Administration & Economy MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Administration & Economy - Download Free PDF

The  Mansabdar was a military unit within the administrative system of the Mughal Empire  introduced by Akbar. The system determined the rank and status of a government official and military generals.Important Points

​The term Mansabadar refers to an individual who holds a mansab, meaning a position or rank.

• It was a grading system used by the Mughals to fix rank, salary and military responsibilities.
• Rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called zat. So the higher the zat of a mansabdar is, the higher is his position in the court.
• Mansabdars received salaries as revenue assignments called jagirs. And unlike muqtis, all mansabdars did not reside in their own jagirs but used servants to collect revenues there while they themselves served in another part of the empire.
• During later years of his reign, Akbar introduced the ranks of zat and sawar in the system.
• During Akbar's rule, a Mansabdar's salary was roughly equal to the revenue the Mughal Empire got from his jagir.
• But this changed during Aurangzeb. As the number of mansabdars increased and the number of jagirs decreased, there was more land revenue.

The correct answer is Shershah.

Key Points

• Shershah minted a substantial number of coins, introducing the 11 gm silver rupee to replace the 10 gm billion (mixed metal) tanka.
• He issued pure silver coins were known as Rupiya.
• The copper coins, which were used for most transactions, by the masses were known as Paisa.
• The origins of the word ‘Rupee’ can be traced down to the Sanskrit word Rupiya meaning 'wrought silver' and was used from an early period to denote silver coins in general.
• The Guptas called their silver coins by the generic name Rupaka and their gold ones Dinar.

Additional Information

Important Points

• Today, the rupiya or rupee is the common name for currencies in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka.

Key Points

• Ahmed Shah I was a ruler of the Bahmani Sultanate who reigned from 1422 to 1436.
• He was known for his devotion to Sufi saints and was deeply spiritual, earning him the title of "Wali" (saint).
• According to tradition, he was believed to have performed miracles, including bringing rains to the drought-stricken regions of the Deccan.
• His rule is remembered for his contributions to art, culture, and the patronage of Sufi saints in the region.

Additional Information

• Bahamani Sultanate:
  • The Bahmani Sultanate was one of the major Muslim kingdoms that ruled over the Deccan region of India from 1347 to 1527.
  • It was founded by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah after revolting against the Delhi Sultanate.
  • The Bahmani rulers were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and the promotion of Persian culture in the Deccan.
• Ahmed Shah I's Title as "Wali":
  • The title "Wali" means saint or a person of exceptional piety and spirituality.
  • Ahmed Shah I's close association with Sufi saints and his acts of charity and devotion solidified this title in the eyes of his contemporaries.
  • His legacy as a saintly ruler was further enhanced by the popular belief in his miracle-working abilities, such as bringing rain to the region during times of drought.

The correct answer is: 'Ahmad Shah'.

Key Points

• Ahmad Shah, the Bahamani Sultan, moved the capital from Gulbarga to Bidar.
  • This statement is correct.
  • Ahmad Shah I, also known as Ahmad Shah Wali, was the ninth ruler of the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • He transferred the capital from Gulbarga (also known as Ahsanabad) to Bidar in 1425.
  • The move was motivated by strategic and geographic considerations, as Bidar was more centrally located within the Bahmani kingdom.
  • This relocation led to the flourishing of Bidar as a center of culture and learning during his reign.

Incorrect Options

• Firoz Shah
  • Firoz Shah Bahmani was the eighth Sultan of the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • He is known for his patronage of arts and culture, but he did not move the capital from Gulbarga to Bidar.
• Muhammad Shah II
  • Muhammad Shah II, also known as Muhammad bin Firuz, was the seventh Sultan of the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • He is remembered for his administrative reforms and efforts to strengthen the kingdom, but he did not relocate the capital.
• Alauddin II
  • Alauddin II was the tenth Sultan of the Bahmani Sultanate, succeeding Ahmad Shah I.
  • His reign was notable for continued consolidation and expansion of the kingdom, but the capital had already been moved to Bidar by his predecessor.

Hence, the correct answer is Ahmad Shah.

