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Mughal Empire

Asked 31 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2022

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Yogavasishtha was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of:

2022History
AAkbar
BHumayun
CShahjahan
DAurangzeb

Explanation

During Akbar's reign, there was a significant cultural exchange between the Mughals and the Indian subcontinent. Nizamuddin Panipati's translation of Yogavasishtha into Persian exemplifies this cultural interaction and Akbar's interest in diverse philosophical and literary works. This translation contributed to the synthesis of Persian and Indian intellectual traditions during the Mughal era.

With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: 1. Aurang: In-charge of treasury of the State 2. Banian: Indian agent of the East India Company 3. Mirasidar: Designated revenue payer to the State Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

2020History
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In Indian history, the pairs provided are as follows: Aurang - responsible for the State's treasury (incorrect), Banian - Indian representative of the East India Company (correct), Mirasidar - appointed revenue contributor to the State (correct). The correctly matched pairs are Banian and Mirasidar.

With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? 1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection. 2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

2019History
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In Mughal India, there were two distinct classes - Jagirdars and Zamindars - who had different roles and rights. Jagirdars held land assignments and had responsibilities for judicial and police duties, while Zamindars held revenue rights and were solely focused on revenue collection. Jagirdars passed down their land assignments hereditarily, while Zamindars did not have hereditary rights to their revenue. Therefore, the correct answer is option (d), as both statements 1 and 2 are not accurate in this context.

Consider the following: The arrival of Babur into India led to the 1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent 2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region's architecture 3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region Select the correct answer using the code given below.

2015History
A1 and 2 only
B3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The arrival of Babur in India brought about the introduction of gunpowder, the incorporation of arch and dome architecture, and the establishment of the Timurid dynasty. These events marked significant changes in the region during this period.

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

2014History
Athe mosque for the use of Royal Family
BAkbar's private prayer chamber
Cthe hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
Dthe room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs

Explanation

The Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was a hall where Akbar convened discussions with scholars of different religions every Thursday to debate religious matters.

What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the third battle of Panipat?

2010History
AHe wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore.
BThe frustrated governor of Jalandhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab.
CHe wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot and Pasrur).
DHe wanted to annex the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi in his kingdom.

Explanation

Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India for the fifth time in October 1759 in order to seek revenge for the Marathas expelling his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore. This led to the eventual conquest of Punjab by Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Bhakta Tukaram was a contemporary of which Mughal emperor?

2006History
ABabar
BAkbar
CJahangir
DAurangzeb

Explanation

The correct answer is option (c), Jahangir. Bhakta Tukaram, a Marathi Bhakti poet and devotee of Lord Krishna, lived from 1608 to 1650. Jahangir ruled from 1605 to 1627, making them contemporaries.

In Indian history, who was Abdul Hamid Lahori?

2006History
AAn important military commander during Akbar reign.
BAn official historian of the reign of Shahjahan.
CAn important noble and confidant of Aurangzeb.
DA chronicler and poet during the reign of Muhammad Shah.

Explanation

Abdul Hamid Lahori, who passed away in 1654, was a traveler in the time of Shahjahan who eventually served as a court historian for Shahjahan. He authored the book Padshah Nama, also known as Badshah nama, which detailed the reign of Shahjahan.

How did the dynasty of Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar come to an end?

2004History
AAhmadnagar was annexed into Mughal empire and Hussain Shah was given life imprisonment
BMughal troops destroyed Daulatabad fort and killed Nizam-ul Mulk of Ahmadnagar
CFateh Khan usurped the throne from Nizam-ul-Mulk
DMalik Ambar was defeated in a battle with Mughals in 1631 and the entire royal family was killed by the Mughal troops

Explanation

The Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmadnagar came to an end when the Mughal Empire annexed the region and imprisoned Hussain Shah. This marked the downfall of the dynasty's rule.

Consider the following statements: 1. In the Third Battle of Panipat, Ahmed Shah Abdali defeated Ibrahim Lodi. 2. Tipu Sultan was killed in the Third Anglo-Mysore War. 3. Mir Jafar entered in a conspiracy with the English for the defeat of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2004History
A1, 2 and 3
B3 only
C2 and 3
DNone

Explanation

In the history of battles, Ahmed Shah Abdali emerged victorious over the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Tipu Sultan met his end during the fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799. Mir Jafar collaborated with the English to overthrow Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey. The correct statement among the given options is that Mir Jafar conspired with the English, which is option (b).

