Welcome to “Set 6” of our “Indian History – UPSC MCQ Series”! This set is dedicated to the magnificent Mughal Empire, one of the most significant periods in Indian history. Test your knowledge on the empire’s establishment under Babur, its expansion and consolidation under emperors like Akbar, the cultural zenith under Jahangir and Shah Jahan, and its eventual decline after Aurangzeb. Explore questions covering Mughal administration, land revenue systems, art, architecture, and religious policies, along with key battles and personalities that shaped this glorious era.
Set 6
251. Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India?
A. Humayun
B. Babur
C. Akbar
D. Timur
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mughal Empire in India was founded by Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur. He was a descendant of Timur on his father’s side and Genghis Khan on his mother’s side. Babur established the empire after his victory in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE.
252. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of:
A. Khanwa
B. Ghaghra
C. Panipat (First)
D. Chausa
Answer: C
Explanation: Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE. This decisive victory marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of Mughal rule in India.
253. The autobiography of Babur is called:
A. Baburnama
B. Tuzuk-i-Baburi
C. Akbarnama
D. Babur Itihas
Answer: A
Explanation: The autobiography of Babur is famously known as the Baburnama (also called Tuzuk-i-Baburi). It was written in Chagatai Turkish and provides a detailed and candid account of his life, observations, and campaigns.
254. The Battle of Khanwa (1527) was fought between:
A. Babur and Rana Sanga
B. Babur and Sher Shah
C. Humayun and Bahadur Shah
D. Akbar and Hemu
Answer: A
Explanation: The Battle of Khanwa in 1527 CE was a significant conflict fought between Babur and the Rajput confederacy led by Rana Sanga of Mewar. Babur’s victory in this battle consolidated his position in India.
255. Who succeeded Babur to the Mughal throne?
A. Akbar
B. Sher Shah
C. Jahangir
D. Humayun
Answer: D
Explanation: After the death of Babur in 1530 CE, his eldest son Humayun succeeded him to the Mughal throne.
256. Sher Shah’s real name was:
A. Hasan Khan
B. Jalal Khan
C. Farid Khan
D. Nasir Khan
Answer: C
Explanation: The real name of Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire, was Farid Khan. He earned the title ‘Sher Khan’ after reportedly killing a tiger (sher) single-handedly.
257. The battle in which Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah was:
A. Panipat
B. Ghaghra
C. Chausa
D. Khanwa
Answer: C
Explanation: Humayun was decisively defeated by Sher Shah Suri in the Battle of Chausa in 1539 CE and again in the Battle of Kannauj (Bilgram) in 1540 CE. These defeats forced Humayun into exile.
258. The Grand Trunk Road was rebuilt by:
A. Akbar
B. Sher Shah Suri
C. Babur
D. Jahangir
Answer: B
Explanation: While ancient trade routes existed, Sher Shah Suri is famously credited with reconstructing and greatly improving the Grand Trunk Road (earlier known as Sarak-i-Azam), stretching from Peshawar to Sonargaon in Bengal, enhancing trade and communication.
259. Akbar became emperor at the age of:
A. 10
B. 11
C. 13
D. 15
Answer: C
Explanation: Akbar ascended to the Mughal throne at the young age of 13 years in 1556 CE, after the sudden death of his father Humayun. He was crowned at Kalanaur.
260. The regent of young Akbar was:
A. Humayun
B. Bairam Khan
C. Man Singh
D. Todar Mal
Answer: B
Explanation: During Akbar’s early years as emperor, the affairs of the state were managed by his loyal and able guardian and regent, Bairam Khan, until Akbar asserted full control in 1560 CE.
261. Akbar’s policy of religious tolerance was called:
A. Din-i-Ilahi
B. Sulh-i-Kul
C. Rah-i-Akbar
D. Tauhid-i-Ilahi
Answer: B
Explanation: Akbar’s famous policy of religious tolerance and universal peace, aiming to foster harmony among various religious groups in his empire, was known as Sulh-i-Kul.
