Easy2Siksha Sample Papers
GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Questions
B.A. 3rd Semester
Punjab History & Culture (1000–1650 A.D.)
Based on 3-Year GNDU Question Paper Trend (2022–2024)
Must-Prepare Questions (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Society & Culture)
1. Society and culture of Punjab during Turko-Afghan rule
Appeared in: 2022 (Q1), 2023 (Q1), 2024 (Q1)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
2. Social, economic, and religious life of Punjab under Mughals
Appeared in: 2022 (Q2), 2023 (Q2), 2024 (Q2)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
2025 Smart Prediction Table
(Based on GNDU 2022–2024 Trend)
No.
Question Topic
Years
Appeared
Probability for 2025
1
Society & Culture of Punjab during Turko-
Afghan rule
2022–2024
(100%)
2
Social, Economic & Religious Life under
Mughals
2022–2024
(100%)
2025 GUARANTEED QUESTIONS
(100% Appearance Trend – Must Prepare)
1. Society & Culture of Punjab during Turko-Afghan rule
2. Social, Economic & Religious Life under Mughals
Easy2Siksha Sample Papers
GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Answers
B.A. 3rd Semester
Punjab History & Culture (1000–1650 A.D.)
Based on 3-Year GNDU Question Paper Trend (2022–2024)
Must-Prepare Questions (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Society & Culture)
1. Society and culture of Punjab during Turko-Afghan rule
Appeared in: 2022 (Q1), 2023 (Q1), 2024 (Q1)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
Ans: Society and Culture of Punjab during the Turko–Afghan Rule
Imagine the Punjab of a thousand years ago — a land of five rivers, green fields, bustling
markets, and brave people. Punjab has always been called the Gateway of India, and for
centuries it stood as the first land that foreign invaders would step onto when entering
the subcontinent. Among the many who came, the Turko-Afghans left a deep and
lasting mark on the social and cultural life of Punjab.
Their rule, which began with Mahmud of Ghazni’s raids in the 11th century and
continued with various Turko-Afghan dynasties such as the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, Delhi
Sultans, and later the Lodhis, transformed Punjab from a land of regional rulers to a
region influenced by Islamic culture, art, and administration. Let’s explore this
transformation like a journey through time.
The Setting: Punjab before the Turko-Afghans
Before the arrival of the Turko-Afghans, Punjab was ruled by local Hindu and Rajput
rulers. The society was largely agricultural and organized along caste lines. Religion
played a central role in daily life, with temples as centers of both worship and learning.
But this world changed dramatically when waves of Turko-Afghan rulers arrived from
the northwest, bringing with them not only armies but also new ideas, faiths, and ways
of life.
Arrival of the Turko-Afghans: A Turning Point
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When Mahmud of Ghazni first invaded Punjab in the 11th century, his main motive was
wealth and power. But after the Ghurid conquest, especially under Muhammad Ghori,
and later the Delhi Sultanate, Punjab became permanently linked with the Muslim
world.
Cities like Lahore and Multan became important administrative and cultural centers.
The Turko-Afghans not only ruled but settled here, bringing Persian, Turkish, and
Central Asian traditions that began to blend with the local Indian customs. This mixing of
cultures created a unique Punjabi identity — one that reflected both eastern and
western influences.
Society under the Turko-Afghans
Let’s now step into the everyday life of people in Punjab during this time.
1. Rulers and Nobles
At the top of society were the Turko-Afghan rulers, nobles, and military officers. They
controlled land and revenue and lived in grand palaces or forts. They followed Islam,
wore Central Asian-style clothes, and spoke Persian, which became the language of the
court and administration.
However, many nobles also began adopting Indian customs, marrying into local families
and learning local languages like Punjabi and Hindi. This gradual blending of lifestyles
helped create a sense of coexistence between rulers and the ruled.
2. Merchants and Artisans
Below the nobles were the traders, merchants, and artisans. The Turko-Afghans
encouraged trade, and Punjab’s location made it a natural link between Central Asia and
India. Markets were full of silk, spices, horses, carpets, and jewelry.
Artisans such as weavers, metal workers, and potters flourished under royal patronage.
The rulers built mosques, forts, and tombs — all requiring skilled craftsmen. This led to
an exchange of techniques between local Hindu artisans and the new Muslim architects,
giving rise to a distinctive Indo-Islamic style of art and architecture.
3. Peasants
The largest section of society remained the peasants. They tilled the fertile lands of
Punjab, growing wheat, barley, and sugarcane. Though they worked hard, they paid
heavy taxes to the rulers and landlords. Their lives were simple — small mud houses,
local festivals, and deep attachment to their land. Despite being ruled by foreign
powers, their customs and village life remained largely unchanged.
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4. Religious Scholars and Saints
Another significant group in society were the religious teachers and Sufi saints. While
the rulers spread Islam through power and governance, the Sufis spread it through love,
peace, and spirituality. They spoke to people in their own language, preached equality,
and respected all faiths.