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.

2003History
ABoth A and R are individually true but R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

Emperor Akbar led a significant military force towards Afghanistan in 1581 with the aim of capturing Kabul to grow his empire. This statement is true. However, the reason given, that he was on a mission to reclaim his ancestral land of Ferghana in Central Asia, is false. This clarification is not accurate as Akbar did not have any plans to reclaim Ferghana during this expedition.

Assertion (A): Shah Alam II spent the initial years as an emperor far away from his capital. Reason (R): There was always a lurking danger of foreign invasion from the north-west frontier.

2003History
ABoth A and R are individually true but R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

Shah Alam II chose to stay away from his capital during the early years of his reign because of the threat posed by Najib Khan Rohilla, who had gained significant influence in Delhi. This decision was not primarily driven by the fear of foreign invasions from the north-west frontier.

Assertion (A): Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after the decline of Mughal empire. Reason (R): Marathas were the first to have a clear concept of a united Indian nation.

2003History
ABoth A and R are individually true but R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

During the decline of the Mughal empire, the Marathas emerged as the most powerful indigenous force in India. The Marathas were known for their strong military prowess and strategic alliances, which contributed to their rise to dominance. While it is true that the Marathas did not have a clear concept of a unified Indian nation, their military strength and political acumen enabled them to establish a significant presence in the region.

How did the Mughal Emperor Jahandarshah's reign, come to an early end?

2003History
AHe was deposed by his Wazir
BHe died due to a slip while climbing down the steps
CHe was defeated by his nephew in a battle
DHe died of sickness due to drinking

Explanation

The reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahandarshah came to an early end because he was defeated by his nephew, Farrukh Siyyar, with the assistance of the Sayyid Brothers.

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

2003History
AAli Mardan Khan introduced the system of revenue farming in Bengal.
BMaharaja Ranjit Singh set up modern foundries to manufacture cannons at Lahore.
CSawai Jai Singh of Amber had Euclid's Elements of Geometry translated into Sanskrit.
DSultan Tipu of Mysore gave money for the construction of the idol of Goddess Sharda in the Shringeri temple.

Explanation

In the list of statements, the incorrect one is that Ali Mardan Khan introduced the system of revenue farming in Bengal.

The motive behind Shah Jahan's Balkh campaign was to:

2002History
Asecure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakshan which bordered Kabul
Bconquer Samarqand and Farghana, the Mughal homelands
Cfix the Mughal frontier on the 'scientific line', the Amu Daria
Dexpand the Mughal Empire beyond the sub-continent

Explanation

Shah Jahan's campaign in Balkh and Badakshan was driven by the goal of establishing a supportive ruler in the region that bordered Kabul. This strategic move aimed to enhance the defense of North-West India.

Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during the Mughal period?

2001History
ACalicut
BBroach
CCambay
DSurat

Explanation

During the Mughal period, Surat was known as the Gate of Makka because the pilgrimage to Makka would often commence from this port city.

The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the:

2000History
AGreeks
BShakas
CParthians
DMughals

Explanation

The concept of military governorship was initially brought to India by the Greeks. They established their own Governors known as strategos to oversee military and administrative affairs in the region.

Who among the following streamlined the Maratha administration after Sambhaji?

2000History
ARaja Ram
BBalaji Vishwanath
CGanga Bai
DNanaji Deshmukh

Explanation

The correct answer is Balaji Vishwanath. He significantly improved the Maratha administration after Sambhaji's reign. Balaji Vishwanath's strategic actions were instrumental in securing Shahu's victory by gaining the support of most Maratha leaders.

The given map refers to the kingdom of:

2000History
AAkbar at the time of capture of Khandesh in 1601
BAkbar at the time of his death in 1605
CAurangzeb at the time of capture of Hyderabad
DAurangzeb at the time of his death in 1707

Explanation

The map provided shows the kingdom of Akbar at the time of capturing Khandesh in 1601. Khandesh, formerly known as the north-western region of Maharashtra, was conquered by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1601. Following the annexation, Burhanpur was established as the capital of the Khandesh Subah within the Mughal empire.

