The Mughal Empire, renowned for its impressive political structure, sophisticated administration, and robust economy, significantly shaped the landscape of India during its rule. This dynasty implemented innovative governance strategies and fostered economic growth through agriculture and trade, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian history.
In this article, we present a series of General Knowledge multiple-choice questions (MCQs) focused on the Mughal Empire: Polity, Administration & Economy. These questions aim to deepen your understanding of the empire’s intricate political framework and economic policies.
1. Who was the superintendent of ports under the Mughals?
- Mutsaddi
- Mir-i-Bahar
- Tahvildar
- Mushrif
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Answer: Mir-i-Bahar
The Mir-i-Bahar held a vital role during the Mughal period as the official in charge of customs, boats, ferry taxes, and port duties in coastal towns. Their responsibilities included managing the collection of customs duties at ports, overseeing the usage of boats and ferries, and ensuring the levying of appropriate taxes. This position was crucial in maintaining maritime trade and revenue collection along India’s extensive coastline.
2. What is the correct meaning of the office of Qazi-ul-Quzat under the Mughals?
- Head of the Finance department
- Censor of Public morals
- Supreme Authority in Justice
- Incharge of charities
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Answer: Supreme Authority in Justice
The Qazi-ul-Quzat, often referred to as the Qazi, was the chief judge of the Mughal empire and held the highest authority in matters of justice. Their primary role was to administer justice in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia) on behalf of the emperor. The Qazi-ul-Quzat played a central role in ensuring the implementation of legal and judicial proceedings according to Islamic jurisprudence, contributing to the administration of justice within the empire.
3. During the Delhi Sultanate, who were called the Barids?
- Craftsmen
- Bodyguards of the Sultan
- Officer-in-charge of state exchequer
- The spy / news reporters
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Answer: The spy / news reporters
The Barid-i-mumalik served as the head of the information and intelligence department during the Delhi Sultanate. Their responsibilities included the gathering, reporting, and management of critical information to the Sultan. This role was instrumental in ensuring that the Sultan remained well-informed about developments within the empire and beyond, serving as a vital source of intelligence.
4. The Mansabdari system was borrowed from which region?
- Afghanistan
- Turkey
- Mongolia
- Persia
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Answer: Mongolia
The Mansabdari system, introduced by Akbar, was indeed inspired by systems followed in Central Asia, particularly Mongolia. This system ranked officials within the Mughal administration based on their combined military and administrative capabilities. Each officer, known as a mansabdar, held a specific rank and was assigned both military responsibilities and administrative roles, reflecting the integrated nature of governance and military service in the Mughal empire.
5. Who among the following was appointed as the supreme authority in justice during the era of Mughal Emperors?
- Qazi-ul-Quzat
- Qazi-ul-Hazat
- Qazi-Faiz-ul-Islam
- None of these
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Answer: Qazi-ul-Quzat
The Qazi-ul-Quzat, as previously explained, was the supreme authority in justice during the Mughal period. They held the paramount position in administering justice according to Muslim law, thus ensuring the equitable resolution of legal matters on behalf of the emperor.
6.Who introduced the Zabti system and Dahshala system?
- Raja Todar Mal
- Firuz Shah Tughlaq
- Raja Man Singh I
- Ibrahim Lodi
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Answer: Raja Todar Mal
Raja Todar Mal, who served as the finance minister during Akbar’s reign, introduced two crucial revenue reforms: the Zabti system and the Dahshala system. These measures aimed to streamline revenue collection, improve assessment, and increase the efficiency of the imperial treasury. The Zabti system, in particular, involved a fixed assessment of land revenue, contributing to more consistent tax collection.
7. “Muazzama” was the title of which of the following Mughal Emperors?
- Shah Alam II
- Mohammad Shah
- Bahadur Shah Zafar
- Jahandar Shah
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Answer: Bahadur Shah Zafar
Bahadur Shah Zafar, also known as Bahadur Shah I, assumed the throne of the Mughal empire in 1707 and ruled until 1712. His reign marked the last significant period of Mughal rule. Despite the empire’s waning power, his reign is known as the “Mughal Muazzama,” reflecting the continuance of the Mughal dynasty’s presence and significance during his rule.
8. In which year did Akbar centralize the control and functioning of various mints?
- 1570
- 1572
- 1576
- 1578
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Answer: 1570
Akbar centralized control over the various mints in the year 1570. Under his administration, coins were issued from these mints in three different metals: gold, silver, and copper. This centralized control over currency production allowed the Mughal empire to standardize its coinage and enhance economic stability.
9. Akbar had adopted the ‘Ray’ System of revenue assessment, which he later abolished. Who had introduced the ray system?
- Alauddin Khilji
- Balban
- Iltutmish
- Sher Shah Suri
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Answer: Alauddin Khilji
The ‘Ray’ System of revenue assessment, introduced by Alauddin Khilji, was later modified and reformed by Akbar during his reign. This system involved a detailed assessment of land and revenue collection. Akbar refined the ‘Ray’ System to create a more efficient and standardized revenue collection process.
10. Which term precisely defines the loans given to cultivators for seeds, farm implements, etc., in the Sultanate and Mughal period?
- Dams
- Dahsala
- Taqqavi
- Nasaq
Show Answer
Answer: Taqqavi
The term “Taqqavi” refers to a loan given to individuals for agricultural rehabilitation and development. This system, initiated by the Tughlaqs during the Sultanate period, aimed to support agricultural growth and the recovery of the agricultural sector.
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