Explore this comprehensive Mughal Empire MCQ! Test your knowledge of famous Mughal rulers, epic battles, beautiful art and culture, and how they governed their vast kingdom. Whether you are studying for exams or just curious about history, this Mughal Empire MCQ is a great way to learn and have fun. Let’s see how well you know the Mughals!
1. Who wrote Akbar Nama? (A) Akbar (B) Abul Fazl (C) Faizi (D) Humayun Answer: (B) Abul Fazl Explanation: Akbar Nama* was written by Abul Fazl, one of the Nine Gems (Navaratnas) of Emperor Akbar’s court. It is an official biographical account of Akbar’s reign, detailing his life and the socio-political environment of his era.
2. The Battle of Khanua was fought between: (A) Babur and Ibrahim Lodi (B) Babur and Jai Singh (C) Babur and Rana Sanga (D) Babur and Medini Rao Answer: (C) Babur and Rana Sanga Explanation: The Battle of Khanua (1527) was fought between Babur and Rana Sanga of Mewar. This battle was significant as it established Babur’s power in North India after his initial victory at Panipat.
3. The Second Battle of Panipat was fought between: (A) Humayun and Sher Shah (B) Bairam Khan and Hemu (C) Humayun and Hemu (D) Akbar and Hemu Answer: (D) Akbar and Hemu Explanation: The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) was fought between the Mughal forces led by young Akbar and the Hindu king Hemu, who had captured Delhi. This victory consolidated Akbar’s rule in northern India.
4. Who was the Author of Humayun Nama? (A) Humayun (B) Gulbadan Begum (C) Roshannara (D) Akbar Answer: (B) Gulbadan Begum Explanation: Humayun Nama was written by Gulbadan Begum, the sister of Humayun. It provides insights into the Mughal court and the life of Humayun, and it is unique for being written by a woman in the Mughal era.
5. The First Battle of Panipat (1526) marked the beginning of: (A) Mughal Rule in India (B) Afghan Rule in India (C) Turkish rule in India (D) Rajput Rule in India Answer: (A) Mughal Rule in India Explanation: The First Battle of Panipat, fought in 1526 between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, marked the start of the Mughal Empire in India after Babur’s victory.
6. After Panipat, Babur had to face with the problem of dealing with the powerful forces of: (A) Rajputs (B) Afghans (C) Lodis (D) Marathas Answer: (A) Rajputs Explanation: Following his victory at Panipat, Babur faced significant opposition from the Rajputs, especially led by Rana Sanga, resulting in the Battle of Khanua.
7. Babur’s Tuzuk or Memoir is rightly classified as a classic of: (A) World literature (B) Indian literature (C) Muslim literature (D) Classic Literature Answer: (A) World literature Explanation: Tuzuk-i-Baburi*, or the memoirs of Babur, is considered a work of world literature for its detailed accounts of Babur’s life and times, as well as his perspective on governance, society, and battles.
8. Babur wrote his memoir Tuzuk-i-Baburi in his mother tongue which was: (A) Persian (B) Arabic (C) Turkish or Turki (D) Sanskrit Answer: (C) Turkish or Turki Explanation: Babur wrote his memoir in Chagatai Turkish, his native language, which provides valuable insight into his thoughts and experiences in a language he felt most comfortable with.
9. The Mughals were descendants of the: (A) Mongols (B) Chaghtai Turk Mongols (C) Turks (D) Afghans Answer: (B) Chaghtai Turk Mongols Explanation: The Mughals traced their ancestry to both the Mongols (through Genghis Khan) and the Turks (through Timur), making them Chaghtai Turk Mongols.
10. Before the advent of Babur in India, the center point of the struggle for Transoxiana in Central Asia was the control over: (A) Samarqand (B) Farghana (C) Kabul (D) Khurasan Answer: (A) Samarqand Explanation: Samarqand was a significant cultural and political center in Central Asia. Babur initially sought to establish control over it, considering it a prestigious conquest due to its rich history and strategic importance.
11. Babur was a descendant of (A) Timur (B) Chingiz Khan (C) Both (A) and (B) (D) None of the above
Answer: (C) Both (A) and (B) Explanation: Babur was a descendant of both Timur on his father’s side and Chingiz Khan on his mother’s side. This mixed lineage gave him a legitimate claim to rule and was instrumental in his conquest of India.
12. On the eve of Babur’s invasion, the Sultan of Delhi was (A) Daulat Khan Lodi (B) Sikandar Lodi (C) Mahmud Lodi (D) Ibrahim Lodi
Answer: (D) Ibrahim Lodi Explanation: At the time of Babur’s invasion of India in 1526, Ibrahim Lodi was the Sultan of Delhi. His defeat in the Battle of Panipat marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
13. Akbar ascended the throne in (A) 1526 (B) 1554 (C) 1556 (D) 1560
Answer: (C) 1556 Explanation: Akbar ascended the throne in 1556 after the death of his father, Humayun. His reign marked a significant period of expansion and consolidation for the Mughal Empire.
