Class 9 SST Part 2 Ch 3 NCERT Solution - Resistance and Resilience

Q & A —  6th   7th   8th   9th   10th

Questions and Activities

Question 1. Choose the most appropriate answer.

Question: Resistance and resilience are closely connected because:

a. Resistance always involves warfare.
b. Resilience enables communities to endure difficulties and sustain resistance.
c. Resistance is possible only when a kingdom has a large army.
d. Resilient societies avoid all forms of conflict.

Answer: (b) Resilience enables communities to endure difficulties and sustain resistance.

Explanation: Resilience gives people and communities the strength to face difficulties, adapt to changing situations and continue their resistance. Resistance is not always limited to warfare; it can also involve alliances, diplomacy and negotiations.

Question 2. Why and how did groups such as the Sikhs, Marathas, and Rajputs assert their political power and identity during periods of changing political authority?

Answer: Groups such as the Sikhs, Marathas and Rajputs asserted their political power to protect their territories, independence, culture and identity.

They used different methods:

• Rajputs: Some Rajput kingdoms resisted Mughal authority through military struggles, while others formed alliances with the Mughals to protect their interests and maintain their influence.
• Marathas: Under Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Marathas established an independent state based on the idea of Swarajya (self-rule). They used their knowledge of the Deccan's geography, forts, guerrilla warfare and strategic alliances to expand and defend their territories.
• Sikhs: Under their Gurus, the Sikhs developed a strong religious and political identity. Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa in 1699. Later, Sikh groups known as misals organised themselves to defend their communities and territories.

Thus, these groups protected their identity and political authority through military resistance, alliances, organisation and local support.

Question 3. Why did some Rajput rulers decide to negotiate alliances with the Mughal power?

Answer: Some Rajput rulers negotiated alliances with the Mughals for political, military and administrative benefits.

The main reasons were:

• Protection of kingdoms: Alliances helped Rajput rulers protect their territories and avoid continuous warfare.
• Political influence: They received important positions and opportunities to participate in Mughal administration.
• Mansabdari system: Many Rajput rulers and nobles were given mansabs (ranks) in the Mughal administration.
• Military cooperation: The Mughals benefited from Rajput military strength, loyalty and administrative experience.
• Stability: Cooperation helped some Rajput kingdoms maintain their power and influence under Mughal rule.

However, not all Rajput rulers accepted Mughal authority. Mewar, for example, continued to resist Mughal expansion for a long time.

Question 4. Imagine a market in a port town of India such as Surat, Masulipatnam, or Puducherry. You are a foreign trader from Italy or France and want to make a deal of cotton textiles. How would you secure the product in the local market? Whose help would you seek and what kind of challenges would you face in terms of language, quality of product, prices of commodities, etc.?

Answer: As a foreign trader from Italy or France, I would visit the local market and contact experienced Indian merchants to purchase cotton textiles.

To secure the products, I would follow these steps:

• Contact local merchants: I would seek the help of established Indian merchants and brokers who knew the local market.
• Take help from interpreters: I would employ a dubhashi (interpreter) to communicate with weavers, traders and officials.
• Check product quality: I would examine the quality of cotton, weaving, colour, design and finishing before placing an order.
• Negotiate prices: I would compare prices offered by different sellers and negotiate a fair price.
• Make payment arrangements: I would use local money-changers and financial instruments such as hundis to make secure payments.
• Arrange transportation: I would seek the help of local transporters, shipowners and port officials to transport the textiles safely.

Challenges I might face:

• Language barrier: I might not understand local languages and would need an interpreter.
• Quality differences: The quality, design and size of textiles might vary between producers.
• Price differences: Merchants might quote different prices, and currency exchange could create difficulties.
• Trust issues: I would need reliable local contacts to avoid fraud or misunderstandings.
• Transportation problems: Weather, delays and additional charges could affect the delivery of goods.

Thus, the support of local merchants, brokers, interpreters and money-changers would be essential for successful trade.

Question 5. Watch any video at the given link and analyse the various functions of forts and fortresses. How did rulers perceive the importance of forts in terms of strategic concerns?

Answer: Forts and fortresses played an important role in the political, military and administrative systems of medieval India. Rulers considered them essential for protecting their kingdoms and maintaining their authority.

