1. The original name of Mumtaj Mahal was
The original name of Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan, was Arjumand Banu Begum.
She was bestowed the title Mumtaz Mahal, meaning "Jewel of the Palace," by Shah Jahan after their marriage. Mumtaz Mahal is best known for being the inspiration behind the creation of the iconic Taj Mahal.
2. Thomas Roe was received in audience by Jahangir at
Thomas Roe was received in audience by Emperor Jahangir at Agra in 1615.
He was sent as an ambassador from the English East India Company to establish trade relations with the Mughal Empire.
This event took place during Jahangir's reign, and Agra was one of the important cities during that period.
3. Aurangzeb was an expert musician of which instrument?
Aurangzeb was indeed skilled in both playing the veena and the sitar. While he is more often remembered for his conservative policies and military expansion, he had a personal love for music and was accomplished in traditional Indian instruments like the veena.
4. Which Mughal emperor abolished the old custom of Sizda?
In the Mughal court, Sijda (complete prostration) was a ritual of utmost respect and submission to the emperor, reflecting a person’s rank. Deeper prostration indicated higher status. Aurangzeb abolished this practice, believing it conflicted with Islamic principles, while Shah Jahan and earlier rulers upheld it.
5. In Shivaji Council of Minister, the Prime Minister was called
In Shivaji Maharaj's administration, the Prime Minister was called the Peshwa.
The Peshwa held significant power and was responsible for overseeing the administration and advising the king.
The role of the Peshwa later became even more prominent in the Maratha Empire, especially during the reign of the Peshwas.
6. Who among the following painters was appointed Diwan of Multan by Akbar?
Abdul Samad was a renowned painter at Akbar's court, known for his contributions to Mughal miniature art.
However, the Diwan of Multan was appointed to Daswant, another skilled artist.
Abdul Samad played a significant role in the Mughal court’s artistic developments, particularly in Persian and Mughal styles.
7. Who among the following was illiterate?
Akbar, though illiterate, was one of the most well-read Mughal emperors. Lacking formal education, he had a remarkable memory and loved learning. He owned a library of 24,000 books, read aloud to him, and engaged with scholars. Some historians suggest he may have had dyslexia.
8. Who wrote Akbarnama?
Abul Fazl, one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in Akbar's court, wrote the Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar's reign. The Akbarnama is a detailed account of Akbar's life, his administration, military campaigns, and cultural contributions. It is considered one of the most significant works of Persian literature.
9. The Maratha kingdom was founded by Shivaji during the reign of
Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha kingdom during the reign of Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor. Shivaji's rise to power began in the mid-17th century, and he established the Maratha Empire after successfully fighting Mughal forces and establishing his own kingdom in the western region of India.
10. Who was called Chankya of Maratha politics?
Nana Phadnavis was known as the Chanakya of Maratha politics due to his political acumen, strategic thinking, and role in the administration of the Maratha Empire. He was a key figure in shaping the Maratha power during the 18th century and played a significant role in the court of the Peshwas.
11. Who among the following painters committed suicide?
Lal was a famous Mughal painter who is believed to have committed suicide. He was a prominent artist at Akbar's court and worked on many important projects.
His death is said to have been tragic, marking a somber end to the life of a talented artist.
12. In the third battle of Panipat, Marathas were defeated by
In the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), the Marathas were defeated by the forces of Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler. This battle was one of the largest and bloodiest fought in Indian history and marked a significant setback for the Maratha Empire in their attempt to expand into northern India.
13. The famous Jama-Masjid of Delhi was built by
The famous Jama Masjid in Delhi was built by Shahjahan, the Mughal emperor, between 1644 and 1656.
It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in India, known for its grand architecture and its location in the heart of Old Delhi.
14. During whose reign did Khan-Jahan Lodi revolt?
Khan-Jahan Lodi did indeed revolt during the reign of Shah Jahan, not Jahangir.
Khan-Jahan Lodi was a prominent noble who initially held a significant position in the Mughal Empire under Emperor Jahangir.
He fell out of favor after Shah Jahan ascended the throne in 1628.
Khan-Jahan Lodi rebelled against Shah Jahan in the early years of his reign.
The rebellion was swiftly suppressed, and Khan-Jahan Lodi was eventually captured and executed in 1631.
15. Among the following, which Mughal emperor introduced the policy of Sulah-i-Kul?
Sulah-i-Kul was a policy introduced by Emperor Akbar to promote religious tolerance and peace among different communities. It aimed to ensure harmony between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others.
16. Shivaji died in the year
Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, passed away in the year 1680. His death marked a significant turning point in the history of the Maratha Empire.
17. Who among the following was killed by Shivaji?
Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan in 1659. Afzal Khan was a general of the Bijapur Sultanate and had been sent to subdue Shivaji. However, Shivaji cleverly killed Afzal Khan during a meeting under the guise of peace, using a concealed weapon, and thus foiled his plans.
18. During the Mughal period, the copper coin was known as
During the Mughal period, the copper coin was called the Dam. The Dam was widely used for everyday transactions and was of lower value compared to the silver or gold coins like the Rupee or Tanka.
