1. With reference to the history of cheetahs in India, consider the following statements:
- Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in the year 1972.
- The last three known Asiatic cheetahs in India were killed by Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo.
- Mughal Emperor Akbar had approximately 10,000 cheetahs during his reign, with about 1,000 housed in his court.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 and 3 only]
Notes:Cheetahs were officially declared extinct in India in the year 1972.
Incorrect. Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952.
The last three known Asiatic cheetahs in India were killed by Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo.
Correct. Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo of the princely state of Koriya is known to have killed the last three known Asiatic cheetahs in India in 1947. This event marked the end of the cheetah’s presence in India.
Mughal Emperor Akbar had approximately 10,000 cheetahs during his reign, with about 1,000 housed in his court.
Correct. Emperor Akbar is said to have maintained around 10,000 cheetahs, with about 1,000 housed in his royal court. Cheetahs were highly valued for royal hunting expeditions during his reign, and their numbers were significant.
2. Tazkireh-i Humayun va Akbar निम्नलिखित में से किसके द्वारा लिखी गई थी?
[A] बयाज़िद बयात
[B] मिर्ज़ा मुहम्मद हैदर दुग़लत
[C] निज़ामुद्दीन अहमद
[D] इनमें से कोई नहीं
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [बयाज़िद बयात]
Notes:
Tazkireh-i Humayun va Akbar 1590-91 ईस्वी में बयाज़िद बयात द्वारा लिखी गई थी। यह 1542 ईस्वी से 1591 ईस्वी तक हुमायूं और अकबर के शासनकाल का इतिहास है। बाबर हुमायूं के पिता थे।
3. Tabaqat-i Akbari निम्नलिखित में से किसने लिखी थी?
[A] अबुल फजल
[B] मिर्जा मुहम्मद काज़िम
[C] निज़ामुद्दीन अहमद
[D] ईश्वरदास नागौर
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [निज़ामुद्दीन अहमद]
Notes:
निज़ामुद्दीन अहमद अकबर के दरबारी थे जिन्होंने ताबकात-ए-अकबरी लिखी। यह अकबर के शासनकाल का वस्तुनिष्ठ विवरण प्रस्तुत करती है और इसे अकबर के शासनकाल की जानकारी का सबसे विश्वसनीय स्रोत माना जाता है।
4. With respect to the Mohur coin, consider the following statements:
- The Mohur was equivalent to nine rupees according to Abul Fazl in his ‘Ain-i-Akbari’.
- Half and quarter mohurs were also known and used in the currency system.
Which of the above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- Mohur Equivalent (Correct): Abul Fazl’s ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ states that a Mohur was equivalent to nine rupees, indicating its value in the currency system of the time.
- Half and Quarter Mohurs (Correct): The existence of half and quarter mohurs shows the flexibility and adaptation within the currency system, allowing for smaller transactions.
5. In the context of ancient Indian coins, consider the following statements:
- Rupiya was introduced by Sher Shah Suri and weighed 178 grains.
- Tanka was a silver coin introduced by Iltutmish.
- Mohur was a gold coin introduced by Akbar.
- Dam was a copper coin used during the Mughal era.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Rupiya was introduced by Sher Shah Suri and weighed 178 grains: This is correct. Sher Shah Suri standardized the Rupiya as a silver coin.
- Tanka was a silver coin introduced by Iltutmish: This is correct. The Tanka was indeed a silver coin used during Iltutmish’s reign.
- Mohur was a gold coin introduced by Akbar: This is incorrect. The Mohur was introduced by Sher Shah Suri, not Akbar.
- Dam was a copper coin used during the Mughal era: This is correct. The Dam was a common copper coin during various periods, including the Mughal era.
Thus, two statements are correct. The correct answer is (B) Only two.
6. Consider the following statements about Abdul Qadir Badauni’s Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh:
- Badauni was a close ally of Akbar, supporting his policies
- The Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh was published during Akbar’s reign
Which of the above observations is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:
Both the statements are incorrect. Badauni was a severe critic of Akbar’s policies, not an ally. His critical stance influenced the way he documented history. Furthermore, The Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh was written in secrecy and only circulated after Akbar’s death, indicating it was not published during his reign.
7. Consider the following:
- Ibn Batuta traveled to India during the reign of Akbar
- Marco Polo’s accounts were primarily focused on the northern regions of India
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:
Ibn Batuta traveled to India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, not Akbar, who reigned later in the 16th century, thus making the first statement incorrect. Marco Polo’s travel experiences were mainly documented in China and Central Asia, with limited information on northern India, making the second statement also incorrect.
8. Consider the following pairs:
| Mahmud of Ghazni | Coins with dual inscriptions |
| Iltutmish | Coins describing him as Khalifa’s lieutenant |
| Akbar | Introduced the silver rupee |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] All three pairs
[D] None of the pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two pairs]
Notes:- Mahmud of Ghazni: His silver coins are notable for having his name inscribed in both Arabic and Persian, reflecting the cultural influences of his reign. Thus, this pair is correct.
- Iltutmish: His coins indeed refer to him as a lieutenant of the Khalifa, which indicates his allegiance and legitimacy during his rule. This pair is correct.
- Akbar: Sher Shah Suri introduced the silver rupee in medieval India around 1540 CE. So this is incorrect.
Thus, all two pairs are correct.
9. Consider the following:
- Akbarnama
- Ain-i Akbari
- Baburnama
Which of the above works provides a detailed account of the Mughal court and administration?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
1. Akbarnama: Emperor Akbar commissioned this work, chronicling his reign and the history of the Mughal court, with a focus on cultural and political aspects. 2. Ain-i Akbari: This is an appendix to the Akbarnama. It provides pivotal details on the administrative, financial, and social structures of Akbar’s government and serves as a vital historical document. 3. Baburnama: This work, written by Babur, offers insights into his personal life and the early stages of the Mughal Empire but does not concentrate on court and administrative details like the other two texts.
10. In the light of historical chronicles, consider the following statements:
- The Tarikh-i Mubarak Shahi was written by Amir Khusrau.
- The Futuh-al-Salatin contains almost 12,000 verses.
- The Tabaqat-i-Akbari is a primary text on the Mughal Empire.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only one]
Notes:- The Tarikh-i Mubarak Shahi was written by Amir Khusrau: This is incorrect. The Tarikh-i Mubarak Shahi was authored by Yahya ibn Ahmad Sihrindi.
- The Futuh-al-Salatin contains almost 12,000 verses: This is correct. It is a historical account by Khwaja Abu Malik Isami.
- The Tabaqat-i-Akbari is a primary text on the Mughal Empire: This is incorrect. It is primarily based on earlier accounts, notably the Tarikh-i Mubarak Shahi.
Thus, only one statement is correct. The correct answer is (A) Only one.