Famous Sufis like Baba Farid of Pakpattan, Hazrat Baha-ud-Din Zakariya of Multan, and
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sindh became beloved figures among both Muslims and
Hindus. Their shrines became centers of learning, music, and poetry. They played a key
role in shaping the spiritual and cultural life of Punjab.
Cultural Life during the Turko-Afghan Rule
Punjab during the Turko-Afghan period was not only a place of battles and politics but
also of cultural creativity. A new cultural synthesis began — a meeting of Indian and
Islamic traditions.
1. Language and Literature
The Turko-Afghans brought Persian as the official language. It became the language of
administration, poetry, and learning. Over time, Persian words mixed with local dialects,
giving rise to the early form of Punjabi and Urdu.
Poetry flourished during this era. The mystical verses of Baba Farid and other Sufis,
written in the local tongue, laid the foundation for Punjabi literature. This literature
carried messages of love, tolerance, and humanity — values that deeply influenced the
Punjabi spirit.
2. Art and Architecture
If you could walk through the streets of medieval Punjab, you would see beautiful
mosques, tombs, and madrasas built in the new Indo-Islamic style. The best examples
include the tombs of Multan, decorated with blue tiles and geometric designs.
This architecture blended Persian symmetry, Central Asian domes, and Indian
craftsmanship. It was a true symbol of cultural fusion. The same style later inspired
Mughal architecture, making Punjab a pioneer of architectural transformation.
3. Music and Sufism
Music also found a new life during the Turko-Afghan period. The Sufis used music and
poetry as a way to connect with God. This led to the growth of Qawwali and Kafi —
musical traditions that combined Persian and Indian melodies.
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In villages and towns, people would gather around Sufi shrines, singing songs of love,
faith, and devotion. These musical traditions became part of Punjab’s cultural soul and
are still alive today.
4. Education and Learning
The rulers established madrasas (Islamic schools) where students learned not only
theology but also philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and literature. Lahore and
Multan became centers of Islamic education.
However, Hindu temples and pathshalas also continued to exist, where Sanskrit and
Indian scriptures were taught. Thus, two streams of learning coexisted — one Islamic
and one traditional Indian — often influencing each other.
Religious Life and Social Harmony
Religion in Punjab during the Turko-Afghan period was diverse yet dynamic. Islam
spread gradually, not by force but through example and compassion. The Sufis and
saints emphasized that all humans are equal before God, and this message appealed
deeply to people of all backgrounds.
At the same time, Hindu and Sikh traditions began to evolve in response to this
environment of religious interaction. The seeds of Sikhism, for instance, were sown in
this very period, nourished by ideas of equality, unity, and devotion — values that both
Hindu Bhakti saints and Muslim Sufis shared.
Legacy of the Turko-Afghan Rule in Punjab
By the end of the Turko-Afghan rule, Punjab had changed forever. It was no longer just a
frontier region; it had become a vibrant center of trade, culture, and spirituality.
• Persian became the language of administration and culture.
• Sufism left a deep spiritual mark on society.
• Art, architecture, and literature reflected a blend of Islamic and Indian styles.
• The idea of brotherhood and harmony across faiths began to grow, which later
found fuller expression in the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Thus, the society and culture of Punjab during this time became a melting pot of
civilizations, where different peoples, religions, and traditions came together to create
something uniquely beautiful.
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Conclusion
The story of Punjab under the Turko-Afghan rule is not just one of conquests and kings
— it is a story of transformation. It is about how a land of diversity learned to embrace
new influences without losing its essence.
From the forts of Lahore to the shrines of Multan, from Persian poetry to Punjabi songs,
the Turko-Afghan period gave Punjab a cultural richness that still defines it today.
It was a time when the sword brought power, but the pen and the prayer brought
unity. And out of this blend of strength and spirit, Punjab emerged as a land known not
just for its bravery, but for its soulful culture — a culture that continues to inspire
generations.
2. Social, economic, and religious life of Punjab under Mughals
Appeared in: 2022 (Q2), 2023 (Q2), 2024 (Q2)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
Ans: Social, Economic, and Religious Life of Punjab under the Mughals
If you were to step into Punjab during the Mughal era—between the 16th and 18th
centuries—you would find yourself in a land full of contrasts. The fertile fields stretched
endlessly, bazaars buzzed with traders, and shrines echoed with prayers. Punjab was not
just another province of the Mughal Empire; it was the gateway of India, where
caravans entered, armies marched, and cultures mingled.
The life of the people here—social, economic, and religious—was shaped both by
Mughal policies and by Punjab’s own traditions. Let’s explore each aspect as if we are
walking through the lanes of Lahore, the fields of Amritsar, and the shrines of Multan.
Social Life
1. A Diverse Society
Punjab was home to peasants, artisans, traders, nobles, and saints.
• Peasants formed the majority, working tirelessly in the fields.
• Artisans like weavers, potters, and blacksmiths filled the markets with goods.
• Merchants connected Punjab to Central Asia and the rest of India.
• Zamindars and nobles collected revenue and lived in relative luxury.
This mix of classes gave Punjab a vibrant and layered society.
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2. Village Life
Most people lived in villages.
