10 July 2025 : The Hindu Current Affairs Simplified - SST ONLY -->

Latest

Welcome to Sst Only! I provide study material for Class 9 and 10 Social Science and Humanities for Classes 11 and 12. Simplifying complex concepts, I cover history, geography, political science, economics, and more. Join me to make learning enjoyable and accessible!

10 July 2025 : The Hindu Current Affairs Simplified

Nomadic Empire Class 11 : NCERT Solution + Extra Important Questions

Get complete Class 11 History Chapter: Nomadic Empires coverage with NCERT solutions and extra important questions. This resource includes clear, accurate answers to all NCERT textbook questions along with additional key questions likely to be asked in exams. Ideal for CBSE students to strengthen understanding, revise quickly, and score high marks. Structured with headings, subheadings, and simplified explanations for easy learning.


Tags: Nomadic Empire, Class 11 History, NCERT Solutions, Important Questions, CBSE Notes, Chapter Summary, Extra Questions, Genghis Khan, Mongol Empire, Steppe Region, Class 11 Humanities, History Guide, Exam Preparation, Chapter Notes, History NCERT, Class 11 CBSE, NCERT History, Short Answers, Long Answers, Revision Notes


Question 1. Why was trade so significant to the Mongols?

Answer:

1. Poor Natural Resources

  • The land ruled by the Mongols had very few natural resources.

  • The steppe region of Central Asia had an extreme climate.

2. No Farming Possible

  • Food could not be grown in that region.

  • The land had very little to support cultivation.

3. Trade Was Necessary

  • Because of this, the Mongols had to depend on trade to survive.

  • They traded with nearby countries, which helped both sides.

Question 2. Why did Genghis Khan feel the need to fragment the Mongol tribes into new social and military groupings?
Answer:
1. Different Tribal Identities

  • Mongols lived in the steppe region and each tribe had its own identity.

  • To help them connect with other tribes, Genghis Khan broke up the old groups and made new social and military units.

2. Brave Nature of Mongols

  • Mongols were very courageous.

  • Genghis Khan used this by forming a strong army with them.

  • A good army was also useful in helping trade.

3. Genghis Khan’s Childhood

  • Genghis Khan had a difficult childhood and suffered a lot.

  • These early life experiences made him realize the need to reorganize the tribes for better unity and strength.


Question 3. How do later Mongol reflections on the Yasa bring out the uneasy relationship they had with the memory of Genghis Khan?

Answer:

1. Context of Change

  • By the mid-13th century, Mongols had unified and created the world’s largest empire.

  • They ruled over urban societies with diverse histories, cultures, and legal systems.

2. Mongol Minority Rule

  • Mongols were a small minority in the empire.

  • To maintain their uniqueness, they upheld a sacred law from their ancestor.

3. Nature of the Yasa

  • Possibly a collection of tribal customs.

  • Known as Genghis Khan’s code of law.

4. Symbolic Importance

  • Presented Genghis Khan as a divine lawgiver (like Moses or Solomon).

  • Unified the Mongols through shared beliefs.

  • Strengthened loyalty to Genghis Khan’s lineage.

5. Cultural Role

  • Preserved Mongol ethnic identity, even while adopting urban ways.

  • Encouraged them to apply their law to other societies.

6. Empowering Ideology

  • Even if not written by Genghis Khan himself, it reflected his vision.

  • Supported the idea of Mongol world rule.

Question 4. “If history relies upon written records produced by city-based literati, nomadic societies will always receive a hostile representation.” Would you agree with this statement ? Does it explain the reason why Persian chronicles produced such inflated figures of casualties resulting from Mongol campaigns?
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the statement. I give the following reasons for my view.

  • There were vast differences between The Secret Society of Mongols and Marco Polo’s Travelogues in terms of events and their descriptions.

  • Being the transcontinental span of the Mongol empire, the sources were written in different languages.

