The Mughal Empire MCQ Questions and Answers

Sol. The Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar in 1575 CE as a place for religious discussions and debates. It was intended to foster dialogue among scholars of different religions including Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, and Christianity. Akbar’s aim was to promote religious tolerance and understand various faiths, reflecting his policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace). Neither Babar nor Humayun constructed such a structure, and Shahjahan’s contributions were more architectural and aesthetic.

Sol. Mughal miniatures and glossaries of the time reveal that women were predominantly involved in spinning (1), weeding and transplanting (3), and rubble making and carrying bricks and plaster materials (4). These tasks were considered part of manual and agricultural labor typically done by women, especially in rural and construction settings. Weaving, on the other hand, was more often a male-dominated profession in the Mughal period.

Sol. Sher Shah Suri imposed an additional tax amounting to 2.5% of the total revenue collected. This was reserved specifically for use in times of calamity and public emergencies. The provision demonstrated Sher Shah’s administrative foresight and concern for public welfare, ensuring resources were available during distress without burdening the treasury unexpectedly.

Sol. The old custom of Sizda, which involved complete prostration before the emperor as a mark of profound respect and submission, was abolished by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan.

While the practice was prevalent in the Mughal court before his reign, Shahjahan replaced it with less extreme forms of salutation. These included Chahar Taslim (a salutation involving raising the hand four times in a specific manner) and Zaminbos (kissing the ground before the emperor).

The reason for this change is generally attributed to Shahjahan’s desire to moderate the overly subservient nature of the Sizda.

Sol. In Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), the Sumant was responsible for foreign affairs. The office was key in managing diplomatic relations with other kingdoms and handling correspondence. Peshwa was the prime minister overseeing overall administration, Sachiv was in charge of official documentation, and Pandit Rao dealt with religious matters and charities.

Sol. The term Tins-i-Kamil in Mughal agrarian records refers to the ideal or perfect crop, often associated with high-value cash crops such as cotton, indigo, and sugarcane. These crops were cultivated for commercial sale rather than subsistence, contributing significantly to the state’s revenue through trade and export.

Sol. The Mansabdari system, introduced by Akbar, was primarily a system of military and civil administration. It categorized officials into different ranks (mansabs) and was designed to manage the recruitment and maintenance of army personnel. Every mansabdar had to maintain a specified number of troops and was compensated through land assignments or salaries.

Sol. Daswant, a renowned painter in Akbar’s court, tragically committed suicide. Despite his artistic excellence, he struggled with personal and psychological issues. His untimely death is often cited as a significant loss to Mughal art, as he was one of the foremost contributors to the development of imperial painting under Akbar’s patronage.

Sol. The term Mansab is incorrectly matched with the Sultanate administration. It actually belongs to the Mughal administrative system, not the earlier Delhi Sultanate. It denoted the rank or position of a noble and his military responsibility under the Mughals. The other pairs—Iqta, Khalisa, and Ijara—are correctly matched with their respective definitions.

Sol. The reign of Shahjahan is often labeled the ‘golden period’ due to flourishing trade and commerce (1), internal peace with no major external invasions (2), and financial stability of the empire (4). Although territorial expansion continued under Shahjahan, it had already reached its peak under Akbar and Jahangir. The emphasis during his reign was more on consolidation and architectural achievements rather than significant expansion.

Sol. Tobacco smoking was introduced to the Mughal court when Mirza Asad Baig, the Mughal ambassador to the Bijapur court, brought it to Akbar. The Portuguese had already introduced tobacco cultivation in the Deccan during the 16th century, and through diplomatic and cultural exchanges, it reached the Mughal elite. This specific instance highlights how new habits and goods entered imperial circles through envoys and ambassadors.

