulations would render the treaty null and void.
• The treaty having been concluded at Amritsar on 25th April, 1809 A.D. was signed by Charles Metcalfe on behalf of the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Qn behalf of the Lahore Darbar.

9. Disadvantages of the Treaty of Amritsar to Ranjit Singh : The Treaty of Amritsar of 1809 A.D. resulted in many disadvantages to Ranjit Singh :

• One of the greatest cherished ideals of Ranjit Singh’s life was, that he wanted to be the sole ruler of all the Sikhs. The treaty of Amritsar shattered this dream of Ranjit Singh forever.
• This treaty dealt a serious blow to Ranjit Singh’s power, prestige and dig¬nity. This treaty proved that the power and position of the Britishers were much more than that of Ranjit Singh.
• With the treaty of Amritsar, the Britishers came closer to Punjab. From this point of view, the ultimate effect of the treaty of Amritsar proved disastrous for Ranjit Singh’s empire.
• The treaty of Amritsar had put a check on Maharaja Ranjit Singh from taking possession of the Cis-Sutlej areas. So, a big chunk of Punjab could not be¬come the part of his kingdom. In this way, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had to suffer not only a great territorial but economic loss also.

10. Advantages of the Treaty of Amritsar to Ranjit Singh: The signing of the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 A.D. had some advantages to Ranjit Singh :

• By signing the treaty with the British, Maharaja Ranjit Singh saved the Punjab state from ruin. If Ranjit Singh had challenged the Britishers at that time, he would certainly have lost his kingdom.
• The Treaty of Amritsar proved useful for Ranjit Singh. Owing to the treaty, the eastern boundary of Ranjit Singh’s empire became secure. As a result, Ranjit Singh could include Attock, Multan, Kashmir, Derajat and Peshawar to Punjab.

11. Advantages of the Treaty of Amritsar to the British: By signing the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 A.D. the British got the ahead advantages :

• The Treaty of Amritsar was a big diplomatic victory for the British. They stopped Ranjit Singh from advancing towards the east, even without firing a shot.
• By the Treaty of Amritsar, the Britishers made many territorial gains. Without fighting any battle with Ranjit Singh, they could extend the boundaries of their empire from Jamuna to river Sutlej. It added to the stature of the British East India Company a great deal.
• Because of the Treaty of Amritsar, friendly relations were established between the British and Ranjit Singh. The British felt no danger from the Sikhs. They devoted their whole attention to crushing other powers in India. Soon, they were able to bring the Marathas, the Pindaries and the Gorkhas under their submission.
• Another advantage which the Britishers had by signing the Treaty of Amritsar, was that Punjab became a buffer state between Afghanistan and British India. Consequently, the British were able to rid themselves of the prob¬lems of North-West Frontiers.

Question 2.
Describe the Anglo-Sikh relations between 1809-1839 A.D.
Or
Give the main features of the relations between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British during 1809-1839 AD.
Or
Critically discuss the Anglo-Sikh relations from 1809 to 1839 A.D.
Answer:
The Treaty of Amritsar was signed between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh on 25th April 1809 A.D. It proved a new turning point in their relations. A brief account of these relations is as follows:

1. Period of some Distrust and Suspicion: Despite the Treaty of Amritsar, the state of distrust and suspicion continued between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh between 1809 A.D. and 1812 A.D. Each side entertained imaginary apprehensions. They left spying agents in order to know the military and diplo¬matic moves of each other. The spies made exaggerated reports to their governments. In order to deal with the situation, the British set up a powerful military cantonment at Ludhiana. On the other hand, Maharaja Ranjit Singh got a fort constructed at Phillaur and kept a heavy force in it.

2. Improvement in the Relations: Gradually the doubts between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British began to disappear. In 1812 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh invited David Ochterlony to attend the marriage of Prince Kharak Singh. He was given a warm welcome when he reached the Lahore Darbar. During 1812 A.D. and 1821 A.D. the Britishers and Maharaja Ranjit Singh adopted a neutral policy and did not interfere in each other’s affairs. So, the tension, if any in their relations disappeared.

3. Problem of Wadni: In 1822 A.D. the relations between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh became strained over the ownership of village Wadi. At the insistence of Sada Kaur, the Britishers drove out Ranjit Singh’s forces from Wadi. Ranjit Singh felt enraged at it, but he prudently avoided the collision with the British.

4. Cordiality Restored 1824-30 A.D.: In 1823 A.D. Captain Wade, the new political agent at Ludhiana had accepted Ranjit Singh’s claim over Wadni. In this way, once again cordial relations began to develop between the British and the Sikhs. When in 1824. A.D. the Nepal government sought Ranjit Singh’s help against the British, he declined it. Likewise, in 1825 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh refused to help the ruler of Bharatpur against the British. In 1826 A.D., when Maharaja Ranjit Singh fell ill, the Britishers sent Dr. Murray for his treatment. In this way, a marked improvement took place in the relations between the two.

5. Question of Sind : The area of Sind was geographically and commercially very significant. So both Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British were keen in con¬trolling it. In 1831 A.D. the British sent Alexander Burns to gather information about Sind. In order that Maharaja Ranjit Singh might not develop any doubt, he was invited to Ropar to hold a meeting with the Governor-General William Bentinck. This meeting was held on 26th October, 1831 A.D. The Britishers very cleverly kept him absorbed in talks. On the other hand, the English suc¬ceeded in signing a commercial treaty with Sind in 1832 A.D. It led to bitterness between their relations.

6. Question of Shikarpur : The question of Shikarpur further widened the gulf between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British. The Shikarpur area was also significant from the commercial and geographical point of view. In 1836 A.D., when Majari tribe attacked the frontier state of Ranjit Singh, he defeated them and captured Shikarpur. At that time an English troop under Wade, also reached there. They forced Ranjit Singh to vacate Shikarpur. Ranjit Singh was compelled to re¬treat because he did not want to fight with the Britishers.

7. Question of Ferozepur : The Britishers wanted to bring Ferozepur under their control. Therefore, they forcibly took possession of Ferbzepur in 1835 A.D. In 1838 A.D., the Britishers set up a big military cantonmen.t here. Although Ranjit Singh expressed his resentment over the seizure of Ferozepur but the British did not bother about it. The Maharaja had to just swallow his pride.

8. Tripartite Treaty : In 1837 A.D., Russia was fast advancing towards Asia. The Britishers feared that Russia might invade India through Afghanistan. In order to prevent this attack and to depose the ruler of Afghanistan, Dost Mohammad Khan, the British signed the tripartite treaty on 26th June, 1838 A.D. with the ex-ruler of Afghanistan Shah Shuja and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not interested in signing this treaty but he was forced to do so by the British. The tripartite treaty was a great diplomatic defeat of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was yet thinking of taking revenge of this humiliation when he died on 27th June, 1839 A.D.

An Estimate of Ranjit Singh’s Policy Towards The British The historians differ over the policy adopted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh towards the British. Some historians hold the view that Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave proof of his sagacity and far-sightedness by not fighting with the Britishers. Ranjit Singh knew very well the power of the Britishers and did not want to see an abrupt end of the Khalsa Raj. Secondly, owing to his friendship with the British, he was able to expand the Sikh state a great deal towards North-West.

On the other hand some other historians have strongly criticised the policy of Ranjit Singh towards the British. They hold the view that Ranjit Singh had adpoted the policy of yielding to the British from 1809 A.D. till the end of his life. In 1809 A.D., through the treaty of Amritsar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was forced to withdraw his forces from the areas beyond Sutlej. In the matter of Sind, Shikarpur and Ferozepur, he had been grievously insulted. The tripartite treaty had been forcibly imposed on him. Ranjit Singh’s words “All will turn red” bear witness to his cowardliness.

To submit to the cruel and the brutal all the time can’t be termed either just or worthy. It was, indeed, his greatest political blunder. Dr. N.K. Sinha aptly says, “Perhaps with the solicitude inherent in all’ builders he feared to ex¬pose the kingdom, he had created, to the risks of war and chose instead the policy of yielding, yielding and yielding.”

Question 3.
Discuss the relations of Ranjit Singh with the British from 1800 to 1839 A.D.
Or
Give a brief account of Anglo-Sikh relations between 1800 to 1839 A.D.
Or
Briefly describe the relations between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British during 1800 to 1839 A.D. Did Maharaja adopt the policy of yielding to the British?
Or
What type of relations existed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and East India Company?
Answer:
For answer to this question students are requested to see the answers of Question Nos.l and 2.

Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
Who was Jaswant Rao Holkar? Why did Maharaja Ranjit Singh not help him?
Answer:
Jaswant Rao Holkar was a Maratha Chief. In 1805 A.D. he was defeated by the British. So he came to Punjab to seek Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s help against the British. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not agree to extend his active help against the British, due to these reasons :

• Maharaja Ranjit Singh was dreaded to see the discipline of the British army,
• Gurmata of the Sikh Sardars at Amritsar, decided that any help extended to Holkar might prove disastrous for the Lahore Raj.
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not want to convert Punjab into an arena of the battlefield.

Question 2. Describe the circumstances of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Or
Study the circumstances leading to the Treaty of Amritsar.
Or
Describe the Anglo-Sikh relations between 1800 to 1809.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring all the Sikh states under him. So, he invaded the Malwa region twice in 1806 A.D. and 1807 A.D. He conquered many regions. The conversation between Ranjit Singh and Charles Metcalfe in 1808 A.D. failed. Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa for the third time in 1808 A.D. Now the English started military preparations to make Ranjit Singh accept their conditions. As a result, a treaty was signed between Ranjit Singh and the English on April 25, 1809 A.D. It was known as the Treaty of Amritsar.

Question 3.
What were the three conditions of the Treaty of Amritsar?
Answer:

• It provided for perpetual friendship between the British govt, and the state of Lahore,
• The state of Lahore bound itself not to maintain in its territories more troops than were necessary for internal duties.
• The British agreed to have no concern with the territories and subjects of the Maharaja to the north of River Sutlej.

Question 4.
Describe the significance of the Treaty of Amritsar signed between Ranjit Singh and the English.
Or
Give the historical significance of the Treaty of Amritsar (1809).
Or
Write the main clauses and importance of the Amritsar Treaty.
Or
Mention the terms and significance of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Or
What was the significance of the Treaty of Amritsar?
Answer:
The Treaty of Amritsar was signed on April 25,1809 A.D. between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English. According to this treaty Maharaja Ranjit Singh accepted Sutlej as the eastern boundary of his empire. As such his dream to become the emperor of all the Sikh states was shattered for ever. It caused not only political but also economic loss to Ranjit Singh. But this treaty proved useful to the Maharaja in protecting his newly established kingdom from the powerful English. This treaty enhanced the prestige of the English to a great extent.

Question 5.
Why was tension created between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh over the Sind tangle?
Answer:
Sind was very important from geographical and commercial point of view. So both, the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring it under their control. Colonel Pottinger succeeded in signing a commercial treaty with the Amirs of Sind in 1832 A.D. In 1838 A.D., the English signed another treaty with the Amirs of Sind. Consequently, Sind came under the influence of the English. Maharaja could not swallow this bitter pill but he did not dare to take any step against the English.

Question 6.
Why was tension created between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English over Ferozepur.
Answer:
The British wanted to bring Ferozepur under their control. They could keep an eye on Ranjit Singh’s activities from here. Moreover, Ferozepur could help them in surrounding Punjab. The British forcibly brought Ferozepur under their control in 1835 A.D. and set up their military contonment there in 1838 A.D. Ranjit Singh was annoyed over it but the English never bothered about it.

Question 7.
Write a brief note on Tri-partite Treaty and its significance.
Or
Write a short note on Tri-partite Treaty.
Answer:
Russia was fast advancing to Asia in 1837 A.D. At such a time, a Tri¬partite Treaty was signed among the English, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Shah Shuja on June 26, 1838 A.D. According to this treaty it was decided to make Shah Shuja the ruler of Afghanistan. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not want to be a part of the treaty but he was compelled to do so by the British.

Question 8.
Write about the relations between the English and the Sikhs from 1809-1839.
Answer:
On 25th April, 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed the Treaty of Amritsar with the Britishers. It provided for perpetual friendship between them as the British agreed to have no concern to the north of the river Sutlej. There was the state of distrust and suspicion between 1809 A.D. and 1830 A.D. as each side entertained imaginary apprehensions. During 1830-39 A.D. the relations between the two remained tense over the questions of Sind, Shikarpur and Ferozepur.

Objective Type Questions:

Question 1.
When was the first contact established between the English and the Sikhs?
Or
When did the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh come into contact with each other? ‘
Answer:
In 1800 A.D.

Question 2.
Who was Yusuf Ali?
Answer:
The English sent Yusuf Ali to Lahore Darbar as their emissary in 1800 A.D.

Question 3.
When did the Maratha leader, Jaswant Rao Holkar come to Punjab?
Answer:
1805 A.D.

Question 4.
When was the treaty of friendship was first signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British?
Answer:
In 1806 A.D.

Question 5.
State any one term of the Treaty of Lahore of 1806 A.D.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh would not help Holkar.

Question 6.
Who was Charles Metcalfe?
Answer:
He was a British official.

Question 7.
How many times Charles Metcalfe and Maharaja Ranjit Singh met?
Answer:
Two.

Question 8.
How many times and when did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Malwa?
Answer:
Three times between 1806 to 1808 A.D.

Question 9.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Malwa for the first time?
Answer:
1806 A.D.

Question 10.
Mention any one factor which led to the signing of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer:
The courtiers of Maharaja Ranjit Singh advised him not to engage in a conflict with the British.

Question 11.
When was the famous Treaty of Amritsar signed?
Or
When did the Treaty of Amritsar take place -?
Or
When was the ‘Treaty of Amritsar’ settled?
Answer:
April 25, 1809 A.D.

Question 12.
Give any one main clause of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer:
There will be fast friendship between the British Government and the Lahore Darbar.

Question 13.
What was the loss of Treaty of Amritsar to Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
It dashed all the hopes of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s ever becoming the emperor of the Sikhs.

Question 14.
Name any one advantage of the Treaty of Amritsar for Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Or
What was the advantage of the Treaty of Amritsar for Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
It saved the infant kingdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh from premature end.

Question 15.
Name any one advantage of the Treaty of Amritsar for the English.
Answer:
It greatly enhanced the prestige of the English.

Question 16.
When did the relations between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British strain over Wadni?
Answer:
In 1822 A.D.

Question 17.
In 1823 A.D. who was appointed the new political agent at Ludhiana?
Answer:
Captain Wade.

Question 18.
In 1826 which British doctor treated Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Dr. Murray.

Question 19.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh meet William Bentinck?
Or
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh meet the British Governor General?
Answer:
October 26, 1831 A.D.

Question 20.
Where did Maharaja Ranjit Singh meet the British Governor General?
Answer:
Ropar.

Question 21.
Whom did the English send for signing a treaty with Sind?
Answer:
Col. Pottinger.

Question 22.
When did the English occupy Ferozepur?
Answer:
1835 A.D.

Question 23.
When was the Tripartite Treaty signed?
Answer:
June 26, 1838 A.D.

Fill in the blanks:

1. Mission of Yusuf Ali came to Punjab in ……………..
Answer:
1800 A.D.

2. Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab in ……………
Answer:
1805 A.D.

3. The Treaty of Lahore was signed between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh in …………….. A.D.
Answer:
1806 A.D.

4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa in ………….. for the first time.
Answer:
1806 A.D.

5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa in …………. for the third time.
Answer:
1808 A.D.

6. Charles Metcalfe met Ranjit Singh at ………….. for the second time.
Answer:
Amritsar

7. The Treaty of Amritsar was signed by the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh on ……………….
Answer;
April 25, 1809 A.D.

8. According to the Treaty of Amritsar, …………… was boundary between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Sutlej

9. Maharaja Ranjit Singh met William Bentinck in 1831 at ……………..
Answer:
Ropar

10. The Tripartite Treaty was signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Shaji Shuja and the English in ………..
Answer:
1838 A.D.

True or False:

1. Yusuf Ali Misson came to Punjab in 1800 A.D.
Answer:
True

2. The Maratha leader Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab in 1805 A.D.
Answer:
True

3. The Treaty of Lahore was signed between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1805 A.D.
Answer:
False

4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa in 1806 A.D. for the first time.
Answer:
True

5. In 1808 A.D. Charles Metcalfe met Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Khem Karan.
Answer:
True

6. On April 25, 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Britishers signed the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer:
True

7. The Treaty of Amritsar was a blow to Ranjit Singh’s prestige.
Answer:
True

8. In 1826 A.D., the Britishers sent Dr. Murray for the treatment of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True

9. Lord William Bentinck met Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1831 A.D. at Ropar.
Answer:
True

10. The Britishers occupied Ferozepur in 1835 A.D.
Answer:
True

11. The Tripartite Treaty was signed on 26th Jufte, 1838 A.D. between Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Shah Shuja and the British.
Answer:
True

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. When did the Maratha leader, Jaswant Rao Holkar come to Punjab?
(a) 1801 A.D.
(b) 1802 A.D.
(c) 1805 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1805 A.D.

2. When was the first treaty signed between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) 1805 A.D.
(b) 1806 A.D.
(c) 1807 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(b) 1806 A.D.

3. How many times did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Malwa?
(a) Twice
(b) Three times
(c) Four times
(d) Five times.
Answer:
(b) Three times

4. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Malwa for the first time?
(a) 1805 A,D.
(b) 1806 A.D.
(c) 1807 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(b) 1806 A.D.

5. Where did Charles Metcalfe meet Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the first time?
(a) Ludhiana
(b) Amritsar
(c) Lahore
(d) Khem Karan.
Answer:
(d) Khem Karan.

6. When did Treaty of Amritsar take place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English?
(a) 1805 A.D.
(b) 1809 A.D.
(c) 1812 A.D.
(d) 1821 A.D.
Answer:
(b) 1809 A.D.

7. Which river was made the boundary between the British Empire and Maharaja Ranjit Singh by the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 A.D.?
(a) Beas River
(b) Sutlej River
(c) Ravi River
(d) Jhelum River.
Answer:
(b) Sutlej River

8. When did meeting between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and William Bentinck take place?
(a) 1809 A.D.
(b) 1811 A.D.
(c) 1821 A.D.
(d) 1831 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1831 A.D.

9. Where did the Maharaja Ranjit Singh 3jid William Bentinck met?
(a) Amritsar
(b) Ludhiana.
(c) Ropar
(d) Lahore.
Answer:
(c) Ropar

10. When did the English sign a treaty with Amirs of Sind?
(a) 1829 A.D.
(b) 1830 A.D.
(c) 1831 A.D.
(d) 1832 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1832 A.D.

11. When was the Tripartite Treaty signed?
(a) 1839 A.D.
(b) 1845 A.D.
(c) 1838 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1838 A.D.

Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 17 Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Career and Conquests Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 17 Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Career and Conquests

Long Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
Give a brief account of the career of Maharaja Ranjit Songh.
Or
Describe briefly the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born in 1780 A.D. His father, Mahan Singh was the Chief of the Sukarchakia Misl. When he was four years old, he fell a victim to small pox. At the age of 12, he got the first opportunity to go to the battle. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was married to Mehtab Kaur of Kanahia Misl. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh grew to be 17, he took over the charge of administration. His first and the most significant victory was that of Lahore in 1799 A.D. Conquest of Amritsar in 1805 A.D., Gujarat in 1809 A.D. and of Multan in 1818 A.D. were some of the major victories of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Ranjit Singh sent three expeditions to Kashmir and finally annexed it in 1819 A.D. Peshawar was also annexed in 1834 A.D. by the Maharaja. In 1805 A.D., Maharaja abolished the institution of Gurmata and became politically independent. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was also an efficient administrator. He had appointed very able and honest ministers to run the administration. He was very shrewd and far sighted diplomat. The Anglo-Sikh friendship was an evidence of his political sagacity. Maharaja Ranjit Singh passed away on 27 June, 1839 A.D.

Question 2.
What was the political condition of Punjab on the accession of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Or
What was the political condition of Punjab at the time when Maharaja Ranjit Singh ascended the throne?
Answer:
When Maharaja Ranjit Singh took the reins of Sukarchakia Misl in his hands in 1797 A.D., the political condition of the Punjab was deplorable. An atmosphere of complete anarchy and unrest prevailed in the Punjab. The mighty Mughal empire had crumbled to dust. On its ruins many independent small Kingdoms were established. The Sikhs had found 12 independent Misls in most parts of the Punjab.

Their unity was a thing of the past and they had started quarrelling among themselves. Shah Zaman, the niler of Kabul started invading the Punjab in order to bring it under his control. Sansar Chand, the ruler of Kangra and Bhim Sen Thapa the ruler of Nepal were on a look-out for getting control of – the Punjab. The Marathas and the English were also dreaming of bringing Punjab under their control, but they were involved with other powers of India.

Question 3.
Write a short note on Shah Zaman.
Answer:
Shah Zaman became the new ruler of Afghanistan after the death of his father, Taimur Shah in 1793 AL.D. He immediately turned his attention to recovering the Punjab from the Sikhs. With this objective he invaded the Punjab in 1793 A.D. and again in 1795 A.D., but he had to go back to Kabul leaving these expeditions. He easily occupied Lahore during his third invasion in January 1797 A.D. The Bhangi Sardars of Lahore, Lehna Singh and Gujjar Singh took to their heels as they heard of Shah Zaman’s invasion. But Shah Zaman had to go back to Kabul due to a rebellion there at that time. Taking advantage of the oppournity, the Bhangi Sardars again got hold of Lahore. In November 1798 A.D.,

once again Shah Zaman took control of Lahore. This time again he had to return to Kabul due to a rebellion. Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupied Lahore on July 7, 1799 A.D. In 1800 A.D. Shah Zaman lost his empire in a coup.

Question 4.
Explain briefly any five conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Undoubtedly Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the greatest ruler of Punjab. By his ability and efforts he converted his small kingdom into a vast empire during his reign (1799-1839). His main conquests are mentioned below:

1. Conquest of Lahore, 1799 A.D.: The first and the most important conquest of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the conquest of Lahore. The three Bhangi Sardars and Sahib Singh, Mohar Singh and Chet Singh jointly ruled Lahore. People were very unhappy due to their tyrannical rule, so they invited Ranjit Singh to take over Lahore. Deeming it a golden chance, Ranjit Singh invaded Lahore and occupied it on July 7, 1799 A.D.

2. Conquest of Amritsar, 1805 A.D.: The city of Amritsar was very important for the Sikhs from the religious point of view. It was considered the Mecca of the Sikhs. It was also the most famous trade centre. In order to be an emperor of the Punjab, the control over Amritsar was essential. In 1805 A.D. Ranjit Singh invaded Amritsar and defeated Mai Sukhan, the widow of Gulab Singh. In this way, Amritsar was conquered.

3. Conquest of Multan, 1818 A.D.: Multan was very important from trade and geographical point of view. Sind could be easily conquered by having a control over Multan. The Maharaja had to attack seven times to conquer Multan. Every time, Muzaffar Khan the ruler of Multan evaded Maharaja Ranjit Singh by offering him a heavy ransom. In 1818 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh resolved to make a conquest of Multan. He sent a vast army under ‘the command of Misar Diwan Chand. After a pitched battle the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Multan. It was indeed one of the important conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

4. Conquest of Kashmir, 1819 A.D.: The valley of Kashmir was famous for its scenic beauty and trade. Ranjit Singh tried to conquer it in 1813 and 1814 A.D. but did not succeed. The conquest of Multan greatly encouraged Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He sent a huge army under the command of Misar Diwan Chand to conquer Kashmir. This army defeated Jabbar Khan, the ruler of Kashmir and occupied Kashmir in 1819 A.D.

5. Conquest of Peshawar, 1834 A.D : Peshawar was an important region from the geographical point of view. In his first expedition in 1818 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had defeated Yar Mohammad Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan but he resolved not to include Peshawar in his empire. In 1823 A.D., Azim Khan, a minister of Afghanistan took over the control of Peshawar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh defeated him in a pitched battle of Naushehra and again got control over Peshawar. He annexed Peshawar to his empire in 1834 A.D.

Question 5.
Give a brief account of the conquest of Lahore by Ranjit Singh and its significance.
Or
Write a brief note on Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Lahore.
Or
What was the importance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Lahore conquest?
Answer:
The conquest of Lahore was the first important political achievement of X Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Lahore assumed great importance, being the biggest and oldest city of the Punjab. Besides, it had been the capital of the Punjab since long. Three Bhangi Sardars, Sahib Singh, Mohar Singh and Chet Singh jointly ruled over it. People were very unhappy due to their oppressive rule. In November 1798 A.D., Shah Zaman, the ruler of Kabul had conquered Lahore but he had to go back due to a mutiny in Kabul. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Bhangi Sardars had again brought Lahore under their control.

As people there were fed up with their misdeeds, they invited Maharaja Ranjit Singh to take control of Lahore. Ranjit Singh with the help of his mother-in-law, Sada Kaur attacked Lahore. On hearing the news of invasion, Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh fled in panic. Chet Singh gave in after a short while. In this way, Ranjit Singh brought Lahore under his control on July 7, 1799 A. D. It laid the foundation of a sovereign Sikh monarchy in Punjab.

Question 6.
Write a short note ‘on the battle of Bhasin.
Answer:
The occupation of Lahore by Ranjit Singh aroused the jealousies among the leading chiefs of Punjab. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Sahib Singh Bhangi of Gujarat, Gulab Singh Bhangi of Amritsgfr, Jodh Singh of Wazirabad and Nizam- ud-Din of Kasur made a united front against Ranjit Singh. The joint forces under the command of Gulab Singh Bhangi assembled at Bhasin near Lahore. Ranjit Singh too reached Bhasin to face them.

For about two months, neither side dared to attack. Unexpectedly one day Gulab Singh Bhangi died of over-drifliking. It demoralised the opponents of Ranjit Singh and they fled away from the battlefield. In this way Ranjit Singh scored a victory without shedding a drop of blood. Xhis ‘ victory to Ranjit Singh warded off his great danger. It also strengthened his hold over Lahore.

Question 7.
Describe briefly about the conquest of Amritsar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and its importance.
Or
Discuss briefly the significance of the conquest of Amritsar.
Answer:
The city of Amritsar was of. great religious importance to the Sikhs. It was the Mecca of the Sikhs. Besides, it was also the most famous trade centre of the Punjab. It was very essential for Ranjit Singh to take control of Amritsar in order to become Maharaja of the Punjab. Mai Sukhan, widow of Gulab Singh was ruling over Amritsar as the guardian of her minor son Gurdit Singh. In 1805 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh asked her to hand over the fort of Lohgarh and famous gun Zamzama to him.

Mai Sukhan refused to accept the proposal, so Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Amritsar, along with his mother-in-law Sada Kaur and Fateh Singh Ahluwalia. After a short resistance, Mai Sukhan accepted defeat. In this way, in 1805 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh got control over Amritsar. With the conquest of Amritsar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s fa’me spread far and wide.

Question 8.
How did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Multan?
Answer:
Multan was important from geographic and economic point of view. Hence, Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to conquer it. Multan was under the rule of Afghan Governor, Nawab Muzaffar Khan. As such he was under the rule of the Kabul Government, but in reality he was ruling independently. From 1802 A.D. to 1817 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent six expeditions to Multan. Each time Nawab Muzaffar Khan avoided the army of Ranjit Singh with a Nazrana. In 1818 A.D. Maharaja decided to conquer Multan. He started preparing for an attack on Multan on a large scale.

Misar Diwan Chanid, who was one of the popular generals of the Maharaja, was sent to conquer Multan with an army of 20,000 soldiers in January 1818 A.D. On the other hand, Nawab Muzaffar Khan started preparing to face the armies of the Maharaja. He declared a religious war (Jihad) against the Sikhs.

The siege to Multan continued for four months but the Sikhs were not successful in capturing the fort. On 2nd June, 1818 A.D., the Akali leader Sadhu Singh was successful in entering the fort with some of his companions. Behind him, the Sikh armies also entered the fort. Nawab Muzaffar Khan and his sons valiantly faced them. In the end, Muzaffar Khan and his five sons were killed. His sixth son was wounded and rest ef the two asked for forgiveness.

Thus, the Sikh army occupied Multan. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh received the news of this important victory, he was pleased. Festivities took place to celebrate this victory for days on end. Misar Diwan Chand was bestowed upon with the title of ‘Zafar Jang’.

Question 9.
Describe the significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Multan.
Answer:
The conquest of Multan was one of the significant conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The importance of this conquest can be gauged from the facts given below:

1. A death blow to the Afghan Power : The conquest of Multan sounded the death knell of Afghan influence in the Punjab. There was a time when the Sikhs would run to the forests and hills on hearing the news of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasion because at that time it was not possible for them to face a direct clash with the AfghAnswer: The conquest of Multan turned the tables. This conquest marked an end to the Afghan power in the Punjab and proved that the Sikhs were far more powerful than the Afghans.

2. Multan stood like a wall between Sind and Bahawalpur : With the occupation of Multan by Ranjit Singh, the Muslims of Sind and Bahawalpur were separated. With this separation, they could not form a joint front against Ranjit Singh. In this way, Multan stood like a wall between Sind and Bahawalpur.

3. Some Small Muslim States accepted the Submission of Ranjit Singh: Another important result of the conquest of Multan by Maharaja Ranjit Singh was that the Muslim rulers of some small states like Bahawalpur, Derajat, Dera Ghazi Khan and Dera Ismail Khan were terrified and so they accepted the suzerainty of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

4. Increase in the Revenue : The land of Multan was very fertile. So with its victory, Ranjit Singh’s revenue increased a great deal. The record of the Khalsa Darbar shows that Ranjit Singh received Rs. 7 lakhs per annum as revenue from Multan. With this money Ranjit Singh got the opportunity to execute his future
plans.

5. Commercial Advantage : The conquest of Multan proved useful from commercial point of view. The trade of India with Afghanistan and the Central Asia was carried on through Multan. With Ranjit Singh’s control over this important centre of trade, the trade of Punjab was greatly encouraged.

Question 10.
How did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Kashmir?
Answer:
Kashmir was very famous for its natural beauty and trade. So Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring Kashmir under his control. Right at that time Fateh Khan, a minister of Kabul, was also planning to conquer Kashmir. As both of them were not in a position to conquer Kashmir individually, they made an agreement at Rohtas. According to this agreement,

Maharaja Ranjit Singh decided to send 12,000 soldiers under the command of Diwan Mohkam Chand to assist Fateh Khan. On the other hand Fateh Khan agreed to give 1/3 of the conquered area and the booty. In 1813 A.D. both the armies marched to Kashmir. Ata Mohammad Khan, Governor of Kashmir advanced to face the joint forces.

But he was defeated in a battle at Shergarh. After conquering Kashmir, Fateh Khan gave, Maharaja Ranjit Singh nothing. In 1814 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh invaded Kashmir for the second time. He had to face defeat in this expedition. Emboldened by the victory of Multan in 1818 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh invaded Kashmir in 1819 A.D. for the third time. In a battle at Supin which was fought on 5th July, 1819 A.D. Jabbar Khan, the then Governor of Kashmir; suffered a defeat. In this way, Maharaja Ranjit Singh succeeded in bringing Kashmir under his control.

Question 11.
Describe the significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Kashmir.
Answer:
1. It increased the prestage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh; The conquest of Kashmir was a very significant conquest of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It greatly increased his prestige and pride. His supremacy was accepted beyond Leh, Lhasa and mountains of Kara Kurram. His frontier in the north had reached its natural bounds.

2. It gave a rude jolt to the Afghan power. The control of Kashmir by the Sikhs dealt a severe blow to the Afghan influence in India and it encouraged the morale of Sikh forces.

3. It increased the income of the Government. The conquest of Kashmir resulted in economic gain to the Maharaja. This province yielded annual income of 40,00,000 rupees to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

4. It encouraged the Trade. The conquest of Kashmir was also useful from a commercial point of view. Kashmir was famous in the world for its shawl industry. Besides, Kashmir was also famous for fruits of many types, and for its forests. With the annextion of Kashmir to the Panjab its trade got great impetus.

Question 12.
Write a brief note on the battle of Naushehra or Tibba Tehri.
Answer:
Azim Khan, the ruler of Kabul had invaded and conquered Peshawar in January 1823 A.D. He declared Jihad (religious war) against the Sikhs, as a result of which many Afghans swarmed under his banner. On the other hand, Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent a vast army of 20,000 to face the army of Azim Khan. Hari Singh Nalwa, General Allard, General Ventura, Akali Phula Singh, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia and prince Kharak Singh were sent along with this army.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself commanded this expedition. A fierce battle took place between the two armies at Naushehra or Tibba Tehri on March 14,1823 A.D.

Azim Khan had also about 20,000 soldiers. In the beginning of the battle, the Afghans had the upper hand. Akali Phula Singh and many other famous warriors were killed in this battle. At this juncture, Maharaja Ranjit Singh infused a new spirit and dynamism into his army. Now the Sikhs attacked the Afghans so vigorously that the latter had to flee to save their lives. As a result pf the victory in this decisive battle the morale of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army was enhanced. Azim Khan soon died due to shock of his humiliating defeat in this battle.

Question 13.
Briefly write about the significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Peshawar.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Peshawar was one of the most significant conquests. This conquest greatly enhanced the prestige of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The influence of his military power was acknowledged all over India and his empire also expanded. It sounded the death knell of Afghan supremacy beyond the river Indus,

The Punjabis heaved a sigh of relief after 8 centuries when Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Peshawar, because the Muslim invaders invaded Punjab and other parts of India through this route. These invasions had created the atmosphere of unrest and anarchy in India.The danger of these invasions disappeared with Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Peshawar. This conquest also proved economically useful to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Peshawar yielded about 12 lakh rupees annual income to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Question 14.
What policy did Maharaja Ranjit Singh adopt towards the defeated rulers?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh not only brought several states under his control but also adopted a successful administrative policy. This policy was uniformly applied to all the rulers, may they be Sikhs, Hindus or the Muslims. Many rulers, who accepted the suzereinty of Ranjit Singh were returned their states. Those rulers whose areas were annexed to his empire, were given some posts in the Maharaja’s Darbar or given suitable Jagirs enough for their living.

A stern policy was adopted against those rulers who continued to oppose Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In short the policy of kindness and leniency adopted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh towards the defeated rulers had no parallel in the history of that period.

Question 15.
What policy did Maharaja Ranjit Singh adopt towards the Sikh Misls?
Examine the Misl policy of Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Ranjit Singh adopted a special type of policy towards the Sikh Misls. The main characteristics of this policy were as follows :

• To give no weightage either to relationships or to sentiments in matters of state expansion.
• Not to bother whether it is just or unjust to take possession of the areas of the Misl Sardars while expanding the state.
• To make friendship with the powerful Misl Sardars or to establish matrimonial relations with them so that on one hand their co-operation might be extracted and on the other hand the possible formation of any powerful joint front against him might be ruled out.
• To attack the weak Misl Sardars and annex their territories to his state.
• On getting an opportunity to betray even the friendly Misl Sardars and annex their states to his kingdom. .
• To do away with the important central institution i.e. the ‘Gurmata’ so that no Misldar might equal Ranjit Singh.

Ranjit Singh first of all established friendly relations with the Kanahia Misl. In 1796 A.D., he married Mehtab Kaur, the daughter of late Gurbaksh Singh. At Tarn Taran in 1798 A.D., Ranjit Singh made his second marriage with Raj Kaur. In 1801 A.D. Ranjit Singh and Fateh Singh exchanged turbans and took an oath in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji that they would live like brothers and stand by each other through thick and thin.

Afterwards Fateh Singh rendered yeoman’s contribution in several campaigns of Ranjit Singh. On the other hand he attacked the weak misls and attached them to his kingdom. In July 1799 A.D., Ranjit Singh conquered Lahore from the Bhangi Sardars. After this, he conquered Dallewalia Misl, Karor Singhia Misl, Nakkai Misl and Faizalpuria Misl. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh became confident that his state had grown powerful, he deemed it fit to change his policy towards the friendly Misls.

Essay Type Questions:

Early Career Of Maharaja Ranjit Singh:

Question 1.
Describe the early life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. How far is his early life different from that of Shivaji?
Or
Describe in detail the early life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupies an important place in the Sikh history. By virtue of his ability he converted his small state into a vast empire. In this way, Maharaja Ranjit Singh translated the dream of Sikh Empire into a reality. A brief account of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s early career is given ahead :

1. Birth and Parentage: Ranjit Singh was born in 1780 A.D. His father Mahan Singh was the Chief of the Sukarchakia Misl. There is a controversy among historians about the place and date of his birth. Historians like Osborne, Griffin, Mc-Gregar, Latif, Shahmat Ali and Kanahiya Lai say that his date of birth was 2nd November, 1780 A.D.

On the other hand Sohan Lai Suri, a court historian of Ranjit Singh, and Diwan Amar Nath, a contemporary historian of Ranjit Singh say that Ranjit Singh’s birthday was 13th November, 1780 A.D. Similarly there is also a difference of opinion among the historians about Ranjit Singh’s birthplace. Some historians opine that Ranjit Singh was born at Gujranwala. While on the other hand, some historians believe that Ranjit Singh was born at his maternal grandparents’ house at Badrukhan in Jind State.

Modern historians accept Gujranwala to be Ranjit Singh’s birth place. The name of Ranjit Singh’s mother was Raj Kaur. Ranjit Singh’s childhood name was Budh Singh.

2. Childhood and Education : Since Ranjit Singh was the only son of his parents he was brought up in the lap of luxury. Ranjit Singh was four years old, when he fell a victim to small-pox. Luckily, Ranjit Singh recovered after some time but the scars of the disease were left on his face and the light of his left eye was gone for ever.

When Ranjit Singh was five years old, he was sent to Bhag Singh’s ‘Dharmshala’. at Gujranwala for education. But, Ranjit Singh had no interest in studies, so, he remained illiterate all his life. Ranjit Singh spent most of his time in horse-riding, swordsmanship and shooting. As a result, with the passage of time, he became a top class horse-rider, skilful bowman and expert swordsman. Observing Ranjit Singh’s ability, his father Mahan Singh predicted,

“The state of Gujranwala will not be a sufficient place for my brave son Ranjit Singh. He would become a great warrior.”

3. Acts of bravery: Ranjit Singh was hardly 12 years old, when he got the first opportunity to go in a battle. Mahan Singh had taken his son, Ranjit Singh along with him in the campaign of Sodhran fort. Mahan Singh suddenly fell grievously ill, so he had to return from the battlefield. He handed over the command to Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh not only inflicted a crushing defeat on his enemies, but also robbed them of their ammunition. Mahan Singh was very happy over this victory. He changed his son’s name from Budh Singh to Ranjit Singh (the victor of battle).

In 1793 A.D., once while hunting alone Ranjit Singh reached near Ladowali village. Hashmat Khan, the Chief of the Chatha clan, on finding Ranjit Singh alone, hid himself behind a bush. When Ranjit Singh passed by the bush, Hashmat Khan dealt a powerful blow of sword to Ranjit Singh, but Ranjit Singh had a miraculous escape. He promptly counter-attacked and beheaded him

4. Marriage : Ranjit Singh was six years old, when he was engaged to the granddaughter of the Kanahia Misl Sardar, Jai Singh, and the daughter of

Gurbaksh Singh, Mehtab Kaur. In 1796 A.D. when Ranjit Singh was 16 years old, he was married with Mehtab Kaur with great pomp and show. This marriage proved very useful in the political career of Ranjit Singh. According to Griffin, Ranjit Singh had 18 Queens.

5. The Triune Regency: When Ranjit Singh was only 12 years old, his father Mahan Singh died in 1792 A.D. Since Ranjit Singh was only a minor, the task of state administration passed into the hands of his mother, Raj Kaur. Raj Kaur did not have any administrative skill, so she handed over the charge to her favourite, Diwan Lakhpat Rai. In 1796 A.D. when Ranjit Singh was married to Mehtab Kaur, his mother-in-law, Sada Kaur too began to take interest in matters of administration. In this way during 1792 A.D. to 1797 A.D. the administration of Sukarchakia Misl remained in the hands of three persons Raj Kaur, Diwan Lakhpat Rai and Sada Kaur. So, this period is called the period of the Triune Regency.

6. The end of Triune Regency: When Ranjit Singh grew to be 17, he took over the charge of administration. Some European and Muslim historians have tried without any historical facts that Ranjit Singh had got his mother Raj Kaur and Diwan Lakhpat Rai murdered because of the illicit relations between them. But Dr. N.K. Sinha, Dr. G.L. Chopra, Sita Ram Kohli and Khuswant Singh are of the opinion that the allegation of his mother’s murder against Ranjit Singh is a matter of sheer injustice. Secondly, the allegation of mother’s murder is not consistent with the character of Ranjit Singh.

As we are well aware that during his reign Ranjit Singh had never punished even a single hardcore criminal with death sentence. How such a kind ruler could murder his own mother? Dr. H.R. ‘Gupta aptly says, “The story is purely malicious and absolutely unfair and unjust.”

Political Condition Of The Punjab:

Question 2.
What was the political condition of the Punjab on the eve of Ranjit Singh’s accession? How did this condition prove helpful in his rise to power?
Or
Describe the political condition of the Punjab on the eve of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s accession to power.
Answer:
In 1797 A.D. when Ranjit Singh took over the reins of the Sukarchakia Misl, the atmosphere of anarchy and lawlessness was prevalent in Punjab. The Mughal rule had come to an end in the Punjab and the Sikhs, Afghans and Rajputs had established their small independent states on its ruins. Thus, the political condition of the Punjab, proved eminently, suitable in the rise of Ranjit Singh to power. A brief description of the political condition at the time of Ranjit Singh’s accession to power is as follows :

The Sikh Misls:

In most parts of the Punjab, twelve independent Sikh Misls were established. It was to the good luck of Ranjit Singh that by the end of the 18th century, no Misl was left powerful enough. A brief description of the important Misls is as follows :

1. Bhangi Misl: Before the growth of Ranjit Singh’s power, the Bhangi Misl in the North-West of the Sutlej river was very powerful. The two most important towns of the Punjab, Lahore and Amritsar, were under this Misl. Besides these, the areas of Gujarat and Sialkot were also under it. Among the Bhangi Sardars Chet Singh, Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh were the prominent leaders. All these Bhangi rulers were great addicts of bhang (hemp). They spent most of their times in merry-making. Consequently, the Bhangi Misl had lost much of its previous glory and power. It was heading fast towards its end.

2. Ahluwalia Misl : The founder of the Ahluwalia Misl was Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. He was a great warrior, a valiant general and a splendid organiser. He had brought under his submission the territories situated between Jalandhar Doab and Bari Doab. He Was a very brave and fearless warrior. In 1739 A.D. when Nadir Shah was going back from India with the booty, he attacked his army and took away with much of his booty. He had defeated the forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali on a number of times. Because of these reasons, the Sikhs of the Punjab held Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in great esteem. It was fortunate for Ranjit Singh that this great warrior died in 1783 A.D. After his death Bhag Singh became his successor but he lacked the qualities of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.

3. Kanahia Misl: The founder of the Kanahia Misl was Jai Singh Kanahia. He was very brave and courageous warrior. He had -under him the areas of Mukerian, Gurdaspur, Datarpur, Dharampur and Pathankot. Jai Singh’s son, Gurbaksh Singh was also very brave. He died in 1785 A.D. In 1796 A.D., Ramjit Singh was married to Gurbaksh Singh’s daughter, Mehtab Kaur. This marriage proved very significant for the political career of Ranjit Singh. In 1798 A.D. Jai Singh died and the reins of the Kanahia Misl fell into the hands of Gurbaksh Singh’s widow and Ranjit Singh’s mother-in-law Sada Kaur. She was a very ambitious woman.

4. Sukarchakia Misl: The founder of the Sukarchakia Misl Charat Singh was the grandfather of Ranjit Singh. He had under him Gujranwala, Eminabad and Sialkot. After the death of Charat Singh in 1774 A.D. he was succeeded by his son, Mahan Singh. He had all the qualities of a great Sardar. He expanded his Misl by conquering new areas. After the death of Mahan Singh in 1792 A.D., his son Ranjit Singh became his successor. Since Ranjit Singh was barely 12 years old at that time, the task of running the administration of the Misl fell into the hands of his mother Raj Kaur, Diwan Lakhpat Rai and mother-in-law, Sada Kaur till 1797 A.D.