Additional Information

• Bahamani Sultanate:
  • The Bahmani Sultanate was one of the major medieval Indian kingdoms in the Deccan region, established in 1347.
  • It was the first independent Islamic kingdom in South India, and it played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the Deccan.
• Significance of Bidar:
  • Bidar became an important cultural and educational hub under the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • The city is renowned for its architectural and historical monuments, including the Bidar Fort and the Bahmani tombs.
  • Bidar's strategic location helped the Bahmani Sultanate to better control its territories in the Deccan region.

The correct answer is - Munta khab-ul Tawarikh

Key Points

• Munta khab-ul Tawarikh
  • This text was not composed by Mahmud Gawan.
  • Munta khab-ul Tawarikh is actually a historical text written by Abdul Qadir Badayuni, not by Mahmud Gawan.
  • It is a significant historical work that chronicles the history of India during the reign of the Mughal emperors.

Additional Information

• Raiyat-ul Insha
  • This text was composed by Mahmud Gawan.
  • Mahmud Gawan was a notable statesman and scholar in the Bahmani Sultanate of Deccan, India.
  • Raiyat-ul Insha is a collection of official correspondence and documents.
• Manazir-ul Insha
  • This text was also composed by Mahmud Gawan.
  • It is another collection of official documents, letters, and correspondences.
  • These documents provide valuable insights into the administration and governance of the Bahmani Sultanate.
• Diwan-i Asra
  • This text is attributed to Mahmud Gawan.
  • It is a collection of his poetry and literary works.
  • Diwan-i Asra showcases his literary talent and contribution to Persian literature.

The correct answer is Shahjahan.

Key Points

• Shahjahan's reign (1628-1658) is known as the golden age of Mughal architecture.
• Reasons:-
  • He erected several large monuments like the Taj Mahal, the Red fort etc.
  • There was peace during his reign.
  • There were no foreign threats.
  • He also did a lot of welfare work like constructing roads, canals.
  • Trade and commerce flourished.
• Shah Jahan (1628 - 1658)
  • Shah Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638.
  • He created Shahjahanabad.
  • He constructed the Jama Masjid and the Moti Masjid.
  • He also built the famous Peacock throne.
  • Aurangzeb imprisoned him in 1658.

Additional Information

• Akbar (1556-1605)- Akbar was 13 years old when he became emperor. His reign can be divided into three periods.
  • 1556-1570 – Akbar became independent of the regent Bairam Khan and other members of his domestic staff.
    • Military campaigns were launched against the Suris and
      other Afghans, against the neighbouring kingdoms of
      Malwa and Gondwana, and to suppress the revolt of his
      half-brother Mirza Hakim and the Uzbegs.
    • In 1568 the Sisodiya capital of Chittor was seized and in 1569 Ranthambhor.
  • 1570-1585 – military campaigns in Gujarat were followed by campaigns in the east in Bihar, Bengal and Orissa. These campaigns were complicated by the 1579-1580 revolt in support of Mirza Hakim.
  • 1585-1605 – expansion of Akbar’s empire. Campaigns
    were launched in the north-west.
    • Qandahar was seized from the Safavids, Kashmir was annexed, as also Kabul, after the death of Mirza Hakim.
    • Campaigns in the Deccan started and Berar, Khandesh and parts of Ahmadnagar were annexed.
    • In the last years of his reign Akbar was distracted by the rebellion of Prince Salim, the future Emperor Jahangir.
• Jahangir (1605-1627)
  • Military campaigns started by Akbar continued.
  • The Sisodiya ruler of Mewar, Amar Singh, accepted Mughal service.
  • Less successful campaigns against the Sikhs, the Ahoms and Ahmadnagar followed. Prince Khurram, the future Emperor Shah Jahan, rebelled in the last years of his reign.
  • The efforts of Nur Jahan, Jahangir’s wife, to marginalise him were unsuccessful.
• Humayun (1530-1540, 1555-1556)
  • Humayun divided his inheritance according to the will of his father. His brothers were each given a province.
    • The ambitions of his brother Mirza Kamran weakened Humayun’s cause against Afghan competitors.
    • Sher Khan defeated Humayun at Chausa (1539) and Kanauj (1540), forcing him to flee to Iran.
  • In Iran Humayun received help from the Safavid Shah.
    • He recaptured Delhi in 1555 but died the next year after an accident in this building.

