This chapter from class 8 social science explores how India’s political boundaries changed after independence. It explains the reorganization of states based on language, culture, and administrative needs, helping students understand how regional identities and governance shaped the current political map of India.
NCERT Solutions of Class 8 Social Science and Chapter 2 – Reshaping the India Political Map gives a clear representation of both through the historical and political changes of India after the Year 1947. They have also been prepared in keeping with the CBSE examination pattern. The solutions are also helpful in the preparation for competitive exams like the Olympiads.
Students can download the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 2 PDF to revise concepts easily and prepare effectively for exams. The solutions are carefully designed by ALLEN’s expert faculty members, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and complete syllabus coverage.
1. Compare the political strategies of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. What similarities and differences existed between them?
Ans.
(i) Both the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire used military power to expand their rule. They fought battles, raided cities, and collected taxes such as jizya and land revenue to support their armies. However, their methods of governing were quite different.
(ii) The Delhi Sultans mostly relied on force and used the iqta system, where land was given to nobles in return for military service. This often caused instability, frequent power struggles, and short reigns, averaging around nine years per sultan.
(iii) The Mughals, especially under Emperor Akbar, followed a more stable and thoughtful approach. They used diplomacy, formed marriage alliances, and promoted religious tolerance through the idea of sulh-i-kul (peace with all).
(iv) Akbar also introduced the mansabdari system to manage officials and the army more efficiently. This led to longer and more peaceful reigns, with Mughal emperors ruling for about 27 years on average until Aurangzeb.
(v) Thus, while both relied on warfare and taxation, the Mughals developed a more organised and long-lasting system of governance.
2. Why did kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom manage to resist conquest for a longer time compared to others? What geographical, military, and social factors contributed to their success?
Ans.
(i) Kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom resisted conquest for a longer time due to a combination of geographical advantages, strong military strategies, and social unity.
(ii) The Vijayanagara Empire benefited from the natural protection of Hampi’s rocky and hilly terrain, which made enemy attacks difficult. Under rulers like Krishnadevaraya, they built a strong army and maintained unity by supporting religion and culture through temple construction and encouragement of literature.
(iii) The Ahom Kingdom in Assam used dense forests, rivers, and hills to its advantage. They relied on guerrilla warfare and deep knowledge of local geography to defeat larger invading forces, as seen in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.
(iv) Their paik system helped create a flexible army by requiring every man to serve when needed.
(v) Both kingdoms enjoyed strong local support, which provided social stability and strength, helping them remain independent for a longer time.
3. How did Akbar change from a ruthless conqueror in his early years to a tolerant and benevolent ruler later?
Ans.
Akbar became emperor at the young age of 13 and was initially a fierce and ruthless ruler focused on military conquest. In the early years of his reign, he showed great brutality, such as during the long siege of Chittor, where many lives were lost and survivors faced harsh treatment.
Over time, Akbar’s outlook changed due to interactions with people of different faiths, marriage alliances with Rajput princesses, and the influence of scholars at his court. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and promoted the policy of sulh-i-kul, meaning “peace with all,” which encouraged religious tolerance and harmony.
Akbar realised that cooperation and respect ensured greater stability and unity than ruling through fear. His court historian Abul Fazl recorded that Akbar believed forced religious conversion was wrong and unsustainable. Thus, Akbar evolved into a wise and benevolent ruler who valued peace, diversity, and inclusive governance.
4. What might have happened if the Vijayanagara Empire had won the Battle of Talikota? Describe how it could have changed the political and cultural history of South India.
Ans.
If the Vijayanagara Empire had won the Battle of Talikota in 1565, South Indian history could have taken a very different course. The empire would have remained strong and united, possibly extending its control over the Deccan and preventing its breakup into smaller Nayaka states.
Politically, a powerful Vijayanagara Empire could have resisted invasions from the Deccan Sultanates and even challenged northern powers like the Mughals, changing the balance of power in India.
Culturally, the golden age under Krishnadevaraya might have continued longer, promoting further growth in art, literature, and temple architecture. Cities and temples could have expanded, attracting scholars, traders, artists, and pilgrims. Overall, South India might have emerged as a dominant political and cultural centre for centuries.
5. Many values promoted by early Sikhism, such as equality, seva, and justice, are still relevant today. Choose one value and explain its relevance in modern society.
Ans.
The value of equality, as promoted by early Sikhism, remains highly relevant today. Guru Nanak taught the oneness of God (Ik Onkar) and the equal worth of all people, challenging social evils like caste discrimination and religious intolerance.
Later Sikh Gurus reinforced this belief through action. For example, Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits, showing Sikhism’s commitment to dignity and equality for all.
In today’s diverse societies, values like equality, seva, and justice promote mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. They encourage fair treatment, support for the oppressed, and compassion in everyday life. Whether in schools, workplaces, or communities, Sikh teachings remind us to stand up for others and live with integrity and humanity.
(Session 2026 - 27)