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Mughal Empire PYQs – Medieval History, SSC & Railway

131 Mughal Empire (Medieval History) questions asked in recent SSC and Railway exams, newest first, with exam, date & shift, answers and solutions.

📚 131 questionsSSC 100 · Railway 31
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SSC Stenographer 2026 – 15 September 2026 Shift 2 · Akbar's Navratnas and Din-i-Ilahi

Q1. Which architectural element introduced during Akbar's reign most symbolically represented his policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal tolerance)?

  1. (a) Chhatri-covered tombs
  2. (b) Double dome structure
  3. (c) Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri
  4. (d) Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri

Answer: Option 4 — Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri
The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship), built by Akbar in 1575, was the hall where scholars of every faith debated before the emperor.
It is the physical expression of Sulh-i-Kul, "peace with all", the idea Abul Fazl placed at the centre of Akbar's rule.
Revision note — Akbar's religious policy
• 1563 — pilgrimage tax abolished; 1564 — jizya abolished.
• 1575 — Ibadat Khana built at Fatehpur Sikri; debates were at first among Sunni scholars only.
• 1578 — the hall was opened to Hindus, Jains, Parsis and Christians; Jesuit fathers such as Monserrate and Aquaviva came from Goa in 1580.
• 1579 — the Mahzar (so-called Infallibility Decree), drafted by Shaikh Mubarak, made Akbar the final arbiter in religious disputes.
• 1582 — Din-i-Ilahi (Tauhid-i-Ilahi), an order of discipleship; Birbal was its only prominent Hindu member.
• Sulh-i-Kul is described by Abul Fazl in the Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari as the basis of Akbar's statecraft.
Do not mix these up
• Ibadat Khana vs Din-i-Ilahi — the Ibadat Khana was a building for debate (1575); Din-i-Ilahi was a creed (1582).
• Buland Darwaza — the great gateway at Fatehpur Sikri commemorates Akbar's conquest of Gujarat (1573), a victory, not tolerance.
Also asked from this topic: the purpose of the Ibadat Khana (a hall for religious debates); the meaning of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace); what the Buland Darwaza commemorates (the victory over Gujarat).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal architecture

Q2. The Taj Mahal's perfect symmetry and marble inlay (pietra dura) was inspired by which two art traditions?

  1. (a) Greek & Chinese
  2. (b) Persian & Indian
  3. (c) African & Byzantine
  4. (d) French & Japanese
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Persian & Indian

Answer: Option 2 — Persian & Indian
The Taj Mahal is the high point of Indo-Islamic (Mughal) architecture.
That style fused the Persian-Timurid tradition of the bulbous dome, iwan and charbagh with Indian stone craft and decorative motifs.
Its pietra dura (parchin kari) inlay of semi-precious stones and its strict bilateral symmetry both come from this Persian-Indian blend.
Revision note — The Taj Mahal and Mughal architecture
• Built at Agra on the bank of the Yamuna by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal; construction ran from about 1632 to 1653.
• The chief architect is recorded as Ustad Ahmad Lahori; the white marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan.
• Pietra dura is the inlay of cut precious and semi-precious stones into marble; the Mughals called it parchin kari.
• The technique was first used on a whole marble building at the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula (the Baby Taj, Agra, built 1622–1628 by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg).
• Humayun's Tomb in Delhi (1572), the first garden-tomb of the subcontinent, gave the Taj its charbagh layout and double dome.
• The Taj Mahal was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, in the first batch of Indian sites.
Do not mix these up
• Itimad-ud-Daula's Tomb vs Taj Mahal — the first is the earliest all-marble Mughal tomb with pietra dura; the Taj is its finest expression, thirty years later.
• Humayun's Tomb vs Taj Mahal — Humayun's Tomb is red sandstone with marble trim and is the model; the Taj is all white marble and the copy that surpassed it.
Also asked from this topic: the Mughal emperor who popularised pietra dura and the double dome (Shah Jahan); the year the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983); the tomb called the Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daula's Tomb, Agra).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 1 · Akbar's Navratnas and Din-i-Ilahi

Q3. The Ibadat Khana was established by Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri for what objective?

  1. (a) To collect taxes
  2. (b) For religious debates and interfaith dialogue
  3. (c) Royal treasury
  4. (d) Minting coins
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) For religious debates and interfaith dialogue

Answer: Option 2 — For religious debates and interfaith dialogue
Akbar built the Ibadat Khana, the House of Worship, at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 as a hall for religious discussion.
It began with Sunni theologians and from 1578 was opened to scholars of every faith.
Revision note — Akbar's religious policy
• The Ibadat Khana (1575) later hosted Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians and Christians; the Jesuit fathers Aquaviva and Monserrate came from Goa to join the debates.
• These debates led Akbar to sulh-i-kul, the policy of universal peace, and in 1582 to Din-i-Ilahi, a small spiritual order — Raja Birbal was its only prominent Hindu follower.
• The Mahzar or Declaration of 1579 made Akbar the final arbiter in disputes among Muslim jurists.
• Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax in 1563 and the jizya in 1564.
• Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti and served as the capital until about 1585.
• Its Buland Darwaza was raised in 1576 to mark the conquest of Gujarat; the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1986).
• Abul Fazl described these years in the Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari; the orthodox historian Badauni attacked them.
Do not mix these up
• Ibadat Khana vs Din-i-Ilahi — the Ibadat Khana is the building (1575) where debates were held; Din-i-Ilahi is the faith (1582) that grew out of them.
• Sulh-i-kul vs Din-i-Ilahi — sulh-i-kul was a state policy of tolerance; Din-i-Ilahi was a personal order with very few members.
Also asked from this topic: what the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was (a hall for religious debates); the ruler who followed sulh-i-kul (Akbar); Akbar's revenue minister (Raja Todar Mal).
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 3 · Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Q4. The Battle of Chausa, fought on 26 June 1539, was a military engagement between:

  1. (a) Akbar and Hemu
  2. (b) Humayun and Sher Shah Suri
  3. (c) Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh
  4. (d) Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Battle of Chausa (26 June 1539)
Fought betweenHumayun(Mughal Emperor) andSher Shah Suri(Afghan ruler).
Sher Shah Suri decisively defeated Humayun near Chausa (Bihar).
This defeat forced Humayun to flee from India temporarily.
Answer: Option 2 → Humayun and Sher Shah Suri
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the provincial administration in the Mughal period and select the correct option. Statement I: The subedar was head of the province and responsible for the maintenance of general law and order. Statement II: The head of the revenue department in the suba was Diwan.

  1. (a) Both statements I and II are correct.
  2. (b) Statement I is correct, while statement II is incorrect.
  3. (c) Both statements I and II are incorrect.
  4. (d) Statement I is incorrect, while statement II is correct.
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Both statements I and II are correct.

Mughal Provincial Administration
Statement I Analysis:
Subedar (also called Sipah Salar or Nazim) was the head of the province (suba).
Responsible for maintaining law and order, military affairs, and general administration.
Statement I iscorrect.
Statement II Analysis:
Diwan was the head of the revenue department in the suba.
Responsible for revenue collection, assessment, and financial matters.
Statement II iscorrect.
Answer: Option 1 → Both statements I and II are correct.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 3 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q6. Akbar’s revenue minister Todar Mal introduced an efficient revenue system based on crop yields, land surveys, and prices called:

  1. (a) Ryotwari system
  2. (b) Mansabdari system
  3. (c) Jagirdari system
  4. (d) Zabti system
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Zabti system

Todar Mal's Revenue System
Raja Todar Mal was Akbar's revenue minister (Diwan-i-Ashraf).
Zabti System (Bandobast System):
• Based on land measurement and classification
• Assessed crop yields over 10 years to fix revenue
• Considered land productivity and market prices
• Revenue paid in cash directly to state
Other systems:
Ryotwari - British system (direct peasant settlement)
Mansabdari - Mughal military-administrative rank system
Jagirdari - Land grant system for nobles
Answer: Option 4 → Zabti system
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 June 2026 Shift 3 · Mughal painting, literature and music

Q7. The work Tarikh-i-Rashidi, which provides valuable information about Central Asia and early Mughal history, was written by:

  1. (a) Ziauddin Barani
  2. (b) Abdul Fazl
  3. (c) Minhaj-us-Siraj
  4. (d) Mirza Haidar Dughlat
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Mirza Haidar Dughlat

Topic: Tarikh-i-Rashidi
Author:Mirza Haidar Dughlat (1499-1551)
Key Facts:
Written in Persian language in 1546
Provides history of Moghulistan and Central Asia
Contains valuable information about early Mughal period
Mirza Haidar was cousin of Babur's wife
Other Authors:
Ziauddin Barani → Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi
Abdul Fazl → Akbarnama, Ain-i-Akbari
Minhaj-us-Siraj → Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Answer: Option 4 → Mirza Haidar Dughlat
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 June 2026 Shift 3 · Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Q8. At which place did Sher Shah first defeat Humayun in 1539?

  1. (a) Panipat
  2. (b) Chausa
  3. (c) Kannauj
  4. (d) Gwalior
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Chausa

Battle of Chausa (1539)
Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun at Chausa (Bihar) on June 26, 1539.
This was thefirst major defeatof Humayun by Sher Shah.
Humayun barely escaped by crossing the Ganges river.
Later, Sher Shah defeated Humayun again at Kannauj (1540), forcing him into exile.
Answer: Option 2 → Chausa
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 2 · Babur and his battles

Q9. The Battle of Khanwa (1527) was fought between Babur and which of the following rulers?

  1. (a) Ibrahim Lodi
  2. (b) Sher Shah Suri
  3. (c) Bairam Khan
  4. (d) Rana Sanga
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Rana Sanga

Battle of Khanwa (1527)
Fought between:Babur vs Rana Sanga
Location: Near Khanwa (Rajasthan)
Rana Sanga led Rajput confederacy against Babur
Babur's second major victory after Panipat (1526)
Answer: Option 4 → Rana Sanga
SSC GD 2026 – 27 May 2026 Shift 2 · Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Q10. Who helped Humayun regain the Mughal throne after his exile?

  1. (a) Bahadur Shah of Gujarat
  2. (b) Sher Shah Suri
  3. (c) Persian ruler Shah Tahmasp
  4. (d) Rana Sanga
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Persian ruler Shah Tahmasp

Correct Answer: Persian ruler Shah Tahmasp — Option (c)
The Persian (Safavid) ruler Shah Tahmasp helped Humayun regain the Mughal throne after his exile. About Humayun's Exile and Return: Humayun (1508-1556): Second Mughal emperor; Son of Babur; Humayun's defeat: Defeated by Sher Shah Suri at the Battle of Chausa (1539) and Battle of Kanauj /Bilgram (1540); Forced into exile — wandered through Sindh, Rajputana, and finally fled to Persia (Iran/Safavid Empire); In exile (1540-1555): Spent years in the Safavid court of Shah Tahmasp I; Shah Tahmasp's support: The Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp (also written Tahmasb ) gave asylum to Humayun; Provided him a Persian army of approximately 12,000 soldiers; Condition: Humayun had to convert (or nominally convert) to Shia Islam from Sunni — this was a diplomatic gesture; Humayun's return: With Persian military support, Humayun recaptured Kabul (1545) and Kandahar; In 1555, he defeated the Sur rulers (successors of Sher Shah Suri) and recaptured Delhi; Restored Mughal rule in India in 1555; Humayun died in 1556 (fell from stairs in his library); His son Akbar became the next emperor; Significance: Persian influence became strong in the Mughal court (art, architecture, literature, language); Persian language became the court language of the Mughals.
Option (a) Bahadur Shah of Gujarat — Incorrect: Bahadur Shah of Gujarat was actually a rival/enemy — he was the Sultan of Gujarat who battled with Humayun in the 1530s; Humayun defeated Bahadur Shah in 1535 and captured Champaner ; Bahadur Shah did NOT help Humayun return from exile — that help came from the Persian ruler Shah Tahmasp. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (b) Sher Shah Suri — Incorrect: Sher Shah Suri was the very person who DEFEATED Humayun and sent him into exile; he was Humayun's main adversary, NOT his helper; Sher Shah Suri established the Sur dynasty (1540-1555) after defeating Humayun; it would be contradictory for Sher Shah Suri to help Humayun regain the throne he had taken from him.
Option (d) Rana Sanga — Incorrect: Rana Sanga (Rana Sangram Singh) of Mewar was a contemporary of Babur (Humayun's father), NOT Humayun; Rana Sanga was defeated by Babur at the Battle of Khanwa (1527); Rana Sanga died in 1528 — well before Humayun's exile from 1540 onwards; he could not have helped Humayun regain the throne.
SSC GD 2026 – 25 May 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q11. In the Mansabdari system, the cavalry soldiers maintained by the mansabdar were referred to by which term?