Sol. The war of succession among Shah Jahan’s sons was fueled by two main factors: a false rumour about Shah Jahan’s death, which led to Dara Shikoh acting prematurely in assuming power, and Shah Jahan’s overt favoritism towards Dara Shikoh. This partiality intensified the rivalry, particularly between Dara and Aurangzeb, culminating in a series of battles for the throne. The removal of Mir Jumla (not Mir Mumla) is not directly connected as a cause.

Sol. During Akbar’s reign, the head of the military department under the central administrative system was the Mir Bakshi. He was responsible for military organization, recruitment of soldiers, and maintaining the mansabdari records. The Diwan managed finance, Mir Saman was in charge of the imperial household, and Bakshi is a generic title often used interchangeably but not specific in administrative hierarchy.

Sol. Guru Gobind Singh was enrolled into Mughal service by Bahadur Shah I. After Aurangzeb’s death, Bahadur Shah sought to consolidate support and maintain stability, leading him to reconcile with the Sikh leader. Guru Gobind Singh supported the emperor in return for certain assurances, marking a significant moment of tactical alliance rather than lasting integration.

Sol. Jahandar Shah’s reign came to an end when he was defeated by his nephew, Farrukh Siyyar, in the Battle of Agra in 1713. With the support of the powerful Sayyid brothers, Farrukh Siyyar overthrew Jahandar Shah, leading to his capture and subsequent execution. His brief reign was marked by weak administration and heavy reliance on his favorite, Lal Kunwar.

Sol. Akbar’s patronage of the Mughal school of painting, particularly seen in the illustrated Dastan-i-Amir Hamza, was influenced by his inherited interest in art from Humayun (1) and his personal fascination with illustrated manuscripts (2). Abdul Fazl, though a major intellectual in Akbar’s court, did not play a direct role in initiating Akbar’s interest in painting, making statement 3 less substantiated.

Sol. Aurangzeb reimposed the jizya tax in 1679, the twenty-second year of his reign, to reinforce the Islamic character of the Mughal state. The tax was imposed on non-Muslims, marking a departure from Akbar’s secular policy. While financial needs may have been a secondary motive, the primary intention was ideological, to reassert Islamic orthodoxy in governance.

Sol. The Battle of Khanwa was fought in 1527 between Babur and Rana Sanga (2), not Akbar, correcting the first statement. Statement 3 is also accurate as Humayun lived in exile for about 15 years after being ousted by Sher Shah Suri. Statements 1 and 4 are historically incorrect—the first misidentifies Akbar’s involvement, and the battle of Chunar was not a defining moment in Humayun’s campaign.

Sol. Aurangzeb devoted a substantial part of his reign to subduing the Deccan kingdoms, particularly the Marathas, Bijapur, and Golconda. His campaigns in the south lasted for decades, draining the imperial treasury and weakening Mughal authority elsewhere. His Deccan policy significantly altered the course of Mughal history and contributed to the empire’s eventual decline.

Sol. The Battle of Khanwa was fought in 1527 between Babur and Rana Sanga of Mewar. It was a pivotal battle that solidified Babur’s hold over northern India after his victory in the First Battle of Panipat. This confrontation also marked the decline of Rajput power and the establishment of Mughal dominance in the region.

Sol. Rumi Khan, a skilled Ottoman gunner and artillery expert in Humayun’s service, played a key role in helping Humayun capture the fort of Chunargarh from Sher Shah. His expertise in artillery enabled the Mughal forces to breach the strong fortifications of the fort, showcasing the growing role of gunpowder weaponry in Mughal military strategy.

Sol. The Buland Darwaza, or “Gate of Magnificence,” was constructed by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate his successful conquest of Gujarat in 1573. This grand gateway symbolized the expansion of Mughal authority into western India and stood as a monumental statement of imperial pride and victory.

Sol. Among the listed areas, Akbar did not conquer Bidar. While Kashmir, Qandahar, and Orissa were brought under Mughal control during Akbar’s reign through military and diplomatic means, Bidar, located in the Deccan, came under Mughal influence much later, primarily during the reign of Aurangzeb through his extended Deccan campaigns.

