Question 1: The founder of the Mughal Empire in India was:
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Jahangir
A. Babur. Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, founded the Mughal Empire in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat.
Question 2: The year the First Battle of Panipat was fought, establishing the Mughal Empire, was:
A. 1526
B. 1530
C. 1540
D. 1550
A. 1526. The First Battle of Panipat, fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi on April 21, 1526, marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
Question 3: Sher Shah Suri, who briefly interrupted Mughal rule, defeated Humayun at the Battle of:
A. Panipat
B. Kanauj
C. Chanderi
D. Chausa
D. Chausa. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun decisively at the Battle of Chausa in 1539, forcing Humayun into exile.
Question 4: Akbar’s religious policy of tolerance was known as:
A. Din-i-Illahi
B. Mansabdari system
C. Sufism
D. Sulh-i-Kul
D. Sulh-i-Kul. Sulh-i-Kul, meaning “universal peace,” was Akbar’s policy promoting tolerance among different religions within the empire.
Question 5: The innovative land revenue system implemented by Akbar was called:
A. Jagirdari system
B. Mansabdari system
C. Dahsala system
D. Zamindari system
C. Dahsala system. Also known as the Zabti system, the Dahsala system was introduced by Raja Todar Mal, involving land measurement and assessment based on average produce over ten years.
Question 6: The magnificent city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by which Mughal emperor?
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Jahangir
C. Akbar. Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri near Agra and made it his capital for a period, showcasing a blend of architectural styles.
Question 7: The famous court historian of Akbar who wrote the Ain-i-Akbari was:
A. Abul Fazl
B. Faizi
C. Badauni
D. Ferishta
A. Abul Fazl. Abul Fazl was one of Akbar’s ‘Navaratnas’ (Nine Gems) and authored the Akbarnama, of which Ain-i-Akbari is the third volume detailing the administration.
Question 8: Which Mughal emperor was known for his patronage of miniature paintings?
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Jahangir
D. Jahangir. Mughal painting reached its zenith under Jahangir, who had a keen eye for detail and favoured naturalistic depictions of flora, fauna, and portraits.
Question 9: The wife of Jahangir, who played a significant role in the Mughal court, was:
A. Jodha Bai
B. Nur Jahan
C. Mumtaz Mahal
D. Mehr-un-Nissa
B. Nur Jahan. Originally named Mehr-un-Nissa, Nur Jahan was an influential figure during Jahangir’s reign, effectively wielding imperial power.
Question 10: The iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by Shah Jahan as a tomb for:
A. Himself
B. His mother
C. His father
D. His wife
D. His wife. Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in Agra as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Question 11: Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by:
A. Expansion of the Mughal Empire
B. Religious orthodoxy
C. Both a and b
D. Decline of the empire
C. Both a and b. Aurangzeb expanded the empire to its largest extent but also enforced stricter Islamic laws, reversing some of Akbar’s tolerant policies.
Question 12: A crucial battle in 1707, considered a turning point in the Mughal Empire’s decline, was the Battle of:
A. Plassey
B. Buxar
C. Jajau
D. Samugarh
C. Jajau. Fought shortly after Aurangzeb’s death, the Battle of Jajau was a war of succession between his sons, weakening the central authority.
Question 13: The Mughal Emperor known for being a patron of music and art was:
A. Jahangir
B. Shah Jahan
C. Aurangzeb
D. Muhammad Shah
D. Muhammad Shah. Known as ‘Rangila’ (the colorful), Muhammad Shah’s reign saw a cultural revival, particularly in music and arts, despite political decline.
Question 14: The last powerful Mughal emperor was:
A. Aurangzeb
B. Bahadur Shah I
C. Muhammad Shah
D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
A. Aurangzeb. While the empire reached its largest size under Aurangzeb, his long reign and policies also sowed the seeds for its eventual decline after his death.
Question 15: Which of the following was NOT a major regional power that emerged as the Mughal Empire weakened?
