All questions of The Mughal Empire for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Construction of Ibadat Khana:
The Ibadat Khana, meaning "House of Worship", was a building constructed by Emperor Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri, India. It was built in the year 1575 and served as a meeting place for religious discussions and debates. Akbar was known for his religious tolerance and his interest in various religious traditions. The construction of the Ibadat Khana was a reflection of his inclusive approach towards religion.

Promulgation of Din-i-Ilahi:
Din-i-Ilahi, meaning "Divine Faith", was a syncretic religion founded by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. It was a combination of elements from various religious traditions, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. Akbar aimed to create a new religion that would promote unity and harmony among his diverse subjects. The promulgation of Din-i-Ilahi took place in the year 1582, and it was intended to be the official religion of the Mughal Empire.

Issuing of Mazharnama:
The Mazharnama, meaning "Book of Instructions", was a document issued by Emperor Akbar in the year 1579. It contained a set of instructions and guidelines for his subjects, covering various aspects of governance, administration, and religious policies. The Mazharnama reflected Akbar's vision of a just and inclusive society, emphasizing religious tolerance and social harmony. It also provided a framework for the implementation of Akbar's policies, including the construction of the Ibadat Khana and the promulgation of Din-i-Ilahi.

Chronological Order:
Based on the given information, the correct chronological order is:

I. Construction of Ibadat Khana: This took place in the year 1575.

III. Issuing of Mazharnama: This occurred in the year 1579.

II. Promulgation of Din-i-Ilahi: This happened in the year 1582.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C, which is I, III, II.

The main cause for the war of succession among the four sons of Shahjahan was because of a tradition that Mughals did not follow any definite law of succession, which means that there is nothing particular about having an elder son on the throne.
Answer is option A.

From Babur to Jahangir the Mughal rulers with some exceptions after the Persian invasion of Kandahar were able to regain it but during the reign of Shah Jahan Kandahar were lost by the Mughals forever and became part of Persia.

Introduction:
Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor of India, ruled from 1658 to 1707. He made several policy changes during his reign, including the discontinuation of inscribing the Kalima (Islamic declaration of faith) on the coins.

Reasons for discontinuing the practice:

1. Dishonoring the Kalima:
The primary reason for discontinuing the practice of inscribing the Kalima on the coin was the concern that it would be dishonored by coming under the feet of the people. The Kalima holds immense religious significance for Muslims, and stepping on it would be considered disrespectful. Aurangzeb, being a devout and orthodox ruler, wanted to avoid any potential disrespect to the Kalima.

2. Borrowed Practice:
Another reason for discontinuing the practice was that it was borrowed from the Turks. Aurangzeb aimed to establish a more indigenous and Islamic administration, free from any external influences. By discontinuing the practice, he sought to distance himself from the Turkish influence on the Mughal Empire.

3. Smooth Functioning of Escheat System:
The escheat system refers to the process of transferring the property of a deceased person to the state when there are no legal heirs or beneficiaries. Some sources suggest that the practice of inscribing the Kalima on the coin hampered the smooth functioning of the escheat system. It is believed that the religious inscription on the coins created complications in determining the rightful ownership of the assets.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Aurangzeb discontinued the practice of inscribing the Kalima on the coin primarily because it would have been dishonored by coming under the feet of the people. Additionally, he aimed to establish a more indigenous and Islamic administration, free from external influences. The discontinuation of the practice also potentially contributed to the smooth functioning of the escheat system.

B

Muhtasibs were special officers appointed by Aurangzeb to ensure that the Muslims lived their lives according to the Quranic law. The following points explain the role of Muhtasibs in detail:

Role of Muhtasibs:

1. Enforcing Quranic Law: The primary role of the Muhtasibs was to ensure that the Muslims led their lives according to the Quranic law. They were responsible for enforcing the Islamic code of conduct and ensuring that the Muslims followed the religious practices prescribed by the Quran.

2. Monitoring Markets: Another important function of the Muhtasibs was to monitor the markets and ensure that the traders followed ethical practices. They were responsible for ensuring that the traders did not cheat their customers and that the weights and measures used in trade were accurate.

3. Collection of Zakat and Ushr: The Muhtasibs were responsible for collecting Zakat and Ushr, which were Islamic taxes levied on Muslims. They ensured that these taxes were collected and utilized for the benefit of the poor and needy.

4. Checking Pilgrimage Tax: The Muhtasibs also checked the payment of pilgrimage tax by the Hindus. This tax was levied on the non-Muslims who visited Muslim holy places. The Muhtasibs ensured that this tax was collected and utilized for the upkeep of the holy places.

5. Restricting Non-Muslims: The Muhtasibs were also responsible for ensuring that the non-Muslims did not carry arms. This was done to prevent any uprising against the Muslim rulers.