5. Ramgarhia Misl: Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was a very bold and brave warrior. His rule was over Gurdaspur, Kalanaur, Batala and Qadian. It war Ranjit Singh’s good fortune that at the time of his rise, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia had grown quite old. So, he could not become a hurdle in the way of Ranjit Singh.

6. Faizalpuria Misl: Nawab Kapoor Singh was the founder of the Faizalpuria Misl. He was certainly a great Sikh leader, who ably guided the Sikhs at the most critical time. After the death of Nawab Kapoor Singh in 1753 A.D. his nephew Khushal Singh became his successor. He was a brave and able Sardar. He had expanded the Faizalpuria Misl by conquering the areas of Jalandhar, Nurpur, Beharampur, Patti etc. In 1795 A.D. after the death of Khushal Singh his son, Budh Singh ascended the throne. It was Ranjit Singh’s good fortune that Budh Singh did not prove to be a competent ruler.

7. Other Misls : Besides the above mentioned Misls, there existed the Dallewalia, Phulkian, Karorsinghia, the Nishanwalia, the Nakkai and the Shahid Misls. At the time of Ranjit Singh’s rise to power, these Misls were very weak. So, they had no significance in the politics of the Punjab.

Muslim States:

Towards the end of the 18th century, in the North-West of Punjab, the Muslims had established many independent states. The states of Kasur, Multan, Kashmir, Attock and Peshawar were famous among them. Kasur was under the rule of a Pathan ruler, Nizarp-ud-Din. At that time Multan was under Nawab Muzaffar Khan, Kashmir under Ata Mohammad Khan, Attock under Jahandad Khan and Peshawar under Fateh Khan. Besides these states, many other small Muslim states also existed. There was no unity among these Muslim rulers. A struggle for power was always going on among them. Consequently, done of them was powerful enough to create hurdles in the way of Ranjit Singh.
Hill States

To the North of Punjab several independent hill states had come into existence at the time of Ranjit Singh’s rise to power. The state of Kangra was the most famous. Kangra was under the rule of a Rajput ruler, Sansar Chand Katoch. He was dreaming of conquering the whole of Punjab. Towards the end of the 18th century the Rajput rulers were ruling hill spates like Mandi, Kulu, Chamba, Basoli, Suket, Nurpur. and Jammu. Their rulers were very weak and they kept quarrelling among one another. So, they could pose no danger to Ranjit Singh.

The Gorkhas:

The Gorkhas of Nepal were very brave. Towards the close of the 18th century, they had started expanding their power towards the Punjab. Ip 1794 A.D., they had captured Garhwal and Kumaun. Bhim Sen Thapa decided to attack the Punjab under the able leadership of his son Amar Singh Thapa. Therefore a confrontation between Ranjit Singh and the Gorkhas was imminent.

George Thomas:

George Thomas was a brave Englishman. He had established an independent state in the South-East of Punjab at Hansi. There he got constructed a fort named Georgegarh after his own name. He invaded the areas of Patiala and Jind several times and indulged in looting there. The rule of George Thomas could not last long. The French General Paron defeated him and drove him but of the Punjab. General Paron’s rule, too, did not last long.

The Marathas:

Till 1797 A.D. the Marathas under their able leader Daulat Rao Sindhia were able to capture Meerut and Delhi. He wanted to conquer Punjab. Another Maratha leader, Dhara Rao, too had made certain invasions against the South-East based Phulkian Misl of the Punjab. The Marathas could pose a serious danger to Ranjit Singh, but fortunately for Ranjit Singh, exactly at the same time the Marathas got involved with the British, who were very powerful. So, they could not pay their attention to the Punjab. ,

The British:

Towards the end of the 18th century, the power of the British had greatly increased in India. Although the British were looking greedily towards the Punjab but at that time they had locked horns with the Marathas, the Nizam of Hyderabad and many other problems. Therefore, Ranjit Singh had no immediate danger from the Britishers. »

Shah Zaiiian:

The ruler of Afghanistan, Shah Zaman, could pose a danger to the power of Ranjit Singh. He had become the new ruler of Afghanistan after the death of his father, Timur Shah in 1793 A.D. He tried to reoccupy Punjab.-With this objective, he invaded Punjab four times between 1793 and 1798 A.D. to go back to Kabul for one reason or the other. In this way, the likely danger of Shah Zaman to the power of Ranjit Singh was averted. It is obvious from the description given above that towards the end of the 18th century the political condition of the Punjab was favourable to Ranjit Singh. He took full advantage of the condition and succeeded in establishing a strong Sikh enipire.in the Punjab.

The famous historian Dr. G.L. Chopra aptly says, “Thus the political situation on the eve of the 19th century was eminently suited for the rise of a resolute and outstanding personality, who might weld these discordant elements steadily into an organised kingdom and as we shall see, Ranjit Singh availed himself of this opportunity.”

Ranjit Singh’S Policy Towards F The Sikh Misls:

Question 3.
Examine critically the Misl policy of Ranjit Singh.
Or
“Ranjit Singh’s policy was one of absorption of all the Sikh confederacies. No ties of kinship, no sentiments of gratitude were strong enough to stand in his way.” (N.K. Sinha). Explain the statement.
Or
Give an account of the salient features of the Misl policy of Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe the relations of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with Sikh Misls.
Answer:
In 1797 A.D., when Ranjit Singh ascended the throne of Sukarchakia Misl, his kingdom was limited to a few areas only. Since Ranjit Singh was a ruler of high ambitions, he was not satisfied with this small kingdom. He wanted to convert it into a vast empire. For this purpose, he directed his attention towards the Sikh Misls in the Punjab.

Characteristics of the Misl Policy:

Ranjit Singh adopted a special type of policy towards the Sikh Misls. The main characteristics of this policy were as follows :

• To give no weightage either to relationships or to sentiments in matters of state expansion.
• Not to bother whether it is just or unjust to take possession of the areas of the Misl Sardars while expanding the state.
• To make friendship with the powerful Misl Sardars o% to establish matrimonial relations with them so that on one .hand their co-operation might be extracted and on the other hand the possible formation of any powerful joint front against him might be ruled out.
• To attack the weak Misl Sardars and annex their territories to his state.
• On getting an opportunity to betray even the friendly Misl Sardars and annex their states to his kingdom.
• To do away with the important central institution i.e. the ‘Gurmata’ so that no Misldar might equal Ranjit Singh.

Policy towards the Powerful Misls:

1. Matrimonial Relations with Kanahia Misl : Ranjit Singh first of all established friendly relations with the Kanahia Misl. In 1796 A.D., he married Mehtab Kaur, the daughter of late Gurbaksh Singh. In this way the unison of the two Misls strengthened Ranjit Singh’s position. Ranjit Singh’s mother-in¬law, Sada Kaur rendered him very valuable services in his conquests of Lahore, Bhasin and Amritsar.

2. Matrimonial Relations with Nakkai Misi : At Tarn Taran in 1798 A.D., Ranjit Singh made his second marriage with Raj Kaur, the daughter of Sardar Khazan Singh of the Nakkai Misl. With this marriage Ranjit Singh received the requisite co-operation from the Nakkai Misl in the expansion of his Kingdom.

3. Friendship with Fateh Singh Ahluwalia : During Ranjit Singh’s times, the Ahluwalia Misl was one of the most powerful and famous Misls. At that time, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia was the leader of the Misl. In 1801 A.D. Ranjit Singh and Fateh Singh exchanged turbans and took an oath in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji that they would live like brothers and stand by each other through thick and thin. Afterwards Fateh Singh rendered yeoman’s contribution in several campaigns of Ranjit Singh.

4. Friendship with Jodh Singh Ramgarhia : In 1803 A.D., Jodh Singh Ramgarhia became the new Sardar of the Ramgarhia Misl. Like his father, he was also very brave and valiant warrior. Acting diplomatically Ranjit Singh established friendly relations with Jodh Singh. Jodh Singh helped Ranjit Singh in many of his military campaigns.

5. Friendship with Tara Singh Gheba: Tara Singh Gheba was the leader of the Dallewalia Misl. He was brave and powerful. Ranjit Singh established friendly relations with him. Their mutual relations became so intimate that Tara Singh accompanied Ranjit Singh in many battles.

Policy towards the weak Misls:

Whereas on one hand, Ranjit Singh adopted the policy of establishing friendly relations with the powerful Misls, on the other handphe attacked the weak Misls and annexed them to his kingdom. A brief description of these Misls is as given ahead:

1. Bhangi Misl: In July 1799 A.D., Ranjit Singh conquered Lahore from the Bhangi Sardars. It was one of the most significant conquests of Ranjit Singh. In 1805 A.D., by defeating Gulab Singh Bhangi’s widow Mai Sukhan, Ranjit Singh took possession of Amritsar. Likewise by defeating Jiwan Singh Bhangi of Sialkot in 1808 A.D., and Sahib Singh Bhangi of Gujarat in 1809 A.D., he annexed their areas to his kingdom. These conquests sounded the death knell of the Bhangi Misl.

2. Dallewalia Misl: Ranjit Singh had established friendly relations with the Dallewalia Chief, Tara Singh Gheba. Tara Singh Gheba died in 1807 A.D. His last rites had not yet been performed, when Ranjit Singh sent his army to attack Dallewalia. It succeeded in occupying the Dallewalia Misl.

3. Karor Singhia Misl : In 1809 A.D., the Chief of the Karor Singhia Misl Baghel Singh died. On finding it a golden opportunity, Ranjit Singh occupied the Karor Singhia Misl.

4. Nakkai Misl: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had matrimonial relations with the Nakkai Misl. Caring little about it Ranjit Singh’s army attacked the Nakkai Misl in 1810 A.D., defeated its Chief Kahan Singh and merged his areas to his Kingdom.

5. Faizalpuria Misl: After the death of Khushal Singh in 1795 A.D., his son Budh Singh became the new Chief of the Faizalpuria Misl. He lacked the bravery and ability of his father. As a result the Faizalpuria Misl began to head towards its decline. Ranjit Singh took advantage of it and occupied it in 1811 A.D.

Change In the Policy towards Friendly Misls:

When Maharaja Ranjit Singh became confident that his state had grown powerful, he deemed it fit to change his policy towards the friendly Misls. This policy may be discussed as follows :

1. Kanahia Misl: In 1796 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh married Mehtab Kaur, the daughter of the late Kanahia Chief, Gurbaksh Singh and Sada Kaur. As has already been described, the Maharaja’s mother-in-law, Sada Kaur had rendered invaluable help in Ranjit Singh’s rise to power. But in 1821 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh arrested his mother-in-law, Sada Kaur and seized the areas of Kanahia Misl.

2. Ramgarhia Misl: As long as Jodh Singh Ramgarhia lived, Maharaja Ranjit Singh maintained friendly relations with him. In 1815 A.D., when Jodh Singh died, Ranjit Singh took possession of the Ramgarhia Misl and annexed its areas to his kingdom.

3. Ahluwalia Misl: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had very intimate relations with Fateh Singh Ahluwalia. He had helped Ranjit Singh in several of his military campaigns. Ranjit Singh too had helped him in some of his conquests. In 1825-26 A.D., some sort of misunderstanding developed between them. So, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia with his family sought the refuge of the Britishers. Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured all the areas which were under Fateh Singh Ahluwalia. In 1827 A.D., they compromised. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Returned some of the areas of Fateh Singh Ahluwalia while the rest remained with Kim.

Abolition of Gurmata:

Gurmata was the central institution of the Sikh Misls. It symbolised the unity, organization and equality of the Misl Chiefs. The convention of the Gurmata was held at the Akal Takht Sahib at Amritsar. The Chiefs of the various Misls would take part in it and decide about the action to be taken against the enemies and also discuss in detail matters of common interest. Although now the Gurmata had ceased to be an effective institution, yet Ranjit Singh did not want that the other Misl Chiefs should claim equality with him through the medium of Gurmata. Therefore in 1805 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh scrapped the institution of the Gurmata. With the abolition of this institution, Maharaja Ranjit Singh became totally independent to take his political decisions.

Criticism of the Misl Policy:

Some historians prominently Griffin, Sinha and Latif, have criticised the Misl policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh severely on the following basis:

(a) Aggressive Policy : Maharaja Ranjit Singh adopted aggressive policy towards the weak Misls. He would attack the Misls without any rhyme or reason and take possession of them. Ranjit Singh seized the territories of Dallewalia, Bhangi, Faizalpuria, Nakkai and Karor Singhia Misls and annexed them to his kingdom. These Misls had done nothing wrong to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

(b) Selfish and Unscrupulous Policy: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s policy towards the Misls was entirely selfish and unscrupulous. He did not conduct himself well even towards the Chiefs of the powerful Misls, who had rendered him their invaluable services at the time of his rise to power. Not to speak of others, in 1821 A.D., he imprisoned his mother-in-law, Sada Kaur and included her areas in his empire. According to Dr. N. K. Sinha, “Ranjit Singh’s policy was one of absorption of all the Sikh confederacies. No tie of kinship, no sentiment of gratitude was strong enough to stand in his way.”

Justification of the Misl Policy:

Although Ranjit Singh’s policy towards the Misls has been described as aggressive and selfish, the following facts prove that his policy towards the Misls was not unfair : ‘

(a) Generous treatment with the vanquished Chiefs : It is true that Maharaja Ranjit Singh had annexed the Misls to his kingdom but he treated the vanquished with a leniency and kindness unknown in Oriental despotism. He granted big estates to the chiefs and their families for their sustenance.

(b) Establishment of a Powerful Kingdom: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a man of far-sightedness. He had realized that small and weak Misls could not prove helpful in any way in establishing a strong Sikh empire. So Maharaja Ranjit Singh took possession of these Misls and organised them into’a powerful Sikh empire. If these Misls had been left in their original form, they would have been swallowed either by the Afghans or by some other enemy.

(c) Ranjit Singh was not devoid of sentiments of Gratitude : The charge levelled against Ranjit Singh that he was devoid of the sentiments of relationship and gratitude is entirely wrong. As long as Jodh Singh Ramgarhia lived, Ranjit Singh did not bring his areas under his submission. Ranjit Singh imprisoned his mother-in-law, Sada Kaur in 1821 A.D., because she had started conspiring against the Maharaja.

(d) A blessing for the People of Punjab : Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Misl policy actually proved a blessing for the people of Punjab. An atmosphere of anarchy and chaos prevailed in Punjab during the Misl period. By putting an end to the Misls the Maharaja established an independent Sikh empire. Maharaja Ranjit Sing’ not only maintained peace in his empire, but also encouraged agriculture and trade. Consequently, Punjab became a prosperous state.

Conquests Of Maharaja Ranjit Singh:

Question 4.
Give a brief description of the victories of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Explain the main conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. “Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great conqueror and. an empire builder.” In the light of this statement, give a brief account of the important conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great conqueror. When he ascended the throne he was a Sardar of a small Misl of Sukarchakia. But, by the virtue of his bravery and ability, he changed his state into an empire. A brief account of the conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is given below :

1. Conquest of Lahore 1799 AD.: Hie first and the most significant conquest of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was that of Lahore. Lahore had been the capital of the Punjab for centuries together. At that time, three Bhangi Sardars Sahib Singh, Mohar Singh and Chet Singh jointly ruled oyer it. The people were fed up with their cruelties and maladministration. The ruler of Afghanistan, Shah Zaman, was dreaming of bringing the Punjab under his control. With this objective he invaded the Punjab four times during the years 1793 A.D. and 1798 AD. During his fourth invasion, Shah Zaman easily captured Lahore in November 1798 A.D. But because of a rebellion in Kabul, Shah Zaman had to retreat to Kabul.

Taking advantage of this situation the Bhangi Sardars, ence again took possession of Lahore. Since, the people of Lahore were already fed up with their oppressive rule, they invited Ranjit Singh to take control of Lahore. Ranjit Singh took advantage of this golden opportunity and attacked Lahore on 6th July, 1799 AD., with the help of his mother-in-law Sada Kaur. On hearing the news of attack, Bhangi Sardars fled away from the city. Thus, Ranjit Singh occupied Lahore on 7th July, 1799 AD. The conquest of Lahore was the first major achievement of Ranjit Singh. According to Fakir Syed Waheeduddin, “Its capture, therefore, not only added to Ranjit Singh’s strength and importance, but also invested him with title to the rest of the Punjab.”

2. Battle of Bhasin 1800 AD. : The occupation of Lahore by Ranjit Singh aroused the jealousies among the leading chiefs of Punjab. Gulab Singh Bhangi of Amritsar, and Nizam-ud-Din of Kasur made a united front against Ranjit Singh. The joint forces under the command of Gulab SinglHBhangi assembled at Bhasin near Lahore. Ranjit Singh too reached Bhasin to face them. Unexpectedly one day Gulab Singh Bhangi died of over-drinking. It demoralised the Opponents of Ranjit Singh and they fled away from the battlefield. In this way Ranjit Singh scored a victory without shedding a drop of blood.

3. Coronation of Ranjit Singh. On 12 April, 1801 A.D., on the auspicious day of Baisakhi festival, Ranjit Singh was crowned as the Maharaja of Lahore. The coronation took place amidst great festivities and public rejoicings. Baba Sahib Singh Bedi, a descendant of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, anointed Ranjit Singh with tilak. Maharaja Ranjit Singh took the title of ‘Sarkar-e-Khalsa’. To commemorate this event,’4ie issued Nanakshahi coin.

4. Conqpest of Amritsar 1805 A.D.: The city of Amritsar was very important for the Sikhs trom the religious point of view. The Sikhs considered it as their Mecca. In addition, it was the most famous trade centre of the Punjab. In order to become the Maharaja of the Punjab it was very essential for Ranjit Singh to bring Amritsar under his control. In 1805 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh asked Gulab Singh Bhangi’s widow Mai Sukhan, who was ruling over Amritsar in the name of her minor son, Gurdit Singh, to hand over the fort of Lohgarh and the famous Zamzama gun to him. Mai Sukhan did hot concede these demands of the Maharaja. So Maharaja Ranjit Singh at once attacked Amritsar. After some resistance, Mai Sukhan admitted defeat. Thus, Amritsar came under the control of Ranjit Singh.

5. Cis-Sutlej Expeditions 1806-08 A.D.: Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked the area of Cis-Sutlej thrice i.e. ih 1806 A.D., 1807 A.D. and 1808 A.D. During his first attack the Maharaja conquered the areas of Ludhiana, Jagraon, Dakha, Jandiala and Talwandi. During his second expedition, Ranjit Singh took possession of the areas of Morinda, Sirhind, Zira, Kot-Kapura and Dharmkot. In his third expedition, Ranjit Singh captured the areas of Faridkot, Ambala, Shahabad. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not annex the conquered territories to his kingdom, but distributed them to his companions. According to the Treaty of Amritsar, signed on 25th April, 1809 A.D. between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and British the region of Cis-Sutlej had gone under the protection of British, so the Maharaja could not establish his hold on these territories.

6. Conquest of Dallewalia Misl, 1807 A.D. : The leader of the Dallewalia Misl was Tara Singh Gheba. He was an able ruler. So Maharaja Ranjit Singh did hot dare to attack the Dallewalia Misl as long as he was alive. In 1807 A.D., Tara Singh Gheba died. Finding a good^ppdrtunity, Ranjit Singh attacked the Dallewalia Misl on the pretext of expressing his condolence. Tara Singh’s widow gave little resistance to Ranjit Singh and thqn admitted defeat. The Maharaja annexed to his kingdom all the territories of the Dallewalia Misl.

7. Conquest of Sialkot 1808 A.D.: The ruler of Sialkot was Jiwan Singh. In 1808 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh asked him to hand over the fort of Sialkot to him. On his refusal, Ranjit Singh attacked Sialkot. After a brief resistance Jiwan Singh admitted his defeat. The Maharaja annexed Sialkot to his kingdom.

8. Conquest of Kangra l4op A.D.: In 1809 A.D. the Gorkhas of Nepal beseiged the Tort of Kangra. The ruler of Kangra Sansar Chand Katoch requested Ranjit Singh for help against the Gorkhas. He promised to give Ranjit Singh the fort of Kangra in return of that. Ranjit Singh readily accepted the offer. His army compelled the Gorkhas to retreat. Now, Sansar Chand declined to give the fort to Ranjit Singh. Consequently, Ranjit Singh detained Sansar Chand’s son, Anurodh. As a result, Sansar Chand had no option, but to hand over the fort to Ranjit Singh. v Its occupation added to the prestige of the Maharaja.

9. Conquest of Gujarat 1809 A.D.: The city of Gujarat was very famous for its vast resources. The ruler of Gujarat, Sahib Singh Bhangi had been conspiring against Ranjit Singh. Being preoccupied elsewhere, Ranjit Singh could not pay attention to Gujarat. In 1809 A.D., Ranjit Singh sent a force under Faqir Aziz-ud-Din against Gujarat. He defeated Sahib Singh Bhangi and brought Gujarat under ’ control.

10. Conquest of Attock 1813 A.D. : The fort of Attock was geographically very significant. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time, Jahandad Khan, the Afghan Governor, was ruling over Attock. He was under the Kabul government only in name, otherwise he was ruling independently. In 1813 A.D., when the Wazir of Kabul, Fateh Khan, attacked Kashmir and defeated his brother Ata Mohammad Khan, he was alarmed. He was confident that Fateh Khan’s next target would he K Attock. Therefore, he started negotiations with Ranjit Singh. In exchange of a big ‘ Jagir yielding an annual revenue of Rs. 1 lakh he agreed to surrender the fort of Attock to Ranjit Singh.

When Fateh Khan came to know about it, he flew into a v rage. In order to bring the fort of Attock under his control, he proceeded towards Attock with his army. On 13th July, 1813 A.D., at a place called Hazro or Haidr u, a fierce battle was fought between the armies of Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan. In this battle Ranjit Singh gave a crushing defeat to Fateh Khan. It was the first battle fought between the Afghans and the Sikhs. This victory not only strengthened v Ranjit Singh’s hold on Attock, but also spread his fame far and wide.

11. Conquest of Multan 1818 A.D.: Multan was important from geographic and economic point of view. Hence, Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to conquer it. Multan was under the rule of Afghan Governor, Nawab Muzaffar Khan. As such he was under the rule of the Kabul Government, but in reality he was ruling independently. From 1802 A.D. to 1817 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent six expeditions to Multan. Each time Nawab Muzaffar Khan avoided the army of Ranjit Singh with a Nazrana. In 1818 A.D. Maharaja decided to conquer Multan. He started preparing for an attack on Multan on a large scale.

Misar Diwan Chand, who was one of the popular generals of the Maharaja was sent to conquer Multan with a large army. After a fierce fight Misar Diwan Chand was able to conquer Multan. In this fight Nawab Muzaffar Khan and his five sons were killed. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh received the news of this important victory, he was pleased. Festivities took place to celebrate this victory for days on end. Misar Diwan Chand was bestowed upon with the title of ‘Zafar Jang’.

12. Conquest of Kashmir 1819 A.D. : The valley of Kashmir has been famous for its beauty, delicious fruits and prosperous trade since ancient times. That is why, Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to conquer this province. In this regard, he sent two expeditions to Kashmir in 1813 and 1814 A.D., but both these expeditions failed to achieve the desired objective. Maharaja Ranjit Singh got a new impetus with the conquest of Multan in 1818 A.D. Therefore, in 1819 A.D., he sent a huge force under the command of Misar Diwan Chand, the victor of Multan, to Kashmir.

He succeeded in defeating the Afghan Governor of Kashmir, Jabbar Khan. The conquest of Kashmir added to the prestige of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Misar Diwan Chand was honoured with the title of ‘Fateh-o-Nusrat Nasib’ (one who is destined to win). The conquest of Kashmir gave a stunning blow to the Afghan power. It boosted the morale of the Sikh forces. Moreover, it proved beneficial to the Maharaja from the commercial point of view. Dr. G.S. Chhabra aptly says, “The conquest of Kashmir had a great significance in the Maharaja’s development of power.”

13. Conquest of Peshawar 1834 A.D.: Peshawar was an important region from the geographical point of view. In his first expedition, in 1818 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh had defeated Yar Mohammad Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan, but he resolved not to include Peshawar in his empire. In 1823 A.D., Azim Khan, a minister of Afghanistan took over the control of Peshawar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh defeated him in a pitched battle of Naushera and again got control over Peshawar. He annexed Peshawar to his empire in 1834 A.D.

Extent of the Empire:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s, empire had extended upto Ladakh in the North, ShikarpuT in the South, the river Sutlej in the East and Peshawar in the West. In this way Maharaja Ranjit Singh had established a big empire during his reign. According to Dr. G.L. Chopra, “Ranjit Singh, within forty years, raised himself from a petty sardar to the rulership of an extensive kingdom.”

Question 5.
Briefly describe the various stages in the conquest of Multan by Ranjit Singh. Point out its significance.
Or
How did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer and administer Multan?
Answer:
Multan was geographically and economically very significant. It was an important province of the Mughal empire. In 1779 A.D., Ahmad Shah Abdali’s successor Timur Shah defeated the Bhangi Sardars and established his control over Multan. He appointed NaWab Muzaffar Khan as the Governor of Multan. Soon after taking advantage of the political instability in Afghanistan, Nawab Muzaffar Khan declared his independence. During Ranjit Singh’s times Multan was under Nawab Muzaffar Khan, Expeditions of Ranjit Singh In order to conquer Multan Maharaja Ranjit Singh had invaded Multan seven timefffrom 1802 AD. to 1818 A.D.Ahrief description of these expeditions is as follows:

1. First Expedition 1802 A.D.: In 1802 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh led his first expedition to Multan. When his army reached near Multan, Nawab Muzaffar Khan became panicky. So he sent this message to Ranjit Singh that if he did not attack Multan, he was ready to pay annual tribute to him. Ranjit Singh accepted the condition and returned to Lahore with plenty of riches without fighting.

2. Second Expedition 1805 A.D.: According to the treaty of 1802 A.D. Nawab Muzaffar Khan did not send the annual tribute to Ranjit Singh. So Ranjit Singh again marched to Multan in 1805 A.D. At that time, Ranjit Singh received the information that the Maratha Sardar, Jaswant Rai Holkar had entered the Punjab. So Maharaja Ranjit Singh hastily entered into a pact with Muzaffar Khan and returned to Lahore.

3. Third Expedition 1807 A.D.: In 1807 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Multan for the third time because Nawab Muzaffar Khan was helping the rulers of Jhang and Kasur against Ranjit Singh. When Ranjit Singh received this news, he attacked Multan. In no time, his army conquered several territories of Multan , but it could not conquer the fort of Multan. Finally, Ranjit Singh raised the seige after accepting Rs. 70,000 as Nazrana from Muzaffar Khan.

4. Fourth Expedition 1810 A.D. : In 1810 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singli despatched a force against Multan for the fourth time under the command of Diwan Mohkam Chand. The Sikh army conquered the Multan city and beseiged the fort. This time too the forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh couldn’t conquer the Multan fort. At last a compromise took place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Nawab Muzaffar Khan. According to the compromise Nawab -Muzaffar Khan agreed to give Ranjit Singh an annual tribute of Rs. 2 lakhs.

5. Fifth Expedition 1816 A.D.; In 1816 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent an expeditiohto Multan under the command of Misar’Diwan Chand. Akali Phula Singh with a number of Akalis also joined this expedition. Once again Muzaffar Khan paid a huge amount to the Maharaja in order to forestall his doom.

6. Sixth Expedition 1817 A.D.: In order to get the arrear of the tribute fror Nawab Muzzaffar Khan, Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent an army to Multan in 1817 A.D. under the command of Diwan Bhiwani Das. This expedition failed to¬ffs objectives.

7. Seventh Expedition 1818 A.D.: In 1818 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh firmly decided to conquer Multan. Preparations for the attack on Multan were made with great zeal and zest. The command of 20,000 cavalry and infantry soldiers was entrusted to Misar Diwan Chand. He beseiged the fort of Multan. This seige continued for four months. All the efforts of the Sikh forces to demolish the fort proved futile. In the evening of 2nd June, Akali Sadhu Singh with his companions succeeded in entering the fort, raising the slogans of ‘Sat Siri Akal’. In the battle Muzaffar Khan mid his five sons died fighting bravely.

One of his sons was wounded and two of them apologised. Thus, Ranjit Singh’s army conquered the fort of Multan on 2nd June, 1818 A.D. When Ranjit Singh heard the news of the conquest of Multan, he was overjoyed. To celebrate this grand victory, Lahore and Amritsar were greatly illuminated and celebrations were held for days together throughout the State. The conqueror of Multan Misar Diwan Chand was presented valuable gifts and honoured with the title of ‘Zafar Jang9 (Victor of the Battle).

Importance of the Conquest of Multan:

The conquest of Multan was one of the significant conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The importance of this conquest can be gauged from the facts given below :

• This conquest marked an end to the Afghan power in the Punjab and proved that the Sikhs were far more powerful than the Afghans.
• Another important result of the conquest of Multan by Maharaja Ranjit Singh was that the Muslim rulers of some small states were terrified and so they accepted the suzerainty of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
• The land of Multan was very fertile. So with its victory Ranjit Singh’s revenue increased a great deal.
• The conquest of Multan not only expanded the empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh but also enhanced his prestige. All began to acknowledge his power.
• The conquest of Multan greatly encouraged Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his soldiers.
• The conquest of Multan proved useful from commercial and military point of view. According to H.S. Bhatia and S.R. Bakshi, “The conquest besides adding to his financial sources, established Ranjit Singh’s prestige among his enemies.”

Conquest Of Kashmir:

Question 6.
Discuss the various expeditions sent to conquer Kashmir. Study its significance.
Or
How did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer and administer Kashmir?
Or
How did Ranjit Singh conquer Kashmir? What was the significance of this conquest?
Answer:
The valley of Kashmir has been famous for its beauty, natural sights, pleasant climate, delicious fruits and prosperous trade. It is, in fact, a paradise on earth. That is why, it has been a source of attraction for the invaders since ancient times. In 1752 A D., the ruler of Afghanistan Ahmad Shah Abdali conquered it from the Mughals and annexed it to his empire. During Ranjit Singh’s times Afghan Governor Ata Mohammad Khan was ruling over Kashmir. Taking advantage of the political instability in Afghanistan, Ata Mohammad Khan declared his inde¬pendence in 1809 A.D.

After consolidating his position in Kabul, Wazir Fateh Khan paid attention to bring Kashmir under his control. Right at that time Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab was also anxious to conquer Kashmir.

In 1813 A.D., an agreement was reached between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan at Rohtas. According to this agreement between Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan, it was decided that the forces of the two would jointly attack Kashmir. A brief account of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s expeditions to Kashmir is given below:

First Expedition of Kashmir—1813 A.D.:

According to the agreement made at Rohtas in 1813 A.D., Ranjk Singh’s General Diwan Mohkam Chand with twelve thousand soldiers, and Fateh Khan with a huge force proceeded jointly to attack Kashmir. When the Governor of Kashmir Ata Mohammad Khan heard the news of the arrival of the joint forces, he tried to resist them at Shergarh. After a brief resistance Ata Mojhammad Khan fled from the battlefield. Thus, Kashmir was occupied without much difficulty. After the conquest of Kashmir. Fateh Khan refused to share the territory and the booty with the Sikhs.

When Maharaja Ranjit Singh came to know that Fateh Khan had deceived him, his wrath knew no bounds. He decided to teach the Afghans a lesson, which they might remember for long. The Maharaja secured the important fort of Attock from Jahandad Khan in lipu of a ‘Jagir’ of one lakh per annum. When Fateh Khan came to know about it, he became very furious. In order to retrieve it from Maharaja Ranjit Singh he, with his forces proceeded towards Attock. Before leaving Kashmir, he entrusted its administration to his brother Azim Khan.

A fierce battle was fought between the two foffies on 13th July, 1813 A.D., at a place named Hazro or Haidru, 5 miles away from Attock. In this bloody battle, 2000 Afghans were killed. Fateh Khan with his soldiers fled to Kabul. The victory of Hazro greatly boosted the morale of the Sikh forces because in this battle they had for the first time inflicted a crushing defeat on the Afghan forces.

Second Expedition of Kashmir—1814 A.D.:

Greatly encouraged by the victory at Hazro, Maharaja Ranjit Singh decided to attack Kashmir in April, 1814 A.D. At that time Azim Khan, the younger brother of Fateh Khan was acting as the Governor of Kashmir. He had made full arrangements to resist the forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s experienced General, Diwan Mohkam Chand suggested to the Maharaja not to attack Kashmir at that time. But Ranjit Singh paid little heed to his suggestion. Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself with Diwan Mohkam Chand’s grandson Ram Dayal marched towards Kashmir. Ranjit Singh had to face many hardships in the absence of Diwan Mohkam Chand’s experience and military command.

When Ranjit Singh’s army reached Rajori on the ill-advice of the Sardar of that place, Aghar Khan, he divided his army into two parts. Owing to this division Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s forces had to suffer a heavy loss. In July, 1814 A.D., in a battle fought at Sopian, Azim Khan inflicted crushing defeat on the Sikh forces under Ram Dayal. Since Ranjit Singh was left with a small number of soldiers, he thought it better to retreat without any confrontation. Owing to bad weather, Ranjit Singh’s forces had to suffer a heavy loss of life and material. Ram Dayal too had to return to Lahore with a heavy loss.

Third Expedition of Kashmir-—1819 A.D.:

In 1818 A.D., Azim Khan appointed his brother Jabbar Khan the Governor of Kashmir. Jabbar Khan did not have any quality of his brother, Azim Khan. He proved to be a worthless and inefficient ruler. Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to avail himself of this opportunity. Secondly, the conquest of Multan in 1818 A.D., infused a new confidence among the soldiers of Ranjit Singh. So, Ranjit Singh thought it a golden opportunity to attack Kashmir.

In April 1819 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh with a big force of 30,000 soldiers marched towards Kashmir. The main division of the army was kept under the command of Misar Diwan Chand. For his assistance the second division of the army was kept under Prince Kharak Singh. The third division of the army was commanded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself. This army was to be used in need only. On the other hand, Jabbar Khan too advanced with his soldiers to face the Sikhs. A fierce battle took place between the two armies at a place called Supin on 5th July, 1819 A.D.

But the Afghan forces could not stand before the Sikh forces for long and they fled from the battlefield. Jabbar Khan, having been wounded escaped to Peshawar. In this way, the Sikhs took possession of Kashmir. Maharaja Ranjit Singh celebrated the occasion with great joy. Misar Diwan Chand was honoured with the title Fateh-o-Nusrat Nasib (one who is destined to win).

Importance of the Conquest of Kashmir:

The conquest of Kashmir was one of the most significant conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This conquest added to the Maharaja’s prestige. Secondly, the Sikh’s occupation of Kashmir gave a stunning blow to the»Afghan power. It boosted the morale of Sikh forces. Thirdly, the conquest of Kashmir proved beneficial to the Maharaja from the economic point of view. Ranjit Singh’s annual income from . this province was Rs. 40,00,000. Fourthly, the conquest of Kashmir proved extrefnely useful from the commercial point of view. This province was world famous for its shawl industry. According to Khushwant Singh, “Kashmir was an important acquisition for the Punjab.”

Administration of Kashmir:

After the annexation of Kashmir to the Sikh empire in 1819 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed Diwan Moti Ram, the first Governor of Kashmir. He failed to check the anarchy and corruption which had prevailed there. So General Hari Singh Nalwa was appointed the new Governor of , Kashmir. He brought about many significant improvements in the administrative, economic and social fields. He tried to give impartial justice to the people. He withdrew undue taxes levied on the people. Those who defied the government rules were severely dealt with.

Special attention was paid to develop the industries of Kashmir. As a result of these efforts, the people of Kashmir met with prosperity after a long time. In 1821 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh called back Hari Singh Nalwa from Kashmir for some other important assignment. After Hari Singh Nalwa, all the Governors appointed in Kashmir failed to maintain such order.

Conquest Of Peshawar:

Question 7.
Give the main stages of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Peshawar and its annexation to his kingdom.
Or
Describe in brief the conquest of Peshawar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. What was its significance?
Or
Describe the conquest of Peshawar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Peshawar was situated to the North-West Frontier of India. It had its strategic importance. The invaders coming to the Punjab from the North-West Frontier generally came’by this way. Therefore, for the security of the Punjab, it was essential for Ranjit Singh to take possession of Peshawar.

Moreover Peshawar was also a famous trade centre. India carried on its trade with Afghanistan through this route. So, by annexing Peshawar to his empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to add to his financial resources. Since, Peshawar was situated near Kabul, it was not an easy task to capture it.

Various Expeditions of Peshawar:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent various expeditions to conquer Peshawar. A brief description of these expeditions is as follows :

1. First Expedition 1818 A.D.: Maharaja Ranjit Singh led his first expedition to Peshawar in 1818 A.D. At that time Peshawar was being jointly ruled by Barakzai brothers, Yar Mohammad Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan. When they heard about the advancement of the Sikh forces, they fled from Peshawar, without offering any resistance. Thus, on 20th November, 1818 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Peshawar without any difficulty.

For the time being the Maharaja did not want to annex Peshawar to his empire. So, he appointed the ex-ruler of Attock, Jahandad Khan, the Governor of Peshawar and he himself marched back to Lahore.

2. Second Expedition 1819 A.D.: Hardly had the Sikh army reached Lahore, Yar Mohammad Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan attacked Peshawar and recaptured it. Maharaja Ranjit Singh could not tolerate the occupation of Peshawar by Yar Mohammad Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan. He sent an. army of 12,000 soldiers under the command of Prince Kharak Singh and Misar Diwan Chand to attack Peshawar. Instead of resisting the forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Barakzai brothers accepted his overlordship.

3. Third Expedition 1823 A.D. : After sometime Azim Khan, the wazir of Kabul took possession of Peshawar. Azim Khan knew it very well that he might have to face Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s forces at any time. Therefore, he started consolidating his position. On the other hand, Ranjit Singh too, in a bid to maintain his hold of Peshawar, had started making military preparations. Soon, the Maharaja sent a large army to Peshawar under the command of famous Generals like Hari Singh Nalwa, Prince Sher Singh and Attar Singh Attariwala.

A decisive battle was fought between the two armies on 14th March, 1823 A.D., at a place called Naushera. This battle is also known as the battle of Tibba Tehri. It was a very dreadful battle. In the beginning, the Afghans had an upper hand. Akali Phula Singh and many other famous warriors of the Sikhs were killed in this battle. Therefore, the Khalsa army began to feel disheartened. At this time, Maharaja Ranjit Singh infused a new enthusiasm in his soldiers and shouting the slogans of Sat Siri Akal attacked the Afghans with full force. This attack turned the tides.

Azim Khan and his companions fled for life from the battlefield. In this way, Sikhs were able to win this decisive battle. After the victory at Naushera, the Sikh forces reached Peshawar on 17th March, 1823 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh reappointed, Yar Mohammad Khan the Governor of Peshawar.

4. Fourth Expedition 1827-31 A.D.: During 1827 A.D., to 1831 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh had to send expeditions to crush the revolts of Sayyed Ahmad. He had started instigating the Afghans against the Sikhs. In 1829 A.D., Sayyed Ahmad with 40 thousand soldiers attacked Peshawar. Yar Mohammad Khan was killed while fighting. As a result Sayyed Ahmad captured Peshawar. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh heard about it, he sent an army under the command of Prince Sher Singh and General Ventura. Sayyed Ahmad and his soldiers suffered a heavy defeat in a fierce battle fought at Peshawar.

Sayyed Ahmad succeeded in fleeing from the battlefield. Yar Mohammad Khan’s brother, Sultan Mohammad Khan was appointed the new Governor of Peshawar. Sayyed Ahmad still did not desist from his anti-Sikh activities. In May, 1831 A.D., he was killed at Balakot, while fighting against Prince Sher Singh. In this way a big nuisance for the Sikhs came to an end.

5. Fifth Expedition 1834 A.D.: In 1834 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh decided to annex Peshawar to his empire. With this objective, a huge force was sent to Peshawar under the command of Prince Naunihal Singh and General Hari Singh Nalwa. When Sultan Mohammad Khan heard the news, he fled to Kabul without offering any resistance. In this way on 6th May, 1834 A.D., the Sikh forces occupied Peshawar very comfortably. General Hari Singh Nalwa was appointed the first Governor to look after the administration of Peshawar.

Battle of Jamraud:

Dost Mohammad Khan did not sit quietly on reaching Kabul. He wanted to avenge the insult suffered by him at the hands of the Sikhs. On the other side, the Sikhs were also busy in consolidating their position in Peshawar. In order to, prevent the Afghans from invading Peshawar, General Hari Singh Nalwa got a strong fort constructed at Jamraud. Dost Mohammad Khan could not tolerate the growing power of the Sikhs in Peshawar.

So, he sent twenty thousand soldiers under the command of Mohammad Akbar and Shamsudin to invade Jamraud. This army attacked Jamraud on 28th April, 1837 A.D. Sardar Mahan Singh with his 600 soldiers bravely resisted the Afghans for two days. At that time, General Hari Singh Nalwa was lying seriously ill at Peshawar.

When he heard the news of Afghan attack, roaring like a lion, he reached Jamraud with his 10,000 soldiers. He’trounced the Afghan forces. Being hit by a shell, General Hari Singh Nalwa died a martyr’s death on 30th April, 1837 A.D. In order to, avenge his martyrdom, the Sikh army made so powerful attack on the Afghans that they fled to Kabul like jackals. Thus* the Sikhs emerged victorious in this decisive battle of Jamraud. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh heard the news of the death of his great general, Hari Singh Nalwa, tears kept flowing down his eyes for days together. After the battle of Jamraud, Dost Mohammad Khan never dared to attack Peshawar again. He felt assured that it was not possible to recover Peshawar from the Sikhs.

Significance of the Conquest of Peshawar:

The conquest of Peshawar was one of the significant conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This conquest largely added to the empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The supremacy of his military power was established all over India. It enhanced his prestige also. With the conquest of Peshawar by Ranjit Singh, the Punjabis heaved a sigh of relief after eight centuries, because .the Muslim invaders had invaded the Punjab and other parts of India only through this route. These invasions not only caused much havoc but also made the nights of the people sleepless.

But this danger was removed, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh took possession of Peshawar. The conquest of Peshawar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh also added to his economic resources. Prof. Harbans Singh aptly says, “The Sikh conquest of Peshawar finally ended the long sequence of invasions from the north-west.”

Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
Give a brief account of the career of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe briefly the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit. Singh was well known as the most efficient ruler not only in Punjab but in India. He was born in 1780 A.D. in Gujranwala. He ruled from 1799 A.D. to 1839 A.D. He established a vast empire.Under him all religions were paid equal respect. He established an efficient administration. He captured the areas of Lahore, Multan, Kashmir, Peshawar, Amritsar and Gujarat etc. Undoubtedly, he was Sher-i-Punjab.

Question 2.
What was the political condition of Punjab on the accession of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Or
What was the political condition of Punjab at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s accession to power?
Answer:
When Maharaja Ranjit Singh took the reins of Sukarchakia Misl in his hands in 1797 A.D., the political condition of the Punjab was deplorable. The Sikhs had found 12 independent Misls in most parts of the Punjab. Their unity was a thing of the past. Shah Zaman, the ruler of Kabul started invading the Punjab in order to bring it under his control. Sansar Chand Katoch, the ruler of Kangra and Bhim Sen Thapa the ruler of Nepal were on a look out for getting control of the Punjab.

Question 3.
Write a short note on Shah Zaman.
Answer:
Shah Zaman became the new ruler of Afghanistan after the death of his father, Taimur Shdh in 1793 A.D. He immediately turned his attention to recover the Punjab from the Sikhs. With this objective he invaded Punjab in 1793 A.D. and again in 1795 A.D., but he had to go back to Kabul, unsuccessfully. He easily occupied Lahore during his third invasion in January 1797 A.D. In November 1798 A.D., once again Shah Zaman took control of Lahore. In 1800 A.D. Shah Zaman lost his empire in a coup. –

Question 4.
Give a brief account of the conquest of Lahore by Ranjit Singh and its significance.
Or
Write a brief note on Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Lahore.
Or
What was the importance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Lahore conquest?
Answer:
The conquest of Lahore was the first important political achievement of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. At that time three Bhangi Sardars-Sahib Singh, Mohar Singh, Chet Singh ruled over Lahore. Ranjit Singh with the help of his mother- in-law, Sada Kaur attacked Lahore. On hearing the news of invasion, Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh fled in panic. Chet Singh gave in after a short while. In this way, Ranjit Singh brought Lahore under his control on July 7, 1799 A. D. It proved to be turning point in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s life.