  1. (a) Zat
  2. (b) Sawar
  3. (c) Zamindar
  4. (d) Jagir
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Sawar

Correct Answer: Sawar — Option (b)
In the Mansabdari system, the cavalry soldiers maintained by the Mansabdar were referred to as 'Sawar.' About the Mansabdari System: Introduced by: Emperor Akbar (during the 1560s-1570s); The term 'Mansab' means rank or position; Each Mansabdar held two numerical ranks: (1) Zat rank: Personal rank of the mansabdar indicating his salary and status in the imperial hierarchy; (2) Sawar rank: Military rank indicating the number of cavalry (horsemen) the mansabdar was required to maintain; About Sawar: Sawar literally means 'rider' or 'cavalryman'; The sawar rank indicated the number of mounted soldiers (cavalry/horsemen) a mansabdar had to keep ready for the Mughal army; A mansabdar with 'Sawar' rank of 5000 had to maintain 5000 cavalry soldiers; The cavalry was a crucial component of the Mughal army; About other terms: Zat : The personal rank of the mansabdar (not the cavalry soldiers); Zamindar: Land revenue intermediaries — not directly part of the Mansabdari system's cavalry structure; Jagir: A land grant given to mansabdars to collect revenue as salary substitute (instead of cash payment); Types of Mansabdars : Emperor → Noble → Mansabdars at various levels (500-10,000 Zat ).
Option (a) Zat — Incorrect: Zat was the personal rank of the Mansabdar himself (indicating his salary and personal status in the Mughal hierarchy) — NOT the term for cavalry soldiers maintained by him; Sawar was the cavalry rank.
Option (c) Zamindar — Incorrect: Zamindar refers to landowning intermediaries who collected land revenue on behalf of the Mughal state — they were a separate category from Mansabdars ; the term for cavalry maintained by Mansabdars was Sawar. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (d) Jagir — Incorrect: Jagir was a land grant/revenue assignment given to a Mansabdar as salary substitute — it was the land from which a Mansabdar collected revenue; it does NOT refer to cavalry soldiers; Sawar was the correct term for cavalry.
SSC GD 2026 – 21 May 2026 Shift 3 · Mughal painting, literature and music

Q12. By which name is the third volume of Akbarnama known?

  1. (a) Tuzuk -e- Baburi
  2. (b) Razmnama
  3. (c) Fatwa-e- Jahandari
  4. (d) Ain- i -Akbari
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Ain- i -Akbari

Correct Answer: Ain- i -Akbari — Option (d)
The third volume of Akbarnama is known as 'Ain- i -Akbari' ( آئینِ اکبری — meaning 'The Constitution of Akbar' or 'The Institutes of Akbar'). About Akbarnama : Author: Abul Fazl (Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak), the court historian and close advisor of Emperor Akbar; Written: Between 1590 and 1596 CE at Akbar's command; Language: Persian; About the three volumes: Volume 1: Covers history from Timur (ancestor of the Mughals) through Babur, Humayun, and the first 17 years of Akbar's reign; Volume 2: Covers the remaining years of Akbar's reign (17th to 46th regnal year); Volume 3 — Ain- i -Akbari: The most distinctive volume; it is essentially a gazetteer and administrative manual of the Mughal Empire; divided into 5 books (Daftars): Book 1 — Akbar's household, harem, stables, military organization; Book 2 — Regulations of the army, servants, land revenue; Book 3 — Revenue administration of provinces (important for historians); Book 4 — Hindu philosophy, sciences, and traditions; Book 5 — Ahadis (sayings and conversations of Akbar).
Option (a) Tuzuk -e- Baburi — Incorrect: Tuzuk -e- Baburi (also called Baburnama ) is the autobiography of the Mughal Emperor Babur — the first Mughal emperor; it is a separate work written by Babur himself (not Abul Fazl) and has no connection to the Akbarnama .
Option (b) Razmnama — Incorrect: Razmnama (meaning 'Book of War') is the Persian translation of the Mahabharata commissioned by Emperor Akbar (translated by court scholars including Faizi and Naqib Khan); it is a separate work and NOT a volume of the Akbarnama .
Option (c) Fatwa-e- Jahandari — Incorrect: Fatwa-e- Jahandari is a political treatise written by Ziauddin Barani (a 14th-century Delhi Sultanate historian) during the reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq — it is a completely separate work from the Akbarnama and is NOT a volume of it.
SSC GD 2026 – 19 May 2026 Shift 1 · Mughal architecture

Q13. Which Mughal monument is often called the 'Baby Taj' and represents a stylistic shift towards white marble architecture?

  1. (a) Tomb of Itmad- ud -Daula
  2. (b) Bibi Ka Maqbara
  3. (c) Moti Masjid
  4. (d) Humayun's Tomb
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Tomb of Itmad- ud -Daula

Correct Answer: Tomb of Itmad- ud -Daula — Option (a)
The Tomb of Itmad- ud -Daula (Mirza Ghiyas Beg), located in Agra, is popularly called the 'Baby Taj' because it is considered a prototype or precursor of the Taj Mahal. Built between 1622–1628 CE by Nur Jahan (wife of Emperor Jahangir) for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg ( Itmad - ud -Daula), it was the first Mughal structure to be built entirely of white marble (instead of red sandstone), representing a revolutionary shift in Mughal architectural aesthetics. It also pioneered the use of pietra dura (intricate inlay work with semi-precious stones), which became a hallmark of the Taj Mahal. The structure is located on the banks of the Yamuna river .
Option (b) Bibi Ka Maqbara — Incorrect: Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad is called the 'Taj of the Deccan' (not 'Baby Taj'); it was built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum.
Option (c) Moti Masjid — Incorrect: Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) exists in multiple locations (Agra Fort, Delhi Fort, Lahore); none is called 'Baby Taj' — Moti Masjid is a mosque, not a tomb.
Option (d) Humayun's Tomb — Incorrect: Humayun's Tomb (Delhi, 1572 CE) is built in red sandstone with white marble accents; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site but is not called 'Baby Taj' — that title belongs to Itmad- ud -Daula's Tomb.
SSC GD 2026 – 9 May 2026 Shift 3 · Akbar's Navratnas and Din-i-Ilahi

Q14. Which of the following was Akbar's revenue minister who is credited with land revenue reforms?

  1. (a) Abul Fazal
  2. (b) Birbal
  3. (c) Raja Todar Mal
  4. (d) Tansen
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Raja Todar Mal

Correct Answer: Raja Todar Mal — Option (c)
Raja Todar Mal was Emperor Akbar's Finance and Revenue Minister (Diwan), who is credited with introducing revolutionary land revenue reforms in the Mughal Empire. He introduced the Zabti System (also called Ain- i - Dahsala or the Ten-Year Settlement), which standardized land measurement using a uniform measurement rod (Gaz- i -Ilahi), classified land into four categories based on productivity (Polaj, Parauti , Chachar, Banjar), and fixed revenue rates based on the average yield of the previous 10 years. His reforms ensured fair and efficient taxation, reduced corruption, and became the foundation of subsequent land revenue systems in India including the British system.
Option (a) Abul Fazal — Incorrect: Abul Fazal was Akbar's chief court historian and author of 'Ain- i -Akbari' and ' Akbarnama '; he was not the revenue minister.
Option (b) Birbal — Incorrect: Birbal (Mahesh Das) was Akbar's court jester and one of the Navaratnas famous for wit and wisdom; he was not the revenue minister.
Option (d) Tansen — Incorrect: Tansen was one of the greatest musicians in Akbar's court (one of the Navaratnas ); he was not the revenue minister.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 9 May 2026 Shift 3 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q15. Which Mughal emperor strengthened imperial authority by introducing the Mansabdari system and a centralized bureaucracy?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Muhammad Shah
  3. (c) Humayun
  4. (d) Shah Jahan
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Akbar

Mansabdari System & Centralized Bureaucracy
TheMansabdari systemwas introduced byAkbar(1556-1605).
Key Features:
• Military-administrative ranking system (Zat & Sawar ranks)
• Nobles appointed based on merit, not heredity
• Centralized control over military and civil administration
This system strengthened imperial authority and created
an efficient bureaucratic structure in the Mughal Empire.
Answer: Option 1 → Akbar
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 8 May 2026 Shift 3 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q16. Which Mughal ruler is credited with introducing the Zabti revenue system across major parts of empire?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Humayun
  3. (c) Babar
  4. (d) Aurangzeb
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Akbar

Zabti Revenue System
Introduced by:Akbar (1556-1605)
Key Features:
• Land measurement and classification system
• Revenue fixed based on average produce of 10 years
• Implemented byRaja Todar Mal(Revenue Minister)
• Also calledDahsala System
Coverage: Major parts of Mughal empire including Delhi, Agra, Allahabad, Awadh, Gujarat, Bihar, Bengal
Answer: Option 1 → Akbar
SSC GD 2026 – 7 May 2026 Shift 1 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q17. What was the military responsibility of a Mansabdar under the Mughal Empire?

  1. (a) Maintaining a fixed number of cavalry (horsemen)
  2. (b) Collecting taxes
  3. (c) Administering justice
  4. (d) Overseeing land distribution
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Maintaining a fixed number of cavalry (horsemen)

Correct Answer: Maintaining a fixed number of cavalry (horsemen) — Option (a)
In the Mughal Mansabdari system (introduced by Akbar), a Mansabdar held a dual rank: ' Zat ' (personal rank determining salary) and 'Sawar' (cavalry rank determining the number of horsemen to be maintained). The military responsibility of a Mansabdar was to maintain a fixed number of cavalry (horses and horsemen) for the Mughal army, proportional to their Sawar rank. In times of war, they had to provide these forces to the Emperor . This system made the Mughal army dependent on the loyalty of Mansabdars .
Option (b) Collecting taxes — Incorrect: While some Mansabdars were assigned jagirs (land grants) and collected revenue, their PRIMARY military responsibility was maintaining cavalry, not tax collection.
Option (c) Administering justice — Incorrect: Administering justice was the function of Qazis and local governors; it was not the specific military responsibility of Mansabdars .
Option (d) Overseeing land distribution — Incorrect: Land distribution was handled by revenue officers; the Mansabdars ' military obligation was to maintain the required number of cavalry .
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 1 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q18. The Mansabdari System, introduced by Akbar in 1571, was mainly a system of __________.

  1. (a) Land Revenue Collection
  2. (b) Judicial Reforms
  3. (c) Military Administration
  4. (d) Religious Reformation
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Military Administration

Mansabdari System (1571)
Introduced byAkbarto organize military and civil administration.
Key Features:
• Mansab = Rank assigned to nobles and officers
• Determined military obligations and salary
• Two ranks:Zat(personal status) andSawar(cavalry)
• Officers maintained troops based on their rank
Primary purpose:Military organization and administration
Answer: Option 3 → Military Administration
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 1 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q19. Consider the following statements regarding the provincial administration in the Mughal period and select the correct option.Statement I: Each Suba was placed under a Subedar or provincial governor who was directly appointed by the Emperor.Statement II: Daroga-i-Dak was responsible for maintaining the communication channel.