In conclusion, Muhtasibs played an important role in enforcing the Islamic code of conduct and ensuring that the Muslims led their lives according to the Quranic law. They also monitored the markets, collected Zakat and Ushr, checked the payment of pilgrimage tax, and restricted the non-Muslims from carrying arms.

Shah Jahan's Central Asian Policy and its failure

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, had a keen interest in Central Asia, which was a region of great strategic importance. He wanted to establish Mughal control over this region and expand his empire's boundaries. To achieve this, he formulated a Central Asian policy, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a failure.

Loss of Qandhar

One of the significant setbacks that Shah Jahan faced was the loss of Qandhar to the Mughals once and for all. Qandhar was a strategically located city that connected Central Asia to India. Shah Jahan had sent his armies to capture it, but after several unsuccessful attempts, the city was lost to the Mughals permanently.

Evacuation of Balkh

Another failure of Shah Jahan's Central Asian policy was the evacuation of Balkh in 1647. Shah Jahan had sent his son, Aurangzeb, to capture Balkh, but due to the harsh winter and lack of provisions, the Mughal army had to evacuate the city. This was a significant setback for the Mughals as they had invested a lot of resources in capturing the city.

Wastage of resources

Shah Jahan's Central Asian policy was also a failure because a lot of money had been spent on military campaigns and building alliances with Central Asian rulers. This expenditure drained the Mughal treasury, and the empire faced financial problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shah Jahan's Central Asian policy was a failure because of the loss of Qandhar, evacuation of Balkh, and wastage of resources. These setbacks weakened the Mughal empire and had long-term consequences on its stability.

In 1607, William Hawkins commanded the ship “Hector” for East India Company on a voyage to Surat and Aden loaded with letters & presents from King of England James I. He arrived in Surat in August 1608, but the road ahead was not a cakewalk .

As soon as
Hector sailed in, it was captured by the Portuguese. William Hawkins was told that all the ports belong to the “King of Portugal” and none ought to come here without his license. But, he was later let leave and receive a pass for his journey to Agra. He was helped by the Viceroy of the Burhanpur midway and after much labor, toil and many dangers; he was able to reach Agra on April 16, 1609.

Akbar who was contemporary of queen Elizabeth-I was little known in England, but when Hawkins arrived, there was a different personality sitting on the throne who was not at all known in England.

But Captain Hawkins was received by this new emperor Jahangir with all Indian hospitality and warmth. His letter was read in the court with the help of a Portuguese Jesuit. Then he was taken to the private audience chamber and they had a conversation for some 3 hours.

Hawkins was well versed in Turkish and Jahangir and some of his ministers also knew Turkish, the native tongue of Babur. So the discussions took place in Turkish.

Hawkins was able to acquire a footing in the court of Jahangir and in due course of time he got so intimacy with the “talented drunkard” emperor that no Europeans had ever afterwards.

Jahangir called him “English Khan“. This English Khan was able to persuade the emperor to grant a commission for an English factory at Surat but under the Pressure of the Portuguese Viceroy, the grant was withdrawn. Hawkins lived in the court of Mughal emperor till 1611, tried to reverse the orders, but the Portuguese influence over the King was impregnable. He returned in disgust on November 2, 1611. He died a couple of years later.

Akbar had great respect for the Rajputs.He realised that with their support, he could consolidate his empire. Tobacco in India is introduced by Portuguese during the reign of Akbar.

The correct answer is option 'B' i.e. "It was a Hindu practice."

Explanation:

Jharokha Darshan was a practice in which the common people could come to the ruler with their problems and grievances. This practice was prevalent in the Mughal era, where people could approach the emperor in the palace through the jharokha or window.

Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor, abolished this practice during his reign. The reason behind this was that Aurangzeb was a devout Muslim and believed that such practices were against Islamic principles. He considered the practice to be a Hindu tradition that had crept into the Mughal court.

Aurangzeb's decision to abolish Jharokha Darshan was also influenced by the fact that the practice had become too popular under the reign of his brother, Dara Shikoh. Dara Shikoh was known for his liberal views and was a patron of the arts and culture. He had popularized the practice of Jharokha Darshan, which had become a burden on the emperor's time and resources.

Aurangzeb saw the practice as a threat to his authority and prestige. He believed that he should be approached only through formal channels and not through informal practices like Jharokha Darshan. He also believed that the practice gave too much power to the common people and undermined the authority of the emperor.

In conclusion, Aurangzeb abolished the practice of Jharokha Darshan because he considered it to be a Hindu tradition that was against Islamic principles. He also saw it as a threat to his authority and prestige as the emperor of the Mughal Empire.

