The Mughal Emperors, an illustrious lineage that spanned over three centuries in the Indian subcontinent, wielded immense power, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s history, culture, and architecture. Originating from Central Asia, the Mughals rose to prominence in the 16th century under the leadership of Babur, who established the empire by overthrowing the Sultanate of Delhi. Renowned for their opulent courts, sophisticated governance, and promotion of arts and literature, the Mughal Emperors presided over a diverse and prosperous realm, encompassing present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. From Akbar the Great’s policy of religious tolerance to Shah Jahan’s architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal, each emperor contributed distinctively to the empire’s legacy, leaving behind a rich tapestry of achievements and controversies that continue to fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike.
Q1. Mughal painting reached its zenith under
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shahjahan
Ans. (c)
Mughal painting flourished to its peak during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, who harbored a profound passion for the art form. Under his rule, a seamless integration of Persian and Indian painting styles occurred, resulting in a synthesis that liberated Indian painting from external influences.
Q2. In medieval India, Mansabdari system was introduced mainly for (1996)
(a) making recruitment to the army
(b) facilitating revenue collection
(c) ensuring religious harmony
(d) effective cleaning administration
Ans. (b)
During medieval India, the Mansabdari system emerged primarily to streamline revenue collection. Formally instituted by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571 AD, this distinctive system served the dual purpose of military administration and territorial command, crucial for maintaining different segments of the army. Derived from practices observed in Mongolia, Mansabdari denotes the position or authority held by an individual within the system.
Q3. The medieval Indian writer who refers to the discovery of America is (1997)
(a) Malik Mohammad Jayasi
(b) Amir Khusrau
(c) Ras Khan
(d) Abul Fazl
Ans. (d)
In medieval India, Abul Fazl, known for his historical contributions, notably referenced the discovery of America, which he termed ‘Alumnan’. His renowned work, the ‘Akbarnama’, spanning three volumes, stands as the authoritative history of Akbar’s reign.
Malik Mohammad Jayasi, an Indian Sufi poet and revered Pir, left a lasting legacy with his masterpiece, the epic poem “Padmavat”, penned in 1540 AD. This work holds significance as the oldest surviving text among the esteemed literary works in Awadhi.
Q4. The head of the military department under the recognised central machinery of administration during Akbar’s reign was (1998)
(a) Diwan
(b) Mir Bakshi
(c) Mir Saman
(d) Bakshi
Ans. (b)
During Akbar’s reign, Mir Bakshi served as the chief of the military department within the established central administration machinery.
Q5. Assertion (A) During the reign of Shah Jahan, Dara Sikoh was sent on expedition to Balkh, Badakh-Shah and Kandahar.
Reason (R) The expedition sent by Shah Jahan to the Middle-East was a marvellous success. (1998)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (c)
Although it is true that Dara Sikoh was dispatched on an expedition to Balkh, Badakh-Shah, and Kandahar during Shah Jahan’s reign, the outcome was not successful. Despite being equipped with a sizable army and two of the most formidable artillery pieces of the Mughal era, the expedition ended in failure. In fact, it was during Shah Jahan’s reign that the Mughals permanently lost control of Kandahar.
Q6. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer for List II using the codes given below the lists. (1998)
List I
A. 1556. 1. Battle of Haldi Ghati
B. 1600 2. Nadir Shah’s capture of Delhi
C. 1680 3. Death of Shivaji
D. 1739 4. Grant of Charter to East India Company
5. Accession of Akbar
Codes ABCD
(a) 3 4 2 1
(b) 5 4 3 2
(c) 5 2 1 4
(d) 1 5 3 2
Ans.(b)
The accurate pairing is as follows: A-5, B-4, C-3, D-2.
In 1556 AD, amidst a conflict with Sikandar Shah for the Mughal throne, Akbar succeeded Humayun. Bairam Khan enthroned the 14-year-old Akbar on a newly constructed platform in Kalanam, Punjab.
In 1600 AD, Queen Elizabeth granted a royal charter to the Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies. Sir Thomas Smith became its inaugural governor.
In 1680 AD, Shivaji passed away at the age of 52 due to fever and dysentery.
In 1739 AD, Emperor Nadir Shah of Persia invaded the Mughal Empire, culminating in the capture of Delhi after defeating the Mughals at the Battle near Karnal.
The Battle of Haldighati occurred in 1576 AD, pitting Rana of Mewar, Maharana Pratap, against the forces of Mughal Emperor Akbar led by Maan Singh I of Amber.
