The Mughal Empire

4. Answer the following questions in one or two words :

a. Daulat Khan Lodi

b. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi

c. Salim is named after the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti.

d. Khurram

5. Answer the following questions in brief:

a. Jahangir (reigned 1605-1627) was the fourth Mughal Emperor of India, known for his patronage of art and culture, continuation of religious tolerance policies, and his famous memoir, "Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri". His rule was marked by a blend of artistic flourishing and political intrigue, notably influenced by his wife Nur Jahan's significant role in court affairs.

b. System of Governance of Shah Jahan: Shah Jahan's governance was characterized by centralized authority and grandiose architectural projects. He continued the administrative policies of his predecessors but focused heavily on monumental construction, exemplified by the Taj Mahal. He maintained a strong bureaucratic system led by capable officials and continued to uphold Mughal traditions of justice and patronage of the arts.

c. Causes behind the decline of the Mughal Empire: The decline of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to factors such as weak successors after Aurangzeb, administrative corruption and inefficiency, economic challenges including heavy taxation, the emergence of regional powers, increasing Maratha and Sikh resistance, and European colonial expansion which weakened Mughal authority and control over India.

d. Nur Jahan: Nur Jahan was the wife of Emperor Jahangir and one of the most powerful women in Mughal history. She wielded considerable influence in court affairs, military decisions, and state administration. Known for her political acumen and cultural patronage, Nur Jahan played a pivotal role during Jahangir's reign, influencing policies and diplomatic relations.

e. Akbar's Treatment of Rajput Rulers: Akbar pursued a policy of integration and alliance with Rajput rulers who submitted to him. He offered them high positions in his administration, respected their cultural traditions, and entered into matrimonial alliances (diplomatic marriages) with Rajput princesses. This policy of conciliation and integration helped Akbar consolidate his empire and maintain stability in North India.

6. Answer the following questions in details:

a. Akbar's Religious Policy: Akbar's religious policy, known as Sulh-e-Kul (peace with all), aimed at fostering religious tolerance and harmony. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims, promoted a syncretic religion called Din-i-Ilahi, and held discussions (Ibadat Khana) with scholars of various religions to understand different faiths. Akbar's policy contributed to social cohesion and cultural synthesis in the Mughal Empire.

b. Problems faced by Humayun: Humayun faced challenges such as internal dissent from his brothers, particularly Sher Shah Suri's rise and the loss of territories. He also struggled with financial constraints, military setbacks, and the lack of a stable administrative system. These factors contributed to Humayun's brief exile and loss of the Mughal throne to Sher Shah Suri.

c. Mansabdari System of Akbar: The Mansabdari system was a hierarchical system introduced by Akbar for military and civil administration. It assigned ranks (mansabs) to nobles based on their military and administrative skills. Mansabdars received a salary (jagir) in return for maintaining troops for imperial service. This system helped Akbar centralize authority, control the nobility, and strengthen the military capabilities of the empire.

d. Rule of Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb's rule (1658-1707) is critiqued for his religious policies, including the imposition of Jizya on non-Muslims, destruction of Hindu temples, and intolerance towards other faiths. His prolonged military campaigns drained the treasury and stretched administrative resources. Aurangzeb faced persistent rebellions, notably from the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs, which weakened the empire and contributed to its decline after his death.

e. Why Akbar is known as Akbar the Great: Akbar earned the title "Akbar the Great" due to his achievements in military conquests, administrative reforms, cultural patronage, and religious tolerance. He expanded the Mughal Empire significantly, introduced effective administrative policies like the Mansabdari system, promoted arts and architecture (e.g., Fatehpur Sikri), and fostered religious harmony. Akbar's reign is considered a golden age of Mughal history due to his contributions to governance, society, and culture in India.