A. The Marathas
B. The Sikhs
C. The Rajputs
D. The Bahmani Sultanate
D. The Bahmani Sultanate. The Bahmani Sultanate was a medieval Deccan kingdom that had fragmented long before the major decline of the Mughal Empire.
Question 16: The East India Company gained control over Bengal after the Battle of:
A. Panipat (1761)
B. Plassey (1757)
C. Buxar (1764)
D. Jajau (1707)
B. Plassey (1757). The British East India Company’s victory at Plassey over Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, established British dominance in the region.
Question 17: The subsidiary alliance system, a strategy used by the British to expand their influence, aimed to:
A. Form military alliances with Indian states
B. Force rulers to accept British residents in their courts
C. Prevent rulers from having independent foreign relations
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The subsidiary alliance system, introduced by Lord Wellesley, compelled Indian states to rely on British protection, effectively controlling their military and foreign affairs.
Question 18: The Mughal emperor formally deposed by the British in 1857 was:
A. Bahadur Shah I
B. Muhammad Shah
C. Aurangzeb
D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
D. Bahadur Shah Zafar. Bahadur Shah Zafar II was the last Mughal Emperor, exiled by the British to Rangoon after the Revolt of 1857.
Question 19: An important centre of the revolt of 1857 was:
A. Delhi
B. Kanpur
C. Lucknow
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow were major centres of the widespread uprising against the British East India Company in 1857.
Question 20: The Mughal Empire’s legacy in India includes contributions to:
A. Architecture
B. Art and literature
C. Administrative systems
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The Mughals left a lasting impact on India’s architecture (Taj Mahal, Red Fort), art (miniature painting), literature (Persian and Urdu), and administrative structures.
Question 21: Which Mughal emperor was known for building the Red Fort in Delhi?
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
C. Shah Jahan.
Question 22: “Mansabdar” in the Mughal empire referred to:
A. A religious scholar
B. A military rank holder
C. A court musician
D. A tax collector
B. A military rank holder. The Mansabdari system was a military and administrative ranking system where individuals held a ‘mansab’ determining their status, salary, and military obligations.
Question 23: The famous Mughal monument constructed of red sandstone and located in Agra is the:
A. Fatehpur Sikri
B. Red Fort
C. Jama Masjid
D. Agra Fort
D. Agra Fort. The Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a massive red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital shifted to Delhi.
Question 24: Which Mughal emperor reintroduced the Jizya tax on non-Muslims?
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
D. Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb reversed Akbar’s policy of abolishing the Jizya tax and reintroduced it in 1679, imposing it on non-Muslim subjects.
Question 25: The Mughal capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi by:
A. Akbar
B. Shah Jahan
C. Aurangzeb
D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
B. Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan founded the new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi and shifted the imperial capital there from Agra in 1648.
Question 26: Which Mughal emperor faced opposition from the Sikhs and Guru Tegh Bahadur?
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
D. Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb’s policies led to conflict with the Sikhs, culminating in the execution of the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, in 1675.
Question 27: The Mughal Empire’s decline can be attributed to factors such as:
A. Wars of succession
B. Rise of regional powers
C. Economic strain
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The decline resulted from a combination of factors including costly wars, weak successors, the rise of Marathas, Sikhs, and others, and economic pressures.
Question 28: The Mughal emperor known for his simplicity and religious devotion was:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Aurangzeb
D. Bahadur Shah I
C. Aurangzeb. Unlike his predecessors, Aurangzeb led a relatively austere life, was deeply religious (Sunni Islam), and discouraged music and arts at court.
Question 29: The practice of “Sati” was challenged and reform efforts were made during the reign of:
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Aurangzeb
C. Akbar. Akbar discouraged the practice of Sati (widow immolation) and encouraged widow remarriage as part of his social reforms.
Question 30: Which of the following statements is true about the Mughal Empire’s cultural contributions?
