The Mughal Empire

'If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this'. This refers to

1. Taj Mahal
2. Red Fort
3. Diwan-i-Khas in Red Fort
4. Agra Fort

Answer

Diwan-i-Khas in Red Fort

Which of the following battles was not fought by Babur?

1. Battle of Khanwa
2. Battle of Chanderi
3. Battle of Ghagra
4. Second Battle of Panipat

Answer

Second Battle of Panipat

Who introduced the Mansabdari system?

1. Akbar
2. Jahangir
3. Shah Jahan
4. Sher Shah

Answer

Akbar

Which of the following taxes was abolished by Akbar?

1. Jaziya
2. Pilgrim tax
3. Tax on cattle
4. Both (1) and (2)

Answer

Both (1) and (2)

Who was made the governor of Agra when Akbar left for his Gujarat campaign in 1572?

1. Man Singh
2. Bhagwan Das
3. Bharmal
4. Todar Mal

Answer

Bhagwan Das

Who wrote 'Akbarnama'?

1. Abul Fazal
2. Razia Sultan
3. Akbari
4. Sheikh Mubarak

Answer

Abul Fazal

When was the first battle of Panipat fought?

1. 1526
2. 1527
3. 1525
4. 1528

Answer

1526

Which Mughal emperor ruled for the longest period?

1. Babur
2. Humayun
3. Akbar
4. Aurangzeb

Answer

Aurangzeb

Who was Diwan?

1. Incharge of collection of land revenue
2. Incharge of village
3. Incharge of charity
4. Incharge of religious affairs

Answer

Incharge of collection of land revenue

Identify the reasons why is Jahangir famous for his justice?

P : He was a great scholar

Q : He continued the policy of his father and predecessor

R : He had fixed a golden chain to be hung at the gate of his palace which could be pulled by anyone demanding justice.

S : He made justice accessible to common man without any discrimination

1. P and Q
2. Q and R
3. R and S
4. P and S

Answer

R and S

Read the two statements given below. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B).

(A) : Akbar was wise to realise that to rule successfully, he had to win the loyalty of the Rajputs.

(B) : He made friendship with Rajputs, married Rajput princesses and appointed Rajputs to high positions in his court.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other

Answer

(B) is the reason for (A)

Who was the founder of Mughal Empire in India?

Answer

The founder of the Mughal Empire in India was Babur.

Which three battles were fought later by Babur?

Answer

The three battles which were fought later by Babur are:

1. The Battle of Khanwa in CE 1527 against the Rajput leader Rana Sanga.
2. The battle of Chanderi in CE 1528, against Medini Rai of Chanderi in Malwa.
3. The Battle of Ghagra in CE 1529, against the combined forces of Afghans and Nusrat Shah of Bengal.

Give two things Akbar did to win over his non-Muslim subjects.

Answer

Two things that Akbar did to win over his non-Muslim subjects are:

1. He entered into matrimonial relations with the Rajput rulers.
2. He followed tolerant religious policy against non-Muslim subjects.

Who was a Mansabdar?

Answer

A Mansabdar was an officer or noble in the Mughal administration who was granted a mansab (rank) under the Mansabdari System introduced by Akbar. The rank determined the individual’s status, salary, and military responsibilities.

Who wrote the Ain-i-Akbari?

Answer

The Ain-i-Akbari was written by Abul Fazl.

Read the following excerpt and answer the question that follows:

"The Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture."

(Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252/)

In which city is the Taj Mahal located, and why was it built?

Answer

Taj Mahal is located in Agra. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Which Mughal department was responsible for building schools?

Answer

The Public Works Department (Shuhra-i-Am) was responsible for building schools and colleges.

Throw light on the Mansabdari system highlighting its main features.

Answer

The Mansabdari System was introduced by Akbar to organize the Mughal military and administration. Its key features include:

1. Mansab (Rank): Nobles, called Mansabdars, were assigned a rank based on their military duties, which was not hereditary.
2. Zat and Sawar Ranks: Zat Rank determined personal status and salary. Sawar Rank specified the number of cavalrymen (sawars) a Mansabdar had to maintain.
3. 33 Grades: There were 33 grades, ranging from 10 to 10,000, based on military responsibilities and salary.
4. Jagirs (Land Grants): Mansabdars were given jagirs as compensation to maintain their forces.
5. Salary: Mansabdars received high salaries based on their rank.
6. Military Maintenance: Mansabdars were required to maintain cavalry, elephants, camels, and transport for the army.
7. Inspections: Soldiers were recorded in a chehra, and horses were branded to prevent fraud.
8. Transferability: Mansabs were not hereditary and could be transferred, ensuring loyalty to the emperor.

This system helped centralize power and maintain an organized military structure in the Mughal Empire.

Give a brief account of Rajput Policy of Akbar.

Answer

Akbar’s Rajput Policy aimed to win the loyalty of Rajput rulers for the stability of his empire.

