Mughal Empire — Set 11

Correct Answer: D. Mumtaz Mahal

• **Taj Mahal** was built by **Shah Jahan** in memory of his wife **Mumtaz Mahal** (died 1631 in childbirth). • Built **1632–1653** at Agra; architect **Ustad Ahmad Lahori**; white marble from Makrana, Rajasthan. • It is one of the **New Seven Wonders of the World** (voted 2007) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. • 💡 Jodha Bai = Akbar's wife; Nur Jahan = Jahangir's wife; Haji Begum = Humayun's wife — only Mumtaz Mahal has the Taj Mahal as her memorial.

Correct Answer: A. Jahangir

• **Jahangir** was the son of **Akbar** — born in 1569 at Fatehpur Sikri, named **Salim** after saint Salim Chishti. • He succeeded Akbar to the throne in **1605** — after revolting against his father in 1600. • Known for his famous decree of **12 regulations** on assuming power; keen patron of painting. • 💡 Aurangzeb = Shah Jahan's son; Shah Jahan = Jahangir's son; Humayun = Akbar's father — only Jahangir was Akbar's son and successor.

Correct Answer: B. Delhi

• **Red Fort (Lal Qila)** is located in **Delhi** — built by **Shah Jahan** between 1638–1648. • India's Prime Minister hoists the **national flag here on Independence Day (15 August)** every year. • Made of **red sandstone**; contains Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, and Moti Masjid. • 💡 Agra Fort = Akbar built (different fort, older); Lahore = Jahangir's tomb; Jaipur = Rajput kingdom — Red Fort Delhi = Shah Jahan's masterpiece.

Correct Answer: C. Bahadur Shah Zafar

• **Bahadur Shah Zafar** (Bahadur Shah II) was the **last Mughal Emperor** — deposed after **Revolt of 1857**. • He was exiled by the British to **Rangoon (Yangon, Myanmar)** where he died in **1862**. • Also a notable **Urdu poet** — his famous lines 'Do gaz zameen bhi na mili koo-e-yaar mein' express his exile. • 💡 Shah Alam II = penultimate active emperor (d.**1806**); Muhammad Shah = Rangeela (d.**1748**); Aurangzeb = last powerful emperor (d.**1707**) — Bahadur Shah Zafar = last Mughal.

Correct Answer: C. Akbar

• **'Din-i-Ilahi'** (Divine Faith) was founded by **Akbar** in **1582** — a syncretic spiritual order. • It blended **Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity** — aimed at universal peace (Sulah-i-Kul). • **Birbal** was the only Hindu courtier to accept it; only ~18 members total — it died with Akbar. • 💡 Aurangzeb = orthodox Islamic; Shah Jahan = pious Muslim; Babur = traditional Muslim — only Akbar founded this syncretic order.

Correct Answer: D. Akbar

• **Akbar's forces** (led by regent **Bairam Khan**) defeated **Hemu** at the **2nd Battle of Panipat (1556)**. • Hemu was hit by an arrow in the eye during battle; captured and killed — Akbar's throne was secured. • This victory restored **Mughal power** after Sher Shah Suri's interruption of Mughal rule. • 💡 Jahangir/Humayun/Babur = different eras; Bairam Khan technically led the forces but credit goes to Akbar as emperor — this battle was Akbar's decisive victory.

Correct Answer: D. Jahangir

• **Jahangir** is famous for justice — he installed the **'Chain of Justice' (Zanjir-i-Adil)** at Agra Fort. • His famous decree: **'a king should have no friends in matters of justice'** — justice above all else. • He ordered his own son Prince Khusrau blinded for rebellion — showing impartiality even to family. • 💡 Humayun = no justice chain; Aurangzeb = rigid Sharia-based; Babur = short reign, no such institution — Jahangir = most associated with personal dispensation of justice.

Correct Answer: D. Fatehpur Sikri

• **Buland Darwaza** is located in **Fatehpur Sikri**, near Agra — built by **Akbar** in **1576**. • Built to celebrate his **conquest of Gujarat (1572–73)**; **54 metres** high — world's tallest gateway. • It serves as the main entrance to the **Jama Masjid** at Fatehpur Sikri. • 💡 Agra = Red Fort/Taj Mahal; Lahore = Badshahi Mosque; Delhi = Red Fort and Jama Masjid Delhi — Buland Darwaza is specifically in Fatehpur Sikri.

Correct Answer: D. Shah Jahan

• **Shah Jahan** was the father of **Aurangzeb** — Aurangzeb was his **third son** (born 1618). • Aurangzeb imprisoned Shah Jahan in **Agra Fort in 1658** after winning the war of succession. • Shah Jahan died in captivity in **1666**; buried with Mumtaz Mahal in the **Taj Mahal**. • 💡 Jahangir = Aurangzeb's grandfather; Akbar = great-grandfather; Humayun = great-great-grandfather — Shah Jahan alone was Aurangzeb's father.

Correct Answer: C. Babur

• **Babur** wrote **'Baburnama'** (also called Tuzuk-i-Baburi) — his own autobiography in **Chaghatai Turkic**. • It covers events from **1494 to 1529**, including Panipat (1526) and the founding of the Mughal Empire. • Considered one of the finest memoirs in world literature; translated into Persian and many languages. • 💡 Abul Fazl = Akbarnama author; Akbar = illiterate, wrote nothing; Gulbadan Begum = wrote Humayun-nama — only Babur wrote Baburnama.