A. Persian cultural influence was predominant
B. Development of the Urdu language took place
C. Hindu-Muslim architectural styles blended
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. Mughal culture was a synthesis, heavily influenced by Persian art and language, fostering the Urdu language, and creating unique Indo-Islamic architectural styles.
Question 31: The ‘Koh-i-Noor’ diamond, now part of the British Crown Jewels, was originally in the possession of the Mughal Emperors. From whom did the British acquire it?
A. Bahadur Shah Zafar
B. Shah Jahan
C. Maharajah Duleep Singh
D. Aurangzeb
C. Maharajah Duleep Singh. After being taken by Nadir Shah and passing through various hands, the Koh-i-Noor came into the possession of the Sikh Empire. The British acquired it from the young Maharajah Duleep Singh after annexing Punjab.
Question 32: Which Mughal Emperor attempted to create a new religion known as Din-i-Ilahi?
A. Akbar
B. Aurangzeb
C. Jahangir
D. Shah Jahan
A. Akbar. Akbar promulgated Din-i-Ilahi (“Religion of God”) in 1582, aiming to merge elements of various faiths, though it attracted few followers.
Question 33: The Mughal Emperor known for his military campaigns in the Deccan was:
A. Jahangir
B. Shah Jahan
C. Bahadur Shah I
D. Aurangzeb
D. Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb spent the latter part of his reign campaigning extensively in the Deccan region, primarily against the Marathas and the Deccan Sultanates.
Question 34: Who was the powerful Mughal princess who was a poet and acted as advisor to her brother and father?
A. Jahanara Begum
B. Roshanara Begum
C. Nur Jahan
D. Mumtaz Mahal
A. Jahanara Begum. Jahanara, the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan, was highly influential, a patron of arts, a writer, and supported her brother Dara Shikoh.
Question 35: Which influential Sufi saint lived during the reign of Akbar and Jahangir, fostering religious tolerance?
A. Dara Shikoh
B. Muin-ud-din Chishti
C. Sheikh Salim Chishti
D. Baba Farid
C. Sheikh Salim Chishti. Akbar held Sheikh Salim Chishti in high esteem; Fatehpur Sikri was built near his hospice, and Akbar named his son Salim (later Jahangir) after him.
Question 36: The Mughal painting tradition was characterized by:
A. Miniature style
B. Detailed illustrations
C. Use of vibrant colors
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. Mughal painting is renowned for its intricate miniature style, detailed depictions of court life, nature, and portraits, using rich and vibrant colours.
Question 37: Which European power was the first to establish trading posts in India during the Mughal period?
A. The French
B. The English
C. The Dutch
D. The Portuguese
D. The Portuguese. The Portuguese arrived in India before the Mughals established their empire and set up trading posts along the coast.
Question 38: The Diwan-i-Aam in Mughal architecture was used for:
A. Private audiences of the Emperor
B. Residence of royal women
C. Holding administrative meetings
D. Public audiences of the Emperor
D. Public audiences of the Emperor. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) was where the emperor met with officials and the general public to hear grievances and conduct state business.
Question 39: One of the major causes for the decline of the Mughal Empire was:
A. Weak successors after Aurangzeb
B. Invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali
C. Rise of the Maratha Empire
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The empire’s decline was accelerated by weak leadership, devastating foreign invasions, and the rise of powerful regional forces like the Marathas.
Question 40: The final battle in which the British decisively defeated the Mughals and their allies was the Battle of:
A. Plassey
B. Panipat
C. Buxar
D. Jajau
C. Buxar. The Battle of Buxar (1764) saw the British defeat the combined forces of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Nawab of Bengal, cementing British power.
Question 41: The Mughal Emperor who had the longest reign was:
A. Babur
B. Akbar
C. Aurangzeb
D. Shah Jahan
C. Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb reigned for nearly 49 years (1658-1707), slightly longer than Akbar’s reign.
Question 42: Which powerful woman ruled on behalf of her son for some time during the reign of Jahangir?