1. Political Alliances: Akbar married Rajput princesses, such as Harka Bai, to strengthen political ties. He also appointed Rajputs to high positions, like Bhagwan Das and Man Singh.
2. Religious Tolerance: Akbar abolished the Pilgrimage Tax (1563) and Jizyah (1564), promoting religious tolerance and offering freedom to his Hindu wives.
3. Flexible Alliances: Akbar did not insist on matrimonial alliances for political relations, as seen with the Hadas of Ranthambhor and Rao Surjan Hada.
4. Suzerainty: After the conquest of Chittor, many Rajput rulers accepted Mughal suzerainty, except Mewar.
5. Integration into Mughal Service: Rajput rulers were treated equally with Mughal nobles and inducted into Mughal service.

Through these policies, Akbar successfully secured Rajput loyalty and integrated them into his empire.

Give a brief account of the Revenue System under the Mughals.

Answer

Akbar's Land Revenue System was a key source of income for the Mughal Empire.

1. Land Measurement and Classification: Land was measured in bighas and classified into four types: Polaj (always cultivated), Parauti (fallow for 1-2 years), Chachar (fallow for 3-4 years), and Banjar (fallow for 5+ years).
2. Revenue Share and Payment: The state’s share was one-third of the produce. Payment could be made in cash or kind, with cash preferred, based on the average price of the last ten years.
3. Reforms by Raja Todar Mal: Akbar’s minister Raja Todar Mal introduced these reforms, drawing on his experience under Sher Shah Suri.

Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"The Lal Qila is a regular rectangle with the north wall following the old course of the Yamuna river. There are two gate-ways — the Delhi and Lahore Gates, and massive round bastions at regular intervals along the wall."

(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/20281/1/Unit-33.pdf)

(a) Name any two structures found within the Red Fort complex and identify their significance.

(b) Which Mughal emperor built the Moti Masjid in the Red Fort, and what material was it made of?

Answer

(a) Two structures found within the Red Fort complex and their significance:

1. Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience): This is where the emperor would meet and address the public and hear their grievances. It is a symbol of the emperor’s connection with his people.
2. Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience): This hall was used for more private meetings and where the emperor held discussions with his courtiers or nobles. It is also famous for its ornate architecture and the peacock throne that once resided there.

(b) Moti Masjid was built by Aurangzeb using pure marble.

Discuss the relevance of Akbarnama as a historical source.

Answer

The Akbarnama, written by Abul Fazl, is a key historical source for understanding Akbar’s reign and the Mughal Empire. Its relevance includes:

1. Record of Akbar’s Rule: It provides a detailed account of Akbar’s military campaigns, administrative policies, and personal achievements.
2. Insights into Governance: The book describes important policies like the Mansabdari System, revenue reforms, and Akbar’s religious tolerance.
3. Cultural Significance: It reflects Akbar’s interest in art, literature, and his efforts to bridge religious divides, especially with the Rajputs.
4. Military History: It details Akbar’s major conquests and strategies, including the Second Battle of Panipat.
5. Personal Insights: Written by Akbar’s confidant, it offers a close look at his personality and governance style, though with some bias.

In summary, the Akbarnama is invaluable for understanding the political, military, and cultural aspects of Akbar's rule.

Why was Akbar's policy of religious tolerance significant?

Answer

Akbar's policy of religious tolerance was significant as it helped earn the Rajputs' loyalty for the success of his empire.

Compare the architectural features of the Jama Masjid and the Red Fort.

Answer

Red Fort: It is built of red sandstone, has massive walls, Lahori Gate, and ornate structures like the Diwan-i-Khas with gems, stones, gold and silver linings.

Jama Masjid: It is built of red sandstone and white marble. It has three gateways, four towers, two tall minarets, and a vast prayer hall with eleven arches symbolizing the glory of Islam.

Evaluate the contributions of Abul Fazal to Akbar's court. How did his works, such as the Ain-i-Akbari, help historians reconstruct the Mughal period?

Answer

Abul Fazl, one of Akbar’s navaratnas, wrote the Akbarnama, which includes the Ain-i-Akbari. His works provide detailed accounts of Akbar’s conquests, administration, revenue system, social and economic life, and religious policies. With their clarity and elegance, these writings serve as valuable sources that help historians reconstruct the Mughal period.

Discuss the contributions of Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb in consolidating the Mughal Empire. Highlight the key military, administrative, and cultural policies each ruler implemented to strengthen the empire.

Answer

The contributions of Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb in consolidating the Mughal Empire are given below:

Babur (CE 1526–1530)

1. Military: Babur established the Mughal Empire by defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat (1526) and winning subsequent battles against Rana Sanga, Medini Rai, and the Afghans.
2. Administrative: He laid the foundation for Mughal rule but had a short reign, with limited administrative reforms.
3. Cultural: Babur was a scholar and patron of the arts, writing his memoir Tuzuk-i-Baburi and fostering a love for nature and poetry.