  • Persian chronicles produced inflated figures of casualties resulting from Mongol campaigns to prove their cruelty or to prove them as cruel assassins


Question 5. Keeping the nomadic element of the Mongol and Bedouin societies in mind, how, in your opinion, did their respective historical experiences differ? What explanations would you suggest to account for these differences?

Answer:

1. Who Were the Mongols?

  • Mongols were tribes living in the grassy steppes of Central Asia.

  • They were a mixed group connected by language.

  • Related to Tatars, Khitan, and Manchus in the east, and Turkic tribes in the west.

2. Who Were the Bedouins?

  • Bedouins were Arab tribes.

  • They moved from dry desert areas to greener ones looking for food and grass for their animals.

3. Way of Life

  • Some Mongols lived by herding animals (pastoralists), others hunted and gathered food.

  • Bedouins had many jobs: they herded animals, farmed, and traded goods.

  • This was because central Islamic lands, where they lived, were surrounded by seas on all sides.

4. What We Know About Them

  • Mongols didn’t write books or records, so we know little about their lives.

  • Stories like Marco Polo’s Travels tell us about them, but the Italian and Latin versions of his book are not the same.

Question 6. How does the following account enlarge upon the character of the Pax Mongolica created by the Mongols by the middle of the thirteenth century?
The Franciscan monk, William of Rubruck, was sent by Louis IX of France to an embassy to the great Khan Mongke’s court. He reached Karakorum, the capital of Mongke, in 1254 and came upon a woman from Lorraine (in France) called Paquette, who had been brought from Hungary and was in the service of one of the prince’s wives who was a Nestorian Christian. At the court he came across a Parisian goldsmith named Guillaume Boucher, ‘whose brother dwelt on the Grand Pont in Paris’. This man was first employed by Queen Sorghaqtani and then by Mongke’s younger brother. Rubruck found that at the great court festivals the Nestorian priests were admitted first, with their regalia, to bless the Grand Khan’s cup, and were followed by the Muslim clergy and Buddhist and Taoist monks.

Answer:

Second Part:
1. Diplomatic Relations

  • In 1254, French Monarch Louis IX sent his ambassador William of Rubruck to Karakorum, the capital of Mongke.

  • This shows that Mongol rulers had strong and organized relations with their neighbors.

2. Life at the Mongol Court

  • Guillaume Boucher's account shows that Mongol rulers lived in great luxury.

  • They had servants from many parts of the world.

  • These servants were well-paid, which attracted people to the Mongol court from faraway regions.

3. Religious and Ethnic Tolerance

  • Mongol rulers were not religious fanatics.

  • They sought the goodwill of all people.

  • Their administration and army included people from all ethnic and religious backgrounds.

  • The regime was multilingual and multi-religious, and accepted diversity without fear.

4. Law and Order in the Empire

  • These features reflect the best part of Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace).

  • It is said that in their vast empire, people could travel freely without fear of robbery.

Extra Questions:

Question 1. What do you know about the Mongol? Discuss their occupations in brief.

Answer:

1. Who Were the Mongols?

  • The nomadic people living in present-day Mongolia in Central Asia were called Mongols.

  • They were mainly pastoralists and hunter-gatherers.

  • They lived in tents and were divided into patriarchal dynasties.

2. Conflicts with Other Tribes

  • Mongols were often at war with other tribes like the Tatars, Naimans, and Khitans.

3. Main Occupation in the 12th Century

  • Their main work was pastoralism (animal rearing).

  • They reared animals like horses, sheep, goats, and camels.

  • These animals provided milk, meat, and wool.

4. Geographical Conditions and Agriculture

  • The land and climate were not suitable for agriculture.

  • As a result, their economy could not support regions with high population.

Question 2: How did the Mongol carry out their trade?

1. Reason for Trade

  • Due to scarcity of resources, the Mongol nomadic tribes depended on neighboring countries for essential goods.

2. Trade Method

  • Their trade followed the barter system, which was beneficial for both sides involved.

3. Imports and Exports

  • They imported agricultural products and metal tools from China.

  • They exported horses, fur, and hunting animals.

4. Effect of Nomadic Raids

  • Nomadic people suffered less during conflicts because they could quickly leave after looting and plundering.