Sol. While the Taj Mahal is famously made of white marble, it is not a “characteristic” of Mughal architectural style in general, which typically involved red sandstone with marble inlay. The key features that define its architectural style include the Charbagh garden layout, double dome construction, and pietra dura (stone inlay) work, making white marble the least distinctive among these.

Sol. The peace treaty between the Mughals and Mewar was concluded during Jahangir’s reign. After prolonged hostilities, a treaty was signed with Amar Singh, the ruler of Mewar, in 1615, whereby the latter agreed to recognize Mughal suzerainty in return for autonomy. This marked the formal end of the long-standing conflict initiated during Akbar’s reign.

Sol. The children of Shah Jahan, including Aurangzeb, were born in the Khanqah (monastic retreat) of the prominent Sufi saint Mian Mir in Lahore. This reflects the continued spiritual connection between the Mughal emperors and Sufi orders. It also demonstrates the blending of political and spiritual authority in Mughal culture.

Sol. Jahangir is credited with ending the practice of forcefully converting prisoners of war to Islam. In his memoirs, Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, he explicitly mentions issuing orders against coercive conversions, marking a shift towards a more tolerant policy aligned with his father Akbar’s secular approach.

Sol. During the Mughal rule, Khalisa land referred to land that was the direct property of the Mughal Emperor. The revenue generated from these lands was directly collected and deposited into the Emperor’s personal treasury, rather than being assigned to individual Mansabdars or other officials as Jagirs. This direct control over Khalisa lands provided a significant source of income for the royal household and strengthened the Emperor’s financial power.

Sol. The reign most often referred to as a Renaissance in Persian literature within the Mughal context is that of Akbar.

Here’s why:

Akbar’s Patronage: Akbar had a deep appreciation for literature and the arts. He established a vast library and actively supported numerous scholars, writers, and poets in Persian, Hindi, and other local languages.

Flourishing of Persian Literature: During Akbar’s reign, the Persian language and literature flourished significantly. Many historical works, translations (like the Mahabharata and Ramayana into Persian), and original poetic works were commissioned and completed.

Literary Figures: Prominent scholars and literary figures like Abul Fazl (author of Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari) and the poet Faizi were key members of his court, contributing immensely to Persian literary output. Some sources even explicitly refer to Akbar’s period as the “renaissance of Persian literature.”

Hindi Literature: While Persian saw a major revival, Hindi literature also flourished during Akbar’s time, with iconic poets like Tulsidas producing his Ramcharitmanas.

While Jahangir and Shah Jahan were also patrons of the arts and literature, the significant groundwork laid and the sheer volume and impact of literary works in Persian, alongside the encouragement of Hindi and other regional languages, strongly associate Akbar’s reign with a literary renaissance. Aurangzeb’s reign, with its more orthodox Islamic focus, saw a relative decline in the same kind of broad literary patronage.

Sol. Sher Shah Suri laid the foundation for many administrative practices that were later refined and institutionalized by Akbar. These included revenue reforms, an efficient road network, postal system, and centralized administration. Akbar adopted and expanded upon these systems, earning Sher Shah the title of a forerunner in Mughal administration.

Sol. During the Mughal period, artillery was categorized by its size and the animal or personnel required to transport it. Narnal was a type of light artillery that was small enough to be carried and operated by a single man. This made it highly mobile and useful in various tactical situations where larger artillery pieces were impractical. Historical sources and analyses of Mughal military technology confirm that Narnals were man-portable firearms, distinguishing them from heavier artillery mounted on elephants (Gajnal/Hathnal) or camels (Shutarnal/Zamburak).

Sol. The dahsala system of land revenue collection was introduced by Akbar under the guidance of his finance minister, Raja Todar Mal. It calculated average produce and price of land over ten years to fix a standardized assessment. This reform improved consistency, reduced peasant exploitation, and became a model for future revenue systems in India.

