Mughal

PYQs (1–20)

Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India?
a) Babur
b) Humayun
c) Akbar
d) Timur
✅ Answer: a) Babur
👉 (BPSC 2018) Defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
Which battle marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India?
a) Khanwa
b) Panipat I
c) Ghaghra
d) Talikota
✅ Answer: b) Panipat I
👉 (UPPSC 2020) Babur defeated Lodhi forces and began Mughal rule.
Who defeated Humayun and forced him to flee India?
a) Sher Shah Suri
b) Bahadur Shah
c) Rana Sanga
d) Hemu
✅ Answer: a) Sher Shah Suri
👉 (BPSC 2015) Defeated him in the Battle of Chausa (1539) and Kannauj (1540).
Who was called Zinda Pir (Living Saint)?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: d) Aurangzeb
👉 (BPSC 2020) He led a pious life and imposed strict Islamic laws.
Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: c) Shah Jahan
👉 (SSC CGL 2019) Built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra.
Who was the first Mughal ruler to appoint Hindus to high posts?
a) Babur
b) Humayun
c) Akbar
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: c) Akbar
👉 (UPPSC 2017) Appointed Raja Todar Mal, Birbal, and Man Singh.
Which Mughal ruler introduced the Mansabdari system?
a) Babur
b) Akbar
c) Jahangir
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: b) Akbar
👉 (BPSC 2011) Mansabs (ranks) determined military and civil positions.
Battle of Haldighati was fought between Akbar and:
a) Rana Pratap
b) Rana Sanga
c) Shivaji
d) Bahadur Shah
✅ Answer: a) Rana Pratap
👉 (BPSC 2018) Fought in 1576, Rana Pratap resisted Mughal expansion in Mewar.
Which Mughal ruler established the Ibadat Khana?
a) Akbar
b) Shah Jahan
c) Jahangir
d) Humayun
✅ Answer: a) Akbar
👉 (BPSC 2015) At Fatehpur Sikri, for religious debates.
The Din-i-Ilahi was a religious policy of:
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Babur
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: a) Akbar
👉 (UPPSC 2014) A syncretic religion founded in 1582 promoting tolerance.
Who built the Red Fort in Delhi?
a) Akbar
b) Aurangzeb
c) Shah Jahan
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: c) Shah Jahan
👉 (SSC CHSL 2020) Built between 1638–1648 as the imperial capital.
Who issued the farman permitting British to trade in India?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: b) Jahangir
👉 (BPSC 2017) Granted to Sir Thomas Roe in 1615.
Which Mughal emperor shifted capital from Agra to Delhi?
a) Babur
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Akbar
✅ Answer: c) Shah Jahan
👉 (UPPSC 2013) Moved capital to Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).
Who wrote Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri?
a) Jahangir
b) Abul Fazl
c) Aurangzeb
d) Badauni
✅ Answer: a) Jahangir
👉 (BPSC 2019) His autobiography records his reign and policies.
Who built Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: a) Akbar
👉 (SSC CGL 2020) Built to commemorate victory over Gujarat.
Who among the following Mughals was an accomplished painter?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Babur
✅ Answer: b) Jahangir
👉 (UPPSC 2012) Known for patronizing miniature paintings.
Moti Masjid was built by:
a) Babur
b) Akbar
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: d) Aurangzeb
👉 (BPSC 2011) Built inside the Red Fort, Delhi.
Which Mughal ruler ended jizya on Hindus?
a) Babur
b) Akbar
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: b) Akbar
👉 (BPSC 2008) As part of his liberal religious policy.
The last powerful Mughal emperor was:
a) Bahadur Shah Zafar
b) Shah Alam II
c) Aurangzeb
d) Jahandar Shah
✅ Answer: c) Aurangzeb
👉 (UPPSC 2010) After his death in 1707, empire declined rapidly.
Which Mughal ruler faced the Sikh resistance of Guru Gobind Singh?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: d) Aurangzeb
👉 (BPSC 2016) Executed Guru Tegh Bahadur and faced Sikh military response.

