CHAPTER 5 : Nomadic Empires NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 11TH HISTORY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Question:

Q1.What do you know about the Mongol? Discuss their occupations in brief.
ANSWER:
The nomadic people inhabiting in the regions of present days of Mongolia in Central Asia were known as the Mongol. They were predominantly pastoralists and hunter gatherers. They dwelt in tents and were divided into several patriarchal dynasties. They were constantly at war with other tribes like tatars, Naimans and Khitans. The main occupation of the nomadic tribe during the 12th century was pastoralism. They reared animals such as horse and sheep. In addition to these animals, they also reared goats and camels. They reared them for getting milk, meat, and wool. The geographical conditions prevailing here were not in favour of adapting agriculture. Nomadic Empires 109 Consequently, their economy was not geared to feed the regions having higher population concentration.

Q2.Write a note on the Mongol society.
Or
Describe the main characteristics of the Mongol society in 12th century.
ANSWER:

• The Mongol society was patriarchal in nature.
• The eldest male member was the head of the family who used to take care of the needs of their family members.
• The rich families were larger in size. The birth of son was highly solicited in the society.
• Polygamy was in practice in the society.
• Regarding marriage, strict rules were followed. There was ban on marriage within family circle or within a tribe.
• There were constant wars among different sections of the society.
• Some tribes with an aim to keep harmonious relations arranged marriages between their respective tribes.
•  Women were not secluded to hearth and home alone; rather than as per the needs of the hour, they used to equally assist their male counterparts in the battlefield.
• In case of death of their husbands, they too looked after children and the property of their respective families.

Q3.How did the Mongol carry out their trade?
ANSWER:
The scarcity of resources forced the nomadic tribes (the Mongols) to depend on the other neighboring countries for the essential goods for trade. Their trade was based on barter system, which was beneficial for both parties engaged in trade. They imported agricultural products and made implements from China and in line of these they used to export horses, fur and animals used for hunting. The nomadic people used to suffer less as compared to their opponents. The possible reason behind that was the nomadic people quickly disappeared from the place of their strife after carrying out loot and plunder. It meant several losses for trading partner, i.e. China. In order to safeguard their people from Mongol strife’s, the ruler of China constructed the ‘Great Wall of China’.

Q4.Write a brief description of Genghis Khan.
Or
Discuss the early career and achievements of Genghis Khan.
ANSWER:
Genghis Khan was the greatest Mongol who laid the foundation of Nomadic empire. His contribution was immense in unifying Mongols. It was due to his efforts that a vast Mongol empire was established. He was born in the year 1162. He was born near the river Onon. His father’s name was Yesugei, who was the chief of the tribe, Kiyat. His mother Oleun-eke belonged to Onggerat tribe. His original name was Temujin. He grew up as a brave man. He organized a powerful army which helped him to lay down the foundation of a vast empire. His main achievements were the conquest of Northern China, conquest of Qara Katie, etc. During the period from 1219 to 1222 CE the Mongol forces occupied Bukhara, Samarqand, Balk, Marv, Nishapur and Herat. Genghis not only built vast empire but also contributed a lot in improving the civil administration of the empire.

Q5.How did Temujin become Genghis Khan? Discuss.
ANSWER:
No doubt, Temujin was a bom commander. His initial success made him more influential. Jamuque was unable to see the growing friendly relations between Temujin and Tughril Khan. Thus, he started be-friending all the tribes hostile to Temujin. Temujin was unable to tolerate it and gave a crushing defeat to Jamuqua with the help of Tughril Khan. Encouraged by the defeat over the powerful Jamuqua, he concentrated towards Taters, Naimaans and Kereyits. Later on Tughril Khan also became hostile to Temujin and was defeated. Thus, he became the most influential person in the politics of steppe region. Keeping his achievement in mind, Quriltai awarded him with the title of Genghis Khan which means universal sovereign.