Sol. Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, organized the Ashtapradhan, a council of eight ministers responsible for different aspects of administration. This included positions like Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance), and Senapati (Commander), reflecting Shivaji’s structured approach to governance and military organization.

Sol. Akbar recognized the importance of incorporating Rajputs into the Mughal administration and military to consolidate his rule. Through matrimonial alliances, land grants, and key appointments, he secured their loyalty, which helped stabilize his empire and integrate various regional powers. This inclusive policy contrasted sharply with Aurangzeb’s later confrontational stance.

Sol. The correct matching is:

A. Babur – 4. Tuzuk-i-Baburi
B. Gulbadan Begum – 3. Humayun Nama
C. Abul Fazl – 2. Akbar Nama
D. Jahangir – 1. Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
This sequence corresponds to the code: 4 3 2 1, reflecting each author’s contribution to Mughal historiography.

Sol. Mahmud Begarha was a 15th-century Sultan of Gujarat, while Faizi Sarhindi was a 16th-century poet and scholar in Akbar’s court. This pairing is historically inaccurate due to the chronological mismatch. The other pairings correctly associate prominent individuals with their respective patrons or emperors.

Sol. The Mughal-Maratha treaty of 17 19 was concluded during the reign of Farrukh Siyyar. It granted the Marathas rights to collect chauth and sardeshmukhi in Deccan in return for supporting the Mughal emperor, marking a significant political compromise as Mughal authority waned and Maratha influence expanded.

Sol. Before the Battle of Khanwa in 1527, Babur declared the abolition of the Tamgha tax. The Tamgha tax was a form of toll or stamp duty, often levied on merchants and goods entering a territory. Babur’s decision to abolish it, particularly before such a crucial battle against Rana Sanga, was likely a strategic move to gain popular support, especially among the trading communities, and to portray his rule as just and beneficial. It might have also been a way to motivate his soldiers by showing his commitment to their welfare and the prosperity of the land they were fighting for.

Sol. Qazi Fazilat, also known satirically as Qazi Fazihat, during the reign of Sher Shah was the Governor of Bengal. Sher Shah appointed him as the Amin of Bengal and superintendent of Rohtas Fort in 1541 after dismissing the previous governor, Khidr Khan, for attempting to declare independence.

Sol. Upon Jahangir’s death, Asaf Khan, to counter Nur Jahan’s plan of enthroning Shahryar, briefly placed Dawar Baksh on the throne as a nominal emperor. This strategic move helped him buy time to ensure the safe and successful ascension of Shah Jahan (Prince Khurram) to the Mughal throne.

Sol. William Hawkins, an English envoy to the Mughal court during Jahangir’s reign, was proficient in Turkish and Persian. He impressed Jahangir, who granted him a mansab of 400 and conferred upon him the title of English Khan or Firangi Khan. His fluency and diplomatic skill gained him rare favor at the Mughal court, although his mission ultimately failed to secure permanent trade rights for the English East India Company.

Sol. The Qila-i-Kuhna mosque is not located in Fatehpur Sikri; it is situated within the Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi and was built by Sher Shah Suri. In contrast, Buland Darwaza, Anup Talao, and Panch Mahal are integral parts of the Fatehpur Sikri complex, constructed during Akbar’s reign as part of his capital city.

Sol. Babur wrote his autobiography, the Tuzuk-i-Baburi or Baburnama, in Chagatai Turki, his native language. This Turkic dialect was widely used in Central Asia. The text was later translated into Persian during Akbar’s reign, making it accessible to the Mughal court and later historians.

Sol. The Battle of Haldighati in 1576 was fought between the Mughal forces led by Man Singh (on behalf of Akbar) and the Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap of Mewar. Though the Mughals claimed a tactical victory, Maharana Pratap’s resistance became legendary, symbolizing Rajput valor and opposition to Mughal expansion.