  1. (a) Statement I is incorrect, while statement II is correct.
  2. (b) Statement I is correct, while statement II is incorrect.
  3. (c) Both statements I and II are incorrect.
  4. (d) Both statements I and II are correct.
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Both statements I and II are correct.

Mughal Provincial Administration
Statement I Analysis:
Subedar (Provincial Governor) was the head of Suba (province).
Directly appointed by the Mughal Emperor.
Responsible for revenue, law & order, military affairs.
Statement I isCORRECT.
Statement II Analysis:
Daroga-i-Dak was the superintendent of postal system.
Maintained communication network across the empire.
Ensured efficient dispatch of royal orders and intelligence.
Statement II isCORRECT.
Answer: Option 4 → Both statements I and II are correct.
SSC GD 2026 – 6 May 2026 Shift 1 · Aurangzeb

Q20. Aurangzeb's long Deccan campaigns mainly aimed at subduing:

  1. (a) The Rajputs
  2. (b) The Marathas
  3. (c) The Afghans
  4. (d) The Portuguese
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) The Marathas

Correct Answer: The Marathas — Option (b)
Aurangzeb spent the last 25 years of his reign (1682–1707) in the Deccan, primarily to subdue the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji's successors. After Shivaji's death (1680), Aurangzeb captured Sambhaji (Shivaji's son) and had him executed in 1689. Despite capturing Bijapur (1686) and Golconda (1687), the Maratha guerrilla warfare exhausted the Mughal treasury and army. Aurangzeb died in Ahmednagar in 1707 without achieving his goal. The Deccan campaigns are considered a major factor in the decline of the Mughal Empire.
Option (a) The Rajputs — Incorrect: Aurangzeb did have conflicts with some Rajput chiefs (especially Mewar and Marwar in the 1670s), but his long Deccan campaigns (1682–1707) were specifically aimed at the Marathas.
Option (c) The Afghans — Incorrect: The Afghans were not the primary target of Aurangzeb's Deccan campaigns; Afghan tribal conflicts were more relevant to earlier Mughal rulers.
Option (d) The Portuguese — Incorrect: The Portuguese were a coastal trading power; Aurangzeb's Deccan campaigns were not against the Portuguese.
SSC GD 2026 – 5 May 2026 Shift 3 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q21. Which Mughal ruler strengthened the empire and is known for administrative reforms and religious tolerance?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Jahangir
  3. (c) Aurangzeb
  4. (d) Humayun
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Akbar

Correct Answer: Akbar — Option (a)
Akbar (1556–1605), the third Mughal Emperor, is celebrated for strengthening the Mughal Empire through outstanding administrative reforms and his policy of religious tolerance. His key contributions include: the Mansabdari system (administrative ranking of officials), abolition of Jizya tax on non-Muslims, formation of Din- i -Ilahi (a syncretic spiritual movement), Sulh- i -Kul policy (universal peace/tolerance), and integration of Rajputs through matrimonial alliances. Akbar expanded the Mughal Empire to cover most of the Indian subcontinent and is widely regarded as one of India's greatest rulers.
Option (b) Jahangir — Incorrect: Jahangir was known for justice (chain of justice/ Zanjir -e-Adl) and patronage of art, but did not achieve the level of administrative reform and religious tolerance that Akbar did.
Option (c) Aurangzeb — Incorrect: Aurangzeb was known for his religious orthodoxy and reimposed Jizya on non-Muslims — the exact opposite of religious tolerance.
Option (d) Humayun — Incorrect: Humayun (Akbar's father) spent much of his reign in exile after being defeated by Sher Shah Suri; he did not achieve significant administrative reforms.
SSC GD 2026 – 28 April 2026 Shift 1 · Aurangzeb

Q22. In which of the following years did Aurangzeb die?

  1. (a) 1707
  2. (b) 1717
  3. (c) 1747
  4. (d) 1757
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) 1707

Correct Answer: 1707 — Option (a)
Aurangzeb (full name: Abul Muzaffar Muhi- ud -Din Mohammad Aurangzeb Alamgir), the sixth Mughal Emperor of India, died on March 3, 1707, in Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) at the age of approximately 88 years. He had been the longest-reigning Mughal emperor (1658-1707) — nearly 49 years. Key facts about Aurangzeb: He seized the Mughal throne by imprisoning his father Shah Jahan and defeating his brothers; His reign saw the maximum geographical expansion of the Mughal Empire; He was known for his strict implementation of Islamic law and is a controversial figure in history; He spent the last 25 years of his reign in the Deccan fighting against the Marathas; His death in 1707 marked the beginning of the rapid decline of the Mughal Empire, with numerous succession wars following.
Option (b) 1717 — Incorrect: Aurangzeb died in 1707, not 1717; in 1717, Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar was on the throne and granted the British East India Company significant trade privileges (the 'Magna Carta of English trading privileges').
Option (c) 1747 — Incorrect: Aurangzeb died four decades earlier, in 1707; in 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali) invaded India and the Mughal Empire was in decline under Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur.
Option (d) 1757 — Incorrect: Aurangzeb died in 1707, fifty years before 1757; the year 1757 is historically significant as the year of the Battle of Plassey, in which the British East India Company under Robert Clive defeated Siraj ud -Daulah of Bengal.
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 25 March 2026 Shift 1 · Mughal painting, literature and music

Q23. Which Mughal court historian authored the Akbarnāma, the official chronicle of Emperor Akbar’s reign?

  1. (a) Ferishta
  2. (b) Abul Fazl
  3. (c) Minhaj-i-Siraj
  4. (d) Ziauddin Barani
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Abul Fazl

Topic: Mughal Court Historians
Akbarnāmais the official chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign.
Abul Fazl(1551-1602) was Akbar's court historian and one of the Navratnas .
He authoredAkbarnāma(in 3 volumes) andAin- i -Akbari.
Other historians: Ferishta wrote Tarikh-i-Ferishta, Minhaj-i-Siraj wrote Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, Barani wrote Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi.
Answer: Option 2 → Abul Fazl
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q24. In the Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar, the term Mansab refers to which of the following?

  1. (a) Rank or position of an official
  2. (b) Standardized land revenue assessment
  3. (c) Spiritual leadership program
  4. (d) Calendar for revenue collection
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Rank or position of an official

Mansabdari System under Akbar
Mansab = Persian word meaning 'rank' or 'position'
System introduced by Akbar to organize military and civil administration.
Each official assigned a numerical rank (Mansab) indicating:
• Their position in imperial hierarchy
• Number of cavalry troops to maintain (Sawar)
• Salary entitlement
Mansabdars were ranked from 10 to 10,000.
Answer: Option 1 → Rank or position of an official
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 March 2026 Shift 1 · Mughal architecture

Q25. The widespread use of which architectural features distinguishes Mughal architecture from earlier trabeate temple construction?

  1. (a) Wooden beams and flat ceilings
  2. (b) Circular stupas and railings
  3. (c) Arches and domes
  4. (d) Corbelled roofs and stepped pyramids
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Arches and domes

Topic: Mughal Architecture vs Temple Construction
Trabeate System:Earlier Hindu temples used post-and-beam construction with flat roofs and corbelled arches.
Mughal Innovation:Introduced arcuate (arch-based) construction from Islamic architecture.
Key Features:True arches, domes, and vaults became defining elements of Mughal buildings.
Examples:Humayun's Tomb, Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid - all feature prominent domes and arched entrances.
Answer: Option 3 → Arches and domes
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 March 2026 Shift 3 · Mughal architecture

Q26. Ustad Ahmad Lahori is renowned as the chief architect of which UNESCO World Heritage Site?

  1. (a) Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
  2. (b) Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
  3. (c) Taj Mahal, Agra
  4. (d) Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Taj Mahal, Agra

Ustad Ahmad Lahori— Chief Architect of Mughal Era
Famous for designing theTaj Mahal(1632-1653)
Built by EmperorShah Jahanin memory of Mumtaz Mahal
Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983
Answer: Option 3 → Taj Mahal, Agra
SSC MTS 2025 – 20 February 2026 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q27. In which region did the Langahs and Arghuns dominate extensively before they were subdued by the Mughals?
I. Multan
II. Sindh

  1. (a) Only I
  2. (b) Only II
  3. (c) Both I and II
  4. (d) Neither I nor II
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Both I and II

Correct Answer: Both I and II (Option 3)
Both statements are correct:
Statement I – The Langahs were a tribal dynasty that ruled Multan and the surrounding region from the mid-15th century until the early 16th century, before being subdued by the Mughals.
Statement II – The Arghuns were a Turko-Mongol dynasty that dominated Sindh (and parts of Baluchistan) before being eventually overcome by the Mughal emperor Humayun and later Akbar's forces.
Both the Langahs (Multan) and Arghuns (Sindh) were brought under Mughal control during the expansion of the Mughal Empire.
SSC MTS 2025 – 20 February 2026 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q28. In which year Rana Pratap ascended the throne of Mewar?

  1. (a) 1556
  2. (b) 1561
  3. (c) 1572
  4. (d) 1581
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 1572

Correct Answer: 1572 (Option 3)
Rana Pratap Singh (Maharana Pratap) ascended the throne of Mewar in 1572, following the death of his father Maharana Udai Singh II. He is best known for his resistance against the Mughal Emperor Akbar and his valiant stand at the Battle of Haldighati in 1576.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 – 1556 was the year of the Second Battle of Panipat; Udai Singh II was still the ruler of Mewar.
Option 2 – 1561 does not correspond to any significant event in Rana Pratap's ascension.
Option 4 – 1581 was during Rana Pratap's reign; he recaptured much of Mewar around this time.
SSC MTS 2025 – 20 February 2026 Shift 2 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q29. In which present-day area has the Chero chiefdoms had emerged by the twelfth century?
I. Bihar
II. Jharkhand

  1. (a) Only I
  2. (b) Only II
  3. (c) Both I and II
  4. (d) Neither I nor II
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Both I and II

Correct Answer: Both I and II (Option 3)
Both statements are correct. The Chero chiefdoms emerged in the regions that now form present-day Bihar and Jharkhand by the twelfth century. The Cheros were a tribal group who established their chiefdoms in the Palamu and Sone river valley areas, which straddle the current Bihar-Jharkhand region.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 – Only I is incorrect; Jharkhand is also part of the Chero territory.
Option 2 – Only II is incorrect; Bihar is equally part of their emergence region.
Option 4 – Neither I nor II is completely wrong; both regions are historically associated with the Chero chiefdoms.
SSC MTS 2025 – 19 February 2026 Shift 2 · Important battles of the medieval period

Q30. Who led the Ahom forces in the Battle of Saraighat?

  1. (a) Lachit Barphukan
  2. (b) Ram Singh
  3. (c) Purandar Singh
  4. (d) Mir Jumla
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Lachit Barphukan

The correct answer is option 1.
Lachit Barphukan was the commander-in-chief of the Ahom kingdom's forces who led the Ahom army to a decisive victory against the Mughal forces in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. The battle was fought on the Brahmaputra river near Guwahati and is celebrated as one of the greatest naval battles in Indian history. Lachit Barphukan is a national hero of Assam.
Option 2 is incorrect: Ram Singh was the Mughal commander who led the Mughal forces against the Ahoms in the Battle of Saraighat; he was defeated by Lachit Barphukan.
Option 3 is incorrect: Purandar Singh was a later Ahom king, not the commander at the Battle of Saraighat.
Option 4 is incorrect: Mir Jumla was an earlier Mughal commander who had fought the Ahoms (1662–63), before the Battle of Saraighat.
SSC MTS 2025 – 18 February 2026 Shift 1 · Babur and his battles

Q31. In which year did Babur succeed to the throne of Ferghana?