The shaded area in the above map shows the empire of:

2000History
AAlauddin Khalji
BMohammad Tughlaq
CShahjahan
DAurangzeb

Explanation

The shaded region on the map represents the empire of Shah Jahan. He became the ruler of the Mughal Empire in Agra on 24 January 1628. Shah Jahan took over a large and prosperous empire, which was considered one of the most significant empires globally by the mid-17th century. During his reign, Shah Jahan further extended his empire in various directions.

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 and replacements were necessary in times of war.

1999History
ABoth A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

Explanation: Assertion (A) is false because the Du aspa Sih aspa system was actually introduced by Jahangir, not Akbar. Therefore, the correct answer is option (d).

The member of Shivaji's Ashtapradhan who looked after foreign affairs was:

1998History
APeshwa
BSachiv
CPandit Rao
DSumant

Explanation

In the administration of Shivaji's Ashtapradhan, the member responsible for handling foreign affairs was Sumant. Sachiv oversaw royal correspondence, Pandit Rao dealt with religious matters, and Sumant served as the foreign minister.

The loss of Qandhar was a big blow to the Mughal empire from the view point of:

1998History
Anatural resources
Bbuffer territory
Ccommunication
Dstrategic stronghold

Explanation

Shah Jahan regained control of Kandahar from the Iranians in 1638, but unfortunately, lost it again in 1649 after three unsuccessful campaigns. The loss of Kandahar was significant for the Mughal empire because it served as a crucial strategic stronghold.

Assertion (A): During the reign of Shahjahan, Dara Sikoh was sent on expedition to Balkha, Badakhshan and Qandahar. Reason (R): The expedition sent by Shahjahan to the Middle-East was a marvellous success.

1998History
ABoth A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

In the reign of Shahjahan, Dara Sikoh was dispatched on a mission to Balkha, Badakhshan, and Qandahar. The expedition to the Middle-East was not successful, contradicting the assertion that it was a marvellous success. Thus, the reason provided is false, making option (c) correct.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: A. 1556 B. 1600 C. 1686 D. 1739 with 1. Battle of Haldi Ghati 2. Nadir Shah's capture of Delhi 3. Death of Shivaji 4. Grant of Charter to East India Company 5. Accession of Akbar

1998History
AA – 3; B – 4; C – 2; D – 1
BA – 5; B – 4; C – 3; D – 2
CA – 5; B – 2; C – 1; D – 4
DA – 1; B – 5; C – 3; D – 2

Explanation

In the Battle of Haldighati, which took place in 1576, Akbar was crowned at Kalanaur in 1556 at the age of 14.

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 city. Which one of the following alternative gives all correct information?

1998History
AAkbar in 1557 : (A) Gokunda, (B) Lahore
BAkbar in 1557 : (A) Khandesh, (B) Multan
CAkbar in 1605: (A) Gondwana, (B) Multan
DAkbar in 1605: (A) Gondwana, (B) Lahore

Explanation

On the map, the shaded area shows the extent of Akbar's empire at the time of his passing in 1605. The independent country marked as A is Gondwana, and the city marked as B is Lahore. The correct information is option (d): Akbar in 1605: (A) Gondwana, (B) Lahore.

Head of the military department under the recognised central machinery of administration during Akbar's reign was:

1997History
ADiwan
BMir Bakshi
CMir Saman
DBakshi

Explanation

During Akbar's rule, the individual in charge of the military department within the established central administration was known as the Mir Bakshi. Although not the Commander-in-Chief, the Mir Bakshi held the role of paymaster-general and oversaw all intelligence officers and news reporters, known as Waqia-navis.

Mughal painting reached its zenith under:

1996History
AHumayun
BAkbar
CJahangir
DShahjahan

Explanation

During the Mughal Empire, the peak of Mughal painting was achieved under the rule of Jahangir, who served as the Mughal Emperor from 1605 to 1627.

In medieval India, Mansabdari system was introduced for:

1996History
Amaking recruitment to the army
Bfacilitating revenue collection
Censuring religious harmony
Deffecting clean administration

Explanation

During medieval times in India, the Mansabdari system was implemented to serve a dual purpose of managing both the civil and military roles of nobles. It was established in 1595–96 as a way to integrate the administrative and military functions of the nobility.

Ashtapradhan was a council of ministers:

1995History
Ain the Gupta administration
Bin the Chola administration
Cin the Vijayanagar administration
Din the Maratha administration

Explanation

The Ashtapradhan was a council of ministers established by Shivaji in the Maratha administration.