Question 5.
Write a short note on the battle of Bhasin.
Answer:
The occupation of Lahore by Ranjit Singh. Gulab Singh Bhangi of Amritsar and Nizam-ud-Din of Kasur made a united front against him. The joint forces under the command of Gulab Singh Bhangi assembled at Bhasin near Lahore. Ranjit Singh too reached Bhasin to face them. Unexpectedly one day Gulab Singh Bhangi died of over drinking. It demoralised the opponents of Ranjit Singh and they fled from the battlefield. In this way Maharaja Ranjit Singh scored a victory without shedding a drop of blood.

Question 6.
Describe briefly about the conquest of Amritsar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and its importance.
Or
Discuss briefly the significance of the conquest of Amritsar.
Or
Describe briefly about the conquest of Amritsar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Write a short note on the Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Amritsar conquest.
Answer:
In 1805 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh asked her to hand over the fort of Lohgarh and famous gun Zamzama to him. Mai Sukhan refused to accept the proposal, so Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Amritsar, along with his mother-in¬law Sada Kaur and Fateh Singh Ahluwalia. After a short resistance, Mai Sukhan accepted defeat. In this way, in 1805 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh got control over Amritsar. With the conquest of Amritsar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s fame spread far and wide.

Question 7.
How did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Multan?
Answer:
Multan was very significant from the geographical and commercial point of view. Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent six military expeditions between 1802-1817 A.D. Nawab Muzaffar Khan, the ruler of Multan evaded annexation everytime by offering tribute to the Maharaja. In 1818 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh resolved to conquer Multan. With this aim, he sent a vast army under the command of Misar Diwan Chand to conquer Multan. The Sikhs easily conquered Multan.

Question 8.
Describe the three significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of’Multan.
Answer:
The conquest of Multan is one of the important conquests of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This conquest put an end to the influence of Afghans in Punjab. This decisive conquest enhanced the morale of the Sikhs. It expanded Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire. It also enhanced his grandeur and glory. As a result, the conquest of Multan gave impetus to the trade of Punjab.

Question 9.
How did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Kashmir?
Or
Describe Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Kashmir.
Answer:
According to an agreement made between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan, they attacked Kashmir in 1813 A.D. Ata Mohammad Khan, Governor of Kashmir was defeated in a battle at Shergarh. In 1814 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh invaded Kashmir for the second time. He had to face defeat in this expedition. Maharaja Ranjit Singh invaded Kashmir in 1819 A.D. for the third time. Maharaja Ranjit Singh won the battle and succeeded in bringing Kashmir under his control.

Question 10.
Describe the significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Kashmir.
Answer:

• It greatly increased Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s prestige and pride,
• His frontier in the north had reached its natural bounds.
• The control of Kashmir by the Sikhs dealt a severe blow to the Afghan influence in India and it encouraged the morale of Sikh forces.
• The conquest of Kashmir resulted in economic gain to the Maharaja.
• With the annextion of Kashmir to the Panjab its trade got great impetus.

Question 11.
Write a brief note on the battle of Naushera or. Tibba Tehri.
Answer:
A fierce battle tbok place between the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Afghans at Naushehra or Tibba Tehri on March 14, 1823 A.D. In the beginning of the battle, the Afghans had the upper hand. Akali Phula Singh and many other famous warriors were killed in this battle. Now the Sikhs attacked the Afghans so vigorously that the latter had to flee to save their lives. As a result of the victory in this decisive battle the morale of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army was enhanced.

Question 12.
Briefly write about the significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Peshawar.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Peshawar greatly enhanced the prestige of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Punjabis heaved a sigh of relief after Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Peshawar, because the Muslim invaders invaded Punjab and other parts of India through this route. This conquest also proved economically useful to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It sounded the death knell of Afghan supremacy.

Question 13.
What policy did Maharaja Ranjit Singh adopt towards the defeated rulers?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh not only brought several states under his control but also adopted a successful administrative policy. This policy was uniformly applied to all the rulers, whether Sikhs, Hindus or the Muslims. Many rulers, who accepted the suzerainty of Ranjit Singh were returned their states. Those, rulers whose areas were annexed to his empire, were given some posts in the Maharaja’s Darbar or given suitable Jagirs enough for their living. A stern policy was adopted against those rulers who continued to oppose Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Question 14.
What policy did Maharaja Ranjit Singh adopt towards the Sikh Misls?
Or
Examine the Misl policy of Ranjit Singh.
Or
Write down the policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh towards Sikh Misls.
Answer:
There were 12 independent Sikh Misls at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s accession to power. Maharaja Ranjit Singh belonged to the Sukarchakia Misl. As the Maharaja wanted to establish a vast empire, he planned to bring all the Sikh Misls under his control. Since he was not in a position at that time to face the powerful Misls, he either established matrimonial relations or friendship with these Misls. With their cooperation he took control of weak Misls. When his resources increased, he included powerful Misls to his empire one by one.

Objective Type Questions:

Question 1.
When was Maharaja Ranjit Singh born?
Answer:
November 13, 1780 A.D.

Question 2.
Where was Maharaja Ranjit Singh born?
Answer:
Gujranwala.

Question 3.
To which Misl did he belong?
Answer:
Sukarchakia Misl.

Question 4.
Give the name of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s mother.
Answer:
Raj Kaur.

Question 5.
What was the name of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s father?
Answer:
Mahan Singh.

Question 6.
Who was Raj Kaur?
Answer:
Mother of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Question 7.
What was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s mother called.as?
Answer:
Mai Malwain.

Question 8.
With which Misl did Maharaja Ranjit Singh belong to?
Answer:
Sukarchakia Misl.

Question 9.
Name the grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
What was the name of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s grandfather?
Answer:
The name of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s grandfather was Charat Singh.

Question 10.
What was the original name of Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Budh Singh.

Question 11.
When did Ranjit Singh get accession to the throne?
Answer:
1792 A.D.

Question 12.
Who was Sada Kaur?
Answer:
Mother-in-law of Ranjit Singh.

Question 13.
What was the name of mother-in-law of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Sada Kaur.

Question 14.
To which Misl did Sada Kaur belong?
Or
To which Misl Sada Kaur belonged?
Answer:
Kanahia Misl.

Question 15.
Name the three Bhangi Sardars who ruled oyer Lahore during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Chet Singh, Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh.

Question 16.
Name the two Misls annexed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Dallewalia Misl and Karorsinghia Misl. .

Question 17.
Which ruler did rule over Kasur, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh rose to power?
Answer:
Nizam-ud-Din.

Question 18.
Who was the ruler of Kangra when Maharaja Ranjit Singh rose to power?
Answer:
Sansar Chand Katoch.

Question 19.
Which Gorkha leader of Nepal was famous, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh rose to power?
Answer:
Bhim Sen Thapa.

Question 20.
Who was George Thomas?
Answer:
He was a brave Englishman who had set up an independent state in Hansi.

Question 21.
Who was Shah Zaman?
Answer:
Emperor of Afghanistan.

Question 22.
What was the period of reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
1799 A.D. to 1839 A.D.

Question 23.
Which Misl was ruling over Lahore when Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered it in 1799 A.D.?
Answer:
Bhangi Misl.

Question 24.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Lahore?
Answer:
July 7, 1799 A.D.

Question 25.
Give any one significance of the conquest of Lahore.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was considered the ruler of the Punjab.

Question 26.
When did the coronation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh take place?
Or
When was Maharaja Ranjit Singh coronated?
Answer:
April 12, 1801 A.D.

Question 27.
Where was Maharaja Ranjit Singh coronated?
Answer:
Lahore.

Question 28.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Amritsar?
Answer:
1805 A.D.

Question 29.
What was Zamzama?
Answer:
A famous cannon.

Question 30.
How many times Maharaja Ranjit Singh invaded Malwa region?
Answer:
Three times.

Question 31.
Who was the Nawab of Kasur when-Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered it?
Answer:
Qutab-ud-Din.

Question 32.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Kangra?
Answer:
1809 A.D.

Question 33.
Who was the ruler of Kangra when Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered it?
Answer:
Sansar Chand Katoch.

Question 34.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh,conquer Gujarat?
Answer:
1809 A.D.

Question 35.
From whom did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Gujarat?
Answer:
Sahib Singh Bhangi.

Question 36.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Attock?
Answer:
1813 A.D.

Question 37.
From whom did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Attock?
Answer:
Jahandad Khan.

Question 38.
When was the battle of Hazro or Haidru fought?
Answer:
July 13, 1813 A.D.

Question 39.
When Ranjit Singh occupied Multan, who was the ruler of Multan at that time?
Answer:
Nawab Muzaffar Khan.

Question 40.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Multan?
Answer:
2nd June, 1818 A.D.

Question 41.
Who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh forces when Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered it in 1818 A.D.?
Answer:
Misar Diwan Chand.

Question 42.
Give any one important result of the conquest of Multan.
Answer:
This conquest was a big setback to the Afghan power.

Question 43.
When did Fateh Khan enter into an alliance with Ranjit Singh to conquer Kashmir?
Answer:
1813 A.D.

Question 44.
Who was Wafa Bagum?
Answer:
She was the wife of Afghanistan’s ruler Shah Shuja.

Question 45.
What did Maharaja Ranjit Singh get from Begum Shah Shuja?
Answer:
‘Kohinoor Diamond’.

Question 46.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Kashmir for the first time?
Answer:
1813 A.D.

Question 47.
Who was the ruler of Kashmir when Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s forces attacked it in 1813 A.D.?
Answer:
Ata Mohammad.

Question 48.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Kashmir for the second time?
Answer:
1814 A.D.

Question 49.
Who was the ruler of Kashmir when Maharaja Ranjit Sihgh attacked in 1814 A.D.?
Answer:
Aazim Khan.

Question 50.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Kashmir?
Answer:
July 5, 1819 A.D.

Question 51.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Peshawar for the first time?
Answer:
1818 A.D.

Question 52. Who ruled over Peshawar when Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Peshawar in 1818 A.D.?
Answer:
Yar Mohammad Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan.

Question 53.
When was the famous battle of Naushera or Tibba Tehri fought?
Answer:
March 14, 1823 A.D.

Question 54.
Which famous Akali warrior was killed in the battle of Naushera?
Answer:
Akali Phula Singh.

Question 55.
When Peshawar was annexed to thfe Sikh Empire?
Answer:
1834 A.D.

Question 56.
When was the battle of Jamraud fought?
Answer:
1837 A.D.

Question 57.
Which famous Sikh General was killed in the battle of Jamraud?
Answer:
General Hari Singh Nalwa.

Question 58.
Who was defeated in the battle of Jamraud?
Answer:
Afghans.

Question 59.
Mention the capital of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire.
Answer:
Lahore.

Question 60.
Name any one special feature of Misl policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
No room for any consideration of relationship.

Question 61.
Name the Sardar of the Ramgarhia with whom Maharaja Ranjit Singh established friendly relations.
Answer:
Jodh Singh Ramgarhia.

Question 62.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh abolish Gurmata as a political institution?
Answer:
1805 A.D.

Question 63.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh die?
Answer:
June 27, 1839 A.D.

Question 64.
Who became the successor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Kharak Singh.

Question 65.
Who was Kharak Singh?
Answer:
He was the eldest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Fill in the blanks:

1. Maharaja Ranjit Singh belonged to ……………. Misl.
Answer:
Sukarchakia

2. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was horn in ……………..
Answer:
1780 A.D.

3. The name of the father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was ………………..
Answer:
Mahan Singh

4. The name of the mother of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was …………………
Answer:
Raj Kaur

5. The childhood name of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was ………………
Answer:
Budh Singh

6. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was married to Mehtab Kaur in …………….
Answer:
1796 A.D.

7. ………….. was the mother-in-law of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Sada Kaur

8. ………………. ruled over Lahore during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Bhangi Misl

9. Ranjit Singh conquered Lahore in ……………….
Answer:
1799 A.D.

10. Ranjit Singh was coronated as Maharaja of Punjab in …………..
Answer:
1801 A.D.

11. The capital of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was ………….
Answer:
Lahore

12. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Amritsar in …………….
Answer:
1805 A.D.

13. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Kangra in ……………..
Answer;
1809 A.D.

14. …………….. was the ruler of Kangra at Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Sansar Chand Katoch

15. In 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh defeated …………… the ruler of Gujarat.
Answer:
Sahib Singh Bhangi

16. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Attock in ………………
Answer:
1813 A.D.

17. Nawab …………….. was the ruler of Multan during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Muzaffar Khan

18. Multan was conquered by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in ……………
Answer:
1818 A.D.

19. ……………… was the ruler of Kashmir when Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered it.
Answer:
Ata Mohammad Khan

20. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Kashmir in ……………… for the first time.
Answer:
1813 A.D.

21. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Kashmir in ………………. for the second time.
Answer:
1814 A.D.

22. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Kashmir in ………………
Answer:
1819 A.D.

23. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Peshawar in ……………… for the first time.
Answer:
1818 A.D.

24. At the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, battle between Afghans and Sikhs was fought at Tibba Tehri on ………………
Answer:
March 14, 1823 A.D.

25. The Akali leader Phula Singh was killed in theJbattle of ………………..
Answer:
Naushera

26. Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed Peshawar to his-empire in …………..
Answer:
1834 A.D.

27. The battle of Jamraud was fought between the Sikhs and the Afghans in ……………
Answer:
1837 A.D.

28. Maharaja Ranjit Singh died in …………….
Answer:
1839 A.D.

True or False:

1. Maharaja Ranjit Singh belonged to Kanahia Misl.
Answer:
False

2. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born in 1780 A.D.
Answer:
True

3. The name of the father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was Charat Singh.
Answer:
False

4. Sada Kaur was the mother of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
False

5. Sada Kaur belonged to Kanahia Misl.
Answer:
True

6. The childhood name of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was Buddh Singh.
Answer:
True

7. Sher Singh was the childhood name of Maharaja Ranjit Smgh.
Answer:
False

8. Shah Zaman was the son of Timur Shah.
Answer:
True

9. Shah Zaman was the ruler of Afghanistan.
Answer:
True

10. Ranjit Singh conquered Lahore in 1799 AD.
Answer:
True

11. Ranjit Singh was considered as the Maharaja df Lahore in 1801 AD.
Answer:
True

12. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Amritsar from Mai Sukhan in 1805 A.D.
Answer:
True

13. Zamzama was the name of a fort.
Answer:
False

14. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Kangra in 1809 A.D.
Answer:
True

15. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Attock in 1813 A.D.
Answer:
True

16. Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupied Multan in 1818 A.D.
Answer:
True

17. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Kashmir for the first time in 1814 A.D.
Answer:
False

18. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Kashmir in 1819 AD.
Answer:
True

19. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Peshwar for the first time in 1818 AD.
Answer:
True

20. The famous battle of Naushera was fought in 1813 AD.
Answer:
False

21. Akali Phula Singh was kifled in the battle of Naushera.
Answer:
True

22. Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed Peshawar, to his empire in 1834 A.D.
Answer:
True

23. The battle of Hazro was fought on 13th July, 1813 AD.
Answer:
True

24. The Battle of Jamraud was fought in 1837 AD.
Answer:
True

25. Maharaja Ranjit Singh passed away on June 27, 1839 A.D.
Answer:
True

26. Maharaja Ranjit Singh made Lahore as capital of his empire.
Answer:
True

27. Maharaja Dalip Singh became the successor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Empire.
Answer:
False

28. Maharaja Kharak Singh was the successor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. When was Mahairaja Ranjit Singh born?
(a) 1770 A.D.
(b) 1775 A.D.
(c) 1776 A.D.
(d) 1780 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1780 A.D.

2. Where was Maharaja Ranjit Singh born?
(a) Gujranwala
(b) Lahore
(c) Amritsar
(d) Multan.
Answer:
(a) Gujranwala

3. To which Misl did Maharaja Ranjit Singh belong?
(a) Kanahia
(b) Sukarchakia
(c) Ramgarhia
(d) Phulkian.
Answer:
(b) Sukarchakia

4. What was the name of the father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Budh Singh
(b) Charat Singh
(c) Mahan Singh
(d) Bhag Singh.
Answer:
(c) Mahan Singh

5. Who was famous as‘Mai Malwain’?
(a) Daya Kaur
(b) Rattan Kaur
(c) Raj Kaur
(d) Sada Kaur.
Answer:
(c) Raj Kaur

6. When did Ranjit Singh become the leader of Sukarchakia Misl?
(a) 1790 A D.
(b) 1792 A.D.
(c) 1793 A.D.
(d) 1795 A.D.
Answer:
(b) 1792 A.D.

7. Who was Sada Kaur?
(a) Queen of Ranjit Singh
(b) Mother-in-law of Ranjit Singh
(c) Sister of Ranjit Singh
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(b) Mother-in-law of Ranjit Singh

8. Which Bhangi Sardar ruled over Lahore when Maharaja Ranjit Singh rose to power?
(a) Chet Singh
(b) Sahib Singh
(c) Mohar Singh
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(d) All of the above.

9. Who was ruling over Kasur, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh rose to power?
(a) Nizam-ud-Din
(b) Kadam-ud-Din
(c) Wazir Khan
(d) Zakariya Khan.
Answer:
(a) Nizam-ud-Din

10. Which city was ruled by Sansar Chand Katoch when Maharaja Ranjit Singh rose to power?
(a) Nepal
(b) Kangra
(c) Jammu
(d) Sialkot.
Answer:
(b) Kangra

11. Which Gurkha leader of Nepal was famous in 18th century?
(a) Bhim Sen Thapa
(b) Agar Sen Thapa
(c) Amar Singh Thapa
(d) Tej Bahadur Thapa.
Answer:
(a) Bhim Sen Thapa

12. Where did George Thomas set up an independent state in 18th century?
(a) Jhansi
(b) Hansi
(c) Sirhind
(d) Muradabad.
Answer:
(b) Hansi

13. Who was Shah Zaman?
(a) Ruler of Iran
(b) Ruler of Nepal.
(c) Ruler of Afghanistan
(d) Ruler of China.
Answer:
(c) Ruler of Afghanistan

14. Which was the first important conquest of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Amritsar
(b) Lahore
(c) Bhasin
(d) Kashmir
Answer:
(b) Lahore

15. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Lahore?
(a) 1799 A.D.
(b) 1801 A.D.
(c) 1803 A.D.
(d) 1805 A.D.
Answer:
(a) 1799 A.D.

16. Which was the capital of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Kingdom?
(a) Lahore
(b) Amritsar
(c) Kashmir
(d) Peshawar.
Answer:
(a) Lahore

17. When was Maharaja Ranjit Singh coronated?
(a) 1799 A.D.
(b) 1800 A.D.
(c) 1801 A.D.
(d) 1805 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1801 A.D.

18. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Amritsar?
(a) 1805 A.D.
(b) 1806 A.D.
(c) 1808 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(a) 1805 A.D.

19. When was the battle of Hazro or Haidru fought?
(a) 1809 A.D.
(b) 1811 A.D.
(c) 1813 A.D.
(d) 1814 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1813 A.D.

20. Who was the ruler of Multan when Ranjit Singh occupied it?
(a) Misar Diwan Chand
(b) Ata Mohammad Khan
(c) Nawab Muzaffar Khan
(d) Dost Mohammad Khan
Answer:
(c) Nawab Muzaffar Khan

21. When did Ranjit Singh conquer Multan?
(a) 1802 A.D.
(b) 1805 A.D.
(c) 1817 A.D.
(d) 1818 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1818 A.D.

22. From whom did Maharaja Ranjit Singh get the ‘Kohinoor’ Diamond?
(a) Shah Shuja
(b) Waffa Begum
(c) Fateh Khan
(d) Jabbar Khan.
Answer:
(b) Waffa Begum

23. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Kashmir for the first time?
(a) 1811 A.D.
(b) 1812 A.D.
(c) 1813 A.D.
(d) 1818 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1813 A.D.

24. Who was the Governor of Kashmir when Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Kashmir for the first time?
(a) Ata Mohammad Khan
(b) Shah Shuja
(c) Jabbar Khan
(d) Qutub-ud-Din.
Answer:
(a) Ata Mohammad Khan

25. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Kashmir?
(a) 1813 A.D.
(b) 1814 A.D.
(c) 1818 A.D.
(d) 1819 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1819 A.D.

26. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Peshawar for the first time?
(a) – 1802 A.D.
(b) 1805 A.D.
(c) 1809 A.D.
(d) 1818 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1818 A.D.

27. In which battle was Akali leader Phula Singh killed?
(a) Battle of Jamraud
(b) Battle of Naushera
(c) Battle of Sopian
(d) Battle of Supeen.
Answer:
(b) Battle of Naushera

28. When was battle of Naushera or Tibba Tehri fought?
(a) 1818 A.D.
(b) 1819 A.D.
(c) 1821 A.D.
(d) 1823 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1823 A.D.

29. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Peshawar?
(a) 1819 A.D.
(b) 1821 A.D.
(c) 1823 A.D.
(d) 1834 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1823 A.D.

30. When was Peshawar annexed to the Sikh Empire?
(a) 1823 A.D.
(b) 1825 A.D.
(c) 1834 A.D.
(d) 1839 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1834 A.D.

31. When was the battle of Jamraud fought?
(a) 1818 A.D.
(b) 1819 A.D.
(c) 1823 A.D.
(d) 1837 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1837 A.D.

32. Which famous Sikh General was killed in the battle of Jamraud?
(a) Hari Singh Nalwa
(b) Akali Phula Singh
(c) Misar Diwan Chand
(d) Diwan Mohkam Chand.
Answer:
(a) Hari Singh Nalwa

33. With which powerful Misl Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not establish friendly relations?
(a) Ahluwalia
(b) Bhangi
(c) Ramgarhia
(d) Dallewalia.
Answer:
(b) Bhangi

34. Which Misl Sardar was called Baba by Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Gurbax Singh
(b) Fateh Singh Ahluwalia
(c) Jodh Singh Ramgarhia
(d) Tara Singh Gheba.
Answer:
(c) Jodh Singh Ramgarhia

35. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh abolish Gurmata?
(a) 1799 A.D.
(b) 1801 A.D.
(c) 1802 A.D.
(d) 1805 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1805 A.D.

36. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh die?
(a) 1829 A.D.
(b) 1831 A.D.
(c) 1837 A.D.
(d) 1830 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1830 A.D.

Punjab State Board PSEB 10th Class English Book Solutions English Vocabulary Common Proverbs Exercise Questions and Answers, Notes.

PSEB 10th Class English Vocabulary Common Proverbs

(2013, All Sets)

(A)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those given in bracket :
This is good for a factory. (site, sight)

(b) Give one word for the following :
The art of beautiful writing.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
Hard and fast.

(d) Give the meaning of the following proverb :
Might is right.
Answer:
(a) site
(b) calligraphy
(c) There are no hard and fast rules of reading a book
(d) One who is powerful is considered to be just.

(B)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those given in bracket:
It is not a defect. (miner, minor)

(b) Give one word for the following :
Articles sent out of the country.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
Off and on.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
What is the time in your watch ?
Answer:
(a) minor
(b) exports
(c) It rained off and on all day.
(d) What is the time by your watch ?

(C)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those given in bracket:
She has a …… amount of sense. (fair, fare)

(b) Give one word for the following :
A carriage for the sick and wounded.

(c) Give the meaning of the following proverb :
Blood is thicker than water.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
This shirt is made with cotton.
Answer:
(a) fair
(b) stretcher
(c) family relationships are stronger than others
(d) This shirt is made of cotton.

(2014, All Sets)

(A)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those in bracket :

(b) Give one word for the following :
A loss which cannot be repaired or made good.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
To end in smoke.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
Myself can do it.
Answer:
(a) principal
(b) irreparable
(c) All her efforts to reform her drunkard husband ended in smoke
(d) I can do it myself.

(B)
(a) Fill in the blank a suitable word from those in bracket:
She has an ……….. nature. (amiable, amicable)

(b) Give one word for the following :
That which is against law.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
To find fault with.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
A sun rises in the east.
Answer:
(a) amiable
(b) illegal
(c) Stop finding fault with other
(d) The sun rises in the east.

(C)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those in bracket:
She to me off and on. (rites, write)

(b) Give one word for the following :
Government of the people, by the people, for the people.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
Tooth and nail.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
Come and see me at Sunday.
Answers
(a) writes
(b) Democracy
(c) We shall oppose the new; taxes tooth and nail
(d) Come and see me on Sunday.

(2015, All Sets)

(A)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those in bracket :
The ………. drops looked very beautiful. (due, dew)

(b) Give one word for the following :
The art of management practised by statement.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
All in all.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
You kept me in dark.
Answer:
(a) dew
(b) Diplomacy
(c) My father is all in all in our family
(d) You kept me in the dark.

(B)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those in bracket:
I am feeling ……well today. (quiet ; quite)

(b) Give one word for the following :
A list of things to be discussed at a meeting.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
To end in smoke.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
Let us go and bathe in river.
Answer:
(a) quite
(b) Agenda
(c) All plans of the enemy ended in smoke
(d) Let us go and bathe in the river.

(C)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable
word from those in bracket :
Arun is my …….. friend. (deer, dear)

(b) Give one word for the following :
A person with a bad reputation.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
Apple of one’s eye.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
The stitch in time saves nine.
Answers
(a) dear
(b) notorious
(c) He is the apple of his parents eye.
(d) A stitch in time save nine.

(2016, All Sets)

(A)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those given in bracket :
Parents ………. the character of their child. (farm, form)

(b) Give one word for the following :
One who can read and write.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
Crocodile tears.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
Simran is my cousin sister.
Answer:
(a) form
(b) literate
(c) The wicked wife shed crocodile tears over the death of her husband
(d) Simran is my cousin.

(B)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those given in bracket :
The wind ……….. points to the north. (vain, vane)

(b) Give one word for the following :
A place of permanent residence.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
To take heart.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
Anita is my older daughter.
Answer:
(a) vane
(b) domicile
(c) He took heart, tried again, and was successful
(d) Anita is my! elder daughter.

(C)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those given in bracket :
Hold the ………. of the horse carefully. (bridal, bridle)

(b) Give one word for the following :
A person who does not believe in God.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
A bed of roses.

(d) Correct the following sentence :
Politics are a dirty game.
Answer:
(a) bridle
(b) atheist
(c) Life is not a bed of roses for the poor
(d) Politics is a dirty game.

(2017, All Sets)

(A)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable
word from those in bracket : Apply the ……….. to stop the car. (break/brake)

(b) Give one word for the following :
One who does not eat meat.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
With flying colours

(d) Correct the following sentence.
Fifty miles are a long distance.
Answer:
(a) brake
(b) vegetarian
(c) Those who work hard come off with flying colours
(d) Fifty miles is a long distance

(B)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those in bracket :
Do not …….. in the class.
(doze/dose)

(b) Give one word for the following :
One who never dies.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
To carry the day

(d) Correct the following sentence.
He wrote very good poetries.
Answer:
(a) doze
(b) immortal
(c) Indian team carried the day against Pakistan
(d) He wrote very good poetry/ poems.

(C)
(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable
word from those in bracket : Open the ……….. (gate /gait)

(b) Give one word for the following :
That which cannot be heard.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
A hard nut to crack

(d) Correct the following sentence.
When he left ?
Answer:
(a) gate
(b) inaudible
(c) To solve the Kashmir issue is a hard nut to crack.
(d) When did he leave ?

(2018, All Sets)

(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable
word from those in the bracket :
The bread is made of ……….. (floor / flour)

(b) Give one word for the following :
(i) To send articles out of the country.
(ii) One who eats human flesh.

(c) Use the following idiom in a sentence of your own :
Hard and fast

(d) Correct the following sentence :
It is no use to cry over spilt milk.
Answer:
(a) flour
(b) (i) export (ii) cannibal
(c) There are no hard and fast rules of reading a book
(d) It is no use crying over spilt milk.

(2019, All Sets)

(a) Fill in the blank with a suitable word from those in the bracket :
When were you ? (born/borne)
(b) Give one word for the following : something that can be heard.
(c) Correct the following sentence : Shelly is my cousin sister.
(d) Frame a sentence using the following idiom :
at par
Answers
(a) born
(b) audible
(c) Shelly is my cousin
(d) Death treats the rich and the poor at par.

1. A fool and his money are soon parted :
One who cannot take care of his money, loses it.

2. A good beginning makes a good ending :
A well-begun task ends in a good state.

3. A house is not a home :
A home is known by real love and affection, and not by walls alone.

4. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step :
Every huge project has a humble beginning.

5. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing :
Lesser knowledge leads to damage.

6. A new broom sweeps clean :
A fresh leader or administrator gets rid of the old and brings in new ideas and personnel.

7. A penny saved is a penny earned :
Saving is as important as earning.

8. A picture paints a thousand words :
A picture speaks the mind of the painter.

9. A problem shared is problem halved :
A work or job may be very difficult but if many hands together solve it, it becomes easier.

10. A prophet is not recognized in his own land :
A person may be very talented but cannot get due importance among his own people.

11. A rolling stone gathers no moss :
A person who never settles anywhere will never do well.

12. A stitch in time saves nine :
An action or thing done at the right time saves much trouble.

13. A volunteer is worth twenty pressed men :
A man who does his job willingly is certainly better than many upon whom the work is thrust.

14. Actions speak louder than words :
One is judged by what he does, and not by what he says.

15. All that glitters is not gold :
Appearances generally deceive people.

16. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy :
A man cannot achieve the best by overwork. Recreation is also necessary.

17. An apple a day keeps the doctor away :
A person who takes an apple daily remains healthy and does not need to visit a doctor.

18. As you sow so shall you reap :
As your actions will be, the same kind of reward will be received by you.

19. Barking dogs seldom bite :
Those who boast and talk too much of themselves, are of low and weak mind.

20. Beggars can’t be choosers :
A person who depends on others cannot have anything of his own choice.

21. Better safe than sorry :
It is better to take precautions than to be regretful.

22. Birds of a feather flock together :
Persons of same calibre and position like to mix more with each other.

23. Blood is thicker than water :
Family relationships are stronger than others.

24. Boys will be boys :
Young boys, and sometimes grown-up men, occasionally behave in a childish way.

25. Charity begins at home :
A person’s first duty is to care for and help his or her own family.

26. Cleanliness is next to godliness :
Being clean is a sign of spiritual purity or goodness.

27. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you :
Do not think ill of the person who helps you.

28. Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched :
Do not daydream.

29. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket :
Do not invest all your money at a single place or you can be ruined.

30. Don’t try to talk before you can crawl :
Do things according to your calibre.

31. Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise :
One should sleep early and get up early to be healthy, wealthy and wise.

32. Empty vessels make the most noise :
One who doesn’t have any good quality in him, shows off more.

33. Every dark cloud has a silver lining :
Even the greatest sorrow has some happiness hidden behind it.

34. Everybody want to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die :
Everyone wants luxuries in life, but no one wants to work for them.

35. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread :
The inexperienced do something that the more informed people would avoid.

36. Fortune favours the brave :
God helps those who dare.

37. God helps those who help themselves :
One has to do his own work; self-help is the best help.

38. Handsome is that handsome does :
Beauty lies in action, not in ‘physical’ appearance.

39. Haste makes waste :
If you do a job in hurry, it can be spoiled.

40. History repeats itself :
Man does what his ancestors did.

41. Home is where the heart is :
A home is where one is loved not where one lives.

42. If God had meant us to fly, He’d have given us wings :
Do not try doing things for which nature does not permit you.

43. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride :
It is easy to wish, but difficult to achieve.

44. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery :
One is flattered by the thought that he is considered worth imitating.

45. Into every life a little rain must fall :
Everyone should taste a little bit of adversity to admire the good things.

46. It takes a thief to catch a thief :
Thieves are the experts when it comes to thieving.
They would know best how to catch other thieves.

47. It’s better to give than to receive :
The person who helps others is respected more than the one who asks for help.

48. It’s better to light a candle than curse the darkness :
Instead of cursing the bad circumstances, one should try to change them.

49. It’s no use crying over spilt milk :
One should not waste one’s time lamenting the loss.

50. It’s the early bird that gets the worm :
One who comes first is served first.

51. Jack of all trades, master of none :
One who tries to learn many things never becomes a specialist of anything.

52. Laugh and the world will laugh with you; weep and you weep alone :
No one likes the company of one who remains sad and dejected.

53. Laughter is the best medicine :
Those who laugh in illness recover quickly.

54. Let sleeping dogs lie :
Do not trouble the troubles until the troubles trouble you.

55. Life is what you make it :
There is no use cursing others for your failures. Your success or failure lies entirely on yourself.

56. Like father, like son :
Children tend to do the same as their parents do.

57. Live for today, for tomorrow never comes :
We should not worry about future.

58. Look before you leap :
One should think of the consequences before doing anything.

59. Man does not live by bread alone :
Man has not a stomach alone, but heart also is to be taken care of.

60. Marry in haste, repent at leisure :
One should be careful while choosing his life partner.

61. Money doesn’t grow on trees :
One makes money by working hard, so it must not be wasted.

62. Money makes the world go round :
One can do anything and go anywhere if he has money.

63. Necessity is the mother of invention :
You make new things only if you need them. Ingenuity is stimulated by difficulty.

64. Never judge a book by its cover :
The true worth of a thing can’t be judged by its external looks.

65. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today :
Tomorrow never comes, so one must do one’s work today.

66. No man is an island :
Man is a social animal and cannot live alone.

67. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent :
If you hold your head high, no one can let you down.

68. Nothing is certain but death and taxes :
Death comes to all and everyone has to pay his dues.

69. Oil and water don’t mix :
People of different tastes and nature do not mix up with each other.

70. Opportunity only knocks once :
You cannot get chances again and again.

71. Out of sight, out of mind :
You are likely to forget what you don’t see more often.

72. People who live in glasshouses shouldn’t throw stones at others :
If you do something bad yourself, never forbid others to do it.

73. Power corrupts : absolute power corrupts absolutely :
A person’s sense of morality lessens as his or her power increases.

74. Practice makes a man perfect :
One becomes efficient at something by doing it again and again.

75. Pride comes before a fall :
If one becomes proud of his success, he is likely to fall.

76. Rome wasn’t built in a day :
It takes time and patience to do any great work.

77. Spare the rod and spoil the child :
The children study only if they have some fear.

78. Still waters run deep :
Those with extraordinary qualities never show off.

79. The Devil finds work for idle hands to do:
People who have no work to do, often do wrong things.

Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 21 Character and Personality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 21 Character and Personality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Long Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
What do you know about Ranjit Singh as a Man?
Or
Write four traits of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s personality.
Or
Write about the character and personality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Though Ranjit Singh was illiterate, he possessed sharp intellect. He remembered the names of thousands of villages and their geographical locations by heart. His memory was so sharp that he could recognise a person whom he had met many years ago. He was very kind-hearted. He loved his subjects very much, so much so that he never treated his enemies ruthlessly. The Maharaja never awarded capital punishment to anybody during his rule. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a devoted follower of Sikhism. Every day before starting his work he listened to the Bani of Guru Granth Sahib and offered his prayer. He called his government Sarkar-i-Khalsa. He issued the coins in the name of ‘Nanak Sahai’ and ‘Gobind Sahai’. He gave plenty of charity to Gurdwaras. Besides, his attitude towards other religions was full of respect. Equal treatment was meted out to people of all religions. They had full freedom of observing their rites and customs. The Maharaja gave charity to other religions also with an open heart.

Question 2.
What were the five features of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a Man?
Answer:
1. Appearance: The appearance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not very attractive. He had medium-sized stature and a thin body.- His face had been disfigured as a result of smallpox in his childhood and deprived him of the left eye. Although the Maharaja was ugly, yet his personality was so attractive that anybody who came to meet him was greatly impressed by him. His face was suffused with a special type of halo and brilliance.

2. Hard-working and Active: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very hard-working and active. He always believed that great men should always be hardworking and active. He expected this from his officers, also. The Maharaja always remained busy in-state work from morning till late night. He delighted in every type of work. He paid personal attention to the minutest work of the state.

3. Courageous and Brave: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a very brave and courageous person. He was fond of going to the battlefields, hunting trips, wielding sword and horse-riding. While young, he gave evidence of his bravery by beheading Hashmat Khan earlier. He was ever foremost in battle and the last to retreat. He never lost heart even in the face of the most dreadful situation.

4. Kind Hearted: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very popular with the people for his kindness. During his period, Maharaja Ranjit Singh defeated many Sikh, Hindu and Muslim Chiefs. But, it is remarkable that the Maharaja never treated his enemies cruelly. He was always ready to help the poor and destitute. Many tales of his kindness are well-known.

5. A devoted follower of Sikhism: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had an unshakable faith in Sikhism. Before starting his routine work, he used to listen to the recitation of Gurbani of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Kirtan. He called his government as Sarkar-i-Khalsa and his court Darbar Khalsa Ji. He considered himself to be the Kukar (dog) at the door of the Guru and the Panth.

Question 3.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a kind ruler. How?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very popular with the people for his kindness. During his period, Maharaja Ranjit Singh defeated many Sikh, Hindu and Muslim Chiefs. But what is remarkable is that the Maharaja never treated his enemies cruelly. At that time among the emperors of Kabul and Delhi, whoever came to occupy the throne not only continued to shed blood of their close relatives and claimants to the throne but also left their descendants in a state of destitution. At such times, this rufer of Lahore not only embraced those whom he defeated on the battlefield but also bestowed Jagirs and robes of honour even to their children. The Maharaja did not award a death sentence to any criminal in his region. He was always ready to help the poor and destitute. Many tales of his kindness are well-known.

Mauza or village was the smallest unit of administration. Its administration was run by the Panchayat. The Maharaja did not interfere with the functioning of Panchayat. The Maharaja never ignored the public interest. He had instructed his state officials that they should make special efforts for the public welfare. The Maharaja used to travel his state in disguise to know the condition of the people. Punishment was given to erring officials who violated the orders of the Maharaja. The state offered special facilities to the poor and peasants. Consequently, people were well-off during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.

Question 4.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a devoted follower of Sikhism. Give arguments in your favour.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was truly a devoted follower of Sikhism. Every day before starting the routine work he used to hear Kirtan and recitation of Gurbani from Guru Granth Sahib and say his prayer. He never took any important decision ” without seeking guidance from Guru Granth Sahib. He had preserved a Kalgi (aigrette) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in his Toshakhana (treasure) and considered its touch as a matter of great luck for him. He considered all his victories to be the boon of Almighty. He paid a thanks-giving visit to Sri Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar after each victory where he made huge offerings. He considered himself to be the Kukar (dog) at the door of the Guru and Sikh Panth.

He preferred to be called ‘Singh Sahib’ rather than Maharaja. His coins bore the names of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. The official form of salutation in the army was, ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.’ All official oath-taking ceremonies were performed in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. For building new Gurdwaras and for the maintenance of langar he had given huge revenue-free Jagirs. In short, he was a devoted follower of Sikhism in the true sense of the word.

Question 5.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a Secular Ruler. How?
Answer:
Although Ranjit Singh was a staunch Sikh, yet he was liberal towards other religions. He kept religious discrimination and communalism at an arm’s length. He knew very well that for the establishment of a strong and enduring empire the cooperation of people of different religions was essential. By his policy of tolerance, he succeeded in winning over the hearts of the people of different religions. In his empire jobs were given on the basis of merit. In his court, the Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Dogras, and Europeans were appointed to the high posts without any discrimination of caste, creed, or nationality.

For instance, his Foreign Minister Faquir Aziz-ud-Din was a Muslim, Prime Minister, Dhian Singh was a Dogra, Diwan Bhiwani Das and Commander Misar Diwan Chand were Hindus and General Ventura and Allard were EuropeAnswer: In matters of charity, the Maharaja did not discriminate against any religion. He made liberal offerings for the maintenance of Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, and mausoleums. In his empire, the people belonging to different religions were at liberty to celebrate their religious ceremonies.

Question 6.
Describe Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a successful Administrator.
Or
What do you know about Maharaja Ranjit Singh as an Administrator?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was an excellent administrator. The main objective of his administration was the welfare of the public. In order to get cooperation in running the administration, he had appointed many honest and able ministers. In order to run the administration efficiently, he had divided his empire into four big provinces.

Question 7.
“Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great general and a conqueror.” Explain.
Or
What do you know about Ranjit Singh as a Soldier and a General?
Or
Write a note on Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a Soldier and as a Military General.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great general of his time. He never faced defeat in any battle that he fought during his lifetime. He deemed it his pleasure to take part in enterprising and adventurous expeditions. He was never unnerved even in the face of heavy odds. The Maharaja took full care of the welfare of his soldiers. As a result, they also remained ever-ready to sacrifice their lives for his sake. Besides being a great general, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was also a great conqueror. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh took reins of Sukarchakia Misl in 1797 A.D., he had a small region under him.

He converted it into a vast empire due to his sheer bravery and ability. He annexed important regions like Lahore, Amritsar, Kasur, Sialkot, Kangra, Gujarat, Jammu, Attock, Multan, Kashmir, and Peshawar to his empire. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had to fight many bloody battles to conquer these regions. He defeated the Afghans and stopped the age-long foreign invasions from the northwest frontier. It was a great singular achievement of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. As a result of his conquests, his empire stretched from Ladakh in the north to Shikarpur in the south and from the Sutlej in the east to Peshawar in the west.

Question 8.
Why is Maharaja Ranjit Singh called Sher-i-Punjab?
Or
What place would you assign Ranjit Singh in the History of Punjab? Why is he called Sher-i-Punjab?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh established a vast empire through his sheer bravery. He made the dream of the Sikh empire come true. Besides being a successful conqueror, he also proved to be an efficient administrator. The main object of his administration was the welfare of the public. Often he traveled through his empire in disguise to know the real condition of people. Jobs were given on the basis of merit. People of all religions—the Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, and Europeans, etc. were given high’ posts in his Darbar. Ranjit Singh adopted a policy of secularism towards all religions.

Essay Type Questions:

Question 1.
Explain in detail the character and personality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Give character estimate of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Discuss Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a man, a general, a ruler, and a diplomat.
Or
Explain Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a Man.
Or
What place would you assign to Ranjit Singh in history? Why is he called Sher-i-Punjab?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is counted as one of the greatest personalities not only of India but of the whole world. He was a man of multifarious personality. By virtue of his qualities, he succeeded in establishing a vast and strong Sikh empire in Punjab. He is rightly remembered as Sher-i-Punjab. A brief description of the character and personality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is as follows:

1. As a Man:

1. Appearance: The appearance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not very attractive. He had medium-sized stature and a thin body. His face had been disfigured as a result of smallpox in his childhood and deprived him of the left eye. Although the Maharaja was ugly, yet his personality was so attractive that anybody who came to meet him was greatly impressed by him. His face was suffused with a special type of halo and brilliance.

2. Hard-working and Active: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very hard-working and active. He always believed that great men should always be hardworking and active. He expected this from his officers, also. The Maharaja always remained busy in-state work from morning till late night. He delighted in every type of work. He paid personal attention to the minutest work of the state.

3. Courageous and Brave: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a very brave and courageous person. He was fond of going to the battlefields, hunting trips, wielding sword and horse-riding. While young, he gave evidence of his bravery by beheading Hashmat Khan earlier. He was ever foremost in battle and the last to t retreat. He never lost heart even in the face of the most dreadful situation.

4. Illiterate but Intelligent: The Maharaja was not interested in studies. As a result, he remained illiterate. Despite being illiterate, he possessed a very keen, intelligent, and prodigious memory. He knew by heart, the names of thousands of his villages and their geographical location. He could recognize a person at once even if seen many years earlier. He remembered even the smallest details regarding administration. His wisdom was so acute that the foreign travelers wondered at it.

5. Kind Hearted: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very popular with the people for his kindness. During his period, Maharaja Ranjit Singh defeated many Sikhs, Hindus and. Muslim Chiefs. But, it is remarkable that Maharaja Ranjit Singh never treated his enemies cruelly. The Maharaja did not award a death sentence to any criminal in his reign. He was always ready to help the poor and destitute. Many tales of his kindness are well-known. According to the famous writer Fakir Syed Waheeduddin, “Ranjit Singh’s popular image is that of a kindly patriarch rather than that of conquering hero or a mighty monarch. He was all three, but his humanity has outlived his splendor and power.”