Q6.Describe in your own words the conquest of northern China by Genghis Khan.
ANSWER:
During the tenure of Genghis Khan, China was divided into three realms. These realms were North-West region, North China and South China. Each realm was governed by different ruling dynasties. His campaign against China was the result of a long drawn-out process. Northern China was invaded by Genghis Khan in 1211. It was then under the influence of Chin dynasty. The Chin ruler gave him a stiff competition. He also posed many difficulties for Genghis Khan. Tc win over him, Genghis Khan took recourse to diplomacy and instigated the people of the South Manchuria against Chin ruler. This resulted in weakening of the position of Chin ruler. Thus, he succeeded in occupying Peking in 1215. After this, Genghis Khan unleashed a reign of loot and terror in Peking. This victory of Genghis Khan encouraged his soldiers to a great extent. After this successful invasion he returned to Mongolia in 1216.

Q7.“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:
Genghis Khan made several rules in military administration with an aim to ensure discipline in the army. Some of these rules are:

• All the soldiers in the army had to obey the order of their chief commander.
• Soldiers could not take part or indulge into loot and plunder without the prior permission of their commander.
• The soldiers who were on leave immediately had to report back in case of hostilities.
• No soldier was allowed to move out of his own unit or to enter another unit.
• All the soldiers had to inspect their weapons properly before the departure for the battlefield.

Q8.Discuss the methods of the warfare of Mongol army.
ANSWER:

• Prior to any expedition, the Mongol Khan convened the meeting of the Quriltai.
• An elaborate discussion pertaining to the arms and planning for war were taken here. All the military leaders/commanders took part in it and used to receive special direction.
• The Mongol spies spread rumours in the enemy’s country, with the aim to demoralize its soldiers.
• The enemy was given the option to surrender or to face annihilation.
• After these initial preparations, when the actual war was to begin, the Mongol soldiers used to encircle the area that was to be attacked from all the sides.
• The Mongol soldiers faced the enemy’s army face to face, the tactic adopted by them was to show that they were deserting the war field. The enemy soldiers thought that the Mongol army had deserted the field. But no sooner had they reached at a particular place, the Mongol soldiers used to attack soldiers and gave them a crushing defeat.

Q9.Narrate the position of Khan in Mongol administration.
ANSWER:

• The Khan (Empire) occupied the highest rank in the administration.
• He was vested with the unlimited powers and had the authority to formulate both internal and external policies of the state.
• He was the chief commander of the army. All the armed forces of the state used to act as per his sole discretion.
• He was the sole authority to appoint all higher and civil authorities.
• He was authorized to levy any kind of new taxes.

Q10.What do you know about Ulus system? Explain.
ANSWER:
Ulus system was established by Genghis Khan. According to this system, Khan used to transfer the administration of newly conquered lands to his four sons, namely Jochi, Chaghatai, Ogedei and Toluy. His eldest son Jochi was given the region of Russian steppes. Chaghatai was given the charge of Transoxiana steppe and the region of north of Pamir Hills. It was an indication from the Khan that his third son Ogedei would succeed him as the Khan. Toluy, the fourth son was given the region of Mongolia. Ulus was not fixed. The size of Ulus used to change. Under this system, the position of the son of Khan was that of a deputy ruler. They were made the independent in-charge of the military troops, known as Tama. They (Persons holding Ulus) can appoint the person under their region and can also levy new taxes.

Q11.Write a short note on Yam.
ANSWER:
Yam was a military post, established by Genghis Khan. During the Mongol Empire, such posts were created at a distance of 25 miles. At these posts cavaliers and messengers were appointed and horses were placed at their disposal. These cavaliers used to carry official records from one place to another. Each cavalier was required to tie a bell with the neck of his horse. Whenever, a message used to reach near a post, the messenger present at post, on listening the ring of the bell so tied with the neck of horse, used to get ready along with horse to leave for the next destination. At Yam, proper arrangements were also made for the travellers. With the aim to make their stay secure and comfortable the travellers were issued official passes, known as Paiza. These passes were of three types—gold, silver and iron. The travellers had to tie these passes (Paiza) on their forehead. The travellers were provided facilities at every Yam, according to these passes. The institution proved very successful for the Mongol administration.