A. Nur Jahan
B. Mumtaz Mahal
C. Jodha Bai
D. Jahanara Begum
A. Nur Jahan. While Nur Jahan was Jahangir’s wife (not mother), her influence was so great, especially during his later years, that she effectively ruled the empire.
Question 43: The Mughal Emperor who was a skilled calligrapher and under whose patronage the arts flourished was:
A. Aurangzeb
B. Shah Jahan
C. Babur
D. Akbar
B. Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan was a great patron of architecture and other arts, including calligraphy, during what is often considered the golden age of Mughal art.
Question 44: The Rajput ruler who initially allied himself with the Mughals but later rebelled was:
A. Rana Sanga
B. Rana Pratap
C. Amar Singh
D. Udai Singh
C. Amar Singh. Rana Amar Singh I of Mewar, son of Rana Pratap, initially continued resistance but eventually submitted to Jahangir in 1615, though relations remained complex.
Question 45: Which of these Mughal emperors is NOT buried in India?
A. Humayun
B. Babur
C. Akbar
D. Aurangzeb
B. Babur. Babur was initially buried in Agra but, according to his wishes, his remains were later moved to Kabul, Afghanistan.
Question 46: The ‘Peacock Throne’, a famous jeweled throne of the Mughals, was plundered by:
A. The British
B. Ahmad Shah Abdali
C. Robert Clive
D. Nadir Shah
D. Nadir Shah. The Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded Delhi in 1739 and took the Peacock Throne, along with vast amounts of other treasures, back to Persia.
Question 47: The Mughal dynasty officially came to an end after:
A. The Battle of Plassey (1757)
B. The Battle of Buxar (1764)
C. The Sepoy Mutiny/Revolt of 1857
D. India’s Independence in 1947
C. The Sepoy Mutiny/Revolt of 1857. Following the Revolt of 1857, the British formally abolished the Mughal Empire and exiled the last emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Question 48: Which Mughal Emperor commissioned the building of the Jama Masjid in Delhi?
A. Humayun
B. Akbar
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
C. Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan commissioned the Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, as part of his new capital, Shahjahanabad.
Question 49: During the later Mughal period, powerful regional states that arose included all of the following EXCEPT:
A. The Marathas
B. The Nizam of Hyderabad
C. The Awadh State
D. The Bahmani Sultanate
D. The Bahmani Sultanate. The Bahmani Sultanate predated the Mughals and had dissolved into the Deccan Sultanates before the later Mughal period.
Question 50: One of the enduring legacies of the Mughal Empire is:
A. Its influence on Indian architecture, with examples like the Taj Mahal
B. The development of administrative systems and revenue collection
C. The fusion of Persian and Indian cultural elements
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The Mughals left significant legacies in architecture, administration, revenue systems, and the blending of cultures.
Question 51: Which Mughal emperor was particularly interested in philosophy and science?
A. Akbar
B. Aurangzeb
C. Dara Shikoh
D. Jahangir
C. Dara Shikoh. Dara Shikoh, Shah Jahan’s eldest son, was a scholar interested in comparative religion, Sufism, and translating Hindu scriptures into Persian.
Question 52: The Mughal Emperor who established friendly relations with the English and granted them trading rights in Bengal was:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
B. Jahangir. Jahangir granted permission (firman) to the English East India Company, facilitated by envoy Sir Thomas Roe, to establish factories and trade.
Question 53: The founder of the Sikh faith, active during the early Mughal period, was:
A. Guru Arjan Dev
B. Guru Nanak Dev
C. Guru Gobind Singh
D. Guru Tegh Bahadur
B. Guru Nanak Dev. Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539), the founder of Sikhism, lived during the time of Babur’s invasion and the establishment of the Mughal Empire.
Question 54: The Mughal military system that granted land revenue based on rank and responsibilities was known as:
A. Jagir system
B. Mansabdari system
C. Zamindari system
D. Dahsala system
A. Jagir system. While linked to the Mansabdari rank, the Jagir system involved assigning the rights to collect revenue from a piece of land (jagir) in lieu of a cash salary.
