Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 13 Rise of the Dal Khalsa and its Mode of Fighting Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 13 Rise of the Dal Khalsa and its Mode of Fighting
Long Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
What were the main causes of the rise of Dal Khalsa?
Or
Discuss the main causes of the foundation of Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
After the death of Banda Bahadur in 1716 A.D., the Sikhs were left with no able leader to lead them. Under such conditions, the Mughal Governors of Punjab, Abdus Samad Khan, and Zakariya Khan vigorously persecuted the Sikhs. Awards were announced for the heads of the Sikhs. They were forced to take shelter in hills and forests. The Mughal army chased them. Whenever they were seen alone, they were killed. Under such circumstances, they felt the need to organize themselves in ‘Jathas’. So they formed themselves in small Jathas. In 1734 A.D. Nawab Kapoor Singh, by merging all small Jathas organized them into two chief Dais.
This dais was named Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal. In 1745, on the occasion of Diwali at Amritsar, 25 Jathas, each consisting of 100 Sikhs were formed. Gradually the number of these Jathas rose from 25 to 65. On 29th March 1748 A.D., Nawab Kapoor Singh organized Dal Khalsa by merging 65 Sikh Jathas into 12 Jathas.
Question 2.
Discuss the main features of the Dal Khalsa.
Or
What do you know about the organization of Dal Khalsa?
Or
What are the main principles of Dal Khalsa?
Or
When was Dal Khalsa founded? Describe its main features.
Answer:
Dal Khalsa was established at Amritsar for the unity of Sikh Panth at the suggestion of Nawab Kapoor Singh on March 29, 1748. The sixty five Jathas of the Sikhs were merged into 12 Jathas. Each Jatha had a separate leader and a separate banner. SardarJassa Singh Ahluwalia was appointed the Commander-in-Chief of Dal Khalsa. Every Sikh who had faith in the principles laid down by Guru Gobind Singh Ji was considered a member of Dal Khalsa.
It was essential for every Sikh to join Dal Khalsa in order to face the enemies of the Panth. The Sikhs who joined Dal Khalsa were expected to be experts in horse riding and proficient in the use of arms. Every member of Dal Khalsa was free to join any Jatha. One of the twelve Sardars was elected Commander-in-Chief during war time and the other Sardars obeyed him. Cavalry was the most important part of Dal Khalsa’s army. The members of the Dal Khalsa fhced their enemies through guerilla warfare.
Question 3.
Write the five main features of military administration of Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
The following were the main features of the military system of the Dal Khalsa:
1. Cavalry: Cavalry was an important organ of the army of the Dal Khalsa. To fight without horses was considered an insult by the Sikhs. In fact in the 18th centpry, it was impossible to win victory without cavalry. The horses of the Sikhs were well-trained. They could cover a distance between fifty to one hundred miles in a single day.
2. Infantry : In the army of the Dal Khalsa, infantry was considered to be of little importance. The function of this section of the army was only to keep watch. The Sikhs did not consider it worthwhile to join this wing of the army.
3. Arms : There was absence of artillery in the army of the Dal Khalsa. In the battle, the Sikhs used swords, spears, ‘khandas,’ bows and arrows and guns. For lack of ammunition, guns were scarcely used.
4. Salary: The soldiers of the Dal Khalsa were not given any regular pay. They were given only a share of the booty. Later on they began to be given a part of the ‘ land under their possession. If a soldier was wounded in the battle, he was given compensation.
5. Mode of fighting: The most important characteristic of the Dal Khalsa was its mode of fighting. The Sikhs had adopted guerilla tactics. The guerilla warfare proved very useful for the rise of the Sikh power. The Sikhs used to fall upon the enemies suddenly and inflict heavy losses on them. By the time the enemy got alert, the Sikhs escaped hurriedly into their hideouts in forests and hills. It was because of their mode of fighting that the Sikhs were able to challenge the Mughals and the Afghans.
Question 4.
Write a note on Guerilla mode of fighting of the Dal Khalsa.
Or
What were the features of Dal Khalsa’s mode of fighting?
