Mugal empire amrit education

 

Mugal Empire

 

The word Mughal means 'Mongol' in Persian. The term refers to the origins of the Mughals they were descendants of Genghis Khan, who ruled over Mongol tribes, China, and Central Asia, and Timur, the ruler of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. They invaded the subcontinent under the leadership of Babur and managed to establish their rule on account of the political situation prevailing in the country at the time. There was no strong ruler at the centre of power to turn them away from India.

 

While the early Sultans of Delhi had managed to bring large parts of the subcontinent under one rule, India at the time of the Mughal invasion in the 16th century AD presented a completely different picture.

 

The process of disintegration of the Delhi Sultanate had begun towards the end of the Tughluq rule. It was hastened further by Timur's invasion. By the time the later Sultans, such as the Sayyids and the Lodis came to power, the Sultanate had shrunk considerably in size. The authority of the later Sultans barely extended beyond Delhi and some neighbouring regions. The rest of the subcontinent was under the rule of independent states, such as Bengal, Sindh, Jaunpur, Mewar, Malwa, Gujarat, Khandesh, and Kashmir. The south and the Deccan were controlled by the two powerful kingdoms of Vijayanagar and Bahmani.

 

The Mughals not only managed to establish a pan-India empire but also keep it under one rule for more than 200 years, which was a remarkable achievement. Earlier medieval rulers had rarely managed to establish pan-India rule, and if so, only for short periods of time. The rule of the Mughals had a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent, its politics, society, and culture. Their system of administration and ideas of governance continued long after their rule.

 

 

BABUR (AD 1526-AD 1530)

Babur was the first Mughal emperor of India. His father, a descendant of Timur, ruled over Ferghana, a small province in Central Asia. His mother was a descendant of Genghis Khan. Towards the end of the 15th century AD, he succeeded to the throne of Ferghana. He was only 12 at the time. When another group of Mongols known as Uzbegs invaded Ferghana, he was forced to leave the province. After moving from place to place for nearly a decade, he finally managed to seize Kabul in AD 1504 and turned his attention towards India.

 

Babur's initial invasions into India met with little success. But things changed in AD 1526 during the rule of the last Delhi Sultan, Ibrahim Lodi. Ibrahim's rule was marked by a number of rebellions. He was also involved in a conflict with the ruler of Mewar, Rana Sanga, for control over Rajasthan. Besides, Ibrahim Lodi was quite unpopular with his nobles, who began to plot against him. Finally, one of Ibrahim's nobles, Daulat Khan Lodi, who was the governor of Punjab, and Rana Sanga invited Babur to invade India and help them overthrow Ibrahim Lodi.

 

The Battle of Ghaghara (AD 1529)

After crushing the Rajputs, Babur faced resistance from another quarter. Many Afghans had regrouped under Mahmud Lodi, one of the brothers of Ibrahim Lodi, and decided to challenge Babur. Mahmud had also managed to win the support of the Sultan of Bengal. Babur fought the combined forces of Mahmud Lodi and the Sultan of Bengal at Ghaghara. He successfully defeated them and established his dominance over Bihar.

 

Babur's victories in Panipat, Khanua, Chanderi, and Ghaghara gave him a strong base to establish his rule in India. However, he did not live long. Babur died in AD 1530, barely four years after coming to India. He was known as a great and courageous general and a learned man. He was also an accomplished poet and writer. His autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Baburi, is the main source of information about him and his life.

 

Wars with Sher Khan

Babur was succeded by his son, Humayun. After his succession, Humayun fought a number of battles with Sher Shah Suri. An Afghan noble, Sher Shah had asserted his authority over Bihar and emerged as a powerful ruler in the east. In AD 1532, Humayun defeated Sher Shah in the Battle of Chunar. But Sher Shah soon regrouped his forces and captured Bengal. Humayun followed him there. Their forces again met in battle at Chuasa in AD 1539 and Kannauj in AD 1540. Humayun suffered a crushing defeat and was forced to escape to Iran and seek the refuge of Safavid Shah. Sher Shah captured Delhi and established his own dynasty. He ruled for 15 years.

 

Humayun returned to India only after Sher Shah's death. In AD 1555, he managed to recapture Delhi from Sher Shah's successors and re-establish Mughal rule. But he did not live long to enjoy his success. A year after coming back to India, Humayun died in an accident, leaving the throne to his son, Akbar.