19. The mughal emperor who prohibited the use of Tobacco was
Jahangir issued a decree in 1617 to prohibit the use of tobacco in the Mughal Empire, especially its smoking. His decision was based on the belief that smoking was harmful and an unhealthy practice.
20. Revenue system during Akbar’s reign was in the hands of
Todar Mal was a prominent revenue minister during Akbar's reign.
He played a crucial role in implementing a standardized and efficient revenue system called the Zabt system, which involved land measurement and fixed revenue collection based on crop yields.
This system contributed significantly to the stability and growth of the Mughal Empire.
21. Who among the following was given the title of Shekh-ul-Hind?
The title Sheikh-ul-Hind is primarily associated with Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a revered Sufi saint.
However, Sheikh Salim Chishti and Baba Fariduddin also held significant spiritual positions.
The term signifies a highly esteemed leader within the Sufi tradition, especially those from the Chishti order.
22. In which of the following die Babar wrote his Autobiography?
Babur wrote his autobiography, the Baburnama, in Chagatai Turkic, which was a language spoken by the Central Asian Turkic people, including Babur. Later, it was translated into Persian.
23. Who among the following built the tomb of her husband?
Haji Begum, the mother of Emperor Shah Jahan, is credited with building the tomb of her husband, Mirza Ghiyas Beg (also known as Itimad-ud-Daula), in Agra.
This tomb, known as the Itimad-ud-Daula's Tomb, is often considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal due to its intricate design and marble work.
24. Who was the author of Humayun-nama?
The author of Humayun-nama was Gulbadan Begum, the sister of Emperor Humayun.
She wrote the Humayun-nama in Persian, which is an important historical account of the reign of her brother Humayun and provides insights into the Mughal empire during the early 16th century.
25. The Sikh Khalsa was founded by
The Sikh Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, in 1699. The formation of the Khalsa was a significant event in Sikh history, marking the formalization of the Sikh community and its distinct identity.
26. Who was the founder of Maratha dynasty?
The founder of the Maratha dynasty was Shivaji Maharaj.
He established the Maratha Empire in the 17th century and laid the foundation for the Maratha Confederacy.
27. Who of the following Sikh Guru was started Gurumukhi script?
Guru Angad, the second Sikh Guru, is credited with the development and promotion of the Gurmukhi script.
He standardized and popularized the script to write the Punjabi language and to record the Sikh scriptures.
28. Mahzar of 1579 was drafted by
Sheikh Mubarak drafted the Mahzar of 1579, which granted Akbar the authority to interpret Islamic law.
This declaration was significant in consolidating Akbar's power, reinforcing his position as the religious and political leader, and promoting his policies of religious tolerance.
29. ‘Mal’is Mughal administrative terminology represents
In Mughal administrative terminology, 'Mal' refers to land revenue, which was the main source of income for the empire. It was a key aspect of the agrarian economy under the Mughals.
30. What was the original name of Afzal Khan?
Afzal Khan was a prominent military commander during the reign of the Bijapur Sultanate, who later became famous for his confrontation with Shivaji Maharaj.
31. The original name of Mumtaj Mahal was
She was the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, and her tomb, the Taj Mahal, is one of the most iconic monuments in the world.
32. Thomas Roe was received in audience by Jahangir at
Sir Thomas Roe was indeed received in audience by Mughal Emperor Jahangir at his court in Ajmer on January 10, 1616. Roe's mission was to establish trade relations between the Mughal Empire and England during the reign of Jahangir.
33. How many total subas did Akbar have in his Empire?
List of Akbar's 15 Subas:
Delhi
Agra
Awadh
Allahabad
Bihar
Bengal
Malwa
Ajmer
Gujarat
Thatta (Sindh)
Multan
Lahore
Kabul
Berar (added later)
Khandesh (added later)
Each suba was governed by a subedar (provincial governor) and had its own administrative structure, including officials like the diwan (finance officer), bakshi (military officer), and sadr (religious officer).
Expansion of Subas
Initially (1580) → 12 subas
By the end of Akbar’s reign → 15 subas
Later, Jahangir increased the number to 17, and Aurangzeb expanded it to 21.
34. The first Mughal emperor who incorporated the Marathas in the class of Umara was
Jahangir was the first Mughal emperor to incorporate Marathas into the Mughal nobility (Umara).
He recognized their influence and sought to integrate them into the Mughal administration.
Later, under Aurangzeb, the Marathas played a crucial role in Mughal politics, both as allies and adversaries.
35. Aurangzeb was an expert musician of which instrument?
Aurangzeb was skilled in playing the Veena (Bin). However, despite his musical talent, he later discouraged music in his court, even ordering the closure of the imperial music department, as he considered it un-Islamic.
36. Mahdawi movement in India was started by
The Mahdawi movement in India was started by Saiyid Muhammad Jaunpuri in the 15th century.