The correct answer is Option 4Key PointsJagirdars:

•  Jagirdars were officials who were granted land assignments (jagirs) by the Mughal emperor,  in lieu of service, particularly military or administrative duties.
•  Jagirdars did not necessarily have hereditary rights over their jagirs. The land could be reassigned or revoked by the emperor based on performance or loyalty. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• They had obligations to maintain law and order and collect revenue, which they would then remit to the Mughal treasury.

Zamindars:

•  Zamindars were landowners who held rights over land primarily for revenue collection. They acted as intermediaries between the peasants and the Mughal state.
•  Zamindari rights were generally hereditary, meaning that these rights could be passed down through generations within a family.
• Their primary duty was to collect revenue from the peasants, but they  did not have the same obligations related to military service or administration as Jagirdars.
• Statement 1 is partially correct regarding Jagirdars but misleading about Zamindars. While it correctly identifies Jagirdars' obligations, it oversimplifies Zamindars' roles, as they also had responsibilities beyond mere revenue collection. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The Correct Answer is Sasaram.

• The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is in Sasaram, Bihar State.
• The tomb was built in memory of Emperor Sher Shah Suri, a Pathan of Bihar who defeated the Mughal Empire and founded the Suri Empire in northern India, 
• On 13 May 1545 AD, he died in an accidental gunpowder explosion at the Fort of Kalinjar.
• This tomb is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture, designed by the architect Mir Muhammad Aliwal Khan and constructed between 1540 and 1545, this red mausoleum of sandstone is known as the second Taj Mahal of India, standing in the middle of an artificial lake, which is almost square.
• On the octagonal plan, the main tomb is constructed, topped by a dome, spanning 22 meters and is surrounded by ornamental domed kiosks that were once covered in colourful glazed tile work.
• The tomb was built during the life of Sher Shah and during the reign of his son, Islam Shah. 
• Three months after the death of Sher Shah, an inscription dates its completion to 16 August 1545.

                            Tomb of Sher Shah Suri 

Important Points

• Sher Shah Suri referred to as Sher Khan was the founder of the Suri Empire in India, with its capital in modern-day Bihar in Sasaram.
• He introduced the Rupee currency.
• In 1537, when Babur's son Humayun was on an expedition elsewhere, He established a new economic and military administration during his seven-year rule from 1538 to 1545, issued the first Rupiya of 'Tanka' and organized the Indian Subcontinent's postal system.

The correct answer is Jahangir.

Key Points

• The Bell of Justice was installed by Jahangir.
• Ruled between 1605-1627.
• He executed the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjun Dev.
• He installed the Bell of Justice at his palace.
• He married Mehrunisa and conferred on her the title Noor Jahan.

Additional Information

Akbar (1556- 1605)

• He reigned from 1556 to 1605.
• He defeated Hemu at the second battle of Panipat in 1556.
• He constructed Fatehpur Sikri and made it his capital in 1569.
  • Buland Darwaza was constructed at the gate.
• He started a new religion Din-i Ilahi in 1582.
• Abul Fazl wrote his biography titled Akbarnama.
• Nine of his courtiers were known as Navratnas.
  • They were Todar Mal, Abul Fazal, Faizi, Birbal, Tansen, Abdur Rahim Khana-i-Khana, Mullah-do-Pyaza, Raja Man Singh, and Fakir Aziao-Din.
• He married a Hindu princess Harka Bai who is commonly known as Jodha Bai.
• Akbar captured the historic fortress of Chitor in 1568.
• He defeated Rana Pratap in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576.
• He abolished the pilgrimage tax by Hindus in 1563.
• He also abolished the Jizyah tax in 1564.
• He also introduced the Mansabdari System or the rank-holder system to organise the nobility and army.

Humayun (1508- 1556)

• He ruled from 1530- 1540 and then 1555- 1556.
• Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in 1540.
• Two battles with Sher Shah Suri:-
• Battle of Chausa 1539.
• Battle of Kannauj 1540.
• Humayun defeated Sikander Suri in 1555 to regain the throne.
• Humayun-Nama was written by his half-sister Gulbadan Begum.

Aurangzeb (1618- 1707)

• He imprisoned his father Shah Jahan in 1658.
• He was also known as Alamgir.
• He was called Darvesh or a Zinda Pir because of his simple living and high thinking.
• He issued a Royal Firman against Sati.
• He gave the death penalty to those forcing widows to be burnt.
• He re-imposed Jaziya in 1679
• He executed the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675.
• He built the Jami or Badshahi Mosque at Lahore.
• He also built Biwi ka Makbara at Aurangabad.
• He also built Moti Mahal in the Red fort.

