Akbar the Great: A Ruler of India
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Questions and Answers

What was one of the main strategies Akbar used to extend his empire?

  • Forced conversions
  • Assassination of rival rulers
  • Building fortresses
  • Matrimonial alliances (correct)

    • Who helped Akbar conquer Punjab, Jaunpur, Ajmer, and Gwalior?

  • Baz Bahadur
  • Humayun
  • Hemu
  • Bairam Khan (correct)

    • At what age did Akbar ascend to the throne of the Mughal Empire?

  • 13 years old (correct)
  • 10 years old
  • 18 years old
  • 15 years old

    • What event led to the turning point in the Second Battle of Panipat in favor of Akbar?

    <p>Hemu was struck in the eye (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was Akbar's primary tutor and advisor in his early days?

    <p>Bairam Khan (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened to Bairam Khan after Akbar turned 18?

    <p>He was assassinated (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where was Akbar born?

    <p>Amarkot (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What position did Baz Bahadur hold before Akbar attacked him?

    <p>Ruler of Malwa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Akbar's strategy for dealing with Rajput states?

    <p>By forming alliances and offering high positions in administration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year did Akbar defeat Mewar and capture Chittor?

    <p>1567 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which province was annexed by Akbar between 1574-1576 CE?

    <p>Bengal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What system did Akbar introduce to manage ranks and positions within his administration?

    <p>Mansabdari System (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the chief minister, similar to a Prime Minister, in Akbar's administration?

    <p>Wazir (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the highest court of appeal in Akbar's administration?

    <p>The Emperor himself (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which province did Akbar conquer to secure his north-west frontier?

    <p>Kandahar (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the Mir Bakshi serve in Akbar's administration?

    <p>Military affairs and paymaster (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of Akbar's daily balcony appearance?

    <p>To connect with his subjects and hear their petitions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which battle did Rana Pratap Singh fight against Akbar?

    <p>Battle of Haldighati (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a responsibility of the Diwan in provincial administration?

    <p>Managing revenue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a result of the Mansabdari system?

    <p>Military organization based on rank and horsemen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Akbar's primary reason for wanting to annex the province of Sind?

    <p>Strengthen trade relations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contemporary figure was a peer of Akbar, known for stability in England?

    <p>Elizabeth I (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main source of state income during Akbar's reign?

    <p>Land revenue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which system of measurement was used to assess land under Akbar's land revenue system?

    <p>Bigbas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the share of the state from the average produce of the land?

    <p>One third (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was appointed as the revenue minister by Akbar, known for devising the land revenue system?

    <p>Raja Todar Mal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which tax did Akbar abolish that was imposed on non-Muslims?

    <p>Jizya (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the name of the new religion suggested by Akbar aimed at promoting monotheism?

    <p>Din-i-Ilahi (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cultural activity did Akbar heavily promote during his reign?

    <p>Art of painting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What architectural masterpiece was built under Akbar’s patronage at Fatehpur Sikri?

    <p>The Ibadat Khana (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who were the 'Nine Gems' in Akbar's court?

    <p>Prominent poets and scholars (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant social reform initiated by Akbar?

    <p>Abolishment of child marriage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sizable community did Akbar seek to win over as a part of his religious policy?

    <p>The Rajputs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which economic activity was fostered by Akbar during his reign?

    <p>Overseas trade (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main focus of Akbar's agricultural policies?

    <p>Measurement and classification of land (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reform did Akbar implement concerning widow remarriage?

    <p>Legalized widow remarriage under certain conditions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Akbar's Early Reign

    Akbar, a young Mughal emperor, faced challenges consolidating the empire and relied on his tutor and general, Bairam Khan, for guidance.

    Bairam Khan's Role

    He was Akbar's regent and prime minister who played a crucial role in early conquests, notably in Punjab, Jaunpur, Ajmer and Gwalior.

    Second Battle of Panipat

    A crucial battle fought in 1556 where the Mughal army under Akbar defeated Hemu, a commander of the Afghan army, securing Delhi and Agra for the Mughals.

    Hemu's Defeat

    Hemu, the commander-in-chief of the Afghan ruler, was defeated at the Second Battle of Panipat due to an arrow striking his eye, leading to his capture and execution.

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    Akbar's Conquest of Malwa

    Akbar annexed Malwa to the Mughal Empire in 1561, thanks to the victory of Adham Khan, Akbar's foster brother.

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    Akbar's Conquest of Gondwana

    In 1564, Akbar annexed Gondwana to his empire.

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    Humayun's Flight and Return

    Humayun, Akbar's father, fled to Persia and returned to reclaim his throne fifteen years later, but died soon after, leading to Akbar's succession.

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    Akbar's Succession

    Akbar, despite being only 13, ascended to the Mughal throne after Humayun's death in 1556.

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    Akbar's Rajput Policies

    Akbar's approach to Rajput states involved alliances (with high positions) or conquest.

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    Jodhaa Bai

    Daughter of a Raja of Amber, married to Akbar.

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    Rana Pratap

    Sisodiya Rajput ruler who opposed Akbar, fighting for Mewar's independence.

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    Chittor

    A Rajput stronghold captured by Akbar, after a battle with Mewar.

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    Haldighati

    Site of a key battle where Akbar clashed with Rana Pratap.

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    Mansabdari System

    Akbar's system of ranking nobles and officers by their positions in the military.

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    suzerainty

    Sovereignty or supreme authority over a region.

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    Subedar

    Administrative governor appointed by Akbar over a province.

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    Central Administration

    Akbar's administrative structure at the empire level.

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    Provincial Administration

    Akbar's administrative structure for managing conquered territories.

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    Diwan-i-Khas

    Private council of advisors to the Mughal Emperor.

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    Diwan

    Revenue minister responsible for taxes/finances in the empire.

