CBSE Class 7 Social Science: Tracing Changes Through A Thousand Years NCERT Solutions

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CBSE Class 7 Social Science Our Pasts II Chapter 1 introduces the fascinating journey of tracing historical changes over a thousand years. This chapter explores the dynamic evolution of regions, the rise of diverse social and political groups, and the significant impact of new technologies and agricultural practices. It also sheds light on the challenges historians face, such as interpreting ancient manuscripts and understanding how the concept of a 'foreigner' has shifted across different eras. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter are crafted to help students navigate these complexities, encouraging them to analyze primary sources and develop a nuanced understanding of historical transformations. This resource serves as an excellent guide for students to prepare for their exams and deepen their appreciation for the past.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectSocial Science Our Pasts II
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 1

Chapter summary

Chapter 1, "Tracing Changes Through A Thousand Years," focuses on understanding historical shifts in India over a thousand-year period. It introduces concepts like the changing meaning of 'foreigner,' the importance of manuscripts and archives, and the introduction of new crops. The solutions cover key events and political developments, helping students recall and understand the historical narrative presented in the textbook.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the evolving definition of 'foreigner' in historical contexts.
  • Identify the significance of manuscripts and archives in historical research.
  • Recognize the impact of new crops introduced during the medieval period.
  • Differentiate between true and false historical statements based on evidence.
  • Recall key historical figures and their political influence.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Historical periods
  • Manuscripts and archives
  • Definition of 'foreigner'
  • New crops
  • Political changes
  • Inscriptions
  • Historical sources
  • Medieval India

Important topics

  • Understanding historical change over time
  • The role of manuscripts and archives
  • The evolving concept of 'foreigner'
  • Introduction of new crops and their impact

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Questions and Solutions

Q.1

Who was considered a "foreigner" in the past?
Solution: In historical contexts, the term "foreigner" referred to someone who was not considered part of a particular society, culture, or community. This could mean an outsider from a different region or even someone from a different background living within the same general area. For instance, a person living in a city might have viewed a forest dweller as a foreigner. Similarly, two farmers from different castes or religions living in the same village could have been considered foreigners to each other, highlighting that the concept was relative to the observer's social and cultural perspective.

Q.2

State whether true or false:
  1. We do not find inscriptions for the period after 700.
  2. The Marathas asserted their political importance during this period.
  3. Forest-dwellers were sometimes pushed out of their lands with the spread of agricultural settlements.
  4. Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban controlled Assam, Manipur and Kashmir.
Solution:
  1. We do not find inscriptions for the period after 700. (False) This statement is false because inscriptions continue to be found for periods after 700. For example, an ancient inscription dating back approximately 2250 years was discovered in Kandahar, which is in present-day Afghanistan.
  2. The Marathas asserted their political importance during this period. (True) This statement is true. During the historical period under consideration, numerous groups rose to political prominence, and the Marathas were indeed one such significant group that gained political importance.
  3. Forest-dwellers were sometimes pushed out of their lands with the spread of agricultural settlements. (True) This statement is true. As agricultural settlements expanded, they often encroached upon forest lands. This expansion and changes in the habitat system frequently led to the displacement and migration of forest-dwelling communities from their traditional lands.
  4. Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban controlled Assam, Manipur and Kashmir. (False) This statement is false. Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban's empire was extensive, but historical accounts indicate his control primarily extended from Bengal in the east to Ghazni in Afghanistan in the west, and included regions in South India. It did not encompass Assam, Manipur, and Kashmir.

Q.3

Fill in the blanks:
  1. Archives are places where are kept.
  2. _____ was a fourteenth-century chronicler.
  3. _____, ____, ____ and _____ were some of the new crops introduced into the subcontinent during this period.
Solution:
  1. Archives are places where manuscripts are kept. Archives serve as repositories for historical documents, especially manuscripts, which are handwritten records from the past that are preserved for study.
  2. Ziyauddin Barni was a fourteenth-century chronicler. Ziyauddin Barni was a notable historian and political thinker who lived during the fourteenth century and chronicled events of the Delhi Sultanate period.
  3. Potatoes, corn, chilies, tea and coffee were some of the new crops introduced into the subcontinent during this period. The arrival of various groups and invaders into the subcontinent also brought new agricultural practices and crops. Potatoes, corn, chilies, tea, and coffee are examples of such crops that became part of the local agriculture during this era.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the term 'foreigner' based on modern understanding.
  • Confusing the political control of rulers with geographical boundaries.
  • Overlooking the importance of manuscripts and archives for historical study.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding the context behind the definition of 'foreigner'.
  • Pay attention to the specific examples given for true/false statements.
  • Review the list of new crops and their introduction period.
  • Practice recalling the functions of archives and the nature of manuscripts.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Who would have been considered a 'foreigner' in a historical context?

Q2. Which of the following statements about inscriptions is true?

Q3. What is the primary function of archives?

Q4. Which of these crops was introduced to the subcontinent during the period discussed?

Q5. The statement 'Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban controlled Assam, Manipur and Kashmir' is:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 1, 'Tracing Changes Through A Thousand Years'?

This chapter focuses on understanding the significant historical changes that occurred in India over a thousand-year period, including shifts in geography, political structures, and the introduction of new elements like crops and technologies.

How does the chapter explain the term 'foreigner'?

The chapter explains that in the past, a 'foreigner' was often considered someone outside a particular society or culture, which could include people from different villages or even forest dwellers from the perspective of city dwellers.

What are manuscripts and why are they important?

Manuscripts are handwritten documents from the past. They are crucial historical sources because they provide direct information about the events, thoughts, and lives of people during that period.

What is the role of archives mentioned in the solutions?

Archives are places where manuscripts and other historical documents are preserved. They are essential for historians to access and study primary sources.

Can you give an example of a new crop introduced during this period?

Yes, the solutions mention crops like potatoes, corn, and chilies as examples of new crops that were introduced into the subcontinent during this historical period.

How do these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand the concepts thoroughly and recall key information for their exams. They offer explanations that go beyond simple answers.

Important links

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