THE ACHIEVERS, EXPLORERS, SCHOLARS (AES) PROGRAMME

SUBJECT: SOCIAL STUDIES

LESSON 3: HISTORY- THE SULTANS OF DELHI GRADE: 7

Learning Objectives:
 Explain the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate.
 State the reasons for the failure of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s projects.
 Examine the features of the ‘Iqta System’.
 Explain the market and administrative reforms of Alauddin Khalji.

A. Answer the following questions: (To be done in the notebook) 1.

Explain the following terms:
a. Chalgans:
b. Garrison towns:
c. Bandagans:
d. Kharaj:
e. Muqtis:
2. What measures were taken by Ala-ud-din Khalji to discourage corruption? (Any 3 points)
3. Why was Mohammad-bin-Tughluq known as the ‘Man of Ideas’ but a failure as an administrator?
Support your answer with any three suitable examples.

B. My Challenge Questions: AES Activity (Anyone to be done in the notebook)

Achievers: Complete the following table.

Iqta System
Introduced during

Definition

Duties of Iqtadars 1.
2.
Another name of Iqtadar

Explorers: Examine the features of the ‘Iqta System’.

Scholars: The Iqta System was a unique type of land distribution system that evolved during the
Sultanate period. Justify.
Grade 7 & 8 SST Dept. 2025-2026 GEMS OOD

C. Cross-Curricular Link: Art (To be done in the notebook)

Draw the Qutub Minar and write a brief report on the new style of art and architecture introduced
during the Delhi Sultanate period. (Word limit: 100 words)

D. Reading Literacy: Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

Iltutmish was the son-in-law of Qutub-ud-din Aibak. He ascended the throne in 1210. But before
this, he had to defeat the son of Aibak, Aram Shah. He had enemies from all sides. The high Turkish
nobles did not like the idea of being ruled by a slave. The construction of the Qutub Minar at Delhi
was later taken over by Iltutmish, who constructed three more stories. Iltutmish met his demise
naturally and before death, appointed his daughter Razia Sultana as his successor because,
according to him, none of his sons were capable of the throne. The Chronicler of this period,
Minhaj-i-Siraj, says she was more able and qualified than all her brothers. She was the daughter of
Iltutmish. The nobles did not like the idea of a woman ruling them. She set everything in order by
her skill and intelligence. She was a brave and courageous lady. In spite of these qualities, her
nobles did not like the idea of being ruled by a woman. She was killed in a revolt in 1240 A.D.

1. Who was Minhaj al-Siraj, and what did he say about Raziya Sultana?
2. What role did Iltutmish play in the construction of the Qutub Minar?
3. What does Iltutmish’s decision to appoint his daughter as his successor tell us about his views
on leadership and merit? How was this decision significant for that period?

E. Critical Thinking: (To be done in the notebook)

Why did all the foreign invaders who invaded India want to establish their supremacy over Delhi?

F. Extension Task: (To be done in the notebook)

Raziya Sultana was a woman to be remembered with pride and glory. Just like her, there are many
inspiring women leaders in the world today. Mention any one-woman leader in India and the UAE
who has been an inspiration in your life, and mention her contributions to society (any four points).

Reflective Log (My Reflection)

Yes No Partial
I have learnt how the Delhi Sultanate began in
India.
I have learnt about the dynasties of the Delhi
Sultanate.
I understand the system of administration of the
Delhi Sultanate.
1. Explain the following terms:

a. Chalgans:

Chalgans were noblemen and high officials in the Delhi Sultanate. They often held high military and
administrative positions and had significant influence in the court.

b. Garrison towns:

These were military towns where soldiers were kept ready for defense or expansion. They acted as bases to
control newly conquered territories.

c. Bandagans:

Bandagans were slaves who were trained to serve as soldiers or administrators. Many of them rose to high
positions under rulers like Iltutmish.

d. Kharaj:

Kharaj was a land tax collected from farmers. It usually amounted to one-third of the produce.

e. Muqtis:

Muqtis were military commanders or governors who were given land (Iqta) in return for maintaining troops and
collecting taxes in that area.

2. What measures were taken by Alauddin Khalji to discourage corruption? (Any 3 points)

1. He fixed salaries of soldiers and officers to stop bribery and misuse of funds.
2. Maintained official records of market prices to avoid overcharging and cheating.
3. Appointed spies to watch over government officials and report any dishonest activities.