 

Akbar based many of his successful policies on the example set by Sher Shah, not Babur or Humayun. Therefore, Sher Shah is often referred to as the forerunner of Akbar.

 

 

AKBAR (AD 1556-AD 1605)

Akbar was born during his father Humayun's exile from India. He was only 13 years old when Humayun died, leaving the Mughal throne under his charge. In the early years of his rule, Akbar was guided by his father's friend Bairam Khan. Humayun had appointed Bairam Khan as Akbar's guardian and regent (a person appointed to rule a territory on behalf of a minor or very young monarch till he comes of age).

 

Administration

Akbarnama, Abul Fazl's three-volume history of Akbar's rule provides valuable information about Akbar's life and ancestors, important events during his rule, his administration, army, and the extent of his empire. According to Abul Fazl, Akbar exercised absolute authority over his empire. He had several officials who helped him in administration, such as prime minister, finance minister, minister of war, etc. A qazi served as the head of the judicial system.

 

Provincial administration

Akbar's empire was divided into provinces or subas. These were governed by subadars, who also commanded their own armies. The subadars had many officers under them who helped to maintain law and order in the province, namely:

·        Bakshis: They were in charge of paying salaries to the soldiers.

·        Sadrs: They organised donations for religious and charitable purposes.

·        Faujdars: They were commanders of Akbar's armies.

·        Kotwals: They were in charge of the police in towns.

 

Each province also had a diwan, an officer who looked after all financial matters. The provinces were further divided into districts or sarkars. These were again divided into paraganas, which comprised several villages. Villages were governed by panchayats.

 

Mansabdari system

Mansab means 'rank' or 'position'. The mansabdari system was a grading system employed by Akbar. He employed a number of nobles known as mansabdars, who supplied him with troops. The mansabdars were given grades, called zats, which decided their ranks, salaries, and number of troops under their command. The higher the zat, the higher was the noble's rank and salary.

 

The mansabdars had to maintain a specified number of cavalrymen known as sawar. They did not pay the troops, but received their salaries from Akbar. The Mughal emperor installed a number of checks to ensure the mansabdars did not cheat him. The mansabdars had to get their sawar registered and inspected regularly. They also had to get their horses branded. Only then they could get money from Akbar to pay salaries to the troops.

 

The mansabdars were given land or jagir from which they collected revenue in lieu of salary. However, they did not live in or administer the jagirs under their control. Their servants collected the revenue on their behalf. During Akbar's rule, the jagirs were assigned in such a way that the revenue collected from them was close to the salary determined by the zat".

 

Akbar's policies

Taxation policy

Tax on farm produce was the chief source of income for the Mughals. This tax was collected by village headmen or local chieftains, known as zamindars. Akbar's revenue minister, Todar Mal, conducted a survey of areas under farming, crop yields, and prices of crops for a 10-year period. On the basis of this, a revenue system was designed under which provinces were divided into circles and taxes were fixed on different crops. These taxes differed according to the revenue circle and had to be paid in cash, rather than produce. This revenue system was known as zabt. Akbar also made efforts to ensure farmers were not exploited. During his rule, they were given loans to buy seeds and cattle.

 

Rajput policy

The Mughals were constantly at war with rulers who refused to accept their authority. But once they defeated the rulers, they gave the captured territories back to the rulers. The rulers were asked to administer the returned territories on behalf of the Mughals. This helped the Mughals extend their control over many kings and chieftains. Akbar used this policy to win the support of Rajputs. He used many other measures to achieve this end. He gave Rajputs high ranking posts in the administration. Raja Todar Mal and Birbal who were among high ranking officials in Akbar's court were Rajputs.

 

Akbar also entered into matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs to strengthen his relationship with them. He married Jodha bai, the Rajput princess of Amber. His son also married into a Rajput royal family. His policy of religious tolerance also helped him win the loyalty of the Rajputs. The Rajput princesses who married Mughals were free to practise their religion.

 

NUR JAHAN

In AD 1611, Jahangir also known as Salim, became king after Akbar. Jahangir married an Afghan widow, Mehrunissa, and gave her the title of Nur Jahan, or the 'light of the world'. Nur Jahan became the emperor's constant companion. She even accompanied him on hunts. She soon began to wield tremendous influence over the emperor, who often sought her advice in matters related to the empire. Some historians believe Nur Jahan practically became the real ruler of the empire during the later years of Jahangir's rule. She managed to get her close relatives appointed to high positions, issued royal orders or farmans, and even had coins minted with her name. This led to a conflict with prince Khurram, who was alarmed by her rise to power. Although Nur Jahan made efforts to marginalise him, she did not meet with success. After Jahangir's death, her power declined and she retired from public life.

