Chapter-5: Rulers and buildings

These NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 notes explain the close link between power and architecture in medieval India. The chapter shows how rulers used buildings to display authority, wealth and religious devotion.

Rulers and Buildings discusses different types of structures such as forts, palaces, temples, mosques and tombs, and explains new architectural features like arches and domes. It also highlights the achievements of Mughal architecture, including famous monuments built by Akbar and Shah Jahan.

This chapter helps students understand how architecture functioned as a political tool and shaped urban life in medieval India.

1. Introduction

• In medieval India, buildings were not just physical structures but symbols of power, wealth and authority.
• Rulers used architecture to display their political strength.
• Buildings reflected the religious beliefs of kings and rulers.
• Architecture also helped rulers exercise administrative control over people.
• Forts, palaces, mosques and temples became visible signs of royal power.

2. Why rulers built buildings

• Rulers constructed buildings to display power and prestige.
• Buildings helped rulers show their religious faith publicly.
• Forts and cities helped in controlling people and territories.
• Architecture created a permanent memory of a ruler’s reign.
• Grand buildings increased the ruler’s status among subjects.
• Architecture functioned as a political tool, not just art.

3. Types of buildings

• Temples, mosques and tombs were important religious buildings.
• Religious buildings were centres of worship and faith.
• Forts were built for defence and military control.
• Palaces served as royal residences and administrative centres.
• Gardens and audience halls were used for leisure and public meetings.
• Each type of building reflected the ruler’s authority.

4. New architectural features in the medieval period

• Medieval buildings used arches instead of flat roofs.
• Domes became a prominent architectural feature.
• Persian architectural styles influenced Indian buildings.
• Indian architectural traditions were also retained.
• Red sandstone was widely used in construction.
• Marble was used for decoration and grandeur.

5. Temples as symbols of power

• Temples functioned as important religious centres.
• They acted as economic hubs in towns and villages.
• Temples owned large areas of land donated by rulers.
• Kings donated wealth and resources to temples.
• Temples provided employment to priests, craftsmen and labourers.
• Temple towns grew around major religious centres.

6. Mosques and Islamic architecture

• Mosques were important centres of worship in Islamic society.
• Large courtyards were a key feature of mosques.
• Prayer halls were built for congregational prayers.
• The mihrab showed the direction of Mecca.
• The minbar was used by religious leaders for sermons.
• The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi is a famous example.

7. Mughal architecture

• Mughal rulers used architecture to show imperial power.
• Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort.
• Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal, Red Fort (Delhi) and Jama Masjid (Delhi).
• Mughal buildings followed principles of symmetry and balance.
• Extensive use of marble added beauty and grandeur.
• Mughal architecture represents the peak of medieval Indian architecture.

8. Capital cities and buildings

• Delhi remained an important capital city for many rulers.
• New cities like Siri, Jahanpanah and Shahjahanabad were built.
• These cities were carefully planned and fortified.
• The Yamuna River played a major role in city development.
• It helped in water supply, transport and urban planning.
• Capital cities symbolised royal authority and power.

9. Gardens and urban planning

• Gardens were an important part of royal architecture.
• The Charbagh style followed a four-part garden layout.
• This style symbolised the idea of paradise.
• Gardens were used for relaxation and royal ceremonies.
• Mughal rulers developed gardens in Kashmir and Agra.
• Urban planning reflected order and control.

10. Important dates and places

• The 16th–17th century marked the peak of Mughal architecture.
• Delhi emerged as a major architectural centre.
• Agra became famous for Mughal monuments.
• Fatehpur Sikri was an important planned city.
• These centres reflected Mughal political and cultural power.

11. Important keywords

• Architecture refers to the art of designing buildings.
• A dome is a rounded roof structure.
• An arch is a curved structure supporting weight.
• A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims.
• A temple is a place of worship in Hinduism.
• Charbagh is a four-part garden layout.
• Shahjahanabad was the capital city built by Shah Jahan.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 5 is important to learn how buildings reflected the power, beliefs and administrative control of rulers. The chapter explains the political role of temples, mosques, capital cities and gardens in medieval society.

The ideas discussed in Rulers and Buildings help students connect art and architecture with history and governance, making this chapter highly useful for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

Continue reading NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 6 – Towns, Traders and Craftspersons to understand how trade and crafts led to the growth of towns in medieval India.

FAQs

Q1. Why did rulers build grand buildings in medieval India?
Rulers built grand buildings to show power, prestige, religious faith and administrative control.

Q2. What new architectural features developed in the medieval period?
The use of arches, domes, red sandstone and marble became common.

Q3. Why were temples important beyond religion?
Temples acted as economic centres, landowners and sources of employment.

Q4. Which Mughal ruler is famous for monumental architecture?
Shah Jahan is famous for monuments like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.

Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains the relationship between architecture and power, making it important for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.