Q12.Describe the religious beliefs of Mongols.
ANSWER:
Religious beliefs of Mongols:

• Mongols had deep faith in religion.
• They worshiped the main deity, Tengzi, i.e. the Sun God and believed him to be omnipotent.
• In order to please their deity they used to perform animal sacrifices.
• They (Mongolian, people of Mongol) used to show special respect for holy religious man called ‘Shamans’.
• Genghis Khan believed that destiny has ordained royalty for mongers. Therefore, it is a religious obligation for the Mongol to bring more and more regions under their direct suzerainty.
• Mongols were secular in nature and followed the policy of religious tolerance. They allowed the people to respect their religion with full liberty.
• The recruitment’s under the Mongols were made only on merit basis and religion had no role to play in it.

Q13.Critically evaluate the Mongol administration.
ANSWER:
The Mongols belonged to a nomadic society. The main aim in their life was to collect booty for their survival. Mongols were much inclined towards establishing a good administration for the people being ruled by them. Their system of administration as implemented by them was at best, a makeshift effort on their part. But they did not pay heed towards the military administration. They failed to achieve anything remarkable in regard to the civil administration, which was a prerequisite for the consolidation of their empire.

Q14.What do you know about Ogodei? Write his achievements in brief.
ANSWER:
Ogodei was declared as the new Mongol Khan by Quriltai in 1229. He ruled from 1229 to 1241. After becoming the new Mongol Khan, he paid his attention towards Mughal empire. At the time of accession to power the position of Mongols in the Northern China was not much stable. In order to establish his control over Northern China, he entered into an alliance with the Sung ruler of Southern China.

• In 1234, he occupied regions of Northern China.
• In 1231, he had also inflicted a crushing defeat to the ruler of Iran Jalal-ud-din, who had escaped to India, during the time of Genghis Khan.
• Ogedei not only helped the Mongol empire to expand, rather than he also played an important role in consolidating it with an objective of strengthening the economic condition. He also regularised taxes and encouraged trade.
• He established a chain of courts in empire to give justice to all his citizens.
• To encourage education he also opened schools.
• He also did a number of civil reforms and further expanded the Yam system.

Q15.Write a short note on Jochid dynasty.
ANSWER:
Jochid dynasty was also one of the prominent dynasties of the Mongols. Jochid, the eldest son of Genghis Khan was the founder of this dynasty. Genghis Khan had transferred the region of Russian steppe to Jochid in 1224. The region of Russian steppe granted to him is also known as Southern Russia or Golden Horde. Jochid died in 1227 and was succeeded by Batu. Batu proved to be an able ruler and conquered entire Russia, Hungary, Poland and Austria during his compaigns from 1236 to 1242. He took several steps to expand Golden Horde to a large extent. He also took numerous steps to strengthen his economy and also modernised his force. After his death in 1256, his successors continued to rule up to 1359 CCE.

Long Answer Type Question:

Q1.Which favourable conditions encouraged Genghis Khan to launch an expedition against the Muhammad Shah of Khwarazm?
ANSWER:
Following favourable conditions encouraged, Genghis Khan to launch an expedition against the Shah of Khwarazm:

• Shah had established a vast empire, but nothing had been done to consolidate it.
• Shah also refused to recognise the Khalifa of Baghdad. This mistake resulted in the hostility of Muslim community against him.
• By annexation of a number of regions to his vast empire, Shah antagonised a large number of people.
• The mutual relations between Turkish and Iranian officers were not cordial. They never missed a chance to let down each other.
• He had also imposed many taxes on the farmers and general public but did care a little about their grievances. So the people wanted to get rid of such tyrannical regime.
• There was also a fear of loot and plunders. So there was restlessness among the traders as well as the common people.
• There was lack of discipline in his army.
• The continued intrigues of his mother further eroded his position. She wanted him to overthrow.