14. Akbar ascended the throne at the age of (A) 10 years (B) 11 years (C) 12 years (D) 13 years
Answer: (D) 13 years Explanation: Akbar was only 13 years old when he became the emperor. Due to his young age, Bairam Khan was appointed as his regent to manage the empire on his behalf.
15. Bairam Khan, the Regent of Akbar, was assassinated on his journey to Mecca by (A) Akbar (B) Jehangir (C) Abul Fazl (D) An Afghan
Answer: (D) An Afghan Explanation: Bairam Khan was assassinated by an Afghan, believed to be motivated by both political and personal grievances. This occurred after Bairam Khan resigned his regency and set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
16. Who built the Grand Trunk Road which extended from Sonargaon (Bengal) to the Punjab? (A) Babur (B) Akbar (C) Jahangir (D) Sher Shah
Answer: (D) Sher Shah Explanation: Sher Shah Suri built the Grand Trunk Road, connecting different regions for trade, military movement, and administration. The road played a crucial role in unifying his empire and facilitating commerce.
17. Who introduced the branding of the horses (dagh) which was later followed by Akbar in the administration of the Mughal army? (A) Ibrahim Lodi (B) Babur (C) Sher Shah (D) Akbar
Answer: (C) Sher Shah Explanation: Sher Shah Suri introduced the branding of horses (dagh) as a means of preventing corruption in the army and ensuring that soldiers did not claim false ownership. Akbar later adopted this practice for his military administration.
18. During the first four years of Akbar’s reign (1556-60) the Regent was (A) Tardi Beg Khan (B) Bairam Khan (C) Hemu (D) Maham Anaga
(B) Bairam Khan Explanation: Bairam Khan acted as the regent for the young Akbar during the early years of his reign, from 1556 to 1560. Bairam Khan managed the affairs of the state and led the Mughal forces to ensure stability until Akbar could rule independently.
19. In Sher Shah’s administration, the highest division was (A) Iqta (B) Subah (C) Sarkar (D) Pargana
Answer: (C) Sarkar Explanation: Under Sher Shah’s administrative system, the highest division was called a “Sarkar,” which functioned similarly to a province. Each Sarkar was subdivided into smaller administrative units for efficient governance.
20. Who invited Babur to attack India? (A) Daulat Khan Lodi (B) Rana Sangha (C) Sher Shah (D) Mahmud Lodi
Answer: (A) Daulat Khan Lodi Explanation: Daulat Khan Lodi, a disaffected noble, invited Babur to invade India to help him overthrow Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi. This invitation played a pivotal role in Babur’s decision to attack and conquer Delhi.
21. Humayun had to run away from India after he was defeated in the Battle of (A) Kanauj (B) Panipat (C) Khanwa (D) Ghagra
Answer: (A) Kanauj Explanation: Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in the Battle of Kanauj (1540), which forced him into exile. This defeat led to Humayun’s temporary loss of the Mughal Empire until his eventual return.
22. Which two important cities did Babur capture after the first Battle of Panipat? (A) Jaipur and Agra (B) Delhi and Agra (C) Amritsar and Delhi (D) Agra and Jaunpur
Answer: (B) Delhi and Agra Explanation: After his victory in the first Battle of Panipat in 1526, Babur captured Delhi and Agra. These cities became the foundation of his rule and the Mughal Empire in India.
23. Which Mughal king popularized the use of gunpowder and artillery in India? (A) Akbar (B) Humayun (C) Babur (D) Jahangir
Answer: (C) Babur Explanation: Babur is credited with introducing and popularizing the use of gunpowder and artillery in India. His use of these technologies, especially in battles like Panipat, gave him a significant military advantage.
24. Which of the following did NOT constitute part of the army reforms of Sher Shah? (A) Cash payment to soldiers (B) Introduction of swiftly moving artillery (C) Introduction of practice of branding of horses (D) Personal interest in recruitment and promotion of soldiers
Answer: (B) Introduction of swiftly moving artillery Explanation: Sher Shah’s military reforms included cash payments, branding of horses, and personal involvement in recruitment, but he did not introduce swiftly moving artillery as part of his army reforms.
25. Who among the following has issued the coin rupee for the first time? (A) Sher Shah (B) Allauddin Khilji (C) Akbar (D) Babur
Answer: (A) Sher Shah Explanation: Sher Shah Suri introduced the “rupee” as a standardized silver currency, which laid the foundation for currency systems in India. His administrative and economic reforms were highly influential.