NCERT-Based (21–35)

Akbar's revenue system was developed by:
a) Todar Mal
b) Abul Fazl
c) Man Singh
d) Tansen
✅ Answer: a) Todar Mal
👉 (NCERT Class 7 – Our Pasts II) Introduced Dahsala system for revenue collection.
Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Akbar to:
a) Avoid war
b) Honor a saint
c) Establish trade
d) Build fort
✅ Answer: b) Honor a saint
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Built near the dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti.
Akbarnama was written by:
a) Abul Fazl
b) Faizi
c) Birbal
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: a) Abul Fazl
👉 (NCERT Class 7) It documents Akbar’s reign and philosophy.
The Mansabdari system involved:
a) Religious ranking
b) Military-civil ranks
c) Revenue collectors
d) Temple duties
✅ Answer: b) Military-civil ranks
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Each official had a zat and sawar rank.
Who was known for naval expeditions to Bengal and Deccan?
a) Jahangir
b) Akbar
c) Aurangzeb
d) Babur
✅ Answer: c) Aurangzeb
👉 (NCERT Class 7) He expanded the empire into the South and fought Marathas.
Which Mughal king ruled longest?
a) Shah Jahan
b) Babur
c) Aurangzeb
d) Akbar
✅ Answer: c) Aurangzeb
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Ruled for nearly 50 years (1658–1707).
Which Mughal ruler banned music and painting?
a) Akbar
b) Aurangzeb
c) Jahangir
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: b) Aurangzeb
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Due to orthodox Islamic beliefs.
Zabt was a:
a) Military title
b) Tax collection method
c) Trade route
d) Judicial court
✅ Answer: b) Tax collection method
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Revenue assessment system based on crop yield.
Which Mughal was known for his religious tolerance and Sulh-i-Kul policy?
a) Aurangzeb
b) Akbar
c) Jahangir
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: b) Akbar
👉 (NCERT Class 7) "Universal peace" promoted harmony among religions.
Which Mughal ruler died in exile?
a) Akbar
b) Humayun
c) Babur
d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
✅ Answer: d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
👉 (NCERT Class 8) Exiled to Rangoon after 1857 revolt.
Who introduced Dahsala system?
a) Todar Mal
b) Shah Jahan
c) Abul Fazl
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: a) Todar Mal
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Averaged revenue based on 10 years’ data.
Akbar’s court included:
a) Faizi
b) Birbal
c) Tansen
d) All of the above
✅ Answer: d) All of the above
👉 (NCERT Class 7) He patronized talent in poetry, music, and administration.
Shah Jahan’s reign is best known for:
a) Conquest
b) Art and architecture
c) Religious debates
d) Farman policy
✅ Answer: b) Art and architecture
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Period of cultural golden age and monuments.
Who established a new religion Din-i-Ilahi?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Babur
✅ Answer: a) Akbar
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Blended elements from multiple faiths.
Which Mughal ruler had poor relations with Rajputs?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Aurangzeb
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: c) Aurangzeb
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Unlike Akbar, he re-imposed jizya and faced Rajput opposition.

Predicted (36–50)