6. A devoted follower of Sikhism: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had an unshakable faith in Sikhism. Before starting his routine work, he used to listen to the recitation of Gurbani of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Kirtan. Hp never took any big decision or launched upon any undertaking without seeking guidance from Guru Granth Sahib Ji. After each victory, the Maharaja paid a thanksgiving visit to Sri Darbar Sahib Ji, Amritsar, and made costly offerings.

He called his government Sarkar- i-Khalsa and his court as Darbar Khalsa Ji. He considered himself to be the Kukar (dog) at the door of the Guru and the Panth. He issued coins in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The words ‘Nanak Sahai’ and ‘Gobind Sahai’ were inscribed on them. He liberally gave grants for the construction and maintenance of Gurudwaras. In brief, he was a devout Sikh from heart and soul.

7. Tolerant: Although Ranjit Singh was a staunch Sikh, yet he was liberal towards other religions. He kept religious discrimination and communalism at an arm’s length. He knew very well that for the establishment of a strong and enduring empire, the cooperation of people of different religions was essential. In his empire jobs were given on the basis of merit. In his court, the Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Dogras, and Europeans were appointed to the high posts without any discrimination of caste, creed, or nationality.

For instance, his Foreign Minister Faqir Aziz-ad-Din was a Muslim, his Prime Minister, Dhian Singh was a Dogra, his Diwan Bhiwani Das and his Commander Misar Diwan Chand were Hindus and his General Ventura and Allard were EuropeAnswer: In his empire, the people belonging to different religions were at liberty to celebrate their religious ceremonies. According to Dr. Bhagat Singh, “No ruler of ancient or medieval Indian history could match Ranjit Singh in his cosmopolitan approach.’*

2. As a General And Conqueror:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great general of his time. He is counted among the greatest generals of the world. He did not have to face defeat in the battles, which he fought during his lifetime. He took pride in taking part in dreadful campaigns. He never lost his heart even in the face of extreme hardship. For instance in 1823 A.D., in the battle with the Afghans at Naushera, when Akali Phula Singh fell a martyr, the Sikh soldiers lost courage. Their defeat seemed certain, At that time, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, infused a new spirit in his soldiers.

Besides being a great general, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great conqueror, also. In 1797 A.D., when he took over the Sukarchakia Misl, he had a very small area under him. By virtue of his ability and bravery, he converted his small kingdom into a big empire. He annexed to his empire, important areas like # Lahore, Amritsar, Kasur, Sialkot, Kangra, Gujarat, Jammu, Attock, Multan, Kashmir, and Peshawar. In order to annex these areas to his empire, the Maharaja had to fight many hazardous battles. By defeating the Afghans he checked their centuries-old invasions on India across the North-West frontiers.

It was a big achievement of Maharaja. Owing to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquests, his empire had extended its frontiers from Ladakh in the North .to Shikarpur in the South, from the river Sutlej in the East to Peshawar in the West. According to the famous historian Dr. Ganda Singh, “Rightly he may claim to be one of the greatest heroes of India.”

3. As an Administrator:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not only a great conqueror but also an able ruler. The main aim of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s administration was public welfare. In order to get co-operation in matters of administration, the Maharaja had appointed many able and honest ministers. With a view to running the administration efficiently, he had divided his kingdom into four big provinces. The smallest unit of administration was ‘Mauza’ or village. The village administration was in the hands of the Panchayat. In order to know the condition of his subjects, he would often tour the state in disguise. The officers, Who dared defy the Maharaja’s orders were given severe punishments. As a result, the public during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times was very happy.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh paid special attention to the military administration. He was quite aware that a powerful army was very essential for the defense and expansion of his empire. He was the first Indian ruler, who started giving training to his army on the European pattern. He gave special importance to infantry and artillery. Special attention was paid to maintaining discipline in the army. The Maharaja would personally inspect the army. The practice of keeping the soldier’s record and branding of horses was started. Special awards were given to those soldiers, who showed bravery on the battlefield. The soldiers and their families were fully looked after by the state. Dr. H.R. Gupta aptly says, “He was one of the best rulers in Indian history.”

4. As a Diplomat:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a shrewd and far-sighted diplomat. At the beginning of his diplomatic career, he made friends with the powerful Misl Sardars. With the co-operation of these Misl Sardars, he merged the weak Misls with his kingdom. Later on, when the Maharaja grew stronger, he grabbed the powerful Misls one by one. It was a characteristic of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s diplomacy that he always treated generously the vanquished Chiefs. He granted them Jagirs on liberal terms. Consequently, they never tried to raise a banner of revolt against Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

It was by virtue of his diplomacy that the Maharaja secured the fort of Attock from Jahandad Khan without any fight. In 1835 A.D., when the ruler of Afghanistan, Dost Mohammad Khan came with a large army to attack the Sikhs, the Maharaja played such a trick that he fled from the battlefield without fighting.

In 1809 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave evidence of his political sagacity by establishing a friendship with the British. By clashing with a powerful power like the British, he did not want to ring the death-knell of his empire in its infancy. It was not his weakness, but a symbol of his deep political understanding ‘ and far-sightedness. The Maharaja also gave evidence of deep political understanding in solving the North-West frontier problems. By not attacking Afghanistan, Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave yet another proof of his diplomacy. Afterward when the Britishers did so, they had to face dire consequences. Dr. Bhagat Singh aptly says, “It was not easy to beat him in diplomacy.”

5. His Place in the History of the Punjab:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh is counted among the greatest sovereigns not only of India but also of the whole world. Different historians compare Maharaja Ranjit Singh with Mughal emperor Akbar, Maratha ruler Shivaji, Egyptian ruler Mehmet Ali, and the King of France, Napoleon. An impartial study of history, we come to know that the actual achievements of Maharaja Ranjit Singh were far greater than these rulers. At the time of Ranjit Singh’s accession to the throne, he had a nominal kingdom. But with his efficiency and ability, he was able to carve a vast kingdom.

Thus, he fulfilled the dream of establishing a sovereign Sikh empire. He had also established an excellent administration. Its main object was the welfare of the public. He had adopted a tolerant policy towards all religions. He had also established a powerful army for the safety and expansion of his empire. He had given proof of his wisdom by establishing friendly relations with the British. Due to these multifaced qualities, Maharaja Ranjit Singh is deservedly called Sher-i-Punjab. Undoubtedly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupied a glorious place in the history of Punjab. In the end, we agree to these words of Dr. H.R. Gupta, “As a man, warrior, general, conqueror, administrator, ruler and diplomat, Ranjit Singh occupies a high position among the greatest sovereigns of the world.”

Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
What do you know about Ranjit Singh as a Man?
Or
Or
Write about the character and personality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Mention the three characteristics of the character and personality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Though Ranjit Singh was illiterate, he possessed sharp intellect. His memory was very sharp. He was very kind-hearted. He loved his subjects very much. He never treated his enemies ruthlessly. The Maharaja never awarded capital punishment to anybody during his rule. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a devoted follower of Sikhism. His attitude towards other religions was full of respect.

Question 2.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a kind ruler. How?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very popular with the people for his kind¬ness. Maharaja Ranjit Singh bestowed Jagirs and robes of honor even to their children whom he defeated in the battlefield. The Maharaja did not award a death sentence to any criminal in his region. He was always ready to help the poor and destitute. Many tales of his kindness are well-known.

Question 3.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a devoted follower of Sikhism. Give arguments in your favor.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was truly a devoted follower of Sikhism. Every day before starting the routine work he used to hear Kirtan and recitation of Gurbani from Guru Granth Sahib Ji and say his prayer. He considered all his victories to be the boon of Almighty. He considered himself to be the Kukar (dog) of the Guru and Sikh Panth. He preferred to be called ‘Singh Sahib’ rather than Maharaja. For building new Gurdwaras and for the maintenance of langar he had given huge revenue-free-Jagirs.

Question 4.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a Secular Ruler. How?
Answer:
Although Ranjit Singh was a staunch Sikh, yet he was liberal towards other religions. By his policy of tolerance, he succeeded in winning over the hearts of the people of different religions. In his empire jobs were given on the basis of merit. In his court, the Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Dogras, and Europeans were appointed to the high posts. In his empire, the people belonging to different reli¬gions were at liberty to celebrate their religious ceremonies.

Question 5.
Describe Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a successful Administrator.
Or
What do you know about Maharaja Ranjit Singh as an Administrator?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was an excellent administrator. The main objective of his administration was the welfare of the public. In order to get cooperation in running the administration, he had appointed many honest and able ministers. The smallest unit of administration was village or Mauza. Its administration was run by the Panchayat. The Maharaja used to travel his state in disguise to know the condition of the people. Consequently, people were well-off during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.

Question 6.
“Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great General and a Conqueror.” Explain.
Or
What do you know about Ranjit Singh as a Soldier and a General?
Or
Write a note on Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a Soldier and as a Military General.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great general of his time. He never faced defeat in any battle that he fought during his lifetime. He annexed important regions like Lahore, Amritsar, Kasur, Sialkot, Kangra, Gujarat, Jammu, Attock, Multan, Kashmir, and Peshawar to his empire. As a result of his conquests, his empire* stretched from Ladakh in the north to Shikarpur in the south and from the Sutlej in the east to Peshawar in the west.

Question 7.
Why was Maharaja Ranjit Singh known as Sher-i-Punjab?
Or
What place would you assign to Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the History of Punjab? Why is he called Sher-i-Punjab?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh established a vast empire through his sheer bravery. The main object of his administration was the welfare of the public. People of all religions—were given high posts in his Darbar. He made his army very powerful. He made friends with the English and guarded Punjab against being annexed to the English empire. For all these reasons, Ranjit Singh is called Sher-i-Punjab.

Objective Type Questions:

Question 1.
As a man what were the two characteristic qualities of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was brave and kind-hearted.

Question 2.
Which horse was especially loved by Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Lailly.

Question 3.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a firm devotee of Sikhism. Give one argument in support of your- answer.
Answer:
He called his Sarkar as Sarkar-i-Khalsa.

Question 4.
What did Maharaja Ranjit Singh call his Government and Darbar?
Answer:
Darbar-i-Khalsa.

Question 5.
What did Maharaja Ranjit Singh call himself.?
Answer:
Dog (Kookar) of Sikhism.

Question 6.
Name anyone non-Sikh Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Faquir Aziz-ud-Din.

Question 7.
Name prominent historian in the court of Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Sohan Lai Suri.

Question 8.
Mention any one quality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as an army General.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not face defeat in any battle.

Question 9.
“Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a successful diplomat.” Give anyone proof in this regard.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave proof of his wisdom in not seizing Afghanistan.

Question 10.
Which ruler of Punjab is remembered as Sher-i-Punjab?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Question 11.
Why is Maharaja Ranjit Singh called Sher-i-Punjab?
Answer:
Because he established a vast Sikh empire and adopted a liberal policy towards all religions.

Question 12.
Why was Maharaja Ranjit Singh called ‘Paras’?
Answer:
Because he took special care of his subjects.

Fill in the blanks:

1. The appearance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not very …………….
Answer:
attractive

2. Maharaha Ranjit Singh specially loved the horse named …………………
Answer:
Lailly

3. Maharaja Ranjit’Singh considered himself ……………… of Sikhism.
Answer:
Kukar

4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh called his government ………………..
Answer:
Sarkar-i-Khalsa

5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh called his Darbar ……………….
Answer:
Darbar-i-Khalsa

6. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very fond of ……………..
Answer:
wine

7. Maharaja Ranjit Singh is remembered as ………………
Answer:
Sher-i-Punjab

True or False:

1. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very industrious and agile.
Answer:
True

2. Maharaja Ranjit Singh loved a horse called Lailly.
Answer:
True

3. Maharaja Ranjit Singh called himself Dog (Kookar) of Sikhism.
Answer:
True

4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh called his government as Sardar-i-Khalsa.
Answer:
True

5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh loved Sikhism only.
Answer:
False

6. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had a great hate for wine.
Answer:
False

7. Maharaja Ranjit Singh is remembered as Sher-i-Punjab.
Answer:
True

8. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not only a great conqueror but also an able administrator.
Answer:
True

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. As a man what were the characteristic qualities of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) He was very industrious and agile.
(b) He was very kind-hearted.
(c) He was illiterate but intelligent.
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(d) All of the above.

2. Which horse was specially loved by Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Lailly
(b) Shally
(c) Chetak
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(a) Lailly

3. What did Maharaja Ranjit Singh call his government?
(a) Sarkar-i-Aam
(b) Sarkar-i-Khas
(c) Sarkar-i-Khalsa
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(c) Sarkar-i-Khalsa

4. Who was the most famous scholar in the court of Ranjit Singh?
(a) Sohan Lai Suri
(b) Faqir-Aziz-ud-Din
(c) Raja Dhian Singh
(d) Diwan Mohkam Chand.
Answer:
(a) Sohan Lai Suri

5. Which ruler of Punjab is remembered as Sher-i-Punjab?
(a) Maharaja Raiyit Singh
(b) Maharaja Dalip Singh
(c) Maharaja Sher Singh
(d) Maharaja Kharak Singh.
Answer:
(a) Maharaja Raiyit Singh

6. Which words were engraved on ‘Royal Stamp’ in the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Era?
(a) Fateh Dharam
(b) Akal Sahrai
(c) Fateh Darshan
(d) Nanak Sahai.
Answer:
(a) Fateh Dharam

7. Which words were displayed on the ‘Royal Stamp’ of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Nanak Sahai
(b) Akal Sahai
(c) Gobind Sahai
(d) Teg Sahai.
Answer:
(b) Akal Sahai

Punjab State Board PSEB 10th Class English Book Solutions English Vocabulary Common Errors Exercise Questions and Answers, Notes.

PSEB 10th Class English Vocabulary Common Errors

Correct the following sentences.

(a)
1. There are plenty of fish here.
2. The flowers are beautiful thing.
3. Bible is holy book.
4. The sun rises in east.
5. She is a M.A.
6. He kept me in dark.
7. She can’t help laugh.
8. I enjoy to play hockey.
9. It is no use to cry over spilt milk.
10. He tried cross the river.
Answer:
1. There is plenty of fish here.
2. The flowers are a beautiful thing.
3. The Bible is a holy book.
4. The sun rises in the east.
5. She is an M.A.
6. He kept me in the dark.
7. She can’t help laughing.
8. I enjoy playing hockey.
9. It is no use crying over spilt milk.
10. He tried to cross the river.

(b)
1. It is too cold today.
2. She is so nice.
3. You are too busy.
4. We are the childrens of India.
5. Work hard lest you may not fail.
6. I saw you long before.
7. I have only finished two stories.
8. Please attend your lesson.
9. She found me lie on the ground.
10. I don’t blame to you.
Answer:
1. It is very cold today.
2. She is very nice.
3. You are very busy.
4. We are the children of India.
5. Work hard lest you should fail.
6. I have seen you long before.
7. I have finished two stories only.
8. Please attend to your lesson.
9. She found me lying on the ground.
10. I don’t blame you.

(c)
1. I know who are you.
2. Why did you let him to go ?
3. I requested him help me.
4. Geeta is a holy book.
5. He will be back in few days.
6. Everybody was in holiday mood.
7. I got chance to show my skill.
8. One must do his duty.
9. Mother gave me many advices.
10. Leave in hand, please.
Answer:
1 know who you are.
2. Why did you let him go ?
3. I requested him to help me.
4. The Geeta is a holy book.
5. He will be back in u few days.
6. Everybody was in a holiday mood.
7. I got a chance to show my skill.
8. One must do one’s duty.
9. Mother gave me much advice.
10. Let go of my hand, please.

(1) Errors in the use of nouns

Incorrect Sentences

Correct Sentences

1. Sita is fond of vegtables 2. Ria’s hair are black 3. She threw two breads before the dog. 4. Two of my brother-in-laws are staying with me. 5. These cattles are mine. 6. All the peoples have ‘gone to town. 7. Herds of swines lived in the forest. 8. The child learned the alphabets before he could read. 9. Her house is full of good 10. She wrote very good 11. This is a six-years-old 12. Lara has some grey 13. She expressed her thank to her uncle. 14. Geeta bought two dozens 15. Sher Singh ran a three miles 16. Teachers are sitting in the staff’s 17. She goes to her office on 18. One of my friend is a teacher. 19. Abha is my cousin sister. 20. The sceneries of Kashmir are very charming. 21. Ramu has packed my 22. She sent us many informations. 23. They gave you many advices. 24. She found two long hair in her food. 25. The boys did many 26. In the first inning, our team scored eighty runs.

Sita is fond of vegetables. Ria’s hair is black. She threw two pieces of bread before the dog. Two of my brothers-in-law are staying with me. These cattle are mine. All the people have gone to town. Herds of swine lived in the forest. The child learned the alphabet before he could read. Her house is full of good furniture. She wrote very good poetry. This is a six-year-old horse. Lara has some grey hairs. She expressed her thanks to her uncle. Geeta bought two dozen mangoes. ‘ Sher Singh ran a three-mile race. Teachers are sitting in the staff room. She goes to her office on foot. One of my friends is a teacher. Abha is my cousin. The scenery of Kashmir is very charming. Ramu has packed my luggage. She sent us much information. They gave you much advice. She found two long hairs in her food. The boys did many acts of mischief. (The boys did much mischief.) In the first innings, our team scored eighty runs.

(2) Errors in the use of adjectives

Incorrect Sentences

Correct Sentences

1. She did not eat many bread. 2. Ram ate small honey. 3. Every men are mortal. 4. Much men are poor. 5. Little men are rich. 6. Your uncle should take no side. 7. Take the medicine each four hours. 8. What book do you like the best ? 9. Which nonsense this is ! 10. Buses pass my house each hour. 11. Sita is beautiful than Radha. 12. Megha is my oldest daughter. 13. Tell me the last news. 14. My dress is costlier than you. 15. Tom is wise for his age. 16. My pen is superior than yours. 17. I am senior by him in service. 18. He has bought any bread. 19. He has not bought some bread. 20. He has bought no any bread. 21. His condition is so serious that there is a little hope of his recovery. 22. Little knowledge is a dangerous thing. 23. Hurry up ! We have only little time left. 24. He spent a little money he had. 25. I need few days’ rest. 26. A few women can keep a secret. 27. He read a few books he had. 28. Many young men have served their country nobly. 29. There were trees on every side of the road. 30. The doctor called to see him each other day. 31. They all loved each other. 32. The two men struck one another. 33. This boy is no less cleverer than that.

She did not eat much bread. Ram ate a little honey. All men are mortal. Many men are poor. Few men are rich. Your uncle should take neither side. Take the medicine every four hours. Which book do you like the best ? What nonsense this is ! Buses pass my house every hour. Sita is more beautiful than Radha. Megha is my eldest daughter. Tell me the latest news. My dress is costlier than yours. Tom is wiser for his age. My pen is superior to yours. I am senior to him in service. He has bought some bread. He has not bought any bread. He has not bought any bread. His condition is -so serious that- there is little hope of his recovery. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Hurry up ! We have only a little time left. He spent the little money he had. I need a few days’ rest. Few women can keep a secret. He read the few books he had. Many young men have served their country nobly. (Many a young man has served his country nobly.) There were trees on each side of the road. The doctor called to see him every other day. They all loved one another. The two men struck each other. This boy is no less clever than that.

(3) Errors in the use of articles

Incorrect Sentences

Correct Sentences

1. Dog is faithful animal. 2. Rich should help the, poor. 3. A sun rises in the east. 4. You kept me in dark. 5. He wanted to become teacher. 6. I have never been to Agra Fort. 7. She wants house to live in. 8. Do not lose the heart. 9. He wants little sugar for tea. 10. He is honourable man. 11. The singing is my hobby. 12. We were first to reach the school. 13. His house caught the fire. 14. Next morning I had a idea. 15. Tom was first to protest. 16. They made him feel little better. 17. He will be back in few days. 18. Few students are present in the stadium. 19. I have the headache. 20. The game came to end. 21. She is a honourable lady. 22. I want to buy a umbrella. 23. I am a honest worker. 24. She returned after o hour. 25. Do not make noise.

Dog is a faithful animal. The rich should help the poor. The sun rises in the east. You kept me in the dark. He wanted to become a teacher. I have never been to the Agra Fort. She wants a house to live in. Do hot lose heart. He wants a little sugar for tea. He is an honourable man. Singing is my hobby. We were the first to reach the school. His house caught fire. Next morning I had an idea. Tom was the first to protest. They made him feel a little better. He will be back in a few days. A few students are present in the stadium. I have a headache. The game came to an end. She is an honourable lady. I want to buy an umbrella. I am an honest worker. She returned after an hour. Do not make a noise.

(4) Errors in the use of verbs

Incorrect Sentences

Correct Sentences

1. Vegetables goes bad in summer. 2. Either Mohan or Sham are to be promoted. 3. Neither Tom nor his sister have gone to school. 4. Seventy miles are a long distance. 5. I have finished my play last night. 6. He finished his work when I met him. 7. Law and order are to be maintained. 8. May I came in, Madam ? 9. What will I do next ? 10. She said her friend goodbye. 11. A snake cut her. 12. She laid in her bed. 13. I know to play football. 14. The teacher gave a speech. 15. He was ill for two days when the doctor was sent for. 16. I solved all the questions before the time was over. 17. The patient died before the doctor came. 18. The boat was sunk by a storm which suddenly sprang up. 19. You will be hearing this news already; so I need not to repeat it. 20. Look ! The smoke conies out of the window. 21. If you will play the piano, I will sing. 22. If you played the piano, I will sing. 23. If you had played the piano, I would sing. 24. I learnt that my friend has failed. 25. The judge declared that he is guilty.

Vegetables go bad in summer. Either Mohan or Sham is to be promoted. Neither Tom nor his sister has gone to school. Seventy miles is a long distance. I finished my play last night. He had finished his work when I met him. Law and order is to be maintained. May I come in, Madam? What shall I do next? She bade her friend goodbye. A snake bit her. She lay in her bed. I know how to play football. The teacher made a speech. He had been ill for two days when the doctor was sent for. I had solved all the questions before the time was over. The patient had died before the doctor came. The boat was sunk by a storm which had suddenly sprung up. You will have heard this news already; so I need not repeat it. Look ! The smoke is coming out of the window. If you play the piano, I will sing. If you played the piano, I would sing. If you had played the piano, I would have sung. I learnt that my friend had failed. The judge declared that he was guilty.

(5) Errors in the use for Proposition

Incorrect Sentences

Correct Sentences

1. Manav does not obey to his father. 2. My son does not listen what I say. 3. Meena was angry upon her daughter. 4. He fell from his horse and injured his back. 5. Come and see me at Sunday. 6. I have known him since years. 7. I’d prefer to make the journey with car. 8. I washed the dirt at my hands. 9. This shirt is made with cotton. 10. We cooked food with an open fire. 11. She wore a jacket on her dress. 12. This cloth costs ₹ 50 each metre. 13. They tied him with tree. 14. He wore a blue shirt in his coat. 15. He wanted me to write the preface of his book.

Manav does not obey his father. My son does not listen to what I say. Meena was angry with her daughter. He fell off his horse and injured his back. Come and see me on Sunday. I have known him for years. I’d prefer to make the journey by car. I washed the dirt off my hands. This shirt is made of cotton. We cooked food over an open fire. She wore a jacket over her dress. This cloth costs ₹ 50 per metre. They tied him to a tree. He wore a blue shirt under his coat. He wanted me to write the preface to his book.

(6) Errors in the use of Pronouns

Incorrect Sentences

Correct Sentences

1. Myself can do it. 2. Those are ours toys. 3. This action of her’s was not liked by us. 4. It was me who did it. 5. I and you will help the poor. 6. I and my friend were invited to the party. 7. I, you and he “should attend the meeting. 8. You, he and I broke the rules of this game. 9. It is a secret between he and me. 10. Let he and I do it. 11. We enjoyed much at the hill station. 12. Each of the guests must bring their own card. 13. Everybody were in their best clothes. 14. Neither of these two boys are going to pass. 15. None of those boys were allowed to enter their class.

I can do it myself. Those are our toys. (Those toys are ours.) This action of hers was not liked by us. It was I who did it. You and I will help the poor. My friend and I were invited to the party. You, he and / should attend the meeting. I, he and yow broke the rules of this game. It is a secret between him and me. Let him and me do it. We enjoyed ourselves much at the hill station. Each of the guests must bring his (or her) own card. Everybody was in his (their) best clothes. Neither of these two boys is going to pass. None of those boys was allowed to enter his class.

(7) Errors in the use of auxiliaries

Incorrect Sentences

Correct Sentences

1. I will be obliged to you. 2. If she will come to me, I shall help her. ’ 3. I will be drowned and nobody shall save me. 4. I shall stand by my brother under all circumstances. 5. You will be turned out of the class if you won’t stop talking. 6. Shall you help me ? 7. Will I go to the garden ? 8. He worked hard lest he may not fail. 9. He will know me if he saw me. 10. He can do this if he tried. 11. You ought love your parents. 12. He ought have worked hard. 13. Must I do it ? No, you must not. 14. He dares not come to my house. 15. He dare to stand alone.

I shall be obliged to you. If she comes to me, I shall help her. I shall be drowned and nobody will save me. I will jstand by my brother under all circumstances. You shall be turned out of the class if you don’t stop talking. , Will you help me ? Shall I go to the garden ? He worked hard lest he should fail. He would know me if he saw me. He could do this if he tried. You ought to love your parents. He ought to have worked hard. Must I do it ? No, you need not. He dare not come to my house. He dares to stand alone.

Punjab State Board PSEB 10th Class English Book Solutions English Vocabulary One Word for Many and their use in Sentences Exercise Questions and Answers, Notes.

PSEB 10th Class English Vocabulary One Word for Many and their use in Sentences

1. Something that can be heard – Audible
What he said was not audible.

2. Something written by an unknown person – Anonymous
I received an anonymous letter yesterday.

3. A written declaration made on oath in the presence of a magistrate or a government official – Affidavit
I submitted an affidavit as a proof of my date of birth.

4. A person who does not believe in God – Atheist
An atheist does not believe in God.

5. A government by one person or one party – Autocracy
Autocracy is not a popular form of government.

6. A word opposite in meaning – Antonym
The antonym of ‘good’ is ‘bad’.

7. A life story of a person written by himself – Autobiography
Gandhiji’s autobiography gives a true description of his life.

8. Medicine to counteract the effect of poison – Antidote
What is the antidote for the poison of the snake ?

9. A representative of a government in a foreign country: -Ambassador
Mr. S.R. Sharma is India’s ambassador in Pakistan.

10. A word or sentence the meaning of which is not clear. – Ambiguous
The minister’s replies were ambiguous.

11. Place for keeping birds – Aviary
This aviary contains almost all kinds of birds.

12. A place for the storage of weapons – Arsenal
Our neighbouring country is building up a big arsenal.

13. To increase the gravity of a situation – Aggravate
Your perpetual agruing with your father will certainly aggravate his rage.

14. The crime of setting things on fire – Arson
Terrorists caused arson on a large scale.

15. A list of things to be discussed at a meeting – Agenda
What is the agenda for the next meeting ?

16. A state of growth between boyhood and youth – Adolescence
Adolescence is an impressionable period of life.

17. A carriage for the sick and wounded – Ambulance
The injured man was taken in an ambulance.

18. Objects having life -Animate
Plants and trees are also animate things.

19. A state where no government exists – Anarchy
Unemployment can lead to anarchy.

20. A person liable to be called to account – Accountable
You are accountable for all your misdeeds.

21. An assembly of listeners – Audience
The audience heard Mr. Modi’s speech very attentively.

22. A person who plays a game or does a work only for pleasure – Amateur
Many amateurs also participated in this mission.

23. One who lives in a foreign country – Alien
An American is an alien in our country.

24. A government managed by state officials – Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy should be responsible to the public.

25. Marrying two wives or husbands – Bigamy
Bigamy is not approved in the Indian society.

26. A man who is not married – Bachelor
A bachelor is generally a carefree man.

27. A thing which can be broken easily – Brittle
Glass is hard but brittle

28. To speak ill of a person in his absence – Backbite
Gentlemen don’t indulge in backbiting.

29. A bunch of flowers -Bouquet
I presented her a bouquet on her birthday.

30. The science which deals with life – Biology
Biology is her favourite subject.

31. A girl just before or after her wedding day – Bride
The bride was wearing a red saree.

32. A boy just before or after his wedding day – Bridegroom
The bridegroom came riding a horse.

33. A person who believes everybody – Credulous
A credulous person easily believes what others say.

34. That which can be corrected – Corrigible
Certain defects are not corrigible.

35. A list of names of books – Catalogue
You should consult the library catalogue.

36. A period of one hundred years – Century
We are living in the twenty-first century.

37. A piece of machinery used for mathematical calculations – Calculator
A calculator helps us in making big calculations easily.

38. The peak point of a story or a plot – Climax
The climax of the film was its best part.

39. A place where the dead are buried – Cemetery
The Christians bury their dead in a cemetery.

40. The art of beautiful writing -Calligraphy
The art of calligraphy is now dying.

41. A musical entertainment given in a public hall – Concert
People came in thousands to the concert.

42. One who eats human flesh – Cannibal
This book gives an account of cannibals of the past.

43. Government of the people, by the people, for the people – Democracy
We are the biggest democracy in the world.

44. One who drinks too much – Drunkard
A drunkard is certain to have a short life.

45. A government by one person – Dictatorship
Dictatorship cannot continue for long.

46. Money or gifts given to a girl at her marriage -Dowry
Her rich parents gave her a big dowry.

47. To injure one’s reputation – Defame
Each new government defames the previous one.

48. The art of management practised by statesmen -Diplomacy
Nehru was very good at international diplomacy.

49. A speech made without preparation -Extempore
His extempore speech impressed the listeners.

50. A book containing every kind of information -Encyclopedia
An encyclopedia enriches our knowledge.

51. A person who examines -Examiner
The examiner has marked the answer-books very carelessly.

52. A thing which is fit to be eaten – Edible
All mushrooms are not edible.

53. To root out an evil —Eradicate
Dowry system cannot be eradicated by law alone.

54. To send articles out of the country —Export
India now exports cars to European countries.

55. One who loves his own religion and hates other religions —Fanatic
A fanatic can never be truly religious.

56. Murder of a brother —Fratricide
He was suspected of fratricide by the police.

57. One who is not easily pleased —Fastidious
She is very fastidious about her dress.

58. A period of two weeks —Fortnight
He comes here every fortnight.

59. That which ends in death —Fatal
He was killed in a fatal accident.

60. A man interested in the welfare of women —Feminist
A feminist favours equal rights for women.

61. A person who eats too much —Glutton
He eats like a glutton.

62. A make-up room behind the stage —Green room
Th hm’oine was dressing up in the green room.

63. Money paid to an employee after his retirement —Liratul:y
He got a big gratuity at his retirement.

64. A place for storing grain —Granary
Punjab is called the granary of India.

65. A medicine that kills germs —Germicide
Keep germicides away from children.

66. A post for which no salary is paid .‘ —Honorary
No wages are given for an honorary post.

67. To cause eggs to produce the young —Hatch
The hen hatches its eggs in a dark place.

68. A place of shelter or safety —Haven
This zoo is a haven for birds.

69. A writing which cannot be read clearly —Illegible
Your handwriting is illegible.

70. One who does not show favour to anyone —Impartial
He gave an impartial decision.

71. That which cannot be solved or dissolved —Insoluble
Oil is insoluble in water.

72. One who cannot read or write —Illiterate
The poor farmer was illiterate.

73. That which cannot be conquered —Invincible
Death is invincible.

74. That which cannot be corrected —Incorrigible
He is an incorrigible gambler.

75. One who never dies —Immortal
The soul is immortal.

76. That which is against law —Illegal
I never do an illegal act.

77. That which cannot be cured —Incurable
Cancer is incurable.

78. That which is not proper —Inept
An inept remark can turn friends into enemies.

79. A thing that must happen —Inevitable
Death is inevitable.

80. A loss which cannot.be repaired or made good —Irreparable
This loss is irreparable.

81. A person easily made angry —Irritable
He has an irritable nature.

82. That which can be understood —Intelligible
Her lecture was intelligible to everyone.

83. An article or thing liable to catch fire easily —Inflammable
Petrol is highly inflammable.

84. Worship of idols —Idolatry
Many religions are against idolatry.

85. Showing or having good sense and wisdom —Judicious
It was a judicious decision.

86. A special skill or ability —Knack
Mohan has a knack of pleasing everybody.

87. A problem or question hard to solve —Knotty
It is a knotty problem.

88. One who can read and write —Literate
Very few people in the village are literate.

89. A copy of a book, piece of music, etc. before it has been printed. —Manuscript
The manuscript was neatly handwritten.

90. A disorderly crowd of people —Mob
The police was unable to control the mob.

91. A person with a bad reputation. —Notorious
Jagga was a notorious dacoit.

Punjab State Board PSEB 9th Class Hindi Book Solutions Chapter 2 सूरदास के पद Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 9 Hindi Chapter 2 सूरदास के पद

Hindi Guide for Class 9 PSEB सूरदास के पद Textbook Questions and Answers

(क) विषय बोध

1. निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर एक-दो पंक्तियों में दीजिए :

प्रश्न 1.
यशोदा श्री कृष्ण को किस प्रकार सुला रही है?
उत्तर:
यशोदा श्रीकृष्ण को पालने में झूला झूलाते हुए, दुलारते हुए, पुचकारते हुए तथा कुछ गाते हुए सुला रही है।

प्रश्न 2.
यशोदा श्रीकृष्ण को दूर क्यों नहीं खेलने जाने देती है?
उत्तर:
यशोदा श्रीकृष्ण को दूर खेलने इसलिए नहीं जाने देती कि कहीं किसी की गाय उन्हें मार न दे।

प्रश्न 3.
यशोदा श्रीकृष्ण को दूध पीने के लिए क्या प्रलोभन देती है ?
उत्तर:
यशोदा श्री कृष्ण को कहती है कि यदि वे दूध पी लेंगे तो उनकी चोटी भी बलराम की चोटी के समान लंबी-मोटी हो जाएगी।

प्रश्न 4.
श्री कृष्ण यशोदा से क्या खाने की माँग करते हैं ?
उत्तर:
श्रीकृष्ण यशोदा से खाने के लिए माखन-रोटी की माँग करते हैं।

प्रश्न 5.
अंतिम पद में श्रीकृष्ण अपनी माँ से क्या हठ कर रहे हैं ?
उत्तर:
अंतिम पद में श्रीकृष्ण अपनी माँ से गाय चराने जाने की हठ कर रहे हैं। वे अपने हाथों से तोड़ कर फल खाना चाहते हैं।

2. निम्नलिखित पद्यांशों की सप्रसंग व्याख्या कीजिए

प्रश्न 1.
मैया कबहुं बढ़ेगी चोटी।
किती बेर मोहिं दूध पियत भई, यह अजहूं है छोटी।
तू जो कहति बल की बेनी ज्यों, हवै है लांबी मोटी।
काढ़त गुहत न्हवावत जैहै नागिन-सी भुईं लोटी।
काचो दूध पियावति पचि पचि, देति न माखन रोटी।।
सूरदास चिरजीवौ दोउ भैया, हरि हलधर की जोटी ।।
उत्तर:
भक्त सूरदास श्रीकृष्ण के बाल रूप का वर्णन करते हुए कहते हैं कि-बालक कृष्ण अपनी माता यशोदा से शिकायत करते हैं कि-माँ मेरी यह चोटी कब बड़ी होगी? दूध पीते हुए मुझे कितना समय हो गया है, लेकिन यह अभी भी वैसी के वैसी छोटी है। माँ तुम तो कहती हो कि मेरी ये चोटी बलराम भैया की चोटी की भाँति मोटी और लंबी हो जाएगी। इसे निकालते हुए, (कंघी करते हुए) गुंथते और नहाते हुए यह नागिन की भाँति धरती पर लोटने लगेगी। अपनी माँ से शिकायत करते हुए वे कहते हैं कि हे मैया ! तुम बार-बार मुझे कच्चा दूध पीने के लिए देती हो, लेकिन माखन रोटी खाने के लिए नहीं देती हो। पद के अंत में भक्त सूरदास कहते हैं कि बलराम और कृष्ण की यह जोड़ी सदा के लिए बनी रहे।

प्रश्न 2.
आजु मैं गाइ चरावन जैहौं।
बृन्दावन के भांति भांति फल अपने कर मैं खेहौँ ।।
ऐसी बात कहौ जनि बारे, देखौ अपनी भांति।
तनक तनक पग चलिहौ कैसें, आवत वै है. अंति राति।
प्रात जात गैया लै चारन घर आवत हैं सांझ।
तुम्हारे कमल बदन कुम्हिलैहे, रेंगति घामहि मांझ।
तेरी सौं मोहिं घाम न लागत, भुख नहीं कछु नेक।
सूरदास प्रभु कयौ न मानत, पर्यो आपनी टेक।।
उत्तर:
सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि बाल कृष्ण अपनी माँ यशोदा से कहते हैं कि वे आज गाय चराने जाएंगे। इस प्रकार वे वृंदावन के अनेक प्रकार के फल भी अपने हाथ से तोड़ कर खाएँगे। इस पर माता यशोदा उन्हें मना करते हुए कहती हैं कि ऐसी बात मत करो ज़रा अपने को देखो कि तुम अपने छोटे-छोटे कदमों से किस प्रकार चलोगे क्योंकि आते हुए बहुत रात हो जाएगी। सुबह-सुबह गायों को चराने ले जाते हैं तो संध्या के समय घर आते हैं। तुम्हारा कमल जैसा कोमल मुख धूप में भटकने से मुरझा जाएगा। इस पर बाल कृष्ण कहते हैं कि हे माँ ! तुम्हारी कसम मुझे धूप नहीं लगती है और कुछ विशेष भूख भी नहीं है। सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि प्रभु बाल कृष्ण अपनी माता का कहना नहीं मानते और अपनी ज़िद्द अड़े हुए है कि उन्हें गाय चराने जाना है।

(ख) भाषा-बोध

1.नीचे दिए गए सूरदास के पदों में प्रयुक्त ब्रज भाषा के शब्दों के लिए खड़ी बोली हिंदी के शब्द लिखिए

प्रश्न 1.
ब्रज भाषा – खड़ी बोली
के शब्द – हिंदी के शब्द
कुछ – कुछ
तोको – …………………..
कबहुँक – …………………..
किति – …………………..
अरु – …………………..
निंदरिया – …………………..
कान्ह – …………………..
इहिं – …………………..
भुई – …………………..
तुम्हरे – …………………..
उत्तर:
ब्रज भाषा – खड़ी बोली
के शब्द – हिंदी के शब्द
कछु – कुछ
तोको – तुमको
कबहुँक – कभी
किति – कितनी
अरु – और
निंदरिया – नींद
कान्ह – कृष्ण
इहिं – यहाँ
भुई – भूमि
तुम्हरे – तुम्हारे

2. निम्नलिखित एकवचन शब्दों के बहुवचन रूप लिखिए

एकवचन – बहुवचन
पलक – ……………………
नागिन – ……………………
ग्वाला – ……………………
गोपी – ……………………
चोटी – ……………………
उत्तर:
एकवचन – बहुवचन
पलक – पलकें
नागिन – नागिने
ग्वाला – ग्वाले
गोपी – गोपियाँ
चोटी – चोटियाँ
रोटी – रोटियाँ

(ग) पाठेत्तर सक्रियता

प्रश्न 1.
श्रीकृष्ण की बाल-लीलाओं के चित्र इकट्ठे करके अपनी कॉपी में चिपकाएँ।
उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी स्वयं करें।

प्रश्न 2.
जन्माष्टमी के अवसर पर मंदिर में जाकर श्रीकृष्ण की बाल-लीला से सम्बन्धित झाँकियों का अवलोकन कीजिए।
उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी स्वयं करें।

प्रश्न 3.
जन्माष्टमी के अवसर पर मंदिरों में बच्चों द्वारा श्रीकृष्ण की बाल-लीला से सम्बन्धित कार्यक्रम आयोजित किए जाते हैं। उनमें भाग लीजिए।
उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी स्वयं करें।

प्रश्न 4.
जन्माष्टमी के अवसर पर रात को श्रीकृष्ण के जन्म की कथा सुनाई जाती है। वहाँ जाइए और कथा श्रवण कर रसास्वादन कीजिए अथवा टेलीविज़न/इंटरनेट से श्रीकृष्ण की जन्म-कथा को सुनिए/देखिए।
उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी स्वयं करें।

प्रश्न 5.
आप भी बचपन में दूध आदि किसी पदार्थ को नापसंद करते होंगे। आपके माता-पिता आपको यह पदार्थ खिलाने-पिलाने में कितने लाड-प्यार से यत्न करते होंगे। अपने माता-पिता से पूछिए और लिखिए। उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी स्वयं करें।

(घ) ज्ञान-विस्तार

हिंदी-साहित्य के भक्तिकाल (सन् 1318-1643 तक) की कृष्ण-भक्ति-शाखा के प्रमुख कवि सूरदास माने जाते हैं। इनके अतिरिक्त कृष्णदास, नन्ददास, रसखान जैसे प्रसिद्ध कवियों तथा कवयित्री मीराबाई ने भी श्रीकृष्ण को आधार बनाकर उत्कृष्ट काव्य की रचना की है। श्रीकृष्ण की भक्ति से ओत-प्रोत रसखान के सवैयों को तो विद्वानों ने सचमुच रस की खान ही कहा है। मीराबाई का हिंदी की कवयित्री में अप्रतिम स्थान है। मीरा द्वारा रचित श्रीकृष्ण-भक्ति के सुन्दर और मधुर गीत जगत प्रसिद्ध हैं।

मीरा :
पायो जी मैंने राम रतन धन पायो !
वस्तु अमोलक दी मेरे सतगुरु, करि किरपा अपणायौ!
जन्म-जन्म की पूँजी पाई, जग में सबै खोवायो!
खरचै नहिं कोई चोर न लेवै, दिन दिन बढ़त सवायौ !
सत की नाव खेवटिया सतगुरू, भवसागर तरि आयो!
मीरा के प्रभु गिरधर नागर, हरखि-हरखि जस गायौ!