3. Why was Mohammad-bin-Tughluq known as the ‘Man of Ideas’ but a failure as an

administrator? (Any 3 examples)

1. He shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad to control the Deccan but failed, as it caused hardship
and confusion.
2. Introduced token currency made of copper, which led to forgery and financial loss.
3. Planned a large military campaign to conquer Central Asia, but it was badly organized and failed.

B. My Challenge Questions:
Achievers: Complete the following table.
 Iqta System
Introduced during Iltutmish’s reign
A system where land (Iqta) was given to officers in return for military and
Definition
administrative service.
Duties of Iqtadars 1. Maintain law and order in their Iqta region
2. Collect taxes and pay soldiers
Another name of
Muqti
Iqtadar

Explorers: Examine the features of the ‘Iqta System’:

• Iqtas were land assignments to officers instead of salaries.

• The Iqtadar (Muqti) had to maintain troops and collect taxes from the region.
• It helped in administration and expansion of the empire.
• It was not hereditary—Iqta could be transferred or taken back.
• The central government could keep control over the provinces through this system.

Scholars: Justification of Iqta System as unique:

The Iqta System was a unique land distribution method because it was not based on ownership but on service.
Iqtadars didn’t own the land—they only managed it in return for providing military and administrative services.
This helped the Sultan control vast areas without a standing army and also ensured local governance. It was both
a revenue system and military structure combined.

Draw the Qutub Minar (Tip: Use pencil & ruler to show the tall, circular minaret with
balconies)

Art and Architecture during the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate introduced a new Indo-Islamic style of art and architecture. Buildings had large domes,
pointed arches, minarets, and detailed carvings. The Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and completed
by Iltutmish, is a fine example of this style. It is a tall tower made of red sandstone with beautiful calligraphy.
Sultanate rulers also built mosques, tombs, and forts using local and Persian styles. This blend of Islamic and
Indian designs led to the creation of a unique architectural tradition in India.
 THE ACHIEVERS, EXPLORERS, SCHOLARS (AES) PROGRAMME
SUBJECT: SOCIAL STUDIES

LESSON 1: CIVICS – DEMOCRACY AND EQUALITY GRADE: 7

_______________________________________________________________________________

Learning Objectives:
 Analyze the importance of equality in a Democracy.
 Explain the steps taken by the government and the Constitution of India to ensure equality.
 Examine the concept of equality in other democracies.

A. Answer the following questions:

1. Enumerate the different forms of inequalities that exist in India.
2. How has the Midday Meal Scheme benefited people? Write any 4 points. (To be done in
the notebook)
3. Explain the steps taken by the government to ensure equal opportunities in private schools.
(To be done in the notebook)

B. My Challenge Questions: (Anyone to be done in the notebook)

1. Achievers: What is the Universal Adult Franchise?
2. Explorers: How does the Universal Adult Franchise ensure that all people are treated
equally?
3. Scholars: Why is equality considered to be the core of democracy? What role did B.R.
Ambedkar and Rosa Parks play in their fight against inequality?

C. Picture Analysis:
Use the picture to answer the questions given below:

a). Identify the personality in the picture.

b). Find out information about the contributions he made to the Civil Rights Movement.

Grades 7 Social Studies Dept. 2025-2026 GEMS OOD

D. Critical Thinking: (To be done in the notebook)
"Even in democratic countries, some groups of people still face inequality. Why do you think
this happens, and what can be done to make democracy fairer for everyone?"

E. Reading Literacy: Read the given paragraph and answer the questions:
In the USA, the African-Americans (people of African origin) had been subjected to unequal and
unjust treatment. Their ancestors had been brought in as slaves to America. Even after the
abolition of slavery in America, these people were discriminated against.
The Civil Rights Movement was a movement that began in the USA in the 1950s in which
African-American people demanded and fought for equal rights and an end to social
discrimination.
Rosa Parks, an African American woman, on 1st December 1955, became instrumental in
starting an agitation against the discriminatory practices. One fateful day, while she was
returning after a long and tiring day’s work, she refused to give her seat to a white man
(people of African origin were supposed to give seats to the white people in the bus). Her
refusal started a huge agitation against the fair-skinned. This came to be known as the Civil
Rights Movement. The government enforced the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited
discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, colour or creed.