Or
Briefly explain the mode of fighting adopted by Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
Dal Khalsa’s most important feature was the adoption of the guerilla system of warfare. The Sikhs had to adopt this method of warfare due to many reasons. First in the battle of Gurdas Nangal, several Sikhs were arrested along with Banda Singh Bahadur who were later on executed ruthlessly. The Sikhs learnt a lesson that clashing openly with the Mughals would be harmful for them. Secondly, due to limited resources, the Sikhs had no other alternative but to face the tyranny of Abdus Samad Khan, Zakariya Khan, Yahiya Khan and Mir Mannu. The Guerilla system of warfare proved very useful for the rise of Sikh power.
The Sikhs used to pounce suddenly upon the enemy and inflict heavy losses on them and plunder the treasury. By the time the enemy got ready, the Sikhs again escaped into the forests and hills. The Sikhs did it with agility and quickness. The Sikhs succeeded in facing the Mughals and the Afghans through this system of warfare.
Question 5.
Describe the importance of Dal Khalsa.
Or
What is the significance of Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
Dal Khalsa was set up on March 29, 1748, on the eve of Baisakhi at Amritsar. Nawab Kapoor Singh played a vital role in laying the foundation of the Dal Khalsa. The foundation of Dal Khalsa is considered a very significant event in Sikh history. It infused a new life into the Sikh nation. It unified the Sikhs. It enabled the Sikhs to face the tyranny of Mughal and Afghan Governors. It was the outcome of the efforts of Dal Khalsa that the Sikhs could set up their independent Misls in Punjab. The Dal Khalsa propagated democratic principles. In fact, with the foundation of the Dal Khalsa, the Sikhs came out from the era of darkness and entered into a glorious era. Undoubtedly, the contributions of the Dal Khalsa were great.
Essay Type Questions:
Question 1.
What were the causes responsible for the rise of the Dal Khalsa?
Or
Discuss the reasons for the creation, organization, importance, and mode of fighting of the Dal Khalsa.
Or
Discuss the origin, important features, and importance of the Dal Khalsa.
Or
Describe the circumstances leading to the rise of the Dal Khalsa.
Or
Examine its organization, importance and mode of fighting.
Or
Discuss the circumstances leading to the establishment of the Dal Khalsa? What is its significance in the History of Punjab?
Or
Describe the circumstances leading to the establishment of the Dal Khalsa. Give a brief account of its organization, mode of fighting, and importance.
Or
Discuss the circumstances leading to the establishment of the Dal Khalsa. What is its significance in the History of Punjab?
Or
What do you know about the origin, main features and significance of the Dal Khalsa?
Or
How was the Dal Khalsa founded? Describe Its features and significance.
Or
What were the causes responsible for the rise of the Dal Khalsa?
Or
When and why was the Dal Khalsa founded? Explain its main features and importance.
Or
Give an account of the organisation of the Dal Khalsa and examine its significance.
Or
What were the reasons of the creation of the Dal Khalsa? What is its importance in the History of Punjab?
Or
What was the significance of the Dal Khalsa in the History of Punjab?
Or
Describe the main features of the military system of the Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
1. Persecution of the Sikhs: After the death of Banda Singh Bahadur in 1716 A.D., the Sikhs were left with no able leader to lead them. As a result the Sikhs could not keep themselves united. Under such conditions the Mughal Governors of Punjab, Abdus Samad Khan and Zakariya Khan vigorously persecuted the Sikhs. Awards were announced for the heads of the Sikhs. The Sikhs were arrested and martyred d£ily at Lahore. They were forced to take shelter in hills and forests.
They had to face innumerable hardships. The Mughal army frequently chased them. Whenever they were seen alone or in a small number they were killed. Under such circumstances, they felt the need to organise themselves in ‘Jathas’. So they grouped themselves in small Jathas. These Jathas formed the basis of the Dal Khalsa.
2. Organisation of Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal : In 1734 AD. Nawab Kapoor Singh, by merging all small Jathas organised them into two chief Dais. These Dais were named Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal. In the Buddha Dal,- Sikhs above 40 years of age were recruited. The function of this Dal was to look after the religious places and to propagate Sikh religion. The chief function of the Taruna Dal was to defend the community and to fight with the enemies. The Taruna Dal was further divided into five Jathas and each Jatha was placed under an experienced Sikh Jathedar. The establishment of these Dais infused a new spirit among the Sikhs.
