Akbar

1. During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, which one of the followi

During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, which one of the following practices was introduced in the daily routine of the king ?

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Kornish
Jharokha Darshan
Zaminbos
Sijda
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Jharokha Darshan was a practice initiated or popularised by Mughal Emperor Akbar where he would appear at a specially constructed balcony (jharokha) every morning.
This allowed common people, soldiers, and officials to see the Emperor and present their grievances or petitions directly, fostering a connection between the ruler and the populace.
Practices like `Kornish`, `Zaminbos`, and `Sijda` were forms of court salutation or prostration, with varying degrees of ceremonial hierarchy, some of which were also modified or debated during Akbar’s reign based on religious principles (Akbar discouraged full prostration, Sijda).

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2. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

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the mosque for the use of Royal Family
Akbar's private prayer chamber
the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs
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The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575. Its purpose was to provide a place for religious discussions and debates between scholars of various religions. Initially, it was open only to Muslims, but later Akbar opened it up to scholars of other religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and even atheists, reflecting his quest for understanding different faiths.
– Akbar’s discussions in the Ibadat Khana contributed to the development of his religious and philosophical ideas, including the concept of Sulh-i-Kul (peace with all).
– Scholars from different faiths like Purushottam Das (Hinduism), Hira Vijaya Suri (Jainism), Dastur Meherji Rana (Zoroastrianism), and Rodolfo Aquaviva (Christianity) participated.
– The debates often became intense and sometimes failed to achieve consensus, leading Akbar to formulate his own syncretic views.
The Ibadat Khana discussions were a significant step in Akbar’s move away from orthodox Islam and towards a more inclusive and rational approach to religion. However, due to the sometimes acrimonious nature of the debates, Akbar eventually discontinued the Ibadat Khana discussions around 1582.

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3. Which of the following statements about Akbar are correct? 1. In 156

Which of the following statements about Akbar are correct?

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  • 1. In 1560s, Akbar had the Fort of Agra constructed.
  • 2. In 1570s, Akbar decided to build a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri.
  • 3. Akbar also commissioned a white marble tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti at Sikri.
  • 4. In 1585, Akbar decided to shift the capital back to Agra.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 4
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
3 and 4 only
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Statement 1 is correct: Akbar began the construction of the Agra Fort around 1565, transforming the existing fort into a major Mughal stronghold.
Statement 2 is correct: In the 1570s, specifically after the birth of his son Jahangir (in 1569) and the victory over Gujarat, Akbar decided to build a new capital city at Fatehpur Sikri, near the khanqah of Shaikh Salim Chishti. Construction was largely completed by the mid-1570s.
Statement 3 is correct: Akbar commissioned the construction of the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti at Fatehpur Sikri. While the original tomb was likely sandstone, it was later encased in white marble by Akbar himself, and the entire complex is a significant part of Fatehpur Sikri.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Akbar shifted his capital from Fatehpur Sikri to Lahore in 1585 to oversee the frontier in the northwest and respond to the Yusufzai rebellion. He remained in Lahore until 1598, only returning to Agra later.
– Akbar initiated construction of Agra Fort in the 1560s.
– Fatehpur Sikri was built as a new capital in the 1570s.
– The marble tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti is located at Fatehpur Sikri and was commissioned by Akbar.
– Akbar moved his capital to Lahore in 1585, not back to Agra.
Fatehpur Sikri was the Mughal capital for about 15 years (c. 1571-1585) before it was abandoned, likely due to water scarcity or strategic reasons leading to the move to Lahore. Akbar returned to Agra in 1598 where he died in 1605.