 

AURANGZEB (AD 1658-AD 1707)

In AD 1657, Shah Jahan the son of Jahangir, fell seriously ill. On hearing the news, a struggle for the Mughal throne began between his four sons, Dara Shikoh, Shuja, Murad, and Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb, who had proved himself an efficient general and had the support of many nobles, managed to defeat his brothers. He imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra and took over the throne of the Mughal Empire. His brothers were killed. Shah Jahan died in AD 1666.

Aurangzeb occupied the Mughal throne for nearly half a century, during which time he led many military campaigns to extend his empire. During the first half of his rule, he led his forces into the north (AD 1658AD 1682) and later to south India (AD 1682-AD 1707). In this way, he managed to bring nearly the whole of India under his direct rule. However, many historians believe his policies eventually led to the downfall of the Mughals. Let us take a look at some of them.

 

Rajput policy

The Mughal rulers before Aurangzeb had adopted a liberal policy towards Rajputs to win their support. However, Aurangzeb managed to alienate them. He deprived them of high posts in his government, re-imposed jaziya, and put restrictions on their festivals.

He faced a major rebellion from the Rajputs of Marwar due to his policies and interference in their internal politics.

 

Deccan policy

It was during Aurangzeb's rule that Maratha chieftain Shivaji launched attacks against the Mughals. Although Aurangzeb managed to defeat his forces, Shivaji escaped and declared himself an independent king. In the last few years of his rule, Aurangzeb launched attacks on the Deccan powers, especially the Marathas, for supporting his rebel son. His forces managed to annex Bijapur and Golconda. The struggle in the Deccan lasted for 26 years, which put a huge burden on Mughal finances and army. Aurangzeb's long absence from the north also led to the weakening of Mughal power in the region as the administrative machinery broke down and regional rulers once again rose in power.

 

AN ESTIMATE OF AURANGZEB

Aurangzeb was extremely pious and simple in his habits. He did not drink, and disliked music and dancing. He was hard-working and disciplined. He considered it a sin to spend money from the Mughal treasury on himself. He is believed to have earned his living by producing copies of the Quran and making caps. A staunch Muslim, he observed all fasts and prayers rigorously. He has also been described to have been cunning but very suspicious by nature. Aurangzeb died in AD 1707 while fighting in the Deccan. He was buried in Khuldabad, near Daulatabad, in a simple tomb. By this time, he had managed to build an empire larger than any other Mughal ruler.

Aurangzeb is considered the last of the great Mughals. After his death, Mughal power swiftly declined. Many Mughal nobles commanded large armies and had large amounts of revenues under their command. By the 17th century AD, their loyalty to the empire had already begun to weaken. Many of the nobles set up new kingdoms in provinces such as Hyderabad, Awadh, and Bengal, although they still accepted the authority of later Mughal emperors. By the 18th century, many of them had declared their independence from Mughal control. They were later defeated by the British who went on to establish their rule in India.

अभ्‍यास प्रश्‍न

 

1 Q. Who were the two major ancestors of the Mughals?

a) Timur and Genghis Khan

b) Babur and Humayun

c) Akbar and Timur

d) Chengiz Khan and Alauddin Khalji

Answer: a) Timur and Genghis Khan

Explanation: The Mughals traced their lineage from Timur (ruler of Iran, Iraq, Turkey) and Genghis Khan (ruler of Mongol tribes, China, Central Asia).

 

2 Q. Why was Babur able to establish Mughal rule in India?

a) India welcomed foreign rulers

b) Delhi Sultanate was very strong

c) There was political disunity and weak rulers

d) He had the support of Portuguese traders

Answer: c) There was political disunity and weak rulers

Explanation: At the time of Babur’s invasion, the Delhi Sultanate had weakened, and many parts of India were under independent kingdoms, making it easier for Babur to establish his rule.

 

3 Q. Which two powerful kingdoms controlled the south and the Deccan during the Mughal invasion?

a) Bengal and Gujarat

b) Mewar and Malwa

c) Vijayanagar and Bahmani

d) Kashmir and Sindh

Answer: c) Vijayanagar and Bahmani

Explanation: During Babur’s invasion, the southern regions were controlled by the Vijayanagar and Bahmani kingdoms.

