The Mughal Empire is celebrated not only for its political power but also for its profound contributions to society, culture, arts, architecture, and literature. This era witnessed a unique synthesis of Persian, Indian, and Islamic influences, resulting in remarkable architectural marvels, rich literary works, and vibrant artistic expressions.
In this article, we present a series of General Knowledge multiple-choice questions (MCQs) centered on the Mughal Empire: Society, Culture, Arts, Architecture & Literature. These questions aim to enhance your understanding of the cultural legacy left by this iconic dynasty and its enduring impact on Indian history.
1. Which of the following ladies wrote a historical account during the Mughal period?
- Gulbadan Begum
- Noorjahan Begum
- Jahanara Begum
- Zebun-nissah Begum
Show Answer
Answer: Gulbadan Begum
Gulbadan Begum, born in 1523, was a Persian-Turkic princess and the daughter of Emperor Babur. She is renowned as the author of the Humayun-Nama, which is an account of the life of her half-brother, Emperor Humayun. Her work provides valuable historical insights into the Mughal Empire during the 16th century.
2. Baburnama was written in which language?
- Para-Mongolic
- Chagatai Turkic
- Hijazi Arabic
- Bahrani Arabic
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Answer: Chagatai Turkic
The Baburnama, also known as Tuzk-e Babri, was written by Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, in Chagatai Turkic. This autobiography is historically significant as it’s considered the first true autobiography in the Islamic literary tradition, providing a detailed account of Babur’s life and the early years of the Mughal Empire.
3. Which among the following buildings built by Shah Jahan at Agra is similar in pattern to the Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow?
- Taj Mahal
- Agra fort
- Moti Masjid
- Shah Jahani Mahal
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Answer: Moti Masjid
The Pearl Mosque, or Moti Masjid, is a mosque located in Agra. It was constructed by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor famous for building the Taj Mahal. The architectural style of the Moti Masjid has some similarities to the Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, showcasing exquisite Mughal architecture.
4. Akbarnama was originally written in which language?
- Chagatai Turkic
- Persian
- Arabic
- Urdu
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Answer: Persian
Abul Fazal, a prominent scholar in the Mughal court, authored the Akbarnama, a historical work written in Persian. This significant text serves as the official history of Emperor Akbar’s reign, offering a detailed account of his ancestors and his own rule.
5. Who among the following poets used to write Urdu Ghazals with the pen name “Asad”?
- Mir Taqi Mir
- Dushyant
- Mirza Ghalib aka Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan
- Amir Khusrow
Show Answer
Answer: Mirza Ghalib aka Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan
Mirza Ghalib, originally known as “Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan,” was a celebrated Urdu poet and a notable figure in the Mughal court. He adopted the pen name “Ghalib” and left a remarkable legacy with his profound and intricate poetry.
6. Who among the following laid the foundation of Shalimar & Nishaat Garden in Kashmir?
- Akbar
- Jahangir
- Shahjahan
- Nur Jahan
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Answer: Jahangir
Jahangir, a Mughal emperor, laid the foundation of the Shalimar and Nishat Gardens in Kashmir. The Nishat Bagh is a stunning terraced Mughal garden situated on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India. These gardens are admired for their captivating design and scenic beauty.
7. Which among the following Mughal painters is credited for painting Siberian Crane and the Dodo for the first time?
- Abu al-Hasan
- Bishandas
- Farrukh Beg
- Ustad Mansur
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Answer: Ustad Mansur
Ustad Mansur, a renowned painter in Emperor Jahangir’s court, was known for his exquisite depictions of plants and animals. His works, such as paintings of the Siberian Crane and the Dodo, played a crucial role in zoological studies and are regarded as valuable historical references.
8. ‘Padshah-nama’ (Chronicle of the Emperor) written by Abdul Hamid Lahori, is the official visual history giving a detailed account of the reign of which of the following Mughal Emperors?
- Babur
- Jahangir
- Shah Jahan
- Aurangzeb
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Answer: Shah Jahan
Padshahnama, or Badshah Nama, belongs to a genre of works written as the official history of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s reign. These texts offer insights into the events, achievements, and historical context of Shah Jahan’s rule.
9. Ustad Isa is related to the design and architecture of which of the following Buildings in the Mughal Era?
- Taj Mahal
- Buland Darwaza
- Red Fort
- Itimad-ud-daula’s tomb
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Answer: Taj Mahal
Ustad Isa was the chief architect responsible for the design and construction of the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic architectural masterpieces in the world. His exceptional skills and vision contributed to the creation of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
10. Sur Sagar,” a treatise on music, was written during the reign of which of the following Mughal emperors?
- Humayun
- Akbar
- Jahangir
- Shah Jahan
Show Answer
Answer: Akbar
Surdas, a revered poet and musician, is known for composing the Sursagar. Although Surdas lived during the reign of Akbar, he primarily composed devotional songs and poetry in praise of Lord Krishna. His contemporary Tulsidas, famous for writing the Ramcharitmanas, also significantly influenced devotional literature during this period.
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