Q7. In the given map, the shaded part represents Akbar’s empire at a certain juncture:
A stands for an independent country and B marks the site of a city. Which one of the following alternatives given all correct information? (1998)
(a) Akbar in 1557 (A) Golkonda, (B) Lahore
(b) Akbar in 1557 (A) Khandesh, (B) Multan
(c) Akbar in 1605 (A) Gondwana, (B)Multan
(d) Akbar in 1605 (A) Gondwana, (B) Lahore
Ans. (d)
The shaded region on the map delineates the extent of Akbar’s empire at a specific point in time. A denotes Gondwana, an autonomous nation, while B indicates the location of Lahore city. This map illustrates Akbar’s dominion as it stood upon his passing in 1605 AD.
Q8. The loss of Kandahar was a big blow to the Mughal empire from the view point of (1998)
(a) natural resources
(b) buffer territory
(c) communication
(d) strategic stronghold
Ans. (d)
The fall of Kandahar dealt a significant blow to the strategic hold of the Mughal Empire. Moreover, it was perceived as a dent in the empire’s prestige, prompting Emperor Shah Jahan’s resolute determination to reclaim the city under Mughal dominion.
Q9. Consider the following statements. Ahadis were those troopers who (1998)
1. offered their services single.
2. did not attach themselves to any chief.
3. has the emperor as their immediate colonel.
4. attached themselves to Mirzas.
Which of these statement(s) choose the correct one?
(a) 1,3 and 4
(b) 1,2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 4
Ans. (b)
Statements (1), (2), and (3) stand accurate. Ahadis, distinguished troopers, operated independently without allegiance to any particular leader, directly serving the emperor as their immediate commander. The Mughal rulers upheld modest permanent military forces, with Ahadis comprising the emperor’s personal troops, exclusively enlisted by the monarch himself, predominantly from his familial and tribal circles. They possessed separate payroll systems, overseen by their own paymasters, enjoying superior compensation compared to standard cavalrymen. Statement (4) is erroneous, as Ahadis were not affiliated with Mirzas. Furthermore, the emperor oversaw infantry units and maintained an artillery brigade distinct from the Ahadis.
Q10. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (1999)
(a) Jahangir: William Hawkins
(b) Akbar: Sir Thomas Roe
(c) Shah Jahan: Travernier
(d) Aurangzeb: Manucci
Ans. (b)
The pairing of (b) is inaccurate, as it misrepresents the role of Sir Thomas Roe. He served as an English diplomat, presenting his credentials to Emperor Jahangir as the Ambassador of the King of England in 1615 AD. In this capacity, Jahangir granted him permission to engage in trade in Surat.
Q11. Assertion (A) During the time of Akbar, for every ten cavalrymen, the mansabdars had to maintain twenty horses.
Reason (R) Horses had to be rested while on march (1999)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. and replacements were necessary in times of war.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (d)
During the reign of Emperor Jahangir, the Mansabdars were mandated to uphold a system known as ‘Duh Aspa Sih Aspa’. This system necessitated the maintenance of twenty horses for every ten cavalrymen. These horses were crucial for providing rest during marches and ensuring replacements during wartime. To prevent corruption, meticulous records detailing the description (Huliya) of each horseman under a Mansabdar and the branding (dag) of horses were diligently maintained.
Q12. The given map refers to the kingdom of (2000)
(a) Akbar at the time of capture of Khandesh in 1601
(b) Akbar at the time of his death in 1605
(c) Aurangzeb at the time of capture of Hyderabad
(d) Aurangzeb at the time of his death in 1707
Ans. (a)
The map depicts the realm of Akbar during the conquest of Khandesh in 1601 AD. Once known as Khandesh, the Northwestern region of Maharashtra held significance. Asirgarh stood as a prominent fortress within Khandesh. In the year 1601 AD, Mughal Emperor Akbar incorporated the Sultanate of Khandesh into his dominion, establishing Burhanpur as the capital of the Mughal Empire’s Khandesh Subah.
Q13. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (2000)
List I List II
A. Iqta 1. Marathas
B. Jagir 2. Delhi Sultans
C. Amaram 3. Mughals
D. Mokasa 4. Vijayanagara
Codes
ABCD
(a) 3 2 1 4
(b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 3 2 4 1
Ans. (b)
The correct matching is: A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
The Iqta system was implemented by Delhi Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, marking its introduction into India. Mughal Emperor Akbar established the Jagir and Mansab institutions as primary mechanisms for consolidating and expanding his empire. In the Vijayanagara empire, the Amaram system was introduced, wherein land pieces were allocated to military chiefs. Similarly, the Marathas introduced the Mokasa system, wherein ordinary soldiers received cash payments while chiefs and military commanders were granted Jagir allowances, known as Saranjam.