Sol. Akbar conferred the title of Jagat Guru upon Jain monk Hari Vijay Suri in recognition of his spiritual influence and learning. The title signified universal spiritual authority and was part of Akbar’s broader effort to honor religious figures from diverse traditions under his policy of tolerance.

Sol. In Mughal administrative terminology, Elchi or Safir referred to ambassadors or envoys. These individuals represented the Mughal emperor in foreign courts or acted as intermediaries in diplomatic negotiations, playing key roles in maintaining external relations.

Sol. Vincent A. Smith identified 1581 AD as the most critical year of Akbar’s reign due to the revolt of his half-brother Mirza Hakim of Kabul. The internal threat, combined with Akbar’s temporary withdrawal from imperial affairs, posed a serious challenge to the stability of the empire. His successful suppression of the rebellion marked a turning point in consolidating Mughal power.

Sol. The Mahzar (Declaration) of 1579 was drafted by Abul Fazl, Akbar’s trusted advisor and court historian. This document allowed Akbar to act as the final arbiter in religious matters, asserting his spiritual authority over the ulema. It was a cornerstone in his policy of religious rationalism and centralization of power.

Sol. The policy of Sulh-i-Kul or “peace with all” was introduced by Akbar. It emphasized religious tolerance, non-discrimination, and harmony among different communities. This principle became the ideological basis of Akbar’s governance, influencing both domestic policy and imperial ideology.

Sol. During Shahjahan’s reign, none of the Deccan Sultanates—Golconda, Ahmednagar, or Bijapur—became fully integrated into the Mughal Empire. Although military campaigns were conducted, their complete subjugation occurred later under Aurangzeb. Shahjahan’s focus in the Deccan was more on containment than full annexation.

Sol. Sher Shah Suri was the first to introduce the Rupiya, a silver coin that became the precursor to the modern Indian rupee. His coinage system was well-regulated, with standardized weights and denominations, and remained influential throughout the Mughal period and even during British rule.

Sol. Jahangir granted permission to the English East India Company in 1613 to establish a trading factory at Surat. This followed negotiations with Sir Thomas Roe, who was sent by King James I. The factory marked the beginning of formal English trade and presence in India.

Sol. The Mughal land revenue system, especially under Akbar, was characterized by its variation according to the type of crop grown and regional differences in productivity and assessment. The system was standardized through methods like dahsala and zabt, but localized factors were always considered. Bids and individual contracts were not central to the imperial framework.

Sol. Persian was the official court language during Akbar’s reign and remained so throughout the Mughal period. It was used for administration, literature, and diplomacy. Akbar promoted its use alongside fostering translations of Hindu scriptures and texts into Persian to promote cultural integration.

Sol. Humayun’s tomb, built by his widow Hamida Banu Begum, is considered a prototype of the Taj Mahal. It was the first major example of a garden tomb in the Indo-Islamic architectural style and inspired later Mughal architecture, including Shah Jahan’s construction of the Taj Mahal.

Sol. Qanun-i-Humayuni by Khwandamir, a contemporary historian, provides valuable insights into Humayun’s personality, including his keen interest in astronomy and astrology. It documents his reliance on celestial signs for making decisions and planning events, reflecting the intellectual and mystical leanings of his reign.

Sol. Khairul Manazil, a madrasa and mosque in Delhi, was built by Maham Angah, the wet nurse and influential advisor of Akbar. Constructed in 1561, it served both educational and religious purposes and symbolized the role of powerful women in Mughal court politics and patronage.

Sol. The policy of Sulh-i-Kul, or “peace with all,” was introduced by Akbar to promote religious tolerance and governance based on justice rather than sectarian interests. It allowed equal treatment of all religious communities and became a cornerstone of his inclusive statecraft.

Sol. The statement that Din-i-Ilahi was a movement of Akbar’s folly and not of his wisdom was made by V.A. Smith, a colonial historian. His interpretation reflected a Eurocentric and often critical view of non-Western religious and philosophical experiments, although modern historians see Din-i-Ilahi as an early effort at interfaith dialogue.