Question 55: Babur’s autobiography, providing a firsthand account of his conquests and life, is titled:
A. Tuzk-i-Jahangiri
B. Ain-i-Akbari
C. Baburnama
D. Tarikh-i-Firishta
C. Baburnama. Written in Chagatai Turkic, the Baburnama (Memoirs of Babur) is a valuable historical source detailing his life and experiences.
Question 56: The Mughal practice of granting non-Muslims protection in exchange for their tax contribution was called:
A. Jizya
B. Sulh-i-Kul
C. Ibadat Khana
D. Din-i-Ilahi
A. Jizya. Jizya was a per capita yearly tax historically levied by Islamic states on certain non-Muslim subjects (dhimmis) in exchange for protection.
Question 57: The Rajput kingdom that remained a staunch rival of the Mughals, refusing matrimonial alliances, was:
A. Amber
B. Bikaner
C. Marwar
D. Mewar
D. Mewar. The rulers of Mewar, notably Rana Pratap, fiercely resisted Mughal dominance and refused the common practice of matrimonial alliances.
Question 58: After Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal Empire entered into a period of decline, partly caused by:
A. Foreign invasions
B. Ineffective rulers and corrupt officials
C. Economic exhaustion
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The post-Aurangzeb era was marked by weak rulers, internal strife, foreign invasions, economic strain, and the rise of regional powers, leading to decline.
Question 59: A famous Mughal structure noted for its white marble and pietra dura (inlay work) is:
A. Buland Darwaza
B. Humayun’s Tomb
C. Jama Masjid, Delhi
D. Golconda Fort
B. Humayun’s Tomb. While the Taj Mahal is the most famous example, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi also features significant white marble and intricate pietra dura work, predating the Taj.
Question 60: The treaty that gave the British control over large parts of eastern India after their victory in 1764 was the Treaty of:
A. Allahabad
B. Srirangapatna
C. Salbai
D. Lahore
A. Allahabad. Signed in 1765 after the Battle of Buxar, the Treaty of Allahabad granted the East India Company the Diwani (right to collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
Question 61: Which Mughal ruler built the city of Din Panah within the area of modern-day Delhi?
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Shah Jahan
B. Humayun. Humayun laid the foundation for a new city called Dinpanah (“Refuge of Religion”) on the site of the ancient Indraprastha in Delhi.
Question 62: During the reign of Shah Jahan, the Mughal capital was permanently shifted to a new city known as:
A. Fatehpur Sikri
B. Shahjahanabad
C. Agra
D. Lahore
B. Shahjahanabad. Shah Jahan founded Shahjahanabad (present-day Old Delhi) in 1639 and shifted the capital there from Agra.
Question 63: The “Golden Age” of the Mughal Empire is associated with the reigns of which rulers?
A. Babur and Humayun
B. Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan
C. Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb
D. Aurangzeb and his successors
B. Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. This period saw relative political stability, economic prosperity, and significant cultural and architectural achievements.
Question 64: A significant architectural feature of Mughal-era buildings is the presence of:
A. Arches and domes
B. Carved pillars
C. Wooden ceilings
D. Stained glass windows
A. Arches and domes. Bulbous domes, pointed arches, and minarets are characteristic features of the Indo-Islamic architectural style developed under the Mughals.
Question 65: The Mughal Empire, at its territorial peak, encompassed most of:
A. Modern-day Pakistan and Nepal
B. Modern-day Bangladesh and East India
C. Modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
D. Modern-day India and Afghanistan
C. Modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Under Aurangzeb, the empire reached its greatest geographical extent, covering almost the entire Indian subcontinent.
Question 66: The Battle of Haldighati, a significant conflict of the Mughal era, was fought between forces of the Mughal Empire under Akbar and:
A. Shivaji and the Marathas
B. Rana Pratap and the Rajputs
C. The Sikhs
D. Ibrahim Lodi and the Sultanate of Delhi
B. Rana Pratap and the Rajputs. The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Akbar’s forces led by Man Singh I and Rana Pratap of Mewar.