Q14. Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during the Mughal period? (2001)
(a) Calicut
(b) Broach
(c) Cambay
(d) Surat
Ans. (d)
During the Mughal era, Surat port earned the moniker “Babul Makka” (Gate of Mecca). Throughout medieval times, it served as a pivotal departure point for pilgrim ships embarking on the journey to Mecca via the sea route, earning it the title “Gateway to Mecca.” Additionally, Surat gained renown as the “Gateway of West Asia,” emerging as a bustling hub for the trade of goods and textiles via maritime routes to various nations.
Q15. Assertion (A) The Battle of Khanwa was certainly more decisive and significant than the First Battle of Panipat.
Reason (R) Rana Sanga, the Rajput hero, was certainly a more formidable adversary than Ibrahim Lodhi. (2001)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (b)
Both A and R are true. However, R is not the correct explanation of A. The Battle of Khanwa, which took place in 1527 AD, indeed stands as more decisive and significant than the first Battle of Panipat. It saw Mughal forces led by Babur confront the Rajput alliance under Rana Sanga of Mewar. The outcome favored the Mughals, solidifying their power and paving the way for their enduring rule. Meanwhile, the Battle of Khatoli in 1517 AD, where Rana Sanga of Mewar defeated Ibrahim Lodhi, Sultan of Delhi, and briefly held him captive before his release upon payment of ransom, stands as a separate historical event.
Q16. The shaded area in the above map shows the empire of (2001)
(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Mohammad Tughlaq
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Ans. (c)
The shaded portion depicted on the map illustrates the realm under the reign of Shah Jahan. Ascending to the Mughal throne on January 24th, 1628 AD, in Agra, shortly after Jahangir’s passing, Shah Jahan orchestrated a comprehensive expansion of his dominion. His conquests encompassed diverse directions, including the annexation of the Rajput Kingdoms of Baglana and Bundelkhand in 1635 AD, along with the acquisition of the territories of Bijapur and Golconda in the Deccan region.
Q17. The motive behind Shah Jahan’s Balkh campaign was to (2002)
(a) secure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakhshan which bordered Kabul
(b) conquer Samarkand and Ferghana, the Mughal homelands
(c) fix the Mughal frontier on the ‘scientific line’, the Amu Daria
(d) expand the Mughal Empire beyond the sub-continent
Ans. (a)
Shah Jahan’s Balkh campaign was driven by the strategic aim of establishing a supportive ruler in the strategically important regions of Balkh and Badakhshan, adjacent to Kabul. This military endeavor, initiated in 1646-47 AD, saw the Mughal Emperor deploying a formidable force of 60,000 soldiers under the command of his son, Murad Baksh, who served as the appointed Commander-in-Chief. The campaign’s primary objective was to extend Mughal influence and secure a friendly governance in these vital border territories.
Q18. Assertion (A) Emperor Akbar marched towards Afghanistan in 1581 with a huge army.
Reason (R) He was on his way to reclaim his ancestral country of Ferghana in Central Asia. (2003)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (c)
In 1581, Emperor Akbar led a formidable army towards Afghanistan, ultimately capturing Kabul and establishing his residence in the historic citadel once inhabited by Babur. This strategic move served as a vital safeguard for his empire. Despite his conquest, Akbar harbored no ambitions to reclaim his ancestral lands in Ferghana, located in Central Asia.
Q19. Alam Khan, one of those who invited Babur to invade India was (2003)
(a) an uncle of Ibrahim Lodhi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi
(b) a cousin of Ibrahim Lodhi who was ill-treated and expelled from the country
(c) the father of Dilawar Khan to whom cruel treatment was meted out by Ibrahim Lodhi
(d) a high official in Punjab province who was very much discontented with Ibrahim Lodhi treatment to his tribe
Ans. (a)
Alam Khan, an uncle of Ibrahim Lodhi and a claimant to the Delhi throne, extended an invitation to Babur to invade India. Also recognized as ‘Alauddin’, Alam Khan, along with Daulat Khan, a prominent adversary of Ibrahim Lodhi, facilitated Babur’s entry into India. This alliance culminated in the decisive battle of Panipat in 1526 AD, where Babur’s forces triumphed over Ibrahim Lodhi.
Q20. The Battle of Dharmat was fought between (2003)
(a) Mohammad Ghori and Jai Chand
(b) Babur and Afghans
(c) Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh
(d) Ahmad Shah Durrani and the Marathas
Ans. (c)
The conflict known as the Battle of Dharmat marked a pivotal moment in the Mughal War of Succession in 1658-59 AD, pitting Aurangzeb against Dara Shikoh. In this significant clash, Aurangzeb emerged victorious, owing much to his superior artillery and strategic prowess. Buoyed by his triumph at Dharmat, Aurangzeb advanced towards Agra, ultimately leading to the decisive Battle of Samugarh against Dara Shikoh. The aftermath of these battles saw Aurangzeb ordering the execution of Dara Shikoh and his son Sulaiman Shikoh, solidifying his claim to power within the Mughal Empire.