3. Reorganisation of the Dais: The death of Zakariya Khan in 1745 A.D. led to anarchy in Punjab. Taking advantage of the prevailing conditions, the Sikhs passed a ‘Gurmata’ on 14th October, 1745 AD. on the occasion of Diwali at Amritsar. In this ‘Gurmata’ it was decided that 25 Jathas each consisting of 100 Sikhs should be formed. The leaders of these Jathas were appointed by virtue of their ability and bravery. These Jathas adopted guerilla policy to face the government.
These Jathas started killing such ‘Chaudharis’ and ‘Muqaddams’ as had rendered active help to the government against the Sikhs. Gradually the number of these Jathas rose from 25 to 65.
Establishment of the Dal Khalsa:
On 29th March, 1748 A.D. On the day of Baisakhi, the Sikhs gathered at Amritsar. Nawab Kapoor Singh suggested that in view of the hard time ahead, there was a great need for unity and strength of the Panth. Keeping this objective in view, the Dal Khalsa was established on this day. 65 Sikh Jathas were merged into 12 Jathas. Each Jatha had its own separate leader and flag. Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was appointed the Supreme Commander of the Dal Khalsa. It was imperative for every Sikh to join the Dal Khalsa to face the enemy. It was expected of every Sikh who joined the Dal Khalsa to be expert in both horse-riding and use of weapons. Every member of the Dal Khalsa was at full liberty to join any Jatha.
A meeting of the ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ was held every year on the occasions of Baisakhi and Diwali at Amritsar. Sarbat Khalsa meant the whole Sikh ‘Sangat’. In this meeting ‘Gurmatas’ on matters of vital importance were passed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. All the Sikhs would obey these ‘Gurmatas’.
Features of the Military System of the Dal Khalsa:
The following were the main features of the military system of the Dal Khalsa :
1. Cavalry: Cavalry was an important organ of the army of the Dal Khalsa. To fight without horses was considered an insult by the Sikhs. In fact in the 18th century, it was impossible to win victory without cavalry. The horses of the Sikhs were well-trained. They could cover a distance between fifty to one hundred miles in a single day.
2. Infantry : In the army of the Dal Khalsa, infantry was considered to be of little importance. The function of this section of the army was only to keep watch. The Sikhs did not consider it worthwhile to join this wing of the army.
3. Arms : There was absence of artillery in the army of the Dal Khalsa. In the battle, the Sikhs used swords, spears, ‘khandas,’ bows and arrows and guns. For lack of ammunition, guns were scarcely used.
4. Recruitment and Discipline : There was no fixed rules for recruitment in the army of the Dal Khalsa. Every Sikh was free to join any Jatha of the Dal Khalsa of his own accord. Whenever he wanted, he could leave one Jatha and join the other. No written record of the names and salaries of the soldiers was maintained. There was no arrangement for the training of the soldiers. In spite of these shortcomings, there was always discipline in the rank and file of the Dal Khalsa. The Sikhs would fight with religious fervour.
5. Salary : The soldiers of the Dal Khalsa were not given any regular pay. They were given only a share of the booty. Later on they began to be given a part of the land under their possession. If a soldier was wounded in the battle, he was given compensation.
6. Mode of fighting: The most important characteristic of the Dal Khalsa was its mode of fighting. The Sikhs had adopted guerilla tactics. Several reasons led the Sikhs to adopt this system. Firstly, in the Gurdas Nangal battle, Banda Singh Bahadur and hundreds of Sikhs were taken prisoners, who were later mercilessly killed. The Sikhs learnt a lesson that open confrontation with the Mughal army could prove harmful.
The guerilla warfare proved very useful for the rise of the Sikh power. The Sikhs used to fall upon the enemies suddenly and inflict heavy losses on them. By the time the enemy got alert, the Sikhs escaped hurriedly into their hideouts in forests and hills. It was because of their mode of fighting that the Sikhs were able vto challenge the Mughals and the Afghans.