Murder of Abul Fazl

Abul Fazl was the official historian of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. He was murdered in 1602 at the instigation of Prince Salim, who later became Emperor Jahangir. The murder was carried out by Bir Singh Bundela, a nobleman in the Mughal court.

Bir Singh Bundela

Bir Singh Bundela was a powerful noble in the Mughal court. He was the governor of Orissa and was known for his military skills. He was also a close associate of Prince Salim, who had promised him the governorship of Bengal.

Instigation by Prince Salim

Prince Salim was unhappy with Abul Fazl because he had criticized him in his book, Akbarnama. Salim felt that Abul Fazl was biased towards Akbar and had ignored his contributions to the Mughal empire. He also felt that Abul Fazl was trying to undermine his position in the court.

Prince Salim, therefore, instigated Bir Singh Bundela to murder Abul Fazl. He promised him the governorship of Bengal in return for carrying out the task. Bir Singh Bundela agreed to the plan and attacked Abul Fazl while he was travelling to meet Akbar.

Aftermath

The murder of Abul Fazl was a major setback for Akbar and his court. Abul Fazl was a trusted advisor of Akbar and his death was a loss to the Mughal empire. Prince Salim later regretted his decision and tried to make amends by honoring Abul Fazl's memory. However, the incident had already caused a rift between him and Akbar, which would have far-reaching consequences in the future.

A

The most important result of Aurangzeb's Rajput policy was the loss of the finest and most loyal friends of the Mughals, the Rajputs.

Background:
Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, implemented a policy towards the Rajputs that aimed to subjugate them and bring them under Mughal control. This policy had significant consequences for the Mughal Empire and the Rajput kingdoms.

Loss of Rajput Allies:
1. The Rajputs had been longstanding allies of the Mughals, providing them with military support and political alliances. However, Aurangzeb's aggressive policy towards the Rajputs strained these relations.
2. Aurangzeb imposed heavy taxes and demanded excessive tributes from the Rajput kingdoms, which put a severe financial burden on them. This led to resentment and strained the loyalty of the Rajputs towards the Mughals.
3. Aurangzeb's policy of expanding Mughal control into Rajput territories through military campaigns and annexations further alienated the Rajputs. Many Rajput rulers resisted Mughal authority and engaged in armed conflicts against the Mughal forces.
4. The Mughal campaigns against the Rajputs resulted in the loss of thousands of Mughal soldiers. The Rajputs, known for their warrior spirit and military prowess, put up fierce resistance and inflicted heavy casualties on the Mughal forces.
5. The loss of Rajput territories and the weakening of their support severely impacted the Mughal Empire. The Rajputs had acted as a bulwark against external threats, and their withdrawal from Mughal alliances left the empire vulnerable to invasions from regional powers.

Economic Consequences:
1. Aurangzeb's Rajput policy resulted in enormous expenditure for the Mughal Empire. The constant warfare and the need to maintain a large army to suppress Rajput resistance depleted the imperial treasury.
2. This excessive expenditure added to the already precarious financial situation of the empire, leading to a decline in revenue and an increase in the burden of taxation on the common people.
3. The economic strain further fueled lawlessness and instability within the empire, as the Mughal administration struggled to maintain control over its vast territories.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the most important result of Aurangzeb's Rajput policy was the loss of the Rajputs as loyal allies of the Mughal Empire. The strained relations, military conflicts, and economic consequences weakened the Mughal Empire and left it vulnerable to external threats.

The Afghan ruler of Malwa who fought against Akbar from 1560 to 1562 A.D. was Baz Bahadur. Baz Bahadur was the last independent ruler of Malwa, a region in central India. He was born in 1531 and ascended to the throne in 1555 at the age of 24.

Baz Bahadur's Rule in Malwa:
Baz Bahadur is known for his love for music and poetry. During his reign, he patronized many musicians and poets, including the famous court musician Tansen. He was also known for his military skills and bravery.

Conflict with Akbar:
In 1561, the Mughal emperor Akbar sent his general Adham Khan to attack Malwa. Akbar wanted to expand his empire and bring Malwa under his control. Baz Bahadur resisted the Mughal invasion and fought against Akbar's forces. The conflict between Baz Bahadur and Akbar lasted for about two years, from 1560 to 1562.

Defeat and Surrender:
Despite his initial resistance, Baz Bahadur was eventually defeated by the superior forces of Akbar. He was forced to surrender and submit to Mughal authority. After his defeat, Baz Bahadur was allowed to retain his title and was appointed as a mansabdar (officer) in the Mughal court.

Consequences:
The defeat of Baz Bahadur marked the end of independent rule in Malwa. The region came under Mughal control and became a part of the Mughal Empire. Akbar's victory in Malwa further strengthened his empire and consolidated his rule over a larger part of India.