रसखान :
मानुष हौं तो वही रसखानि बसौं ब्रज गोकुल गाँव के ग्वारन।
जौ पसु हौं तो कहा बस मेरो चरौं नित नंद की धेनु मंझारन।।
पाहन हौं तो वही गिरी को जो कियो हरिछत्र पुरंदर धास।
जौ खग हौं तो बसेरो करौं नित कलिंदी कूल कदंब की डारन ।।

PSEB 9th Class Hindi Guide सूरदास के पद Important Questions and Answers

प्रश्न 1.
यशोदा माता श्री कृष्ण को पालने (झूले) में झुलाती हुई क्या-क्या करती है ?
उत्तर:
यशोदा माता श्री कृष्ण को पालने में झुलाते हुए उन्हें दुलारती है; पुचकारती है। उसके मन में जो कुछ भी आता है वह उसे गाती है। वह नींद को श्री कृष्ण के पास जल्दी-जल्दी आने के लिए बुलाती है।

प्रश्न 2.
यशोदा माता श्री कृष्ण को सुलाते समय अपनी सखियों से किस प्रकार बात करती है ?
उत्तर:
यशोदा माता श्री कृष्ण को सुलाते समय अपनी सखियों से बिना बोले कुछ केवल इशारों से बात करती है; कुछ बातें समझाती है।

प्रश्न 3.
यशोदा माता इशारों से अपनी सखियों को क्या बताती है ?
उत्तर:
यशोदा माता इशारों से अपनी सखियों को बताती है कि कृष्ण अब सोने ही वाले हैं। वह उन्हें सुलाने के बाद उनके के पास आ जाएगी।

प्रश्न 4.
वह कौन-सा सुख था जो ऋषि-मुनियों को न मिल यशोदा माता को ही मिला था ?
उत्तर:
श्री कृष्ण ने मानव रूप में धरती पर जन्म लिया था। माँ के रूप में उनका पालन-पोषण करने का जो सुख तपस्या करने वाले ऋषि-मुनियों को नहीं मिला था वह यशोदा माता को मिला था।

प्रश्न 5.
यशोदा माता बाल कृष्ण को क्या-क्या नहीं करने के लिए कहती है ?
उत्तर:
यशोदा माता बाल कृष्ण को पुकारते हुए कहती है कि खेलने के लिए घर से दूर न जाए ताकि कहीं किसी की गाय उसे अपने सींग न मार दे।

प्रश्न 6.
श्री कृष्ण की सुंदरता को देखकर गाँव में क्या-क्या प्रतिक्रिया होती है ?
उत्तर:
श्री कृष्ण की सुंदरता को देख कर सभी गोप-गोपियाँ आश्चर्य व्यक्त करते हैं। वे प्रसन्न होते हैं और घरघर में बधाइयाँ दी जाती हैं।

प्रश्न 7.
श्री कृष्ण अपनी माँ से अपनी चोटी की लंबाई से संबंधित क्या शिकायत करते हैं ?
उत्तर:
श्री कृष्ण अपनी माँ से अपनी चोटी की लंबाई से संबंधित शिकायत करते हैं कि उसकी लंबाई छोटी है। वह बलराम की चोटी जैसी लंबी-मोटी नहीं है। वह उसे लंबा करने के लिए कितनी बार दूध पी चुके हैं पर फिर भी बढ़ती ही नहीं।

प्रश्न 8.
यशोदा माता को कृष्ण को गौवें चराने के लिए जाने से क्या-क्या कह कर रोकती हैं ?
उत्तर:
यशोदा माता श्री कृष्ण से कहती है कि वे अभी बहुत छोटे हैं। वे अपने छोटे-छोटे कदमों से जंगल में नहीं जा पाएंगे। गौएं चराने का काम कठिन होता है। सुबह जाकर शाम को घर वापस लौटना होता है। तेज धूप कष्ट देती है। धूप में इधर-उधर भटकने से उनका कमल-सा चेहरा मुरझा जाएगा।

एक शब्द/एक पंक्ति में उत्तर दीजिए

प्रश्न 1.
बालक कृष्ण को सोया हुआ जान कर यशोदा कैसे बातें करती है?
उत्तर:
इशारों से।

प्रश्न 2.
सोते-सोते जब बालक कृष्ण अकुला उठते हैं तो यशोदा क्या करती है?
उत्तर:
यशोदा मधुर स्वर में गाने लगती है।

प्रश्न 3.
श्रीकृष्ण माता यशोदा से किसके बढ़ने के लिए पूछते हैं ?
उत्तर:
अपनी चोटी के।

प्रश्न 4.
गाय चराने कब जाना पड़ता है ?
उत्तर:
प्रात:काल के समय।

हाँ-नहीं में उत्तर दीजिए

प्रश्न 5.
बालक कृष्ण गाय चराने जाने की जिद्द पर अड़े हुए हैं।
उत्तर:
हाँ।

प्रश्न 6.
यशोदा बालक कृष्ण को दूर खेलने जाने देती है।
उत्तर:
नहीं।

सही-गलत में उत्तर दीजिए

प्रश्न 7.
बालक कृष्ण की चोटी बहुत लम्बी और मोटी है।
उत्तर:
गलत।

प्रश्न 8.
बालक कृष्ण को गाय चराते हुए धूप और भूख नहीं लगती।
उत्तर:
सही।

रिक्त स्थानों की पूर्ति करें

प्रश्न 9.
इहिं अंतर ……… उठे हरि, ……. मधुरै गावै।
उत्तर:
इहिं अंतर अकुलाई उठे हरि, जसुमति मधुरै गावै।

प्रश्न 10.
काढ़त गुहत ……… जैहै …… सी भुई लोटी।
उत्तर:
काढ़त गुहत न्हवावत जैहै नागिन सी भुई लोटी।

बहुविकल्पी प्रश्नों में से सही विकल्प चुनकर लिखें

प्रश्न 11.
यशोदा श्रीकृष्ण को किसमें सुला रही है-
(क) पालने में
(ख) गोद में
(ग) पलंग पर
(घ) कंधे पर।
उत्तर:
(क) पालने में।

प्रश्न 12.
सोते हुए श्रीकृष्ण क्या फड़काते हैं-
(क) पलक
(ख) अधर
(ग) हाथ
(घ) पाँव।
उत्तर:
(ख) अधर।

प्रश्न 13.
हलधर किसे कहा गया है
(क) कृष्ण को
(ख) नंद को
(ग) बलराम को
(घ) ग्वालों को।
उत्तर:
(ग) बलराम को।

प्रश्न 14.
बालक कृष्ण क्या नहीं खाना-पीना चाहते-
(क) दूध
(ख) माखन
(ग) रोटी
(घ) माखन-रोटी।
उत्तर:
(क) दूध।

प्रश्न 15.
श्रीकृष्ण गाय चराने कहाँ जाना चाहते हैं-
(क) गोवर्धन
(ख) वृंदावन
(ग) कालिंदी तट
(घ) गोकुल।
उत्तर:
(ख) वृंदावन।

सूरदास के पद सप्रसंग व्याख्या

1. जसोदा हरि पालने झुलावै।
हलरावै, दुलराइ मल्हावै, जोइ-सोइ कछू गावै।
मेरे लाल को आउ निंदरिया, काहै न आनि सुवावै।
तू काहैं नहिं बेगहिं आवै, तोको कान्ह बुलावै।
कबहुँक पलक हरि नूदि लेत हैं, कबहुँ अधर फरकावै।
सोवत जानि मौन है रहि रहि, करि करि सैन बतावै।
इहिं अंतर अकुलाई उठे हरि, जसुमति मधुरै गावै।
जो सुख सूर अमर मुनि दुरलभ, सो नंद भामिनि पावै॥

शब्दार्थ:
हरि = श्री कृष्ण। पालना = झूला। हलरावै = हिलाती है। मल्हावै = पुचकारती है। निंदरिया = नींद। बेगिहि = शीघ्रता से। तोको = तुझे। अधर = होंठ। मौन = चुप। सैन = संकेत, इशारे। नंद-भामिनि = नन्द की पत्नी, यशोदा।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत पद सूरदास द्वारा रचित ‘सूरदास के पद’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें यशोदा माता अपने पुत्र कृष्ण जी को झूले में झुला कर सुलाने का प्रयास कर रही है। कवि ने अत्यन्त मनोहारी ढंग से माता की विभिन्न क्रियाओं को अंकित किया है।

व्याख्या:
सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि यशोदा माता बाल कृष्ण को झूले (पालना) में झुला रही है। वह झूले को हिलाती है, पुत्र को दुलारती है, पुचकारती है और जो कुछ मन में आता है, गाती है। वह गाते हुए कहती है, “ओ री नींद ! तू मेरे लाल के पास आ। तू आकर इसे सुलाती क्यों नहीं है? तुम्हें कब से कन्हैया बुला रहा है।”कृष्ण कभी पलकों को बन्द कर लेते हैं और कभी ओठों को फड़काते हैं। उन्हें सोया हुआ जानकार यशोदा चुप हो जाती है और दूसरों को इशारे से ही कुछ बातें समझाती है। इसी बीच कृष्ण अकुला उठते हैं और यशोदा फिर से मधुर स्वर में गाने लगती है। सूरदास कहते हैं कि नंद की पत्नी यशोदा को जो सुख प्राप्त हो रहा है, वह देवता और मुनियों को भी प्राप्त नहीं होता।

विशेष:

1. सूर ने अन्धे होते हुए भी छोटे बच्चे के सोने और माँ की वात्सल्यमयी क्रियाओं का सुन्दर अंकन किया है।
2. अनुप्रास और पुनरुक्ति अलंकार, ब्रजभाषा, वात्सल्य रस का प्रयोग किया गया है।

2. कहन लागे मोहन मैया मैया।
नंद महर सों बाबा बाबा, अरु हलधर सों भैया।
ऊंचे चढ़ि चढ़ि कहति जसोदा, लै लै नाम कन्हैया।
दूरि खेलन जनि जाहु लला रे, मारैगी काहु की गैया।
गोपी ग्वाल करत कौतूहल, घर घर बजति बधैया।
सूरदास प्रभु तुम्हरे दरस कों, चरननि की बलि जैया।

शब्दार्थ:
मोहन = श्री कृष्ण। महर = मुखिया। हलधर = बलराम (श्री कृष्ण के बड़े भाई)। जनि = मत, न। जाहु = जाना। लला रे = हे पुत्र, हे लाल। कौतूहल = आश्चर्य, हैरानी। बधैया = बधाइयाँ। दरस = दर्शन। बलि जैया = निछावर हूँ।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत पद सूरदास जी द्वारा रचित ‘सूरदास के पद’ में से लिया गया है, जिसमें सूरदास जी ने श्री कृष्ण के बाल-रूप का वर्णन करते हुए उनके बोलने का वर्णन किया है।

व्याख्या:
सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि श्री कृष्ण अब कुछ बड़े हो गये हैं। अब वे यशोदा माता को मैया-मैया कहने लगे हैं तथा ग्वालों के मुखिया नंद जी को बाबा-बाबा और बड़े भाई बलराम जी को भैया-भैया कहने लगे हैं। बालक कृष्ण को बाहर खेलने के लिए जाता हुआ देखकर यशोदा माता घर की छत के ऊपर चढ़ कर श्री कृष्ण का नाम लेकर पुकारती हुई कहती हैं कि हे लाल ! दूर खेलने मत जाओ। तुम्हें किसी की गाय मार देगी। सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि श्री कृष्ण के रूप सौंदर्य पर गोप-गोपियाँ सभी आश्चर्य करते हैं; प्रसन्न होते हैं और घर-घर में बधाइयाँ दी जाती हैं। सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि हे प्रभु, तुम्हारे दर्शन के लिए, मैं तुम्हारे चरणों पर बलिहारी जाता हूँ।

विशेष:

1. बालक कृष्ण द्वारा बोलना प्रारम्भ करने का स्वाभाविक वात्सल्य रस चित्रण है।
2. ब्रज भाषा, संवादात्मकता वात्सल्य रस, अनुप्रास तथा पुनरुक्ति प्रकाश अलंकार का प्रयोग किया गया है।

3. मैया कबहुँ बढ़ेगी चोटी।
किती बेर मोहिं दूध पियत भई, यह अजहूँ है छोटी।
तू जो कहति बल की बेनी ज्यों, हवै है लांबी मोटी।
काढ़त गुहत न्हवावत जैहै नागिन-सी भुईं लोटी।
काचो दूध पियावति पचि पचि, देति न माखन रोटी।
सूरदास चिरजीवी दोउ भैया, हरि हलधर की जोटी।

शब्दार्थ:
कबहुँ = कब। पियत = पी लिया है। अजहूँ = अब भी। बल = बलराम। बेनी = चोटी। काढ़त = खोलते हुए। गुहत = चोटी बनाते हुए। भुईं = धरती। पचि-पचि = बार-बार। हरि-हलधर = कृष्ण-बलराम।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत पद सूरदास द्वारा रचित ‘सूरदास के पद’ से अवतरित है। यहाँ सूरदास ने कृष्ण के बाल-सुलभ रूप का अनोखा वर्णन करते हुए कृष्ण द्वारा यशोदा को उलाहना देने की बात की है।

व्याख्या:
भक्त सूरदास श्रीकृष्ण के बाल रूप का वर्णन करते हुए कहते हैं कि-बालक कृष्ण अपनी माता यशोदा से शिकायत करते हैं कि-माँ मेरी यह चोटी कब बड़ी होगी? दूध पीते हुए मुझे कितना समय हो गया है, लेकिन यह अभी भी वैसी के वैसी छोटी है। माँ तुम तो कहती हो कि मेरी ये चोटी बलराम भैया की चोटी की भाँति मोटी और लंबी हो जाएगी। इसे निकालते हुए, (कंघी करते हुए) गुंथते और नहाते हुए यह नागिन की भाँति धरती पर लोटने लगेगी। अपनी माँ से शिकायत करते हुए वे कहते हैं कि हे मैया ! तुम बार-बार मुझे कच्चा दूध पीने के लिए देती हो, लेकिन माखन रोटी खाने के लिए नहीं देती हो। पद के अंत में भक्त सूरदास कहते हैं कि बलराम और कृष्ण की यह जोड़ी सदा के लिए बनी रहे।

विशेष:

1. सूरदास ने बाल कृष्ण द्वारा मैया यशोदा को शिकायत करने का स्वाभाविक वर्णन किया है।
2. पद में गेयता, अनुप्रास, उपमा तथा पुनरुक्ति प्रकाश अलंकार हैं। ब्रज भाषा सरल, सहज एवं भावानुकूल है।

4. आजु मैं गाइ चरावन जैहौं।
बृन्दावन के भांति भांति फल अपने कर मैं खेहौं।
ऐसी बात कहौ जनि बारे, देखौ अपनी भांति।
तनक तनक पग चलिहौ कैसें, आवत हवै है अति राति।
प्रात जात गैया लै चारन घर आवत हैं सांझ।
तुम्हारे कमल बदन कुम्हिलैहे, रेंगति घामहिं मांझ।
तेरी सौं मोहिं घाम न लागत, भूख नहीं कछु नेक।
सूरदास प्रभु कहयौ न मानत, पर्यो आपनी टेक॥

शब्दार्थ:
चरावन = चरवाने के लिए। जैहौं = जाऊँगा। कर = हाथ। खेहौं = खाऊँगा। जनि = मत। बारे = बालक। चलिहौ = चलोगे। घामहि = धूप। सौं = कसम। टेक = हठ।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत पद सूरदास द्वारा रचित ‘सूरदास के पद’ से लिया गया है जिसमें कवि ने बाल कृष्ण की गौ चराने की जिद्द तथा माता यशोदा का उन्हें रोकने का वर्णन किया है।

व्याख्या:
सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि बाल कृष्ण अपनी माँ यशोदा से कहते हैं कि वे आज गाय चराने जाएंगे। इस प्रकार वे वृंदावन के अनेक प्रकार के फल भी अपने हाथ से तोड़ कर खाएँगे। इस पर माता यशोदा उन्हें मना करते हुए कहती हैं कि ऐसी बात मत करो ज़रा अपने को देखो कि तुम अपने छोटे-छोटे कदमों से किस प्रकार चलोगे क्योंकि आते हुए बहुत रात हो जाएगी। सुबह-सुबह गायों को चराने ले जाते हैं तो संध्या के समय घर आते हैं। तुम्हारा कमल जैसा कोमल मुख धूप में भटकने से मुरझा जाएगा। इस पर बाल कृष्ण कहते हैं कि हे माँ ! तुम्हारी कसम मुझे धूप नहीं लगती है और कुछ विशेष भूख भी नहीं है। सूरदास जी कहते हैं कि प्रभु बाल कृष्ण अपनी माता का कहना नहीं मानते और अपनी ज़िद्द अड़े हुए है कि उन्हें गाय चराने जाना है।

विशेष:

1. कवि ने बाल हठ का सजीव वर्णन किया है। कृष्ण भी अपनी हठ पर अड़े हुए हैं।
2. ब्रज भाषा, गेयता, संवादात्मकता, पुनरुक्ति प्रकाश, अनुप्रास तथा उपमा अलंकार का प्रयोग सराहनीय है।

सूरदास के पद Summary

सूरदास के पद कवि परिचय।

जीवन परिचय:
मध्यकालीन सगुणोपासक एवं कृष्णभक्त कवि सूरदास जी का जन्म सन् 1478 ई० में दिल्ली के निकट सीही ग्राम में एक सारस्वत ब्राह्मण परिवार में हुआ था। कुछ विद्वान् इन्हें जन्म से ही अन्धा मानते हैं तो कुछ मानते हैं कि यह किसी कारणवश बाद में अन्धे हो गए लेकिन इसका कोई भी साक्ष्य नहीं मिलता। सूरदास जी महाप्रभु वल्लभाचार्य जी द्वारा वल्लभ सम्प्रदाय में दीक्षित हुए और उन्हीं की प्रेरणा से ब्रज में श्रीनाथ जी के मन्दिर में कीर्तन करने लगे। इनका देहांत सन् 1583 ई० में मथुरा के निकट पारसौली नामक गाँव में हृया था।

रचनाएँ:
सूरदास जी रचित तीन रचनाएँ सूरसागर, सूरसारावली और साहित्य लहर। हैं। सूरसागर की रचना श्रीमद्भागवत पुराण के आधार पर की गई है। इनका काव्य ब्रजभाषा में रचित, गीतात्मक, माधुर्य गुण से युक्त तथा अलंकारपूर्ण है। . विशेषताएँ-इनके काव्य में श्रृंगार और वात्सल्य का बहुत सहज और स्वाभाविक चित्रण प्राप्त होता है। शृंगार के वियोग पक्ष में इन्होंने गोपियों के कृष्ण के विरह के संतप्त हृदय का मार्मिक चित्रण किया है। श्रीकृष्ण लीलाओं में इनकी बाललीलाओं का वर्णन बेजोड़ है। सूरदास जी की भक्ति भावना सख्य भाव की है।

सूरदास के पद पदों का सार

सूरदास के इन पदों में वात्सल्य रस का मोहक चित्रण किया गया है। पहले पद में यशोदा श्रीकृष्ण को पालने में झूला झुलाकर और लोरी देकर सुला रही है। श्रीकृष्ण कभी पलकें मूंद लेते हैं तो कभी व्याकुल हो उठ जाते हैं। यशोदा उन्हें लोरी गा कर फिर से सुला देती है। दूसरे पद में यशोदा श्रीकृष्ण को दूर खेलने जाने के लिए मना करती है। तीसरे पद में माँ यशोदा श्रीकृष्ण को चोटी बढ़ने का लालच देकर बहाने से दूध पिलाती है परंतु श्रीकृष्ण चोटी न बढ़ने से चिंतित हो कर माखन रोटी खाने के लिए देने के लिए कहते हैं। चौथे पद में श्रीकृष्ण माँ से गायें चराने जाने के लिए हठ करते हैं। परन्तु उनकी बाल-अवस्था देखकर यशोदा उन्हें जाने से रोकना चाहती है।

Punjab State Board PSEB 9th Class Hindi Book Solutions Chapter 1 कबीर दोहावली Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 9 Hindi Chapter 1 कबीर दोहावली

Hindi Guide for Class 9 PSEB कबीर दोहावली Textbook Questions and Answers

(क) विषय-बोध

1. निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के उत्तर एक-दो पंक्तियों में दीजिए

प्रश्न 1.
कबीर के अनुसार ईश्वर किसके हृदय में वास करता है?
उत्तर:
कबीर के अनुसार ईश्वर सच्चे व्यक्ति के हृदय में वास करता है।

प्रश्न 2.
कबीर ने सच्चा साधु किसे कहा है?
उत्तर:
कबीर ने सच्चा साधु उसे कहा है जो भावों का भूखा होता है और उसे धन-दौलत का लालच नहीं होता है।

प्रश्न 3.
संतों के स्वभाव के बारे में कबीर ने क्या कहा है?
उत्तर:
संत अपनी सजनता कभी नहीं छोड़ते चाहे उन्हें कितने भी बुरे स्वभाव के व्यक्तियों से मिलना पड़े अथवा उन के साथ रहना पड़ा। उन पर बुराई का प्रभाव नहीं होता।

प्रश्न 4.
कबीर ने वास्तविक रूप से पंडित/विद्वान किसे कहा है?
उत्तर:
कबीर के अनुसार जिसे व्यक्ति ने प्रेम के ढाई अक्षर पढ़ लिए हैं वही वास्तविक रूप से पंडित/विद्वान् है।

प्रश्न 5.
धीरज का संदेश देते हुए कबीर ने क्या कहा है?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी ने कहा है कि सभी कार्य धैर्य धारण करने से होते हैं, इसलिए मनुष्य को धीरज रखना चाहिए, जैसे ऋतु आने पर वृक्ष पर फल अपने आप आ जाते हैं उसी प्रकार समय आने पर मनुष्य के सभी कार्य भी सिद्ध हो जाते हैं।

प्रश्न 6.
कबीर ने सांसारिक व्यक्ति की तुलना पक्षी से क्यों की है?
उत्तर:
कबीर ने सांसारिक व्यक्ति की तुलना पक्षी से इसलिए की है क्योंकि जैसे पक्षी आकाश में इधर-उधर उड़ता रहता है वैसे मनुष्य चंचल मन भी उसके शरीर को कहीं भी भटकाता रहता है।

प्रश्न 7.
कबीर ने समय के सदुपयोग पर क्या संदेश किया है?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी का कहना है कि मनुष्य को अपना काम कल पर नहीं टालना चाहिए बल्कि तुरंत कर लेना चाहिए क्योंकि कल का पता नहीं होता कि कल क्या होगा।

2. निम्नलिखित पद्यांशों की सप्रसंग व्याख्या कीजिए

(i) जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होय।
जैसा पानी पीजिये, तैसी वाणी होय।।
(ii) बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय।
जो दिल खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय।
(iii) जाति ना पूछो साधु की, पूछ लीजिये ज्ञान।
मोल करो तरवार का, पड़ा रहन दो म्यान।।
(iv) अति का भला न बोलना, अति की भली न चूप।
अति का भला न बरसना, अति की भली न धूप।।
(v) माला तो कर में फिरै, जीभ फिरै मुख मांहि।
मनुवा तौ चहुँ दिशि फिरै, यह तो सुमिरन नांहि॥
उत्तर:
(i) कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि जो व्यक्ति जैसा भोजन खाता है, उसका मन भी वैसा ही हो जाता है तथा जैसा वह पानी पीता है वैसे ही उसकी वाणी से शब्द निकलते हैं। भाव यह है कि कि सात्विक खान-पान के व्यक्ति का मन-वाणी शुद्ध होती तथा तामसिक भोजन-जल का पान करने वाले व्यक्ति का मन और वाणी भी अशुद्ध होगी।

(ii) कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि मैं जब इस संसार में किसी बुरे व्यक्ति को तलाश करने के लिए निकला तो ढूंढने पर भी मुझे कोई भी बुरा नहीं मिला। जब मैंने अपने दिल को टटोल कर देखा तो मुझे पता चला कि इस संसार में मुझ से बुरा कोई भी नहीं है।

(iii) कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि मैं जब इस संसार में किसी बुरे व्यक्ति को तलाश करने के लिए निकला तो ढूंढने पर भी मुझे कोई भी बुरा नहीं मिला। जब मैंने अपने दिल को टटोल कर देखा तो मुझे पता चला कि इस संसार में मुझ से बुरा कोई भी नहीं है।

(iv) कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि हमें किसी साधु की जाति नहीं पूछनी चाहिए बल्कि उसका ज्ञान जानना चाहिए क्योंकि उसके ज्ञान से ही हमें लाभ हो सकता है। जैसे तलवार लेते समय तलवार का मूल्य किया जाता है, म्यान का नहीं-उसी प्रकार से ज्ञानी साधु का सम्मान होता है, उसकी जाति का नहीं।

(v) कबीर जी कहते हैं कि ईश्वर का भजन या स्मरण करते समय हाथ में माला फिरती रहती है और जीभ मुँह में घूमती रहती है लेकिन व्यक्ति का मन चारों दिशाओं में भटकता रहता है। यह तो किसी भी प्रकार से प्रभु का स्मरण नहीं है।

(ख) भाषा-बोध

निम्नलिखित शब्दों का वर्ण-विच्छेद कीजिए-
प्रश्न 1.
शब्द – वर्ण-विच्छेद बराबर
बराबर – ब् + अ + र् + आ + ब् + अ + र् + अ
भोजन – ————
पंडित – ————
ग्यान – ————
बरसना – ————
उत्तर:
शब्द – वर्ण-विच्छेद बराबर
बराबर – ब् + अ + र् + आ + ब् + अ + र् + अ
भोजन – भ् + ओ + ज् + अ + न् + अ
पंडित – प् + अं+ ड् + इ + त् + अ म्यान
ग्यान – म् + य् + आ + न् + अ बरसना
बरसना – ब् + अ + र् + अ + स् + अ + न् + आ

(ग) पाठेत्तर सक्रियता

प्रश्न 1.
पुस्तकालय से कबीर के दोहों की पुस्तक लेकर प्रेरणादायक दोहों का संकलन कीजिए।
उत्तर:

• बोली एक अमोल है, जो कोई बोले जानि
  हिय तराजू तोल के, तब मुख बाहर आनि॥
• निंदक नियरे राखिए, आँगन कुटी छवाय।
  बिन पानी साबुन बिना, निर्मल करे सुभाय।
• दोस पराये देखि करि, चला हँसत-हँसत।
  अपने याद न आवई, जिनका आदि न अंत ॥
• जग में बैरी कोई नहीं, जो मन सीतल होय।
  या आपको डारि दे, दया करै सब कोय॥
• आवत गारी एक है, उलटत होइ अनेक।
  कह कबीर नहिं उलटिए, वही एक की एक॥

प्रश्न 2.
कबीर के दोहों की ऑडियो या वीडियो सी० डी० लेकर अथवा इंटरनेट से प्रात:काल/संध्या के समय दोहों का श्रवण कर रसास्वादन कीजिए।
उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी अपने अध्यापक की सहायता से स्वयं करें।

प्रश्न 3.
कैलेण्डर से देखें कि इस बार कबीर-जयंती कब है। स्कूल की प्रातः कालीन सभा में कबीर-जयंती के अवसर पर कबीर साहिब के बारे में अपने विचार प्रस्तुत कीजिए।
उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी अपने अध्यापक की सहायता से स्वयं करें।

प्रश्न 4.
एन० सी० ई० आर० टी० द्वारा कबीर पर निर्मित फ़िल्म देखिए।
उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी अपने अध्यापक की सहायता से स्वयं करें।

प्रश्न 5.
मेरी नज़र में : सच्ची भक्ति’ इस विषय पर कक्षा में चर्चा कीजिए।
उत्तर:
विद्यार्थी अपने अध्यापक की सहायता से स्वयं करें।

(घ) ज्ञान-विस्तार

कबीर के अतिरिक्त रहीम, बिहारी तथा वृन्द ने भी इनके दोहों की रचना की है जो कि बहुत ही प्रेरणादायक हैं। इनके द्वारा रचित नीति के दोहे तो विश्व प्रसिद्ध हैं और हमारे लिए मार्गदर्शक का काम करते हैं। इन्हें पढ़ने से एक ओर जहाँ मन को शांति मिलती है वहीं दूसरी ओर हमारी बुद्धि भी प्रखर होती है।
उत्तर:

रहीम :

• रहिमन धागा प्रेम का मत तोर्यो चटकाय।
  टूटे से फिरि न जुड़े, जुड़े गांठ परि जाई॥
• छमा बड़न को चाहिए, छोटन को उत्पात।
  का रहीम हरि को घट्यो, जो भृगु मारी लात ।।

बिहारी :

• दीरघ सांस न लेहि दुख, सुख साईंहि न भूलि।
  दई-दई क्यों करतु है, दई-दई सो कबूलि।।
• नर की अरु नल नीर की गति एकै करि जोइ।
  जेतौ नीचो वै चले, तैतो ऊँचो होइ॥

वंद :

• बड़े न हजै गुनन बिन, बिरद बड़ाई पाय।
  कहत धतूरे सौ कनक, गहनों घड़ो न जाय।।
• सुरसती के भंडार की बड़ी अपूरव बात।
  ज्यों खरचें त्यों-त्यों बड़े बिन खरचे घटि जात॥

PSEB 9th Class Hindi Guide कबीर दोहावली Important Questions and Answers

प्रश्न 1.
परमात्मा के संबंध में कबीर की क्या विचारधारा थी?
उत्तर:
कबीर निर्गुणी थे। वे मानते थे कि परमात्मा सब जगह है। वह जन्म-मरण से परे है। उसे प्राप्त नहीं किया जा सकता। वह चाहे हर जगह है पर उसे देखा नहीं जा सकता। उसका कोई रंग-रूप नहीं है।

प्रश्न 2.
कबीर ने सच बोलने के विषय में क्या कहा है?
उत्तर:
कबीर ने सच बोलने के विषय में कहा है कि उससे बढ़ कर कोई तप नहीं है। जिस प्राणी के हृदय में सच बसता है उसी के भीतर परमात्मा का वास होता है।

प्रश्न 3.
कबीर के अनुसार जो व्यक्ति धन का लोभी होता है उसमें किस जैसे गुण नहीं होते?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी के अनुसार जो व्यक्ति लालची होता है वह किसी भी स्थिति में साधु कहलाने के योग्य नहीं होता। साधु भाव के भूखे होते हैं, न कि धन दौलत के।

प्रश्न 4.
कबीर जी के अनुसार हमारा खान-पान हमें कैसे प्रभावित करता है?
उत्तर:
हम जैसा खाते या पीते हैं वैसा ही हमारा मन बन जाता है। बुरा खाने-पीने वाले का मन बुरा बन जाता है तो सात्विक खाने-पीने वाले का स्वभाव भी वैसा ही सात्विक हो जाता है।

प्रश्न 5.
कबीर जी के अनुसार कैसी पढ़ाई इन्सान को पंडित बनाने के योग्य होती है?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी के अनुसार धार्मिक ग्रंथों के पढ़ने से ही इन्सान पंडित बन सकता है। वे ग्रंथ ही इन्सान को परमात्मा को प्राप्त करने की राह दिखाते हैं और उसे संसार के छल-कपट से दूर करते हैं।

प्रश्न 6.
कबीर जी के अनुसार संतों पर किस का कोई प्रभाव नहीं पड़ता?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी के अनुसार संतों पर बुरे लोगों का भी प्रभाव नहीं पड़ता। वे सदा अच्छे बने रहते हैं-ठीक वैसे ही जैसे चंदन के पेड़ पर चाहे साँप लिपटे रहें पर उनके ज़हर का चंदन के पेड़ पर कोई प्रभाव नहीं पड़ता।

प्रश्न 7.
कबीर जी ने धैर्य के महत्त्व को किस प्रकार व्यक्त किया है?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी धैर्य को महत्त्व देते हुए मानते हैं कि समय से पहले कभी कुछ नहीं होता। जैसे कोई माली सैंकड़ों पानी से भरे घड़ों से पेड़-पौधों को सींचता रहे लेकिन उन पर फल तो मौसम आने पर ही लगेगा। इसी प्रकार मनुष्य चाहे कितनी भी कोशिश कर ले पर उसके कार्य तो उचित समय आने पर ही होते हैं ; समय से पहले नहीं।

प्रश्न 8.
कबीर जी ने साधुओं की जाति के विषय में क्या विचार व्यक्त किया है?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी ने माना है कि साधुओं की जाति कभी नहीं पूछनी चाहिए। उनकी पहचान उनकी भक्ति और ज्ञान होता है। जिस प्रकार तलवार खरीदते समय उसी का दाम पूछा जाता है न कि उस म्यान का-जिस में रखी जाती है, उसी प्रकार साधु की महत्ता उसकी भक्ति और ज्ञान से होती है, न कि उस की जाति-पाति और रंग-रूप से।

प्रश्न 9.
कबीर जी ने इन्सान के मन की चंचलता को किस प्रकार व्यक्त किया है?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी ने इन्सान के मन को अति चंचल मानते हुए कहा है कि वह जो चाहता है उसका शरीर वैसा ही करता है। सब अच्छे-बुरे काम इन्सान के द्वारा अपने मन की इच्छा के कारण किए जाते हैं। जो व्यक्ति जैसी अच्छी या बुरी संगति करता है उसे वैसे ही. फल की प्राप्ति होती है।

प्रश्न 10.
कबीर जी किसी भी काम की अधिकता को कैसा मानते हैं?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी का मानना है कि किसी भी काम की अधिकता बुरी होती है। न तो आवश्यकता से अधिक बोलना चाहिए और न ही चुप रहना चाहिए। न अधिक वर्षा अच्छी होती है और न ही अत्यधिक गर्मी-हर वस्तु और काम संतुलित-सा होना चाहिए। किसी की भी अति अच्छी नहीं होती।

प्रश्न 11.
कबीर जी ने मन की चंचलता के विषय में क्या विचार व्यक्त किया है?
उत्तर:
कबीर मानते हैं कि इन्सान का मन बहुत चंचल होता है। वह पल भर भी कहीं टिकता नहीं है। जब वह भक्ति करने लगता है तो माला उस के हाथ में घूमती रहती है और जीभ मुँह में हिल-हिल कर ईश्वर का नाम लेती है लेकिन उसका मन दुनिया भर की अच्छी-बुरी बातें सोचता है। मन की चंचलता उसे ईश्वर के नाम में डूबने ही नहीं देती। चंचलता से भरा मन तो इन्सान से भक्ति करने का नाटक ही कराता है।

प्रश्न 12.
कबीर जी ने इन्सान को अपना काम सदा समय पर करने की शिक्षा कैसे दी है?
उत्तर:
कबीर जी ने इन्सान को शिक्षा देते हुए कहा है कि उसे सदा अपने काम को समय से करना चाहिए। जो काम कल करना है उसे आज ही करो और आज का काम अभी करो। यह संसार तो नाशवान है। यदि अगले ही पल प्रलय हो गई अर्थात् तुम नहीं रहे तो अपना काम फिर कैसे करोगे। अपने काम को अगले दिन पर मत छोड़ो।

एक शब्द/एक पंक्ति में उत्तर दीजिए

प्रश्न 1.
कबीर ने किस के बराबर ‘तप नहीं’ बताया है?
उत्तर:
सत्य के।

प्रश्न 2.
कबीर के अनुसार कौन साधु नहीं होता?
उत्तर:
जो धन का भूखा होता है।

प्रश्न 3.
कबीर के अनुसार कौन ‘संतई’ नहीं छोड़ता?
उत्तर:
संत।

प्रश्न 4.
कबीर के अनुसार क्या पढ़ने से कोई विद्वान् हो जाता है?
उत्तर:
ढाई आखर प्रेम का पढ़ने से विद्वान् हो जाते हैं।

प्रश्न 5.
कबीर ने सबसे बुरा किसे कहा है?
उत्तर:
स्वयं को।

हाँ-नहीं में उत्तर दीजिए

प्रश्न 6.
धैर्य रखने से धीरे-धीरे सब कार्य सफल होते हैं।
उत्तर:
हाँ।

प्रश्न 7.
साधु की जात पूछनी चाहिए, ज्ञान नहीं पूछना चाहिए।
उत्तर:
नहीं।

सही-गलत में उत्तर दीजिए

प्रश्न 8.
जो जैसी संगति करता है, उसे वैसा फल नहीं मिलता।
उत्तर:
गलत।

प्रश्न 9.
किसी भी कार्य की ‘अति’ ठीक नहीं होती।
उत्तर:
सही।

रिक्त स्थानों की पूर्ति करें-

प्रश्न 10.
(i) मोल करो ……………. का, पड़ा ……………. दो म्यान।
उत्तर:
मोल करो तलवार का, पड़ा रहन दो म्यान।

(ii) पोथी पढ़ि पढ़ि ……………. मुवा ……………. हुआ न कोय।
उत्तर:
पोथी पढ़ि पढ़ि जग मुवा पंडित हुआ न कोय।

बहुविकल्पी प्रश्नों में से सही विकल्प चुनकर उत्तर लिखें

प्रश्न 11.
माला किस में फिरती है
(क) मन में
(ख) कर में
(ग) तन में
(घ) मुख में।
उत्तर:
(ख) कर में।

प्रश्न 12.
आज का काम कब करना चाहिए
(क) आज
(ख) कल
(ग) परसों
(घ) कभी भी।
उत्तर:
(क) आज।

प्रश्न 13.
कैसे व्यक्ति के हृदय में ईश्वर निवास करता है
(क) तपस्वी
(ख) वाचाल
(ग) सच्चे
(घ) पोथियों का ज्ञानी।
उत्तर:
(ग) सच्चे।

प्रश्न 14.
कबीर ने सांसारिक व्यक्ति की तुलना किससे की है
(क) पशु से
(ख) पक्षी से
(ग) जलचर से
(घ) सागर से।
उत्तर:
(ख) पक्षी से।

प्रश्न 15.
संत अपनी क्या नहीं छोड़ते
(क) आन
(ख) बान
(ग) शान
(घ) संतई।
उत्तर:
(घ) संतई।

कबीर दोहावली सप्रसंग व्याख्या

1. साच बराबर तप नहीं, झूठ बराबर पाप।
जाके हिरदे साच है, ताके हिरदे आप॥

शब्दार्थ:
साच = सत्य। हिरदे = हृदय। आप = परमात्मा।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसे कबीरदास जी ने रचा है। इस दोहे में कवि ने सत्य की महिमा का वर्णन किया है।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि सत्य के समान संसार में कोई तपस्या नहीं है तथा झूठ के बराबर कोई पाप नहीं है। जिनके हृदय में सत्य का निवास होता है उनके हृदय में आप अर्थात् स्वयं परमात्मा का निवास होता है।

विशेष:

1. कवि के अनुसार सत्यवादी व्यक्ति के मन में सदा परमात्मा का निवास होता है।
2. भाषा सरल, सहज तथा भावपूर्ण सधुक्कड़ी है। दोहा छंद है।

2. साधु भूखा भाव का, धन का भूखा नाहिं।
धन का भूखा जी फिरै, सो तो साधू नाहिं।

शब्दार्थ:
भाव = भावना, सत्कार। भूखा = लालची, कुछ चाहने की इच्छा करने वाला।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीरदास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें कवि ने सच्चे साधु के गुणों का वर्णन किया है।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि साधु तो केवल भावनाओं का भूखा होता है, वह धन का भूखा कभी नहीं होता। यदि कोई साधु धन के लालच में मारा-मारा फिरता है तो वह साधु कहलाने के योग्य नहीं है।

विशेष:

1. सच्चा साधु भावनाओं का भूखा होता है, धन का नहीं।
2. सधुक्कड़ी, भाषा दोहा छंद तथा अनुप्रास अलंकार का प्रयोग हुआ है।

3. जैसा भोजन खाइये, तैसा ही मन होय।
जैसा पानी पीजिये, तैसी वाणी होय॥

शब्दार्थ:
वाणी = बोलना, बोल। होय = होता है।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसके कवि कबीरदास हैं। इस दोहे में अन्न-जल का मानव मन और तन पर प्रभाव चित्रित किया गया है।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि जो व्यक्ति जैसा भोजन खाता है, उसका मन भी वैसा ही हो जाता है तथा जैसा वह पानी पीता है वैसे ही उसकी वाणी से शब्द निकलते हैं। भाव यह है कि कि सात्विक खान-पान के व्यक्ति का मन-वाणी शुद्ध होती तथा तामसिक भोजन-जल का पान करने वाले व्यक्ति का मन और वाणी भी अशुद्ध होगी।

विशेष:

1. कवि के अनुसार मनुष्य के जीवन पर उसके खान-पान का बहुत प्रभाव पड़ता है।
2. भाषा सधुक्कड़ी, दोहा छंद तथा अनुप्रास अलंकार है।

4. संत न छाडै संतई, जो कोटिक मिलैं असंत।
चंदन भुवँगा बैठिया, तउ सीतलता न तजंत॥

शब्दार्थ:
संत = साधु, सज्जन पुरुष। संतई = साधु-स्वभाव, सज्जनता। कोटिक = करोड़ों। असंत = दुष्ट या बुरे स्वभाव वाले व्यक्ति। भुवँगा = साँप। बैठिया = बैठना, लिपटे रहना। तउ = फिर भी।।

प्रसंग:
यह दोहा संत कबीरदास’ द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है। इसमें कबीर जी ने साधु-स्वभाव के विषय में कहा है कि किसी भी अवस्था में अपने साधु-स्वभाव अर्थात् सज्जनता को नहीं छोड़ते हैं। व्याख्या-कबीर जी कहते हैं कि साधु अर्थात् कोई भी सज्जन कभी अपने साधु स्वभाव अर्थात् सज्जनता को नहीं छोड़ता है, चाहे उसे कितने ही बहुत बुरे स्वभाव वाले व्यक्ति मिलें अथवा उनके साथ रहना पड़े। जिस प्रकार चंदन कबीर दोहावली के वृक्ष से अनेक विष भरे साँप लिपटे रहने पर भी चंदन का वृक्ष अपनी शीतलता का परित्याग कभी नहीं करता। उसके गुण ज्यों के त्यों बने रहते हैं।

विशेष:

1. साधु लोगों पर बुरे लोगों की संगति का कभी भी कोई असर नहीं पड़ता। वे सदा अपने साधु-स्वभाव को बनाए रखते हैं।
2. उदाहरण अलंकार, सरल भावपूर्ण भाषा तथा दोहा छंद विद्यमान है।

5. पोथी पढ़ि पढ़ि जग मुवा पंडित हुआ न कोय।
ढाई आखर प्रेम का, पढ़े सु पंडित होय।

शब्दार्थ:
पोथी = पुस्तक, ग्रंथ। पंडित = विद्वान्। मुवा = मर गए। आखर = अक्षर।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीर दास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें कवि ने ईश्वरीय प्रेम की महिमा का वर्णन किया है। व्याख्या-कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि संसार के लोग अनेक धर्म ग्रंथों को पढ़-पढ़ कर मर गए परंतु कोई भी विद्वान् न बन सका। कवि का मानना है कि यदि कोई व्यक्ति प्रभु-प्रेम के ढाई अक्षर पढ़ कर समझ लेगा तो वह विद्वान् अथवा ज्ञानी हो जाएगा।

विशेष:

1. कवि के अनुसार केवल पुस्तकीय ज्ञान से कोई विद्वान् नहीं बन सकता, उसे तो परमात्मा से प्रेम करना आना चाहिए तभी ज्ञानी बन सकता है।
2. भाषा सहज, सरल, सधुक्कड़ी, दोहा छंद, अनुप्रास तथा पुनरुक्ति प्रकाश अलंकार का प्रयोग किया गया है।

6. बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय।
जो दिल खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय।

शब्दार्थ:
मिलिया = मिला। खोजा = ढूँढ़ा, तलाश किया।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीरदास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें कवि ने बताया है कि दूसरों में बुराई देखने से पहले अपने अंदर झाँक कर देखो।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि मैं जब इस संसार में किसी बुरे व्यक्ति को तलाश करने के लिए निकला तो ढूंढने पर भी मुझे कोई भी बुरा नहीं मिला। जब मैंने अपने दिल को टटोल कर देखा तो मुझे पता चला कि इस संसार में मुझ से बुरा कोई भी नहीं है।

विशेष:

1. कवि का मानना है कि बुराई मनुष्य के अपने अंदर होती है। उसे बाहर कहीं खोजने की आवश्यकता नहीं है।
2. भाषा सधुक्कड़ी और दोहा छंद है।

7. धीरे-धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय।
माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ऋतु आए फल होय॥

शब्दार्थ:
मना = मन। सींचे = सींचना। सौ = सैंकड़ा। ऋतु = मौसम। प्रसंग-प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीरदास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें कवि ने इन्सान को अपने मन में धैर्य रखने पर बल दिया है।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि हे मेरे मन। धैर्य रखो क्योंकि धीरे-धीरे सब काम हो जाते हैं। जिस प्रकार माली सैंकड़ों घड़ों पानी से वृक्षों को सींचता है और उस वृक्ष पर फल मौसम के आने पर ही आते हैं उससे पहले नहीं, इसी प्रकार से मनुष्य के कार्य भी समय आने पर होते हैं।

विशेष:

1. यहाँ कवि ने ‘सहज पके सो मीठा’ के अनुसार ‘सब्र का फल मीठा’ माना है और सदा धैर्य से कार्य करने का उपदेश दिया है।
2. सधुक्कड़ी भाषा, दोहा छंद, अनुप्रास तथा पुनरुक्ति प्रकाश अलंकार का प्रयोग किया गया है।

8. जाति ना पूछो साधु की, पूछ लीजिये ज्ञान।
मोल करो तरवार का, पड़ा रहन दो म्यान॥

शब्दार्थ:
ज्ञान = विद्वता। तरवार = तलवार। म्यान = तलवार का खोल।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीरदास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें कवि ने ज्ञानी साधु का सम्मान करने के लिए कहा है न कि उसकी जाति का।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि हमें किसी साधु की जाति नहीं पूछनी चाहिए बल्कि उसका ज्ञान जानना चाहिए क्योंकि उसके ज्ञान से ही हमें लाभ हो सकता है। जैसे तलवार लेते समय तलवार का मूल्य किया जाता है, म्यान का नहीं-उसी प्रकार से ज्ञानी साधु का सम्मान होता है, उसकी जाति का नहीं।

विशेष:

1. कवि ने साधु का सम्मान उसके ज्ञान से करने के लिए कहा है न कि जाति से।
2. भाषा सधुक्कड़ी, दोहा छंद है।