Major functions of forts:

• Defence: Strong walls, gates and watchtowers protected kingdoms from enemy attacks.
• Military bases: Forts provided secure locations for soldiers and military operations.
• Safe shelters: Rulers, soldiers and people could take shelter inside forts during wars.
• Storage facilities: Food, water, weapons and other essential supplies could be stored for emergencies.
• Administrative centres: Some forts served as centres of administration and judicial authority.
• Strategic control: Forts located on hills, near trade routes or at important geographical points helped rulers control surrounding areas.
• Political importance: Possession of important forts represented the power and authority of a ruler.

Strategic importance from the rulers' perspective:

Rulers understood that forts could help them defend their territories, control important routes and withstand long sieges. For example, the Marathas used forts such as Raigad and Sinhagad as important centres of defence and administration. Their network of forts also supported their military activities.

Thus, forts were not merely buildings for protection; they were important centres of military strength, administration and political power.

Question 6. What architectural changes occurred in temple construction during the period under study? How do these changes reflect upon the resilient nature of Indian civilisation?

Answer: During the period from 1000 to 1700 CE, several architectural changes took place in temple construction.

The important changes included:

• Restoration of temples: Many temples that had been damaged or destroyed were restored and rebuilt by rulers and local communities.
• Development of new styles: Temple architecture continued to develop through regional styles and local traditions.
• Construction of larger complexes: Some temples developed into large complexes with additional structures and facilities.
• Haveli temples: In some regions, especially Rajasthan, temples were designed like large residential mansions known as haveli temples.
• Adaptation of worship: When temple construction faced restrictions or existing temples were damaged, devotees continued their religious practices through other forms of worship, including nām kīrtan (recitation of the divine name).

These changes reflect the resilience of Indian civilisation because people adapted their religious practices to changing circumstances. They continued to preserve their beliefs, traditions and cultural identity despite political instability and difficulties.

Question 7. A kingdom has limited military resources but possesses fertile agricultural land, strong local support, and detailed knowledge of its terrain. Explain two ways in which these resources could contribute to the kingdom’s resilience when faced with a threat.

Answer: These resources could contribute to the kingdom's resilience in the following two ways:

1. Economic strength and local support:

Fertile agricultural land would provide food for the people and soldiers. It would also generate revenue for the kingdom. Strong local support would help the ruler maintain stability and obtain assistance from the people during difficult times.

2. Geographical advantage and effective defence:

Knowledge of the local terrain, including hills, forests, rivers and valleys, would help the kingdom protect itself. The ruler could use natural geographical features to defend important areas and make it difficult for enemies to advance.

Thus, even with limited military resources, a kingdom could survive threats through economic strength, public support and knowledge of its geography.

Question 8. Consider the following statement: “A tradition becomes more resilient when people can carry it with them.” Do you agree? Explain using examples from the Bhakti tradition.

Answer: Yes, I agree with this statement. A tradition becomes more resilient when people can practise and preserve it without depending entirely on particular buildings or institutions.

The Bhakti tradition provides several examples:

• Use of local languages: Bhakti saints composed devotional songs and hymns in regional languages, making their teachings accessible to ordinary people.
• Community singing: Practices such as sankirtan (collective devotional singing) allowed people to worship together.
• Personal devotion: Bhakti emphasised a personal connection with the divine. People could practise devotion even without visiting temples.
• Nām kīrtan: The recitation of the divine name helped preserve religious traditions when temple construction faced restrictions or temples were damaged.
• Contribution of saints: Guru Nanak and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used community singing to bring people together. Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi, making the story of Rama accessible to a wider population.

Therefore, the Bhakti tradition remained strong because people could carry its teachings through songs, hymns, stories and community participation.

Question 9. Voices from the Past

Question: Choose any two of the following and write a short first-person account explaining what resilience means from that person’s perspective.

The question asks for any two. The following are two sample accounts.

A. A Bhakti Saint

I am a Bhakti saint who believes in devotion to the divine. For me, resilience means keeping my faith and continuing my spiritual practices even during difficult times. I compose devotional songs in the language spoken by ordinary people so that everyone can understand and participate. I encourage people to practise devotion through singing, prayer and community gatherings. Even if temples are damaged or people face restrictions, devotion can continue in their hearts. This is the true strength of the Bhakti tradition.