262. Din-i-Ilahi was introduced by:
A. Akbar
B. Babur
C. Shah Jahan
D. Jahangir
Answer: A
Explanation: Din-i-Ilahi (meaning “Divine Faith”) was a syncretic religious path introduced by Emperor Akbar in 1582 CE. It incorporated elements from various religions, promoting a monotheistic and spiritual outlook, though it never gained widespread adherence.
263. The land revenue system under Akbar was known as:
A. Jagirdari
B. Zabti or Todarmal Bandobast
C. Ryotwari
D. Mahalwari
Answer: B
Explanation: Akbar’s well-organized land revenue system was known as the Zabti system or Todarmal Bandobast, named after his brilliant finance minister, Raja Todar Mal. It involved systematic measurement of land, classification of land, and fixation of demand based on average produce.
264. The Ain-i-Akbari was written by:
A. Badauni
B. Abul Fazl
C. Faizi
D. Nizamuddin
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ain-i-Akbari (meaning “Institutions of Akbar”) is a detailed administrative document and gazetteer of Akbar’s empire, compiled by his court historian and biographer, Abul Fazl. It forms the third volume of the Akbarnama.
265. The author of Akbarnama was:
A. Abul Fazl
B. Faizi
C. Badauni
D. Abdul Rahim
Answer: A
Explanation: The Akbarnama, the official chronicle of the reign of Emperor Akbar, detailing his life and times, was written by his court historian and close confidant, Abul Fazl.
266. Akbar’s finance minister who introduced standard revenue measures was:
A. Birbal
B. Todar Mal
C. Man Singh
D. Shahbaz Khan
Answer: B
Explanation: Raja Todar Mal was Akbar’s exceptionally able finance minister. He played a pivotal role in designing and implementing the systematic and efficient land revenue administration, including the Zabti system and Ain-i-Dahsala.
267. Jahangir’s memoirs are known as:
A. Jahangirnama
B. Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
C. Akbarnama
D. Iqbalnama
Answer: B
Explanation: Emperor Jahangir’s memoirs are known as the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri (also called Jahangirnama). Written in Persian, they provide a personal account of his reign, his interests in art and nature, and his daily life.
268. Nur Jahan wielded real power during the reign of:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: B
Explanation: Nur Jahan, the influential wife of Emperor Jahangir, wielded considerable political power and influence during her husband’s reign. She was actively involved in state affairs, issued farmans (royal decrees), and even had coins struck in her name.
269. The famous painter during Jahangir’s reign was:
A. Basawan
B. Ustad Mansur
C. Daswant
D. Mir Sayyid Ali
Answer: B
Explanation: Mughal painting reached its zenith during Jahangir’s reign, as he was a great connoisseur of art. Ustad Mansur was a renowned painter in Jahangir’s court, particularly famous for his detailed and realistic depiction of animals and birds. Abul Hasan was another prominent painter of the era.
270. The Mughal ruler who built the Taj Mahal was:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: C
Explanation: The magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its construction began in 1632 CE and was completed around 1653 CE.
271. Shah Jahan shifted the capital from Agra to:
A. Delhi
B. Lahore
C. Fatehpur Sikri
D. Allahabad
Answer: A
Explanation: Emperor Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. He established a new planned city in Delhi, known as Shahjahanabad, which included the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.
272. The Peacock Throne was constructed under:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: C
Explanation: The legendary Peacock Throne (Takht-e-Taus), adorned with precious jewels, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond, was commissioned and constructed under the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan to serve as the seat of the Mughal emperors in the Diwan-i-Am of the Red Fort.
273. Aurangzeb came to power after defeating:
A. Dara Shikoh
B. Murad Baksh
C. Shah Shuja
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Aurangzeb ascended to the throne after a bitter and protracted war of succession with his brothers. He systematically defeated and eliminated all his rivals: Dara Shikoh, Murad Baksh, and Shah Shuja, along with his father Shah Jahan.
274. The Mughal ruler who imposed jizya tax again was:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: D
Explanation: Emperor Aurangzeb, known for his orthodox religious policies, reimposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679 CE, which had been abolished by Akbar earlier.
275. The famous Mughal general who led campaigns in the Deccan was:
A. Shaista Khan
B. Raja Jai Singh
C. Zulfiqar Khan
D. Mir Jumla
Answer: B
Explanation: Raja Jai Singh, a prominent Rajput general and diplomat in Aurangzeb’s service, played a crucial role in leading significant campaigns in the Deccan, most notably against the Maratha leader Shivaji, which resulted in the Treaty of Purandar.
