30 Questions
Why did Akbar not want to give his amirs free rein?
He worried they would become too wealthy and powerful.
What was the primary incentive for the amirs to keep an army with them?
To present it before the emperor when ordered
What did the Turani amirs have in common with Akbar's ancestors?
They all came from Turan in Turkestan.
Why did Akbar grant each amir several villages and towns?
To ensure a steady flow of revenue for the empire.
What was a major source of conflict between Akbar and the Turani amirs?
Disagreements over the administration of jagirs.
How did Akbar's decision to divide responsibilities among his amirs contribute to his empire's governance?
It led to more efficient management of different regions.
What was the main reason why the Rajputs were not eager to become amirs under Akbar?
They wanted to remain independent rulers of their kingdoms.
Why did Akbar decide to abolish the pilgrimage tax and stop collecting jeziya from Hindus?
To encourage Rajput kings to serve under him.
In return for serving under Akbar, what did the Rajput kings agree to do?
Conquer distant lands on behalf of Akbar.
Why did Akbar need to prove that he did not discriminate against Hindus?
To justify his proposal to make the Rajput kings amirs.
What special tax did Hindus have to pay that Muslims were exempt from during Akbar's reign?
Pilgrimage tax
What was the primary reason behind Akbar's offer to make the Rajput kings amirs of the Mughal Empire?
To build a diverse, united empire.
Who led the Mughal forces at the battle of Haldighati?
Man Singh
What title did Akbar grant to Todarmal, a famous Hindu courtier?
Raja
Why did discontent grow among the Irani and Turani amirs in Akbar's court?
They felt threatened by the increasing number of Hindustani amirs.
Which Rajput king refused to accept the overlordship of Akbar and fought valiantly against the Mughals?
Rana Pratap
What did Rana Pratap's son eventually do in relation to accepting Mughal authority?
Became a Mughal official
What was the significance of Todarmal and Birbal in Akbar's court?
They were prominent Hindu courtiers
What was the purpose of the Sulah Kul policy implemented by Akbar?
To gain support from diverse groups of people in the empire
Why did Akbar offer concessions to the Rajput kings to become his amirs?
To have their support and include them in the administration
What was the reason behind the unhappiness of Irani and Turani amirs when Rajputs and Indian Muslims became amirs under Akbar?
They felt threatened by the diversity in the administration
Why did Akbar abolish the jeziya tax in 1563?
To promote religious tolerance and gain Hindu support
Why did Akbar re-impose the jeziya tax in 1575?
To ensure compliance with Islamic law
What was one of the main reasons for continuing Akbar's Sulah Kul policy by the Mughal emperors who succeeded him?
To maintain peaceful administration through diverse support
What was the primary reason for dissatisfaction among the Irani and Turani amirs?
Feeling that their power was diminishing due to the influence of the Rajputs
What event triggered the 1580 revolt of the Irani and Turani amirs against Akbar?
Akbar's imposition of Jeziya on the Hindus
What strategy did Akbar adopt to suppress the revolt of the Irani and Turani amirs?
Speaking out against Hindus and re-imposing Jeziya on them
Why did Akbar target the Hindus with Jeziya and restrictions on idol worship?
To appease the Irani and Turani amirs
How did Akbar's relationship with the Hindustani amirs impact his ability to handle the revolt?
They supported Akbar against the Irani and Turani amirs
What was Akbar's approach to balancing power between the Rajputs and the Irani and Turani amirs?
He didn't want to weaken the Rajputs but also didn't want to restore the former strength of the Irani and Turani amirs
Study Notes
Akbar's Concerns about Amirs
- Akbar realized that if he allowed his amirs to do as they pleased, he wouldn't be able to make the Mughal Empire as strong as he wanted it to be.
- He divided responsibility for different parts of his empire among 51 high officials, or amirs, who were very wealthy.
- Each amir kept an army and was granted several villages and towns, known as jagirs, from which they collected revenue for their own use and for running the administration.
Turani and Irani Amirs
- The majority of Akbar's amirs came from Turan, an area in Turkestan, and were known as Turani amirs.
- Some amirs were from Iran and were known as Irani amirs.
- Akbar had to balance the power of the Turani and Irani amirs to prevent conflicts.
Akbar's Attempts to Make Rajputs Amirs
- Akbar wanted Rajput kings to join his court and serve under him.
- He abolished the pilgrimage tax in 1562 and stopped collecting jeziya from Hindus in 1564 to make Hindus feel included.
- He offered Rajput kings their kingdoms back and jagirs in other parts of the empire if they agreed to serve under him.
Conflicts with Rajputs
- Rana Pratap, the son of Rana Uday Singh of Mewar, refused to accept Akbar's overlordship and fought against the Mughal forces.
- Rana Pratap was ultimately defeated, but his son finally accepted the overlordship of Akbar's son Jahangir.
Discontent among Turani and Irani Amirs
- As more Hindus, including Rajputs, became amirs, discontent grew among the Turani and Irani amirs.
- They felt their power was being taken away and they were no longer as important as they used to be.
Akbar's Re-imposition of Jeziya
- In 1575, Akbar re-imposed the jeziya on Hindus to appease the Turani and Irani amirs.
- He also ordered his officers to stop Hindus from worshipping idols.
The 1580 Revolt of the Irani and Turani Amirs
- In 1580, the Irani and Turani amirs rebelled against Akbar with great strength.
- Akbar suppressed the revolt with the help of the Hindustani amirs.
Test your knowledge on the relationship between the Mughals and Rajput kingdoms, with a focus on the defiance of Rana Pratap against Akbar and the battles fought during that period.
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