a) What role did Rosa Parks play in the Civil Rights Movement, and why is her action on
December 1, 1955, considered a turning point in the fight against racial discrimination?
b) What is the Civil Rights Movement?
c) State the significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

F. Extension Task: (To be done in the notebook)

The Constitution explains the main rules of the political and constitutional organisation of
the country. Research and write any 4 provisions of the Constitution of the UAE.
https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/the-constitution-of-the-uae

Reflective Log (My Reflection)

Yes No Partial
I have learnt about the importance of equality in
democracy.
I understand the Constitutional provisions and
the initiatives taken by the government of India
to ensure equality.
I have learnt about the Civil Rights Movement.
Answer the following questions:

1. Enumerate the different forms of inequalities that exist in India.

• Economic inequality (rich and poor gap)

• Caste-based inequality
• Gender inequality (between men and women)
• Religious inequality
• Social discrimination based on occupation or background

2. How has the Midday Meal Scheme benefited people? (Any 4 points)

1. Encouraged poor children to attend school regularly

2. Improved the health and nutrition of students
3. Reduced classroom hunger
4. Helped promote equality among children from different backgrounds

3. Explain the steps taken by the government to ensure equal opportunities in private schools.

• The Right to Education Act (RTE) makes it mandatory for private schools to reserve 25%
seats for children from economically weaker sections.
• This ensures equal access to quality education regardless of financial background.
• The government covers the cost of these seats for the children.

B. My Challenge Questions: (Choose one)

Achievers: What is the Universal Adult Franchise?

Universal Adult Franchise means that every adult citizen of a country, regardless of caste, gender,
religion or wealth, has the right to vote in elections.

Explorers: How does the Universal Adult Franchise ensure that all people are treated equally?

It gives every adult citizen an equal say in choosing their leaders. It doesn’t matter if a person is rich
or poor, man or woman—everyone’s vote counts the same, promoting equality in democracy.

C. Scholars Question:

1. Why is equality considered to be the core of democracy?

Equality ensures that everyone is treated fairly and has the same rights in a democracy. It allows
people to participate in decision-making and enjoy freedom and justice, which are key parts of
democratic life.
 2. What role did B.R. Ambedkar and Rosa Parks play in their fight against inequality?

• B.R. Ambedkar fought against caste discrimination in India and helped write the Indian
Constitution, which gave equal rights to all citizens.
• Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, sparking the Civil Rights
Movement in the USA, which fought against racial discrimination.

D. Picture Analysis:

a) Identify the personality in the picture:

If the picture shows a woman sitting on a bus—it is Rosa Parks.

(If a different image is provided, please upload it for accurate identification.)

b) Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement:

• Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955 became a symbol of resistance.
• Her brave act inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a major event in the Civil Rights
Movement.
• It led to laws against racial segregation in the USA.

E. Reading Literacy Answers:

a) What role did Rosa Parks play and why was December 1, 1955, important?

She refused to give up her seat to a white passenger, challenging the unfair rules. Her action started a
powerful protest and was a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement.

b) What is the Civil Rights Movement?

It was a movement by African-Americans in the USA in the 1950s–60s to demand equal rights and
end racial discrimination.

c) State the significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964:

It banned discrimination based on race, religion, color, or creed and gave equal rights to all citizens in
the USA.

F. Extension Task: 4 Provisions of the UAE Constitution:

1. Equality before the law: All citizens are equal, regardless of race, nationality, religion, or
social status.
2. Right to education: Education is free and compulsory at the basic level.
3. Freedom of belief and religion: Citizens are free to follow their own religion.
4. Right to security and personal freedom: Every person has the right to personal freedom unless
restricted by law for legal reasons.
 Subject: Social Studies
Topic: The Turkish Invasions Grade: 7
________________________________________________________________________________________

Read the passage and answer the questions given below:

Medieval
Period
During the Medieval period, India developed close links with the Arabs, the Turks, the Mongols, the
Chinese and the Europeans. According to British Historian the Medieval India started with Arab
Invasion of Sindh (695–715 AD).

Rajput Period
The period between the death of Harsha in 647A.D. and Muslim conquest of India in 1206 A.D. is
rightly called as the Rajput Period of Indian History. Chauhans, Sisodias, Solankis were the major
dynasties which ruled different parts of the country.