Sol. The correct chronological order in which Akbar captured the forts is:

Merta (1562)
Ranthambore (1569)
Kalinjar (1569)
Asirgarh (1601)
This sequence reflects Akbar’s strategic military expansion from Rajasthan to the Deccan, culminating in the late capture of Asirgarh, a gateway to southern India.

Sol. The Khan Jahan Lodi revolt occurred during the reign of Shahjahan. Khan Jahan Lodi, a noble and former governor of the Deccan, rebelled against Shahjahan due to administrative conflicts and suspicion of disloyalty. The rebellion was suppressed, and he was eventually killed in 1631, marking one of the earliest challenges to Shahjahan’s authority.

Sol. The Do aspa, Sih aspa (two-horse, three-horse) rank system was introduced by Jahangir. It was a refinement of the mansabdari system, indicating the number of cavalry a mansabdar was required to maintain in addition to their original rank. This reform helped strengthen the Mughal cavalry and provided better classification within military administration.

Sol. Faizi, the brother of Abul Fazl, was honored with the title Malik-ush-Shu’ara (Poet Laureate) by Akbar. He was a renowned Persian poet and scholar in Akbar’s court and played a significant role in literary and educational developments, including translating Sanskrit texts into Persian.

Sol. The most notable literary achievements of the Mughal period included the systematic preservation of official records (1) and the shift from religious to secular themes in literature (2). Court historians, poets, and writers focused more on courtly life, ethics, and governance, reflecting a broader intellectual trend toward rationalism and humanism.

Sol. Khwand Mir did not write Qanun-i-Humayuni. That work was authored by Badayuni or sometimes attributed to Khwandamir’s son. Khwand Mir himself was a historian in Babur’s time. The other pairs—Gulbadan Begum’s Humayunama, Ziauddin Barani’s Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi, and Khwaja Kalan’s Tazkira-i-Humayun Akbar—are correct.

Sol. During Aurangzeb’s reign, the number of mansabdars increased significantly due to the prolonged Deccan campaigns and the need for a larger administrative and military structure. This expansion, however, strained the empire’s finances and contributed to administrative inefficiency.

Sol. The Muhtasib was responsible for moral policing in public life—checking gambling dens (1), ensuring proper weights and measures (3), and preventing public consumption of intoxicants (4). However, they were not meant to interfere in the private lives of citizens (2), which makes that statement incorrect.

Sol. The painting style of Bihzad, the famous Persian painter of the Herat school, greatly influenced early Mughal art during Babur’s time. His detailed and naturalistic style served as a model for the nascent Mughal miniature tradition, which evolved significantly under Akbar and his successors.

Sol. Hemu was the Hindu general and wazir of Adil Shah Suri, the last significant ruler of the Sur dynasty. He came from a humble background, being a trader (baniya) by birth, and rose through administrative and military ranks. He was not the governor of Agra nor the general of Sikandar Shah, which makes statements 1 and 2 correct.

Sol. The imperial household was actually under the charge of the Mir Saman, not Mir Manzil. The Mir-i-Atish headed the artillery, the Sadr looked after land grants, and the Muhtasib managed censorship of public morals, all of which are accurate.

Sol. Chronological order of the events in Jahangir’s reign is:

6 – Issue of 12 ordinances (1605)
1 – Captain Hawkins’ visit (1608)
5 – Marriage to Nur Jahan (1611)
2 – Arrival of Sir Thomas Roe (1615)
4 – Revolt of Prince Khurram (1622)
3 – Mahabat Khan’s revolt (1626)

Sol. Mir Jafar was not part of the coalition against the British in the Battle of Buxar (1764). The coalition included Mir Kasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah (Nawab of Awadh), and Shah Alam II (the Mughal Emperor). Mir Jafar had earlier collaborated with the British during the Battle of Plassey.