Question 67: A famous Mughal painting technique focuses on depicting hunting scenes, court life, or portraits. These are known as:
A. Frescoes
B. Miniatures
C. Illuminations
D. Pichwai
B. Miniatures. Mughal art is primarily known for its highly detailed and refined miniature paintings, often illustrating manuscripts or compiled in albums.
Question 68: Who was the last significant Mughal Emperor before the Empire’s decline?
A. Aurangzeb
B. Bahadur Shah I
C. Muhammad Shah
D. Shah Alam II
A. Aurangzeb. Although the empire expanded under him, his death in 1707 marked the beginning of its rapid decline due to wars of succession and rising regional powers.
Question 69: The Mughal Empire influenced India in several ways. Which of these was NOT a direct legacy?
A. The prevalence of Indo-Islamic architecture
B. The development of administrative systems
C. The adoption of the caste system
D. The evolution of the Urdu language
C. The adoption of the caste system. The caste system is an ancient social structure in India that predates the Mughal Empire by millennia.
Question 70: The final Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, played a symbolic role in:
A. The Battle of Plassey
B. The Battle of Panipat
C. The Revolt of 1857
D. The signing of the Treaty of Allahabad
C. The Revolt of 1857. Although elderly and with little real power, Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the Emperor of Hindustan by the rebels during the 1857 uprising.
Question 71: Tansen, a legendary figure in Indian classical music, was a court musician during the reign of:
A. Babur
B. Humayun
C. Akbar
D. Jahangir
C. Akbar. Mian Tansen was one of the ‘Navaratnas’ (Nine Gems) at Akbar’s court and a pivotal figure in Hindustani classical music.
Question 72: The Mughal Emperor who married a Rajput princess, signifying a policy of greater tolerance, was:
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
A. Akbar. Akbar initiated the policy of matrimonial alliances with Rajput houses, marrying Harkha Bai (often identified as Jodha Bai), the princess of Amber.
Question 73: Who was the British representative at the court of Jahangir who played a key role in securing trading rights for the East India Company?
A. Robert Clive
B. Sir Thomas Roe
C. Warren Hastings
D. Lord Cornwallis
B. Sir Thomas Roe. Sir Thomas Roe was the ambassador of King James I to the Mughal court from 1615 to 1619 and successfully obtained permission for the EIC to establish factories.
Question 74: The Mughal Emperor who suffered a long imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb was:
A. Jahangir
B. Shah Jahan
C. Bahadur Shah I
D. Muhammad Shah
B. Shah Jahan. After winning the war of succession, Aurangzeb imprisoned his father, Shah Jahan, in the Agra Fort, where he remained until his death.
Question 75: The Mughal architectural style is characterized by:
A. Use of white marble and floral designs
B. Large arches, domes, and minarets
C. Intricate carvings and geometric patterns
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. Mughal architecture blends Persian, Turkic, and Indian styles, featuring domes, arches, minarets, pietra dura inlay, geometric patterns, and extensive use of marble and red sandstone.
Question 76: One of the factors making the Mughal Empire vulnerable to European powers was:
A. Lack of a strong navy
B. Stagnation of technology and tactics
C. Internal conflicts and rivalries
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The Mughals lacked naval power, fell behind in military technology compared to Europeans, and were weakened by internal strife, making them susceptible to European encroachment.
Question 77: A famous Sufi saint popular during the Mughal era, associated with the Chishti Order was:
A. Nizamuddin Auliya
B. Muinuddin Chishti
C. Salim Chishti
D. Rabi’a al-Adawiyya
C. Salim Chishti. Sheikh Salim Chishti was highly revered by Emperor Akbar, who attributed the birth of his son Jahangir to the saint’s blessings.
