[Topic wise IAS Medieval Indian History Question Bank (1979-2015)]: (11) Culture in the Mughal Empire

Persian histories and other literature. Hindi and other religious literature
Mughal architecture
Mughal painting
Provincial architecture and painting
Classical music
Science and technology.
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1. Write a short essay on: “The emergence of composite culture during the period 16th to 18th centuries.” [1989, 20m]

2. Trace the development of art and architecture under the Mughals and point out mingling of Hindu elements in them. [1998, 60m]

Persian histories and other literature. Hindi and other religious literature

1. Identify the traces of Persian and Rajput traditions and show how they were synthesized in the field of painting, architecture and literature at the Mughal court. [1981, 60m]

2. What was the contribution of the Mughals to the development of education and literature? [1984, 60m]

3. Write a short essay on: “Mughal official histories and auto-biographical works.” [1992, 20m]

4. Write a short essay on: “Babarnama as a source of history.” [2002, 20m]

5. Write a short Essay on the development of Literature during Mughal Period. [2006, 60m]

6. Provide a comparative analysis of the development of Arabic and Persian historiography. [2010, 20m]

7. How does Tuzuk-i-Babri testify that Babar had been a cultures man? [2015, 10m]

Mughal architecture

1. Write a short essay on: “The zenith of Mughal architecture under Shahjehan” [2001, 20m]

2. Explain the principal features of architecture during Akbar’s rule. What changes were made in them by Shahjahan? [2002, 60m]

Mughal painting

1. Write a short essay on: “Narrative paintings under Jahangir and Akbar.” [1994, 20m]

2. Write a short essay on: “During the reign of Jaliangir Mughal painting reached its zenith.” [2000, 20m]

3. Write a short Essay on: “Mughal painting” [2005, 20m]

4. Write a short Essay on: “Mughal painting” [2007, 20m]

5. Mughal paintings reflect the contemporary socio-political conditions. – Discuss. [2011, 30m]

Science and technology

1. Write a short essay on: “Sawai jai Singh, the astronomer” [2001, 20m]

2. What was the Indian response to European Technology? [2010, 30m]

3. Assess the development of Science and Technology in the Mughal period. [2013, 20m]