Mughal Period: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Medieval History)

Explanation

In order to organise his kingdom for better administration and taxation, Akbar adopted Sher Shah’s methods and principles. The Mughal administration was organized into "Subas," which were further subdivided into "Gram," "Pargana," and "Sarkar." Under Akbar’s reign, there were approximately 15 Subas, while the number increased to nearly 20 during Aurangzeb’s rule.

Option (a) is correct: The correct order according to the size is: Pargana -Sarkar-Suba. The entire Suba was split into Sarkars (districts), with a military commander known as the chief Shiqdar in charge of each one. Each Sarkar was divided into smaller units called Parganas. Each Pargana had two Karkuns (clerks or writers), one Fotahdar (treasurer), one Shiqdar (military officer), one Amin or Munsif (civilian judge).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Jagirdars were granted land assignments (known as jagir) in return for military, administrative, or service-related duties. Zamindars, on the other hand have the primary role of revenue collection. But in many cases, especially during the Mughal period, Zamindars were also responsible for maintaining law and order in their regions, depending on the specific region and the emperor’s policies.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Jagirdars did not necessarily hold hereditary land assignments. The jagir was often granted for services rendered. The emperor could change or revoke these assignments as needed, which means the jagir was not hereditary in the strict sense. Zamindars, however, typically held hereditary rights over the lands they controlled. The right to collect revenue from their land passed down through generations, making their position mostly hereditary in nature.

Explanation

Raja Ram Chandra of Bandavagarh employed Tansen as a court musician at his darbar (Rewa). After learning of Tansen’s extraordinary talent, Akbar wrote the king of Rewa a "Farman" requesting Tansen and appointed him as one of the Navaratnas in his court. He bestowed upon him the name "Mian."

Option (a) is correct: Tansen was the title given to him by Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior. Tansen composed various dhrupads on Rama, Parvati, Shiva, and Ganesha. A compilation of 300 of his dhrupad that were in Gauhar Bani is called Kalpadruma. Tansen composed his favorite ragas-Multani, Bhairavi and Todi. He created the ragas Darbari Kanhra for the night, Mian Ki Todi for the morning, Mian ki Sarang for the midday, and Mian ki Malhar for the season. He composed numerous songs for his patrons.

Explanation

The Mughal school of painting achieved increased charm, elegance, and grandeur during Jahangir’s rule. Mughal Emperor Jahangir shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to albums and individual portraits. The portrait of Jahangir, who is pictured holding a picture of the Virgin Mary in his right hand, is the best representation of this time period. Ayar-i-Danish and Anwar-i-sunavli are two further animal fable books with illustrations that date to Jahangir’s reign.

Explanation

Babur successfully conquered Bhira (1519-1520), Sialkot (1520), and Lahore (1524) in Punjab. The decisive encounter between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi took place at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Despite having fewer soldiers, Babur’s army was better organized and strategically superior. Babur’s battlefield tactics were distinctive, he strategically flanked Ibrahim’s army on both sides while his cavalry launched a central assault using arrows and gunfire from skilled Ottoman gunners.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Gunpowder was first used in the Indian subcontinent during the 14th century earlier than Babur’s arrival. However it gained prominence during Babur’s campaign for control of Bhera in India in 1519.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The introduction of Islamic architectural details, such as true domes and arches, and the fusion of Indian and Islamic architectural forms were the Delhi Sultanate’s biggest contributions to Indian fine arts. This was much before the arrival of Babur.

Statement 3 is correct: The Timurids, an islamic Sunni dynasty, had two notable empires in history. The Timurid Empire (1370-1507) in Persia and Central Asia The Mughal Empire (1526-1857) in India.

Explanation

The English East India Company set up its first factory in Surat in 1613 with the permission of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Jahangir, who ruled from 1605 to 1627, granted the English the permission to establish a trading post, and this marked the beginning of English trading activities in India. This significant development was achieved through the diplomatic efforts of Sir Thomas Roe, who was sent as an ambassador by King James I of England to Jahangir’s court.

Explanation

The English East India Company established its first factory in India in 1613 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627). This historic milestone was achieved when Jahangir granted the Company permission to set up a trading post in Surat, following diplomatic efforts by Sir Thomas Roe. The factory in Surat marked the beginning of a sustained British commercial presence in India and was crucial for accessing the lucrative Indian spice and textile markets. Surat, being a major port city, was central to maritime trade in the Arabian Sea, attracting not only the British but also the Portuguese, Dutch, and other European powers.

Explanation

Abdul Hamid Lahori was a distinguished historian during the reign of Shahjahan (1628-1658), the Mughal emperor renowned for his architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Lahori is best remembered for his monumental work, the Padshahnama, a detailed chronicle of Shahjahan’s reign. This official record documents the emperor’s military campaigns, administrative reforms, cultural contributions, and architectural endeavors, offering valuable insights into the Mughal Empire’s zenith. Lahori’s work is regarded as a continuation of Akbar’s historian Abul Fazl’s style, blending meticulous historical recording with a grand narrative of the emperor’s glory.

Explanation

The English East India Company was granted permission to establish its first factory in Surat in 1613 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. This decision was the result of Sir Thomas Roe’s successful diplomatic negotiations with the Mughal court, as he represented King James I of England. Surat, a thriving port city on the western coast of India, was a hub for international trade and was strategically chosen for its access to trade routes connecting India with the Middle East and Europe.

Explanation

The political situation in north-west India during early 16th CE was a suitable condition for Babur’s entry into India. Ibrahim Lodi came to the throne of Delhi in 1517 and aimed to establish a large centralised empire that had alarmed the Afghan chief as well as Rajputs.

Option (a) is correct: Alam Khan, who invited Babur to invade India was an uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi. Alam Khan along with Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to India. In the first battle of Panipat in 1526, Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur.