Mughal empire MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Mughal empire - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is The process of cultivating crops for commercial purposes that brought in higher revenue.

Key Points

• Jins-i-Kamil refers to crops that were cultivated for their high commercial value and revenue-generating potential during the Mughal period.
• These crops included items like sugarcane, cotton, indigo, and certain fruits, which were in demand both domestically and internationally.
• Farmers prioritized the production of Jins-i-Kamil crops to maximize profits and contribute to the agricultural economy under Mughal rule.
• The term highlights the commercialization of agriculture during the Mughal era, reflecting the state’s emphasis on revenue generation through agrarian practices.
• Jins-i-Kamil crops were often subjected to higher taxation due to their profitability, which contributed significantly to the Mughal treasury.

Additional Information

• Agrarian System of Mughals: The Mughal administration relied heavily on agricultural revenue, with land tax being a primary source of income.
• Zamindari System: Land was managed by zamindars, who acted as intermediaries between farmers and the state, collecting taxes and ensuring compliance.
• : Mughal agrarian society classified crops into various categories based on their utility and revenue potential, such as food crops, cash crops, and Jins-i-Kamil.
• Revenue Assessment: The state assessed land revenue based on crop type, productivity, and market value, with commercial crops like Jins-i-Kamil often taxed higher.
• Indigo Cultivation: Indigo was one of the highly valued Jins-i-Kamil crops, widely used for dyeing textiles and exported to Europe during the Mughal period.

The correct answer is Option 1 (1, 2, and 3 only).

Key Points

• In Mughal India, certain caste groups were assigned menial tasks despite having access to cultivable land, which led to their impoverishment.
• Muslim communities often segregated menial groups like Halalkhoran, forcing them to live outside village boundaries due to social stigma.
• The Mallahzadas (sons of boatmen) were treated in a manner comparable to slaves, highlighting social hierarchies of the era.
• Statement 4 is incorrect, as there was some degree of caste mobility; groups like Ahirs and Gujars occasionally ascended the social hierarchy through political or economic means.

Additional Information

• Caste System: The caste system in Mughal India was rigid but not entirely immutable; economic or political gains occasionally enabled upward mobility.
• Halalkhoran: This group, engaged in menial tasks like scavenging, faced severe social discrimination, often being made to live away from mainstream settlements.
• Mallahzadas: The term refers to boatmen's descendants who faced systemic exploitation and were likened to slaves in societal treatment.
• Ahirs and Gujars: Historically considered lower castes, they sometimes achieved higher status through alliances with ruling powers or military service.
• Social Hierarchies: The caste-based division of labor was deeply entrenched in rural society, influencing economic opportunities and social mobility.

The Correct answer is Taj Mahal.

Key Points

• The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous examples of the Charbagh architectural style.
• The Charbagh style is a Persian-inspired garden layout divided into four symmetrical quadrants, representing the Islamic concept of paradise.
• The layout of the Taj Mahal is structured in a perfectly symmetrical design, with the mausoleum at the center surrounded by gardens, water channels, and pathways.
• The gardens are laid out with a grid pattern, dividing them into four parts, each representing a quadrant.
• The Charbagh style was introduced in India during the Mughal period, under the influence of Persian culture.
• The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
• This architectural style symbolized spiritual significance, with the water channels representing life and purity.
• The Taj Mahal's Charbagh layout incorporates reflecting pools that mirror the beauty of the structure, enhancing its visual appeal.
• The sandstone pathways and lush greenery in the gardens create a serene and tranquil ambiance, aligning with the concept of paradise.

 Additional Information

• Gumbaj of Bijapur
  • The Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka, is known for its Deccan architecture rather than the Charbagh style.
  • It is famous for its massive dome, which is one of the largest in the world.
  • The structure includes a whispering gallery, where even the faintest sound can be heard across the dome.
  • The Gol Gumbaz was built during the reign of Mohammed Adil Shah, reflecting Islamic architectural influences.
• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
  • The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi is one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in India.
  • It was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and is part of the Qutub Complex.
  • The mosque is famous for its use of spolia, where materials from Hindu and Jain temples were repurposed for construction.
  • The mosque does not feature the Charbagh style; instead, it showcases early Islamic architectural elements such as arches and domes.
• Qutub Minar
  • The Qutub Minar, located in Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its towering minaret.
  • It was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by his successor, Iltutmish.
  • The structure is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture and does not incorporate the Charbagh style.
  • The Qutub Minar served as a symbol of victory and a place for the muezzin to call Muslims for prayer.

The correct answer is Babur.

Key Points

• Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, died in 1530, leaving behind a vast empire.
• The empire stretched across northern India—from the Indus River in the west to Bihar in the east, and from the Himalayas in the north to Gwalior in the south.
• Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), which marked the establishment of the Mughal Empire.
• He was a descendant of Timur on his father's side and Genghis Khan on his mother's side, which gave legitimacy to his rule.
• Babur's autobiography, "Baburnama," provides detailed accounts of his life, campaigns, and the socio-political conditions of his time.

Additional Information

• Mughal Empire:
  • The Mughal Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan from the early 16th to the mid-18th century.
  • It is known for its significant contributions to art, architecture, culture, and centralized governance.
  • Notable Mughal rulers include Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
• Babur's military tactics:
  • Babur introduced modern artillery and gunpowder to Indian warfare during his campaigns.
  • He employed the "Tulughma" strategy, dividing his army into flanking, center, and reserve units for better maneuverability.
• Baburnama:
  • Babur wrote his autobiography, "Baburnama," in Chagatai Turkish, which was later translated into Persian.
  • The book provides insights into Babur's thoughts, personal life, and the cultural landscape of his era.
• First Battle of Panipat:
  • Fought in 1526 between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi.
  • This battle marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of Mughal rule in India.

The correct answer is Humayun.

Key Points

• Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, regained his lost kingdom after defeating the successors of Sher Shah Suri in 1555.
• He recaptured Delhi and Agra from the Afghan rulers, marking the end of the Second Afghan Empire.
• Humayun's return to power was aided by strategic alliances, including support from the Persian ruler Shah Tahmasp.
• His victory restored the Mughal Empire's presence in India, laying the foundation for the reign of his son, Akbar the Great.
• Humayun's return to the throne was short-lived, as he passed away in 1556, shortly after regaining power.

Additional Information

• Second Afghan Empire:
  • It was established by Sher Shah Suri, who overthrew Humayun in 1540 and ruled until his death in 1545.
  • Sher Shah's successors were unable to maintain control, leading to Humayun's return.
• Shah Tahmasp's Support:
  • Humayun sought refuge in Persia after losing his kingdom and received military assistance from Shah Tahmasp.
  • This alliance was pivotal in Humayun's successful campaign against the Afghan rulers.
• Mughal Empire:
  • The Mughal Empire was one of the largest and most influential empires in Indian history, known for its cultural and architectural contributions.
  • Humayun's restoration strengthened the Mughal dynasty, which reached its zenith under Akbar.
• Humayun's Tomb:
  • Built by Humayun's widow, Bega Begum, it is one of the first examples of Mughal architecture in India.
  • Located in Delhi, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inspired later architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal.

The correct answer is Akbar.

Key Points

• Fatehpur Sikri town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar.
• He had planned this city as his capital but the shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city.
• After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore.
• Fatehpur Sikri was built between 1571 and 1585. 

Additional Information

• The Mughal Dynasty was founded by Babur in 1526.
• The First Battle of Panipat was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi in 1526.
• Battle of Khanwa between Babur and Rana Sanga in 1527.
• Battle of Chanderi between Babur and Medni Rai in 1528.
• Battle of Ghaggara between Babur and Mehmood Lodhi in 1529.

The correct answer is Rupiya.

Important Points

• Sher Shah Suri was the founder of the Suri dynasty.
• The silver coin introduced by Sher Shah Suri was called Rupiya.
• Sher Shah Suri issued the Rupiya coin and fixed standard weights and measures all over the empire.
• This coin introduced by Sher Shah Suri weighed 178 grains and was the precursor of the modern rupee.
• Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in the battle of Chausa and assumed the title of Farid al-Din Sher Shah as emperor in 1539.
• He again defeated the Humayun in the battle of Kannauj and annexed Kannauj in 1540.
• The grand trunk road that turns from Calcutta to Peshawar was built by Sher Shah Suri.

Additional Information

• The silver Tankah coin was introduced by Iltutmish.
• The mohur coin was introduced by Sher Shah Suri.
• Gold coins called Dinar was introduced by Muhammad bin Tughluq.

The correct answer is Humayun.