9. कबीर तन पंछी भया, जहाँ मन तहां उड़ी जाइ।
जो जैसी संगती कर, सो तैसा ही फल पाइ।

शब्दार्थ:
तन = शरीर। पंछी = पक्षी। प्रसंग-प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीरदास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें कवि ने मन की चंचलता का वर्णन किया है।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि यह शरीर पक्षी हो गया है, जिसे मन जहाँ चाहे वहीं उड़ा कर ले जाता है, अर्थात् शरीर मन के वश में होकर उसके अनुसार आचरण करता है। वास्तव में, जो जिस संगति में रहता है, उसे उसी प्रकार का फल भी मिलता है।

विशेष:

1. मन की चंचलता के कारण शरीर भी उसी के इशारों पर चलता है, अत: मन को वश में करना चाहिए।
2. भाषा सधुक्कड़ी है और दोहा छंद, अनुप्रास अलंकार का प्रयोग किया गया है।

10. अति का भला न बोलना, अति की भली न चूप।
अति का भला न बरसना, अति की भली न धूप॥

शब्दार्थ:
अति = बहुत अधिक। चूप = खामोशी, मौन । बरसना = वर्षा, बारिश।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीरदास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें कवि ने ‘अति सर्वत्र वर्जते के अनुसार किसी भी कार्य में अति को निंदनीय माना है।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि बहुत अधिक बोलना अथवा बहुत अधिक मौन रहना अच्छा नहीं होता है। बहुत बारिश का होना और बहुत अधिक गर्मी का पड़ना भी अच्छा नहीं होता। इस प्रकार किसी भी कार्य में अति हानिकारक होती है।

विशेष:

1. कवि के अनुसार किसी भी कार्य में अति नहीं करनी चाहिए।
2. भाषा सधुक्कड़ी और दोहा छंद है।

11. माला तौ कर में फिरै, जीभ फिरै मुख मांहि।
मनुवा तौ चहुँ दिशि फिरै, यह तो सुमिरन नांहि॥

शब्दार्थ:
कर = हाथ। मनुवा = मन । सुमिरन = ईश्वर का भजन करना, स्मरण करना।।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीर जी द्वारा लिखित ‘साखी’ है। प्रस्तुत दोहे में कबीर जी ने ईश्वर भजन में किसी प्रकार के आडम्बर या दिखावे से बचने की बात कही है। व्याख्या-कबीर जी कहते हैं कि ईश्वर का भजन या स्मरण करते समय हाथ में माला फिरती रहती है और जीभ मुँह में घूमती रहती है लेकिन व्यक्ति का मन चारों दिशाओं में भटकता रहता है। यह तो किसी भी प्रकार से प्रभु का स्मरण नहीं है।

विशेष:

1. भाव है कि ईश्वर का स्मरण करते समय मनुष्य का मन एकाग्र होना चाहिए तभी सही ढंग से ईश्वर का स्मरण होगा।
2. अनुप्रास अलंकार, सरल भाषा, दोहा छंद तथा उपदेशात्मक शैली है।

12. काल्ह करै सो आज कर, आज करै सौ अब्ब।
पल में परलै होयगी, बहुरि करैगो कब्ब।

शब्दार्थ:
काल्ह = कल। अब्ब = अभी। परलै = विनाश, मृत्यु। बहुरि = फिर। कब्ब = कब।

प्रसंग:
प्रस्तुत दोहा कबीरदास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ से लिया गया है, जिसमें कवि ने किसी कार्य को टालने की निंदा की है।

व्याख्या:
कबीरदास जी कहते हैं कि हे मनुष्य ! तुमने जो कार्य कल करना है उसे आज ही कर लो और जो आज करना है उसे अभी कर लो क्योंकि पता नहीं कभी भी पलभर में विनाश अथवा मृत्यु हो सकती है, यदि ऐसा हो गया तो फिर अपना कार्य कब करोगे।

विशेष:

1. आज का कार्य कल पर नहीं टालना चाहिए क्योंकि कभी भी कुछ भी हो सकता है।
2. भाषा सधुक्कड़ी, दोहा छंद, अनुप्रास अलंकार है।

कबीर दोहावली Summary

कबीर दोहावली कवि परिचय।

कवि-परिचय संत कबीर हिंदी-साहित्य के भक्तिकाल की महान् विभूति थे। उन्होंने अपने बारे में कुछ न कह कर भक्त, सुधारक और साधक का कार्य किया था। उनका जन्म सन् 1398 ई० में काशी में हुआ था तथा उनकी मृत्यु सन् 1518 में काशी के निकट मगहर नामक स्थान पर हुई थी। उनका पालन-पोषण नीरु और नीमा नामक एक जुलाहा दंपति ने किया था। कबीर विवाहित थे। उनकी पत्नी का नाम लोई था। उनका एक पुत्र कमाल और एक पुत्री कमाली थे।।

रचनाएँ:
कबीर निरक्षर थे पर उनका ज्ञान किसी विद्वान् से कम नहीं था। वे मस्तमौला, फक्कड़ और लापरवाह फकीर थे। वे जन्मजात विद्रोही, निर्भीक, परम संतोषी और क्रांतिकारक सुधारक थे। कबीर की एकमात्र प्रामाणिक रचना ‘बीजक’ है, जिसके तीन भाग-साखी, सबद और रमैणी हैं। उनकी इस रचना को उनके शिष्यों ने संकलित किया था।

विशेषताएँ:
कबीर निर्गुणी थे। उनका मानना था कि ईश्वर इस विश्व के कण-कण में विद्यमान है। वह फूलों की सुगंध से भी पतला, अजन्मा और निर्विकार है। कबीर ने गुरु को परमात्मा से भी अधिक महत्त्व दिया है क्योंकि परमात्मा की कृपा होने से पहले गुरु की कृपा का होना आवश्यक है। कबीर ने विभिन्न अंधविश्वासों, रूढ़ियों और आडंबरों का कड़ा विरोध किया था। उन्होंने जाति-पाति और वर्ग-भेद का विरोध किया। वे शासन, समाज, धर्म आदि समस्त क्षेत्रों में क्रांतिकारी परिवर्तन चाहते थे।

कबीर की भाषा जन-भाषा के बहुत निकट थी। उन्होंने साखी, दोहा, चौपाई की शैली में अपनी वाणी प्रस्तुत की थी। उनकी भाषा में अवधी, ब्रज, खड़ी बोली, पूर्वी हिंदी, फारसी, अरबी, राजस्थानी, पंजाबी आदि के शब्द बहुत अधिक हैं। इसलिए इनकी भाषा को खिचड़ी या सधुक्कड़ी भी कहते हैं।

कबीर दोहावली दोहों का सार

कबीरदास द्वारा रचित ‘कबीर दोहावली’ के बारह दोहों में नीति से संबंधित बात कही गई है। इनमें संत कवि ने सत्य-आचरण, सच्चे साधु की पहचान तथा अन्न-जल के मानव जीवन पर पड़ने वाले प्रभाव आदि का वर्णन किया है। कवि के अनुसार सच्चे व्यक्ति के हृदय में प्रभु निवास करते हैं। सच्चा साधु भाव का भूखा होता है तथा जैसा हम अन्नजल ग्रहण करते हैं वैसा ही हमारा आचरण होता है। सज्जन व्यक्ति बुरे लोगों के साथ रहकर भी अपनी अच्छाई नहीं छोड़ता। संसार में अपने अतिरिक्त कोई बुरा नहीं होता। धैर्य से ही सब कार्य होते हैं। साधु की जाति नहीं ज्ञान देखना चाहिए। सभी इन्सानों को अपने मन की चंचलता को वश में करना चाहिए। किसी भी बात की अति सदा हानिकारक होती है तथा ईश्वर का स्मरण एकाग्र भाव से करना चाहिए। कभी भी आज का काम कल पर नहीं टालना चाहिए क्योंकि मृत्यु के बाद तो वह काम हमारे द्वारा फिर कभी भी नहीं हो सकेगा।।

Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 15 Invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali and Disintegration of Mughal Rule in the Punjab Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 15 Invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali and Disintegration of Mughal Rule in the Punjab

long Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
Who was Ahmad Shah Abdali? What were the reasons of his Punjab invasions?
Or
Write the main causes of invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab.
Answer:
1. Ambition of Abdali: Ahmad Shah Abdali was a very ambitious ruler. He did not feel contented with his small kingdom of Afghanistan. Hence, he wanted to expand his domain by capturing Punjab and other states of India. In order to fulfill his imperialistic ambition he, first of all, decided to invade Punjab.

2. Enormous wealth of India: In order to establish a powerful empire it was very necessary for Abdali to have great wealth. He could not obtain this wealth from his own kingdom of Afghanistan, as it was economically a very backward region. On the other hand, this wealth could be obtained from India, which was famous in the entire world for its enormous wealth.

3. To consolidate his position in Afghanistan: Ahmad Shah Abdali belonged to an ordinary family. He became the ruler of Afghanistan after killing Nadir Shah in 1747 A.D. Many chieftains opposed him due to this reason. Hence, Ahmad Shah Abdali, in order to, consolidate his position in Afghanistan wanted to invade foreign countries. Through these invasions, he wanted to enhance his honor and status and also win the loyalty of the Afghans.

4. Favourable Political condition of India: After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 A.D. the mighty Mughal empire was rapidly going towards its downfall. The successors of Aurangzeb began to spend most of their time in the company of wine and women. Hence, there was complete anarchy in all directions in his reign. In Punjab, the Sikhs were proving to be an uncontrollable menace for the Mughal subedars. Taking advantage of this situation, Ahmad Shah Abdali decided to invade Punjab.

5. Invitation of Shah Nawaz Khan: In 1745 A.D. after the death of Zakriya Khan, his eldest son Yahiya Khan became the new subedar of Lahore. Shah Nawaz Khan, his younger brother, could not tolerate this. For quite some time, he had been dreaming of becoming the subedar of Lahore. In this situation, Shah Nawaz Khan invited Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India. Abdali was in search of such a golden opportunity. Hence, he decided to attack India.

Question 2.
When and how many times did Ahmad Shad Abdali invade Punjab? Describe any five invasions.
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab eight times between 1747 and 1767 A.D. On the invitation of Shah Nawaz Khan the Governor of Lahore, Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab in December 1747 A.D. for the first time. When he reached the Punjab, Shah Nawaz Khan refused to give him co-operation. Abdali defeated Shah Nawaz Khan who fled to Delhi. Muin-ul-Mulk (Mir-Mannu) gave Abdali a crushing defeat in a battle at Manipur. The Mughal emperor was pleased with it and he appointed Mir Mannu the Governor of Lahore. In order to take revenge, Abdali invaded the Punjab second time at the end of 1748 A.D. This time Mir Mannu got no assistance from Delhi, so he was defeated. He made a treaty with Abdali.

According to this treaty, Mannu accepted to pay Abdali 14 lakh annually. As Mannu could not pay the ransom in time, Abdali invaded Punjab for the third time in 1751-52 A.D. Abdali occupied Punjab during this invasion. During his fifth invasion in Punjab, Ahmad Shah Abdali gave a crushing defeat to the Marathas on 14th January, 1761 A.D. in the third battle of Panipat. The sixth invasion of Abdali on Punjab during 1761-62 A.D. was the most famous. During this invasion on February 5, 1762 A.D. Abdali massacred about 25,000 to 30,000 Sikhs at village Kup near Malerkotla. This event is known as the Great Holocaust. In spite of all his efforts, Abdali failed to crush the growing Sikh power.

Question 3.
What do you know about the first invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Or
Write a short note on the Abdali’s first invasion over Punjab.
Answer:
At the invitation of Shah Nawaz Khan, Ahmad Shah Abdali proceeded with his forces towards India in December 1747. Without any resistance he reached Shahdara near Lahore on 8th January 1748. Meanwhile Qamar-ud; Din compromised with Shah Nawaz Khan. As a result Shah Nawaz Khan refused to side with Abdali. This enraged Abdali. By defeating Shah Nawaz Khan on 10th January 1748, he took possession of Lahore. Shah Nawaz Khan fled away to Delhi. After taking possession of Lahore, Abdali plundered it at his will. Then he proceeded for Delhi.

Wazir Qamar-ud-Din advanced with his forces to resist him. In a battle near Sirhind, Qamar-ud-Din was killed. At Manupur on 11th March, 1748 .AD., in a fierce battle Muin-ul-Mulk, son of Qamar-ud-Din, inflicted a crushing defeat on Abdali. Mohammad Shah was pleased over the bravery of Muin-ul-Mulk and made him the Governor of Punjab. He was popularly known as Mir Mannu. Thus, the first invasion of Abdali proved a failure.

Question 4.
Briefly explain the second invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab.
Or
Give a brief account of the seconsd invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali wanted to avenge his defeat in the first invasion. Secondly, he was also aware of the facts that the new Wazir of Delhi, Safdar Jang was jealous of Mir Mannu. Because of this Mir Mannu’s position was unstable. Owing to these reasons Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab for the second time in 1748 A.D. Mir Mannu too advanced to face Abdali. In the absence of any help from Delhi, Mir Mannu’s defeat seemed certain. So he signed a pact with Abdali. According to this pact Mir Mannu agreed to pay the annual tribute of Char Mahals (four districts) Sialkot, Pasrur, Gujarat and Aurangabad to Abdali.

The annual revenue of these districts was to the tune of Rs. 14 lakhs. When Mir Mannu was busy with Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Sikhs under the leadership of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia plundered Lahore.

Question 5.
Throw light on the third invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab.
Answer:
There was a great disturbance in Punjab owing to the rampages of the Sikhs and the revolt of Nassir Khan against Mir Mannu. As a result Mir Mannu could not send 14 lakh rupees as annual tribute to Ahmad Shah Abdali. So Abdali invaded Punjab for the third time in November 1751 A.D. Mir Mannu sent Abdali 8 lakh rupees and promised to pay the remaining amount of 6 lakh later on. However, this did not satisfy Abdali and he darted towards Lahore with his forces. When the people of Lahore heard this news, many of them ran away from Lahore in order to escape Abdali’s loot and cruelties. After reaching Lahore, Abdali looted for 3 months. It is said that, no lamp was lighted at night in any house.

All this while Mir Mannu had been waiting for any kind of help from Delhi. A fierce battle was fought between the forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali and Mir Mannu near Lahore on 6th March, 1752 A.D. In this battle Diwan Kaura Mai was killed and Mir Mannu was arrested. Abdali was so greatly impressed by the boldness of Mir Mannu that he appointed him the Governor of Punjab.

Question 6.
Explain the fourth invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
After the death of Mir Mannu in 1753 A.D., his widow Mughlani Begum became the Governor of Punjab. She was a lady with loose character. It caused disturbance in the whole Punjab. On the orders of new Mughal emperor Alamgir II, Mughlani Begum was arrested and brought to Delhi where she was thrown into the prison. Adina Beg was appointed the new Governor of Punjab. From the prison the Mughlani Begum revealed many important secrets through letters to Abdali. Besides, Abdali could not tolerate the appointment of any Mughal Governor over Punjab.

So Abdali invaded Punjab in November 1756 A.D. for the fourth time. On hearing the news of Abdali’s invasion Adina Beg fled to Delhi without putting up any resistance. Abdali made his son Taimur Shah the Governor of Punjab. A fierce battle was fought near Amritsar between the Afghans and the Sikhs. In this battle, the Sikh leader Baba Deep Singh Ji displayed unparalleled heroism but was ultimately martyred. To avenge his martyrdom the Sikhs plundered Lahore.

Question 7.
Write a note on the third battle of Panipat.
Answer:
The third battle of Panipat was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali on January 14, 1761 A.D. The reason was that both the powers wanted to establish their foothold in North India. In 1758 A.D., the Marathas had defeated Taimur Shah, the son of Abdali and Governor of the Punjab and occupied the Punjab. It was a challenge to Ahmad Shah Abdali’s power. So he invaded in 1759 A.D. and seized Punjab. After that he advanced to Delhi.

A pitched battle took place between the Marathas and Abdali in Panipat. Sada Shiv Rao Bhau was leading the Marathas in this battle. The Marathas faced a crushing defeat and also suffered heavy loss of life and property in this battle. As a result of this battle, the Marathas suffered grievous blow while the Sikhs got a chance to consolidate their power in the Punjab.

Question 8.
What were the results of the third battle of Panipat?
Answer:
The Third Battle of Panipat is considered as an important and decisive one in the History of India.

1. Great tragedy for the Marathas : The Third Battle of Panipat proved to be a big disaster for the Marathas. In this battle 28,000 Maratha soldiers were killed and a large number were wounded. It is said that there was no house in Maharashtra from which’a family member had not been killed in this war. Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao could not bear this insulting defeat and soon bade farewell to this world.

2. Severe blow to the Maratha Power and Prestige : Prior to the Third Battle of Panipat, the Marathas were considered as ope of the primary powers of India. But the defeat in this battle dealt a severe blow to their power and prestige. As a consequence, the Maratha dream of establishing a Hindu empire in India, vanished.

3. End of Maratha Unity : The Third Battle of Panipat dealt a severe blow to the Maratha prestige and led to the end of the Maratha unity. As a result,„ they got entangled in petty differences and fights amongst themselves. Besides, in this battle nearly all the important Maratha leaders had been killed. As a result, selfish and wicked leaders like Ragoba got a chance to put his wicked plans in operation.

4. Rise of the Sikh Power in Punjab : Ahmad Shah Abdali had ended the Mughal rule in Punjab in 1752 A.D. In the Third Battle of Panipat, he crushed the power of the Marathas. As a result, Punjab was lost for ever to the Marathas. Now only two powers were left in Punjab Afghans and the Sikhs to establish their sovereignty. This is how, the rise of the Sikhs in Punjab was facilitated. They defeated the Afghans and established their own rule in Punjab.

5. Rise of the British Power in India : In order to establish their empire in India, the British faced the greatest challenge from the Marathas. The defeat of the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat cleared the way for the establishment of the British authority in India. Slowly, the British became the main power in India.

Question 9.
Write a short note on Wada Ghallughara (Second Bloody Carnage).
Or
Explain the sixth invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
The Wada Ghallughara was a very tragic event of Sikh history. The Sikhs had many regions of the Punjab under their control in 1761 A.D. Besides, they had started plundering many other areas also. The Sikhs had also defeated the Governor of Punjab Khwaja Ubaid Khan, appointed by Ahmad Shah Abdali. Abdali could never tolerate the growing influence of the Sikhs, so he invaded the Punjab for the 6th time at the end of 1761 A.D. He easily took control of Lahore. After that Abdali suddenly surrounded the Sikhs at village Kup near Malerkotla on February 5, 1762 A.D.

In this surprise attack 25 to 30 thousand Sikhs were killed. This event is known in Sikh history as Wada Ghallughara. Abdali became very happy over the heavy loss of life of the Sikhs. He thought that it would break the backbone of the Sikh power, but his assessment proved wrong. The Sikhs with redoubled vigour attacked the forces of Abdali. The Sikhs captured Sirhind in 1764 A.D., Lahore in 1765 A.D. and declared their independence.

Question 10.
How did the Sikhs organise their power in their battles against the Afghans?
Answer:
In their battles against the Afghans, the Sikhs had organised themselves in Jathas (regiments). Their unflinching faith in Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh Panth helped in uniting them. Gurmatas were passed through Sarbat Khalsa in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. All the Sikhs’obeyed these Gurmatas with great respect. A Commander-in-Chief of these Jathas was appointed through Gurmata and all the Sikhs fought against their-enemy under his command. ‘Raj v Karega Khalsa’ had become a belief with every Sikh. Ahmad Shah Abdali could not pay attention to the Sikhs for many years. The Governors appointed by him also could not suppress the Sikhs. In this way, the Sikhs organised themselves as a force against the Afghans.

Question 11.
What were the causes of failure of Ahmad Shah Abdali against the Sikhs? Write any five main reasons.
Or
What were the five causes of failure of Ahmad Shah Abdali against the Sikhs?
Answer:
1. Tenacity of the Sikhs : One of the significant causes of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s failure was the strong determination of the Sikhs. They had unflinching faith in Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s proclamation, ‘Raj Karega Khalsa.’ (The ‘Chalsa will rule). In the Great Holocaust 25,000 to 30,000 Sikhs were massacred. Despite this, the Sikhs remained in high spirits. It was not an easy task to defe r community.

2. Guerilla tactics of War : The guerilla tactics of war adopted was one of the n,ain causes responsible for their success and Ahmad She failure. Whenever Ahmad Shah Abdali proceeded against the Sikhs with his huge army, the Sikhs immediately took shelter in forests and hills and finding a suitable opportunity, the Sikhs would strike Abdali’s soldiers, inflict heavy losses on them and then escape to their hiding places. Abdali could not cope with the guerilla tactics of the Sikhs.

3. Non-Cooperation of the people of the Punjab : Another significant cause of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s defeat was that he could not secure the support of the people of the Punjab. Due to his repeated invasions and plundering, an atmosphere of anarchy and lawlessness prevailed in the Punjab. Abdali not only robbed the people of their wealth, but also killed thousands of innocent persons. Their houses and fields were set on fire and their women were maltreated and dishonoured. As a result, the Punjabis had no sympathy for this ruthless invader.

4. Character of the Sikhs : The character of the Sikhs also proved to be an important factor for the failure of Ahmad Shah Abdali. They never attacked any unarmed or fleeing soldier in the battlefield. They gave full respect to women and children, even if they belonged to their enemy. Because of these qualities, the Sikhs became popular with the Punjabis. So, the success of the Sikhs under these circumstances, was no wonder.

5. Capable leaders of the Sikhs : Another significant cause of the victory of the Sikhs against Ahmad Shah Abdali was their able leaders. These leaders led the Sikhs ably and wisely in difficult times. Prominent among these leaders were Nawab Kapoor Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Charat Singh Sukarchakia, Ala Singh and Lehna Singh Bhangi.

Question 12.
Describe any five important effects of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions over Punjab.
Answer:
1. End of the Mughal Rule in the Punjab : The first great impact of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasion on Punjab was that the Mughalrule in the Punjab came to an end. Mir Mannu was the last Mughal Governor of Punjab. Abdali took possession of the Punjab and annexed it to his Afghan empire. Abdali too had nominated Mir Mannu as the Governor of Punjab on his behalf. The Mughals tried to recapture Punjab but Abdali frustrated their efforts.

2. Rise of the Sikh Power : In the 18th century a struggle for supremacy was going on among four powers namely Mughals, Afghans, Marathas and the Sikhs. As a result of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions, the Mughal and the Maratha powers in the Punjab came to an end. Now this tussle for the possession of the Punjab was left between the two powers i.e. the Afghans and the Sikhs. The Sikhs had got on the nerves of the Afghans by their guerilla warfare. In the Great Holocaust of 1762 A.D., Abdali massacred thousands of Sikhs but could not dampen their spirits. The Sikhs onquered Sirhind in 1764 A.I). and Lahore in 1765 A.D. The Sikhs proclaimed their independence by circulating their own coins.

3. People of Punjab became Brave : As a result of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions, the people of the Punjab became brave and bold because they had to wield weapons for their defence against the invasions and lootings of Ahmad Shah Abdali. They set up glorious examples of bravery in the long-drawn struggle with the AfghAnswer: The Sikhs finally emerged victorious in this struggle.

4. Enmity between the Sikhs and Muslims increased : The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali increased the enmity between the Sikhs and the Muslims. It was because the Afghans always raised the slogan of Jihad (religious war) while fighting against the Sikhs. They committed many atrocities on the Sikhs in the name of Islam. Secondly, by demolishing the most sacred place, Harimandir Sahib of the Sikhs, Abdali turned the Sikhs into his bitter enemies. Owing to these reasons, the gulf between the Sikhs and the Afghans widened.

5. Economic Loss of the Punjab : The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali inflicted great loss on the economy of the Punjab. He robbed Punjab of gold, silver, diamonds and pearls of lakhs and croses of rupees. In fact, almost the whole wealth ‘ of the Punjab was drained off to Afghanistan. Due to the repeated invasions agricultural production was adversely affected. Abdali’s soldiers, while marching, badly damaged the crops of thousands of acres of land. Commerce and industries also felt the pinch of the Afghan invasions.

Question 13.
What were ,the effects of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions on the Sikh struggle for power?
Or
What were the political effects of Abdali’s invasions?
Answer:
The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali had a deep effect on the polity of the Punjab. First of all, the Mughal rule came to an end in Punjab, Abdali annexed the Punjab to Afghanistan in 1752. Secondly, Abdali gave the Marathas a crushing defeat in the third battle of Panipat as result of which the influence of Mafathas ended in Punjab for ever. Thirdly, as a result of continuous attacks of Ahmad Shah Abdali, lawlessness and chaos prevailed in the Punjab. Life and property of the people was not safe.

The government officials exploited the people and justice was to be found nowhere. Fourthly, with the end of Maratha power in Punjab, the Sikhs got an opportunity to consolidate their power. They defeated the forces of Abdali at many places through guerilla warfare. The Sikhs got control over Lahore in 1765 A.D. and declared their independence.

Question 14.
What were the Social effects of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Answer:
1. Increase in the Social Evils : The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali encouraged many evils in the Punjab. The people became selfish and characterless. Theft, robbery, murder, looting, cheating and corruption were the order of the day.

2. People of Punjab became Brave : As a result of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions the people of the Punjab became brave and bold. The reason being that they had to wield weapons for their defence against the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali. They set up glorious examples of bravery in the long drawn struggle with the Afghans.

3. Punjabis became spendthrift: Punjabis’ character underwent a significant change as a result of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions. They became spendthrift. The reason was that Abdali invariably carried money to Afghanistan which he looted from the people during his invasions. This adage became very common at that time :
“Khadha Pita lahe da, Rehnda Ahmad Shahe da.” Whatever you eat and drink is yours, the rest belongs to Ahmad Shah Abdali.

4. Enmity between the Sikhs and Muslims increased : The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali increased the enmity between the Sikhs and the Muslims. It’ was because the Afghans always raised the slogan of Jihad (religious war) while fighting against the Sikhs. Secondly, by demolishing the most sacred place, the Sri Harmandir Sahib of the Sikhs, Abdali turned the Sikhs into his bitter enemies. Owing to these reasons the gulf between the Sikhs and the Afghans widened.

Question 15.
What were the economic consequences of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Answer:
The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali inflicted great loss on the economy of the Punjab. He robbed Punjab of gold, silver, diamonds and pearls worth crores of rupees. In fact, almost the whole wealth of the Punjab was drained off to Afghanistan. Due to the repeated invasions agricultural production was adversely effected. Abdali’s soldiers while marching badly damaged the crops of thousands of acres of land. Commerce and industries also felt the pinch of the Afghan invasions. The sense of insecurity and anarchical conditions impeded the growth of trade in terms of quantum and quality.

Travelling was difficult and unsafe. Therefore, Punjab couldn’t expect much external trade. Moreover, many industrial centres were destroyed by the Afghan forces. It all resulted in the poverty of the people.

Essay Type Questions:

Causes Of Abdali’S Invasions:

Question 1.
What were the causes of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Or
Explain the causes of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Or
What were the causes of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab?
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali was the ruler of Afghanistan. He invaded Punjab eight times from 1747 to 1767 A.D. The following causes were responsible for these invasions:

1. Ambition of Abdali : Ahmad Shah Abdali was a very ambitious ruler. He did not feel contented with his small kingdom of Afghanistan. Hence, he wanted to expand his domain by capturing Punjab and other states of India. In order to fulfil his imperialistic ambition he first of all decided to invade Punjab.

2. Enormous wealth of India: In order to establish a powerful empire it was very necessary for Abdali to have great weatlh. He could not obtain this wealth from his own kingdom of Afghanistan, as economically it was a very backward region. On the other hand, this wealth could be obtained from lndia, which was famous in the entire world for its enormous wealth. In 1739 A.D. when he had come to India with Nadir Shah, he was amazed to see India’s enormous wealth. Nadir Shah While returning from India had taken with him unlimited precious gems, gold and silver etc. Abdali also wanted to invade India and loot its enormous wealth.

3. To consolidate his position in Afghanistan: Ahmad Shah Abdali belonged to an ordinary family. He became the ruler of Afghanistan after killing Nadir Shah in 1747 A.D. Many chieftains opposed him due to this reason. Hence, Ahmad Shah Abdali, in order to, consolidate his position in Afghanistan wanted to invade foreign countries. Through these invasions he wanted to enhance his honour and status and also win the loyalty of the Afghans.

4. Favourable Political condition of India: After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 A.D. the mighty Mughal empire was rapidly going towards its downfall. After Mohammad Shah sat on the throne in 1719 A.D. the situation became even more sombre. Most of his time was spent in the company of wine and women. Hence he became famous by the name ‘Rangeela’ (the colourful). During his reign (1719-48 AD.), the actual reins of his government were in the hands of his ministers, who were always busy plotting against one another. Hence, there was complete anarchy in all directions in his reign. In Punjab, the Sikhs were proving to be an uncontrollable menace for the Mughal subedars. Taking advantage of this situation, Ahmad Shah Abdali decided to invade Punjab.

5. Past Experience of Abdali in India: In 1739 A.D. when Nadir Shah invaded India, Ahmad Shah Abdali was his commander-in-chief. Abdali had at that time made a close study of the political situation of Punjab and Delhi and also of the fighting capability of the Indian Army. He had realised that the Mughal empire was like a castle of sand which could not withstand a strong storm. Hence, after becoming an indepedent ruler, Abdali decided to take advantage of this situation.

6. Invitation of Shah Nawaz Khan : In 1745 A.D. after the death of Zakriya Khan, his eldest son Yahiya Khan became the new subedar of Lahore. Shah Nawaz Khan, his younger brother, could not tolerate this. For quite some time, he had been dreaming of becoming the subedar of Lahore. At the end of the year 1746 A.D. he declared war against Yahiya Khan. This war between the two brothers continued for four months. Shah Nawaz Khan won this battle.

He imprisoned Yahiya Khan and himself became the subedar of Lahore. The Wazir (minister) of Delhi, Qamar- ud-din who was the father-in-law of Yahiya Khan could not toleratq this. At his instigation, Muhammad Shah Rangeela refused to accept Shah Nawaz Khan as the subedar of Lahore. In this situation, Shah Nawaz Khan invited Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India. Abdali was in search of such a golden opportunity. Hence, he decided to attack India.

Invasions Of Abdall:

Question 2.
Give a brief account of Ahmad Shah Abdalf s invasions over Punjab.
Answer:
Ahmad Shah was the ruler of Afghanistan. He invaded Punjab eight times during his rule from 1747 to 1767 A.D. A brief description of these invasions is given below :

1. First Invasion of Abdali 1747-48 A.D.: On the invitation of Shah Nawaz, Khan Ahmad Shah Abdali proceeded with his forces towards India in December 1747 A.D. Without any resistance, he reached Shahdara near Lahore on 8th January 1748 A.D.. Meanwhile Qamar-ud-Din compromised with Shah Nawaz Khan. As a result, Shah Nawaz Khan refused to side with Abdali. This enraged Abdali. By defeating Shah Nawaz Khan on 10th January 1748 A.D., he tpok possession of Lahore. Shah Nawaz Khan fled to Delhi. After taking possession of Lahore, Abdali plundered it at his will. Then, he proceeded for Delhi.

Wazir Qamar-ud-Din advanced with his forces to resist him. In a battle near Sirhind, Qamar-ud-Din was killed. At Manupur on 11th March, 1748 A.D. in a fierce battle Muin-ul- Mulk, son of Qamar-ud-Din, inflicted a crushing defeat on Abdali. Mohammad Shah was pleased over the bravery of Muin-ul-Mulk and made him the Governor of Punjab. He was popularly known as Mir Mannu. Taking advantage of the anarchy prevalent in the country, the Sikhs of Punjab had begun to consolidate their power.

2. Second Invasion of Abdali 1748-49 A.D.: Ahmad Shah Abdali wanted to avenge his defeat in the first invasion. So, Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab for the second time in 1748 A.D. Mir Mannu too, advanced to face Abdali. In the absence

of any help from Delhi, Mir Mannu’s defeat seemed certain. So, he signed a pact with Abdali. According to this pact, Mir Mannu agreed to pay the annual tribute of Char Mahals (four districts) Sialkot, Pasrur, Gujarat and Aurangabad to Abdali. The annual revenue of these districts was to the tune of Rs. 14 lakhs.

3. Third Invasion of Abdali 1751-52 A.D.: There was a great disturbance in Punjab owing to the rampages of the Sikhs and the revolt of Nassir Khan against Mir Mannu. As a result Mir Mannu could not send 14 lakh rupees, the annual revenue to Ahmad Shah Abdali. So, Abdali invaded Punjab for the third time in November 1751 A.D. Mir Mannu sent Abdali 8 lakh rupees and promised to pay the remaining amount of 6 lakh later on. However, this did not satisfy Abdali and he darted towards Lahore with his forces. When the people of Lahore heard this news, many of them ran away from Lahore, in order to escape Abdali’s loot and cruelties.

After reaching Lahore, Abdali looted Lahore for 3 months. It is said that no lamp was lighted at night in any house. All this, while Mir Mannu had been waiting for some kind of help from Delhi.

A fierce battle was fought between the forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali and Mir Mannu near Lahore on 6th March, 1752 A.D. In this battle Diwan Kaura Mai was killed and Mir Mannu was arrested. Next day Mir Mannu was brought before Ahmad Shah Abdali. Abdali was greatly impressed by the boldness of Mir Mannu. So, he not only forgave Mir Mannu but also made him the Governor of Punjab. In this way, Abdali annexed Punjab to his empire in 1752 A.D.

4. Fourth Invasion of Abdali 1756-57 A.D.: After the death of Mir Mannu in 1753 A.D., his widow Mughlani Begum became the Governor of Punjab. On the orders of new Mughal emperor, Alamgir II, Mughlani Begum was arrested and thrown into prison. Adina Beg was appointed the new Governor of Punjab. Abdali could not tolerate the appointment of any Mughal Governor over Punjab. So, Abdali invaded Punjab in November 1756 A.D. for the fourth time. On hearing the news of Abdali’s invasion Adina Beg fled to Delhi without putting up any resistance. Then, Abdali planned to attack Delhi. In the meanwhile the Sikhs had grown in strength in Punjab. They raided the forces of Abdali and looted much of his booty. Abdali decided to settle his scores with the Sikhs on his return from Delhi.

Ahmad Shah Abdali reached Delhi in January 1757 A.D. and caused great havoc. Afterwards, he looted Mathura and Brindaban. On reaching Punjab, he made his son Timur Shah, the Governor of Punjab. He ordered Timur Shah to teach the Sikhs a lesson for their activities. In order to crush the power of the Sikhs, he sent an army to Amritsar under the command of Jahan Khan. A fierce battle was fought near Amritsar between the Afghans and the Sikhs. In this battle, the Sikh leader Baba Deep Singh Ji displayed unparalleled heroism. As tradition goes, he continued to fight the enemy even after his head was severed. He breathed his las after reaching Harimandir Sahib on November 11, 1757 A.D. The lom of Baba Deep Singh Ji infused a new spirit among the Sikhs. In the 1 Gurbaksh Singh,

“The martyrdom of Baba Deep Singh Ji and his associates shocked the whole Sikh nation. They determined to retaliate with vengeance.”

5. Fifth Invasion of Abdali 1759-61 A.D. : In 1758 A D., the Sikhs in collaboration with the Marathas drove out Taimur Shah from the Punjab. So Abdali wanted to teach a lesson to the Sikhs and the Marathas. With this objective, Abdali invaded Punjab in October 1759 A.D. Abdali, defeated a famous Maratha leader, Duttaji, at Taraori near Ambala. Swiftly he captured Delhi. Here Abdali stayed for a year. When the news of Maratha’s consecutive defeats reached their Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, he sent a large army under the command of Sada Shiv Rao Bha’u to resist Ahmad Shah Abdali. A fierce battle known as Third Battle of Panipat was fought on 14th January, 1761 A.D. between the two armies.

In this battle Abdali caused much havoc to the Maratha army. Consequently, the power of the Marathas suffered a heavy set-back in the Punjab. Ahmad Shah Abdali could do no harm to the Sikh power. At night when Abdalih soldiers were resting, the Sikhs would suddenly attack them and make away with their treasures. This time Abdali was taking away with him a large number of women from India. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia made a sudden attack and got many women released from Abdali’s captivity and sent them to their homes. In this way Jassa Singh Ahluwalia gave proof of his bravery.

6. Sixth Invasion of Abdali 1762 A.D.: After Ahmad Shah Abdali had returned to Afghanistan, the Sikhs intensified their activities. In order to teach a lesson to the Sikhs he invaded for the sixth time in 1762 A.D. He made a surprise attack on the Sikhs at village Kup on 5th February, 1762 A.D. At that time the Sikhs were taking their families to some safe place. Their arms and rations were lying at village Garma, which was at a distance of 6 kilometres from there. The Sikhs while forming a safety circle around their women and children started resisting Abdali’s soldiers. The Sikhs suffered heavy losses in the battle for want of arms. In this battle 25,000 to 30,000 Sikhs were massacred. This loss was too jnuch for the Sikhs. That is why this incident is known as Wadda Ghallughara (Great Holocaust) in the Sikh history.

Though the Sikhs had suffered a great loss they had not lost their courage. The Sikhs attacked Kasur in 1763 A.D., and ransacked it. A fierce battle was fpught between the forces of the Sikhs and of Zain Khan, the Governor of Sirhind, on 14th January, 1764 A.D. In this battle Zain Khan was killed.-After this the Sikhs plundered Sirhind and thoroughly destroyed it.

7. Other Invasions of Abdali 1764-67 AD. : Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab for the seventh times in 1764-65 A.D. and the eighth times in 1766-67 A.D. These invasions of Abdali were of no significance. Infact, he failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. During this time the Sikhs had occupied Lahore in 1765 A.D. The Sikhs issued their coins and declared their independence.

The Third Battle of Panipat:

Question 3.
Discuss the causes, events and results of the Third Battle of Panipat.
Or
Discuss the causes, events and results of the Third Battle of Panipat.
Or
What were the causes of the Third Battle of Panipat? Briefly describe the consequences of this battle.
Or
Describe the causes and consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat.
Or
Discuss the causes and events of the Third Battle of Panipat.
Answer:
On 14 January, 1761 A.D. the Third Battle of Panipat took place between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali. It had far reaching consequences on the history of Punjab.

(A) Causes of the Third Battle of Panipat

A brief description of the causes responsible for the Third Battle of Panipat is given below:

1. Plunder of Ruhelkhand by the Marathas: The Ruhelas ruled Ruhelkhand. The Marathas defeated them and forced them to flee from Ruhelkhand. Then Marathas indulged in plunder and loot. The Ruhelas were Afghans and hence were clans of Ahmad Shah. Consequently, they invited Ahmad Shah to avenge this insult to the Afghan race. Abdali immediately accepted the invitation.

2. Policy of establishing Hindu Kingdom by the Marathas: The Marathas were consistently increasing their power. Encouraged by this, the Peshwas declared the establishment of a Hindu empire in India. Then the Muslim Kingdom in India was in grave danger. Hence these kingdoms encouraged Abdali to suppress the Marathas.

3. Lack of unity among the Hindus : The Jjits and the Rajputs who were Hindus, were jealous of growth of the Maratha power in India. The main reason for this was that they themselves wanted to establish their own supremacy in India. Abdali considered this disunity among the Hindus as a golden opportunity to. gain control over India.

4. Occupation of Delhi and Punjab by Marathas : During his previous invasions of India, Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1752 A.D. had established his supremacy over Punjab and in 1756 A.D. over Delhi. In Punjab, he had appointed his son Taimur Shah and in Delhi the Ruhela leader Najib-ud-Daula as his representatives. The Marathas occupied Delhi in 1757 A.D. and Punjab in 1758 A.D. Both these victories of the Marathas were a challenge to the power of Ahmed Shah Abdali. Hence, to establish his honour and supremacy, it became important for him to fight with the Marathas.

(B) Events of the Third Battle of Panipat

At the end of 1759 A.D. Abdali attacked India. First of all, he established control over Punjab. He, then, advanced towards Delhi. The Marathas tried to stop him on the way, but they were unsuccessful. When Balaji Baji Rao got the news of these events, he sent a huge army towards north India. The actual reins of control of this army were in the hands of Sadashiv Eao Bhau. The Peshwa even sent his son Vishwas Rao to help him. The command of the artillery of this army was given to Ibrahim Gardi. Due to Marathas’ improper policies, the Rajputs and the Sikhs of Punjab were already angry with them. That is why at this moment of crisis they did not lend them their support.

The Jat leader, Surajmal advised Sadashiv Rao Bhau to use guerilla warfare methods against Abdali. But he did not accept this wise advice. Surajmal along with his 10,000 soldiers declined to support the Marathas. As a result the Marathas were left with only 45,000 soldiers. On the other hand Ahmad Shah Abdali had 60,000 soldiers under him. Out of these nearly half the soldiers had been sent by the Nawab of Oudh, Shiyaud-Daula and by the Ruhela sardar Najib-ud-daula to support Abdali. Both these armies reached the region of Panipat in November 1760 A.D. For nearly two and a half months neither of these two had the courage to attack.

On 14 January, 1761 A.D. the Marathas attacked the army of Abdali. This was a fearful battle. At the beginning of the battle the Marathas seemed to have the odds in their favour. But when Vishwas Rao was killed by a bullet the whole situation was easily reversed. Sadashiv Rao Bhau got down from his elephant to express sorrow. When the Maratha soldiers saw his palanquin empty on the elephant they thought he had also been killed. As a result panic spread amongst the Maratha soldiers. Abdali’s soldiers grabbed this golden opportunity and followed them and caused them heavy losses. Thus Ahmad Shah Abdali became victorious in the Third Battle of Panipat.

(C) Consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat

The Third Battle of Panipat is considered as an important and decisive one in the History of India. .

1. Great tragedy for the Marathas: The Third Battle of Panipat proved to be a big disaster for the Marathas. In this battle 28,000 Maratha soldiers were killed and a large number were wounded. It is said that there was no house in Maharashtra from which a family member had not been killed in this war. Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao could not bear this insulting defeat and soon bade farewell to this world.

2. Severe blow to the Maratha Power and Prestige: Prior to the Third Battle of Panipat, the Marathas were considered as one of the primary powers of India. But the defeat in this battle dealt a severe blow to their power and prestige. As a consequence, the Maratha dream of establishing a Hindu empire in India, vanished.

3. End of Maratha Unity : The Third Battle of Panipat dealt a severe blow to the Maratha prestige and led to the end of the Maratha unity. As a result, they got entangled in petty differences and fights amongst themselves. Besides, in this battle nearly all the important Maratha leaders had been killed. As a result, selfish and wicked leaders like Ragoba got a chance to put his wicked plans in operation.

4. Rise of the Sikh Power in Punjab : Ahmad Shah Abdali had ended the Mughal rule in Punjab in 1752 A.D. In the Third Battle of Panipat, he crushed the power of the Marathas. As a result, Punjab was lost for ever to the Marathas. Now only two powers were left in Punjab—Afghans and the Sikhs—to establish their
sovereignty. This is how, the rise of the Sikhs in Punjab was facilitated. They defeated the Afghans and established their own rule in Punjab.

5. Rise of the British: Power in India : In order to establish their empire in India, the British faced the greatest challenge from the Marathas. The defeat of the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat cleared the way for the establishment of the British authority in India. Slowly, the British became the main power in India. Writing about the consequence of the Third Battle of Panipat, eminent historians P.N. Chopra, T. K. Ravindran and N. Subramanian have said, “The Third Battle of Panipat proved disastrous to the Marathas.”

Question 4.
What were the reasons of failure of the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat?
Answer:
There were various causes responsible for the defeat of the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat. A detailed account of these causes is as follows :

1. Powerful army of the Afghans : One of the principal causes of the defeat of the Marathas in this war was the powerful army of the AfghAnswer: This army was better trained, disciplined and united. Besides this, their artillery was also .very powerful. Hence, the Maratha army could not face them.

2. Able leadership’ of Ahmad Shah Abdali : Ahmad Shah Abdali was an extremely experienced commander. He was included amongst Asia’s greatest commanders. On the other hand, the Maratha commanders Sadashiv Rao Bhau and Vishwas Rao had no experience about the management of war. The defeat of such an army was a matter of no great surprise.