Sol. Humayun Nama was authored by Gulbadan Begum, the daughter of Babur and sister of Humayun. She was the only Mughal royal woman known to have written a historical memoir, offering a personal and courtly perspective of the early Mughal empire.

Sol. Sher Shah took various measures to promote trade and commerce:

Ensured safe travel (1),
Abolished internal duties, taxing only at entry and exit points (3),
Built sarais (rest houses) for travelers and traders (4).
However, he did not build a highway between Delhi and Warangal (2), making 1, 3, and 4 correct.

Sol. While Sher Shah reformed the army by instituting cash payments, maintaining a central army, and introducing dagh (branding of horses), swiftly moving artillery was not a key feature of his military reforms. This element became more prominent under the later Mughals, especially Akbar.

Sol. This statement is false. Peasant communities during the Mughal period were not homogeneous; they were diverse in terms of caste, occupation, economic status, and regional practices. The other statements are generally true—Mughal policies did promote revenue-generating crops, food grains were relatively abundant due to agricultural expansion, and multiple cropping was common in fertile regions.

Sol. The Battle of Chausa (1539) was fought between Humayun and Sher Khan (later Sher Shah Suri). It marked a major defeat for Humayun, leading to Sher Shah’s rise and establishment of the Sur Empire. The battle occurred near the town of Chausa in present-day Bihar.

Sol. The correct matching is:

A. Gulbadan Begum – 3. Humayun Nama
B. Ishwar Das Nagar – 4. Futuhat-i-Alamgiri
C. Yahiya bin Ahmad – 1. Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi
D. Abbas Khan Sarwani – 2. Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi

Sol. The Mohtasib was an official appointed to enforce Islamic morality and public conduct in accordance with Sharia. Under Aurangzeb, this role became particularly significant as part of his religious orthodoxy, ensuring public adherence to moral and religious norms.

Sol. The Red Fort in Delhi, originally known as Lal Qila, was constructed by Shah Jahan in 1638 as the centerpiece of his new capital, Shahjahanabad. It reflects the zenith of Mughal architectural style and imperial ambition.

Sol. The statement that Ryots were evicted for default of payment is incorrect. Under the Mughal revenue system, especially in Akbar’s time, peasants were usually not evicted for non-payment. Instead, flexible policies like remission of revenue in times of distress were practiced. The other statements correctly reflect elements of the Mughal system.

 Sol. The decline of the Mughal Empire was due to:

Aurangzeb’s religious and political intolerance (1), which alienated many groups;
Rebellions by zamindars (3), especially in the late Mughal period;
An overly centralized administration (4), which became inefficient in managing a vast empire.
Peasants did resist but did not become a major central political force (2), so that is less relevant.

Sol. In 1657 A.D., a war of succession broke out among Shah Jahan’s sons—Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb, Shuja, and Murad—due to the absence of a codified law of succession in the Mughal Empire. Succession was often decided by military strength and political alliances, making both statements correct.

Sol. Daulat Khan Lodi, Alam Khan Lodi, and Rana Sanga invited Babur to invade India to overthrow Ibrahim Lodi. They sought Babur’s assistance to settle internal rivalries and secure power. Mahmud Lodi was Ibrahim’s brother and an adversary of Babur, while Bharmal of Amber came later during Akbar’s time.

Sol. The Mansabdari system was introduced by Akbar, ranking nobles based on their zat (personal rank) and sawar (cavalry responsibility). While many mansabdars were military officers, they also held civil and administrative positions, making statement 3 incorrect.

Sol. Under Todar Mal’s revenue system (Bandobast):

Loans (taqavi) were given to cultivators (1),
Remission of revenue was allowed during bad seasons (2),
Officials were required to report on their subordinates’ integrity (3).
However, accounts were kept in Persian, not Hindi, so statement 4 is incorrect.