B. A Maratha Administrator

I am a Maratha administrator working under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji. For me, resilience means protecting Swarajya (self-rule) and ensuring that the kingdom remains strong during difficult times. We maintain forts, manage resources and organise administration effectively. Our knowledge of hills and valleys helps us defend our territories. We also build alliances with other powers whenever necessary. Strong administration, public support and proper use of resources help our kingdom face challenges and preserve its independence.

Question 10. Design a Fort

Question: You are a military architect advising a ruler. Draw a simple, labelled plan of a fort that includes the following: Residential complex, Defensive walls, Water source, Food storage, Escape route, Watchtower and Administrative area. Now, write a few sentences explaining how your design would help the kingdom withstand a long siege.

Answer: A simple labelled plan of a fort:

Plan of a Fort

Illustrative layout – not to scale

• Watchtower
• Watchtower
• Defensive Walls
• Residential Complex
• Administrative Area
• Water Source
• Food Storage
• Main Entrance
• Escape Route (marked separately)

How this design would help during a long siege:

• Strong defensive walls and watchtowers would help protect the fort and provide a clear view of the surrounding area.
• The residential complex would provide shelter to the ruler, soldiers and other residents.
• A reliable water source would ensure the availability of drinking water.
• Food storage would provide essential supplies during a prolonged siege.
• The administrative area would help the ruler manage the kingdom and make important decisions.
• An escape route would provide an alternative way out during an emergency.

Thus, the fort would help the kingdom remain protected and self-sufficient during a long siege.

Competency-Based Questions and Answers

Question 1. A kingdom is facing repeated attacks from a powerful enemy. It has limited military resources but strong support from local people. How can local support help the kingdom?

Answer:

• Local people can provide food and other essential supplies.
• They can help the ruler maintain stability.
• Their cooperation strengthens the kingdom's ability to face difficulties.
• Public support helps sustain resistance for a longer period.

Question 2. Why were forts important for the Marathas despite their use of guerrilla warfare?

Answer:

• Forts provided safe bases and shelter.
• They served as centres of administration.
• They helped protect important territories.
• They provided storage facilities and supported long-term resistance.

Question 3. A ruler wants to protect his kingdom but does not want continuous warfare. Which strategy could he adopt?

Answer:

• Form strategic alliances with neighbouring rulers.
• Use diplomacy and negotiations.
• Maintain friendly relations with powerful kingdoms.
• Protect his territory while avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

Question 4. Why could a kingdom with knowledge of hills, forests and valleys defend itself effectively?

Answer:

• It could use natural geographical features to its advantage.
• Local knowledge could help in planning defence.
• Difficult terrain could make enemy movement challenging.
• It could help the kingdom protect its territory with limited resources.

Question 5. Why was the Battle of Haldighati important in the history of Mewar's resistance?

Answer:

• It represented Maharana Pratap's resistance against Mughal authority.
• Maharana Pratap defended Mewar's independence.
• He continued his struggle even after the battle.
• His resistance became an important symbol of courage and determination.

Question 6. How did the Ahoms use geographical conditions to strengthen their kingdom?

Answer:

• They used the Brahmaputra Valley's geographical features.
• Rivers and surrounding terrain provided natural advantages.
• They developed strategies suited to their local environment.
• Their knowledge of the region helped them resist Mughal expansion.

Question 7. Why did some Rajput rulers cooperate with the Mughals while others resisted them?

Answer:

• Some wanted political stability and protection.
• Alliances provided administrative positions and mansabs.
• The Mughals benefited from Rajput military support.
• Some rulers, such as those of Mewar, preferred to maintain independence.

Question 8. How did the Marathas use their geographical knowledge as a strength?

Answer:

• They understood the hills and valleys of the Deccan.
• They used forts as important defensive centres.
• They adopted guerrilla warfare.
• They used strategic alliances to expand their influence.

Question 9. How did the Bhakti tradition help preserve Indian cultural traditions during difficult times?

Answer:

• Saints composed devotional songs in regional languages.
• People could practise devotion without depending only on temples.
• Community singing encouraged participation.
• Teachings were passed from one generation to another.

