UPSC 1998 Medieval History Questions with Answers

Explanation

Fawazil was the surplus or excess revenue collected by the Iqtadars beyond their prescribed share and remitted to the central treasury, ensuring financial accountability and contributing to the Sultanate’s centralized economy. Sikandar Lodhi (1489 to 1517) of the Lodi dynasty abolished the practice of sending "fawazil" to the central treasury. This move by Sikandar Lodi was part of his efforts to consolidate his power and reduce the financial control of the central government over the military officials, allowing them greater autonomy.

Explanation

Firoz Shah Tughlaq (reigned 1351-1388 AD) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. His reign is remembered for a number of reforms and infrastructural developments. He is credited with building the largest and most significant canal network during this period, aimed at boosting agriculture and ensuring water availability. The Britisher used to call him the Father of the Irrigation Department because of the many gardens and canals he built like the canal connecting the Yamuna to Hissar city; Satluj to the Ghaggar, etc.

Explanation

Assertion is correct: The early Turkish rulers in India relied heavily on their military to establish and maintain control over the region. The Delhi Sultanate was founded on military conquest, and the rulers relied on military commanders for administrative control. During this time, the sultanate’s governance was largely militarized, and military leaders had significant power and influence over the territory. Reason is true: The concept of Iqta was introduced in India during the rule of Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish (r. 1211-1236). An Iqta was a land grant that was given to military leaders in return for their service. These military leaders, often called Iqtadars, were in charge of the administration of the land within their assigned Iqta and were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and providing military support to the Sultan. The system of Iqta created a decentralized form of administration, where military leaders had significant autonomy within their assigned territories. Thus, Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).

Explanation

Shivaji (1627-1680) opposed the Mughal dynasty and founded the Maratha kingdom in 17th-century India. His kingdom’s security was based on religious toleration and on the functional integration of Brahmans, Marathas, and Prabhus. He was assisted by a council of Eight members (Ashtapradhan) in his administration. The members of the council are:

1. Peshwa - Head of the administration, overseeing governance.

2. Sumant - In charge of foreign affairs and diplomacy.

3. Sachiv - Managed records and communications.

4. Amatya - Responsible for finances and revenue.

5. Dabir - Handled correspondence.

6. Senapati - Military commander-in-chief.

7. Nyayadhish - Chief justice, overseeing law and order. 8. Pandit Rao - Managed religious affairs and advised on spiritual matters.

Explanation

As direct descendants of Tamerlane, the Mughals of India considered Central Asia their true home and ancestral domain and thus desired to recover their ancestral lands. Also, the areas of Kandahar, Balkh, and Badakhshan were strategically important for the Mughal Empire due to their proximity to the borders of the Safavid Empire. Assertion (A) is correct: Dara Sikoh, the son of Shah Jahan, was sent on a military expedition to Balkh, Badakhshan, and Kandahar. These missions aimed to consolidate Mughal influence in these strategically important regions. Reason (R) is incorrect: Dara Shikoh’s expedition to the Middle east failed despite the use of a large army and advanced Mughal artillery. The campaign did not achieve its goals, and the Mughals suffered significant setbacks during Shah Jahan’s reign, including the permanent loss of Kandahar to the Safavids, weakening their influence in the region.

Explanation

The loss of Kandahar was a significant setback for the Mughal Empire due to its strategic importance. It was located in present-day Afghanistan and served as a vital buffer zone between the Mughals and the Safavid Empire, protecting the western frontier. Kandahar was also a key strategic stronghold, controlling trade and military routes with Central Asia and the Middle East. Its fortifications were crucial for projecting Mughal power into regions like Balkh, Badakhshan, and Herat. Losing Kandahar weakened the Mughal position in the northwest.

Explanation

The term Ahadis was used in the context of Mughal military service, specifically during the reigns of emperors like Akbar and his successors. Ahadis were soldiers who served in the imperial army.

Statement (1) is correct: Ahadis offered their services individually and were not part of a larger contingent. They were distinct in their roles and reporting structure.

Statement (2) is correct: They did not align themselves with any noble or chief but served independently.

Statement (3) is correct: Ahadis reported directly to the emperor and were considered elite troopers. Their services were provided to the central authority, bypassing local chiefs.

Statement (4) is incorrect: They did not attach themselves to Mirzas (a title for nobles or princes).

Explanation

The construction sequence is Qutub Minar (1193) > Tughlaqabad Fort (1321)>Lodi Garden (1451-1526)> Fatehpur Sikri (1571). Qutub Minar (1193-1220) construction was initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish during the early Delhi Sultanate era. Tughlaqabad Fort was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq as a fortified city during the Tughlaq dynasty. It was designed with robust defense mechanisms, including thick walls, towers, and a deep moat. Lodi Garden was made during the Lodi dynasty. The park is home to several notable tombs from the Lodi dynasty, including the tomb of Sikandar Lodi, the founder of the Lodi dynasty, and the tomb of Muhammad Shah Lodi, the last Sultan of the Lodi dynasty. Fatehpur Sikri was constructed by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period before it was abandoned.

Explanation

Akbar ascended to the throne of the Mughal Empire in February 1556, at the age of 13 years and four months. Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun, after Humayun died while Akbar was fighting a war to reclaim the Mughal throne. The Battle of Haldighati was a military conflict that took place in June 1576, between the forces of Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Akbar. Queen Elizabeth I granted the East India Company a charter on December 31, 1600, that gave the company the exclusive right to trade with the East. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj died on April 3, 1680, at Raigad after suffering for three weeks from fever and dysentery. Nadir Shah of Iran captured Delhi in 1739 after defeating the Mughal Empire in the Battle of Karnal. The battle was a turning point in the region’s history and marked the effective end of the Mughal Empire.