About Humayun:

• There is a Small Mosque built by him known as the Humayun mosque in the city of Fatehabad. The reason behind the Mosque was built by the 2nd Mughal Emperor Humayun, who in his fight after his defeat at the hands of Sher Shah Suri happened to pass through the city of Fatehabad.
• Humayun was born on 6th March 1508 in Kabul (Afghanistan). His real name was Nasir-ud-Din Muḥammad popularly known as Humayun.
• He was the second (2) Emperor of the Mughal Empire, who ruled over territory in what is now Pakistan, Northern India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh from 1530–1540, and again he ruled in the 2nd term from 1555–1556.
• In the year 1530, He succeeded his father Babur founder of the Mughal Empire to the throne of Delhi as second (2nd) ruler of the Mughal territories in the Indian subcontinent.
• Humayun lost the Mughal territories to Sher Shah Suri but regained them after 15 years 1555-56 with the help of the Safavid dynasty of Persia.
• On 24 January 1556, Humayun, who died in the Library with his arms full of books, was descending the staircase from his library and he lost the balance fallen down from the staircase, and died.
• In his memoir, his (sister Gulbadan begum) wrote his autobiography named "Humayunama" which was written in the Persian language.

Notes:

• The founder of the Mughal Empire was Babur, who defeated the Lodhi dynasty's last ruler Ibrahim Lodhi at the Batlle of Panipat in 1526 to establish the Mughal rule.

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Mughals:

• The Mughals were descendants of two great lineages of rulers.
• From their mother’s side, they were descendants of Genghis Khan (died 1227), the Mongol ruler who ruled over parts of China and Central Asia.
• From their father’s side, they were the successors of Timur (died 1404), the ruler of Iran, Iraq and modern-day Turkey.
• However, the Mughals did not like to be called Mughal or Mongol. This was because Genghis Khan’s memory was associated with the massacre of innumerable people.
• It was also linked with the Uzbeks, their Mongol competitors.
• On the other hand, the Mughals were proud of their Timurid ancestry, not least of all because their great ancestor had captured Delhi in 1398. 

The correct answer is Babur.

• The First Battle of Panipat was fought in the year 1526 between the forces of Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi in which Lodhi was defeated and Mughal rule was established in India.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1526.

Key Points

• Babur(1526-1530):
  • He declared himself as Badshah.
  • He was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India in 1526.
  • He defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in 1526 at the first battle of Panipat, and thereby established the Mughal empire.
  • Baburnama, also known as Tuzk-e Babri is the autobiography of Babur.
  • Babur assumed the title of Ghazi after the victory in the battle of Khanwa.

Additional Information

• Babur was the first mughal emeror in India.
• Babur was born in 1483 in Fargana (Uzbekistan).
• The first battle of Panipat was fought between the forces of Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi.
• The Battle was fought on April 21, 1526.
• He wrote Tuzuk-i-Baburi (Autobiography of Babur) in the Turkish language.
• According to Tuzuki-i-Baburi, Babur Died in 1530 and was buried at Aram Bagh (Agra). Later his body was taken to Afghanistan (Kabul). 

The correct answer is Shah Jahan.

Important Points

• The Moti Masjid in Agra was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan.
  • It is located in Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Shah Jahan constructed the Moti Masjid for his members of the royal court.
• Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor who reigned the dynasty from 1628 to 1658.
  • The historical structures built during the reign of Shah Jahan are:
    • Taj Mahal.
    • Red Fort.
    • Jama Masjid.
    • Shalimar Garden in Lahore.
  • French traveller Bernier and Tavernier visited India during the reign of Shah Jahan.
  • The Afghan noble Khan Jahan Lodi rebelled and was defeated by Shah Jahan.
  • Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in 1658 in Agra.

Mistake Points

• The Moti Masjid inside the Red Fort complex in Delhi was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
• The Moti Masjid in Lahore Fort was built by Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Additional Information

• The historical structures built during the reign of Akbar are:
  • Agra Fort.
  • Lahore Fort.
  • Fathepur Sikri.
  • Allahabad Fort.
  • Buland Darwaza.
• Humayun fought two battles against Sher Shah at Chausa(1539) and Kannauj(1540).

Important Points

Mughals:

• The Mughals were descendants of two great lineages of rulers.
• From their mother’s side, they were descendants of Genghis Khan (died 1227), the Mongol ruler who ruled over parts of China and Central Asia.
• From their father’s side, they were the successors of Timur (died 1404), the ruler of Iran, Iraq and modern-day Turkey.
• However, the Mughals did not like to be called Mughal or Mongol. This was because Genghis Khan’s memory was associated with the massacre of innumerable people.
• It was also linked with the Uzbeks, their Mongol competitors.
• On the other hand, the Mughals were proud of their Timurid ancestry, not least of all because their great ancestor had captured Delhi in 1398. 

The correct answer is Aurangzeb.