 

4 Q. Babur, the first Mughal emperor of India, was originally the ruler of which province?

a) Kabul

b) Ferghana

c) Samarkand

d) Punjab

Answer: b) Ferghana

Explanation: Babur’s father ruled over Ferghana, a small province in Central Asia, which Babur inherited at the age of 12.

 

5 Q. Why did Babur lose his ancestral province of Ferghana?

a) Rebellion by nobles

b) Defeated by Ibrahim Lodi

c) Invasion by the Uzbegs

d) Betrayed by his mother’s family

Answer: c) Invasion by the Uzbegs

Explanation: Babur was forced to leave Ferghana when another Mongol group, the Uzbegs, invaded the province.

 

6 Q. In which year did Babur capture Kabul?

a) 1494

b) 1504

c) 1516

d) 1526

Answer: b) 1504

Explanation: After wandering for nearly a decade, Babur finally captured Kabul in 1504, which became his base before invading India.

 

7 Q. Who invited Babur to invade India against Ibrahim Lodi?

a) Rana Sanga and Alauddin Khilji

b) Daulat Khan Lodi and Rana Sanga

c) Sikandar Lodi and Khizr Khan

d) Timur’s descendants in India

Answer: b) Daulat Khan Lodi and Rana Sanga

Explanation: Daulat Khan Lodi (Governor of Punjab) and Rana Sanga (ruler of Mewar) invited Babur to overthrow Ibrahim Lodi due to his unpopularity.

 

8 Q. Who led the Afghan resistance against Babur after Panipat and Khanua?

a) Ibrahim Lodi

b) Mahmud Lodi

c) Daulat Khan Lodi

d) Sher Shah Suri

Answer: b) Mahmud Lodi

Explanation: Mahmud Lodi, brother of Ibrahim Lodi, regrouped Afghans and allied with the Sultan of Bengal to challenge Babur.

 

9 Q. The Battle of Ghaghara (1529) was fought between Babur and which alliance?

a) Afghans and Rajputs

b) Rajputs and Bengal

c) Afghans and the Sultan of Bengal

d) Rajputs and the Uzbegs

Answer: c) Afghans and the Sultan of Bengal

Explanation: Babur fought the combined forces of Mahmud Lodi and the Sultan of Bengal at Ghaghara, defeating them and extending his dominance to Bihar.

 

10 Q. Which of the following was NOT one of Babur’s major victories in India?

a) Panipat

b) Chanderi

c) Kannauj

d) Ghaghara

Answer: c) Kannauj

Explanation: Kannauj was fought later between Humayun and Sher Shah. Babur’s victories were at Panipat, Khanua, Chanderi, and Ghaghara.

 

11 Q. What is the main source of information about Babur’s life?

a) Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi

b) Tuzuk-i-Baburi

c) Akbarnama

d) Shahjahan Nama

Answer: b) Tuzuk-i-Baburi

Explanation: Babur wrote his autobiography Tuzuk-i-Baburi, which provides detailed insights into his life, personality, and campaigns.

 

12. Q. In which battle did Humayun defeat Sher Shah in AD 1532?

a) Battle of Ghaghara

b) Battle of Chunar

c) Battle of Chuasa

d) Battle of Kannauj

Answer: b) Battle of Chunar

Explanation: Humayun defeated Sher Shah at Chunar in 1532, but Sher Shah soon regained strength and later defeated Humayun.

 

13. Q. Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah in the Battle of Chuasa in which year?

a) 1532

b) 1535

c) 1539

d) 1545

Answer: c) 1539

Explanation: In 1539, Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah at Chuasa, forcing him to retreat.

 

14. Q. Which battle finally forced Humayun to flee to Iran?

a) Battle of Chunar (1532)

b) Battle of Ghaghara (1529)

c) Battle of Kannauj (1540)

d) Battle of Panipat (1526)

Answer: c) Battle of Kannauj (1540)

Explanation: After a crushing defeat at Kannauj in 1540, Humayun was forced to flee to Iran and seek refuge with the Safavid Shah.

 

15. Q. Who captured Delhi after defeating Humayun and established his own dynasty?

a) Babur

b) Sher Shah Suri

c) Sikandar Lodi

d) Mahmud Lodi

Answer: b) Sher Shah Suri

Explanation: Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun, took control of Delhi, and ruled for 15 years, establishing the Sur dynasty.

