The Mughal Empire, one of the most influential dynasties in Indian history, is known for its vast political reach and prosperous economy. Its rule shaped the subcontinent’s governance, administration, and wealth, leaving a lasting legacy.
In this article, we present a series of General Knowledge multiple-choice questions (MCQs) centered on the political history and economy of the Mughal Empire. These questions are designed to enhance your understanding of the empire’s rise, governance, and economic policies.
1. The death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb occurred at which among the following places?
- Agra
- Bijapur
- Ahmednagar
- Pune
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Answer: Ahmednagar
Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, passed away in Ahmednagar on February 20, 1707, at the age of 88. In contrast to many earlier Mughals, who were interred in grand mausoleums, he was laid to rest in a modest open-air grave in Khuldabad. This choice of a simple burial reflects Aurangzeb’s devout adherence to his Islamic faith and his desire to maintain religious humility even in death.
2. Which among the following Mughal Emperor was also known as Roshan Akhtar?
- Ahmed Shah
- Muhammad Shah
- Jahandar Shah
- Shah Alam
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Answer: Muhammad Shah
Muhammad Shah Rangile, also known as Roshan Akhtar, reigned as the Mughal emperor from 1719 to 1748. His rule witnessed the infamous invasion of Nadir Shah, who looted Delhi and took the Peacock Throne with him in 1739. This event marked a significant loss for the Mughal Empire.
3. In which year, the Mahzarnama was promulgated by Emperor Akbar?
- 1560 A.D.
- 1572 A.D.
- 1576 A.D.
- 1579 A.D.
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Answer: 1579 A.D.
Akbar, one of the most renowned Mughal emperors, issued the Mahzarnama, also known as the Infallibility Decree, in 1579. This decree was written by Faizi and aimed to centralize religious authority in Akbar’s hands, curbing the dominance of the Ulema (Islamic scholars). It granted Akbar the supreme role in religious matters, emphasizing his commitment to promoting religious tolerance and ensuring state control over religious practices.
4. Who was the first Indian ruler to organize Haj pilgrimage at the expense of the state?
- Alauddin Khilji
- Feroz Tughlaq
- Akbar
- Aurangzeb
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Answer: Akbar
Akbar holds the distinction of being the first Indian ruler to organize the Haj pilgrimage at the state’s expense. This initiative was an embodiment of his policy of religious tolerance, promoting harmony among different faiths in his empire.
5. Which of the following ladies wrote a historical account during the Mughal period?
- Gulbadan Begum
- Noorjahan Begum
- Jahanara Begum
- Zebun-nissah Begum
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Answer: Gulbadan Begum
Gulbadan Begum, the daughter of Emperor Babur, was a Perso-Turkic princess. She is most renowned as the author of the “Humayun Nama,” an account of the life of her brother, Humayun, who was also a Mughal emperor. Her writings provide valuable insights into the Mughal dynasty’s history.
6. Which of the following Mughal rulers banned engraving Kalma on coins?
- Jahangir
- Aurangzeb
- Shahjahan
- Muhammad Shah
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Answer: Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb, during his rule, made several religious and lifestyle changes to align with his conservative interpretation of Islamic principles. This included ceasing the engraving of the Kalma on coins, restrictions on Parsi festivals, banning music, and issuing orders for arrests of those who engaged in music. His ascetic personal lifestyle is also notable, as he preferred plain water to other beverages and often slept on the ground.
7. The real name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II was____:
- Alamgir II
- Ahmed Shah Durrani
- Mirza Najaf Khan
- Ali Gauhar
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Answer: Ali Gauhar
The real name of the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II (1759-1806) was Ali Gauhar.
8. The ambassador of Emperor James I, who reached the court of Jahangir in 1615 was:
- Sir James Hay
- Sir Thomas Roe
- Sir Thomas Howard
- Sir John Digby
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Answer: Sir Thomas Roe
Sir Thomas Roe, as an ambassador of Emperor James I of England, reached the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir in Agra in 1615. Jahangir bestowed upon him the Mansab of 400, a significant honor in the Mughal administrative and military hierarchy.
9. Which of the following rulers of India issued Mahzarnama to take all religious matters into his own hands?
- Jahangir
- Akbar
- Aurangzeb
- Shah Alam
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Answer: Akbar
Akbar, as mentioned earlier, issued the Mahzarnama to centralize religious authority, demonstrating his determination to ensure state control over religious matters and to foster religious tolerance within the empire.
10. Who was the ambassador of Emperor James I, who reached the court of Jahangir in 1615?
- Sir James Hay
- Sir Thomas Roe
- Sir Thomas Howard
- Sir John Digby
Show Answer
Answer: Sir Thomas Roe
As an ambassador of Emperor James I, Sir Thomas Roe reached the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir at Agra in 1615. Jahangir presented him the Mansab of 400.
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