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Questions and Answers
What was one of the main strategies Akbar used to extend his empire?
What was one of the main strategies Akbar used to extend his empire?
Who helped Akbar conquer Punjab, Jaunpur, Ajmer, and Gwalior?
Who helped Akbar conquer Punjab, Jaunpur, Ajmer, and Gwalior?
At what age did Akbar ascend to the throne of the Mughal Empire?
At what age did Akbar ascend to the throne of the Mughal Empire?
What event led to the turning point in the Second Battle of Panipat in favor of Akbar?
What event led to the turning point in the Second Battle of Panipat in favor of Akbar?
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Who was Akbar's primary tutor and advisor in his early days?
Who was Akbar's primary tutor and advisor in his early days?
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What happened to Bairam Khan after Akbar turned 18?
What happened to Bairam Khan after Akbar turned 18?
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Where was Akbar born?
Where was Akbar born?
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What position did Baz Bahadur hold before Akbar attacked him?
What position did Baz Bahadur hold before Akbar attacked him?
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What was Akbar's strategy for dealing with Rajput states?
What was Akbar's strategy for dealing with Rajput states?
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In which year did Akbar defeat Mewar and capture Chittor?
In which year did Akbar defeat Mewar and capture Chittor?
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Which province was annexed by Akbar between 1574-1576 CE?
Which province was annexed by Akbar between 1574-1576 CE?
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What system did Akbar introduce to manage ranks and positions within his administration?
What system did Akbar introduce to manage ranks and positions within his administration?
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Who was the chief minister, similar to a Prime Minister, in Akbar's administration?
Who was the chief minister, similar to a Prime Minister, in Akbar's administration?
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What was the highest court of appeal in Akbar's administration?
What was the highest court of appeal in Akbar's administration?
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Which province did Akbar conquer to secure his north-west frontier?
Which province did Akbar conquer to secure his north-west frontier?
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What role did the Mir Bakshi serve in Akbar's administration?
What role did the Mir Bakshi serve in Akbar's administration?
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What was the purpose of Akbar's daily balcony appearance?
What was the purpose of Akbar's daily balcony appearance?
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Which battle did Rana Pratap Singh fight against Akbar?
Which battle did Rana Pratap Singh fight against Akbar?
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Which of the following was a responsibility of the Diwan in provincial administration?
Which of the following was a responsibility of the Diwan in provincial administration?
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What was a result of the Mansabdari system?
What was a result of the Mansabdari system?
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What was Akbar's primary reason for wanting to annex the province of Sind?
What was Akbar's primary reason for wanting to annex the province of Sind?
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What contemporary figure was a peer of Akbar, known for stability in England?
What contemporary figure was a peer of Akbar, known for stability in England?
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What was the main source of state income during Akbar's reign?
What was the main source of state income during Akbar's reign?
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Which system of measurement was used to assess land under Akbar's land revenue system?
Which system of measurement was used to assess land under Akbar's land revenue system?
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What was the share of the state from the average produce of the land?
What was the share of the state from the average produce of the land?
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Who was appointed as the revenue minister by Akbar, known for devising the land revenue system?
Who was appointed as the revenue minister by Akbar, known for devising the land revenue system?
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Which tax did Akbar abolish that was imposed on non-Muslims?
Which tax did Akbar abolish that was imposed on non-Muslims?
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What was the name of the new religion suggested by Akbar aimed at promoting monotheism?
What was the name of the new religion suggested by Akbar aimed at promoting monotheism?
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Which cultural activity did Akbar heavily promote during his reign?
Which cultural activity did Akbar heavily promote during his reign?
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What architectural masterpiece was built under Akbar’s patronage at Fatehpur Sikri?
What architectural masterpiece was built under Akbar’s patronage at Fatehpur Sikri?
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Who were the 'Nine Gems' in Akbar's court?
Who were the 'Nine Gems' in Akbar's court?
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What was a significant social reform initiated by Akbar?
What was a significant social reform initiated by Akbar?
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Which sizable community did Akbar seek to win over as a part of his religious policy?
Which sizable community did Akbar seek to win over as a part of his religious policy?
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Which economic activity was fostered by Akbar during his reign?
Which economic activity was fostered by Akbar during his reign?
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What was the main focus of Akbar's agricultural policies?
What was the main focus of Akbar's agricultural policies?
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Which reform did Akbar implement concerning widow remarriage?
Which reform did Akbar implement concerning widow remarriage?
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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
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Bairam Khan, regent and prime minister, helped Akbar conquer Punjab, Jaunpur, Ajmer, and Gwalior.
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In 1560, at the age of 18, Akbar sought independent rule and ordered Bairam Khan to Mecca, where he was assassinated.
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Hemu, leader of the Afghan forces, captured Delhi and Agra due to Akbar's youth.
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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
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Akbar expanded his empire through matrimonial alliances and conquests.
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Annexation of Malwa (1561), Gondwana (1564).
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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.
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Mewar was eventually conquered, despite resistance. Defeated in the Battle of Haldighati.
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Akbar also conquered Ranthambhor, Gujarat, and Kalinjar.
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Bengal was annexed between 1574 and 1576.
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Expansion in the North-west including Kashmir (1586), Kandahar and Kabul (1587), and Sind (1590).
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Deccan campaign targeted Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda.
Administration
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Akbar continued and improved administrative policies set by Sher Shah Suri.
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Akbar's policies formed a base for British-India's administrative structure.
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Central administration involved the emperor's direct involvement in resolving petitions and court dealings.
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Provincial administration was overseen by governors called subedars, followed by districts (sarkars), parganas, and villages.
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The Mansabdari system was introduced, assigning ranks and responsibilities to officials. 33 categories from 10 horseman commanders to 10,000-soldier commanders.
Economy
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Land revenue was the main source of income.
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Land was measured and assessed based on produce and graded as good, average, or bad, using bamboo sticks and iron rings.
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The state's share was one-third of the produce, payable in cash or kind.
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Trade was also an important source (textiles, saltpetre, spices, indigo).
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Roads were constructed, and India traded with other regions (China, Central Asia, Europe).
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Monetary systems included gold coins, silver, and copper coins.
Religious Policy
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Akbar was known for his enlightened religious views & promoted religious tolerance.
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Abolished taxes (jizya & pilgrimage) imposed on non-Muslims.
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Employed Hindus in high positions.
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Built the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) in Fatehpur Sikri.
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Created Din-i-Ilahi, a new monotheistic religion promoting good deeds and religious tolerance with little mainstream acceptance.
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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.