Question 10. Why did the use of regional languages make the Bhakti tradition more popular?

Answer:

• Ordinary people could understand the teachings.
• It made religious knowledge accessible to wider sections of society.
• It encouraged community participation.
• It strengthened regional cultural identities.

Question 11. How did community singing help develop solidarity among people?

Answer:

• It brought people together through devotional activities.
• It encouraged shared religious experiences.
• It helped reduce social divisions.
• It created a sense of unity and belonging.

Question 12. What does the example of Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas tell us about cultural resilience?

Answer:

• Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi.
• It made the story of Rama accessible to ordinary people.
• It helped spread religious and cultural teachings.
• It strengthened the Bhakti tradition.

Question 13. How did agriculture and irrigation contribute to the resilience of Indian kingdoms?

Answer:

• Agriculture provided food for the population.
• Agricultural production generated revenue.
• Irrigation supported farming.
• Economic resources helped kingdoms face periods of instability.

Question 14. Why were hundis important for merchants during this period?

Answer:

• Hundis acted as financial instruments.
• They helped transfer money over long distances.
• They reduced the need to carry large amounts of cash.
• They supported trade and commercial activities.

Question 15. Why did foreign traders depend on Indian merchants and brokers?

Answer:

• Local merchants understood regional markets.
• Brokers helped traders contact producers.
• Interpreters helped overcome language barriers.
• Money-changers helped with financial transactions.

Question 16. How did trade contribute to the economic strength of Indian society?

Answer:

• Trade created employment opportunities.
• It encouraged the growth of markets and merchant groups.
• It connected different regions through commercial networks.
• It generated wealth and supported economic stability.

Question 17. A temple is damaged during a period of political conflict. However, people continue their devotional activities through songs and community gatherings. What does this situation demonstrate?

Answer:

• It demonstrates cultural resilience.
• Religious practices can continue without depending entirely on buildings.
• Community participation helps preserve traditions.
• The Bhakti tradition provided such alternative forms of devotion.

Question 18. A small kingdom has limited resources but maintains strong forts, food storage and water facilities. How can these arrangements help it during a siege?

Answer:

• Forts provide protection.
• Food storage ensures the availability of supplies.
• Water facilities support the people inside.
• These arrangements help the kingdom remain self-sufficient for longer.

Question 19. A ruler gives important administrative positions to members of another community and receives their military support in return. Which historical practice does this resemble?

Answer:

• It resembles the Mughal-Rajput relationship.
• Some Rajput rulers received mansabs in the Mughal administration.
• The Mughals benefited from Rajput military strength and loyalty.
• Both sides gained political and administrative advantages.

Question 20. A merchant wants to send money to another port town without carrying large amounts of cash. Which financial instrument could help him? Explain.

Answer:

• He could use a hundi.
• It was a financial instrument used for money transfer.
• It reduced the need to carry physical currency.
• It made long-distance commercial transactions easier.

Question 21. “Resistance is not always military.” Justify this statement with examples from the chapter.

Answer:

• Rajput rulers sometimes used diplomacy and alliances.
• The Marathas used strategic alliances.
• Bhakti saints preserved traditions through songs and community gatherings.
• Cultural and political actions were also forms of resistance.

Question 22. Why can economic strength be considered an important foundation of political resilience?

Answer:

• Agriculture provides food and revenue.
• Trade generates wealth.
• Irrigation supports agricultural production.
• Merchant networks and hundis facilitate economic activities.
• A strong economy helps society withstand instability.

Question 23. Compare the methods used by the Marathas and the Sikhs to protect their identity and political power.

Answer:

Marathas	Sikhs
Followed the idea of Swarajya.	Developed a strong religious and political identity.
Used forts and guerrilla warfare.	Organised themselves into groups called misals.
Formed strategic alliances.	Organised military resistance.
Established an independent state under Shivaji.	Defended their communities and territories.

Question 24. How does the history of 1000–1700 CE show that Indian civilisation was resilient?

Answer:

• Different kingdoms resisted external threats.
• People adapted to changing political conditions.
• Bhakti traditions preserved cultural and spiritual values.
• Temples and religious practices were restored or adapted.
• Agriculture, trade and commerce supported economic strength.