Key PointsAurangzeb:

• He crowned himself with the title of "Alamgir".
• He was called Zinda peer.
• The Mughal area was the largest during the time of Aurangzeb.
• He forbade:
  • Singing and dancing in his court
  • Sati system and Jharokha darshan.
  • Kalma written coin.
  • Astrology and Palm reading.
  • Tuladan practice.
• Selling and drinking Alcohol and Bhang were prohibited in a public place during his time.
• Aurangzeb used to play "Veena".
• He started the Jaziya tax in 1679.
• He gave permission to the French for setting up a factory at Surat in 1667.
• Monuments:
  • Bibi ka Makabara: Aurangabad, Maharastra.
  • Moti Masjid: Delhi
  • Badshahi Masjid: Lahore.

Additional InformationHumayun: 

• He was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in the battle of Chausa in 1539.
• He was again defeated by Sher Shah Suri in the battle of Kannauj in 1540. 
• Humayunama was written by his half sister "Gulbadan Begum".
• Humayun's tomb was built by his widow Haji Begum (Bega Begum) in Delhi. 
• He died in 1556 due to falling from his Library stairs in Purana Quila, Delhi.

Akbar:

• He was born in 1542 at Amrakot, Sindh.
• He was son of Humayun and Hameeda Bano Begum.
• He was crowned by Bairam Khan at  Kalanaur, Punjab.
• He established Matrimonial Alliance between Mughal and Rajputs.
• He introduced the Mansabdari system in 1574.
• Monuments:
  • Ibadat Khana: Fatehpur Sikri, Agra.
  • Buland darwaza: Fatehpur Sikri, Agra.

Jahangir:

• In 1605, Prince Salim succeeded with the title Jahangir (Conqueror of World) when he assumed the throne after the death of Akbar.
• He established Zanjir-i-Adil (chain of justice) at Agra for the seekers of royal justice.
• He is the eldest son of Akbar was born at Fatehpur Sikri near Agra in 1569.
• In 1611, he married Mehr-un-Nisa whom he gave the title of Nur Jahan (light of the world).
• Nurjahan exercised tremendous influence over state affairs. She was made the official Badshah Begum. 
• Jahangir issued coins jointly in Nurjahan's name and his own.
• Jahangir also married Manbai in 1585 AD and Jodhbai (Jagat Gosain, daughter of Mota Raja Udai Singh) in 1587 AD.
• He defeated and imprisoned his son, Khusrau Mirza.
•  He also beheaded Guru Arjun, the 5th Sikh Guru and one of the supporters of Khusrau Mirza.
• Captain Hawkins (1608-1611) and Sir Thomas Roe (1615-1616) visited Jahangir's court.
• Production of Tobacco started in his reign.
• He wrote his autobiography Tuzuk-i-Jahangir.
• He was buried in Lahore in 1627.

The correct answer is Persian.

Key Points

• The Mughal court chronicles were written in Persian.
• ​Mughal chronicles such as the Akbar Nama were written in Persian, while others, like Babur's memoirs, were translated from Turkish into the Persian Babur Nama.
• Urdu came from the amalgamation of Persian with Hindavi. 
• Chronicles commissioned by the Mughal emperors are an important source for studying the empire and its court.
• The authors of Mughal chronicles were mostly courtiers.
• The Mughals were Chaghtai Turks by origin.
• Turkish was their mother tongue hence the first ruler Babur wrote poetry and his memoirs in this language.

The correct answer is 1564.

Key Points

• Jizyah Tax was a per capita yearly tax historically implied on non-Muslim subjects, called the “dhimma” exempting women, children, elders, handicapped, the ill, the insane, monks, hermits etc.
• Jizya was levied on Hindus on the ground that it was not mentioned in Sharia.
• Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq established Sharia across his realm. He imposed Jizya upon the Brahmins and made it a separate tax.
• It was abolished by “the third Mughal emperor Akbar”, in 1564.

Additional Information

• Akbar (1556 to 1605)
  • Akbar was the third Mughal emperor (1556 to 1605) and son of  Humayun.
  • Akbar succeeds in the throne at just 13 years old due to the death of Humayun.
  • The kingdom Akbar inherited was little more than a collection of frail fiefs, under the regency of  Bairam Khan.
  • Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system.
  • The Navratnas of Akbar were as follows: Raja Birbal, Tansen, Abul Fazal, Faizi, Raja Man Singh, Raja Todar Mal, Mullah Do Piaza, Fakir Aziao-Din, Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana.
  • Abul Fazl started the writing of Akbarnama in 1589.
  • It is the most detailed history of the reign of Akbar.

The correct answer is option 2:

• Sir Thomas Roe visited the court of Emperor Jahangir in 1615 as an ambassador of King James I.
• He was able to get permission for trade and establish factories at Agra, Ahmedabad and Broach.