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4. Consider the following statements about sulh-i kul : It means ‘absol

Consider the following statements about sulh-i kul :

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  • It means ‘absolute peace’
  • It provided for freedom of expres-sion to all religions and schools of thought
  • The ideal of sulh-i kul was imple-mented through state policies

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
3 only
2 and 3 only
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The correct option is B.
Sulh-i kul (literally “peace with all”) was a concept formulated by Mughal emperor Akbar.
Statement 1 is correct: ‘Sulh-i kul’ translates to ‘absolute peace’ or ‘peace with all’.
Statement 2 is correct: It was based on the idea of religious tolerance and universal harmony among all people, regardless of their religion or beliefs. It aimed at peaceful coexistence and freedom of expression for all religions and schools of thought.
Statement 3 is correct: Akbar implemented the ideal of sulh-i kul through various state policies, such as the abolition of the jizya tax and the pilgrimage tax, granting freedom to build and repair places of worship, discouraging forced conversions, and appointing people from diverse religious backgrounds to positions in the state administration.
The policy of sulh-i kul contributed to the cultural and religious synthesis during Akbar’s reign and helped in building a stable empire comprising diverse populations.

5. Akbar’s Ibadat Khana was the place where

Akbar’s Ibadat Khana was the place where

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military strategy was decided
inter-faith debates and discussions were held
Akbar preached his principles of Sulh-i-kul
fine arts were practised
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Akbar’s Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri was initially built in 1575 for religious discussions among Muslims. However, by 1578, Akbar opened it to scholars and theologians of various religions including Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians, Christians, and others. The purpose was to facilitate inter-faith debates and discussions with the aim of understanding different religious doctrines and finding common ground. These discussions contributed to Akbar’s evolving religious views and the development of his policy of Sulh-i-kul (universal peace).
– Ibadat Khana was established by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri.
– Its purpose was to host religious discussions.
– It was opened to scholars of various religions for inter-faith debates.
Akbar’s engagement with diverse religious viewpoints through the Ibadat Khana was a unique feature of his reign, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and pursuit of religious harmony.

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6. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :

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List-I (Classification of land under Akbar)List-II (Explanation)
A. Polaj1. Uncultivated for five years and more
B. Parauti2. Lain fallow for three or four years
C. Chachar3. Left out of cultivation for a time that it may recover its strength
D. Banjar4. Annually cultivated for each crop in succession and never allowed to lie fallow
A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
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The classification of land under Akbar’s revenue system (specifically, the reforms associated with Todar Mal) was based on the frequency of cultivation to determine the productivity and thus the revenue rate. The correct matching is:
A. Polaj: Land annually cultivated for each crop in succession and never allowed to lie fallow (4).
B. Parauti: Land left out of cultivation for a time (a year or two) that it may recover its strength (3).
C. Chachar: Land left fallow for three or four years (2).
D. Banjar: Land uncultivated for five years and more (1).
This matches option B: A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1.
This classification was crucial for determining the average produce and setting a fixed revenue rate for each category of land over a period (usually ten years under the Dahsala system), ensuring fairness based on the land’s capacity.
The revenue rates varied according to the land classification. Polaj and Parauti lands paid revenue every year, while Chachar and Banjar lands paid progressively lower rates until they were brought back into full cultivation. The revenue was often collected in cash, based on the average yield and prices over the preceding years.

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7. Consider the following observations relating to the reign of the Mugha

Consider the following observations relating to the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar :

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  • 1. Akbar strengthened his control on the nobility and the army by introducing the mansabdari system.
  • 2. Under the mansabdari system, every officer was assigned a rank (mansab).
  • 3. The ranks were divided into three : zat, sawar and chehra.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
1 and 2
1 and 3
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Statement 1 is correct. Akbar introduced the mansabdari system to organize and streamline the administration, nobility, and military, thereby strengthening his control and central authority. Statement 2 is correct. Under the mansabdari system, every civil and military officer was assigned a *mansab* or rank. Statement 3 is incorrect. The mansabdari rank was primarily divided into two components: *zat* and *sawar*. *Zat* determined the officer’s personal rank and salary, while *sawar* indicated the number of cavalrymen (and horses) the officer was required to maintain. *Chehra* was a practice introduced by Akbar for branding horses to prevent deception and ensure the quality and number of horses maintained by mansabdars, not a third division of the mansab rank itself.
– The mansabdari system was a unique administrative and military system of the Mughal Empire introduced by Akbar.
– It assigned ranks (mansabs) that determined status, salary, and military obligations.
– The rank consisted of two numbers: Zat and Sawar.
The mansabdari system helped Akbar create a centralized administration and a strong army loyal to the emperor. The dual rank (zat and sawar) distinguished between personal status/salary and military responsibility.