  1. (a) 1485
  2. (b) 1490
  3. (c) 1494
  4. (d) 1499
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 1494

Babur succeeded to the throne of Ferghana (in present-day Uzbekistan) in 1494 AD at the age of about 11 years, after the death of his father Umar Shaikh Mirza. He is the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. 1485 and 1490 predate his succession; 1499 is also incorrect.
SSC MTS 2025 – 17 February 2026 Shift 1 · Akbar's Navratnas and Din-i-Ilahi

Q32. Todarmal was whose revenue minister who carried out a careful survey of crop yields?

  1. (a) Babur
  2. (b) Humayun
  3. (c) Akbar
  4. (d) Shah Jahan
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Akbar

Todarmal served as the Finance/Revenue Minister of Akbar. He introduced the Zabti ( Todar Mal's Bandobast ) land revenue system involving detailed measurement and survey of agricultural land and crop yields. Babur was Akbar's grandfather; Humayun was Akbar's father; Shah Jahan came later and is not related to Todarmal .
SSC MTS 2025 – 16 February 2026 Shift 2 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q33. In 1565, the Mughal forces under Asaf Khan attacked ____.

  1. (a) Malwa
  2. (b) Garha Katanga
  3. (c) Deccan
  4. (d) Chittorgarh
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Garha Katanga

The Mughal forces under Asaf Khan (also known as Khwaja Abdul Majid Asaf Khan) attacked and conquered the kingdom of Garha Katanga, ruled by the brave queen Rani Durgavati. She died defending her kingdom. Garha Katanga (in present-day Madhya Pradesh) was then incorporated into the Mughal Empire.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Malwa: Malwa was already conquered by the Mughals in 1561 under Akbar.
- Deccan: Mughal campaigns into the Deccan started much later under Akbar and were more prominent under Aurangzeb.
- Chittorgarh: The Mughal siege of Chittorgarh took place in 1567–68 under Akbar himself, not under Asaf Khan.
SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 3 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q34. After being defeated by the Mughals, which Rajputs of Mewar were honourably treated and given their lands back ( watan ) as assignments?

  1. (a) Sisodiya
  2. (b) Rathore
  3. (c) Kachhwaha
  4. (d) Chauhan
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sisodiya

The Sisodiyas of Mewar were unique among Rajput clans in their relationship with the Mughals. After their eventual submission, the Mughals honourably treated the Sisodiyas and returned their watan (homeland territory) to them as zamindari/ mansab assignments — a mark of respect that set them apart. Notably, unlike other Rajput clans, the Sisodiyas were never required to offer daughters in marriage to the Mughal emperor, which was considered a special honour.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Rathore: The Rathores of Marwar had a different relationship with the Mughals and are not specifically noted for this particular honourable treatment after defeat.
- Kachhwaha : They allied with the Mughals early and willingly (e.g., Raja Man Singh); they were not defeated first.
- Chauhan: Not particularly noted for this specific historical episode of honourable treatment and watan return.
SSC MTS 2025 – 11 February 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal architecture

Q35. Which of the following tomb is known for being entirely made of white marble?

  1. (a) Agra Fort
  2. (b) Jodha Bai's Tomb
  3. (c) Akbar's Mausoleum
  4. (d) Itimad- ud - daula's Tomb
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Itimad- ud - daula's Tomb

The correct answer is Itimad- ud - daula's Tomb (Option 4). Itimad- ud - daula's Tomb (also called the 'Baby Taj') in Agra is entirely made of white marble with intricate pietra dura (inlay) work. It was built by Nur Jahan in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Option 1 (Agra Fort) is largely constructed in red sandstone. Option 2 (Jodha Bai's palace) is also in sandstone. Option 3 (Akbar's Mausoleum) at Sikandra is also built in red sandstone with some marble elements.
SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 1 · Mughal architecture

Q36. What is the architectural pattern of the Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri based on?

  1. (a) Jain temple
  2. (b) Buddhist Vihara
  3. (c) Rajput fortress
  4. (d) Persian mosque
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Buddhist Vihara

Correct Answer: Buddhist Vihara
The Panch Mahal at Fatehpur Sikri (built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century) is a five-storied stepped pavilion. Its architectural pattern is based on the Buddhist Vihara (monastery) style, with each floor decreasing in size as it rises. It has no walls - only columns supporting each floor.
Why other options are wrong:
Jain temple - Jain architectural style has different features (ornate carvings, specific mandapa designs).
Rajput fortress - Rajput architecture focuses on defensive structures with thick walls.
Persian mosque - Persian Islamic style has domes, minarets, and arched gateways, not a tiered column structure.
SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q37. Under the Zabt system of Mughal empire, how was tax determined?

  1. (a) Based on land size alone
  2. (b) Based on crop yields, prices and area cultivated
  3. (c) Based on fixed percentage of the crop yield
  4. (d) Based on fixed annual amount per farmer
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Based on crop yields, prices and area cultivated

Correct Answer: Based on crop yields, prices and area cultivated
The Zabt system (Dahsala system) was introduced during Akbar's reign by his revenue minister Raja Todar Mal. Under this system, tax was calculated based on: average crop yields over 10 years, prevailing market prices of crops, and the actual area under cultivation. It was a scientific and fair method of land revenue assessment.
Why other options are wrong:
Land size alone - This was a simpler earlier method; Zabt was more comprehensive.
Fixed percentage of crop yield - This was the Batai/crop-sharing system.
Fixed annual amount per farmer - This was the Nasaq system, not Zabt.
Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 8 January 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q38. Under Emperor Akbar, the land revenue system known as ' Zabt ' was most effectively implemented in which of the following areas?

  1. (a) New Deccan regions
  2. (b) Densely surveyed core provinces
  3. (c) Rebellious frontier areas
  4. (d) Tribal shifting cultivation zones
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Densely surveyed core provinces

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Densely surveyed core provinces
The Zabt system (also called Dahsala system) was a sophisticated land revenue system developed by Raja Todar Mal under Emperor Akbar. It involved:
• Detailed measurement and survey of agricultural land.
• Classification of land based on productivity ( polaj , parauti , chachar , banjar ).
• Calculation of revenue based on average produce and prevailing prices over 10 years.
This system required extensive surveys and record-keeping, which was only possible in the densely surveyed, well-administered core provinces of the Mughal Empire — such as the Gangetic plains (Delhi, Agra, Allahabad, Awadh, Lahore). It could NOT be implemented in areas where surveys were difficult or where administration was weak.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (New Deccan regions): The Deccan was only partially conquered by Akbar; the Zabt system was not effectively implemented there.
Option 3 (Rebellious frontier areas): In frontier/rebellious areas, the administration was not stable enough for detailed surveys.
Option 4 (Tribal shifting cultivation zones): Shifting cultivation (jhum) made land measurement and assessment impossible; the Zabt system was inapplicable there.
Delhi Police Head Constable (Ministerial) 2025-26 – 8 January 2026 Shift 3 · Important battles of the medieval period

Q39. Which Assamese hero led the Ahom army against the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat?

  1. (a) Lachit Barphukan
  2. (b) Srimanta Sankardeva
  3. (c) Sant Tukaram
  4. (d) Rani Durgavati
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Lachit Barphukan

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Lachit Barphukan
Lachit Barphukan was the commander-in-chief (Barphukan) of the Ahom kingdom's forces who led the famous Battle of Saraighat in 1671. In this battle, fought on the Brahmaputra River near Guwahati (Assam), Lachit's forces decisively defeated the Mughal navy commanded by Ram Singh I, despite being outnumbered. It was one of the greatest naval battles in Indian history and the last major Mughal attempt to capture Assam. Lachit Barphukan is celebrated as a national hero in Assam. The National Defence Academy's best cadet award is named the 'Lachit Barphukan Gold Medal'.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Srimanta Sankardeva): He was a 15th-16th century Assamese saint, scholar, and founder of Vaishnavite Eka Sharana Dharma — not a military commander.
Option 3 (Sant Tukaram): He was a Marathi Bhakti poet-saint from Maharashtra, not associated with Assam or the Battle of Saraighat.
Option 4 (Rani Durgavati): She was a queen of the Gond kingdom in Madhya Pradesh who fought against the Mughals — not associated with the Ahom kingdom.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q40. The 'Battle of Haldighati' (1576) was fought between the Mughal army led by Man Singh and whom?

  1. (a) Rana Sanga
  2. (b) Maharana Pratap
  3. (c) Sher Shah Suri
  4. (d) Hemu
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Maharana Pratap

The correct answer is (b) Maharana Pratap.
The Battle of Haldighati was fought on 21 June 1576 between the Mughal forces led by Raja Man Singh I (acting on behalf of Emperor Akbar) and Maharana Pratap Singh I of Mewar. The battle was inconclusive — the Mughals captured the field but Maharana Pratap escaped and continued his resistance. Haldighati Pass in Rajasthan is where the battle was fought.
(a) Rana Sanga (Rana Sangram Singh): Fought against Babur in the First Battle of Khanwa (1527); died before Akbar's time; not involved in Haldighati.
(c) Sher Shah Suri: An Afghan ruler who defeated Humayun; died in 1545; was not alive during the 1576 Battle of Haldighati.
(d) Hemu (Hemchandra Vikramaditya): Fought in the Second Battle of Panipat (1556) against Akbar; died in 1556; not a participant in the 1576 Battle of Haldighati.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal architecture

Q41. Which Mughal structure in Fatehpur Sikri served as the emperor's hall for public audience and court proceedings?

  1. (a) Diwan- i -Khas
  2. (b) Diwan- i -Aam
  3. (c) Panch Mahal
  4. (d) Buland Darwaza
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Diwan- i -Aam

The correct answer is (b) Diwan- i -Aam.
The Diwan- i -Aam (Hall of Public Audience) in Fatehpur Sikri was where Emperor Akbar held public court sessions, received petitions from commoners, and administered justice. It was an open-air pillared hall accessible to the general public.
(a) Diwan- i -Khas: The Hall of PRIVATE Audience — where the emperor met important dignitaries, ambassadors, and held confidential discussions; not open to the general public.
(c) Panch Mahal: A five- storeyed open pavilion at Fatehpur Sikri, used as a pleasure pavilion by the royal ladies; not the public audience hall.
(d) Buland Darwaza : The grand gateway at Fatehpur Sikri built by Akbar to commemorate his Gujarat victory; an entrance gate, not a hall.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 2 · Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Q42. The Grand Trunk Road (Sadak- i -Azam) built by Sher Shah Suri connected which two major regions?

  1. (a) Agra to Kabul
  2. (b) Delhi to Mumbai
  3. (c) Sonargaon to Peshawar
  4. (d) Agra to Gujarat
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Sonargaon to Peshawar

The correct answer is (c) Sonargaon to Peshawar.
The Grand Trunk Road (Sadak- i -Azam or Badshahi Sadak) built by Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545) ran approximately 2,500 km from Sonargaon (near present-day Dhaka, Bangladesh) in the east to Peshawar (now in Pakistan) in the northwest. It passed through Bengal, Bihar, UP, Delhi, and Punjab, connecting eastern and northwestern parts of the subcontinent.
(a) Agra to Kabul: Part of the Grand Trunk Road's route but not the full extent; Sonargaon-Peshawar is the complete historical route.
(b) Delhi to Mumbai: Mumbai (Bombay) was not on the Grand Trunk Road; the road ran east-west across northern India, not to the western coast.
(d) Agra to Gujarat: Not the Grand Trunk Road route; Gujarat is to the southwest and not connected by the GT Road.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 3 · Jahangir

Q43. Which Mughal empress was the real power behind the throne during Jahangir's reign?