276. The longest ruling Mughal emperor was:
A. Akbar
B. Aurangzeb
C. Shah Jahan
D. Jahangir
Answer: B
Explanation: Both Akbar and Aurangzeb ruled for nearly identical periods of 49 years. Akbar reigned from 1556 to 1605 CE, and Aurangzeb reigned from 1658 to 1707 CE. While the difference is marginal, Aurangzeb’s reign is sometimes considered slightly longer when counting full calendar years.
277. The Mansabdari system was introduced by:
A. Babur
B. Akbar
C. Sher Shah
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mansabdari system, a unique administrative and military system of grading officers, was introduced and formalized by Emperor Akbar. Mansabdars were assigned a rank (mansab) that determined their status, salary, and the number of troops they were required to maintain.
278. Mansabdars were paid through:
A. Cash
B. Land revenue
C. Jagirs
D. Treasury bonds
Answer: C
Explanation: While some mansabdars were paid in cash, the majority of them were paid through Jagirs. A Jagir was a tract of land assigned to a mansabdar, from which they were authorized to collect revenue in lieu of their salary.
279. Aurangzeb is known for the construction of:
A. Red Fort
B. Taj Mahal
C. Bibi Ka Maqbara
D. Buland Darwaza
Answer: C
Explanation: Emperor Aurangzeb is known for commissioning the construction of the Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. This mausoleum, built in memory of his first wife Dilras Banu Begum, is often referred to as a “poor man’s Taj Mahal” due to its architectural resemblance.
280. The Mughal painting reached its peak under:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: B
Explanation: Mughal painting achieved its greatest refinement and artistry under Emperor Jahangir. He had a keen interest in art, discerning eye for quality, and patronized numerous talented artists, leading to the flourishing of naturalistic portraiture, animal studies, and detailed miniature paintings.
281. Mughal gardens were typically laid out in:
A. Square shape
B. Cross-axial (Charbagh) pattern
C. Circular design
D. Irregular shape
Answer: B
Explanation: Mughal gardens, influenced by Persian horticulture, were famously laid out in the Charbagh (Four Gardens) pattern. This symmetrical, geometric, cross-axial layout divided the garden into four equal parts by water channels or pathways, symbolizing the gardens of Paradise.
282. The Mughal emperor who banned music and paintings was:
A. Shah Jahan
B. Akbar
C. Jahangir
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: D
Explanation: Emperor Aurangzeb, due to his orthodox Islamic views, issued royal decrees banning public performances of music and dancing and discouraged the practice of painting in his court, though private patronage and certain forms of art continued.
283. The Mughal official responsible for law and order in a sarkar was:
A. Faujdar
B. Kotwal
C. Amil
D. Diwan
Answer: A
Explanation: In the Mughal administrative structure, a sarkar was a district. The Faujdar was the chief military and police officer of a sarkar, responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring peace, and enforcing imperial decrees.
284. The Mughal Subah was equivalent to:
A. District
B. Village
C. Province
D. Capital city
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mughal Empire was divided into large administrative units called Subahs, which were equivalent to provinces. Each Subah was governed by a Subahdar or Nazim.
285. Zabt was a system of:
A. Land measurement
B. Military discipline
C. Provincial control
D. Religious tax
Answer: A
Explanation: Zabt was a highly efficient system of land measurement and assessment of land revenue introduced during Akbar’s reign. It aimed at fixing the state’s share of the produce based on the actual measured area and productivity of the land.
286. The Ain-i-Dahsala system of land revenue was developed by:
A. Akbar
B. Todar Mal
C. Sher Shah
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ain-i-Dahsala (Ten-year revenue settlement) system, a sophisticated land revenue assessment system that fixed revenue on the average produce of the previous ten years, was developed by Raja Todar Mal under the patronage of Emperor Akbar.
287. The Mughal ruler who assumed the title of Alamgir was:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: D
Explanation: Emperor Aurangzeb assumed the imperial title of Alamgir, meaning “Conqueror of the World,” after his ascension to the throne in 1658 CE.