  • This caused major losses to trading partners like China.

5. Chinese Response

  • To protect its people from Mongol attacks, the ruler of China built the Great Wall of China.


Question 4. Write a brief description of Genghis Khan.

Or

Discuss the early career and achievements of Genghis Khan.

Answer: 

1. Founder of the Nomadic Empire

  • Genghis Khan was the greatest Mongol leader who laid the foundation of the Nomadic Empire.

  • He played a major role in unifying the Mongols.

  • His efforts led to the creation of a vast Mongol empire.

2. Early Life

  • Born in 1162 near the river Onon.

  • His father Yesugei was the chief of the Kiyat tribe.

  • His mother Oleun-eke was from the Onggerat tribe.

  • His original name was Temujin.

  • He grew up to be a brave man.

3. Military and Empire Building

  • He organized a strong army that helped in building a large empire.

  • His key military achievements include the conquest of Northern China and Qara Khitai.

4. Major Conquests (1219–1222 CE)

  • Mongol forces captured Bukhara, Samarqand, Balkh, Marv, Nishapur, and Herat during this period.

5. Civil Administration

  • Genghis Khan not only expanded the empire but also improved the civil administration of the Mongol Empire.


Question 5. How did Temujin become Genghis Khan? Discuss.

Answer: 

1. Early Success and Influence

  • Temujin was a born commander, and his early victories made him more influential.

2. Conflict with Jamuqua

  • Jamuqua became jealous of Temujin’s friendship with Tughril Khan.

  • He allied with tribes that were hostile to Temujin.

  • Temujin, with help from Tughril Khan, defeated Jamuqua in battle.

3. Defeat of Rival Tribes

  • After defeating Jamuqua, Temujin turned to Taters, Naimaans, and Kereyits and fought them.

  • Later, Tughril Khan also became hostile, but Temujin defeated him too.

4. Recognition and Title

  • These victories made Temujin the most powerful leader in the steppe region.

  • In recognition, the Quriltai (tribal assembly) gave him the title Genghis Khan, meaning universal sovereign.


Question 6. Describe in your own words the conquest of northern China by Genghis Khan.

Answer:

1. China During Genghis Khan’s Time

  • At that time, China was divided into three parts:

    • North-West region

    • North China

    • South China

  • Each part was ruled by different dynasties.

2. Start of the Campaign

  • Genghis Khan’s attack on China happened over a long period of time.

  • In 1211, he invaded Northern China, which was ruled by the Chin dynasty.

3. Chin Ruler’s Resistance

  • The Chin ruler strongly resisted Genghis Khan and created many problems for him.

4. Use of Clever Strategy

  • To defeat the Chin ruler, Genghis Khan used diplomacy.

  • He encouraged the people of South Manchuria to turn against the Chin ruler.

  • This made the Chin ruler’s power weaker.

5. Victory at Peking

  • In 1215, Genghis Khan captured Peking.

  • After winning, he allowed his army to loot and spread fear in the city.

  • This boosted the confidence of his soldiers.

6. Return to Mongolia

  • After this success, Genghis Khan went back to Mongolia in 1216.

Question 7. “Genghis Khan laid special emphasis on discipline in the army”. Keeping this statement in your mind, describe the rules formulated by him in the sphere of military administration.

Answer: 

1. Purpose of Military Rules

  • Genghis Khan introduced several rules in military administration to ensure discipline in the army.

2. Obedience to Command

  • All soldiers had to obey the orders of their chief commander.

3. Control Over Loot and Plunder

  • Soldiers were not allowed to loot or plunder without the permission of their commander.

4. Reporting During Hostilities

  • Soldiers who were on leave had to report back immediately in case of any hostile situation.

5. Movement Between Units

  • No soldier was allowed to leave his unit or enter another unit without permission.

6. Inspection of Weapons

  • Before leaving for battle, all soldiers had to properly inspect their weapons.


Question 8. What do you know about the Ulus system? Explain.