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    Mansab

    Rank or position, especially in the army or administration in the Mughal Empire.

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    Akbar's Religious Policy

    Akbar's approach to religion was tolerant and inclusive, promoting religious freedom and respect for diverse faiths.

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    Ibadat Khana

    A hall in Fatehpur Sikri where Akbar held religious discussions with scholars from various faiths.

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    Din-i-Ilahi

    Akbar's attempt to create an inclusive religion emphasizing monotheism and good deeds.

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    Land Revenue System

    Akbar's system, designed by Todar Mal, for measuring land, and assessing taxes based on produce.

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    Raja Todar Mal

    Akbar's revenue minister, famous for developing a stable land revenue system.

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    Trade under Akbar

    Akbar's government encouraged domestic and international trade, with India trading with Asia and Europe.

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    Akbar's Cultural Contributions

    Akbar supported the arts and literature, with a focus on painting, architecture, and literature.

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    Akbar's Nine Gems

    A group of highly skilled individuals who were advisors and scholars in Akbar's court.

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    Fatehpur Sikri

    Akbar's capital city, showcasing impressive architecture, including buildings for religious and political purposes.

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    Akbar's architectural style

    Preferred red sandstone over marble in his constructions.

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    Social reforms under Akbar

    Akbar tried to reduce social evils like sati and child marriage.

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    Akbar's impact on painting

    Akbar's court supported artistic development and encouraged the integration of local styles with Persian influences.

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    Akbar's land revenue method

    Land was measured and valued based on a ten-year average produce. State revenue one-third of produce.

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    Akbar's revenue minister

    Raja Todar Mal was appointed Revenue minister of Akbar's court.

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    Study Notes

    Akbar's Reign

    • Akbar, considered one of India's greatest rulers, established the Mughal Empire.
    • Initially, the empire faced consolidation challenges.
    • Akbar was guided by Bairam Khan, Humayun's general, during his early reign.
    • Humayun's death in 1556, when Akbar was 13, brought him to the throne.
    • Despite lack of formal education, Akbar was skilled in horsemanship, hunting, and marksmanship.
    • Born in 1542 in Amarkot, Rajasthan, during his father's time of searching for shelter.

    Early Life and Succession

    • Humayun fled to Persia, leaving Akbar under the care of Bairam Khan and his brother.
    • Fifteen years later, Humayun regained his throne, but his premature death in 1556 placed Akbar on the throne.

    Akbar's Conquests

    • Bairam Khan, regent and prime minister, helped Akbar conquer Punjab, Jaunpur, Ajmer, and Gwalior.

    • In 1560, at the age of 18, Akbar sought independent rule and ordered Bairam Khan to Mecca, where he was assassinated.

    • Hemu, leader of the Afghan forces, captured Delhi and Agra due to Akbar's youth.

    • The Second Battle of Panipat (November 5, 1556) saw a Mughal victory with Hemu's capture and execution, securing Delhi and Agra for Akbar.

    Expansion of the Empire

    • Akbar expanded his empire through matrimonial alliances and conquests.

    • Annexation of Malwa (1561), Gondwana (1564).

    • Rajput alliances and wars resulted in the gradual acceptance of Akbar's suzerainty by some rulers, while others resisted, most notably Rana Pratap of Mewar.

    • Mewar was eventually conquered, despite resistance. Defeated in the Battle of Haldighati.

    • Akbar also conquered Ranthambhor, Gujarat, and Kalinjar.

    • Bengal was annexed between 1574 and 1576.

    • Expansion in the North-west including Kashmir (1586), Kandahar and Kabul (1587), and Sind (1590).

    • Deccan campaign targeted Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda.

    Administration

    • Akbar continued and improved administrative policies set by Sher Shah Suri.

    • Akbar's policies formed a base for British-India's administrative structure.

    • Central administration involved the emperor's direct involvement in resolving petitions and court dealings.

    • Provincial administration was overseen by governors called subedars, followed by districts (sarkars), parganas, and villages.

    • The Mansabdari system was introduced, assigning ranks and responsibilities to officials. 33 categories from 10 horseman commanders to 10,000-soldier commanders.

    Economy

    • Land revenue was the main source of income.

    • Land was measured and assessed based on produce and graded as good, average, or bad, using bamboo sticks and iron rings.

    • The state's share was one-third of the produce, payable in cash or kind.

    • Trade was also an important source (textiles, saltpetre, spices, indigo).

    • Roads were constructed, and India traded with other regions (China, Central Asia, Europe).

    • Monetary systems included gold coins, silver, and copper coins.

    Religious Policy

    • Akbar was known for his enlightened religious views & promoted religious tolerance.

    • Abolished taxes (jizya & pilgrimage) imposed on non-Muslims.

    • Employed Hindus in high positions.

    • Built the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) in Fatehpur Sikri.

    • Created Din-i-Ilahi, a new monotheistic religion promoting good deeds and religious tolerance with little mainstream acceptance.

    • Removed the practice of sati (widow burning) and raised minimum marriage ages.

    Cultural Contributions

    • Akbar was a patron of learning, discussions, and the arts.
    • He had "nine gems" (eminent scholars, musicians, painters) at his court.
    • Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari were prominent works produced during his time.
    • Paintings focused on hunting and court scenes, using bright colours.

    Architecture

    • Fatehpur Sikri, a significant architectural masterpiece, was constructed.
    • Red sandstone was favoured over marble.

    Last Days

    • Akbar's later life was affected by the deaths of his sons and a revolt by his son Salim (later Jahangir).
    • Akbar died in 1605.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the life and reign of Akbar the Great, one of the most significant emperors in Indian history. From his early life to his rise to power, discover the challenges he faced and the impact he had on the Mughal Empire. Test your knowledge on key events and figures in Akbar's life.

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