Mughal & Travellers — Set 2
Books & Authors · मुगल और यात्री · Questions 11–20 of 50
Who wrote 'Padshahnama', the official visual and written history of Shah Jahan's reign?
Correct Answer: A. Abdul Hamid Lahori
Abdul Hamid Lahori was commissioned by Shah Jahan to write a detailed history of his rule. It is famous for its exquisite illustrations and chronicles the first twenty years of the reign. The work highlights the architectural achievements and courtly life of that period.
The book 'Alamgirnama', documenting the early years of Aurangzeb's rule, was written by?
Correct Answer: C. Muhammad Kazim
Muhammad Kazim was the official court historian during the first decade of Aurangzeb's reign. Aurangzeb eventually discouraged the writing of official histories due to his religious austerity. This work remains a primary source for the beginning of his long rule.
Who translated the Upanishads into Persian under the title 'Sirr-i-Akbar'?
Correct Answer: D. Dara Shikoh
Dara Shikoh was the eldest son of Shah Jahan and was known for his interest in religious synthesis. He believed the Upanishads contained the 'hidden secret' mentioned in the Quran. His intellectual pursuits were cut short by his defeat at the hands of Aurangzeb.
Which 17th-century French jeweler traveled through India and wrote about the Koh-i-Noor diamond?
Correct Answer: A. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier made six voyages to India and focused largely on trade and precious stones. He was one of the first Europeans to describe the Peacock Throne and the diamond mines of Golconda. His travel logs were highly popular in Europe for their commercial information.
The Russian traveler who visited India in the 15th century and wrote 'Journey Beyond Three Seas' was?
Correct Answer: C. Afanasy Nikitin
Afanasy Nikitin was a Russian merchant who spent several years in the Bahmani Kingdom. He provided one of the few non-Islamic foreign accounts of India before the Portuguese arrival. His narrative describes the society, religion, and military of the Deccan region.
Who wrote 'Tarikh-i-Firishta', a comprehensive history of the Deccan and North India?
Correct Answer: A. Firishta
Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah, commonly known as Firishta, wrote this work under the patronage of Ibrahim Adil Shah II. It is a vital source for the history of the various Muslim dynasties in India. The work is noted for its attempt at impartiality and systematic arrangement.
The Portuguese traveler who visited the Vijayanagara Empire during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya was?
Correct Answer: D. Domingo Paes
Domingo Paes provided a vivid description of the markets, palaces, and the Mahanavami festival in Hampi. He described Krishna Deva Raya as a great ruler and a perfect king. His accounts are essential for reconstructing the history of the southern capital.
Who was the author of 'Fatwa-i-Alamgiri', the comprehensive digest of Islamic law commissioned by Aurangzeb?
Correct Answer: A. A group of scholars
A committee of about 50 legal scholars compiled this massive work under Aurangzeb's direct supervision. It served as the principal legal text for the Mughal Empire's judicial system. It is one of the most significant compilations of Hanafi jurisprudence in India.
Which traveler visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II and wrote about the prosperity of the Gupta Empire?
Correct Answer: C. Fa-Hien
Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk who came to India to collect authentic Buddhist scriptures. He noted the absence of capital punishment and the general peace and honesty of the people. His account is a primary source for the social conditions of the 5th century.
The book 'Indica', which provides a detailed account of the Mauryan administration, was written by?
Correct Answer: D. Megasthenes
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Although the original book is lost, fragments survive in the writings of later Greek and Roman historians. He described the city of Pataliputra as one of the largest in the world.