3. Policy of plunder of the Marathas’: Another major cause .of the defeat of the Marathas was that they indulged in terrible plundering of the regions captured by them. Due to this policy the kingdoms of Rajputana, Hyderabad, Awadh, Ruhelkhand and Mysore became their opponents. So, they offered no help to the Marathas, in this moment of crisis. Consequently, the Maratha defeat was a foregone conclusion.

4. Renounced the Guerilla method of warfare : The Marathas belonged to Maharashtra, which-has forests and a mountainous terrain. The Marathas were adept at the method of guerilla warfare. By which they had achieved many amazing victories. But in the Third Battle of Panipat, they discarded this method of guerilla warfare and committed the grave blunder of adopting the policy of direct ground warfare against Abdali. As a result, the Marathas had to face defeat.

5. Co-operation of Muslim States to Abdali : One of the major reasons for Abdali’s victory in this battle’was that he got the support of various Indian Muslim kingdoms like Ruhelkhand and Awadh. This boosted Abdali’s morale and he succeeded in defeating the Marathas.

6. Economic difficulties of the Marathas : The economic difficulties of the Marathas was another main reason for the defeat of the Marathas. Due to lack of funds the Marathas could neither provide their soldiers with appropriate weapons nor foodstuffs. So, the defeat of such an army was sure.

7. Blunder of Sadashiv Rao Bhau : During the Third Battle of Panipat, the Peshwa’s son Vishwas Rao was killed. When Sadashiv Rao Bhau got this news, he descended from his elephant to pay his last respect to the dead. On seeing his palanquin empty on the elephant, the Maratha soldiers thought that even he had been killed in the battle. As a result, panic spread amongst the Marathas and within no time the battle was lost.

Question 5.
Describe the causes, results and failure of Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat.
Answer:
For answer to this question students are requested to see the answers of Question Nos. 3 and 4.

Causes Of The Failure Of Ahmad Shah Abdali:

Question 6.
What were the causes of failure of Ahmad Shah Abdali in the struggle against the Sikhs?
Or
What were the reasons of failure of Ahmad, Shah Abdali against the Sikhs?
Or
Examine carefully the causes of Ahmad SEah Abdali’s ultimate failure to suppress the Sikh power.
Or
Discuss the causes of the success of the Sikhs against Ahmad Sha Abdali.
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali was one of the greatest warriors and generals of Asia. He vastly extended his empire by occupying several regions. He was a very brutal king. The enemies trembled at the very mention of his name. Despite all this, he failed to crush the power of the Sikhs. The following factors were responsible for the failure of Ahmad Shah Abdali or the victory of the Sikhs

1. Tenacity of the Sikhs: One of the significant causes of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s failure was the strong determination of the Sikhs. They had unflinching faith in Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s proclamation, “Raj Karega Khalsa.’ (The Khalsa will rule). That is why they resisted the attacks of Ahmad Shah Abdali tooth and nail. Though Abdali committed untold atrocities on the Sikhs yet they were not demoralised. They stood firm like a rock. In the Great Holocaust 25,000 to 30,000 Sikhs were massacred. Despite this, the Sikhs remained in high spirits. It was not an easy task to defeat such a community.

2. Guerilla tactics of War : The guerilla tactics of war adopted by the Sikhs was one of the main causes responsible for their success and Ahmad Shah Abdali’s failure. The Sikhs were convinced that they would not be able to square up with an experienced general like Ahmad Shah Abdali in the open because Sikhs had limited resources. Whenever Ahmad Shah, Abdali proceeded against the Sikhs with his huge army, the Sikhs immediately took shelter in forests and hills and finding a suitable opportunity, the Sikhs would strike Abdali’s soldiers, inflict heavy losses on them and then escape to their hiding places. Abdali could not cope with the guerilla tactics of the Sikhs. The famous writer Khushwant Singh aptly says, “Fighting the Sikhs was like trying to catch the wind in a net.”

3. Abdali left insufficient Soldiers : Another significant cause of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s failure to crush the Sikh powers was that he left insufficient number of soldiers in the Punjab for this purpose. He did leave some soldiers in the prominent towns of Punjab but their number was much smaller than the required ones. Consequently, they failed even to hold the ground on which they stood.

4. Incapable representatives of Abdali : Another reason of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s defeat was his incompetent representatives in Punjab. They lacked administrative skill. His son, Taimur Shah remained the Governor of Punjab for only one year. He proved.to be an inefficient ruler. His assistant, Jahan Khan lacked administrative skill. Zain Khan of Sirhind turned his soldiers against himself by refusing to pay them their salaries. Similarly the Governor of Lahore, Khwaja Ubaid Khan was unfit for his office. As a result of these incapable representatives of Abdali, the power of the Sikhs continued to rise rather than decline.

5. Non-Cooperation of the people of the Punjab r Another significant cause of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s defeat was that he could not secure the support of the people of the Punjab. Due to his repeated invasions and plundering, an atmosphere of anarchy and lawlessness prevailed in the Punjab. Abdali not only robbed the people of their wealth, but also killed thousands of innocent persons. Their houses and fields were set on fire and their women were maltreated and dishonoured: As a result, the Punjabis had no sympathy for this ruthless invader. Under such conditions, to think of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s conquest of Punjab was to think of something impossible.

6. Help from Zamindars : In the Sikh-Afghan tussle, the Zamindars of the Punjab extended their full co-operation to the Sikhs. They knew very well that after a brief stay in the Punjab, Abdali would return to Afghanistan. But on the other hand their relations with the Sikhs were of a permanent nature. They did not want to run any risk by taking action against the Sikhs. Besides many Zamindars were actually fighting for freedom and were sympathetic towards the Sikhs. The co¬operation of the Zamindars proved very useful for the growth of the Sikh power.

7. Character of the Sikhs : The character of the Sikhs also proved to be an important factor for the failure of Ahmad Shah Abdali. The sterling qualities of the Sikhs of the 18th century were such as could not but impress even their enemies. Although the Sikhs had to face innumerable hardships, yet they remained happy under all circumstances. They never attacked any unarmed or fleeing soldier in the battlefield.

They gave full respect to women and children, even if they belonged to their enemy. Qazi Nur Mohammad who nursed strong feelings of malice against the Sikhs had also lavished praises on the Sikhs for these qualities in his book entitled ‘Jangnama’. Because of these qualities, the Sikhs became popular with the Punjabis. So, the success of the Sikhs under these circumstances, was no wonder.

8. Capable leaders of the Sikhs : Another significant cause of the victory of the Sikhs against Ahmad Shah Abdali was their able leaders. These leaders led the Sikhs ably and wisely in difficult times. Prominent among these leaders were Nawab Kapoor Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Charat Singh Sukarchakia, Ala Singh and Lehna Singh Bhangi. Under their leadership the Sikh Panth continued to march on the path of progress.

9. Contribution of Amritsar : In the Sikh-Afghan tussle, the contribution of Amritsar was remarkable. The Sikhs looked upon it as their Mecca. They took pride in being martyred for its sake. In the 18th century the Sikhs would first gather at Harimandir Sahib and take a bath in the holy tank, before attacking their enemy. They passed their Gurmatas at the Akal Takht Sahib. No Sikh would withdraw himself from the decisions taken by these ‘Gurmatas’. In fact, Amritsar had become a symbol of unity and freedom of the Sikhs. Ahmad Shah Abdali tried to finish off the Sikhs by demolishing Harimandir Sahib and filling up its holy tank with debris.

10. Revolts in Afghanistan : The Empire of Ahmad Shah Abdali was very vast. It was very difficult for him to keep it under his control. So, whenever Abdali invaded the Punjab, finding it a golden opportunity .someone or the other always raised a banner of revolt in Afghanistan. Owing to these recurring revolts, Abdali could not pay his undivided attention to the Punjab. Moreover, he had to return to Afghanistan without consolidation of his Conquests. The Sikhs took full advantage of this situation and recaptured all his conquered regions after Abdali’s return to Afghanistan. As a result Abdali failed to crush the power of the Sikhs.

Effects of Abdali’S Invasions On the Punjab:

Question 7.
Narrate the effects of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali on the Punjab.
Or
Study the political, social and econmic effects of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions on the Punjab.
Or
Examine the various effects of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Or
What were the effects of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab? Discuss in detail.
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded the Punjab eight times between 1747 A.D. to 1767 A.D. His invasions left deep impact on the political, social and economic sphere of the Punjab. A brief account of these effects are as follows :

Political Effects:

1. End of the Mughal Rule in the Punjab : The first great impact of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasion on Punjab was that the Mughal rule in the Punjab came to an end. Mir Mannu was the last Mughal Governor of Punjab. He did not get any help from Delhi. So, he was defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1752 A.D. Abdali took possession of the Punjab and annexed it to his Afghan empire. Abdali too had nominated Mir Mannu as the Governor of Punjab on his behalf. After the death of Mir Mannu in 1753 A.D., the Mughals tried to recapture Punjab but Abdali frustrated their efforts. As a result the Mughal rule in the Punjab came to an end for ever.

2. End of Maratha Power in the Punjab: Adina Beg, the Faujdar of Jalandhar Doab was dreaming of becoming the Governor of Punjab. So, he invited the Marathas to Punjab and entered into an alliance with the Sikhs. In 1758 A.D. the Marathas, after defeating Timur Shah took possession of the Punjab. They nominated Adina Beg as the Governor of Punjab, but he passed away soon. After him the Marathas nominated Sambhaji, the Governor of Punjab. Abdali defeated him in 1759 A.D. Abdali inflicted a crushing defeat on the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat on 14th January, 1761 A.D. As a result of this defeat the Maratha power in Punjab was eclipsed for ever. .

3. Rise of the Sikh Power: In the 18th century a struggle for supremacy was going on among four powers namely Mughals, Afghans, Marathas and the Sikhs. As a result of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions, the Mughal and the Maratha powers in the Punjab came to an end. Now this tussle for the possession of the Punjab was left between the two powers i.e. the Afghans and the Sikhs. The Sikhs had got on the nerves of the Afghans by their guerilla warfare. In the Great Holocaust of 1762 A.D., Abdali massacred thousands of Sikhs but could not dampen their spirits. The Sikhs conquered Sirhind in 1764 A.D. and Lahore in 1765 A.D. The Sikhs proclaimed their independence by circulating their own coins.

4. Anarchy in the Punjab : There was anarchy and lawlessness everywhere in Punjab due to the continuous invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali from 1747 to 1767 A.D. The government officials began to have their own ways. They started fleecing the people. There was no such thing as justice. Since the life and property of the people were insecure, it let to anarchy and chaos in the Punjab.

Social Effects:

5. Increase in the Social Evils : The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali encouraged many evils in the Punjab. The people became selfish and characterless. They were not afraid of committing any crime or sin. Theft, robbery, murder, looting,
cheating and corruption were the order of the day. These evils had eaten into the vitals of the society of the Punjab.

6. People of Punjab became Brave : As a result of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions, the people of the Punjab became brave and bold because they had to wield weapons for their defence against the invasions and lootings of Ahmad Shah Abdali. They set up glorious examples of bravery in the long-drawn struggle with the AfghAnswer: The Sikhs finally emerged victorious in this struggle.

7. Punjabis became spendthrift : Punjabis’ character underwent a significant change as a result of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions. They became spendthrift. The reason was that Abdali had carried away the money to Afghanistan which he looted from the people during his invasions. So the people began to eat, drink and make merry instead of hoarding money. This adage became very common at that time,

“Khada Peeta Lahe da,
Rehnda Ahmad Shahe da.”
Whatever, you eat and drink is yours, the rest belongs to Ahmad Shah Abdali.

8. Enmity between the Sikhs and Muslims increased : The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali increased the enmity between the Sikhs and the Muslims. It was because the Afghans always raised the slogan of Jihad (religious war) while, fighting against the Sikhs. They committed many atrocities on the Sikhs in the name of Islam. Secondly, by demolishing the most sacred place, Harimandir Sahib of the Sikhs, Abdali turned the Sikhs into his bitter enemies. Owing to these reasons, the gulf between the Sikhs and the Afghans widened.

Economic and Cultural Effects:

9. Economic Loss of the Punjab : The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali inflicted great loss on the economy of the Punjab. He robbed Punjab of gold, silver, diamonds and pearls of lakhs and croses of rupees. In fact, almost the whole wealth of the Punjab was drained off to Afghanistan. Due to the repeated invasions agricultural production was adversely affected. Abdali’s soldiers, while marching, badly damaged the crops of thousands of acres of land. Commerce and industries also felt the pinch of the Afghan invasions. It all resulted in the poverty of the people.

10. Great Blow to Art and Literature : Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions gave a great blow to the development of art and literature in the Punjab. During their invasions, the Afghan soldiers destroyed many rare art pieces and most of literature. Many historical buildings including gurdwaras and temples were razed to the ground. The atmosphere of anarchy and chaos was not conducive to the creation of new art and literary compositions. Thus, the bloody invasions of Abdali resulted in great historic and cultural loss. S.S. Gandhi aptly says, “The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali exercised manifold effects, covering almost all aspects of life.”

Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
Who was Ahmad Shah Abdali? What were the reasons of his Punjab invasions?
Or
Write the main causes of invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab.
Or
What were three causes of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab?
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali was the emperor of Afghanistan. Many factors were responsible for his invasions,

• He wanted to expand his empire,
• He wanted to get wealth from Punjab to consolidate his position in Afghanistan.
• There was anarchy in India. Ahmad Shah Abdali wanted to take advantage of this golden opportunity,
• By establishing his control over Punjab, he wanted to earn a name and fame.

Question 2.
What do you know about the first invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Or
Write a short note on the first Abdali invasion over Punjab.
Answer:
On the invitation of Shah Nawaz Khan, Ahmad Shah Abdali proceeded with his forces towards India in December 1747. By defeating Shah Nawaz Khan on 10th January 1748, he took possession of Lahore. Shah Nawaz Khan fled away to Delhi. At Manupur on 11th March, 1748’A. D. in a fierce battle Muin-ul-Mulk gave a crushing defeat to Abdali. Mohammad Shah was pleased , over the bravery of Muin-ul-Mulk and made him the Governor of Punjab. He* was popularly known as Mir Mannu. Thus, the first invasion of Abdali proved a failure.

Question 3.
Briefly explain the second invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab.
Or
Give a brief account of the second invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali wanted to avenge his defeat during the first invasion. Secondly, he was also aware that Mir Mannu’s position was unstable. Owing to these reasons Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab for the second time in 1748 A.D. In the absence of any help from Delhi, Mir Mannu signed a pact with Abdali. According to this pact, Mir Mannu agreed to pay the annual tribute of Char Mahals (four districts) Sialkot, Pasrur, Gujarat, and Aurangabad to Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Question 4.
Throw light on the third invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali on Punjab.
Answer:
Abdali invaded Punjab for the third time in November 1751 A.D. After reaching Lahore, Abdali looted many towns and villages for three months. A fierce battle was fought between the forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali and Mir Mannu near Lahore on 6th March, 1752 A.D. Mir Mannu was defeated and was arrested. Abdali was so greatly impressed by the boldness of Mir Mannu that he appointed him the Governor of Punjab.

Question 5.
Explain the fourth invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
Abdali invaded Punjab in November 1756 A.D. for the fourth time. On hearing the news of Abdali’s invasion Adina Beg, the governor fled to Delhi without putting up any resistance. Abdali made his son Timur Shah the Governor of Punjab. A fierce battle was fought near Amritsar between the Afghans and the Sikhs. In this battle, the Sikh leader Baba Deep Singh Ji displayed unparalleled heroism but was ultimately martyred. The Sikhs sworn to avenge his martyrdom.

Question 6.
Who was Timur Shah?
Answer:
Timur Shah was the son and successor of Ahmad Shah Abdali, the ruler of Afghanistan. In 1757 A.D., he was appointed as the Subedar of Punjab by Ahmad Shah Abdali. Like his father he was a staunch enemy of the Sikhs. He had destroyed the famous Ramrauni fort of the Sikhs. Besides he had filled the sarovar of Harmandir Sahib with filth. Therefore, in 1758 A.D. the Sikhs along with Marathas and Adina Beg compelled Timur Shah to flee from the Punjab.

Question 7.
What were the three main causes of third battle of Panipat?
Answer:

• The Ruhelas got against the Marathas because of the plunger and. loot caused by the Marathas.
• The Marathas wanted to establish Hindu empire in r India. So Muslims got against them.
• The Jats and the Rajputs were jealous of growth of the Maratha power in India.
• Marathas had established their control over Delhi and Punjab which Abdali could not tolerate,
• To establish his honour and supremacy, it became important for him to fight with the Marathas.

Question 8.
Write a short note on the third battle of Panipat.
Answer:
The third battle of Panipat was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali on January 14, 1761 A.D. A pitched battle took place between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali in Panipat. Sada Shiv Rao Bhau was leading the Marathas in this battle. The Marathas faced a crushing defeat and also suffered heavy loss of life and property in this battle. As a result of this battle, the Marathas suffered grievous blow while the Sikhs got a chance to consolidate their power in the Punjab.

Question 9.
What were the results of the third battle of Panipat?
Or
Write down any three results of the third battle of Panipat.
Answer:
The results of the third battle of Panipat were of far reaching. This battle resulted in huge loss of men and money of the Marathas. The Maratha Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao couldn’t tolerate this humiliating defeat and he passed away within a few months. Marathas received a severe jolt to their power. Conse¬quently their dream of establishing a Hindu empire in India dashed to the ground. After this defeat the Maratha leaders began to quarrel among themselves. It ended their unity.

Question 10.
Write a short note on Wadda Ghallughara (Second Bloody Carnage).
Or
Write a brief note on Wadda Ghallughara (Great Holocaust), sixth invasion of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Or
Write a short note on Second Big Ghallughara.
Answer:
The Wadda Ghallughara was a very tragic event of Sikh History. Ahmad Shah Abdali could never tolerate the growing influence of the Sikhs. So he sieged the Sikhs at village Kup near Malerkotla on Feb 5, 1762 A.D. In this surprise attack 25 to 30 thousand Sikhs were killed. This event is known in Sikh history as Wadda Ghallughara. Ahmad Shah Abdali became very happy over the heavy loss of life oi the Sikhs. He thought that it would break the backbone of the Sikh power, but his assessment proved wrong.

Question 11.
How did the Sikhs organise their power in their battles against the Afghans?
Answer:
(a) In their battles against the Afghans, the Sikhs had organised themselves in Jathas (regiments),
(b) Gurmatas were passed through Sarbat Khalsa in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. All the Sikhs obeyed these Gurmatas with great respect.
(Hi) Ahmad Shah Abdali could not pay attention to the Sikhs for many years,
(d) The landlords and common people gave their full co-operation to the Sikhs.

Question 12.
Why did Ahmad Shah Abadali fail in crushing the power of the Sikhs?
Or
What were the causes of victory of the Sikhs and defeat of Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Or
What were the causes of failure of Ahmad Shah Abdali against the Sikhs?
Or
Write any three causes of the failure of Ahmad Shah Abdali against the Sikhs.
Answer:

• The firm determination and self-confidence of the Sikhs,
• The Sikhs adopted guerilla system of warfare.
• Ahmad Shah Abdali could not pay his proper attention to the Punjab as revolts broke out in Afghanistan time and again,
• The leaders of the Sikhs were wise and worthy. They fought against the enemy unitedly.

Question 13.
What were the effects of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions on the Sikh struggle for power?
Or
What were the political effects of Abdali’s invasions?
Answer:

• Ahmad Shah Abdali annexed Punjab to Afghanistan in 1752 A.D.
• Ahmad Shah Abdali gave the Marathas a crushing defeat in the third battle of Panipat as result of which the influence of Marathas ended in Punjab for ever.
• As a – result of continuous attacks of Ahmad Shah Abdali, lawlesness and chaos prevailed in the Punjab,
• Life and property of the people was not safe. So instead of saving the Sikhs started spending lavishly.

Question 14.
Describe important effects of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions over Punjab.
Answer:

• Punjab was annexed to Afghanistan in’1752 A.D. Consequently, the Mughal rule ended in the Punjab for ever,
• Punjab had to face heavy economic losses due to the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
• Trade also suffered a set back due to the atmosphere of loot and chaos,
• These invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali gave a great blow to the art and literature of the Punjab,
• Punjabis now started spending money lavishly instead of saving it.

Question 15.
What were the social effects of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Answer:

• The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali encouraged many evils in the Punjab. The people became selfish,
• As a result of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions the people of the Punjab became brave and bold,
• Punjabi’s became spendthrift. The reason was that Ahmad Shah Abdali would take away the money,
• Many historical buildings and literature were damaged during Abdali’s invasions.
• His invasions caused heavy economic loss to Punjab.

Question 16.
What were the economic consequences of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Answer:

• The invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali inflicted great loss on the economy of Punjab. He robbed Punjab of gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls of worth crores of rupees,
• Abdali’s soldiers badly damaged the crops of thousands of acres of land while marching,
• Commerce and industries also felt the pinch of the Afghan invasions.
• The sense of insecurity and anarchical conditions impeded the growth of trade.
• Travelling was difficult and unsafe.

Objective Type Questions:

Question 1.
Who was Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Answer:
The ruler of Afghanistan.

Question 2.
Where did Ahmad Shah Abdali rule?
Answer:
In Afghanistan.

Question 3.
For how many times Ahmed Shah Abdali invaded Punjab?
Answer:
Eight times.

Question 4.
Give the main cause of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasions on Punjab.
Or
Give any one reason of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
He wanted to expand his empire.

Question 5.
When did Ahmad Shah Abdali invade Punjab?
Answer:
1747 to 1767 A.D.

Question 6.
When did Ahmad Shah Abdali invade Punjab for the first time?
Answer:
1747-48 A.D.

Question 7.
When did Ahmad Shah Abdali invade Punjab for the second time?
Answer:
1748-49 A.D.

Question 8.
When did Mir Mannu become the Governor of Punjab?
Answer:
1748 A.D.

Question 9.
When did Ahmad Shah Abdali conquer Punjab?
Answer:
1752 A.D.

Question 10.
Who was appointed as Governor by Ahmad Shah Abdali after he conquered Punjab?
Answer:
Timur Shah.

Question 11.
Who was Timur Shah?
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali’s. son.

Question 12.
Who was Baba Deep Singh Ji?
Answer:
A famous leader of Shaheed Misl.

Question 13.
When was Baba Deep Singh Ji martyred?
Answer:
Nov. 11, 1757 A.D.

Question 14. When did the Marathas occupy Punjab?
Answer:
1758 A.D.

Question 15.
Who was the first Maratha Subedar of Punjab?
Answer:
Adina Beg.

Question 16.
When was the third battle of Panipat fought?
Answer:
January 14, 1761 A.D.

Question 17.
Between whom was the third battle of Panipat fought?
Answer:
Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Question 18.
When did Wadda Ghallughara take place?
Or
When did Second or Big Ghallughara take place?
Answer:
5th February, 1762 A.D.

Question 19.
Where did Second Ghallughara take place?
Or
Where did the Vadda ( big ) Ghallughara happen?
Answer:
At Kup.

Question 20.
When and where did Second (Wadda) Ghallughara take place?
Answer:
In 1762 A.D. at Kup.

Question 21.
Who was responsible for Wadda Ghallughara?
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Question 22.
When did the Sikhs occupy Sirhind?
Answer:
January 14, 1764 A.D.

Question 23.
Who was Zain Khan?
Answer:
Governor of Sirhind from 1761 A.D. to 1764 A.D.

Question 24.
When did the Sikhs take control of Lahore?
Answer:
1765 A.D.

Question 25.
Give any one reason of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s failure against the Sikhs.
Or
Explain any one cause of the success of the Sikhs against Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
The Sikhs adopted guerilla warfare against Abdali.

Question 26.
Give any one political consequence of Abdali’s invasions.
Or
Write any one effect of the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali occupied Punjab in 1752 A.D.

Question 27.
What were the two economic consequences of the invasions of Abdali?
Answer:
The Punjab had to suffer a great economic loss.

Fill in the blanks:

1. Ahmad Shah Abdali was the ruler of ……………
Answer:
Afghanistan

2. Ahmad Shah Abdali became the Emperor of …………… in 1747 A.D.
Answer:
Afghanistan

3. …………… became the ruler of Afghanistan after the killing of Nadar Shah.
Answer:
Ahmad Shah Abdali

4. Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked on Punjab …………… times.
Answer:
eight

5. Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India for the first time in ……………
Answer:
1747-48 A.D.

6. Ahmad Shah Abdali conquered Punjab in ……………..
Answer:
1752 A.D.

7. Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed ………………. as the Governor of Punjab in 1752 A.D.
Answer:
Mir Mannu

8. Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed ………………. as the Governor of Punjab in 1757 A.D.
Answer:
Timur Shah

9. Baba Deep Singh Ji became a martyr in ………………
Answer:
1757 A.D.

10. The third battle of Panipat was fought on ………………
Answer:
January 14, 1761 A.D.

11. …………….. was the JPeshwa of Marathas at the time .of- the third battle of Panipat.
Answer:
Balaji Baji Rao

12. ……………. was the General of Marathas in the third battle of Panipat.
Answer:
Sadashiv Rao Bhau

13. ……………. were defeated in the third battle of Panipat.
Answer:
Marathas

14. Wadda Ghallughara took place in …………….
Answer:
1762 A.D.

15. Wadda Ghallughara took place at village……………
Answer:
Kup

16. In 1764 A.D. Baba Ala Singh defeated severly the Subedar of Sirhind ………………
Answer:
Zain Khan

17. Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked Punjab …………… times.
Answer:
eight

18. ………….. rule came to an end in Punjab due to invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
Mughal

19. The main cause of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s failure against the Sikhs was ……………. policy of the Sikhs.
Answer:
Guerilla

True or False:

1. Ahmad Shah Abdali was the ruler of Afghanistan.
Answer:
True

2. Ahmad Shah Abdali was the ruler of Afghanistan in 1747 A.D.
Answer:
True

3. Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab in 1749 A.D. for the first time.
Answer:
False

4. The main purpose of invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali on India was to obtain wealth.
Answer:
True

5. Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India for six times.
Answer:
False

6. Mir Mannu defeated Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1748 A.D. in the battle of Manupur.
Answer:
True

7. Ahmad Shah Abdali occupied Punjab in 1751 A.D. (
Answer:
False

8. Timur Shah was the son of Babur.
Answer:
False

9. Baba Deep Singh Ji became a martyr on November 10, 1757 A.D.
Answer:
False

10. The third battle of Panipat took place on January 14, 1761 A.D. between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
True

11. Vishwas Rao was the son of Balaji Baji Rao.
Answer:
True

12. The Sikhs occupied Lahore in 1761 A.D.
Answer:
True

13. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, was conferred the title of ‘Sultan-ul-Quam’ on occupation of Punjab in 1761 A.D.
Answer:
True

14. Wadda Ghallughara took place during the 6th attack of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
True

15. Wadda Ghallughara took place in 1762 A.D.
Answer:
True

16. The big Holocaust was held at Kahnuwal.
Answer:
False

17. The Sikhs occupied Sirhind in 1764 A.D.
Answer:
True

18. The Sikhs declared their independence after the occupation of Punjab in 1765 A.D.
Answer:
True

19. Nadir Shah became the ruler of Afganistan after the death of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Answer:
False

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Who was Ahmad Shah Abdali?
(a) Ruler of Afghanistan
(b) Ruler of Iran
(c) Ruler of China
(d) Ruler of India.
Answer:
(a) Ruler of Afghanistan

2. How many times Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded Punjab?
(a) Four
(b) Five
(c) Seven
(d) Eight
Answer:
(d) Eight

3. When did Ahmad Shah Abdali invade Punjab for the first time?
(a) 1745 AD.
(b) 1746 A.D.
(c) 1747 A.D.
(d) 1752 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1747 A.D.

4. In which battle, Ahmad Shah Abdali conquered Punjab?
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) Fourth
Answer:
(c) Third

5. When did Ahmad Shah Abdali conquer Punjab?
Or
When did Mughal rule come to an end in Punjab?
(a) 1748 A.D.
(b) 1751 A.D.
(c) 1752 A.D.
(d) 1761 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1752 A.D.

6. When did Timur Shah become the Governor of Punjab?
(a) 1751 A.D.
(b) 1752 A.D.
(c) 1757 A.D.
(d) 1759 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1757 A.D.

7. When was Baba Deep Singh Ji got martyred?
(a) 1752 A.D.
(b) 1755 A.D.
(c) 1756 A.D.
(d) 1757 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1757 A.D.

8. When was the third battle of Panipat fought?
(a) 1758 A.D.
(b) 1759 A.D.
(c) 1760 A.D.
(d) 1761 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1761 A.D.

9. Who defeated the Marathas in the third battle of Panipat?
(a) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
(b) Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
(c) Ahmad Shah Abdali
(d) Mir Mannu.
Answer:
(c) Ahmad Shah Abdali

10. When did Wadda Gallughara take place?
(a) 1746 A.D.
(b) 1748 A.D.
(c) 1761 A.D.
(d) 1762 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1762 A.D.

11. Where did Second Gallughara take place?
(a) Kanhunwan
(b) Kup
(c) Kartarpur
(d) Jalandhar.
Answer:
(b) Kup

12. When did the Sikhs occupy Sirhind?
(a) 1761 A.D.
(b) 1762 A.D.
(c) 1763 A.D.
(d) 1764 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1764 A.D.

13. When did the Sikhs occupy Lahore?
(a) 1760 A.D.
(b) 1762 A.D.
(c) 1764 A.D.
(d) 1765 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1765 A.D.

Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 16 Origin and Growth of the Sikh Misls and their Nature of Organization Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 16 Origin and Growth of the Sikh Misls and their Nature of Organization

Long Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
What do you mean by the word Misl? How did the Misls originate?
Or
Explain in brief the origin of Misls.
Or
What do you mean by the word Misl? What were the causes of origin of Sikh Misls?
Answer:
The historians have divergent views regarding the meaning of the word Misl. According to the general opinion, Misl meant a file in which details of Misls were recorded. After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Mughal Governors of the Punjab perpetrated tyranny on the Sikhs to crush the Sikh power. As a result the Sikhs took shelter in forests and hills. These Sikhs formed small Jathas (groups). In 1734 A.D. Nawab Kapur Singh created Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal with the objective of creating unity among the Sikhs. The Sikhs above 40 years of age were included in Buddha Dal while the Sikhs below this age joined Taruna Dal.

In 1745 A.D. the Sikhs had formed 25 Jathas. Each Jatha had 100 Sikhs. Gradually the number of these Jathas increased to 65. In order to face the Mughal tyranny and the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali, Dal Khalsa was established at Amritsar on March 29, 1748 A.D. Twelve Jathas were organised under Dal Khalsa. Each Jatha had its own Sardar (commander) and a separate flag. Later on, these Jathas formed 12 independent Sikh Misls in Punjab.

Question 2.
Explain the nature of the Sikh Misls of Punjab.
Or
Write a short note on the nature of Misl organisation.
Answer:
The historians hold divergent views about the nature of the organisation of Misls. The reason being that the administration of the Misls was not run according to any definite system. Different Sardars had formed their own rules according to their own requirements. J.D. Cunningham is of the view that the nature of the organisation of the Misls was theocratic,-confederate and feudalistic. The chiefs of all the Misls had full faith in the institution of the Sikh religion. The Sikh Misls were not wholly independent and were a part of a loose confederation. Dr. A.C. Banerjee held that the organisation of Misls was democratic on composition and religious in its cohesive principles.

It was democratic in composition because leaders of all the Misls were equal and no Sardar was under any other Sardar. The cohesive principles of the Misls were religious. All the Sikhs abided by the Gurmata. In Ibbetsons view the organisation of the Misls was a mixture of theocracy, democracy and autocracy. In matters of internal administration the Sardars used their powers according to their own will.

Question 3.
Explain briefly any five misls of Punjab.
Answer:
1. Faizalpuria Misl: Nawab Kapoor Singh was the founder of Faizalpuria Misl. First of all he occupied a village named Faizalpuria near Amritsar. The name of this village was changed to Singhpur. Therefore, Faizalpuria Misl is also known as Singhpuria Misl. Nawab Kapoor Singh was known among the Sikhs for his bravery. After the death of Nawab Kapoor Singh in 1753 A.D. the Faizalpuria Misl was ruled by Khushal Singh and Budh Singh.

2. Bhangi Misl : Though Bhangi Misl was founded by Chajja Singh but its real founder is considered Hari Singh. Because the leaders of this Misl were addicted to the use of Bhang (hemp), so this Misl came to be known as Bhangi Misl. Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh were its two other famous leaders.

3. Ramgarhia Misl : The founder of Ramgarhia Misl was Khushal Singh. The most famous leader of this Misl was Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. He had made Sri Hargobindpur as the capital of Ramgarhia Misl. After the death of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia this Misl was led by Jodh Singh.

4. Sukarchakia Misl: The founder of Sukarchakia Misl was Sardar Charat Singh. As his forefathers belonged to village Sukarchak, so this Misl came to be known as Sukarchakia Misl. Sardar Charat Singh was a brave warrior. He had declared Gujranwala as the capital of Sukarchakia Misl. After the death of Charat Singh in 1774 A.D. Mahan Singh and Ranjit Singh wisely led the Sukarchakia Misi. In 1799 A.D. Ranjit Singh conquered Lahore and this conquest proved, a turning point in the history of Punjab.

5. Kanahia Misl: Jai Singh was the founder of Kanahia Misl. As he was the resident of Kanaha village, so this Misl came to be known as Kanahia Misl. Jai Singh was a brave leader. Jai Singh had married his granddaughter Mehtab Kaur in 1796 A.D. to Ranjit Singh, the son of Mahan Singh of Sukarchakia Misl. Jai Singh passed away in 1798 A.D. After his death Kanahia Misl was led by Sada Kaur, the mother-in-law of Ranjit Singh.

Question 4.
Write a note on Nawab Kapoor Singh.
Or
Discuss in brief the achievements of Nawab Kapoor Singh.
Answer:
After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, Nawab Kapoor Singh was the most distinguished leader of the Sikhs. He was the founder of Faizalpuria Misl. He was born in 1697 A.D. in a village Kaloke. His father Dalip Singh belonged to a Jat family. Kapoor Singh was very brave and daring from his childhood. He was administered Amrit by Bhai Mani Singh. Soon he became a famous leader of the Sikhs. In 1733 A.D. he got the title of Nawab and a Jagir worth Rs. 1 lakh annually from Zakariya Khan, the Governor of the Punjab. In 1734 A.D. Nawab Kapoor Singh divided the Khalsa into two Dais namely—Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal with a view to organise the Sikh force.

He led both the Dais with wisdom and ability. He did a great job for the Sikh Panth by founding Dal Khalsa in 1748 A.D. He led the community through very difficult times. He was able to weld together the scattered Sikhs into a strong force. He paved the way for the greatness of the Sikh nation. In fact, the contribution of Nawab Kapoor Singh in the development of Sikh Panth arid in its organisation is remarkable. He died in 1753 A.D.

Question 5.
Who was Jassa Singh Ahluwalia? Describe his achievements in brief.
Or
Write what you know about Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
Or
Write a brief note on Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was the founder of Ahluwalia Misl. He was born in 1718 A.D. in a village Ahlu near Lahore. His father’s name was Badar Singh. Jassa Singh was just five when his father expired. Jassa Singh very soon became a famous leader of the Sikhs due to his talent and ability. The Sikhs attacked the forces of Nadir Shah in 1739 A.D. under the command of Jassa Singh and looted his treasury. At the time of the foundation of Dal Khalsa, in 1748 A.D., Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was appointed its supreme commander. He rendered a great service to the Sikh Panth by leading Dal Khalsa with rare ability.

Under the command of Jassa Singh, the Sikhs conquered Lahore in 1761 A.D. Jasssa Singh faced the forces of Abdali very bravely even during Wada Ghallughara in 1762 A.D. Jassa Singh took control of Sirhind in 1764 A.D. In 1778 A.D. Jassa Singh occupied Kapurthala and made it the capital of Ahluwalia Misl. In short, Jassa Singh was a great warrior, a valiant general and a splendid organiser. He did more than any other Chief to consolidate the Sikh power. He died in 1783 A.D.

Question 6.
Who was Jassa Singh Ramgarhia? Write a brief note on his achievements. Write what you know about Jassa Singh Ramgarhia?
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was the most famous leader of Ramgarhia Misl. This Misl reached its pinnacle under his able guidance. Jassa Singh served first under Adina Beg, the Faujdar of Jalandhar. In October, 1748 A.D., Mir Mannu and Adina Beg’s joint forces suddenly seiged 500 Sikhs in the fortress of Ram Rauni. Jassa Singh reached there to help his brethren in crisis and thus saved lives of 300 Sikhs. The Sikhs were pleased over it and they gave Ram Rauni fort to Jassa Singh.

The name of this fort was changed to Ramgarh. In 1753 A D. after the death of Mir Mannu, there was chaos in Punjab, so Jassa Singh made use of this opportunity in taking Kalanaur, Batala, Hargobindpur, Qadian, Urmur Tanda, Deepalpur, Datarpur and Haripur under his control and expanded Ramgarhia Misl. He declared Sri Hargobindpur to be the capital of Ramgarhia Misl. Jassa Singh did not have good relations with Ahluwalia and Sukarchakia Misls. Jassa Singh died in 1803 A.D.

Question 7.
Write a short note on Mahan Singh.
Answer:
After the death of Charat Singh in 1774 A.D. his son Mahan Singh became the next leader of the Sukarchakia Misl. At that time Mahan Singh was barely 10 years old. So his mother Desan led the Misl very wisely for some time. Soon Mahan Singh started the expansion of the Sukarchakia Misl. First of all he captured Rohtas. Then he took possession of Rasul Nagar and Alipur. Mahan Singh changed ‘ the name of Rasul Nagar into Ramnagar and Alipur into Akalgarh. Mahan Singh conquered from the Bhangi Sardars the areas of Multan, Bhawalpur and Sahival etc. Jai Singh Kanahia began to feel jealous of the growing power of Mahan Singh.

In order to teach him a lesson Mahan Singh with Jassa Singh Ramagarhia attacked the Kanahia Misl. In a battle near Batala, Jai Singh’s son Gurbaksh Singh was killed. After some time friendly relations were established between Sukarchakia and Kanahia. Misls. Jai Singh got his granddaughter Mehtab Kaur married to Mahan Singh’s son, Ranjit Singh. In 1792 A.D. Mahan Singh passed away.

Question 8.
Write a short note on Phulkian Misl.
Answer:
Chaudhry Phul was the founder of the Phulkian Misl. The Misl Phulkian came to be known after his name. Phul was a Sidhu Jat. Guru Har Rai Sahib had blessed him that his family would rule. Guru Sahib’s prophecy proved true and the Phul family established its rule over Patiala, Nabha and Jind. Ala Singh was the founder of the Patiala House. Ala Singh made Barnala the centre of his activities. In 1761 A.D., Ala Singh helped the Marathas against Ahmad Shah Abdali. Soon, in 1762 A.D. during his 6th invasion Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked Barnala and arrested Ala Singh. Ala Singh saved his life by giving Abdali a huge amount of money. In 1764 A.D., Ala Singh with other leaders of the Dal Khalsa attacked Sirhind. In 1764 A.D., Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed Ala Singh the Governor of Sirhind.

The Nabha House was founded by Hamir Singh in. 1755 A.D. Gajpat Singh was the founder of Phulkian Misl in Jind. He had brought under his control many areas of Panipat and Karnal in 1763 A.D. He married off his daughter Raj Kaur to ‘ the Sukarchakia Misl leader, Charat Singh’s son Mahan Singh. After Gajpat Singh’s death in 1789 A.D., his son, Bhag Singh ascended the throne. He took an active part in all the campaigns of Patiala. In 1809 A.D. this state too came under the protection of the English.

Question 9.
Write a short note on Ala Singh.
Answer:
Ala Singh was the founder of Patiala House. He was very brave right from his childhood. Ala Singh made Barnala the centre of his activities. During Ahmad Shah Abdali’s first invasion in 1748 A.D. Ala Singh helped the Mughals against him. In view of his services, the Mughal emperor, Mohammad Shah Rangila presented him a ‘Khillat’. It added to the name and fame of Ala Singh. Soon Ala Singh took possession of the areas of Budhlada, Tohana, Bhattner and Jaimalpur. In 1762 A.D. during his 6th invasion Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked Barnala and arrested Ala Singh. Ala Singh saved his life by giving Abdali a huge amount of sum. In 1764 A.D. Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed Ala Singh the Governor of Sirhind. The other members of the Dal Khalsa were annoyed with him over this compromise and told him to snap his ties with Ahmad Shah Abdali. But soon Ala Singh passed away.

Question 10.
What do you understand by Sarbat Khalsa and Gurmata?
Or
Write a brief note on Sarbat Khalsa and Gurmata.
Answer:
(1) Sarbat Khalsa : In order to discuss the subjects concerning the Sikh Panth the congregation of the Sarbat Khalsa used to be called twice—on Diwali and Baisakhi, at the Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar. After paying obeisance to the Guru Granth Sahib, all the Sikhs would sit down. At first the Gurbani was recited and Ardas performed. Afterwards any Sikh would stand up and give information to the Sikh Sangat about the matter concerned. Every man and woman was at liberty to express his/her views on the problem. Then a decision would be taken unanimously.

(2) Gurmata: Gurmata was the central institution of the Sikh Misls. The word Gurmata is a combination of two words ‘Guru’ and ‘Mata’ which mean opinion or decision of the Guru. In other words, the resolutions accepted by Sarbat Khalsa in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib were called Gurmata. All the Sikhs accepted and obeyed these Gurmatas with respect. Some of the important functions of Gurmata were to elect leader of Dal Khalsa, to prepare foreign policy of the Sikhs, to finalise plans of military action against common enemy, to settle disputes between Sikh leaders and to arrange for the preaching of Sikhism.

Question 11.
What is meant by Gurmata? Give a brief account of its functions.
Or
Write a short note on Gurmata.
Answer:
Gurmata was the central institution of the Misls. ‘Gurmata’ is a combination of two Punjabi words: ‘Guru’ and ‘Mata’ meaning thereby the ‘decision of the-Guru’. Gurmatas regarding the political, social and religious matters of the Sikh Panth were passed. Its some of the important functions were : to elect the leader of the Dal Khalsa, to formulate the foreign policy of the Sikhs, to finalise the plans about the joint action to be taken against the common enemies of the Sikhs, to resolve the disputes among the Sikh Sardars and to propagate the Sikh religion. Normally the Sikhs would assemble on the occasions of Diwali and Baisakhi at the Akal Takht Sahib for the Gurmatas, but Gurmatas about any emergency matter of the Sikhs could be passed anywhere in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.

After paying obeisance to the Guru Granth Sahib, all the Sikhs would sit down. At first the Gurbani was recited and Ardas was performed. Afterwards, any Sikh would stand up and give information to the Sikh Sangat about the matter concerned. Every man and woman was at liberty to express his/her views on the problem. Before the announcement of the Gurmata, the assembled Sangat would utter ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahegurn Ji Ki Fateh’ and then the Ardas was performed. After this, the ‘Krah- Parsad’ was distributed to those present. All the Sikhs would abide by these Gurmatas considering them to be the commands from the Guru. The institution of the Gurmata made a remarkable contribution to promote unity, self-respect and discipline in the Sikh Panth.

Question 12.
Mention any five features of internal organisation of Sikh Misls.
Or
Describe the internal organisation of Sikh Misls.
Or
Describe the main features of Misl administration.
Answer:
Each head of the Misl was called Sardar. He used to give a part of the conquered area to the Misldars, who were subordinate to him. These Misldars could part company with their Sardars and set up a separate Misl independently. These Sardars (heads) of the Misls loved their masses like members of the family. Village was the smallest unit of the Misl. Almost all the affairs of the village were looked into by the Panchayat and settled by it. People respected the decisions of Panchayat. The judicial system of Sikh Misls was very simple. There was no written law.

The law-suits were settled according to the prevalent traditions. The culprits were not given rigid and stern punishments. Usually fine was charged from them. During the Misl period, land revenue was the main source of income.Its fixation varied according to the fertility of land. Usually land revenue used to be 1/3 to 1/4 of the total produce. This’tax was collected twice a year and it could be paid in cash or kind.