Q2.Discuss the causes of the success of Genghis Khan.
ANSWER:
Prior to his death, Genghis Khan had established a vast empire within a short span of 20 years.
Some of the main causes of his success are listed below:

• He was a born commander and distinctively fortunate to get success, wherever he went. He became a real terror of his opponents.
• He also established a large disciplined army. It was not easy to face such a huge army.
• His spies used to collect every bit of information about the opponent’s army and gave it to him.
• He knew the importance of psychological warfare and used to unleash the region of terror. In this effort, people could not face his army.
• He used to make people dread his forces, so that the people could surrender without waging a war against him.
• The Mongol soldiers were experts in horse riding and archery.
• Genghis Khan usually launched his expedition during the winter season. Because during this season rivers used to freeze and make it easier to cross them.
• The use of Naphtha Bombardment destroyed enemy forts and had dreadly results in the course of the war.

Q3.Why did Genghis Khan become unpopular? Explain.
Or
Describe the causes of the unpopularity of Genghis Khan.
ANSWER:
No doubt, Genghis Khan had established a vast empire. The newly vanquished people had no inclination towards their new ruler. Several causes were responsible for this.
The main causes were:

• The Mongols during the course of their expedition destroyed several beautiful cities and towns. Most of these cities lost their glory after his attack.
• Their invasion also badly affected the agriculture, because when the huge forces passed away they destroyed standing crops.
• During war year or the time of invasion trade and commerce was badly affected.
• A large number of people lost their lives due to their invasion. Many became handicapped and helpless.
• A number of people were slaves.
• As a result of their invasion, the timely repair to the underground rivers in the arid region was not carried out.
• All his invasions resulted in rapid desertification of newly conquered areas.
• People from all walks of life had to face hardships.

Q4.Discuss the rules and regulations of the Yasa as evolved by Genghis Khan.
ANSWER:
Rules and regulations of the Yasa:

• People should believe in one God, because He gives us life and death, riches and poverty.
• All religions are equal. They must be respected. The priests should be exempted from all kinds of taxes, transcending all religious barriers.
• Any person, who proclaimed himself to be a Khan without the recognition of Quriltai, should be awarded death penalty.
• Do not indulge into adultery. People doing so will be given death penalty.
• Do not tell a lie.
• Always respect the aged and the poor and not deceive anyone.
• It was mandatory for all able-bodied persons to serve in the army.
• On the opening of hostilities, the soldiers on leave, were asked to resume their duties immediately.
• Passion involved in spying, giving the false information/evidence/witness should be punished with death penalty.
• No one in his empire can employ a Mongol as his slave or servant.
• If a soldier indulges into loot and plunder without the prior permission of the commander, he should be awarded death penalty.
• All the Mongol princesses should preserve this Yasa, and at the time of need, they should take help from it.
• The armed forces are to be organized into units numbering 10,100, 1000 and 10000. This makes it easier for the army commander to control over military. Yasa played a remarkable role in unifying the Mongols and kept their tribal identity intact. Without any hesitation, we can say that Yasa played a remarkable role in making of global Mongol empire.

Q5.Discuss the role of civil administration in Mongol administration’
ANSWER:
Genghis Khan belonged to nomadic society. On the basis of capacity he established a vast empire. His empire included the people from various walks of society and they were civilized people. To rule such a diverse society was not an easy task. Hence, he appointed the people belonging to civilized society to look after the civil administration. The officers were concerned with civil administration and were appointed on the basis of merit. No credit was given to tribals or religious affinities while appointing them in civil administration. The civil administration played an outstanding role in strengthening and consolidating the foundation of Mongol empire. They even influenced the Mongol rulers to transform their policies pertaining to administration. He also made Genghis Khan aware about the ‘Importance of Yan system’ as followed in China.