[Topic wise IAS Medieval Indian History Question Bank (1979-2015)]: (8) Akbar

Conquests and consolidation of the Empire
Establishment of Jagir and Mansab systems
Rajput policy
Evolution of religious and social outlook, theory of Sulh-i-kul and religious policy
Court patronage of art and technology
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Conquests and consolidation of the Empire

1. Write a short essay on: “Hemu vikramaditya” [2001, 20m]

2. Analyze how the political processes of state formation of Mewar, from 10th-15th century CE was challenged in the 16th century CE by the imperialist policy of Akbar. [2013, 15]

Establishment of Jagir and Mansab systems

1. Bring out the main features of the Mansab and Jagir systems with special reference to the reign of Akbar. [1987, 60m]

2. Analyse the merits and demerits of the Mansabdari System. How did it work under Akbar’s successors? [1993, 60m]

3. Write a short essay on: “Mansabdari System” [2002, 20m]

4. Examine the Mansab and Jagir system by Akbar and its subsequent failure in the 18th century. [2011, 30m]

5. How was lqta system of the Sultans different from the Jagir system under the Mughals? [2014, 15m]

Rajput policy

1. Write a short essay on: “Rana Pratap’s patriotism was his only offence.” [1999, 20m]

2. “Akbar built the Mughal Empire by enlisting the support Rajputs.”  Do you agree? [2003, 60m]

3. Akbar built the Mughal Empire by enlisting the support of the Rajputs; Aurangzeb destroyed it by alienating the Rajputs.” Discuss critically. [2007, 60m]

4. Describe the Rajput policy of the Mughal emperors. Do you agree with the view that the reversal of Akbar’s Rajput policy by Aurangzeb was responsible for the disintegration of the Mughal Empire? [2000, 60m]

Evolution of religious and social outlook, theory of Sulh-i-kul and religious policy

1. What motivated Akbar to enunciate Din-i-Ilahi? How far did he succeed in spreading it? [1983, 20m]

2. “In medieval Indian history Akbar is unique for his religio-political ideas and policies.” Discuss the statement and compare Akbar with Sher Shah in regard to their administrative policies and revenue administration. [1990, 60m]

3. Highlight the catholicity of Akbar’s regime with suitable examples. [1997, 60m]

4.  Trace the evolution of the religious views of Akbar. Write a note on his policy of Sulh-i kul. [2002, 60m]

5. Was Din-i-Ilahi ‘a monument of Akbar’s folly’? [2004, 20m]

6. Write a short essay on: “Religious tolerance of Akbar.” [2006, 20m]

7. “In medieval Indian history Akbar was unique for his religio-political ideas and policies.” Analyse this statement. [2015, 15m]

8. Write a short Essay on: “Implications of Akbar’s notion of Sulh-i-kul.”  [2009, 20m]

Court patronage of art and technology

1. Give an estimate of Akbar as a promoter of technology. [2009, 30m]