Which Mughal king invited Jesuits to his court?
a) Shah Jahan
b) Akbar
c) Aurangzeb
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: b) Akbar
👉 (Drishti IAS) Invited Christian missionaries for debate in Ibadat Khana.
Shah Jahan’s Peacock Throne was looted by:
a) Nadir Shah
b) Ahmed Shah Abdali
c) British
d) Timur
✅ Answer: a) Nadir Shah
👉 (Lucent GK) Taken during 1739 invasion of Delhi.
Which Mughal built Jama Masjid in Delhi?
a) Shah Jahan
b) Akbar
c) Jahangir
d) Babur
✅ Answer: a) Shah Jahan
👉 (Drishti Quick Book) Constructed in 1656 as India’s largest mosque.
Who introduced Jharokha Darshan?
a) Akbar
b) Shah Jahan
c) Aurangzeb
d) Babur
✅ Answer: a) Akbar
👉 (Lucent GK) Daily appearance to allow public access to the emperor.
Who banned Sati during Mughal rule?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Aurangzeb
d) Babur
✅ Answer: a) Akbar
👉 (Drishti IAS) Issued farmans restricting the practice.
Which Mughal ruler was known as ‘Shahenshah-i-Ghazis’?
a) Aurangzeb
b) Akbar
c) Babur
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: a) Aurangzeb
👉 (Spectrum) Means "Emperor of Warriors" due to religious zeal.
Baburnama was written in which language?
a) Arabic
b) Persian
c) Turkish
d) Urdu
✅ Answer: c) Turkish
👉 (Lucent GK) Babur’s autobiography written in Chagatai Turkish.
Who constructed the Diwan-i-Khas at Red Fort?
a) Akbar
b) Shah Jahan
c) Jahangir
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: b) Shah Jahan
👉 (Spectrum) For royal private audiences.
Humayun died due to:
a) Poison
b) Fall from stairs
c) Battle wound
d) Illness
✅ Answer: b) Fall from stairs
👉 (Lucent GK) Fell from his library stairs in 1556.
Who patronized Abul Fazl and Faizi?
a) Babur
b) Humayun
c) Akbar
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: c) Akbar
👉 (Drishti) Abul Fazl wrote Akbarnama, Faizi was poet laureate.
Who imprisoned his father Shah Jahan?
a) Aurangzeb
b) Murad
c) Dara Shikoh
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: a) Aurangzeb
👉 (Spectrum) Took over the empire in 1658 and confined Shah Jahan.
Which Mughal ruler’s reign saw Maratha rise?
a) Babur
b) Jahangir
c) Aurangzeb
d) Akbar
✅ Answer: c) Aurangzeb
👉 (Lucent) Shivaji’s revolt challenged Mughal rule in Deccan.
Which Mughal appointed Rajputs to high mansabs?
a) Babur
b) Akbar
c) Aurangzeb
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: b) Akbar
👉 (Spectrum) Formed Rajput alliances through marriage and administration.
What was the capital of Mughal India under Shah Jahan?
a) Agra
b) Lahore
c) Delhi
d) Fatehpur
✅ Answer: c) Delhi
👉 (Drishti) Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) became the new capital.
Which Mughal ruler’s death led to decline of the empire?
a) Shah Jahan
b) Aurangzeb
c) Akbar
d) Babur
✅ Answer: b) Aurangzeb
👉 (Spectrum) After his death in 1707, empire weakened and fragmented.

Akbar – PYQs (1–7)

Who was the regent of Akbar after Humayun's death?
a) Faizi
b) Bairam Khan
c) Man Singh
d) Tansen
✅ Answer: b) Bairam Khan
👉 (BPSC 2016) He served as Akbar's guardian and regent (1556–1560).
The Battle of Haldighati was fought between Akbar and:
a) Rana Pratap
b) Rana Sanga
c) Raja Man Singh
d) Sher Shah
✅ Answer: a) Rana Pratap
👉 (BPSC 2018) Battle fought in 1576; Mughals led by Man Singh.
Who wrote Akbarnama?
a) Abul Fazl
b) Faizi
c) Badauni
d) Birbal
✅ Answer: a) Abul Fazl
👉 (UPPSC 2015) Official chronicle of Akbar’s reign.
Akbar abolished Jizya tax in which year?
a) 1556
b) 1564
c) 1582
d) 1600
✅ Answer: b) 1564
👉 (BPSC 2013) To integrate Hindus into the empire.
Which Rajput ruler became Akbar’s close general?
a) Rana Pratap
b) Raja Man Singh
c) Rana Sanga
d) Udai Singh
✅ Answer: b) Raja Man Singh
👉 (BPSC 2017) A loyal Mansabdar and military leader.
Where was Akbar’s Ibadat Khana located?
a) Agra
b) Fatehpur Sikri
c) Delhi
d) Lahore
✅ Answer: b) Fatehpur Sikri
👉 (SSC CGL 2020) Built in 1575 for interfaith discussions.
Which religious order was founded by Akbar in 1582?
a) Sikhism
b) Din-i-Ilahi
c) Mahayana
d) Sulh-i-Kul
✅ Answer: b) Din-i-Ilahi
👉 (UPPSC 2016) Syncretic faith combining elements of major religions.

Akbar – NCERT-Based (8–12)

What was Sulh-i-Kul?
a) Military policy
b) Religious tolerance policy
c) Trade agreement
d) Marriage alliance
✅ Answer: b) Religious tolerance policy
👉 (NCERT Class 7) "Peace for all" — respect for all faiths.
Who developed Akbar’s revenue system?
a) Todar Mal
b) Faizi
c) Birbal
d) Aziz Koka
✅ Answer: a) Todar Mal
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Introduced Dahsala system for stable revenue.
Who composed the Akbarnama?
a) Tansen
b) Abul Fazl
c) Man Singh
d) Shahbaz Khan
✅ Answer: b) Abul Fazl
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Documented Akbar’s policies and administration.
Which musical style did Akbar support through Tansen?
a) Bhajan
b) Qawwali
c) Dhrupad
d) Ghazal
✅ Answer: c) Dhrupad
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Tansen was a master of Dhrupad.
Which city was abandoned due to water scarcity?
a) Agra
b) Fatehpur Sikri
c) Delhi
d) Lahore
✅ Answer: b) Fatehpur Sikri
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Though architecturally grand, it lacked water.