Sol. Akbar dismissed corrupt Sadrs as part of his administrative reforms to reduce the influence of religious orthodoxy. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, dismissed a Sadr for opposing his strict religious policies, thus both took action against these officials.

Sol. The Treaty of Chittor (1615), under Jahangir, restored Mewar and Chittor to the Rana, and it was agreed that the fort of Chittor would not be rebuilt. The Rana was exempted from appearing in person at the Mughal court, so statement 2 is incorrect.

Sol.

A. Buland Darwaza – 2. Akbar
B. Alai Darwaza – 1. Alauddin Khilji
C. Moti Masjid (Delhi) – 4. Aurangzeb
D. Moti Masjid (Agra) – 3. Shah Jahan

 Sol.

A. Babar – 3. Kabul
B. Humayun – 4. Delhi
C. Akbar – 2. Sikandra
D. Jahangir – 1. Lahore

Sol.

A. Alamgir Nama – 2. Munshi Muhammad Kazim
B. Tabaqat-i-Akbari – 4. Nizamuddin Ahmad
C. Chahar Chaman – 3. Chandra Bhan Brahman
D. Iqbal-nama-i-Jahangiri – 1. Mu’tamad Khan

Sol.

Battle of Samel – E. Defeat of Rajputs under Maldeo of Marwar by Sher Shah
Battle of Bilgram – D. Final defeat of Humayun by Sher Shah
Battle of Bagha – C. Defeat of Afghans under Mahmud Lodi by Babur
Battle of Khanwa – B. Defeat of Rajputs under Rana Sanga by Babur
First Battle of Panipat – A. Defeat of Afghans under Ibrahim Lodi

Sol.

Babur – A. Kabul
Humayun – B. Delhi
Akbar – C. Sikandra
Jahangir – D. Lahore
Shah Jahan – E. Agra
Aurangzeb – F. Aurangabad

Sol.

A. Battle of Haldighati – 2. 1576
B. Marriage of Jahangir with Nur Jahan – 1. 1611
C. Capture of Qandahar by Safavids – 4. 1622
D. Death of Shivaji – 3. 1680

 Sol.

A. Taj Mahal – 4. Bulbous dome
B. Fatehpur Palace – 1. Extensive use of trabeate forms
C. Gole Gumbad – 2. Largest dome in pre-modern India
D. Sher Shah’s Tomb – 3. Surrounded by water

 Sol.

A.Hawkins – 2. 1608
B. Thomas Roe – 1. 1615
C. Manucci – 4. 1658
D. Ralph Fitch – 3. 1585

 Sol.

A. Iyar Danish – 4. Abul Fazl
B. Humayun Nama – 3. Gulbadan Begum
C. Badshah Nama – 1. Abdul Hamid Lahori
D. Muntakhab-ul-Lubab – 2. Khafi Khan

Sol. Babur’s arrival led to the establishment of the Timurid (Mughal) dynasty in India (3).

Gunpowder and arch-dome architecture already existed in India due to earlier Turkish and Afghan invasions, especially under the Delhi Sultanate. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are incorrect or exaggerated.

 Sol.

A. Iqta – 2. Delhi Sultans
B. Jagir – 3. Mughals
C. Amaram – 4. Vijayanagar
D. Mokasa – 1. Maratha

 Sol. The Mansabdari system relied on:

Dagh system (2) – to verify troops/horses,
Jagirdari system (3) – to pay Mansabdars through land revenue.
It was not limited to military personnel alone; it included civil officers, so statement 1 is incorrect.

Sol. Statement 1 is correct: Sher Shah divided his empire into Sarkars and Parganas.

Statement 2 is incorrect: These administrative units were governed by officials like Shiqdar and Amin. Sher Shah did not directly administer all subdivisions himself.

Sol. Aurangzeb spent the longest period of his reign (almost 25 years) in the Deccan, conducting prolonged campaigns against the Marathas, Bijapur, and Golconda. These efforts strained Mughal resources and contributed significantly to the decline of the empire.