Question 13.
Mention the features of inernal organisation of Sikh Misls.
Or
Describe the internal organisation of Sikh Misls.
Or
Describe the main features of Misl organisation.
Answer:
The Chief of each Misl was called Sardar. Each Sardar had a number of Misldars under him. Like the Sardars, the Misldars too had their armies. They would give a part of the conquered areas to the Misldars under him. In the beginning the position of the Sardar was not hereditary. It was given to on the basis of personal qualities and bravery. Gradually, it became hereditary. Although the Sardars were autocratic, they were not cruel. They loved the people, as they did their own families. With a view to running the administration efficiently, the Misls were divided into many districts. The Chief of the district was called Kardar. He was responsible for running the administration of the District. The Sardar rarely interfered in his work. Village was the smallest unit of the Misl administration.

It was considered to be the most important administrative unit because most of the people at that time lived in the villages. The village administration was in the hands of the Panchayat. Almost all the matters of the village were settled by the Panchayat. It also looked after the people. ‘Lambardar’, ‘Patwari’ and ‘Chowkidar’ were the important workers of the village. The Lambardar would look after the well-being of the people of his village. The Patwari kept the record of the village land. The Chowkidar would keep watch in the village. The Sardar did not interfere in the village affairs.

Question 14.
What is Rakhi System? Explain in brief.
Or
What do you know about Rakhi System? Write in brief.
Or
What is Rakhi System? Explain its origin.
Or
Write a short note on Rakhi System.
Answer:
1. Meaning of Rakhi System: The word ‘Rakhi’ means ‘to protect’. Those villages which wilfuly came under the Rakhi of Sikhs were guaranted security from the foreign invaders and extortion of government officials. In return, the villages had to give one fifth part of their produce to these Sikhs.

2. Beginning of Rakhi System : A state of ararchy prevailed in the Punjab due to the harsh policy adopted by the Mughal subedars as well as the repeated invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali. There was no stable government in the Punjab. It gave a rude golt to the argriculture, industry and trade in the Punjab. The local officials and zamindars exploited the peasants and whenever they wished, they looted them under the threat of sword. In such a chaotic situation, the government neither had time nor concern for its people. Dal Khalsa was fully acquainted with the tribulations of the people. It felt that the people must be protected at any cost. Hence, Dal Khalsa started the Rakhi system.

3. Features of Rakhi system : According to Rakhi system, those villages which wanted protection against harsh government officials, zamindars, dacoits and foreign invaders, came under the shelter of the Sikhs. The villages Which sought refuge under the Sikhs, were saved from being looted. The Sikhs never used to attack these villages at all. The Jathas of Dal Khalsa promised to protect the villages seeking their protection. Sometimes, more than one Jathas protected the villages. A special force of Dal Khalsa was always kept ready at Amritsar to counter any untoward incident. Each village had to give l/5th of their harvest twice a year to Dal Khalsa for their protection.

4. Importance of Rakhi System : In the 18th century, the Rakhi system in the Punjab proved advantageous in many aspects. Firstly, it proved to be a first step in increasing the political power of the Sikhs, Secondly, it ensured peace to the people of the Punjab after centuries. They were protected from cruel jagirdars and corrupt officials. Thirdly, they were no longer afraid of foreign invaders. Fourthly, as peace prevailed, it encouraged agriculture, industry and trade.

Question 15.
What do you know about the financial administration of Misl period?
Or
Write a short note on economy under the Misls.
Answer:
1. Land Revenue Administration : During the times of the Misls, the chief source of income was land revenue. It varied according to the fertility of the soil. It normally ranged from l/3rd to l/4th part of the total produce. It was realised twice a year at the time of Rabi and Kharif harvests. In order to collect the land revenue, Batai System was followed. Under this system the government fixed the revenue after harvesting the crops. The land revenue could be paid either in cash or in kind. The Sardars of the Misls took special care for the welfare of farmers. During the Misl period, four kinds of land tenure Pattidari, Misldari, Jagirdari and Tabedari were in vogue.

2. Rakhi System : The foreign invaders like Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, further worsened the situation by their plunder. The life and property of the people were no more safe. They were always afraid of being looted. Therefore, many villages took shelter with the Dal Khalsa for their defence. The Dal Khalsa would protect such villages from the extortion of government officials and foreign invaders. Besides, the Sikhs themselves would also not plunder such villages. In return for this, Rakhi (defence) the people of the village would give part of their produce to the Sardar of the Misl. This Rakhi tax was also an important source of income of the Misls.

3. Other sources of Income : In addition to the sources mentioned above, the Misl Sardars had income from octroi, judicial department, gifts and booty looted during the battles.

4. Expenditure : The Misl Sardars would spend a large portion of their income on army, horses and weapons. Besides, this money was also spent on constructing new forts and getting old ones repaired. From the income, the expenditure of the family and relatives of the Misl Sardar was also apportioned. In addition, the Misl Sardars would donate money to the Gurdwaras and the Temples, and arrange Langar for the poor people.

Question 16.
Write briefly about the judicial system of Sikh Misls.
Or
Write a note on the Judicial system of Sikh Misls.
Answer:
The judicial system of Sikh Misls was very simple. There was no written law. The verdict of law-suits was given according to the prevalent customs and conventions. Capital punishment was not given to any culprit. Mostly the culprits were fined. Those who repeatedly committed crimes had their limbs chopped off. Panchayat was the lowest court of the Misls. Most of the disputes of the village were settled by Panchayat itself. People accepted the verdict of the Panchayat as God’s decision. Each Sardar of the Misls had his own separate court. It decided both civil and criminal cases.

He could also hear appeal against the verdict of the Panchayat. Sarbat Khalsa was the supreme court of the Sikhs during Misl period. Mutual disputes of Sardars of Misls and matters relating to Sikh nation were heard in Sarbat Khalsa and decided through Gurmatas.

Question 17.
What were the main features of the Military system of the Misls?
Answer:
1. Cavalry : Cavalry was the most important wing of the army of the Misls. The Sikhs were very competent horsemen. They would daily cover a distance of 50 to 120 miles. In swift riding, the Sikh horsemen were perhaps, ahead of all other Indian soldiers. The fast running horses of the Sikhs proved very helpful in their guerilla warfare.

2. Infantry : The Sikhs considered it below their dignity to join the infantry. Its reason was that during the times of the Misl, no special importance was attached to it. The soldiers of infantry could not match a cavalier. They were employed as security guards of the forts, for the protection of women and children and for conveying messages.

3. Recruitment : Recruitment in the Misl army was entirely voluntary. The fresh recruits could join any Misl and were at liberty to re-join any other Misl. No records of the soldiers’, names, service, payment etc. were kept. There was no provision for regular training of the soldiers. The soldiers were not given their salary in cash. They got only a share in the booty.

4. Weapons anch Equipments : The weapons of war consisted of swords, spears, pikes, bows and arrows, two edged daggers, lances and muskets. The use of the guns much restricted, owing to the scarcity of powder. In the handling of these weapons, the Sikhs were uncommonly expert.

5. Mode of Fighting : During the Misl period, the Sikhs followed the guerilla mode of fighting. The Sikhs employed guerilla strategy to impede every foreign invasion by cutting off their supplies, harassing their army both in camp and on march. They made surprise attacks on their enemies and before they could retaliate, they (the Sikhs) moved beyond their reach. In short, the guerilla mode of fighting of the Sikhs proved as one of the most important causes of the success of the Sikhs.

Essay Type Questions:

Question 1.
Trace the origin and development of Sikh Misls in the Punjab.
or
What do you understand by the term ‘Misl’? Describe the origin of the Sikh Misls.
Or
Define Misl. What do you know about the origin and growth of Sikh Misls?
Or
What do you understand by the term ‘Misl’? Give an account of the history of the important Sikh Misls.
Or
What do you mean by the word Misl? Describe the origin and growth of Sikh Misls.
Answer:
The establishment of Sikh Misls in Punjab in the 18th century proved a turning point in its history.

1. Meaning of term ‘Misl’:

There is a difference of opinion among the historians as to what the word ‘Misl’ meAnswer: Misl is infact, an Arabic word, which means equal. The Sikhs had established 12 independent Misls in Punjab in the 18th century. The Sardar of each Misl treated the Sardars of other Misls in the term of equality. However, they were free in running their internal administration. For this distinguished feature, the Sikh Jathas were called Misls.

2. Origin of the Sikh Misls:

Nawab Kapoor Singh, the famous leader of the Sikhs, felt the need of greater unity among the Sikhs to challenge the increasing cruelties of the Mughals and to face boldly the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali. With this objective Dal Khalsa was founded on the Baisakhi day on 29th March, 1748 A.D. at Amritsar. Twelve Jathas were organised under the Dal Khalsa. Each Jatha had its own leader and banner. These Jathas began to be called the ‘Misls’. These Misls had established their independent rule in different parts of the Punjab during 1767 to 1799 A.D.

3. Growth of the Sikh Misls:

During the period between 1767 and 1799 A.D. the Sikhs had established 12 independent Misls between the region of Jamuna and Sind in the Punjab. A brief l account of the growth of these Misls is as follows :

1. Faizalpuria Misl : Nawab Kapoor Singh was the founder of Faizalpuria Misl. First of all he occupied a village named Faizalpuria near Amritsar. The name of this village was changed to Singhpur. Therefore, Faizalpuria Misl is also known as Singhpuria Misl. Nawab Kapoor Singh was known among the Sikhs for his bravery. The Faizalpuria Misl included Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patti, Nurpur and Behrampur. After the death of Nawab Kapoor Singh in 1753 A.D. the Faizalpuria Misl was ruled by Khushal Singh and Budh Singh.

2. Bhangi Misl : Though Bhangi Misl was founded by Chajja Singh but its real founder is considered Hari Singh. Because the leaders of this Misl were addicted to the use of Bhang (hemp), so this Misl came to be known as Bhangi Misl. Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh were its two other famous leaders. This Misl included the territories of Lahore, Amritsar, Gujarat and Sialkot etc.

3. Ahluwalia Misl: The founder of Ahluwalia Misl was Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. As he was the inhabitant of village Ahlu so this Misl came to be known as Ahluwalia Misl. He was a great leader. In 1748 A.D. he was made the Odinmander-in-chief of the Dal Khalsa. He had shown his bravery of feats by conquering Lahore, itasur and Sirhind. He was conferred the title of Sultan-ul- Quam. He had made Kapurthala as his capital. After the death of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in 1783 A.D. Bhag Singh and Fateh Singh had led this Misl.

4. Ramgarhia Misl : The founder of Ramgarhia Misl was Khushal Singh. The most famous leader of this Misl was Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. He had conquered Dipalpur, Kalanaur, Batala, Urmur Tanda, Haripur and Kartarpur etc. He had made Sri Hargobindpur as the capital of Ramgarhia Misl, After * the death of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia this Misl was led by Jodh Singh.

5. Sukarchakia Misl: The founder of Sukarchakia Misl was Sardar Charat Singh. As his forefathers belonged to village Sukarchak, so this Misl came to be known as Sukarchakia Misl. Sardar CharaHBingh was a brave warrior. He had conquered Eminabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Chakwal, Jalalpur and Rasulpur etc. He had declared Gujranwala as the capital of Sukarchakia Misl. After the death of Charat Singh in 1774 A.D. Mahan Singh and Ranjit Singh wisely led the Sukarchakia Misl. In 1799 A.D. Ranjit Singh conquered Lahore and this conquest proved a turning point in the history of Punjab.

6. Kanahia Misl: Jai Singh was the founder of Kanahia Misl. As he was the resident of Kanaha village, so this Misl came to be known as Kanahia Misl. Jal Singh was a brave leader. He had conquered Mukerian, Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Kangra etc. Jai Singh had married his granddaughter Mehtab Kaur in 1796 A.D. to Ranjit Singh, the son of Mahan Singh of Sukarchakia Misl. Jai Singh passed away in 1798 A.D. After his death Kanahia Misl was led by Sada Kaur, the mother-in-law of Ranjit Singh.

7. Phulkian Misl: The founder of Phulkian Misl was Chaudhry Phul, a Jat. This Misl included Patiala, Nabha and Jind. Baba Ala Singh, Amar Singh and Sahib Singh were the famous leaders of the Patiala House. Hamir Singh and Jaswant Singh were the leaders of the Nabha House. Gajpat Singh and Bhag Singh were the leaders of the Jind House.

8. Dallewalia Misl: The founder of Dallewalia Misl was Gulab Singh. Tara Singh Gheba was the most famous Sardar of this Misl. This Misl had under its control the areas like Phillaur, Rahon, Nakodar and Baddowal etc.

9. Nakkai Misl : The founder of Nakkai Misl was Hira Singh. He had conquered Nakka, Chunian, Dipalpur, Kanganpur, Shergarh and Faridabad. His successor Ran Singh was the most famous leader of this Misl. He had extended the boundaries of Nakkai Misl by annexing Kot Kamalia and Shakarpur.

10. Shahid Misl : The founder of Shahid Misl was Sardar Sudha Singh. Since the leaders of this Misl fell martyrs in the battles against the Afghans, the Misl came to be known as the Shahid Misl. Baba Deep Singh, Karam Singh and Gulab Singh were the other distinguished leaders of this Misl. This Misl had under its control the areas of Saharanpur, Shahzadpur and Kesni. Most of the people of this Misl were’Nihangs, who put on blue clothes. So, the Shahid Misl was also known as the Nihang Misl.

11. Nishanwalia Misl: The founder of this Misl was Sardar Sangat Singh. As the leaders of this hjisl used to carry the banner or insignia of the Dal Khalsa, so this Misl came to be known as the Nishanwalia Misl. Sangat Singh expanded his Misl by occupying the areas of Ambala, Shahbad, Singhwala, Sahnewal, Doraha etc. He made Singhwala his capital. After the death of Sangat Singh in 1774 A.D., his brother Mahan Singh succeeded him. ,,

12. Karorsinghia Misl: The founder of this Misl was Karora Singh, so the Misl came to be known as Karorsinghia Misl. Since Karora Singh was the inhabitant of village Panjgarhia, this Misl is called the Panjgarhia Misl, .also. After the death of Karora Singh in 1764 A.D. Baghel Singh was unanimously elected the leader of this Misl. He was the most-famous of all the leaders of the Karor Singhia Misl. He made Chalodi a place near Kamal, his capital. He included Nawan Shahr and Banga areas in his Misl. After the death of Baghel Singh, his son Jodh Singh became the leader of the Misl. He conquered many areas of the Malwa region.

Question 2.
Write a note on the Organisation of the Sikh Misls.
Or
Discuss the nature of the Organisation of Misls.
Or
Bring out the main features of the administration of the Sikh Misls.
Or
Give an account of Civil and Military Administration of the Misls.
Or
Describe the internal administration of the Misls.
Or
What do you know about the origin and growth of the Sikh Mils?
Answer:
A brief account of the organisation of the Sikh Misls is given ahead :

1. Gurmata:

Gurmata was the central institution of the Misls. ‘Gurmata’ is a combination of two Punjabi words : ‘Guru’ and ‘Mata’ meaning thereby the ‘decision of the Guru.’ In other words, the decisions arrived at with the common consent of the Sarbat Khalsa in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji were called ‘Gurmata’. All the Sikhs complied with these Gurmatas with respect.

2. Internal Organisation of the Misls:

1. Sardar and Misldar : The Chief of each Misl was called Sardar. Each Sardar had a number of Misldars under him. Like the Sardars, the Misldars too had their armies. They would give a part of the conquered areas to the Misldars under him. In the beginning the position of the Sardar was not hereditary. It was given to on the basis of personal qualities and bravery. Gradually, it became hereditary. Although the Sardars were autocratic, they were not cruel. They loved the people, as they did their own families.

2. Districts : With a view to running the administration efficiently, the Misls were divided into many districts. The Chief of the district was called Kardar. He was responsible for running the administration of the District. The Sardar rarely interfered in his work.

3. Villages : Village was the smallest unit of the Misl administration. It was considered to be the most important administrative unit- because most of the people at that time lived in the villages. The village administration was in the hands of the Panchayat. Almost all the matters of the village were settled by the Panchayat. It also looked after the people. ‘Lambardar’, ‘Patwari’ and ‘Chowkidar’ were the important workers of the village. The Lambardar would look after the well-being of the people of his village. The Patwari kept the record of the village land. The Chowkidar would keep watch in the village. The Sardar did not interfere in the village affairs.

Financial Administration:

1. Land Revenue Administration : During the times of the Misls, the chief source of income was land revenue. It varied according to the fertility of the soil. It normally ranged from l/3rd to l/4th part of the total produce. It was realised twice a year at the time of Rabi and Kharif harvests. In order to collect the land revenue, Batai System was followed. Under this system the government fixed the revenue after harvesting the crops. The land revenue could be paid either in cash or in kind. The Sardars of the Misls took special care for the welfare of farmers. During the Misl period, four kinds of land tenure Pattidari, Misldari, Jagirdari and Tabedari were in vogue.

2. Rakhi System: In the 18th century after the death of Banda Singh Bahadur, the atmosphere of anarchy and lawlessness had prevailed in Punjab. The government officials were engaged in robbing the people. The foreign invaders like Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Ahdali, further worsened the situation by their plunder. The life and property of the people were no more safe. They were always afraid of being looted. Therefore, many villages took shelter with the Dal Khalsa for their defence. The Dal Khalsa would protect such villages from the extortion of government officials and foreign invaders.

Besides, the Sikhs themselves would also not plunder such villages. In return for this, Rakhi (defence) the people of the village would give part of their produce to the Sardar of the Misl. Consequently, this tax came to be known as the Rakhi tax. This Rakhi tax was also an important source of income of the Misls.

3. Other sources of Income : In addition to the sources mentioned above, the Misl Sardars had income from octroi, judicial department, gifts and booty looted during the battles.

4. Expenditure: The Misl Sardars would spend a large portion of their income on army, horses and weapons. Besides, this money was also spent on constructing new forts and getting old ones repaired. From the income, the expenditure of the family and relatives of the Misl Sardar was also apportioned. In addition, the Misl Sardars would donate money to the Gurdwaras and the Temples, and arrange Langar for the poor people.

Judicial Administration:

1. Panchayat: During the times of the Misls, Panchayat was the smallest, but an important unit of judicial administration. There was Panchayat in every village. Only able and honest persons were elected to the Panchayat. Most of the cases in the village were decided by the Panchayat. The people accepted the verdict of the Panchayat, considering it to be a divine justice.

2. Sardar’s Court: The Sardar of each Misl would hold his separate court. Here, he would decide both civil and criminal cases. He would also hear appeals against the decisions of the Panchayats. He had full right to grant capital punishment to any criminal, but he Would normally give lenient punishment to the criminals. With a view to deliver full justice to the public, the Sardar would tour his territory in disguise.

3. Sarbat Khalsa : During the times of the Misls, the Sarbat Khalsa was considered the Supreme Court of the Sikhs. The mutual disputes of the Misldars, disputes of succession and matters concerning the Sikh community were heard by the Sarbat Khalsa. In order to, decide such cases the Sarbat Khalsa would assemble at the Akal Takht, Amritsar. All the Sikhs would comply with the Gurmatas passed by it.

4. Laws and Punishments : During the period of the Sikh Misls, the judicial system was quite simple. There were no written laws. Th§ cases were decided according to the prevailing customs and traditions. At that time, punishments were not severe. No criminal was sentenced to death. Mostly the fines (Jurmanas) were charged from the criminals. If any criminal committed crimes, time and again, his hands, feet, nose and ears were chopped off. Some thanks-giving money (Shukrana) was realised by the government from the winner of case. Undoubtedly, the judicial system of the Sikh Misls was rough ancHteady, rather crude and imperfect. Nevertheless, it was best suited to the temper o’f the people.

Military Administration:

1. Cavalry : Cavalry was the most important wing of the army of the Misls. The Sikhs were very competent horsemen. They would daily cover a distance of 50 to 120 miles. In swift riding, the Sikh horsemen were perhaps, ahead of all other Indian soldiers. The fast running horses of the Sikhs proved very helpful in their guerilla warfare.

2. Infantry : The Sikhs considered it below their dignity to join the infantry. Its reason was that during the times of the Misl, no special importance was attached to it. The soldiers of infantry could not match a cavalier. They were employed as security guards of the forts, for the protection of women and children and for conveying messages.

3. Artillery : The artillery, which plays a decisive, role in the battles, was not a part of the Misl army. As a result, the Sikhs had to face several hardships in their battles against the Mughals and the AfghAnswer: In 1800 A.D. the Sikhs had only 40 guns but these were very small.

4. Recruitment: Recruitment in the Misl army was entirely voluntary. The fresh recruits could join any Misl and were at liberty to re-join any other Migl. No records of the soldiers’ names, service, payment etc. were kept. There was no provision for regular training of the soldiers. The soldiers .were not given their salary in cash. They got only a share in the booty.

5. Weapons and Equipments : The weapons of war consisted of swords, spears, pikes, bows and arrows, two edged daggers, lances and muskets. The use of the guns much restricted, owing to the scarcity of powder. In the handling of these weapons, the Sikhs were uncommonly expert.

6. Mode of Fighting : During the Misl period, the Sikhs followed the guerilla mode of fighting. The Sikhs employed guerilla strategy to impede every foreign invasion by cutting off their supplies, harassing their army both in camp and on march. Plundering their baggage, hovering round the troops, pursuing them at the time of their retreat and also blocking their passage of roads and rivers. They made surprise attacks on their enemies and before they could retaliate, they (the Sikhs) moved beyond their reach. It is apparent that these Sikh tactics were to wear out the enemy. In short, the guerilla mode of fighting of the Sikhs proved as one of the most important causes of the success of the Sikhs.

7. Total Strength of the Army: Nothing can be said with certainty about the total strength of the soldiers of the Misls. The reason is, that it has been variously estimated by different writers. According to B.C. Heugal during the times of the Misls, the total strength of the Sikh army was 69,500. According to George Forster, the total strength of the Misl army was about 2,00,000. According to the modern historians Hari Ram Gupta, Dr. Bhagat Singh and S.S. Gandhi, during the Misl period the total strength of the Sikh army was 1 lakh. Finally, we agree with the words of S.S. Gandhi,

“The Misl organisation was undoubtedly crude but it suited the times. It had its triumphs and grand achievements to its credit.” “Jassa Singh established his reputation as one of the strongest chiefs of the Punjab. He had been actively participating in all the Sikh incursions and displaying deeds of gallantry in all the battle-fields wherever he fought.”

Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1.
What dp you mean by the word Misl? How did the Misls originate?
Or
Explain in brief the origin of Misls.
Or
What do you understand by Misls? Describe in brief their Origin.
Or
What do you mean by Misls? Briefly discuss their growth.
Answer:
Misl meant a file in which details of Misls were recorded. After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, the Mughal Governors of the Punjab perpetrated tyranny on the Sikhs to crush the Sikh power. As. a result the Sikhs took shelter in forests and hills. Dal Khalsa was established at Amritsar on March 29, 1748 A.D. Twelve Jathas were organised under Dal Khalsa. Later on, these Jathas formed 12 independent Sikh Misls in Punjab.

Question 2.
Write a short note on the nature of Misl organisation.
Answer:
The historians hold divergent views about the nature of the organisation of Misls. The reason being that the administration of the Misls was not run according to any definite system. Different Sardars had formed their own rules according to their own requirements. J.D. Cunningham is of the view that the nature of the organisation of the Misls was theocratic, confederate and feudalistic. Dr. A.C. Banerjee held that the organisation of Misls was democratic in composition and religious in its cohesive principles.

Question 3.
Write a note on Nawab Kapoor Singh.
Or
Give a brief account of the life of Nawab Kapoor Singh.
Or
Who was Nawab Kapoor Singh? Describe his achievements.
Answer:
Nawab Kapoor Singh was founder of Faizalpuria Misl. In 1733 A.D., he got the title of Nawab and a Jagir worth Rs, one lakh annually from Zakariya Khan, the Governor of the Punjab. In 1734 A.D. Nawab Kapoor Singh organised the Khalsa into two Dais, namely—Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal. He led both the Dais with wisdom and ability.. He did a great job for the Sikh Panth by founding Dal Khalsa in 1748 A.D. He led the community (through very difficult times.

Question 4.
What do you know about Jassa Singh Ahluwalia?
Or
Write what you know about Jassa Singh Ahluwalia?
Or
Write a brief note on Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was the founder of Ahluwalia Misl. In 1748 A.D., Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was appointed Supreme Commander of the Dal Khalsa. Under the command of Jassa Singh, the Sikhs conquered Lahore in 1761 A.D. Jasssa Singh faced the forces of Abdali very bravely even during Wada Ghallughara in 1762 A.D. Jassa Singh took control of Sirhind in 1764 A. D. In 1778 A.D. Jassa Singh took control of Kapurihala and made it the capital of Ahluwalia Misl. He died in 1783 A D.

Question 5.
Who was Jassa Singh Ramgarhia? Write a brief note on his achievements.
Or
Write what you know about Jassa Singh Ramgarhia?
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was the most famous leader of Ramgarhia Misl. After the death of Mir Mannu, he took the advantage of chaos in Punjab. He captured Kalanaur, Batala, Hargobindpur, Qadian, Urmur Tanda, Deepalpur, Datarpur and Haripur under his control and expanded Ramgarhia Misl. He declared Sri Hargobindpur to be the capital of Ramgarhia Misl. Jassa Singh died in L803AD.

Question 6.
Write a short note on Mahan Singh.
Answer:
Mahan Singh became the leader of the Sukarchakia Misl in 1774 A.D. Soon he captured Rohtas, Rasul Nagar and Alipur. Mahan Singh conquered the areas of Multan, Bhawalpur and Sahival etc. from the Bhangi Sardars. In a battle near Batala, Jai Singh’s son Gurbaksh Singh was killed. After some time friendly relations were established between Sukarchakia and Kanahia Misls. In 1792 A.D. Mahan Singh passed away.

Question 7.
Write a short note on Phulkian Misl.
Answer:
Chaudhry Phul was the founder of Phulkian Misl. His family ruled over Patiala, Nabha and Jind. Baba Ala Singh was the founder of Patiala House. He was very brave. He annexed many places. He made Bamala as his capital. In 1765 A.D. he signed peace treaty with Ahmad Shah Abdali. Hamir Singh was the founder of Nabha House. He ruled from 1755 A.D. to 1783 A.D. Gajpat Singh was the founder of Jind House. He had Married his daughter Raj Kaur to Mahan Singh of Sukarchakia Misl. In 1809 Phulkian Misl went under the British protection.

Question 8.
Write a short note on Ala Singh.
Answer:
Ala Singh was the founder of Phulkian Misl in Patiala. During Ahmad Shah Abdali’s first invasion in 1748 A.D., Ala Singh helped the Mughals against him. Ala Singh took possession of the areas of Budhlada, Tohana, Bhattner and Jaimalpur. In 1765 A. D. Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed Ala Singh the Governor of Sirhind. The other members of the Dal Khalsa were annoyed with him over this compromise and told him to snap his ties with Ahmad Shah Abdali. But soon Ala Singh passed away.

Question 9.
What do you understand by Sarbat Khalsa?
Or
Write a brief note on Sarbat Khalsa.
Answer:
In order to discuss the subjects concerning the Sikh Panth the congregation of the Sarbat Khalsa used to be called twice—on Diwali and Baisakhi, at the Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar. After paying obeisance to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, all the Sikhs would sit down. At first the Gurbani was recited and Ardas performed. Afterwards one of the Sikhs would stand up and give information to the Sikh Sangat about the matter concerned. Then a decision would be taken unanimously. .

Question 10.
What do you understand by Gurmata? Give a brief account of its functions.
Or
Write a brief note on Gurmata.
Or
What do you know about Gurmata?
Or
What is meant by Gurmata? Discuss about the three main works of Gurmata.
Answer:
Gurmata was the central institution of the Sikh Misls. Gurmata is a combination of two words Guru and Mata which means the decision of the Guru. All the Sikhs accepted and obeyed these Gurmatas with respect. Some of the important functions of Gurmata were to elect leader of Dal Khalsa, to prepare foreign policy of the Sikhs, to finalise plans of military action against common enemy, to settle disputes between Sikh leaders and to arrange for the preaching of Sikhism.

Question 11.
Write the features of Misl Administration.
Or
Describe the internal organisation of Sikh Misls.
Describe the main features of Misl Administration.
Answer:
Each head of the Misl was called Sardar. These Sardars (heads) of the Misls loved their masses like members of the family. Village was the smallest unit of the Misl. Almost all the affairs of the village were looked into by the Panchayat and settled by it. People respected the decisions of Panchayat. There was no written law. The law suits were settled according to the prevalent traditions. Usually fine was charged from the culprits. During the Misl period, land revenue was the main source of income. .

Question 12.
What is Rakhi system? Explain in brief.
Or
What do you know about Rakhi system? Write in brief.
Or
What is Rakhi system? Explain its origin.
Or
What do you know about Rakhi system?
Or
Write a short note on Rakhi system.
Or
Write three main features of Rakhi system.
Answer:
After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur in 18th century an era of anarchy and lawlessness started in Punjab. The people were living under the constant threat of loot and plunder. Consequently, several villages sought help of the Dal Khalsa for their protection (Rakhi). Dal Khalsa provided these villages security from exploitation of government officials and foreign invaders. Besides, the Sikhs also did not attack such villages.

Question 13.
What do you know about the financial administration of Misl period?
Or
Write a short note on economy under the Misls.
Answer:
During the times of the Misls, the chief source of income was land revenue. It varied according to the fertility of the soil. It normally ranged l/3rd to l/4th parts of the total produce. It was realised twice a year. Rakhi tax became an important source of income of the Misls. The Misl Sardars used to spend a large portion of their income on army, horses and weapons. They also donated money to the gurudwaras and the temples.

Question 14.
Write briefly about the Judicial system of Sikh Misls.
Or
Write a note on the Judicial system of Sikh Misls.
Answer:
The judicial system of Sikh Misls was very simple. There was no written law. The verdict of law-suits was given according to the prevalent customs and conventions. Capital punishment was not given to any culprit. Mostly the culprits Were fined. Mcst of the disputes of the villagers were settled by Panchayat itself. People accepted the verdict of the Panchayat as God’s decision. Each sardar of the Misls had his own court.

Question 15.
What were the main features of military administration of Sikh Misls?
Or
Write any three features of military administration of Sikh Misls.
Answer:

• The cavalry was considered the most important part of the army during the Misl period.
• People joined army at their own will.
• No regular training was given to the soldiers, and they were also not paid salary in cash.
• Record of the soldiers was not maintained at that time.
• The Misl soldiers faced their enemy through guerilla warfare, because they had limited resources.

Objective Type Questions:

Question 1.
What is meant by the word Misl?
Answer:
‘Equal’.

Question 2.
What was the total number of Sikh Misls in Punjab?
Answer:
12.

Question 3.
When were the Sikh Misls established in Punjab?
Answer:
18 th century.

Question 4.
Name any one famous Misl.
Answer:
Ahluwalia Misl.

Question 5.
With which other name was Faizalpuria Misl known as?
Answer:
Singhpuria Misl.

Question 6.
Who was the founder of Faizalpuria Misl?
Answer:
Nawab Kapoor Singh.

Question 7.
Who was the most famous leader of Faizalpuria Misl?
Answer:
Nawab Kapoor Singh.

Question 8.
Who was Nawab Kapoor Singh?
Answer:
Founder of Faizalpuria Misl.

Question 9.
Which Misl was founded by Nawab Kapoor Singh?
Answer:
Faizalpuria Misl.

Question 10.
Who was the founder of Ahluwalia Misl?
Or
Who was Jassa Singh Ahluwalia?
Answer:
Jassa Singh was the founder of Ahluwalia Misl.

Question 11.
Why was Ahluwalia Misl known by this name?
Answer:
Because Jassa Singh Ahluwalia belonged to village Ahlu.

Question 12.
What was the name of the capital of Ahluwalia Misl?
Answer:
Kapurthala.

Question 13.
Who was Jassa Singh Ahluwalia?
Answer:
of Misl.

Question 14.
Name the capital of Ramgarhia Misl.
Answer:
Sri Hargobindpur.

Question 15.
Name any one famous leader of Ramgarhia’Misl.
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia.

Question 16.
Who was Jassa Singh Ramgarhia?
Answer:
The most famous leader of Ramgarhia Misl.

Question 17.
Who was the founder of Bhangi Misl?
Answer:
Chajja Singh.

Question 18.
Why was the Bhangi Misl named so?
Answer:
As the leaders of this Misl were addicted to the use of Bhang (hemp).

Question 19.
Which was the most powerful Misl of the Sikhs?
Answer:
Sukarchakia Misl.

Question 20.
Who was the founder of Sukarchakia’Misl?
Answer:
Charat Singh.

Question 21.
Name the capital of Sukarchakia Misl.
Answer:
Gujranwala.

Question 22.
Who was Mahan Singh?
Answer:
The leader of Sukarchakia Misl in 1774 A.D.

Question 23.
Who was the founder of Kanahia Misl?
Answer:
Jai Singh.

Question 24.
Who was the founder of Phulkian Misl?
Answer:
Chaudhary Phul.

Question 25.
Who was Baba Ala Singh?
Answer:
The founder of Phulkian Misl in Patiala.

Question 26.
Which was the capital of Baba Ala Singh?
Answer:
Barnala.

Question 27.
Who was given the title of Raja by Ahmad Shah Abdali?
Answer:
Baba Ala Singh.

Question 28.
Who was the ablest leader of Dallewalia Misl?
Answer:
Tara Singh Gheba.

Question 29.
Who was the founder of Shahid Misl?
Answer:
Sardar Sudfca Singh.

Question 30.
Why was Shahid Misl given this name?
Answer:
Because of the martyrdoms given by its leaders.

Question 31.
Which was the central institution of the Sikh Misls?
Answer:
Gurmata.

Question 32.
What is meant by Gurmata?
Answer:
Unanimous decision taken by the Sarbat Khalsa in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib.

Question 33.
Where was Sarbat Khalsa convened?
Answer:
Amritsar.

Question 34.
What was the Chief of Sikh Misl called?
Answer:
Sardar.

Question 35.
Name any one feature of administration of Sikh Misls.
Answer:
Village administration was in the hands of Panchayat.

Question 36.
What is meant by Rakhi system?
Or
What do you mean by Rakhi system?
Answer:
The villages falling under Rakhi system were given protection by the Sikhs.

Question 37.
What was the mode of fighting of Misl Sena?
Answer:
Guerilla warfare.

Fill in the blanks:

1. In 18th century, ………………. independent Sikh Misls came into existence in Punjab.
Answer:
12

2. Nawab Kapoor Singh was the founder of .. Misi.
Answer:
Faizalpuria

3. Nawab Kapoor Singh established Dal Khalsa in …………….
Answer:
1748A.D.

4. The founder of Ahiuwalia Misi was ………………
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia

5. The capital of Ahluwalia Misl was ……………
Answer:
Kapurthala

6. The founder of Ramgarhia Misl was ……………….
Answer:
Khushal Singh

7. The famous leader of Ramgarhia Misl was ……………
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

8. …………….. was the capital of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia.
Answer:
Sri Hargobindpur

9. Jhanda Singh was the famous leader of ……………..
Answer:
Bhangi Misl

10. ……………. was the founder of Sukarchakia Misl.
Answer:
Charat Singh

11. In 1774 A.D. …………….. became the leader of Sukarchakia Misl.
Answer:
Mahan Singh

12. The capital of Sukarchakia Misl was …………….
Answer:
Gujranwala

13. Maharaja Ranjit Singh took over the reins of the Sukarchakia Misl in ……………
Answer:
1792 A.D.

14. …………….. was the founder of Kanahia Misl.
Answer:
Jai Singh

15. ……………. was the founder of Phulkian Misl.
Answer:
Chaudhry Paul

16. ……………. was the founder of Phulkian Misl in Patiala.
Answer:
Baba Ala Singh

17. Baba Ala Singh made ……………… as his capital.
Answer:
Barnala

18. …………….. was the most famous sardar (leader) of Dallewalia Misl.
Answer:
Tara Singh Gheba

19. ……………. was the founder of Shahid Misl.
Answer:
Sudha Singh

20. Baba Deep Singh was related to ……………. Misl.
Answer:
Shahid

21. The central institution of the Sikh Misls was ………………
Answer:
Gurmata

22. The Chief of the Sikh Misls was called …………..
Answer:
Sardar

23. ……………. was the main source of income of the Sikh Misls.
Answer:
Land Revenue

24. Rakhi system became popular in Punjab in ………….. century.
Answer:
18th

25. During the period of the Sikh Misls, mostly …………….. were charged from the criminals.
Answer:
Fines

26. During the Misl period, the Sikh army faced its enemies following …………… mode of fighting.
Answer:
Guerilla

True or False:

1. In 18th century, 12 Sikh Misls got established-in Punjab.
Answer:
True

2. ‘Misl’ is’an Arabic word which means ‘equal.’
Answer:
True

3. Nawab Kapoor Singh Faizalpuria was the founder of Faizalpuria Misl.
Answer:
True

4. Faizalpuria Misl is also called Ahluwalia Misl.
Answer:
False

5. Nawab Kapoor Singh founded the Dal Khalsa in 1734 A.D.
Answer:
False

6. Nawab Kapoor Singh was the commander-in-chief of Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
True

7. Nawab Kapoor Singh passed away in 1753 A.D.
Answer:
True

8. In 1748 A.D. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was appointed the Commander-in¬chief of Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
True

9. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was founder of Ahluwalia Misl.
Answer:
False

10. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia made Kapurthla his capital.
Answer:
True

11. The famous leader of Ramgarhia Misl was Jassa Singh Ramgarhia.
Answer:
True

12. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia made Kartarpur his capital.
Answer:
False

13. The Bhangi Misl was named as the leaders of the Misl were addicted to the use of Bhang (hemp).
Answer:
True

14. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the founder of Sukarchakia Misl.
Answer:
False

15. In 1772 A.D., Charat Singh passed away.
Answer:
False

6. In 1792 A.D., Ranjit Singh took the reins of Sukarchakia Misl.
Answer:
True

7. The capital name of Sukerchakiya Misl was Lahore.
Answer:
False

18. The founder of Kanahia Mislwas Jai Singh.
Answer:
True

19. Baba Deep Singh Ji was the most famous leader of Dallewali Misl.
Answer:
False

20. Maharani Jinda was the founder of Kanahia Misl.
Answer:
False

21. Baba Ala Singh made Bamala his capital.
Answer:
True

22. Baba Ala Singh passed away in 1762 A.D.
Answer:
False

23. Amar Singh succeeded Patiala House in 1765 A.D.
Answer:
True

24. Ahmad Shah Abdali honoured Amar Singh with the title ‘Raja-i-Rajgan Bahadur’.
Answer:
True

25. Hameer Singh was the founder of Nishanwalia Misl.
Answer:
False

26. The central institution of the Sikh Misls was Gurmata.
Answer:
True

27. The chief of Misl was called Misldar.
Answer:
False

28. In 18th century, Rakhi system was prevalent in Punjab.
Answer:
True

29. During the times of the Misls, the Sarbat Khalsa was considered the Supreme Court of the Sikhs.
Answer:
True

30. The army of the Sikh Misls employed guerilla strategy to attack its enemies.
Answer:
True

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was the total number of the Sikh Misls in Punjab?
(a) 5
(b) 10
(c) 12
(d) 15
Answer:
(c) 12

2. Who was Nawab Kapoor Singh?
(a) Founder of Faizalpuria Misl
(b) Faujdar of Jalandhar
(c) Subedar of Punjab
(d) Leader of Ahluwalia Misl.
Answer:
(a) Founder of Faizalpuria Misl

3. Who was the founder of Ahluwalia Misl?
(a) Jassa Singh
(b) Bhag Singh
(c) Fateh Singh
(d) Khushal Singh.
Answer:
(a) Jassa Singh

4. What was the name of the capital of Ahluwalip Misl?
(a) Amritsar
(b) Kapurthala
(c) Lahore
(d) Sri Hargobindpur.
Answer:
(b) Kapurthala

5. Who was the founder of Ramgarhia Misl?
(a) Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
(b) Khushal Singh
(c) Jodh Singh
(d) Bhag Singh.
Answer:
(b) Khushal Singh

6. Who was the main leader of Ramgarhia Misl?
(a) Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
(b) Nand Singh
(c) Khushal Singh
(d) Hari Singh.
Answer:
(a) Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

7. What was the name of the capital of Ramgarhia Misl?
(a) Kapurthala
(b) Sri Hargobindpur
(c) Lahore
(d) Bamala.
Answer:
(b) Sri Hargobindpur

8. Who was the founder of Bhangi Misl?
(a) Bhim Singh
(b) Hari Singh
(c) Chajja Singh
(d) Ganda Singh.
Answer:
(c) Chajja Singh

9. Who was the most famous leader of Bhangi Misl?
(a) Hari Singh
(b) Jhanda Singh
(c) Ganda Singh
(d) Bhim Singh.
Answer:
(b) Jhanda Singh

10. Which was the most powerful Misl?
(a) Sukarchakia Misl
(b) Bhangi Misl
(c) Kanahia Misl.
(d) Phulkian Misl.
Answer:
(a) Sukarchakia Misl

11. Who was the founder of Sukarchakia Misl?
(a) Khushal Singh
(b) Nawab Kapoor Singh
(c) Chajja Singh
(d) Charat Singh.
Answer:
(d) Charat Singh.

12. Name the capital of Sukarchakia Misl.
(a) Amritsar
(b) Lahore
(c) Gujranwala
(d) Barnala.
Answer:
(c) Gujranwala

13. Which of the following towns was not occupied by Charat Singh?
(a) Sialkot
(b) Chakwal
(c) Gujranwala
(d) Alipur
Answer:
(d) Alipur

14. When did Ranjit Singh become the leader of Sukarchakia Misl?
(a) 1770 A.D.
(b) 1780 A.D.
(c) 1782 A.D.
(d) 1792 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1792 A.D.

15. Who was the founder of Kanahia Misl?
(a) Jai Singh
(b) Sada Kaur
(c) Baba Ala Singh
(d) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
Answer:
(a) Jai Singh

16. Who was Sada Kaur?
(a) Leader of Kanahia Misl
(b) Mother-in-Law of Mahan Singh
(c) Leader of Bhangi Misl
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(a) Leader of Kanahia Misl

17. Who was the founder of Phulkian Misl?
(a) Chaudhary Phul
(b) Chajja Singh
(c) Nawab Kapoor Singh
(d) Ganda Singh.
Answer:
(a) Chaudhary Phul

18. Who was the founder of Patiala House?
(a) Amar Singh
(b) Baba Ala Singh
(c) Hamir Singh
(d) Gajpat Singh.
Answer:
(b) Baba Ala Singh

19. Which city was made capital of Patiala House by Baba Ala Singh?
(a) Kapurthala
(b) Sri Hargobindpur
(c) Barnala
(d) Gujranwala.
Answer:
(c) Barnala

20. Who was the most famous leader of Dallewalia Misl?
(a) Gulab Singh
(b) Tara Singh Gheba
(c) Jai Singh
(d) Baba Ala Singh
Answer:
(b) Tara Singh Gheba

21. Who was the most famous leader of Shahid Misl?
(a) Sudha Singh
(b) Baba Deep Singh Ji
(c) Karam Singh
(d) Gurbax Singh.
Answer:
(b) Baba Deep Singh Ji

22. Who was the founder of Nakkai Misl?
(a) Nahar Singh
(b) Hira Singh
(c) Ram Singh
(d) Kahan Singh
Answer:
(b) Hira Singh

23. Which was the central organisation of the Sikh Misls?
(a) Rakhi System
(b) Jagirdari
(c) Gurmata
(d) Misls
Answer:
(c) Gurmata

24. What was the chief of District called during Misl times?
(a) Ziladar
(b) Kardar
(c) Misldar
(d) Sardar.
Answer:
(b) Kardar

25. What was Rakhi System?
(a) Protection from extortion of foreign invaders
(b) Protection of crops .
(c) Protection of women folk
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(a) Protection from extortion of foreign invaders

26. Which army was the most important wing of the Misls?
(a) Cavalry
(b) Infantry
(c) Artillery
(d) Navy
Answer:
(a) Cavalry