  1. (a) Mumtaz Mahal
  2. (b) Nur Jahan
  3. (c) Jahanara Begum
  4. (d) Hajji Begum
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Nur Jahan

The correct answer is (b) Nur Jahan.
Nur Jahan (born Mehr-un-Nissa, 1577-1645) was the 20th and most influential wife of Emperor Jahangir. She wielded extraordinary power during his reign — issuing imperial farmans, having coins struck in her name (along with Jahangir), and virtually administering the empire especially during Jahangir's later years when he was incapacitated by addiction to opium and alcohol.
(a) Mumtaz Mahal: The beloved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan; the Taj Mahal was built in her memory; she died in 1631 and had no political power during Jahangir's reign.
(c) Jahanara Begum: The daughter of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal who wielded some influence during her father's reign; not connected to Jahangir's reign.
(d) Hajji Begum: Was Humayun's wife and mother of Akbar; she lived during an earlier Mughal era, not during Jahangir's reign.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 3 · Mughal painting, literature and music

Q44. Which Mughal emperor was a great connoisseur of painting and claimed he could identify the artist of any work?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Jahangir
  3. (c) Shah Jahan
  4. (d) Aurangzeb
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Jahangir

The correct answer is (b) Jahangir.
Emperor Jahangir (1569-1627) was a great patron of art and a renowned connoisseur of painting. In his autobiography Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, he claimed he could identify by sight the artist of any painting even without a signature. The Mughal school of painting flourished under his patronage, with famous artists like Bishandas, Mansur (who excelled at natural history paintings), and Abul Hasan.
(a) Akbar: While Akbar established the imperial Mughal atelier and was a great patron of the arts, he was not specifically renowned for claiming to identify any artist's work.
(c) Shah Jahan: Known more for his passion for architecture (Taj Mahal, Red Fort); while he patronized art, he was not famous for this specific claim.
(d) Aurangzeb: Was a devout Muslim who discouraged fine arts, particularly representational painting; he is known for the opposite — reducing patronage of painting.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · Shah Jahan

Q45. The 'Peacock Throne' (Takht- i - Taus ), a famous jeweled throne, was commissioned by which Mughal emperor?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Jahangir
  3. (c) Shah Jahan
  4. (d) Aurangzeb
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Shah Jahan

The correct answer is (c) Shah Jahan.
The Peacock Throne (Takht-e- Taus ) was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It was an extraordinarily jeweled throne decorated with peacock figures inlaid with precious gems including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and pearls. It was looted by Nadir Shah of Persia during his invasion of Delhi in 1739.
(a) Akbar: Known for the Fatehpur Sikri complex and tolerant reign; did not commission the Peacock Throne.
(b) Jahangir: Known for his love of art and nature; did not commission the Peacock Throne.
(d) Aurangzeb: The last great Mughal emperor; inherited the throne from Shah Jahan but did not commission the Peacock Throne.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · Babur and his battles

Q46. Who fought against Babur in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526?

  1. (a) Rana Sanga
  2. (b) Sikandar Lodi
  3. (c) Ibrahim Lodi
  4. (d) Sher Shah Suri
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Ibrahim Lodi

The correct answer is (c) Ibrahim Lodi.
The First Battle of Panipat (April 21, 1526) was fought between Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire) and Ibrahim Lodi (the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate). Babur's forces defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodi, establishing the Mughal Empire in India. Babur used superior tactics ( tulughma ) and artillery which overwhelmed Ibrahim Lodi's elephant-based army.
(a) Rana Sanga: The Rajput ruler who fought Babur in the Battle of Khanwa (1527); not the First Battle of Panipat.
(b) Sikandar Lodi: Was Ibrahim Lodi's father and previous Delhi Sultan; died in 1517, before the Battle of Panipat.
(d) Sher Shah Suri: Defeated Babur's son Humayun in the battles of Chausa (1539) and Kanauj (1540); not present at the First Battle of Panipat.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 4 January 2026 Shift 2 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q47. Jaimal and Patta (Fateh Singh) were brave Rajput warriors who defended Chittor against which ruler?

  1. (a) Babur
  2. (b) Humayun
  3. (c) Alauddin Khilji
  4. (d) Akbar
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Akbar

Jaimal and Patta (Fateh Singh) were Rajput warriors who heroically defended Chittor Fort against Mughal Emperor Akbar during the siege of 1568. They became immortal symbols of Rajput courage.
(a) Incorrect: Babur did not besiege Chittor; Jaimal and Patta are not associated with him.
(b) Incorrect: Humayun did not fight at Chittor in the context of Jaimal and Patta.
(c) Incorrect: Alauddin Khilji besieged Chittor in 1303, long before Jaimal and Patta's time.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 4 January 2026 Shift 2 · Aurangzeb

Q48. Who is considered the last of the great Mughal emperors?

  1. (a) Babur
  2. (b) Akbar
  3. (c) Aurangzeb
  4. (d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb (1658–1707) is considered the last of the six great Mughal emperors. After his death, the Mughal Empire rapidly declined due to weak successors, internal conflicts, and external invasions.
(a) Incorrect: Babur (1526–1530) was the founder of the Mughal Empire, not the last great emperor.
(b) Incorrect: Akbar (1556–1605) was the third Mughal emperor, known for his enlightened rule.
(d) Incorrect: Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor but is not considered one of the six great emperors.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 4 January 2026 Shift 2 · Mughal architecture

Q49. The Taj Mahal is famous for which decorative art technique using inlaid precious and semi-precious stones?

  1. (a) Fresco
  2. (b) Pietra dura
  3. (c) Arabesque
  4. (d) Jaali work
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Pietra dura

Pietra dura (called Parchin Kari in Mughal terminology) is the art of inlaying cut and polished precious and semi-precious stones to create pictures and floral patterns. The Taj Mahal is the most outstanding example of this technique in the world.
(a) Incorrect: Fresco is a wall painting technique using water-based pigments on wet plaster, not the stone-inlay technique.
(c) Incorrect: Arabesque refers to intricate repeating geometric and floral patterns used in Islamic art and architecture, distinct from pietra dura.
(d) Incorrect: Jaali work refers to ornamental lattice or perforated stone screen work, not the stone inlay technique.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 2 · Babur and his battles

Q50. The 'Mughal Empire' was founded in 1526 by?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Humayun
  3. (c) Babur
  4. (d) Sher Shah Suri
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Babur

Babur (Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur), a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, founded the Mughal Empire after defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526. He established the empire that would rule most of the Indian subcontinent for over 300 years.
(a) Incorrect: Akbar was Babur's grandson and the third Mughal Emperor; he did not found the Mughal Empire.
(b) Incorrect: Humayun was Babur's son and second Mughal Emperor; he inherited the empire but did not found it.
(c) Incorrect: Sher Shah Suri was an Afghan ruler who briefly overthrew Humayun (1540–1545) but was not the founder of the Mughal Empire.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 2 · Aurangzeb

Q51. What was the imperial title adopted by Aurangzeb?

  1. (a) Badshah- i -Hind
  2. (b) Shah-in-Shah
  3. (c) Alamgir
  4. (d) Padshah - i -Ghazi
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Alamgir

Aurangzeb (Muhi- ud -din Muhammad Aurangzeb) adopted the imperial title 'Alamgir' (meaning 'Conqueror of the Universe' or 'World-Seizer') upon ascending the Mughal throne in 1658. He is formally known as Alamgir I. He was the sixth and last of the great Mughal emperors.
(a) Incorrect: 'Badshah- i -Hind' (King of India) was not Aurangzeb's adopted imperial title; his title was Alamgir.
(b) Incorrect: 'Shah-in-Shah' (King of Kings) was a Persian title used by some rulers but was not Aurangzeb's formal imperial title.
(c) Incorrect: ' Padshah - i -Ghazi' (Emperor who fights for the faith) is an honorific that could apply to several rulers; Aurangzeb's specific adopted title was Alamgir.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 1 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q52. What was the role of the 'mir bakhshi ' in Akbar's administration system?

  1. (a) Responsible for organizing military campaigns.
  2. (b) Responsible for managing the military salaries and promotions.
  3. (c) Head of the judiciary and legal matters.
  4. (d) In charge of royal agriculture and land management.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Responsible for managing the military salaries and promotions.

The Mir Bakhshi was the head of the Diwan- i -Arz (military department) under Akbar, responsible for maintaining muster rolls of soldiers, managing military salaries and promotions, branding of horses, and recruiting troops for the mansab system.
(a) Incorrect: Organizing military campaigns in the field was a commander's role; the Mir Bakhshi managed military administration and records.
(c) Incorrect: The head of judiciary was the Qazi-ul- Quzat (Chief Justice); the Mir Bakhshi had no judicial responsibilities.
(d) Incorrect: Agriculture and land revenue was managed by the Diwan (Chief Finance Minister), not the Mir Bakhshi.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 2 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q53. What was the primary purpose of the Mansabdari system under Akbar?

  1. (a) To establish control over the southern kingdoms.
  2. (b) To organize the military and nobility for efficient administration.
  3. (c) To encourage the formation of private armies.
  4. (d) To facilitate foreign trade and commerce.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) To organize the military and nobility for efficient administration.

The Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar was a hierarchical rank system that organized both the military and civil administration. Every officer (mansabdar) held a rank (mansab) determining his salary and the number of cavalry he had to maintain, ensuring efficient administration of the Mughal Empire.
(a) Incorrect: Control over southern kingdoms was achieved through military campaigns, not specifically through the Mansabdari system.
(c) Incorrect: The Mansabdari system was designed to control and integrate nobility under central authority — the opposite of encouraging private armies.
(d) Incorrect: Foreign trade and commerce were managed through other means; the Mansabdari system focused on organizing military and administrative hierarchy.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q54. The siege of Chittor in 1568 was a turning point in Akbar's Rajput campaign. Why was this siege significant for his expansion strategy?

  1. (a) It marked the first Mughal victory over Marathas.
  2. (b) It showed Akbar's policy of religious intolerance.
  3. (c) It broke Sisodia Rajput resistance and secured Chittor.
  4. (d) It led to the annexation of Gujarat into the empire.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It broke Sisodia Rajput resistance and secured Chittor.

Akbar's siege of Chittor (1568) was strategically significant because it broke the resistance of the Sisodia Rajputs (under Udai Singh II, who fled to the Aravalli hills) and secured control over the Rajput stronghold of Chittor. This opened the path for further Mughal expansion into Rajputana.
(a) Incorrect: The siege was against the Sisodia Rajputs , not the Marathas.
(b) Incorrect: Akbar was generally known for religious tolerance (Sulh- i - kul /Din- i -Ilahi); the siege was a political-military decision.
(d) Incorrect: Gujarat was annexed in 1572, separately from the Chittor campaign.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 3 · Akbar's Navratnas and Din-i-Ilahi

Q55. What was the 'Ibadat Khana' (House of Worship) built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri?

  1. (a) A mosque for Friday prayers
  2. (b) A hall for religious debates and discussions
  3. (c) A private prayer room for Akbar
  4. (d) A tomb for a Sufi saint
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) A hall for religious debates and discussions

The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) was built by Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 as a hall for religious debates and discussions. Initially intended for Islamic scholars, Akbar later opened it to Hindus, Christians, Jains, Zoroastrians, and scholars of all religions. This reflected his policy of Sulh-i-kul (universal peace) and his spirit of religious enquiry.
(a) Incorrect: Ibadat Khana was not a mosque; it was a multi-faith discussion hall.
(c) Incorrect: Ibadat Khana was not a private prayer room; it was a hall for inter-faith debates.
(d) Incorrect: The Dargah of Salim Chishti at Fatehpur Sikri is a Sufi shrine; Ibadat Khana served a different purpose.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 20 December 2025 Shift 2 · Aurangzeb

Q56. Who was the last powerful Mughal emperor before the empire's decline?