The correct answer is Abbas Khan Sarwani.

• The Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi tells us about the history of Sher Shah.
• It is dated around 1580 CE.
• It is compiled by Abbas Khan Sarwani
  • He was a Waqia-Navis under Emperor Akbar.
  • It provides detailed documentation about Sher Shah's administration.

Additional Information

• Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh was wriiten by Sujan Rai Khatri.
  • It is in the Persian language.
• Futuhat-i-Alamgiri was written by Ishwardas Nagar.
• Siyar-ul-Mutakhkherin is a historical work by Sayyid Ghulam Husain Tabatabai.

The correct answer is Akbar.

Key Points

• Mansabdari system was introduced by Akbar during his reign in the Mughal Empire.
• The system was a hierarchical ranking system based on military and administrative roles.
• It was designed to ensure loyalty and control over the nobility and military officials.
• The system required officials to maintain a certain number of soldiers and horses, and their rank was determined by the number of soldiers and horses they maintained.
• Akbar also introduced the concept of dual government, where the empire was divided into provinces and each province was governed by a governor and a revenue collector.

Additional Information

• Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal Emperor and was known for his architectural achievements, such as the Taj Mahal.
  • ​From 1628 until 1658, he was king.
• Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal Emperor and is known for his religious policies and expansion of the empire.
  • ​From 1658 until his passing in 1707, he was king.
• Jahangir was the fourth Mughal Emperor and is known for his love for art and culture.
  • From 1605 until his passing in 1627, he was king.

The correct answer is Karnataka Samrajyamu.Key Points

• The contemporaries of the Vijayanagara Empire referred to it as the "Karnataka Samrajyamu."
• This term accurately reflects the fact that the empire was located in the region of Karnataka in South India.
• The term "Vijayanagara Empire" was coined by historians in later years, and is now the more commonly used name for this historical period.

Additional Information

• Gajapati Samarajya refers to the Eastern Ganga dynasty that ruled over parts of present-day Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in the medieval period.
• Andhra Samarajyu refers to the Kakatiya dynasty that ruled over parts of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the medieval period.
• Sthalapati Samrajya is not a known term in Indian history.

The correct answer is Shershah.

Key Points

• Shershah minted a substantial number of coins, introducing the 11 gm silver rupee to replace the 10 gm billion (mixed metal) tanka.
• He issued pure silver coins were known as Rupiya.
• The copper coins, which were used for most transactions, by the masses were known as Paisa.
• The origins of the word ‘Rupee’ can be traced down to the Sanskrit word Rupiya meaning 'wrought silver' and was used from an early period to denote silver coins in general.
• The Guptas called their silver coins by the generic name Rupaka and their gold ones Dinar.

Additional Information

Important Points

• Today, the rupiya or rupee is the common name for currencies in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Uttar Pradesh ranks first in mango production with a share of 23.47 % and the highest productivity.
• The major mango-growing states are Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• It produces mangoes from June- August.
• Uttar Pradesh, with its humid subtropical climate, is best suited for the production of mangoes.
• Furthermore, the Indo-Gangetic Plain is the heart that provides ideal water and soil conditions to the mango crop.

The  Mansabdar was a military unit within the administrative system of the Mughal Empire  introduced by Akbar. The system determined the rank and status of a government official and military generals.Important Points

​The term Mansabadar refers to an individual who holds a mansab, meaning a position or rank.

• It was a grading system used by the Mughals to fix rank, salary and military responsibilities.
• Rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called zat. So the higher the zat of a mansabdar is, the higher is his position in the court.
• Mansabdars received salaries as revenue assignments called jagirs. And unlike muqtis, all mansabdars did not reside in their own jagirs but used servants to collect revenues there while they themselves served in another part of the empire.
• During later years of his reign, Akbar introduced the ranks of zat and sawar in the system.
• During Akbar's rule, a Mansabdar's salary was roughly equal to the revenue the Mughal Empire got from his jagir.
• But this changed during Aurangzeb. As the number of mansabdars increased and the number of jagirs decreased, there was more land revenue.