Answer: 

1. What Was the Ulus System

  • The Ulus system was started by Genghis Khan.

  • In this system, the newly conquered lands were given to his four sons to manage.

2. Land Distribution to Sons

  • Jochi (eldest son): Got the Russian steppes.

  • Chaghatai: Got the Transoxiana steppe and land north of the Pamir Hills.

  • Ogedei (third son): It was shown that he would become the next Khan.

  • Toluy (fourth son): Got the region of Mongolia.

3. Features of the Ulus System

  • The size of an Ulus was not fixed; it could change over time.

  • Each son acted as a deputy ruler in his area.

  • They were in charge of military troops called Tama.

  • They could appoint officials in their regions and collect new taxes.

Question 9: Write a short note on the Yam System.

1. What Was Yam

  • Yam was a military post set up by Genghis Khan.

  • These posts were placed every 25 miles across the empire.

2. Role of Messengers

  • Messengers and horse riders (cavaliers) were stationed at each Yam.

  • Horses were kept ready for quick travel.

  • They carried official messages from one place to another.

  • Each horse had a bell tied to its neck.

  • When the bell was heard, the next messenger would get ready to ride to the next post.

3. Traveller Facilities

  • Travellers could rest at Yams.

  • To keep them safe and comfortable, they were given special passes called Paiza.

4. Types of Paiza

  • Paizas were of three types: gold, silver, and iron.

  • Travellers had to tie the Paiza on their forehead.

  • The better the Paiza, the more facilities they received at each Yam.

5. Success of the System

  • The Yam system worked very well and helped in the smooth running of the Mongol administration.


Question 10. Discuss the causes of the success of Genghis Khan.

Answer: 

1. Vast Empire in Short Time

  • Before his death, Genghis Khan built a vast empire in just 20 years.

2. Main Reasons for His Success

a. Exceptional Leadership

  • Genghis Khan was a born commander.

  • He was very lucky in battles and became a terror to his enemies.

b. Strong and Disciplined Army

  • He built a large and disciplined army, which was hard to defeat.

c. Use of Spies

  • His spies collected detailed information about enemy armies and gave it to him before battles.

d. Psychological Warfare

  • He understood psychological warfare and created fear among enemies.

  • This fear often forced enemies to surrender without fighting.

e. Skilled Soldiers

  • Mongol soldiers were expert horse riders and archers, which made them strong in battle.

f. Strategic Timing

  • He often launched attacks in winter, when rivers froze, making them easier to cross.

g. Use of Naphtha Bombardment

  • He used naphtha (flammable liquid) bombardment to destroy enemy forts.

  • This weapon had deadly effects during war.

Question 11. Narrate the position of Khan in Mongol administration.
Answer:

Role of the Khan (Empire) – Simplified Points

1. Supreme Authority:

  • Held the highest administrative position.

  • Had complete power over the state’s functioning.

2. Policy Making:

  • Formulated both internal and external policies.

3. Military Control:

  • Chief commander of the army.

  • Army functioned strictly under his orders.

4. Appointments:

  • Sole authority to appoint top civil and military officials.

5. Taxation Power:

  • Could introduce and enforce new taxes independently.

Question 12. What do you know about Ogodei? Write his achievements in brief.

Ans: Ogodei Khan’s Rule (1229–1241) 

1. Accession to Power:

  • Ogodei became the new Mongol Khan in 1229 through Quriltai.

  • Ruled from 1229 to 1241.

2. Attention on the Mughal Empire:

  • After becoming Khan, he focused on the Mughal Empire.

3. Northern China Situation:

  • Mongol control in Northern China was unstable at the time.

  • Ogodei formed an alliance with the Sung ruler of Southern China to gain control.

4. Conquests:

  • Occupied Northern China in 1234.

  • In 1231, defeated Iranian ruler Jalal-ud-din, who had earlier escaped to India during Genghis Khan’s time.

5. Strengthening the Empire:

  • Expanded and consolidated the Mongol Empire.

  • Aimed to improve the economy by regularising taxes and encouraging trade.

