Test: The Mughals (16th to 17th Century) - UPSC MCQ

The mansabdar's rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called zat.

On their mother’s side, the Mughals descended from Genghis Khan, while on their father’s side, they were descendants of Timur, ruler of Iran, Iraq, and modern-day Turkey.

• In 1504, Babur captured Kabul, which was a significant strategic location.
• This conquest allowed him to strengthen his influence in the region before moving towards India.
• Babur's later victories included the pivotal battle against Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526.
• His initial control of Kabul laid the groundwork for further expansion into India, including Delhi and Agra.

After Mehrunnisa got married to Emperor Jahangir, in 1611 she received the title of Nur Jahan.

Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE.

• The statement is False. The Mughals recruited not only Turkish nobles (Turanis) but also Iranians, Indian Muslims, Afghans, Rajputs, Marathas, and other groups into their empire. They had a diverse body of people serving in different positions which helped expand their influence and control.
• For example, Rajputs were also recruited into Mughal service as mansabdars. These individuals held positions or ranks and were responsible for maintaining a specified number of cavalrymen. This diversity in recruitment helped the Mughal empire to include people from various backgrounds and regions.

The Mughals followed the Timurid custom of coparcenary inheritance, where the estate was divided among all the sons instead of being inherited solely by the eldest son.

Zabt was a revenue system introduced under Akbar, where detailed surveys of land, crop yields, and prices were used to fix taxes. It was effective only in areas with close administrative oversight.

Aurangzeb could not manage the jagirdars well towards the end of his rule. They took advantage of their positions, causing trouble for the peasants.