📘 Class 7 History – Chapter 5
Rulers and Buildings
(NCERT Notes)

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1️⃣ Introduction

From the 8th to the 18th century, rulers in India built many forts, palaces, temples, mosques, tombs, and public buildings. These buildings showed their power, wealth, and religious beliefs.

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2️⃣ Why did Rulers Build Buildings?

• To show their power and authority
• To please gods and gain religious merit
• To mark important events and victories
• To make cities strong and beautiful

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3️⃣ Engineering Skills and Construction

Medieval builders had excellent knowledge of:

• Stone cutting and carving
• Arches, domes, and pillars
• Water supply and drainage

They used strong materials like stone, marble, and sandstone.

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4️⃣ Temples, Mosques and Tombs

🔹 Temples

• Built by Hindu rulers
• Had shikharas (tall towers)
• Richly decorated with carvings

🔹 Mosques

• Built by Muslim rulers
• Had domes, minarets, and prayer halls
• Did not have idols

🔹 Tombs

• Built to remember rulers after death
• Example: Taj Mahal

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5️⃣ Forts, Palaces and Cities

• Forts were built for defence
• Palaces showed royal lifestyle
• Entire cities like Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri were planned

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6️⃣ Architecture under the Mughals

• Used red sandstone and white marble
• Combined Persian and Indian styles
• Famous buildings:
  • Taj Mahal
  • Red Fort
  • Humayun’s Tomb

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7️⃣ Buildings as Historical Sources

Buildings help historians to:

• Understand art and culture
• Know about rulers and their beliefs
• Study technology and planning

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📌 Exam Tip:
Remember terms like shikhara, dome, minaret, tomb, fort. Write answers with examples for better marks.

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