6. Administrative Reforms:

  • Established a network of courts for justice.

  • Opened schools to promote education.

  • Introduced civil reforms and expanded the Yam system (communication and postal system).


Question 13: Write a short note on the Jochid dynasty.

Answer: Jochid Dynasty – Simplified with All Content

1. Origin and Founder:

  • The Jochid dynasty was one of the major Mongol dynasties.

  • It was founded by Jochid, the eldest son of Genghis Khan.

  • In 1224, Genghis Khan gave Jochid the Russian steppe region.

2. Region Name:

  • The Russian steppe region was also called Southern Russia or the Golden Horde.

3. Succession:

  • Jochid died in 1227.

  • He was succeeded by his son Batu.

4. Batu’s Rule and Expansion (1236–1242):

  • Batu was a capable ruler.

  • He conquered Russia, Hungary, Poland, and Austria.

  • Took many steps to expand the Golden Horde.

  • Strengthened the economy and modernised the army.

5. Later Rulers:

  • After Batu’s death in 1256, his successors continued ruling the Golden Horde until 1359 CE.


Question 14. Which favourable conditions encouraged Genghis Khan to launch an expedition against the Muhammad Shah of Khwarazm?

Answer: Reasons for Genghis Khan’s Attack on the Shah of Khwarazm:

1. Weak Control Over Empire:

  • Shah had a large empire but did not take steps to strengthen or consolidate it.

2. Religious Mistake:

  • He refused to recognise the Khalifa of Baghdad, which made the Muslim community turn against him.

3. Public Anger:

  • He added many regions to his empire, which upset many people.

  • Imposed many taxes on farmers and common people.

  • Ignored their problems, so they wanted to get rid of his cruel rule.

4. Internal Conflicts:

  • Turkish and Iranian officers did not get along and tried to pull each other down.

5. Fear Among Traders and Public:

  • There was fear of loot and plunder.

  • Traders and common people were restless and insecure.

6. Undisciplined Army:

  • His army lacked proper discipline and order.

7. Family Betrayal:

  • His mother was involved in conspiracies and even wanted to overthrow him.


Question 15. Why did Genghis Khan become unpopular? Explain.

Or

Describe the causes of the unpopularity of Genghis Khan.

Ans: Effects of Genghis Khan’s Conquests

1. Lack of Support from Conquered People:

  • Although Genghis Khan built a vast empire, the newly conquered people did not accept him as their ruler.

2. Destruction of Cities:

  • Many beautiful cities and towns were destroyed during Mongol expeditions.

  • These places lost their glory after the attacks.

3. Damage to Agriculture:

  • Huge Mongol armies destroyed standing crops during their movements.

  • This caused serious harm to farming.

4. Trade and Commerce Affected:

  • During wars and invasions, trade and business activities were badly disrupted.

5. Heavy Loss of Life:

  • A large number of people were killed.

  • Many became handicapped or helpless due to the violence.

6. Slavery:

  • Many people were captured and turned into slaves.

7. Environmental Neglect:

  • In arid regions, underground water channels were not repaired on time.

  • This neglect led to desertification in those areas.

8. Widespread Hardship:

  • People from all sections of society suffered due to the Mongol invasions.


Question 16: Discuss the role of civil administration in Mongol administration’

Answer: Civil Administration Under Genghis Khan 

1. Genghis Khan’s Background:

  • He came from a nomadic society.

  • Built a vast empire based on ability and strength.

2. Diversity in the Empire:

  • His empire included people from different and civilized sections of society.

  • Ruling such a mixed population was not easy.

3. Appointment of Civil Officers:

  • He appointed people from civilized society to manage civil administration.

  • Officers were selected based on merit.

  • No preference was given to tribal background or religious identity.

4. Role of Civil Administration:

  • Played a key role in strengthening and consolidating the empire.

  • Influenced Mongol rulers to improve administrative policies.

5. Importance of Yam System:

  • Civil officers made Genghis Khan aware of the Yam system used in China (a communication and postal network).



No comments:

Post a Comment