He proclaimed himself as the Mahdi (the prophesied redeemer of Islam) and advocated for a return to a pure and simple Islamic way of life.
The movement gained followers, especially in Gujarat and the Deccan regions.
37. What was the district called during the Mughal period?
During the Mughal period, the empire was divided into Subahs (provinces), which were further divided into Sarkars (districts). Each Sarkar was subdivided into Parganas (smaller administrative units).
38. Who among the following was the Diwan of Akbar
Muzaffar Khan served as the Diwan (Finance Minister) under Emperor Akbar.
The Diwan was responsible for managing the empire’s revenue and financial affairs.
Akbar's administration had an efficient revenue system, largely developed by Raja Todar Mal under his guidance.
39. The largest number of Hindu Mansabdars were in the period of
During Akbar's reign, the Mughal Empire had a significant number of Hindu Mansabdars (officials holding military or administrative positions).
Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal tolerance) promoted inclusiveness, and he appointed many Hindus to high positions in his administration, military, and court.
The number of Hindu Mansabdars was at its peak under his rule.
40. Which one is not situated at Fatepur Sikri?
Moti Masjid is located in Agra, not Fatehpur Sikri.
The Mariyam Palace, Tomb of Salim Chisti, and Panch Mahal are all situated in Fatehpur Sikri, which was established by Emperor Akbar as his capital for a period.
41. Who of the following Mughal emperors was coronated twice?
Aurangzeb was the first Mughal emperor to be coronated twice.
His first coronation took place on 31st July 1658 after overthrowing his father, Shah Jahan.
The second coronation occurred on 5th June 1659 following his victory over his brother, Dara Shikoh, and securing his control over the empire.
42. Who was called Zinda Pir in Mughal Time?
Aurangzeb was called "Zinda Pir" (Living Saint) due to his strict adherence to Islamic principles and austere lifestyle. As the sixth Mughal emperor, he ruled from 1658 to 1707. His religious devotion and commitment to an orthodox lifestyle earned him this title among certain sections of society.
43. Where is Babur’s tomb situated?
Babur's tomb is situated in Kabul. It is located in the Bagh-e-Babur (Babur's Garden), a historical park in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The tomb is a significant historical site, reflecting Babur's love for the place and his contributions to the Mughal Empire.
44. The famous historical book ‘Travels of the Mughal Empire’ was written by
The famous historical book 'Travels of the Mughal Empire' was written by Francois Bernier.
Bernier was a French physician and traveler who visited India during the Mughal period and wrote about the empire's culture, society, and politics in his detailed accounts.
45. The treaty of Purandra between Shivaji and Raja Jai Singh took place in
The Treaty of Purandhar between Shivaji and Raja Jai Singh took place in 1665.
This treaty was signed after the Marathas lost several forts to the Mughals, and Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 forts to the Mughal Empire.
46. Who among the following was defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat?
Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, which marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
Ibrahim Lodi was the Sultan of Delhi, and his defeat paved the way for Babur to establish Mughal rule.
47. Which of the following Rajput states was taken under direct control by Aurangzeb?
Aurangzeb took direct control of Marwar after the death of its ruler, Maharaja Jaswant Singh, in 1678.
This led to the annexation of Marwar by the Mughal Empire.
The Rajput rulers of Mewar, Jaisalmer, and Amber maintained their autonomy under Mughal suzerainty during Aurangzeb's reign.
48. The famous Kohinour diamond was produced from one of the mines in
The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond was produced from the Golconda mines, which are located in present-day Andhra Pradesh.
The diamond has a long and storied history, having been part of several Indian and Persian dynasties before eventually becoming part of the British Crown Jewels.
49. Who is considered the father of Sitar?
Khushro Khan is considered the father of the Sitar. He is credited with making significant contributions to the development of this iconic Indian musical instrument during the Mughal period.
50. The first Mughal emperor who incorporated the Marathas in the class of Umara was
Saiyid Muhammad Jaunpuri is known for starting the Mahdawi movement in India. He claimed to be the Mahdi (the promised savior) and attracted followers, promoting a belief in his divine mission to reform society.
51. Mahdawi movement in India was started by
Saiyid Muhammad Jaunpuri is known for starting the Mahdawi movement in India. He claimed to be the Mahdi (the promised savior) and attracted followers, promoting a belief in his divine mission to reform society.
52. What was the district called during the Mughal period?
During the Mughal period, the administrative division of a district was called Sarkar.
It was the basic unit of administration within a Subah (province), and each sarkar was further divided into Parganas.
53. Where did Babur die?
Babur died in Agra in 1530, but after his death, his remains were moved to Kabul, where he had previously planned his tomb.
His final resting place is in the Bagh-e-Babur (Babur's Garden) in Kabul, which is considered one of his most beautiful legacies.
54. Who was defeated at Kannauj in the hands of Sher Shah in 1540?
In 1540, Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri at the Battle of Kannauj.
This battle led to Humayun's exile, and Sher Shah Suri established the Suri Empire, taking control of northern India. Humayun later regained the throne in 1555 with the help of Persian forces.