26. How many central departments were established by Sher Shah Suri? (A) Three (B) Two (C) Five (D) Four
Answer: (D) Four Explanation: Sher Shah Suri established four main central departments to streamline his administration: revenue, military, justice, and postal services. These departments played a crucial role in organizing his governance and enhancing administrative efficiency.
27. According to Smriti texts, to punish the wicked and cherish the good was the duty of the (A) Brahmans (B) Kshatriyas (C) Vaishyas (D) Higher classes
Answer: (B) Kshatriyas Explanation: The Smriti texts state that it was the duty of Kshatriyas, or the warrior class, to protect society, maintain law and order, punish wrongdoers, and protect the virtuous. This was considered part of their role as the ruling and warrior class.
28. In the pre-Mughal society, the study of the recitation of the Vedas was banned for the (A) Brahmans (B) Kshatriyas (C) Shudras (D) Untouchables
Answer: (C) Shudras Explanation: In ancient Hindu society, Shudras were traditionally not permitted to study or recite the Vedas. This restriction was based on the rigid caste system prevalent in society.
29. Akbar introduced the Dahsala System with the help of (A) Raja Todar Mal (B) Raja Man Singh (C) Raja Bhagwan Das (D) Raja Birbal
Answer: (A) Raja Todar Mal Explanation: Akbar introduced the Dahsala or “Ten-Year Revenue System” with the assistance of Raja Todar Mal. This system standardized revenue assessment by calculating average yields and prices over ten years, making land revenue collection more efficient and fair.
30. In the Mughal administration, Bakshi was (A) Mint master (B) Pay master-cum-incharge of intelligence service (C) Treasurer (D) In charge of revenue
Answer: (B) Pay master-cum-incharge of intelligence service Explanation: The Bakshi in Mughal administration was responsible for paying the troops and overseeing intelligence services, ensuring that the military was well-supported and informed.
31. Persons holding ranks from 2500 and above were known as (A) Amir (B) Amir-i-Umda (C) Mansabdar (D) Khwaja
Answer: (B) Amir-i-Umda Explanation: In the Mughal Empire, high-ranking officials with positions of 2500 or higher were referred to as Amir-i-Umda, or “noble amirs.” They held important responsibilities and status in the court.
32. Mansabdars who were paid in cash were called (A) Jagirdars (B) Mirzas (C) Naqdis (D) Amirs
Answer: (C) Naqdis Explanation: Mansabdars who received cash payments instead of land assignments were called Naqdis. This system allowed the empire to maintain a more flexible and professional military, as Naqdis did not rely on revenue from land.
33. In which of the following wings of the Mughal army were foreigners like the Portuguese and Ottomans employed? (A) Cavalry (B) Navy (C) Artillery (D) Match-lock men
Answer: (C) Artillery Explanation: Foreigners, including the Portuguese and Ottomans, were often employed in the artillery division of the Mughal army due to their expertise with gunpowder and cannons. This significantly enhanced the firepower of the Mughal military.
34. In the Mughal Empire, the land revenue was stated mainly in (A) Copper dams (B) Silver rupees (C) Gold Mohurs (D) Maunds
Answer: (B) Silver rupees Explanation: Land revenue in the Mughal Empire was primarily assessed in silver rupees, which was the standard currency of the empire. This system contributed to a stable economic foundation.
35. The only type of Jagir which could not be transferred was the (A) Watan Jagir (B) Tan Jagir (C) Khidmati Jagir (D) Milkiyat Jagir
Answer: (A) Watan Jagir Explanation: Watan Jagirs were hereditary land grants given to nobles and warriors for their loyalty and service, and they could not be transferred. These lands were passed down within families as a form of reward for service to the empire.
36. Which of the following varieties of land during the Mughal period did not yield revenue to the state? (A) Khalisa (B) Sayur gha (C) Raiyati (D) Jagir
Answer: (B) Sayur gha Explanation: “Sayur gha” lands were revenue-free lands granted for religious or charitable purposes, so they did not yield revenue to the state. Such grants were given to scholars, religious persons, or for welfare purposes.
37. The ‘Chain of Justice’ is associated with (A) Humayun (B) Akbar (C) Jahangir (D) Shah Jahan
Answer: (C) Jahangir Explanation: Emperor Jahangir set up the “Chain of Justice” outside his palace to allow anyone who sought justice to pull the chain, signaling the emperor to hear their grievances. This chain was meant to symbolize Jahangir’s commitment to justice.
38. Who among the following princes was a great patron of Art? (A) Prince Dara Sikoh (B) Prince Daniyal (C) Prince Khusrau (D) Prince Murad
Answer: (A) Prince Dara Sikoh Explanation: Prince Dara Sikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, was a well-known patron of art and culture. He was deeply interested in Indian religious texts and promoted Persian translations of Indian works.