  1. (a) Shah Jahan
  2. (b) Jahangir
  3. (c) Aurangzeb
  4. (d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb (reigned 1658-1707) was the last powerful Mughal emperor. After his death in 1707, the Mughal Empire rapidly declined due to wars of succession, weak successors, Maratha expansion, and administrative collapse. Option 3 is correct.
Option 1 is wrong: Shah Jahan (reigned 1628-1658) was a powerful emperor known for the Taj Mahal, but he was not the last powerful ruler — Aurangzeb succeeded him and expanded the empire further.
Option 2 is wrong: Jahangir (reigned 1605-1627) was an earlier powerful emperor, known for art patronage and administrative consolidation, but Aurangzeb came after him.
Option 4 is wrong: Bahadur Shah Zafar (1837-1857) was the last Mughal emperor but was politically powerless — a nominal ruler under British control, eventually exiled after the 1857 uprising.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 19 December 2025 Shift 1 · Babur and his battles

Q57. The Battle of Khanwa (1527) was fought between which two leaders?

  1. (a) Babur and Rana Sanga
  2. (b) Akbar and Rana Pratap
  3. (c) Humayun and Sher Shah Suri
  4. (d) Alauddin Khilji and Prithviraj Chauhan
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Babur and Rana Sanga

The Battle of Khanwa (March 16-17, 1527) was fought between Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and Rana Sanga (Maharana Sangram Singh) of Mewar. Babur emerged victorious, consolidating Mughal power in North India. After this victory, Babur assumed the title 'Ghazi' (warrior of the faith).
Option 2 is incorrect: Akbar and Rana Pratap fought the Battle of Haldighati in 1576, not at Khanwa .
Option 3 is incorrect: Humayun and Sher Shah Suri fought the Battles of Chausa (1539) and Kanauj (1540), not at Khanwa .
Option 4 is incorrect: Alauddin Khilji and Prithviraj Chauhan did not fight each other; the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) was between Muhammad of Ghor and Prithviraj Chauhan.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 12 December 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q58. In 1576, the Battle of Haldighati was fought between:

  1. (a) Akbar and Rana Kumbha
  2. (b) Babur and Rana Sanga
  3. (c) Akbar and Maharana Pratap
  4. (d) Humayun and Sher Shah
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Akbar and Maharana Pratap

Correct Answer: Akbar and Maharana Pratap (Option 3)
The Battle of Haldighati was fought in June 1576 between the Mughal forces of Emperor Akbar (commanded by Man Singh I of Amber) and the Rajput forces of Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar. The battle was fought at the Haldighati pass in present-day Rajasthan. Though the Mughals won the battle, Maharana Pratap escaped and continued his resistance.
Rana Kumbha was a 15th-century Mewar ruler — he preceded Maharana Pratap by over a century.
Babur and Rana Sanga fought the First Battle of Khanwa in 1527 — not Haldighati.
Humayun and Sher Shah fought battles like Chausa (1539) and Kannauj (1540) — not Haldighati.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 12 December 2025 Shift 2 · Mughal painting, literature and music

Q59. Who among the following rulers is known to have translated the Mahabharata into Persian as Razmnama ?

  1. (a) Babur
  2. (b) Akbar
  3. (c) Jahangir
  4. (d) Aurangzeb
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Akbar

Correct: Akbar.
Akbar commissioned the translation of the Mahabharata into Persian, titled ' Razmnama ' (Book of Wars), as part of his policy of cultural synthesis. Babur wrote his own memoir ( Baburnama ). Jahangir is known for the Tuzuk - i -Jahangiri. Aurangzeb was opposed to such translations.
Note: This question was Not Answered by the candidate.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 11 December 2025 Shift 1 · Babur and his battles

Q60. The first Mughal Emperor to be buried outside India:

  1. (a) Babur
  2. (b) Humayun
  3. (c) Akbar
  4. (d) Shah Jahan
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Babur

Correct Answer: Babur (Option 1)
Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, died in 1530 and was initially buried in Agra. However, his remains were later transferred to Kabul (present-day Afghanistan) as per his wish, making him the first — and only — Mughal emperor buried outside India.
Humayun is buried in Delhi (Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Akbar is buried in Sikandra, Agra.
Shah Jahan is buried in the Taj Mahal, Agra.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 11 December 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q61. The Mughal Emperor who abolished the Jizya tax in 1564 was:

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Humayun
  3. (c) Shah Jahan
  4. (d) Jahangir
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Akbar

Correct Answer: Akbar (Option 1)
Akbar abolished the Jizya (a tax on non-Muslims) in 1564 as part of his policy of religious tolerance and secularism. He also introduced the concept of Din- i -Ilahi and abolished the pilgrim tax on Hindus.
Humayun did not abolish Jizya — it was reintroduced and existed under his reign.
Shah Jahan was not known for abolishing Jizya.
Jahangir also did not abolish Jizya; Aurangzeb actually reimposed it in 1679.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 11 December 2025 Shift 2 · Mughal architecture

Q62. By which concept are the Mughal style of gardens in India inspired?

  1. (a) Sacred groves of Vedic times
  2. (b) The Persian idea of paradise gardens
  3. (c) Stepwell architecture
  4. (d) British botanical gardens
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) The Persian idea of paradise gardens

Correct Answer: The Persian idea of paradise gardens (Option 2)
Mughal gardens (Char Bagh style) in India were inspired by the Persian concept of 'Pardis' (paradise gardens) — formally laid out gardens divided into four quadrants by water channels, representing the four rivers of paradise. Famous examples include the Shalimar Bagh (Kashmir), Humayun's Tomb garden , and the Taj Mahal garden . This Persian tradition was brought to India by the Mughals, who originated from Central Asia.
Sacred groves of Vedic times were unplanned natural forests, not formal geometric gardens.
Stepwell architecture is a distinctly Indian form for water storage, not garden design.
British botanical gardens came centuries after Mughal garden design was established in India.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 10 December 2025 Shift 1 · Aurangzeb

Q63. The title "Zinda Pir" or "Living Saint" was attributed to:

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Aurangzeb
  3. (c) Babur
  4. (d) Jahangir
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Aurangzeb

Correct Answer: Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb (reign 1658–1707) was given the title 'Zinda Pir' (Living Saint) by his followers due to his austere, pious lifestyle. He was known for his strict adherence to Islamic principles — he fasted, prayed regularly, and even stitched caps and copied the Quran to earn his personal expenses.
Option 1 (Akbar): Incorrect. Akbar was known for religious tolerance and Din- i -Ilahi.
Option 3 (Babur): Incorrect. He was the founder of the Mughal Empire.
Option 4 (Jahangir): Incorrect. He was known for his love of art and nature.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 9 December 2025 Shift 1 · Aurangzeb

Q64. The Fatawa -e- Alamgiri , a major compilation of Islamic law, was commissioned by:

  1. (a) Shah Jahan
  2. (b) Akbar
  3. (c) Aurangzeb
  4. (d) Jahangir
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Aurangzeb

Fatawa -e- Alamgiri is a comprehensive compilation of Hanafi Islamic jurisprudence (law).
It was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (also titled 'Alamgir', hence ' Alamgiri ') in the 17th century.
It took about 30 years (approx. 1667–1672) to compile, with hundreds of Islamic scholars contributing.
Shah Jahan: Known for building the Taj Mahal; not related to Fatawa -e- Alamgiri .
Akbar: Known for Din- i -Ilahi and religious tolerance; he promoted syncretism, not orthodox Islamic law compilations.
Jahangir: Known for his memoirs ( Tuzk -e-Jahangiri); not associated with this compilation.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 9 December 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q65. The Rajput ruler who maintained cordial relations with Akbar was:

  1. (a) Rana Sanga
  2. (b) Udai Singh
  3. (c) Raja Man Singh
  4. (d) Rana Pratap
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Raja Man Singh

Raja Man Singh of Amber (Jaipur) had close and cordial relations with Emperor Akbar.
He was one of the Navratnas (nine gems) at Akbar's court and served as a trusted general.
He led Mughal campaigns in Bengal, Bihar, and the northeast.
Rana Sanga: Fought against Babur (Akbar's grandfather) at the Battle of Khanwa (1527).
Udai Singh II: Father of Maharana Pratap; fled when Akbar besieged Chittorgarh (1568).
Rana Pratap: Famous for his resistance to Akbar at the Battle of Haldighati (1576).
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 9 December 2025 Shift 2 · Babur and his battles

Q66. In which year did Babur take control of Kabul?

  1. (a) 1500 CE
  2. (b) 1508 CE
  3. (c) 1504 CE
  4. (d) 1512 CE
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 1504 CE

Correct Answer: 1504 CE
Babur captured Kabul in 1504 CE. After losing his ancestral territories of Fergana and Samarkand repeatedly, Babur turned towards the south and conquered Kabul in 1504. This became his base for subsequent campaigns into India, eventually leading to the First Battle of Panipat (1526).
Option 1 (1500 CE): Incorrect.
Option 2 (1508 CE): Incorrect.
Option 4 (1512 CE): Incorrect. By this time Babur had already been in Kabul for several years.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 2 · Mughal painting, literature and music

Q67. Which Mughal emperor is known for his extensive autobiography, Tuzuk - i -Jahangiri?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Aurangzeb
  3. (c) Jahangir
  4. (d) Shah Jahan
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Jahangir

The correct answer is Jahangir . He wrote his autobiography called Tuzuk - i -Jahangiri (also known as Jahangirnama ) , which provides a detailed account of his reign, administrative measures, personal reflections, and interest in art, architecture, and nature. It is considered one of the most authentic sources on Mughal history, as it records Jahangir’s observations about politics, society, and even natural phenomena. Unlike Akbar, who had Abul Fazl write the Akbarnama , Jahangir personally wrote large parts of his memoir, making it unique among Mughal emperors.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 2 · Mughal foreign relations

Q68. Which of the following best explains the reason to held Qandhar strategically important for the Mughals?

  1. (a) It served as a religious pilgrimage center linking India with Central Asian Sufi shrines.
  2. (b) It controlled key land routes between Kabul and Herat and acted as a fortified military outpost.
  3. (c) It provided direct naval access to the Red Sea for Mughal expeditions.
  4. (d) It was a crucial trade hub connecting the Arabian Sea with the Persian Gulf.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It controlled key land routes between Kabul and Herat and acted as a fortified military outpost.

The correct answer is It controlled key land routes between Kabul and Herat and acted as a fortified military outpost . Qandhar (modern-day Kandahar in Afghanistan) was of immense strategic importance to the Mughals as it lay on the crucial trade and invasion routes connecting Central Asia, Persia, and India . Holding Qandhar meant securing India’s northwestern frontier and preventing Persian and Uzbek advances. The Mughals, especially Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, fought several campaigns to retain control of Qandhar due to its role as a gateway for trade, military defense, and political influence in the region.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 3 · Babur and his battles

Q69. What led to the decline of Timurid power in the second half of the 15th century?

  1. (a) Internal wars due to partitioning
  2. (b) Rise of Uzbeks
  3. (c) Ottoman invasions
  4. (d) Economic decline due to maritime trade shifts
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Internal wars due to partitioning

The decline of the Timurid Empire in the second half of the 15th century was mainly due to internal wars caused by repeated partitioning of territories among Timur’s descendants . Each successor claimed portions of the empire, leading to constant succession disputes and weakening central authority. This disunity allowed external rivals like the Uzbeks and Ottomans to gain ground, but the immediate and primary cause was the fragmentation within the dynasty itself.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 7 December 2025 Shift 1 · Aurangzeb

Q70. The Battle of Samugarh was fought between Aurangzeb and which Mughal prince?