The Arabs and the conquest of Sind

The Arabs built up a vast Islamic Empire. Under Muhammad Bin Qasim, they invaded Sind and Multan
in 712 A.D. and brought the territories under their control. Through Sind, the Indian learning reached
the Arabs. Indians learnt many things from the Arabs. The Arab merchants had settled in the western
coast of India. Indians started direct trade with the Arabs rather than sending goods to the western
countries. Thus the trade between India and the West became indirect. Indian works on astronomy,
philosophy, medicines, chemistry and other subjects were translated into Arabic. Arabs adopted the
Indian system of numerals. They also learnt the concept of zero and decimal system from the Indians.
The Turkish Invasions
Turks established themselves in India in the 11th and 12th Centuries. Turks were the feudatories of
the Caliphs. Mahmud, who was the ruler of Ghazni was the first Turk invader. He attacked India from
the north- western side 17 times during the course of 25 years (1001 to 1025 A.D). During the course
of 25 years, Mahmud Ghazni fought battles in Central Asia and Afghanistan. He attacked Punjab,
Kangra, Thaneshwar, Mathura and Kannauj.
Causes of Mahmud Ghazni’s invasion
He was anxious to conquer central Asia. For this he wanted a lot of money to organize a well–
equipped army. India was quite rich, he could easily get money by his invasions. Indian temples were
depositories of great wealth and the economic and ideological centres of gravity for the Hindus. He
wanted to destroy the will power of the Hindus by destroying their temples.

Muhammad Ghori.
In1173A.D. Muhammad Ghori captured Ghazni. He also invaded India many a times, not with the
idea of plundering it like Mahmud of Ghazni but to conquer it and to establish his empire in India. He
captured Multan in 1175 A.D. But he was defeated by the Rajput ruler, Bhimdev Solanki in Gujarat.
He went on to conquer Peshawar and Punjab. He also took possession of Lahore in 1186 A.D.
In 1191, Muhammad Ghori marched towards Delhi.
The brave Rajput Prince Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Ghori in the first battle of Tarain. Muhammad
Ghori came back in 1192 A.D with a large and trained army. In the second battle of Tarain,
Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan and he died in the battlefield like a Rajput hero. The
defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan marked the end of Rajput rule in India.

Though the Rajputs were brave, fearless and courageous and they were also skilled swordsmen,
yet they failed to prevent the Muslims to establish their rule in India due to the following reasons:
The Rajputs were not united, they never fought under one leader. Outdated style of Indian warfare
and absence of an outstanding leader.
Muhammad Ghori appointed Qutub-ud-din Aibak as his governor and left him in India to complete
his task of more conquests. He was murdered in 1206 A.D. Qutub-ud-din Aibak became the ruler of
the Indian territories.

Answer the following questions: 1. Name the first

Turkish invader who attacked India?

2. Who invaded Sind and Multan in 712 A.D.?

3. Name the ruler, whose defeat is marked as the end of the Rajput rule in India.
4. Who was appointed by Muhammad Ghori to complete his task of more conquests?
5. How are the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori different from each other?
6. Explain the causes of the defeat of the Rajputs against Mahmud Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori.

*************************************************************************
1. Name the first Turkish invader who attacked India?

Answer: Mahmud of Ghazni was the first Turkish invader who attacked India.

2. Who invaded Sind and Multan in 712 A.D.?

Answer: Muhammad Bin Qasim invaded Sind and Multan in 712 A.D.

3. Name the ruler, whose defeat is marked as the end of the Rajput rule in India.

Answer: The defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan marked the end of the Rajput rule in India.

4. Who was appointed by Muhammad Ghori to complete his task of more conquests?

Answer: Qutub-ud-din Aibak was appointed by Muhammad Ghori to complete his task of more
conquests.

5. How are the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori different from each
other?

Answer:

Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India mainly to plunder its wealth and destroy temples, but he did
not want to stay and rule.

Muhammad Ghori, on the other hand, invaded India to conquer it and establish an empire.

6. Explain the causes of the defeat of the Rajputs against Mahmud Ghazni and Muhammad
Ghori.

Answer:

The Rajputs were brave and skilled warriors, but they were defeated because:

• They were not united and never fought under one leader.
• Their style of warfare was outdated.
• They lacked an outstanding leader to guide and unite them.