Significance of the Dal Khalsa:
The establishment of the Dal Khalsa proved a turning point in the history of the Sikhs. After the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur, it unified the scattered power of the Sikhs.’ It taught them to lead a disciplined life and sacrifice their everything for the safety of their religion. It instilled a new confidence into the Sikh community. Under the able leadership of the Dal Khalsa, the Sikhs stoutly resisted the Mughals and the AfghAnswer: As a result of the efforts of the Dal Khalsa, the Sikhs finally succeeded in establishing independent Misls in the Punjab.
In fact, the credit for all the great achievements of the Sikhs during this period goes to the Dal Khalsa. Nihar Ranjan Ray aptly says, “The organisation of the Dal Khalsa has been rightly characterised as a landmark in the history of the Sikhs.”
Short Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
What were the main causes of the foundation of the Dal Khalsa?
Or
What were the three main causes of the establishment of Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
After the death of Banda Singh Bahadur in 1716 A.D., the Sikhs were left with no able leader to lead them. The Mughal Governors of Punjab, vigorously persecuted the Sikhs. Under such circumstances, they felt the need to organise themselves in ‘Jathas’. In 1734 A.D. Nawab Kapoor Singed, organised them into two Chief Dais named Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal. It was a stepping stone in the foundation of Dal Khalsa. On 29 March, 1748 A.D., Nawab Kapoor Singh formed Dal Khalsa.
Question 2.
Write down the main features of the Dal Khalsa.
Or
What do you know about the organisation of the Dal Khalsa?
Or
What are the main principles of the Dal Khalsa?
Or
When was the Dal Khalsa founded? Describe its main features.
Answer:
Dal Khalsa was established at Amritsar on March 29, 1748. Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was appointed the Commander-in-Chief of Dal Khalsa. Every Sikh, who had faith in the principles laid down by Guru Gobind Singh Ji was considered a member of Dal Khalsa. The Sikhs who joined Dal Khalsa were expected to be expert in horse riding and proficient in the use of arnis. The members of the Dal Khalsa faced their enemies through guerilla warfare.
Question 3.
Write the main three features of military administration of the Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
- Cavalry was the most important constituent of the army of Dal Khalsa. The Sikhs deemed it an insult to fight without horses.
- The Sikhs joined Dal Khalsa according to their will.
- No written record was kept of their names and salaries,
- The Sikhs used swords, spears, bows and guns in battles. The guns were occasionally used due to dearth of ammunition,
- The Sikhs faced their enemies through guerilla warfare.
Question 4.
Write a note on guerilla mode of fighting of the Sikhs.
Or
Write a note on Guerilla battle policy of Sikhs.
Or
What were the features of the Dal Khalsa’s mode of fighting?
Or
Briefly explain the mode of fighting adopted by Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
Dal Khalsa’s most important feature was the adoption of the guerilla system of warfare. Due to limited resources, the Sikhs had to adopt guerilla warfare. The Sikhs used to pounce suddenly upon the enemy and inflict heavy losses on them and plunder the treasury. By the time the enemy got ready, the Sikhs again escaped into the forfeits and hills. The Sikhs succeeded in facing the Mughals and the Afghans through this system of warfare.
Question 5.
Describe the importance of Dal Khalsa.
Or
What is the significance of Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
Dal Khalsa was set up on March 29, 1748, on the eve of Baisakhi at Amritsar, The foundation of Dal Khalsa is infused, a new life into the Sikhs. It enabled the Sikhs to face the tyranny of Mughals and AfghAnswer: It was the outcome of the efforts of Dal Khalsa that the Sikhs could set up their independent Misls in Punjab. The Dal Khalsa propagated democratic principles. In fact, with the foundation of the Dal Khalsa, the Sikhs came out from the era of darkness and entered into a glorious era.
Objective Type Questions:
Question 1.
Give anyone cause responsible for the origin of the Dal Khalsa.
Or
What was the reason for the creation of the Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
The Sikhs wanted to consolidate their power.
Question 2.
When were Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal established?
Answer:
In 1734 A.D.
Question 3.
Which Sikhs were included in Buddha Dal?
Answer:
The Sikhs are above the age of 40.
