ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Many of his barons rebelled, and in June 1215 they forced King John to sign a peace treaty accepting their reforms. This treaty, later known as Magna Carta, limited royal powers, defined feudal obligations between the King and the barons, and guaranteed a number of rights.

Detailed explanation-2: -On June 15, 1215, John met the barons at Runnymede on the Thames and set his seal to the Articles of the Barons, which after minor revision was formally issued as Magna Carta.

Detailed explanation-3: -Forced to negotiate, on 15 June 1215 at a site in Runnymede King John signed Magna Carta, a document that placed limitations on the king’s powers, ensured feudal rights and restated English law. It didn’t last. After first agreeing to the terms of Magna Carta, John reneged, asking the Pope to declare it invalid.

Detailed explanation-4: -Although King John did not follow the agreement, the ideas put forth in the Magna Carta became lasting principles of liberty to the English. Three of the clauses are still in force as English law including the freedom of the English Church, the “ancient liberties” of the City of London, and the right to due process.

Detailed explanation-5: -John was the youngest of the four surviving sons of King Henry II of England and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was nicknamed John Lackland (Norman French: Jean sans Terre lit. ‘John without land’) because he was not expected to inherit significant lands.