Akbar – Predicted (13–17)

Which saint's blessing was linked to Akbar's son?
a) Sheikh Nizamuddin
b) Sheikh Salim Chishti
c) Baba Farid
d) Moinuddin Chishti
✅ Answer: b) Sheikh Salim Chishti
👉 (Lucent GK) Hence, his son Salim (Jahangir) was born.
What was Din-i-Ilahi?
a) A religion
b) A tax
c) Military division
d) Rajput alliance
✅ Answer: a) A religion
👉 (Drishti IAS) A spiritual path initiated by Akbar.
Who translated Mahabharata into Persian?
a) Badauni
b) Abul Fazl
c) Todar Mal
d) Tansen
✅ Answer: a) Badauni
👉 (Spectrum) Called Razmnama.
Akbar's policy with Rajputs was one of:
a) Suppression
b) Reconciliation
c) Exile
d) Deportation
✅ Answer: b) Reconciliation
👉 (Lucent GK) Through marriage and political alliances.
The Panch Mahal at Fatehpur Sikri was for:
a) Birbal
b) Women of the court
c) Treasury
d) Council meetings
✅ Answer: b) Women of the court
👉 (Drishti Quick Book) Used for relaxation and cultural gatherings.

Jahangir – PYQs (18–23)

Who issued the trade farman to the British?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Aurangzeb
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: b) Jahangir
👉 (BPSC 2017) Given to Sir Thomas Roe in 1615.
Jahangir's autobiography is called:
a) Baburnama
b) Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
c) Akbarnama
d) Ain-i-Akbari
✅ Answer: b) Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
👉 (UPPSC 2014) It offers personal insight into his rule.
Who built the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir?
a) Shah Jahan
b) Akbar
c) Jahangir
d) Humayun
✅ Answer: c) Jahangir
👉 (SSC CGL 2020) He had a deep love for nature and Kashmir.
Who married Nur Jahan?
a) Babur
b) Humayun
c) Akbar
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: d) Jahangir
👉 (BPSC 2016) She became influential in court matters.
Which Mughal ruler was known for justice?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Aurangzeb
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: b) Jahangir
👉 (UPPSC 2012) He installed the "Chain of Justice" at Agra fort.
In Jahangir’s court, who represented the East India Company?
a) William Hawkins
b) Thomas Roe
c) John Mildenhall
d) Ralph Fitch
✅ Answer: b) Thomas Roe
👉 (BPSC 2018) Arrived in 1615 to negotiate trade rights.

Jahangir – NCERT-Based (24–27)

Jahangir continued Akbar’s policies of:
a) Religious tolerance
b) Centralization
c) Deccan conquest
d) Naval expansion
✅ Answer: a) Religious tolerance
👉 (NCERT Class 7) He supported art, architecture, and harmony.
Jahangir’s reign was famous for:
a) Naval trade
b) Coinage
c) Miniature paintings
d) Din-i-Ilahi
✅ Answer: c) Miniature paintings
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Developed Mughal painting further.
Who was Jahangir's father?
a) Babur
b) Akbar
c) Humayun
d) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: b) Akbar
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Jahangir (Salim) succeeded him in 1605.
Jahangir allowed British to:
a) Trade
b) Preach
c) Rule
d) Marry
✅ Answer: a) Trade
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Gave trade license to East India Company.

Jahangir – Predicted (28–33)

Nur Jahan's real name was:
a) Mehrunnisa
b) Hamida Banu
c) Ruqaiya
d) Salima
✅ Answer: a) Mehrunnisa
👉 (Lucent GK) Later titled "Light of the World".
Which language was Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri written in?
a) Hindi
b) Arabic
c) Persian
d) Urdu
✅ Answer: c) Persian
👉 (Spectrum) Jahangir’s memoir in court language.
Who dominated Jahangir’s court in later years?
a) Nur Jahan
b) Birbal
c) Tansen
d) Abdul Rahim
✅ Answer: a) Nur Jahan
👉 (Drishti) Held power as queen and political strategist.
Who was known for interest in natural science and flora?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Babur
✅ Answer: b) Jahangir
👉 (Drishti) He maintained a naturalist’s diary.
Jahangir’s tomb is located in:
a) Delhi
b) Agra
c) Lahore
d) Fatehpur Sikri
✅ Answer: c) Lahore
👉 (Lucent GK) Built by his son Shah Jahan.
Who was known for 'Chain of Justice'?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Aurangzeb
d) Humayun
✅ Answer: b) Jahangir
👉 (Spectrum) Anyone could pull the chain for justice.