  1. (a) Jahangir
  2. (b) Dara Shikoh
  3. (c) Murad Baksh
  4. (d) Shah Jahan
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Dara Shikoh

The Battle of Samugarh was fought on 29 May 1658 near Agra between the Mughal princes during the war of succession after Emperor Shah Jahan fell ill. The two main contenders in this battle were Aurangzeb and his elder brother Dara Shikoh , the eldest son of Shah Jahan. Dara Shikoh, being the crown prince and Shah Jahan’s favourite, commanded a large army but lacked military skills and practical strategy. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, allied with his brother Murad Baksh and proved to be tactically superior. In the battle, Dara was decisively defeated, which paved the way for Aurangzeb to eventually capture Agra, imprison Shah Jahan, and declare himself the emperor in 1658. Thus, the correct answer is: Dara Shikoh (Option 2).
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 7 December 2025 Shift 2 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q71. Which Mughal emperor did Maharana Pratap face in the Battle of Haldighati ?

  1. (a) Aurangzeb
  2. (b) Babur
  3. (c) Akbar
  4. (d) Jahangir
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Akbar

Maharana Pratap faced the Mughal emperor Akbar in the Battle of Haldighati (1576) . The battle was fought between the forces of Maharana Pratap led by him and the Mughal army led by Raja Man Singh of Amber, a general of Akbar. Though the battle was fierce, it ended inconclusively, but it showed Maharana Pratap’s determination to resist Mughal dominance.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 7 December 2025 Shift 3 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q72. How did the administrative roles of rajas differ from those of zamindars under the Mughal system?

  1. (a) Rajas governed broader regions and held a higher status, while zamindars primarily managed land revenue collection.
  2. (b) Zamindars exercised complete political control, whereas rajas held only ceremonial titles.
  3. (c) Zamindars were subordinate tax officers under the rajas, appointed directly by the emperor.
  4. (d) Rajas and zamindars performed identical roles but differed in their religious affiliations.
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Rajas governed broader regions and held a higher status, while zamindars primarily managed land revenue collection.

Under the Mughal system, rajas were traditional rulers who governed larger territories, held political and social prestige, and often acted as intermediaries between the Mughal emperor and local regions. They had a broader role in administration, justice, and maintaining order. On the other hand, zamindars were primarily revenue officials responsible for collecting land taxes from peasants and forwarding a share to the Mughal treasury. While rajas had sovereign authority within their regions (though under Mughal suzerainty), zamindars functioned more as local tax-collectors and land managers without sovereign power.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 6 December 2025 Shift 1 · Aurangzeb

Q73. Which Mughal Emperor issued the Deccan campaign against the Marathas and spent significant time in the region? ?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Jahangir
  3. (c) Aurangzeb
  4. (d) Shah Jahan
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Aurangzeb

The correct answer is Aurangzeb . He is most remembered for his long Deccan campaigns which consumed the later part of his reign. Aurangzeb shifted his capital to the Deccan region and spent nearly 25 years (1681–1707) engaged in battles against the Marathas, Bijapur, and Golconda. These campaigns strained the Mughal treasury and weakened the empire. His continuous struggle with the Marathas, especially against leaders like Shivaji and later Sambhaji, turned the Deccan into the centre of Mughal-Maratha conflicts. Unlike Akbar, Jahangir, or Shah Jahan, it was Aurangzeb who made the Deccan the focus of his imperial policy.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 6 December 2025 Shift 3 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q74. In the context of Mughal administration, who were referred to as Shaikhzadas or Hindustanis?

  1. (a) Persian-trained officers recruited from Safavid Iran
  2. (b) Central Asian nobles of Turkic origin serving the Mughals
  3. (c) Rajput converts elevated to noble ranks for loyalty
  4. (d) Indigenous Muslims who held administrative posts under Mughal rule
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Indigenous Muslims who held administrative posts under Mughal rule

In the Mughal administrative system, nobles and officials were broadly divided into two categories: Turanis and Iranis (foreign nobles of Central Asian or Persian origin) and Shaikhzadas /Hindustanis (Indian Muslims). The term " Shaikhzadas " or "Hindustanis" was used for indigenous Muslims of India who occupied various administrative and military posts under the Mughal Empire. They were distinguished from foreign-born nobles and played an important role in balancing the power structure within the Mughal nobility. Hence, the correct answer is Indigenous Muslims who held administrative posts under Mughal rule .
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 30 November 2025 Shift 3 · Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Q75. Which of the following dynasty ruled India for only fifteen years?

  1. (a) Sur
  2. (b) Khilji
  3. (c) Tughlaq
  4. (d) Lodi
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sur

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Sur
The Sur dynasty, founded by Sher Shah Suri, ruled India for approximately 15 years (1540–1555). Sher Shah defeated Humayun in 1540 and ruled until his death in 1545. The dynasty continued briefly under his successors until Humayun reconquered Delhi in 1555.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Khilji): The Khilji dynasty ruled from 1290 to 1320 — about 30 years.
Option 3 (Tughlaq): The Tughlaq dynasty ruled from 1320 to 1414 — about 94 years.
Option 4 (Lodi): The Lodi dynasty ruled from 1451 to 1526 — about 75 years.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 27 November 2025 Shift 2 · Mughal painting, literature and music

Q76. Who wrote the three-volume history of Akbar's reign?

  1. (a) Abul Fazl
  2. (b) Birbal
  3. (c) Tansen
  4. (d) Todar Mal
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Abul Fazl

Correct Answer: Abul Fazl (Option 1)
Abul Fazl wrote the three-volume history of Akbar's reign known as 'Akbarnama'. The first two volumes cover the history of Akbar's reign, while the third volume is the 'Ain-i-Akbari', which is a detailed account of Akbar's administration, army, economy, and culture. Abul Fazl was one of the Navaratnas (nine jewels) in Akbar's court.
Why others are wrong:
Option 2 - Birbal: He was a courtier and poet known for his wit, not a historian.
Option 3 - Tansen: He was a legendary musician in Akbar's court, not a historian.
Option 4 - Todar Mal: He was the finance minister (Diwan) of Akbar, known for land revenue reforms, not for writing history.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 25 November 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q77. Which one of the following was the only Rajput state that defied Mughal power?

  1. (a) Mewar
  2. (b) Amber
  3. (c) Bikaner
  4. (d) Marwar
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Mewar

Mewar (present-day Rajasthan) was the only Rajput state that consistently defied Mughal power. Under Maharana Pratap, Mewar resisted Akbar's authority and fought the famous Battle of Haldighati (1576). Even after the battle, Maharana Pratap continued guerrilla warfare and recaptured most of Mewar.
Amber (Jai Singh I), Bikaner, and Marwar submitted to Mughal authority and even provided matrimonial alliances and military service to the Mughals.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 24 November 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q78. To whom was Gond king Dalipat married?

  1. (a) Rudhrama Devi
  2. (b) Durgawati
  3. (c) Ahilyabai
  4. (d) Chandramani Devi
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Durgawati

Correct Answer: Durgawati (Option 2)
Durgawati was married to Dalpat Shah, son of Sangram Shah — the powerful Gond king of Garha -Mandla. After his death, she ruled as regent for her minor son Bir Narayan and became known as Rani Durgawati, the queen of Gondwana. She bravely fought Mughal Emperor Akbar's forces under Asaf Khan in 1564.
Rudhrama Devi was a queen of the Kakatiya dynasty (Andhra), not related to Gond king Dalipat.
Ahilyabai Holkar was the queen of the Holkar dynasty of Malwa, unrelated to Dalipat .
Chandramani Devi has no historical connection to Gond king Dalipat.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 24 November 2025 Shift 3 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q79. In which of the following provinces did NOT have the ' Zabs ' system during Akbar's time due to difficulties in land inspection?

  1. (a) Ajmer and Delhi
  2. (b) Agra and Rajasthan
  3. (c) Malwa and Awadh
  4. (d) Bengal and Gujarat
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Bengal and Gujarat

Correct Answer: Bengal and Gujarat (Option 4)
The ' Zabt ' (Jabs/ Dahsala ) system of revenue assessment was introduced by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar. It involved measuring land and fixing revenue based on actual crop yields. However, Bengal and Gujarat did NOT have this system because these provinces faced difficulties in land inspection — Bengal had irregular, flooded, and forested lands, while Gujarat had similar challenges making systematic land measurement impractical.
Ajmer and Delhi: The Zabt system was fully applied in these provinces.
Agra and Rajasthan: These were core regions where the Zabt system was effectively implemented.
Malwa and Awadh: These were also Zabt -system provinces under Akbar.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 22 November 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q80. Which of the following pairs is correct regarding the campaign years of Akbar at various places?
I. Ranthambore - 1569
II. Gujarat - 1572

  1. (a) Only I
  2. (b) Only II
  3. (c) Both I and II
  4. (d) Neither I nor II
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Both I and II

Correct Answer: Both I and II (Option 3)
Both statements are historically accurate:
Statement I - Akbar captured Ranthambore in 1569. This fort was held by the Hada Rajputs . After its capture, it became part of the Mughal Empire.
Statement II - Akbar conquered Gujarat in 1572. He led a successful campaign against the Gujarat Sultanate and absorbed it into the Mughal Empire.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Only I) and Option 2 (Only II) are incorrect because both statements are correct.
Option 4 (Neither I nor II) is incorrect as both facts are verified historical events.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 22 November 2025 Shift 3 · Babur and his battles

Q81. In which year did Babur defeat Ibrahim Lodi?

  1. (a) 1515
  2. (b) 1526
  3. (c) 1530
  4. (d) 1535
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 1526

Correct Answer: 1526 (Option 2)
Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 at the First Battle of Panipat (fought on 21 April 1526). This battle laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India. Ibrahim Lodi was the last Sultan of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur used superior tactics including artillery and the flanking ( tulughma ) technique to defeat the much larger army of Ibrahim Lodi.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 - 1515: Babur had not yet invaded India at this time; he was consolidating power in Kabul.
Option 3 - 1530: This was the year of Babur's death, not the Battle of Panipat.
Option 4 - 1535: By this time, Humayun (Babur's son) was already ruling as Mughal emperor.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 21 November 2025 Shift 3 · Mughal painting, literature and music

Q82. The first volume of 'Akbar Nama' focuses on which of the following?

  1. (a) 1. Akbar's administration
  2. (b) 2. Events of Akbar's reign
  3. (c) 3. Geography of the Mughal Empire
  4. (d) 4. Akbar's ancestors
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) 4. Akbar's ancestors

The Akbar Nama, written by Abul Fazl, has three volumes. The first volume covers Akbar's ancestors (from Timur to Humayun), the second covers events of Akbar's reign, and the third is the Ain- i -Akbari (details of Akbar's court and administration). Hence option 4 is correct. Options 1, 2, and 3 refer to the content of later volumes.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 21 November 2025 Shift 3 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q83. Which Mughal emperor led a campaign against Kashmir, and in which year did it take place?

  1. (a) 1. Babur, 1531
  2. (b) 2. Humayun, 1538
  3. (c) 3. Akbar, 1586
  4. (d) 4. Jahangir, 1617
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 3. Akbar, 1586

Akbar annexed Kashmir in 1586 after the Kashmiri ruler Yusuf Shah Chak refused to submit. This was a significant territorial expansion of the Mughal Empire. Babur (1526–1530), Humayun (1530–1556), and Jahangir (1605–1627) did not lead Kashmir campaigns in the years mentioned in the other options.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 21 November 2025 Shift 2 · Akbar's Navratnas and Din-i-Ilahi

Q84. Who was the revenue minister of Akbar?

  1. (a) Raja Bharmal
  2. (b) Birbal
  3. (c) Raja Man Singh
  4. (d) Todar Mal
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Todar Mal

Correct Answer: Todar Mal (Option 4)
Todar Mal was the revenue minister (Diwan) of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He is best known for introducing the 'Todar Mal's Bandobast' (also called Zabti or Ain-i-Dahsala system), a land revenue system that standardized measurement of cultivated land and fixed revenue rates based on average produce over 10 years. This system became the model for future revenue settlements in India. He was one of the Navaratnas (nine gems) of Akbar's court.
Raja Bharmal was the Rajput king of Amer who gave his daughter in marriage to Akbar. Birbal was the court jester and advisor, famous for his wit. Raja Man Singh was Akbar's trusted general and Governor of Bengal.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 20 November 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q85. Which Mughal ruler made Gakkhar chief Kamal Khan, a Mansabdar?