Question 4.
Who was the leader of Buddha Dal?
Answer:
Nawab Kapoor Singh.
Question 5.
Which Sikhs were included in Taruna Dal?
Answer:
The Sikhs are below the age of 40.
Question 6.
What was the main duty of the Taruna Dal?
Answer:
To face the enemy.
Question 7.
When was Dal Khalsa established?
Answer:
March 29, 1748 A.D.
Question 8.
By whom was the Dal Khalsa founded?
Or
Who founded Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
Nawab Kapoor Singh.
Question 9.
Where was the Dal Khalsa founded?
Answer:
Amritsar.
Question 10.
What is meant by the Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
Military organization of the Sikhs.
Question 11.
Write the total number of main Jathas of the Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
12.
Question 12.
Write the name of one main Jatha of the Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
Sukarchakia Jatha.
Question 13.
When was the Chief Commander of the Dal Khalsa appointed?
Answer:
1748 A.D.
Question 14.
Who was the Chief Commander of the Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
Question 15.
Who was the First Commander of the Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
Question 16.
What title was conferred upon Jassa Singh Ahluwalia by the Khalsa?
Answer:
Sultan-ul-Qaum.
Question 17.
What do you mean by Sarbat Khalsa?
Answer:
Gathering of all the Sikhs.
Question 18.
What was the characteristic mode of warfare of the Dal Khalsa?
Or
What was the mode of fighting of the Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
Guerilla warfare.
Question 19.
Why did the Dal Khalsa adopt the guerilla mode of fighting?
Answer:
Because the resources of the Sikhs were very limited.
Question 20.
What was the importance of the Dal Khalsa?
Answer:
It consolidated the scattered Sikh force.
Fill in the blanks:
1. Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal were established in ……………..
Answer:
1734 A.D.
2. ………………. established Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal.
Answer:
Nawab Kapoor Singh
3. The Dal Khalsa was established in ……………….
Answer:
1748 A.D.
4. The Dei Khalsa was established at
Answer:
Amritsar
5. Sardar ……………….. was appointed the Chief Commander of Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
Jassa Singh Ahiuwalia
6. ………………… was an important organ of the army of Dal Khalsa.
Answer;
Cavalry
7. The Dal Khalsa adopted …………………. mode of fighting.
Answer:
Guerilla
True or False:
1. Nawab Kapoor Singh established Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal in 1738 A.D.
Answer:
False
2. The Dal Khalsa was established in 1749 A.D.
Answer:
False
3. The Dal Khalsa was established at Sri Anandpur Shib.
Answer:
True
4. Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was appointed the Chief Commander of Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
False
5. The cavalry was an important wing of the Dal Khalsa.
Answer:
True
6. The Dal Khalsa’s mode of fighting was gureiha warfare.
Answer:
True
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Why was the Dal Khalsa established?
(a) The Sikhs wanted to consolidate their power
(b) Nawab Kapoor Singh wanted to create unity among the Sikhs
(c) The Sikhs wanted to teach the Mughals a lesson
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(d) All of the above
2. When was the Dal Khalsa established?
(a) In 1733 A.D.
(b) In 1734 A.D.
(c) In 1739 A.D.
(d) In 1748 A.D.
Answer:
(d) In 1748 A.D.
3. By whom was the Dal Khalsa established?
(a) Nawab Kapoor Singh
(b) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
(c) Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
(d) Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
(a) Nawab Kapoor Singh
4. Where was the Dal Khalsa established?
(a) Delhi
(b) Jalandhar
(c) Amritsar
(d) Ludhiana.
Answer:
(c) Amritsar
5. Who was the Chief Commander of the Dal Khalsa?
(a) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
(b) Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
(c) Nawab Kapoor Singh
(d) Baba Ala Singh.
Answer:
(a) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
6. The title of Sultan-ul-Qaum was conferred upon which person by the Khalsa?
(a) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
(b) Nawab Kapoor Singh
(c) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
(d) Jai Singh.
Answer:
(c) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
7. Where were the Sarbat Khalsa congregations held?
(a) Delhi
(b) Lahore
(c) Amritsar
(d) Khadur Sahib.
Answer:
(c) Amritsar