In-Text Activity Solutions
Page 63: Bhakti Movement
Prompt: Choose a Bhakti saint and learn about them. Answer:
- Saint: Sant Tukaram.
- Region: Maharashtra (17th Century).
- Teaching: He preached equality and devotion to Lord Vitthal. He criticized caste discrimination and empty rituals.
- Connection: Shivaji Maharaj often attended his Kirtans. His poetry (Abhangas) inspired the common people to unite, providing the moral foundation for the Maratha state.
Page 65: Three Questions for Shivaji
Prompt: If you met Shivaji, what would you ask? Answer:
- Strategy: How did you develop the concept of a Navy when no other Indian ruler saw its importance?
- Leadership: How did you inspire loyalty in your soldiers to the point they were ready to die for you (like Baji Prabhu Deshpande)?
- Vision: What was your ultimate vision for India beyond the Deccan?
Page 66: Guerrilla Warfare in Other Countries
Prompt: Which other countries adopted this method? Answer:
- Vietnam: The Viet Cong used guerrilla tactics (tunnels, jungle ambushes) to defeat the technologically superior US Army.
- Spain: The term Guerrilla (Little War) originated during the Peninsular War against Napoleon.
- Geography: All these regions (Vietnam jungles, Spanish mountains, Sahyadri hills) offered natural cover that negated the enemy’s firepower.
Page 73: Shivaji’s Letter on Trees
Prompt: What values does the letter show? Answer:
- Environmental Stewardship: He viewed trees as valuable resources, not just lumber.
- Empathy: He compared trees to children, understanding the emotional and economic loss to the peasant if a tree is cut.
- Justice: He strictly forbade oppression of his own subjects for military needs.
Page 80: Connection between Marathas and Bharatnatyam
Prompt: Find the connection. Answer: The Thanjavur Maratha rulers (specifically Serfoji II and his ancestors) were great patrons of the arts. The famous Thanjavur Quartet (four brothers who codified the modern repertoire of Bharatanatyam) flourished in the Maratha court of Thanjavur. The dance form evolved significantly under their patronage, blending local Tamil traditions with the court’s support.