288. Who was the first Mughal to issue coins with his name inscribed in Persian?
A. Babur
B. Akbar
C. Humayun
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: A
Explanation: Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, was the first Mughal ruler to issue coins with his name inscribed in Persian script. He also introduced the shahrukhi (a type of silver coin).
289. The Mughal court language was:
A. Arabic
B. Urdu
C. Persian
D. Sanskrit
Answer: C
Explanation: The official court language, administrative language, and the language of high culture and literature during the Mughal Empire was Persian.
290. Which Mughal prince translated the Bhagavad Gita into Persian?
A. Dara Shikoh
B. Shah Shuja
C. Murad Baksh
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: A
Explanation: The eldest son of Shah Jahan, Prince Dara Shikoh, was a renowned scholar and a proponent of interfaith dialogue. He translated several Sanskrit texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, into Persian.
291. The religious text Majma-ul-Bahrain was authored by:
A. Abul Fazl
B. Dara Shikoh
C. Badauni
D. Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi
Answer: B
Explanation: The famous religious text Majma-ul-Bahrain (meaning “The Confluence of the Two Seas”), which aimed to find commonalities between Sufism (Islamic mysticism) and Hindu Vedanta, was authored by Prince Dara Shikoh.
292. The Jama Masjid in Delhi was built by:
A. Akbar
B. Shah Jahan
C. Aurangzeb
D. Jahangir
Answer: B
Explanation: The majestic Jama Masjid in Delhi, one of India’s largest mosques, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 CE, as a part of his new capital city of Shahjahanabad.
293. The Mughal system of granting land for military service was known as:
A. Iqta
B. Saranjam
C. Jagir
D. Patta
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mughal system of granting revenue assignments (land) to Mansabdars in lieu of cash salaries for their military and administrative services was known as the Jagir system. The land granted was called a Jagir.
294. The Rajput policy of Akbar was based on:
A. Suppression
B. Matrimonial alliances and diplomacy
C. Expulsion
D. Isolation
Answer: B
Explanation: Akbar’s successful Rajput policy was characterized by a combination of diplomacy, mutual respect, and alliances. He cultivated strong ties through matrimonial alliances with Rajput royal families, granting them high positions in the administration and army, and ensuring religious tolerance.
295. The port city of Surat was prominent under:
A. Babur
B. Akbar
C. Jahangir
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: D
Explanation: While Surat was a significant port from Akbar’s time, it reached its zenith as a major international trading hub and the gateway for pilgrims to Mecca during the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Under Shah Jahan, it was one of the empire’s wealthiest cities, attracting European trading companies.
296. The decline of Mughal Empire began after the death of:
A. Shah Jahan
B. Jahangir
C. Aurangzeb
D. Akbar
Answer: C
Explanation: The comprehensive decline of the mighty Mughal Empire is generally considered to have begun after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 CE. His long and exhaustive Deccan campaigns, religious policies, and the rise of powerful regional states contributed to its downfall.
297. The last powerful Mughal emperor was:
A. Bahadur Shah Zafar
B. Shah Alam II
C. Aurangzeb
D. Akbar Shah II
Answer: C
Explanation: Aurangzeb (reigned 1658-1707 CE) is considered the last powerful and effective Mughal emperor. After his death, the empire rapidly fragmented, and his successors became increasingly weak, leading to the rise of independent regional kingdoms.
298. The Mughal Empire officially ended in:
A. 1803
B. 1835
C. 1857
D. 1877
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mughal Empire officially came to an end in 1857 CE, following the Great Revolt of 1857. The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was deposed by the British and exiled to Rangoon, Burma.
299. Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to:
A. Andaman
B. Burma
C. Hyderabad
D. Lahore
Answer: B
Explanation: After the suppression of the 1857 Revolt, the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was captured by the British. He was subsequently tried for treason and exiled to Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar), where he died in 1862.
300. The Red Fort in Delhi was constructed by:
A. Akbar
B. Shah Jahan
C. Aurangzeb
D. Jahangir
Answer: B
Explanation: The iconic Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan as the royal residence and citadel of his new capital city, Shahjahanabad.