Question 78: A major port on the west coast of India, important during the Mughal period for trade and the embarkation of pilgrims for Mecca, was:
A. Goa
B. Cochin
C. Surat
D. Calicut
C. Surat. Surat in Gujarat was the pre-eminent port city of the Mughal Empire, vital for maritime trade and the Hajj pilgrimage, until the rise of Bombay.
Question 79: During the decline of the Mughal empire, which regional kingdom of South India became increasingly powerful?
A. The Marathas
B. The Bahmani Sultanate
C. The Vijayanagara Empire
D. The Mysore Kingdom
D. The Mysore Kingdom. Under rulers like Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, the Kingdom of Mysore became a major military power in South India.
Question 80: A key consequence of the decline of the Mughal Empire was:
A. The rise of regional independent kingdoms
B. Increased European interference and colonialism
C. A period of cultural and economic decline
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The weakening central authority led to regional independence, created opportunities for European powers, and caused widespread instability affecting culture and economy.
Question 81: Which Mughal emperor built the Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, resembling a smaller version of the Taj Mahal?
A. Akbar
B. Aurangzeb
C. Shah Jahan
D. Jahangir
B. Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb commissioned the Bibi Ka Maqbara as a mausoleum for his first wife, Dilras Banu Begum. It is often called the “Taj of the Deccan.”
Question 82: The Mughal Emperor known for leading a particularly lavish lifestyle and patronizing the arts extensively was:
A. Shah Jahan
B. Aurangzeb
C. Jahangir
D. Bahadur Shah I
C. Jahangir. Jahangir was known for his refined tastes, patronage of painting, love for gardens, and a generally luxurious court life.
Question 83: Who authored the ‘Padshahnama’, a chronicle of Shah Jahan’s reign?
A. Abdul Hamid Lahori
B. Abul Fazl
C. Badauni
D. Ferishta
A. Abdul Hamid Lahori. Abdul Hamid Lahori was the court historian commissioned by Shah Jahan to write the official history of his reign, the Padshahnama.
Question 84: The Mughal system of revenue collection under Akbar that involved detailed surveys and categorization of land was known as:
A. Zabt system
B. Jagir system
C. Zamindari system
D. Dahsala system
A. Zabt system. The Zabt or Dahsala system, refined by Todar Mal, involved careful land measurement, classification based on fertility, and fixing revenue rates.
Question 85: Which European power posed the most significant maritime challenge to the Mughals?
A. The Portuguese
B. The French
C. The English
D. The Dutch
A. The Portuguese. Early in the Mughal period, the Portuguese dominated the Indian Ocean sea lanes and often clashed with Mughal interests, particularly regarding trade and pilgrimage routes.
Question 86: One of the major rebellions during the reign of Aurangzeb was led by:
A. The Rajputs
B. The Jats
C. The Sikhs
D. The Marathas
D. The Marathas. The most persistent and challenging rebellion faced by Aurangzeb was from the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji and his successors.
Question 87: The Mughal practice of gifting decorated robes as a mark of honor was called:
A. Inam
B. Mansab
C. Iqta
D. Khilat
D. Khilat. A khilat was a ceremonial robe or set of garments presented by the emperor or high officials as a mark of favour, honour, or appointment.
Question 88: The Ibadat Khana, established by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri, was a place for:
A. Religious debates and discussions
B. Music and cultural performances
C. Administrative meetings and policy discussions
D. Housing for scholars and artists
A. Religious debates and discussions. Akbar established the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) to hold theological discussions with scholars from various religions.
Question 89: The Mughal Emperor who attempted to move the capital from Delhi back to Agra was:
A. Jahangir
B. Shah Jahan
C. Aurangzeb
D. Muhammad Shah
C. Aurangzeb. While Shah Jahan moved the capital to Delhi (Shahjahanabad), Aurangzeb primarily ruled from Delhi but spent much of his later reign in the Deccan. There isn’t strong evidence he formally attempted a permanent move back to Agra.
