Mughal Empire — Set 2
Indian History · मुगल साम्राज्य · Questions 11–20 of 120
The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between the Mughal army and which Rajput ruler?
Correct Answer: B. Maharana Pratap
• **Battle of Haldighati (1576)** — Mughal army led by **Man Singh I** vs **Maharana Pratap** of Mewar. • Mughals won the field, but Maharana Pratap escaped on his horse **Chetak** and continued resistance. • Haldighati is named for the yellow clay passes; Pratap's faithful horse Chetak died there. • 💡 Rana Sanga = fought Babur (Khanwa **1527**); Rana Udai Singh = founded Udaipur; Raja Maldeo = Marwar ruler, different era.
What was the name of the new religious order propounded by Akbar?
Correct Answer: A. Din-i-Ilahi
• **Din-i-Ilahi** (Divine Faith) was founded by **Akbar** in **1582** — a syncretic spiritual order, not a religion. • It combined elements of **Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity** under Akbar's leadership. • **Birbal** was the only Hindu courtier to accept it; total members were fewer than 20. • 💡 Sikhism = founded by Guru Nanak; Zoroastrianism = ancient Persian; Sufism = Islamic mysticism — all pre-Akbar.
Which Mughal Emperor is associated with the 'Chain of Justice' (Zanjir-i-Adil)?
Correct Answer: C. Jahangir
• **Jahangir** installed the **Zanjir-i-Adil** (Chain of Justice) at **Agra Fort** for direct public appeal. • Made of pure gold, **60 bells**, connected the fort to river bank; anyone could ring it for justice. • Also called **'Golden Bell'** — symbol of Jahangir's personal commitment to justice. • 💡 Shah Jahan = built Taj/Red Fort; Akbar = Jharokha Darshan (public appearance); Humayun = no such institution.
Who wrote 'Ain-i-Akbari', the detailed document on Akbar's administration?
Correct Answer: A. Abul Fazl
• **Abul Fazl** wrote **'Ain-i-Akbari'** — the third volume of 'Akbarnama', Akbar's official history. • It gives detailed **statistics** on Akbar's provinces, revenues, administration, and army. • Abul Fazl was Akbar's closest confidant; killed in **1602** by Salim (future Jahangir) near Allahabad. • 💡 Faizi = Abul Fazl's brother, a poet; Badauni = critic who wrote secretly; Nizamuddin Ahmad = different historian.
The English ambassador Sir Thomas Roe visited the court of which Mughal Emperor?
Correct Answer: C. Jahangir
• **Sir Thomas Roe** visited **Jahangir's court** in **1615** as ambassador of **King James I** of England. • He secured permission for the **East India Company** to establish factories in the Mughal Empire. • His diary 'Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to India' is a key source for Jahangir's court details. • 💡 Aurangzeb = hostile to British trade; Shah Jahan = later period; Akbar = Roe arrived decades after Akbar died.
Which Mughal Emperor's reign is considered the 'Golden Age of Mughal Architecture'?
Correct Answer: B. Shah Jahan
• **Shah Jahan's reign** is called the **'Golden Age of Mughal Architecture'** — peak use of white marble. • He built **Taj Mahal** (Agra), **Red Fort** (Delhi), **Jama Masjid** (Delhi), and **Moti Masjid** (Agra Fort). • Extensive use of **Pietra Dura** (parchin kari) inlay with precious stones defines his architectural style. • 💡 Jahangir = painting zenith; Aurangzeb = banned arts, minimal building; Akbar = red sandstone buildings like Fatehpur Sikri.
Who built the famous 'Buland Darwaza' at Fatehpur Sikri?
Correct Answer: B. Akbar
• **Buland Darwaza** (Gate of Magnificence) was built by **Akbar** at **Fatehpur Sikri** in **1576**. • Built to commemorate his **conquest of Gujarat (1572–73)**; stands **54 metres** high — world's tallest gateway. • It is the main entrance to the **Jama Masjid** complex at Fatehpur Sikri. • 💡 Aurangzeb = Bibi ka Maqbara; Jahangir = Shalimar Gardens; Shah Jahan = Taj Mahal — none built Buland Darwaza.
The 'Peacock Throne' was commissioned by which Mughal Emperor?
Correct Answer: A. Shah Jahan
• **Peacock Throne (Takht-i-Taus)** was commissioned by **Shah Jahan**, placed in **Diwan-i-Khas**, Red Fort. • Adorned with **rubies, emeralds, diamonds** including the Koh-i-Noor; took **7 years** to make. • **Nadir Shah** looted it in **1739** along with the Koh-i-Noor diamond after defeating Muhammad Shah. • 💡 Bahadur Shah I = much later; Jahangir = no peacock throne; Aurangzeb = was against luxury — Shah Jahan built it.
Which Mughal Emperor assumed the title of 'Alamgir'?
Correct Answer: B. Aurangzeb
• **Aurangzeb** assumed the title **'Alamgir'** (Conqueror of the World) after his coronation in **1658**. • He defeated brothers **Dara Shikoh, Shuja, and Murad** in the war of succession before seizing power. • He ruled for **49 years (1658–1707)** — one of the longest reigns, matching Akbar's tenure. • 💡 Jahangir = 'World Seizer'; Akbar = 'Great'; Shah Jahan = 'King of the World' — none took title Alamgir.
Who was the Sikh Guru executed by the order of Aurangzeb?
Correct Answer: A. Guru Tegh Bahadur
• **Guru Tegh Bahadur** (9th Sikh Guru) was executed by **Aurangzeb** in **1675** in Delhi. • He was martyred for **refusing to convert to Islam** and protecting **Kashmiri Pandits**' religious rights. • **Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib** (Chandni Chowk) marks his execution site; he is called 'Hind di Chadar'. • 💡 Guru Arjan Dev = executed by Jahangir (**1606**), not Aurangzeb; Guru Ram Das/Har Gobind = not executed.