39. Razmnama is a Persian translation of the (A) Panchatantra (B) Ramayana (C) Mahabharata (D) Kathasaritsagara
Answer: (C) Mahabharata Explanation: The Razmnama is the Persian translation of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It was commissioned by Emperor Akbar, who wanted to make the epic accessible to Persian-speaking people at his court.
40. Who was the first Englishman to appear in the Mughal court during Jahangir’s reign? (A) Paul Canning (B) Ralph Fitch (C) William Edward (D) William Hawkins
Answer: (D) William Hawkins Explanation: William Hawkins was the first Englishman to appear at the Mughal court of Jahangir. He arrived as a representative of the East India Company, seeking to establish trade relations with India.
41. What is Ibadat Khana? (A) Hall of Prayer (B) Public Hall of Audience (C) Private Hall of Audience (D) Singing Hall
Answer: (A) Hall of Prayer Explanation: The Ibadat Khana, meaning “House of Worship,” was built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri. It served as a place where Akbar held discussions on religious and philosophical matters with scholars of various faiths.
42. During the Mughal Empire, revenue-free grants given for charitable purposes were called: (A) Taqavi (B) Sayurghals (C) Jeziya (D) Madad-i-maash
Answer: (D) Madad-i-maash Explanation: Madad-i-maash were revenue-free grants given for charitable purposes, often to scholars and religious leaders, as a form of support and recognition for their contributions to society.
43. The Ain-i-Dahsala was a: (A) Military system (B) Revenue Settlement (C) Judicial System (D) Religious System
Answer: (B) Revenue Settlement Explanation: The Ain-i-Dahsala was a revenue system introduced by Akbar, developed by his finance minister Raja Todar Mal. It calculated the land revenue based on the average yield and prices of crops over a ten-year period.
44. The class of traders who specialized in carrying bulk goods during the Mughal period was known as: (A) Banjaras (B) Dalals (C) Gumashtas (D) Saraffs
Answer: (A) Banjaras Explanation: The Banjaras were a class of traders specializing in transporting bulk goods, particularly for long-distance trade. They played an essential role in supplying goods and resources across the Mughal Empire.
45. What was the key weakness of the Mughal Empire? (A) Absence of an efficient army (B) Absence of naval power (C) Poor administrative system (D) Corruption of the nobility
Answer: (B) Absence of naval power Explanation: One major weakness of the Mughal Empire was its lack of a strong naval force. This made it difficult for the empire to defend against foreign invasions from sea powers and limited its influence over coastal regions and maritime trade.
46. What was the Law of Escheat during the Mughal Empire? (A) Right to inherit property (B) Confiscation of property after the death of a noble (C) Right to collect land revenue (D) Law regarding rights of women
Answer: (B) Confiscation of property after the death of a noble Explanation: The Law of Escheat (known as “Zabti” in Mughal terms) allowed the state to confiscate the property of a noble after their death if they had no direct heirs. This was intended to prevent the accumulation of wealth and power within noble families and retain resources for the empire.
47. “Makhfi” was the literary pen-name of: (A) Jahanara (B) Roshanara (C) Nurjahan (D) Mumtaj Mahal
Answer: (A) Jahanara Explanation: Princess Jahanara, daughter of Shah Jahan, wrote under the pen name “Makhfi,” meaning “Hidden.” She was known for her poetry and literary contributions and was a prominent cultural figure in the Mughal court.
48. Which of the following spices was unknown during the Mughal period? (A) Pepper (B) Clove (C) Cumin (D) Capsicum or Chilli
Answer: (D) Capsicum or Chilli Explanation: Capsicum, or chili peppers, were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. During most of the Mughal period, this spice was not widely used or known, as it was only gradually incorporated into Indian cuisine.
49. Who was the first historian to mention the manufacture of paper in India? (A) Alberuni (B) Amir Khusrau (C) Abul Fazl (D) Utbi
Answer: (B) Amir Khusrau Explanation: Amir Khusrau, a renowned poet and scholar in medieval India, was the first historian to mention the manufacture of paper in India. His works contain references to paper, which was initially imported and later produced domestically.
50. Which prominent noble had a fleet of ships which sailed to Burma, Macassar and Maldives, Persia and Arabia? (A) Mir Jumla (B) Shaista Khan (C) Wazir Khan (D) Mahabat Khan
Answer: (A) Mir Jumla Explanation: Mir Jumla, a prominent noble and general in the Mughal Empire, possessed a fleet of ships that conducted trade with regions like Burma, Macassar, the Maldives, Persia, and Arabia. He played a key role in expanding Mughal trade and influence in these regions.