Question 90: The Mughal period contributed to the growth of regional languages and literatures like:
A. Hindi and Urdu
B. Bengali and Punjabi
C. Marathi and Gujarati
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. While Persian was the court language, the Mughal era saw the flourishing of regional languages and literatures, including the development of Urdu as a lingua franca.
Question 91: The “Nine Gems” or ‘Navaratnas’ refers to:
A. Famous jewels in the Mughal treasury
B. Nine important courtiers in the court of Akbar
C. Nine major regional powers of the time
D. Nine architectural wonders of the Mughal Empire
B. Nine important courtiers in the court of Akbar. The Navaratnas were a group of exceptionally talented individuals in various fields who adorned Akbar’s court, including figures like Abul Fazl, Tansen, and Todar Mal.
Question 92: Who led the Mughal forces during the Siege of Chittor in 1568, a significant victory during Akbar’s reign?
A. Akbar himself
B. Bairam Khan
C. Man Singh
D. Todar Mal
A. Akbar himself. Akbar personally commanded the Mughal army during the difficult and prolonged Siege of Chittorgarh, a major Rajput stronghold.
Question 93: During the Mughal period, a major center of textile production and trade was located in:
A. Gujarat
B. Bengal
C. Punjab
D. Kashmir
A. Gujarat. Gujarat, with ports like Surat and Cambay and cities like Ahmedabad, was a crucial center for textile manufacturing (especially cotton and silk) and trade.
Question 94: The Mughal military leader who played a crucial role in suppressing revolts during Aurangzeb’s reign and was later instrumental in the rise of the Marathas was:
A. Jai Singh I
B. Shivaji
C. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
D. Shahuji
B. Shivaji. Shivaji Bhonsle initially served under Deccan Sultanates, clashed with the Mughals, was briefly a Mughal mansabdar, escaped, and established an independent Maratha kingdom, challenging Aurangzeb significantly.
Question 95: The Mughal Empire, while known for grandeur, suffered from underlying economic problems, including:
A. Low agricultural productivity
B. Heavy taxation on the peasantry
C. Corruption within the administration
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. Factors like the burden of the Jagirdari system, heavy taxes to fund wars and administration, and corruption contributed to economic strain, particularly on the peasantry.
Question 96: The British East India Company official who played a key role in the Battle of Plassey, expanding British influence in Bengal, was:
A. Warren Hastings
B. Robert Clive
C. Sir Thomas Roe
D. Lord Cornwallis
B. Robert Clive. Robert Clive was the commander of the British East India Company forces at the Battle of Plassey (1757) and a key figure in establishing British political power in Bengal.
Question 97: After the decline of the Mughal empire, which Indian ruler briefly established control over Delhi?
A. Tipu Sultan
B. Hyder Ali
C. Mahadji Shinde
D. Ranjit Singh
C. Mahadji Shinde. The Maratha leader Mahadji Shinde acted as the regent and protector of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II in Delhi during the late 18th century, effectively controlling the city.
Question 98: A distinctive feature of Mughal painting was:
A. Incorporation of European techniques like perspective
B. Emphasis on geometric patterns and calligraphy
C. Depiction of religious figures
D. Use of vibrant primary colors
A. Incorporation of European techniques like perspective. While retaining its unique style, Mughal painting, particularly under Jahangir and Shah Jahan, showed influence from European art, including attempts at realism and perspective.
Question 99: The Mughal Emperor who faced the invasion of the Persian ruler Nadir Shah was:
A. Aurangzeb
B. Bahadur Shah I
C. Muhammad Shah
D. Shah Alam II
C. Muhammad Shah. The invasion of Nadir Shah and the sack of Delhi occurred in 1739 during the reign of Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’.
Question 100: A lasting impact of the Mughal Empire on India includes:
A. The spread of Islam
B. Architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal
C. Administrative practices that influenced later governments
D. All of the above
D. All of the above. The Mughal era influenced religion, art, architecture, administration, language, and cuisine, leaving a complex and enduring legacy on the Indian subcontinent.
