History Notes Chapter 4 Maharashtra before the Times of Shivaji Maharaj Class 7 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 7
1. What is a Village?

• A village is a small settlement where people live and work.
• In medieval Maharashtra, villages were self-sufficient, meaning they produced most of what they needed.
• Farming was the main occupation, and people also worked as weavers, carpenters, potters, and blacksmiths.

2. What is a Kasba and Pargana?

• A Kasba is a big village that served as the center of trade and administration.
• A Pargana is a group of many villages and was managed by officers like Deshmukh and Deshpande.
• Each village had its own administration, officers, and rules.

3. Village Officers and Their Duties

Villages in medieval Maharashtra were run by different officers who had important responsibilities.

• The Patil and Kulkarni worked together to manage the village properly.
• The Deshmukh and Deshpande controlled multiple villages under a Pargana.

4. Village Economy and Occupations

• Most people in villages were farmers.
• Some people were artisans like carpenters, blacksmiths, and potters.
• Artisans were paid in Balut, which means they received a share of the crops instead of money.
• Some officers received Vatan, which means they got land as a salary but did not have to pay taxes on it.

5. Land and Tax System

• People had to pay taxes to the government.
• Some officials were given land as payment instead of money.
• Budruk villages were the original settlements, while new villages were called Khurd.

6. Famous Saints of Maharashtra and Their Teachings

In medieval Maharashtra, many Bhakti saints spread messages of love, equality, and devotion to God.

Why Were These Saints Important?

• They helped remove caste discrimination and taught that all people are equal.
• They encouraged worshiping God with love instead of following strict rituals.
• They wrote poetry and songs in simple Marathi so that common people could understand.

7. What is the Bhakti Movement?

• The Bhakti Movement was a spiritual movement that promoted devotion (bhakti) to God.
• It rejected caste differences, rituals, and idol worship.
• People worshiped God by singing songs, praying, and doing good deeds.

Main Teachings of Bhakti Saints:

• There is only one God, even though He is called by different names.
• All people are equal, whether rich or poor.
• Love and devotion to God are more important than rituals.
• Helping others is a way of worshiping God.
• Living an honest and simple life is the best way to reach God.

8. What is Sufism?

• Sufism is a spiritual movement in Islam that teaches love, kindness, and peace.
• Sufi saints believed in helping the poor and treating everyone equally.
• They spread their message through music, poetry, and prayers.

9. Importance of the Bhakti and Sufi Movements

• Brought Hindus and Muslims closer and encouraged peace.
• Made religion simple and based on love, not rituals.
• Helped in the growth of languages like Hindi, Punjabi, and Marathi.
• Inspired people to serve humanity and live a peaceful life.

10. Challenges in Medieval Villages

• Droughts caused food shortages, and people had to leave their villages.
• Heavy taxes made life difficult for farmers.
• Villages depended on rivers and wells for water, but during summers, there was often a shortage of water.

11. Impact of Saints on Society

• Saints spread knowledge through simple language.
• They encouraged hard work, honesty, and devotion.
• Their teachings are still followed today and have influenced literature and culture.