Q21. How did the Mughal emperor Jahandar Shah’s reign come to an early end? (2003)
(a) He was deposed by his Wazir
(b) He died due to a slip while climbing down steps
(c) He was defeated by his nephew in a battle
(d) He died of sickness due to much consumption of wine
Ans. (c)
Jahandar Shah’s reign as the eighth Mughal emperor was abruptly cut short when he faced defeat at the hands of his nephew in a pivotal battle. Known also as Mirza Mohammad Muizzuddin, Jahandar Shah’s rule spanned a brief period from 1712 to 1713 AD. His nephew, Farrukhsiyar, emerged victorious in the battle at Agra in 1713 AD, bolstered by the backing of the Sayyid Brothers, leading to Jahandar Shah’s downfall and Farrukhsiyar’s ascension to the throne.
Q22. In Indian history, who was Abdul Hamid Lahori? (2006)
(a) An important military commander during Akbar reign
(b) An official historian of the reign of Shah Jahan
(c) An important noble and confident of Aurangzeb
(d) A chronicler and poet during the reign of Mohammad Shah
Ans. (b)
In the annals of Indian history, Abdul Hamid Lahori stands as a prominent figure, serving as the official historian during the illustrious reign of Shah Jahan. Lahori, distinguished both as a traveler and historian, traversed the corridors of Mughal power, eventually ascending to the esteemed position of court historian to Emperor Shah Jahan himself. His magnum opus, the ‘Padshahnama,’ meticulously chronicled the initial two decades of Shah Jahan’s rule, a monumental endeavor culminating in the completion of the tome in 1648 AD.
Q23. During the time of which Mughal emperor did the English East India Company establish its first factory in India? (2008)
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Ans. (b)
During the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir, the English East India Company laid the foundation for its initial factory in India. Jahangir accorded permission to the Company to establish their factory in Surat in 1613 AD. Captain William Hawkins received a royal decree, or “farman,” from Jahangir to erect this factory. Subsequently, in 1615 AD, Thomas Roe, serving as Ambassador to James I, obtained an imperial Farman from Jahangir, enabling trade and the establishment of factories throughout the Mughal Empire. Expanding its presence, the East India Company established its inaugural factory in South India in Masulipatnam in 1616.
Q24. With whose permission did the English set-up their first factory in Surat? (2009)
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Ans. (b)
During the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the English were granted permission to establish their inaugural factory in Surat. This pivotal moment occurred in 1613 AD, facilitated by Sir Thomas Roe’s audience with the Emperor. Queen Elizabeth I of Britain had earlier chartered the English East India Company in 1600 AD, authorizing its operations in India for a span of up to 21 years. Over time, the Company expanded its presence, founding trading hubs in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
Q25. In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for (2014)
(a) military officers
(b) village headmen
(c) specialists in vedic rituals
(d) chiefs of craft guilds
Ans. (b)
During medieval India, the titles of “Mahattara” and “Pattakila” denoted village headmen, who served as the leaders of their respective communities and often held significant land ownership. Originating around 765-1215 AD, Mahattaras represented towns and villages primarily in North India, while Pattakilas fulfilled similar roles in Western India.
FAQs
Q: Who were the Mughal Emperors?
The Mughal Emperors were a dynasty of rulers who reigned over the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. The dynasty was founded by Babur in 1526 and saw notable rulers such as Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
Q: What were the key achievements of Akbar the Great?
Akbar, known as Akbar the Great, was one of the most successful Mughal Emperors. His reign saw significant achievements in administration, art, and culture. He implemented administrative reforms like the Mansabdari system, encouraged religious tolerance through the Din-i Ilahi, and fostered a rich cultural environment, known as the “Akbari Age.”
Q: What is the significance of Shah Jahan’s rule in Mughal history?
Shah Jahan is renowned for his architectural marvels, most notably the Taj Mahal, which he built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. His reign is often referred to as the “Golden Age of Mughal Architecture” due to the construction of numerous grand monuments and buildings, showcasing the zenith of Mughal artistic expression.
Q: How did Aurangzeb’s policies impact the Mughal Empire?
Aurangzeb, though known for his military conquests, implemented policies that strained the fabric of the empire. His strict adherence to orthodox Sunni Islam led to religious intolerance and alienated non-Muslim subjects. His prolonged military campaigns stretched the empire’s resources and led to its eventual decline.
Q: What were the main factors contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire?
The decline of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to various factors, including Aurangzeb’s religious policies, economic mismanagement, external invasions by Afghan and Persian forces, and the rise of regional powers like the Marathas and the Sikhs. Additionally, succession disputes and administrative corruption weakened the central authority, leading to the eventual fragmentation of the empire.
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