 

16. Q. When did Humayun recapture Delhi from Sher Shah’s successors?

a) 1540

b) 1555

c) 1556

d) 1565

Answer: b) 1555

Explanation: After Sher Shah’s death, Humayun returned and recaptured Delhi in 1555, but he died in an accident the following year.

 

17. Q. Why is Sher Shah often called the forerunner of Akbar?

a) He was Babur’s close advisor

b) He expanded the Mughal empire

c) He introduced reforms later adopted by Akbar

d) He ruled longer than Humayun

Answer: c) He introduced reforms later adopted by Akbar

Explanation: Akbar’s successful policies were based on Sher Shah’s reforms in administration, revenue, and governance, earning Sher Shah the title of Akbar’s forerunner.

 

18. Q. Who acted as Akbar’s guardian and regent in his early years?

a) Abul Fazl

b) Bairam Khan

c) Todar Mal

d) Birbal

Answer: b) Bairam Khan

Explanation: Humayun had appointed his friend Bairam Khan as Akbar’s guardian and regent until he came of age.

 

19. Q. Which book by Abul Fazl provides detailed information about Akbar’s reign?

a) Ain-i-Akbari

b) Tuzuk-i-Baburi

c) Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi

d) Akbarnama

Answer: d) Akbarnama

Explanation: Akbarnama, written by Abul Fazl in three volumes, gives valuable details about Akbar’s life, ancestors, administration, army, and empire.

 

20. Q. Who served as the head of the judicial system under Akbar?

a) Sadr

b) Kotwal

c) Qazi

d) Diwan

Answer: c) Qazi

Explanation: The qazi was the head of the judicial system during Akbar’s reign.

 

21. Q. Who governed a province (suba) under Akbar?

a) Faujdars

b) Subadars

c) Sadrs

d) Bakshis

Answer: b) Subadars

Explanation: Each province was headed by a subadar who also commanded an army.

 

22. Q. Who was responsible for paying soldiers in Akbar’s provincial administration?

a) Kotwal

b) Bakshi

c) Diwan

d) Faujdar

Answer: b) Bakshi

Explanation: The Bakshis were in charge of paying salaries to soldiers in the provinces.

 

23. Q. Who was in charge of the police in towns under Akbar?

a) Sadr

b) Diwan

c) Kotwal

d) Faujdar

Answer: c) Kotwal

Explanation: The kotwals acted as police chiefs in towns.

 

24. Q. Which officer in the provinces looked after financial matters?

a) Diwan

b) Sadr

c) Kotwal

d) Faujdar

Answer: a) Diwan

Explanation: The diwan handled all revenue and financial matters in the provinces.

Mansabdari System

 

25. Q. In Akbar’s administration, the term “mansab” meant:

a) Salary

b) Land grant

c) Rank or position

d) Army unit

Answer: c) Rank or position

Explanation: Mansab means “rank” or “position,” and it determined a noble’s status, salary, and number of troops.

 

26. Q. What decided a mansabdar’s rank, salary, and number of troops?

a) Jagir

b) Zat

c) Sawar

d) Suba

Answer: b) Zat

Explanation: The zat determined the noble’s rank, salary, and number of troops.

 

27. Q. What was the term used for the cavalrymen that mansabdars had to maintain?

a) Zat

b) Jagirdar

c) Sawar

d) Subedar

Answer: c) Sawar

Explanation: Each mansabdar had to maintain a fixed number of cavalrymen known as sawar.

 

28. Q. How did Akbar ensure that mansabdars did not cheat him?

a) Soldiers were paid directly by Akbar

b) Horses were branded and soldiers inspected

c) Nobles were rotated between provinces

d) Jagirs were made hereditary

Answer: b) Horses were branded and soldiers inspected

Explanation: Akbar checked corruption by requiring mansabdars to register soldiers and brand horses before receiving funds.

 

29. Q. How were mansabdars paid during Akbar’s rule?

a) Direct cash salary

b) Land revenue from jagirs

c) By gifts from the emperor

d) Through war booty

Answer: b) Land revenue from jagirs

Explanation: Mansabdars were given jagirs from which they collected revenue as salary, though they did not live in or directly administer them.

 

30. Q. What was the chief source of income for the Mughal empire under Akbar?

a) Customs duty

b) Tax on trade

c) Tax on farm produce

d) Jizya tax

Answer: c) Tax on farm produce

Explanation: Tax on agricultural produce formed the chief source of Mughal revenue.

