Mughal Period: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Medieval History)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Mughal Period (Medieval History). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 1999Medieval History · Mughal Period
Q1. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Explanation
The Mughal Empire began in 1526 and lasted for over 200 years. At its peak it covered modern day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The empire was founded by Babur, a Muslim warrior prince from Central Asia, who descended from the Mongols. Several European travelers, including Ralph Fitch, William Hakins, Sir Thomas Roe, Francois Bernier, and Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, documented the Mughal Empire’s wealth, administration, society, and culture.
Pair 1 is correctly matched: William Hawkins visited Jahangir’s court as a representative of the East India Company. He gained favor with Jahangir and was granted trading privileges.
Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Sir Thomas Roe (1615-1619), an English ambassador sent by King James I to Jahangir’s court to negotiate trade rights for the East India Company.
Pair 3 is correctly matched: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a French gem (particularly diamond) trader and traveler in the 17th century Tavernier visited India six times between 1630 and 1668 and provided invaluable accounts of trade, society, and the Mughal court, particularly during the reign of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. He also provided descriptions of the Peacock Throne commissioned by Shah Jahan.
Pair 4 is correctly matched: Niccolao Manucci (1639-1717) was an Italian traveler who spent over fifty years in India during the Mughal period, primarily under the reign of Aurangzeb.
UPSC 1999Medieval History · Mughal Period
Q2. 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.
Explanation
Assertion is true: During Akbar’s reign, the Mansabdari system was an essential part of his military and administrative structure. The Mansabdar was a title given to officials who held military or civil offices. The Mansabdars were required to maintain a specific number of cavalrymen, and the ratio was set at 10 cavalrymen for every 20 horses. Reason is true: Horses needed rest during long marches, especially in difficult terrain or extended campaigns. Additionally, during war, horses might get injured or exhausted, and replacements were essential to ensure that the cavalry remained effective. Having extra horses provided the necessary logistical support for the Mansabdars to keep their cavalry functional during both long marches and active combat situations.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
1999
(b) Akbar: Sir Thomas Roe
2
1999
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Mughal Period?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Mughal Period (Medieval History), asked from 1996 to 2021. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Mughal Period?
Questions on Mughal Period (Medieval History) are available for 13 years, from 1996 to 2021. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