Shah Jahan – PYQs (34–38)

Who built the Taj Mahal?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: c) Shah Jahan
👉 (BPSC 2020) In memory of Mumtaz Mahal, completed in 1653.
Shah Jahan’s capital was shifted to:
a) Agra
b) Lahore
c) Delhi
d) Fatehpur Sikri
✅ Answer: c) Delhi
👉 (UPPSC 2016) Built Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).
Red Fort was built by:
a) Babur
b) Akbar
c) Shah Jahan
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: c) Shah Jahan
👉 (BPSC 2018) Between 1638–1648 in Delhi.
Shah Jahan’s reign is considered:
a) Declining
b) Cultural golden age
c) Militarily aggressive
d) Economically weak
✅ Answer: b) Cultural golden age
👉 (UPPSC 2014) Noted for architecture and art.
Who imprisoned Shah Jahan?
a) Dara Shikoh
b) Aurangzeb
c) Murad
d) Bahadur Shah
✅ Answer: b) Aurangzeb
👉 (BPSC 2016) Confined him in Agra Fort till death.

Shah Jahan – NCERT-Based (39–43)

Shah Jahan was Akbar’s:
a) Son
b) Grandson
c) Nephew
d) Cousin
✅ Answer: b) Grandson
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Son of Jahangir and Nur Jahan.
Which mosque was built by Shah Jahan in Delhi?
a) Jama Masjid
b) Moti Masjid
c) Babri Masjid
d) Qutub Masjid
✅ Answer: a) Jama Masjid
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Built between 1650–56.
Shah Jahan’s reign emphasized:
a) Religious debate
b) Architecture
c) Naval expeditions
d) Coin reform
✅ Answer: b) Architecture
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Known for Taj Mahal, Red Fort, etc.
Who succeeded Shah Jahan?
a) Dara Shikoh
b) Aurangzeb
c) Bahadur Shah
d) Shah Alam
✅ Answer: b) Aurangzeb
👉 (NCERT Class 7) After a bitter war of succession.
Shah Jahan died in:
a) Delhi
b) Agra
c) Lahore
d) Fatehpur Sikri
✅ Answer: b) Agra
👉 (NCERT Class 7) Died in 1666 and buried beside Mumtaz.

Shah Jahan – Predicted (44–50)

What was Shah Jahan’s real name?
a) Salim
b) Khurram
c) Dara
d) Asaf
✅ Answer: b) Khurram
👉 (Lucent) He adopted the title Shah Jahan after becoming emperor.
Which building houses Diwan-i-Khas?
a) Red Fort
b) Fatehpur Sikri
c) Agra Fort
d) Golconda
✅ Answer: a) Red Fort
👉 (Drishti) Used for private audience.
Peacock Throne was constructed under:
a) Aurangzeb
b) Akbar
c) Shah Jahan
d) Jahangir
✅ Answer: c) Shah Jahan
👉 (Spectrum) Later looted by Nadir Shah.
Shah Jahan promoted which art form?
a) Sculpture
b) Miniature painting
c) Architecture
d) Calligraphy
✅ Answer: c) Architecture
👉 (Drishti) Taj Mahal is the finest example.
Which son of Shah Jahan was executed by Aurangzeb?
a) Murad
b) Shuja
c) Dara Shikoh
d) Khusro
✅ Answer: c) Dara Shikoh
👉 (Lucent) Seen as a liberal rival to Aurangzeb.
Shah Jahan constructed Taj Mahal in which style?
a) Indo-Afghan
b) Indo-Islamic
c) Indo-Persian
d) Mughal
✅ Answer: d) Mughal
👉 (Spectrum) Blended Persian, Islamic, and Indian elements.
Which Mughal ruler ruled the richest court in Indian history?
a) Babur
b) Jahangir
c) Shah Jahan
d) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: c) Shah Jahan
👉 (Drishti) Known for splendor and extravagant architecture.