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8. The following 3 (three) items consist of two statements, Statement I a

The following 3 (three) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below :
Statement I : Abul Fazl shaped, represented and arti-culated the ideas associated with the reign of Akbar
Statement II : The qualities of Abul Fazl impressed Akbar who found the former suitable as an adviser and spokesperson for his policies

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Code :

Both the statements are indivi-dually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
Both the statements are indivi-dually true and Statement II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement I
Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Statement I is false but Statement II is true
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Both statements are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
Statement I is true because Abul Fazl, as Akbar’s court historian and confidante, played a crucial role in articulating and documenting Akbar’s philosophical and administrative ideas, particularly his concept of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) and divine sovereignty (Farr-i-Izadi). His works, like Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, are primary sources for understanding Akbar’s reign and thoughts. Statement II is also true. Akbar was highly impressed by Abul Fazl’s intellectual capabilities, writing skills, and administrative acumen, leading him to rely on Abul Fazl as a principal advisor and the official chronicler and spokesperson for his policies and reign.
Statement II provides the reason why Statement I is true. Abul Fazl was able to shape, represent, and articulate Akbar’s ideas precisely because Akbar recognized his qualities and appointed him to positions of trust and influence, making him the official interpreter and promoter of the emperor’s vision.

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9. Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT corr

Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT correct ?

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It was located on the direct road to Ajmer
Akbar commissioned the building of a marble tomb for Sheikh Salim Chisti next to the Friday mosque at Fatehpur Sikri
The arched gateway or Bulund Darwaza was meant to remind visitors of the Mughal victory in Gujarat
In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi
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UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
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Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century near Agra, serving as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period. It is known for its impressive architecture, combining Mughal and Indian styles.
Let’s evaluate the statements:
A) It was located on the direct road to Ajmer: Fatehpur Sikri is situated southwest of Agra, on or near the historical route to Ajmer, an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and a significant city during the Mughal era. This statement is correct.
B) Akbar commissioned the building of a marble tomb for Sheikh Salim Chisti next to the Friday mosque at Fatehpur Sikri: Sheikh Salim Chishti was a Sufi saint whose blessings Akbar sought. The beautiful marble tomb of the Sheikh is located within the courtyard of the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri. This statement is correct.
C) The arched gateway or Bulund Darwaza was meant to remind visitors of the Mughal victory in Gujarat: The magnificent Buland Darwaza, which serves as the southern entrance to the Jama Masjid, was erected by Akbar in 1601-02 to commemorate his victorious campaign in Gujarat in 1573. This statement is correct.
D) In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi: Akbar resided at Fatehpur Sikri from around 1571 to 1585. Due to various reasons, including strategic concerns in the northwest, Akbar shifted his capital from Fatehpur Sikri to Lahore in 1585. Delhi became the capital of the Mughal Empire much later, during the reign of Shah Jahan. This statement is incorrect.
Fatehpur Sikri was largely abandoned after Akbar moved his capital, possibly due to water scarcity issues, although the primary reason for the 1585 shift was strategic. The city remains remarkably well-preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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10. Akbar issued a Farman in 1598 permitting in the city of Cambay (Khamba

Akbar issued a Farman in 1598 permitting in the city of Cambay (Khambat), Gujarat, the construction of a

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Temple
Church
Synagogue
Jain Upashraya
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The correct option is D) Jain Upashraya.
Historical records indicate that the Mughal Emperor Akbar, known for his policy of Sulh-i-kul (peace with all), showed respect towards various religions, including Jainism. In 1598, during his visit to Cambay (Khambat) in Gujarat, he issued a Farman (royal decree) permitting the Jains to construct a Jain Upashraya, which is a rest house or monastery for Jain monks and ascetics.
Akbar had interactions with Jain scholars like Hiravijaya Suri and Jinchandra Suri. Granting permission for the construction of a Jain Upashraya was an example of his religious tolerance and patronage towards different religious communities. Cambay was an important port city at the time, with a significant Jain merchant community.

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