• Houses were simple, made of mud and thatch.
• Wells and ponds were community centers.
• Festivals like Baisakhi brought joy, music, and dance.
Life was tough due to heavy taxation, but the rhythm of agriculture and festivals gave it
balance.
3. Urban Life
Cities like Lahore, Amritsar, and Multan were bustling.
• Lahore served as a Mughal capital at times, filled with gardens, forts, and
markets.
• Amritsar grew around the Golden Temple, becoming both a spiritual and
commercial hub.
• Multan was famous for its saints and handicrafts.
Urban Punjab reflected Mughal grandeur—caravanserais for travelers, bazaars for trade,
and monuments for beauty.
4. Position of Women
• In villages, women worked alongside men in fields and homes.
• In elite families, women lived more secluded lives, though some, like Nur Jahan,
influenced politics.
• Customs like child marriage and purdah existed, but Sikh Gurus emphasized
dignity and equality for women.
5. Culture and Arts
• Folk songs, dances like bhangra and giddha, and storytelling flourished.
• Mughal influence brought Persian art, miniature painting, and architecture.
• Local crafts like phulkari embroidery became symbols of Punjabi identity.
Economic Life
1. Agriculture: The Backbone
Punjab’s fertile soil made it the breadbasket of the empire.
• Main crops: wheat, barley, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and pulses.
• Irrigation: canals and wells supported farming.
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• Revenue: Akbar’s land revenue system collected taxes through zamindars.
Peasants bore the burden of taxation, but Punjab’s fertility ensured surplus production.
2. Trade and Commerce
Punjab’s location made it a gateway of trade.
• Caravans from Central Asia entered through Punjab, bringing horses, carpets, and
dry fruits.
• Indian goods like cotton textiles, indigo, and spices moved outward.
• Lahore became a major trading hub, while Amritsar rose as a commercial center.
3. Handicrafts and Industry
Punjab was known for its crafts:
• Textiles: cotton weaving, phulkari embroidery, and silk.
• Carpets and Shawls: Kashmiri influence enriched Punjab’s markets.
• Metalwork and Pottery: both utilitarian and artistic.
These industries gave Punjab both local identity and export value.
4. Revenue and Taxation
• The Mughal system measured land and taxed accordingly.
• Zamindars collected revenue, often squeezing peasants.
• Despite exploitation, Punjab remained prosperous and vital to the empire.
5. Roads and Infrastructure
• Mughal rulers built roads, bridges, and caravanserais.
• The Grand Trunk Road, passing through Punjab, connected it to Delhi and Kabul.
• This improved trade and mobility, making Punjab a lively corridor of exchange.
Religious Life
1. A Land of Many Faiths
Punjab was home to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and smaller communities like Jains.
• Hindus worshipped in temples and followed age-old traditions.
• Muslims prayed in mosques and revered Sufi saints.
• Sikhs emerged as a new community under Guru Nanak and his successors.
2. Mughal Religious Policy
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• Akbar promoted tolerance, abolished jizya, and encouraged dialogue.
• Jahangir and Shah Jahan continued relative tolerance.
• Aurangzeb reimposed jizya and followed stricter policies, leading to tensions.
Punjab, being a frontier province, felt these shifts strongly.
3. Sufism and Saints
Punjab was dotted with Sufi shrines—in Multan, Lahore, and Pakpattan.
• Sufi saints preached love, harmony, and devotion.
• Their dargahs became centers of spiritual and social life.
4. Rise of Sikhism
The most significant religious development was the rise of Sikhism.
• Guru Nanak (1469–1539) preached equality, simplicity, and devotion to one God.
• Successive Gurus built the Sikh community, with Amritsar and the Golden Temple
as its heart.
• Guru Arjan Dev’s execution under Jahangir marked growing tensions.
• Later Gurus, especially Guru Hargobind and Guru Gobind Singh, gave Sikhism a
martial character in response to Mughal oppression.
Sikhism became not just a religion but also a social and political force in Punjab.
5. Festivals and Practices
• Hindus celebrated Diwali, Holi, and Baisakhi.
• Muslims observed Eid and Muharram.
• Sikhs celebrated Gurpurabs and Baisakhi (later linked to the Khalsa).
Festivals brought communities together, blending joy with devotion.
Conclusion: Punjab’s Unique Legacy
The social, economic, and religious life of Punjab under the Mughals was a blend of
fertile fields, busy markets, and vibrant faiths.
• Socially, it was diverse and dynamic, with peasants, artisans, nobles, and saints
shaping daily life.
• Economically, it was prosperous, thanks to agriculture, trade, and crafts.
• Religiously, it was a land of coexistence, but also of new beginnings—especially
the rise of Sikhism.
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Punjab was not just a province under Mughal rule; it was a crossroads of cultures and
ideas, a land where tolerance and tension, prosperity and struggle, tradition and change
all coexisted.
And that is why, when we study Punjab under the Mughals, we don’t just see history—
we see the roots of a culture that still defines the spirit of Punjab today: hardworking,
diverse, spiritual, and resilient.
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