Reshaping India's Political Map and Cell Observation

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers biological observation of animal cells, the life and conquests of Mughal founder Babur, the administrative reforms of Sher Shah Suri, and the major powers of Southern India.

Methylene blue

A stain used during the procedure of observing animal cells under a microscope, added after collecting the material.

Animal cells

Cells observed as polygon-shaped structures that lack a rigid wall.

Zahir-ad-din Muhammad Babur

The founder of the Mughal empire, born in AD 1483 at Farghana, a small kingdom in Central Asia.

First Battle of Panipat

A decisive confrontation on 21 April 1526 where Babur's army defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Tulughma

A military tactic used by Babur involving the division of the army into mobile units.

Araba

A defensive tactic used by Babur involving the use of carts as barricades.

Tuzuk-i-Baburi (Baburnama)

The autobiography of Babur written in Turki, documenting countries, physical features, flora, fauna, and contemporary life.

Prince of Autobiographers

A title often given to Babur due to his accomplishment as a scholar and author of his detailed memoirs.

Charbagh

A Persian four-part garden style introduced by Babur in India for the design of garden-palaces.

Bagh-e-Babur

The garden in Kabul where Babur was buried after his death on December 26, 1530.

Sher Shah Suri

A powerful Afghan noble who established domination over northern India between 1540 and 1555 after defeating Humayun.

Battle of Chausa

A 1539 conflict where Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun for the first time.

Battle of Kannauj

Also known as the Battle of Bilgram (1540), it was the decisive victory for Sher Shah Suri that forced Humayun to flee to Persia.

Rupia

New silver coins introduced by Sher Shah Suri during his administrative reforms.

Dam

Copper coins introduced into the standardized currency system by Sher Shah Suri.

Sarak-i-Azam

Also known as the Grand Trunk Road, it stretched from Sonargaon (near Dhaka) to the Indus region, covering about $1,500$ kos.

Sarais

Rest houses provided along major roads like the Grand Trunk Road to facilitate travel and trade.

Gajapati

A title meaning 'Lord of Elephants' used by the rulers of Odisha.

Narapati

A title meaning 'Lord of Men' assumed by Rajput and Vijayanagara rulers.

Chhatrapati

A title meaning 'Lord of the Umbrella' used by Maratha rulers to symbolise sovereignty.

Krishnadeva Raya

The greatest king of the Vijayanagara empire (AD 1509-1529) who oversaw its height of power and prosperity.

Raichur Doab

A fertile region situated between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers annexed by Krishnadeva Raya.

Bahmani kingdom

The major rival of Vijayanagara, founded in AD 1347 by Ala-ud-din Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu).

Tarafdars

Provincial governors of the Bahmani kingdom who eventually declared autonomy, leading to the formation of five independent states.