 

31. Q. Who was Akbar’s revenue minister who designed a new taxation system?

a) Birbal

b) Abul Fazl

c) Raja Todar Mal

d) Man Singh

Answer: c) Raja Todar Mal

Explanation: Raja Todar Mal introduced a revenue system after conducting surveys of crop yields and prices.

 

32. Q. What was Akbar’s revenue system called?

a) Iqta

b) Zabt

c) Jagirdari

d) Zamindari

Answer: b) Zabt

Explanation: Akbar’s taxation policy was called zabt, where taxes were fixed on crops and paid in cash.

 

33. Q. Who collected taxes from farmers under Akbar’s system?

a) Mansabdars

b) Zamindars

c) Sadrs

d) Kotwals

Answer: b) Zamindars

Explanation: Village headmen or local chieftains known as zamindars collected farm taxes for the empire.

 

34. Q. How did Akbar support farmers to prevent exploitation?

a) Made taxes optional

b) Exempted Rajputs from taxes

c) Provided loans for seeds and cattle

d) Allowed payment only in crops

Answer: c) Provided loans for seeds and cattle

Explanation: Akbar provided loans to farmers for seeds and cattle, ensuring they were not exploited by zamindars.

 

35. Q. How did Akbar extend Mughal control over defeated Rajput rulers?

a) By imprisoning them

b) By appointing them as zamindars

c) By returning their territories to rule on behalf of the Mughals

d) By forcing them to convert to Islam

Answer: c) By returning their territories to rule on behalf of the Mughals

Explanation: After defeating rulers, Akbar returned their territories but asked them to govern as Mughal representatives.

 

36. Q. Which high-ranking Mughal officials were Rajputs?

a) Abul Fazl and Faizi

b) Todar Mal and Birbal

c) Bairam Khan and Man Singh

d) Khurram and Aurangzeb

Answer: b) Todar Mal and Birbal

Explanation: Both Raja Todar Mal (revenue minister) and Birbal (courtier) were Rajputs who held high positions.

 

37. Q. Which Rajput princess did Akbar marry?

a) Nur Jahan

b) Rani Durgavati

c) Jodha Bai

d) Rani Padmavati

Answer: c) Jodha Bai

Explanation: Akbar married Jodha Bai, princess of Amber, to strengthen Mughal-Rajput relations.

 

38. Q. What policy helped Akbar win Rajput loyalty?

a) Abolition of tax on Hindus

b) Strict control over zamindars

c) Religious tolerance and matrimonial alliances

d) Division of Rajput states

Answer: c) Religious tolerance and matrimonial alliances

Explanation: Akbar’s respect for Rajput religion and marriages into Rajput families helped him win their loyalty.

 

39. Q. Who was Nur Jahan before marrying Jahangir?

a) A Rajput princess

b) A Persian poet

c) An Afghan widow

d) A Mughal noblewoman

Answer: c) An Afghan widow

Explanation: Nur Jahan, originally Mehrunissa, was an Afghan widow before marrying Jahangir in 1611.

 

40. Q. What title did Jahangir bestow upon Mehrunissa after marriage?

a) Mumtaz Mahal

b) Jodha Bai

c) Nur Jahan

d) Begum Sahiba

Answer: c) Nur Jahan

Explanation: Jahangir gave her the title Nur Jahan, meaning “Light of the World.”

 

41. Q. What power did Nur Jahan enjoy during Jahangir’s rule?

a) She only supervised the harem

b) She controlled finances but not politics

c) She wielded great influence, issued farmans, and got coins minted

d) She served as commander of the army

Answer: c) She wielded great influence, issued farmans, and got coins minted

Explanation: Nur Jahan influenced Jahangir, issued royal orders, appointed relatives, and even had coins minted in her name.

 

42. Q. With whom did Nur Jahan have a conflict due to her rising power?

a) Akbar

b) Shah Jahan (Prince Khurram)

c) Aurangzeb

d) Raja Man Singh

Answer: b) Shah Jahan (Prince Khurram)

Explanation: Prince Khurram, later Shah Jahan, opposed Nur Jahan’s growing authority.

 

43. Q. What happened to Nur Jahan after Jahangir’s death?

a) She became regent for Khurram

b) She declared herself queen

c) She retired from public life

d) She was exiled to Persia

Answer: c) She retired from public life

Explanation: After Jahangir’s death, Nur Jahan’s power declined, and she withdrew from public affairs.

