Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about MAJOR DEVELOPMENTs in from Class 7 Social_Science. India is a secular country because people who belong to different religions live here in harmony. Now let us learn about some of the major religions. India was influenced by the social, religious and ideological transitions in Europe and Asia. Chiefly, the rise, growth and influence of Christianity and Islamic religions on Indian history. This lesson deals with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad and their message to the mankind has been explained. Alongwith background of the Roman Catholic Church, the growth of Arab Empire and their contribution to Science, technology and literature and the impact of Mongols and Ottoman turks on global history has been explained. Let us understand our learning goals. First, understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad. Second, understanding the impact of the expansion of the Arab, the Mongol and the Turkish empires on Indian history. Third, to understand the contributions of Arabs to the field of Science and Literature. [CHECKPOINT]
Before we begin, let us ask, what is History? History is a systematic study of the past. It narrates the progress of mankind. While narrating the past events, we need to deal with three questions: When did the event happen? Where did it happen? Who were associated with it? Thus dates, places and persons form part of any historical event. Please remember that the English word religion is translated as Dharma in Kannada. The use of the word religion in this lesson is to mean Dharma. Now let us move on to Christianity. In the present time Christianity and Islam may be considered as popular religions of the world. Let us trace their origin, growth and impact. Christianity dates back to more than 2000 years. Jesus Christ was the founder of Christianity. The Bible is the holy book of Christians. The Bible contains the life and preachings of Christ. Jesus in Kannada is Yesu. The meaning of the word Christ is Saviour. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us learn about the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Israel. His mother was Mary. When he was about 30 years old he left his home and moved from place to place serving the weak and the poor. For him compassion was the essence of religious life. He preached through parables, which are moral stories. Influenced by the teachings of Jesus a large number of people followed him. At the same time, the religious leaders opposed him. They accused him of treason. Soon Jesus was crucified. Crucifixion was the punishment given to criminals in those days. What were his teachings? Jesus stressed that we are the children of God and hence we are all brothers. He called upon the people to lead a pure life without committing sins. Love your neighbour as yourself. Service to mankind is service to God. [CHECKPOINT]
After the death of Jesus, his twelve disciples started spreading his teachings zealously. As a result, several Christian communities emerged within the Roman empire. At first the Christians were persecuted. But in course of time, the Roman empire recognized the Christian faith. Later the Italian city of Rome emerged as the main centre of the Christian Church with the Pope as its supreme head. Under him missionaries were sent to various parts of the world to spread the new religion. Gradually the Church developed into a powerful religious organisation. Let us pause for an activity. It was a crime to crucify Jesus the divine messenger of peace. Discuss with your friends and write your opinion. Next, we will learn about Islam. Prophet Muhammad was the founder of Islam religion and also the last Prophet. He was born at Mecca in Arabia. Prophet is one who proclaims God's message. [CHECKPOINT]
Before the rise of Islam, there were several tribal groups in Arabia. For centuries these groups remained disunited. Kaba at Mecca was a well-known pilgrimage, where they practiced idols worship. Let us look at the life of Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad's father was Abdullah and mother Aminah. His father died before his birth. In early stage of his life he helped his uncle in his business. Later, a rich widow named Khadijah hired him as her business representative. Impressed by his simplicity and honesty she married him. At the age of forty, he received prophethood and was engaged in prayer and meditation in the cave of Hira. Then he started preaching God’s messages. The book containing these messages is Quran which is in Arabic language. Islam means Peace or Submission. Muslim means One who surrenders to God. [CHECKPOINT]
In due time followers of Prophet increased. Prophet Muhammed criticised the then existing practices and belief, this gave raise to large number of opponents. Hence he had to flight from Mecca and to Madina. The flight of Prophet Muhammed from Mecca to Madina marks the commencement of Hijrah era in Islamic religion. The people of Madina welcomed Muhammed. Later on he also won the hearts of the people of Mecca. The Kaaba in Madina was freed from idols. Soon the principles of Islam spread throughout Arabia. Kaaba, the holy place of the Muslims, Mecca. Now let us study the teachings of Islam. One God, monotheism is the fundamental philosophy of Islam. Prophet Muhammed is a prophet or messenger of God. According to Islam faith God is impersonal. Every Muslim should become a servant of God and be honest. The traders who believe in Islam religion should not cheat. Interest should not be collected on the money lent. Infanticide, drinking alcohol, gambling are the most sinful acts according to Islam. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us learn the religious practices of Islam. First is Kalima, which means belief only in Allah and that Muhammed is his Prophet. Second is Namaz, which is prayer for Allah for five times a day. Third is Roza, which is fasting in the month of Ramzan. Fourth is Zakath, where a definite sum of the income should be donated to the poor. Fifth is Haj, which is pilgrimage to Mecca once in lifetime. Let us do an activity. What do the Christian and Islam religions teach? List out the similarities and differences between them. Based on our lesson, you will find both emphasize belief in one supreme power, honesty, compassion for the weak, and service to mankind, while their specific practices and holy books differ. Now, let us explore the Islamic empire. The successors of Muhammad are called Caliphs. Over the time, the Caliphs waged wars and won victories to build a vast Islamic empire. As the empire expanded the number of followers of Islam increased. Arabs also invaded India. They not only conquered the province of Sindh but also spread the Islam religion there. [CHECKPOINT]