  1. (a) Babur
  2. (b) Akbar
  3. (c) Shah Jahan
  4. (d) Aurangzeb
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Akbar

Emperor Akbar made Kamal Khan, the chief of the Gakkhar tribe, a Mansabdar (a rank holder in the Mughal military-administrative system). Akbar extended the Mansabdari system to incorporate tribal chiefs and local rulers, integrating them into the Mughal administrative structure. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Babur: The Mansabdari system was not yet formalized during Babur's reign. Option 3 - Shah Jahan: The Gakkhars were brought under the Mughal system during Akbar's time, not Shah Jahan's. Option 4 - Aurangzeb: By Aurangzeb's reign, the Gakkhars were already part of the Mughal system; the specific appointment of Kamal Khan as Mansabdar is attributed to Akbar.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 20 November 2025 Shift 2 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q86. Which of the following regions was annexed by Akbar in 1568?

  1. (a) Bengal
  2. (b) Gujarat
  3. (c) Chittor
  4. (d) Orissa
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Chittor

Correct Answer: Chittor (Option 3)
Akbar sieged and captured Chittorgarh (Chittor) in 1568 CE. This was a major military campaign of Akbar's reign, after which he demolished parts of the fort.
Why others are wrong:
Option 1 - Bengal: Came under Akbar's control between 1574-1576 after the Battle of Tukaroi .
Option 2 - Gujarat: Was annexed by Akbar in 1572-73, not 1568.
Option 4 - Orissa: Came under Mughal control later in 1592 under Man Singh.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 19 November 2025 Shift 1 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q87. Which Rajputs refused to accept the authority of the Mughals for a long time?

  1. (a) Rathore
  2. (b) Kachhwaha
  3. (c) Chauhan
  4. (d) Sisodiya
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Sisodiya

Correct Answer: Sisodiya
The Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar (present-day Rajasthan) famously refused to accept Mughal authority for a long time. Rana Sanga (Sangram Singh) fought against Babur at the Battle of Khanwa (1527). Later, Maharana Pratap Singh refused to submit to Akbar and fought the Battle of Haldighati (1576). The Sisodiya clan is celebrated for their fierce resistance and pride.
Why other options are wrong:
- Rathore: The Rathores of Marwar eventually accepted Mughal suzerainty; Mota Raja Udai Singh's daughter Jodha Bai married Akbar.
- Kachhwaha : Raja Man Singh of Amber ( Kachhwaha clan) was one of Akbar's Navratnas and accepted Mughal authority.
- Chauhan: Various Chauhan branches had complex relationships with the Mughals but are not specifically known for prolonged resistance as Sisodiyas .
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 19 November 2025 Shift 3 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q88. What does the term ' sulh-i-kul ' refer to in the context of Akbar's reign?

  1. (a) A military strategy
  2. (b) Universal peace
  3. (c) Economic reforms
  4. (d) A legal code
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Universal peace

Correct Answer: Universal peace
'Sulh- i - kul ' (also written as Sulh-e-Kul) is a Persian term meaning 'Universal Peace' or 'Peace with all.' It was a key philosophical and administrative concept promoted by Emperor Akbar. It represented Akbar's policy of religious tolerance and universal harmony, where people of all faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Zoroastrians - were treated equally. This principle was reflected in Akbar's Din- i -Ilahi (Divine Faith) and his removal of the jizya tax.
Why other options are wrong:
- A military strategy: Sulh- i - kul is a philosophy of peace and tolerance, not a military strategy.
- Economic reforms: Akbar did undertake economic reforms (like mansabdari system) but Sulh- i - kul refers to peace, not economics.
- A legal code: Akbar introduced some legal measures, but Sulh- i - kul specifically means universal peace.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 19 November 2025 Shift 3 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q89. _____, Akbar's famous general, attacked and defeated the Cheros in 1591.

  1. (a) Raja Man Singh
  2. (b) Raja Jai Singh
  3. (c) Todarmal
  4. (d) Birbal
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Raja Man Singh

Correct Answer: Raja Man Singh
Raja Man Singh I of Amber ( Kachhwaha Rajput) was one of Akbar's most trusted generals and one of the Navratnas (nine gems) of Akbar's court. In 1591 CE, he led a campaign against the Chero tribe (a tribal group in present-day Jharkhand and Bihar) and defeated them. Raja Man Singh also served as the Governor of Bihar and Bengal and conducted several military campaigns on Akbar's behalf.
Why other options are wrong:
- Raja Jai Singh: Refers to Sawai Jai Singh II who lived in the 18th century; not a contemporary of Akbar.
- Todarmal : One of Akbar's Navratnas but known as the revenue minister who reformed the land revenue system ( zabti system); not associated with the Chero campaign.
- Birbal: Famous for his wit; was a courtier and close companion of Akbar but died in the Northwest Frontier campaign in 1586.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 19 November 2025 Shift 2 · Aurangzeb

Q90. Who was the last of the powerful Mughal ruler?

  1. (a) Babur
  2. (b) Akbar
  3. (c) Shahjahan
  4. (d) Aurangzeb
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Aurangzeb

Correct Answer: Aurangzeb (Option 4)
Aurangzeb (1658-1707 CE) is considered the last of the powerful Mughal rulers. He expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent, but his policies weakened the empire internally. After his death in 1707, the Mughal Empire declined rapidly due to weak successors, regional revolts, and external invasions.
Why others are wrong:
Option 1 - Babur: He was the founder of the Mughal Empire in 1526, not the last powerful ruler.
Option 2 - Akbar: He was the greatest Mughal emperor known for his administrative genius and religious tolerance, but ruled much earlier (1556-1605).
Option 3 - Shahjahan: He was a powerful ruler known for building the Taj Mahal, but Aurangzeb succeeded him and was the last great Mughal.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 15 November 2025 Shift 2 · Mughal administration (mansabdari, zabt)

Q91. What was the ' zat ' in the Mughal mansabdari system?

  1. (a) It determined the land a mansabdar was given.
  2. (b) It was the numerical value determining a noble's rank and salary.
  3. (c) It referred to the military responsibilities assigned to a noble.
  4. (d) It was a tax imposed on the mansabdars .
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It was the numerical value determining a noble's rank and salary.

In the Mughal mansabdari system, the ' zat ' was the personal rank that determined a noble's ( mansabdar's ) salary and status. Every mansabdar had two ranks: zat (personal rank) and sawar (cavalry rank). The zat rank determined the salary and personal status, while the sawar rank determined the number of cavalrymen the mansabdar had to maintain. Land assignment and taxes were different aspects of the system.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 15 November 2025 Shift 3 · Babur and his battles

Q92. In the early sixteenth century, which ruler was known for the effective use of cannons in battles?

  1. (a) Alauddin Khalji
  2. (b) Sher Shah Sur
  3. (c) Ibrahim Lodi
  4. (d) Babur
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Babur

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, is renowned for his effective use of cannons and firearms in battles. At the First Battle of Panipat (1526), he used cannons strategically to defeat Ibrahim Lodi, which was a decisive factor in his victory. This was one of the earliest uses of gunpowder artillery in Indian warfare. Option 1 (Alauddin Khalji) ruled in the 13th–14th century, well before cannons. Option 2 (Sher Shah Sur) came after Babur. Option 3 (Ibrahim Lodi) was defeated by Babur's cannons, not the user of them.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 14 October 2025 Shift 2 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q93. Which Mughal ruler was referred to as Insan-i-Kamil or 'Perfect Man'?

  1. (a) Akbar
  2. (b) Jahangir
  3. (c) Shah Jahan
  4. (d) Aurangzeb
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Akbar

• Akbarwas referred to asInsan-i-Kamil, which meansPerfect Man.
• This idea was connected with Akbar’s image as an ideal ruler withwisdom, justice, and tolerance.
• The term is often associated with the wayAbul Fazlpresented Akbar in Mughal court literature.
• Hence, the correct answer isAkbar.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 23 September 2025 Shift 1 · Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Q94. Whose administrative system later became the model for Emperor Akbar's consolidation of the Mughal Empire?

  1. (a) Babar
  2. (b) Humayun
  3. (c) Sher Shah Suri
  4. (d) Jahangir
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Sher Shah Suri

Sher Shah Suri's administrative reforms (land revenue, postal system, roads) became the model that Akbar adopted and expanded for the Mughal Empire.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 22 September 2025 Shift 3 · Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Q95. Arrange the following historical events in their correct chronological order, from the earliest to the latest:
1. Construction of the Grand Trunk Road
2. Akbar begins his reign
3. Death of Humayun

  1. (a) 3-2-1
  2. (b) 1-3-2
  3. (c) 2-1-3
  4. (d) 1-2-3
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 1-3-2

Grand Trunk Road was constructed by Sher Shah Suri (c. 1540).
Humayun died in January 1556.
Akbar began his reign immediately after, in 1556.
Hence order: 1-3-2.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 22 September 2025 Shift 2 · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q96. Akbar's policy of Sulh-i-Kul was fundamentally based on the principle of:

  1. (a) Military conquest
  2. (b) Religious exclusivity
  3. (c) Universal tolerance
  4. (d) Islamic orthodoxy
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Universal tolerance

Sulh-i-Kul means 'peace with all' and stood for universal tolerance toward all religions.
It was the basis of Akbar's liberal religious policy.
Military conquest, religious exclusivity and Islamic orthodoxy are opposite to this idea of tolerance.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 21 September 2025 Shift 3 · Mughal architecture

Q97. Which Mughal Emperor is known for popularising pietra dura, or stone inlay technique, and the double dome in Indian architecture?

  1. (a) Babur
  2. (b) Akbar
  3. (c) Shah Jahan
  4. (d) Aurangzeb
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan popularised pietra dura (stone inlay) and the double dome, both seen in the Taj Mahal.
Babur built mainly mosques and gardens (Charbagh).
Akbar's architecture used red sandstone with Persian-Indian fusion (Fatehpur Sikri).
Aurangzeb built simpler structures and was not a great patron of architecture.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 19 September 2025 Shift 1 · Mughal architecture

Q98. Arrange the following historical structures in chronological order of their completion (earliest to latest):
(a) Red Fort, Delhi
(b) Jahangir Mahal, Orchha
(c) Agra Fort (Akbar)

  1. (a) (a) → (b) → (c)
  2. (b) (c) → (b) → (a)
  3. (c) (b) → (c) → (a)
  4. (d) (c) → (a) → (b)
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) (c) → (b) → (a)

Agra Fort (Akbar) — completed around 1573.
Jahangir Mahal, Orchha — built early in Jahangir's reign (circa 1605).
Red Fort, Delhi — completed in 1648 under Shah Jahan.
Hence the order is (c) → (b) → (a).
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 19 September 2025 Shift 2 · Babur and his battles

Q99. Which region did Babur first conquer during his initial campaigns in India?

  1. (a) Panipat
  2. (b) Lahore
  3. (c) Sialkot
  4. (d) Bhira
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Bhira

Babur's first invasion of India in 1519 was directed at Bhira (in present-day Punjab, Pakistan).
Panipat was the site of his decisive 1526 battle but came later.
HenceBhirawas Babur's first conquest.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 18 September 2025 Shift 1 · Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

Q100. What position did Hindu Beg hold during Humayun's reign?

  1. (a) Rajput chief
  2. (b) Court scholar
  3. (c) Provincial governor
  4. (d) Spiritual guide
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Provincial governor

Hindu Beg served as a provincial governor under Emperor Humayun.
Answer: Provincial governor
12

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