Class 7 Social Science - WEST-BENGAL

History: The Age of Reorganisation

The Chapter 'The Age of Reorganisation' in Class 7 Social Science explores the major political, social, and administrative changes that took place in India during the medieval and early modern transition periods. Students will learn about the decline of older empires, the rise of regional powers, administrative shifts, and how various kingdoms restructured their military, revenue, and governance systems. This chapter is vital for West Bengal Board (WBBSE) exams as it builds the foundational understanding of medieval Indian history required for higher classes, frequently featuring in both objective and descriptive question formats.

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Key Concepts

Regional Powers

Independent kingdoms that emerged as the central authority of the Mughal Empire weakened during the 18th century.

Administrative Reorganisation

The restructuring of revenue collection, military organisation, and governance by emerging regional rulers to consolidate power.

Jagirdari Crisis

A severe financial and administrative crisis in the Mughal Empire caused by a shortage of jagirs (land grants) compared to the number of nobles seeking them.

Mercantilism

An economic policy where European trading companies sought to maximize trade profits and political influence in regional Indian markets.

Sardeshmukhi and Chauth

Systems of taxation collected by the Marathas from territories outside their direct rule to ensure peace and financial support.

Important Formulas

Chauth: 25% of the land revenue collected from hostile or non-Maratha territories
Sardeshmukhi: An additional 10% tax levied by Maratha rulers claiming hereditary rights over regions
Battle of Plassey: 1757 - A turning point in Bengal's political reorganisation under British influence
Battle of Buxar: 1764 - Established Company rule over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa

Board Exam Info

In the West Bengal Board (WBBSE) Class 7 History examinations, this chapter typically carries around 8 to 12 marks. Questions usually include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short-answer questions defining key terms like Chauth or regional powers, and 3-5 mark descriptive questions explaining the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of successor states.

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the decline of the Mughal Empire?

Continuous wars, weak successors, economic bankruptcy, administrative corruption, and the rise of powerful regional kingdoms.

What are successor states?

States that broke away from the Mughal Empire and became independent, such as Bengal, Awadh, and Hyderabad.

Why was the reorganisation of administration important for regional kingdoms?

It helped local rulers collect revenue more efficiently, maintain stronger armies, and protect their territories from external invasions.

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