Later the Turks became the successors of the Arab empire. They entered India through Afghanistan and conducted several expeditions. As a result of this, the rule of Delhi Sultanate was established in India. Now let us appreciate the contributions of the Arabs. Arabs indulged Greek, Roman and Indian science and knowledge and enriched their civilization. The city of Baghdad was their famous centre of learning. The Arabs made their own contributions to the field of literature. The Arabian Nights, Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat and Firdausi's Shahnamah are some of the well-known epics in Persian language. Let us discuss an activity. The Arabs spread Indian mathematics to every corner of the world. Discuss and prepare a short essay. The Arabs made significant contributions to algebra, chemistry and astronomy. They learnt the use of numbers including zero from India and passed them on to the western world. The Arabs constructed impressive palaces, mosques, libraries and hospitals. Their magnificent mosques are at Mecca, Madina, Baghdad, Jerusalem and other places. The medical system known as Unani is an Arab contribution. [CHECKPOINT]
Next, we will study the Crusades. Palestine and its capital Jerusalem was a holy land for the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims. In order to gain control over Palestine, the Christians and the Muslims fought nine wars. In history these religious wars are known as the Crusades. What were the causes of the Crusades? Although Palestine was under the control of Ottoman Turks, the Christians undertook pilgrimage in Palestine for a long time. The Turks stopped the entry of the Christians into Palestine. This was the main cause of the Crusades. In the first Crusade, about 40000 Christians participated. They went on foot to Jerusalem and successfully brought it under their control. However, in the subsequent Crusades, the Christians did not attain any success worth mentioning. About 50000 Europeans took part in the tragic Fourth Crusade. But some died of exhaustion on the way. The enemies made the captives as slaves. [CHECKPOINT]
What were the results of the Crusades? On the whole, the Christians failed to gain control over the holy land. However, the Crusades led to more contacts and trade relations between Europe and Asia. Now let us move to the Mongols. Mongolia in Central Asia is a vast grassland. A nomadic tribe called the Mongols lived in the region. Their means of livelihood was rearing cattle. Let us learn about Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan united the Mongols and built a vast empire in Asia. But the barbaric acts he has done are shocking to the readers of history. Next is Qublai Khan. Qublai Khan was the grandson of Genghis Khan. Qublai Khan became the Emperor of China. A good administrator and a kind ruler, he undertook several public works to promote the welfare of the people. He fed the hungry during periods of famine. He encouraged art and scholars. Influenced by the religion and culture of China, he converted to Buddhism. Qublai Khan is an example of how good persons do influence those who come in contact with them. [CHECKPOINT]
After the decline of the empire built by Qublai Khan, his successor Timur once again established its reputation. He built a vast empire by conquering Persia, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and many parts of Russia. Timur also invaded India. Babur, who founded the Mughal or Mongol rule in India, belonged to the lineage of Timur. Now let us learn about the Ottoman Turks. Turks, a nomadic people. Originated in Central Asia’s Turkistan, now Turkmenistan. They became followers of Islam. After the decline of Qublai Khan’s empire, the Turks occupied vast areas around. They built a military state called Ottoman. The Ottoman turks invaded India. Let us know an interesting fact. Bethlehem is a small town near Jerusalem. It is in the province of Judea in Israel. Jesus was a Jewish or Hebrew descendant. [CHECKPOINT]
Now it is time to practice with the exercises. Let us fill in the blanks. First, the holy book of Christians is the Bible. Second, the birth place of Mohammed Paigambar was Mecca. Third, Qublai Khan was the grandson of Genghis Khan. Fourth, the Origin of turks was Central Asia’s Turkistan. Now let us discuss and answer the questions. Where was Jesus Christ born? Who was his mother? Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem in Israel. His mother was Mary. What are the main teachings of Jesus Christ? He taught that we are children of God and hence all brothers. He asked people to lead a pure life without sin, to love your neighbour as yourself, and that service to mankind is service to God. What was the main cause of the Crusades? The main cause was that the Ottoman Turks stopped the entry of Christians into Palestine for pilgrimage. What are the main teachings of prophet Muhammad? He taught monotheism, that God is impersonal, Muslims should be honest servants of God, traders should not cheat, no interest should be collected, and infanticide, drinking alcohol, and gambling are most sinful. Mention any two contributions of the Arab civilization. They enriched civilization by absorbing Greek, Roman and Indian knowledge, made contributions to algebra, chemistry, astronomy, literature like the Arabian Nights, and introduced the Unani medical system. Write a note on the Ottoman Turks. Turks were nomadic people originating in Central Asia’s Turkistan, now Turkmenistan. They became followers of Islam, built a military state called Ottoman after Qublai Khan’s empire declined, and invaded India. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us complete the activities. First, read the parables of the Bible. Second, read the biography of Jesus Christ. Third, read the biography of Prophet Muhammad. Fourth, mark the places associated with Christianity and Islam on the map. For the map activity, imagine a world map where you locate Bethlehem and Jerusalem in Israel for Christianity, and Mecca and Madina in Arabia for Islam. You can also mark Baghdad in Iraq and the spread of the Islamic empire into Sindh in India. This helps visualize the geographical spread of these major religions. Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]