Conclusion:
Baz Bahadur was the Afghan ruler of Malwa who fought against Akbar from 1560 to 1562 A.D. He was known for his love for music and poetry, as well as his military skills. However, he was eventually defeated by Akbar and Malwa came under Mughal control.

B

Explanation:

Master-painters who came to India with Humayun and later served under Akbar:
- Khwaja Abdus Samad
- Sayyid Ali Tabreji

Analysis:
- Khwaja Abdus Samad and Sayyid Ali Tabreji were two Persian master-painters who came to India with Humayun and later served under Akbar.
- They played a significant role in the development of Mughal painting during the reign of Akbar.
- Khwaja Abdus Samad was known for his expertise in portraiture and historical scenes, while Sayyid Ali Tabreji specialized in illustrations of animals and plants.

Conclusion:
The correct answer is option 'A' (I, II) as Khwaja Abdus Samad and Sayyid Ali Tabreji were the two Persian master-painters who came to India with Humayun and later served under Akbar.

Aurangzeb, the sixth emperor, re-introduced and levied jizya on non-Muslims in 2nd April ​1679. His goal was to promote Islam and weaken the Hindu religion.

Introduction
Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, had a controversial reign marked by a strict interpretation of Islamic principles. His stance against painting can be understood through his religious beliefs and the socio-political context of his time.
Religious Beliefs
- Aurangzeb followed a conservative interpretation of Islam, which viewed the depiction of living beings, especially humans, as contrary to Islamic tenets.
- The creation of images was seen as an imitation of God's creation, which many scholars argued was forbidden in Islam.
Impact on Culture
- Under Aurangzeb's rule, there was a noticeable decline in the arts, particularly painting, which flourished under previous emperors like Akbar and Jahangir.
- His policies led to a cultural shift that emphasized religious orthodoxy over artistic expression.
Political Context
- Aurangzeb believed that promoting painting could distract people from their religious duties and responsibilities, weakening their senses and commitment to Islam.
- He aimed to consolidate power and strengthen the Mughal Empire, often prioritizing military and administrative needs over artistic endeavors.
Conclusion
In summary, option 'C', which states that Aurangzeb discouraged painting because it was against the sanctions of Islam, accurately reflects his motivations. His reign marked a significant shift from the cultural patronage of his predecessors to a more austere and orthodox approach, deeply rooted in his interpretation of Islamic law. This led to a decline in artistic expressions, particularly painting, which he perceived as a threat to religious purity and societal focus.

• This statement is incorrect. Chand Bibi was not killed while fighting the Mughals but was actually killed by her own troops who mutinied, suspecting her of treachery during the siege of Ahmadnagar by the Mughal forces.

• This statement is correct. Chand Bibi was the widow of Ali Adil Shah I, the Sultan of Bijapur. After his death, she played a significant political role in the region.

• This statement is correct. Chand Bibi ruled Ahmadnagar as a regent for her nephew, Bahadur Shah of Ahmadnagar, during periods of political instability.

• This statement is incorrect. While Chand Bibi did defend Ahmadnagar against the Mughal forces, she did not conclude any treaty recognizing Mughal suzerainty. The resistance continued, and the city eventually fell to the Mughals after her death.

Promulgation of Din-i-ilahi in 1582
Abolition of Jaziya in 1579
conquest of Gujrat in 1573

-The Asirgarh fort is said to have been built by a king named Asa Ahir in the early 15th century. He was murdered by Nasir Khan of Khandesh. Nasir Khan's descendant Miran Bahadur Khan (1596–1600) declared his independence and refused to pay homage to the Mughal emperor Akbar and his son Daniyal.

Udaipur was come under the regime of mewargh that time where maharana pratap was ruler that time. hence option A answer

Aurangzeb used religion as a cloak for his political motives.

Abolition of Jizya and pilgrim tax:
One of the significant steps taken by Akbar was the abolition of Jizya, a tax imposed on non-Muslims, and the pilgrim tax. This decision was monumental as it signified a move towards religious tolerance and equality among people of different faiths.

Significance of the abolition:
1. Religious tolerance: By abolishing Jizya and the pilgrim tax, Akbar showed his commitment to religious tolerance and acceptance of all faiths. This step helped in promoting harmony among people belonging to different religions.
2. Secular state: The abolition of discriminatory taxes like Jizya indicated Akbar's intention to create a secular state where people were not discriminated against based on their religious beliefs. This move was seen as a step towards establishing a state that was neutral towards all religions.
3. Encouragement of diversity: The abolition of Jizya and the pilgrim tax encouraged diversity and inclusivity in Akbar's empire. It allowed people from various backgrounds to coexist peacefully and contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the empire.
In conclusion, Akbar's decision to abolish Jizya and the pilgrim tax was a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant society. It reflected his vision of a secular state where people of different faiths could live together harmoniously.