Akbar (CE 1556–1605)

1. Military: Akbar expanded the empire from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal. He defeated Hemu at the Second Battle of Panipat (1556) and annexed regions like Deccan and Rajasthan.
2. Administrative: Introduced the Mansabdari System, reformed the revenue system, and promoted religious tolerance.
3. Cultural: Akbar’s reign saw flourishing arts, literature, and architecture. He patronized Navaratnas, abolished the Jizyah tax, and encouraged education for all.

Aurangzeb (CE 1658–1707)

1. Military: Aurangzeb expanded the empire to its greatest size but engaged in prolonged, costly campaigns in the Deccan and faced resistance from Marathas and Rajputs.
2. Administrative: Reversed Akbar’s religious tolerance, reintroduced the Jizyah, and focused on maintaining control through military might.
3. Cultural: Less a patron of culture, Aurangzeb focused on orthodox Islamic policies, which led to religious and cultural tensions.

Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, founded the Mughal Empire after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526). His campaigns in Khanwa, Chanderi, and Ghagra secured his rule in North India. Babur's legacy extends beyond conquest, as seen in his autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Baburi. With reference to this, answer the following questions:

(a) Compare the significance of the First Battle of Panipat with the Battle of Khanwa in Babur's establishment of the Mughal Empire.

(b) How do Babur's conquests reflect his military strategies and ability to deal with diverse opponents like Afghans, Rajputs, and regional rulers?

(c) Discuss how Babur's interests in literature, poetry, and nature contributed to shaping his legacy beyond his military achievements.

Answer

(a) The First Battle of Panipat (1526) was significant as Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, proclaimed himself Emperor of Delhi and Agra, and laid the foundation of Mughal rule in India. The Battle of Khanwa (1527) against Rana Sanga further strengthened Babur’s position, as his victory over the Rajputs helped him consolidate power in North India.

(b) Babur’s campaigns in Panipat, Khanwa, Chanderi, and Ghagra show his ability to defeat Afghans, Rajputs, and other regional rulers. These victories highlight his effective military strategies in handling diverse and powerful opponents, enabling him to secure Mughal control over North India.

(c) Babur’s legacy went beyond warfare, as seen in his autobiography, the Tuzuk-i-Baburi, where he expressed his love for literature, poetry, and nature. These interests portrayed him as a cultured ruler, shaping his image not only as a conqueror but also as a refined and sensitive personality.

Read the following excerpt and answer the question's that follow:

"Akbar (born October 15? , 1542, Umarkot [now in Sindh province, Pakistan]—died c. October 25, 1605, Agra, India) was the greatest of the Mughal emperors of India. He reigned from 1556 to 1605 and extended Mughal power over most of the Indian subcontinent. In order to preserve the unity of his empire, Akbar adopted programmes that won the loyalty of the non-Muslim populations of his realm."

(Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mughal-dynasty)

(a) Discuss the significance of the Second Battle of Panipat in securing Akbar's rule. How did this battle pave the way for the expansion of the Mughal Empire.

(b) How did Akbar's relations with the Rajputs strengthen the Mughal Empire? Discuss his alliances and their long-term impact.

(c) Discuss the social and educational reforms of Akbar.

Answer

(a) The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) was pivotal, as it decisively secured Delhi and Agra from Afghan control, establishing Akbar’s authority under the regency of Bairam Khan. This victory stabilized the core of the Mughal domains and enabled the empire to regroup and extend its influence across the subcontinent .

(b) Akbar strengthened the Mughal Empire by winning the loyalty of the Rajputs through friendship, matrimonial alliances, and high appointments. He married Rajput princesses like Harka Bai, honoured their families with high ranks—Bharamal, Bhagwan Das, and Man Singh rose in nobility—and gave freedom to his Hindu wives. He also favoured rulers without marriages, like the Hadas of Ranthambhor, who held high positions. By abolishing the pilgrimage tax (1563) and jizyah (1564), and treating Rajput rulers with tolerance and equality, most Rajput states accepted his suzerainty, except Mewar. This policy of respect, inclusion, and religious tolerance cemented long-term alliances, securing Mughal stability and expansion.

(c) Akbar introduced several social and educational reforms aimed at improving society and promoting learning:

1. Abolition of Sati — Akbar instructed kotwals (local officers) to prevent the forced practice of Sati, where widows were burned on their husband's funeral pyre. However, women who chose to perform Sati voluntarily were allowed to do so.
2. Legalisation of Widow Remarriage — He permitted widow remarriage, encouraging social progress.
3. Restrictions on Polygamy — Akbar discouraged multiple marriages, allowing a man to take a second wife only if his first wife could not bear children.
4. Raising the Age of Marriage — He set the minimum marriage age at 14 for girls and 16 for boys to ensure better social conditions.
5. Reform in Education — Akbar updated the curriculum, placing greater emphasis on moral education, mathematics, and practical subjects such as agriculture, geometry, astronomy, logic, and history. Female education also existed to some extent.