 

 

44. Q. How did Aurangzeb come to power in AD 1658?

a) By being chosen by Shah Jahan

b) By defeating his brothers in a war of succession

c) By being appointed regent by Dara Shikoh

d) By being nominated by the nobles

Answer: b) By defeating his brothers in a war of succession

Explanation: Aurangzeb defeated his brothers Dara Shikoh, Shuja, and Murad in the war of succession, imprisoned his father Shah Jahan, and took the throne.

 

45. Q. Where was Shah Jahan imprisoned by Aurangzeb?

a) Red Fort

b) Agra Fort

c) Fatehpur Sikri

d) Lahore Fort

Answer: b) Agra Fort

Explanation: Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort until his death in 1666.

 

46. Q. How long did Aurangzeb occupy the Mughal throne?

a) 25 years

b) 32 years

c) Nearly 50 years

d) 15 years

Answer: c) Nearly 50 years

Explanation: Aurangzeb ruled from AD 1658 to AD 1707, making his reign almost half a century long.

 

47. Q. What policy of Aurangzeb angered the Rajputs?

a) Appointment of Rajputs to high offices

b) Matrimonial alliances with Rajputs

c) Re-imposition of jaziya and restrictions on festivals

d) Grant of jagirs to Rajput nobles

Answer: c) Re-imposition of jaziya and restrictions on festivals

Explanation: Aurangzeb deprived Rajputs of high posts, re-imposed jaziya, and restricted their religious practices, leading to rebellion.

 

48. Q. Which Maratha leader resisted Aurangzeb?

a) Baji Rao

b) Sambhaji

c) Shivaji

d) Shahu

Answer: c) Shivaji

Explanation: Maratha chieftain Shivaji attacked the Mughals, escaped after defeat, and declared himself an independent king.

 

49. Q. What was the result of Aurangzeb’s 26-year Deccan campaign?

a) It strengthened Mughal power

b) It drained Mughal finances and weakened administration

c) It won permanent loyalty of Marathas

d) It restored Akbar’s Rajput policy

Answer: b) It drained Mughal finances and weakened administration

Explanation: Aurangzeb’s long wars in the Deccan exhausted Mughal resources and weakened northern administration.

 

50. Q. What was Aurangzeb’s attitude towards luxury?

a) He loved music and fine arts

b) He spent lavishly on himself

c) He was simple and earned by copying the Quran

d) He sponsored grand cultural events

Answer: c) He was simple and earned by copying the Quran

Explanation: Aurangzeb disliked music, avoided luxury, and lived simply, even earning by making caps and copying the Quran.

 

51. Q. Where was Aurangzeb buried?

a) Delhi

b) Agra

c) Khuldabad near Daulatabad

d) Lahore

Answer: c) Khuldabad near Daulatabad

Explanation: Aurangzeb died in 1707 and was buried in Khuldabad in a simple tomb.

 

52. Q. Why is Aurangzeb considered the last great Mughal?

a) He built the Taj Mahal

b) His empire was the largest but declined after him

c) He abolished taxes completely

d) He founded Din-i-Ilahi

Answer: b) His empire was the largest but declined after him

Explanation: Aurangzeb’s empire covered most of India, but his policies led to rapid Mughal decline after his death.

 

53. Q. Who built the Taj Mahal?

a) Akbar

b) Jahangir

c) Shah Jahan

d) Aurangzeb

Answer: c) Shah Jahan

Explanation: Shah Jahan, the 5th Mughal emperor, built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

 

54. Q. Who introduced the silver rupee (rupia) as a standard coin?

a) Babur

b) Akbar

c) Sher Shah Suri

d) Aurangzeb

Answer: c) Sher Shah Suri

Explanation: Sher Shah Suri introduced the silver rupee, standardizing Mughal currency.

 

55. Q. What was Akbar’s idea of ‘Sulh-i-kul’?

a) New taxation system

b) Universal peace and religious tolerance

c) Alliance with Rajputs

d) A system of jagir distribution

Answer: b) Universal peace and religious tolerance

Explanation: Sulh-i-kul was Akbar’s principle of universal peace, promoting tolerance, honesty, and justice.

 

56. Q. What was Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi?

a) A new tax system

b) A military policy

c) A religious path promoting tolerance

d) An architectural style

Answer: c) A religious path promoting tolerance

Explanation: Din-i-Ilahi, started by Akbar, encouraged tolerance, prohibited sati, restricted meat-eating, and worship of sun, fire, and light.