Day: October 26, 2026

Q. Discuss the causes of the rise and growth of regional kingdoms with special reference to Deccan in the 18th century. [UPSC- 2011] Ans: After Aurangzeb’s death (1707), the Mughal Empire fragmented into a number of regional kingdoms. Their rise had two sources. Some causes were negative: the Mughal centre declined through succession wars, factional […]

Q. What impact did Kabir and Nanak leave on Indian Society and Culture? [UPSC- 2003] Ans: Kabir (c. 1440–1518), a weaver of Banaras, and Guru Nanak (1469–1539), born at Talwandi (Nankana Sahib) in Punjab, were the leading voices of the nirguna bhakti (or sant) tradition, which worshipped a God without form. Both taught devotion to […]

Q. What European features were incorporated in the Mughal school of paintings? Did it absolve the traditional Persian influences of the Mughal paintings? Evaluate. [UPSC- 2026] Ans: From the 1580s, European art reached the Mughal court through Jesuit missionaries, traders and ambassadors. Mughal painters took up perspective, shading, naturalistic portraiture, Christian imagery and European symbols. […]

Q. Trace the formulation of the Mughal imperial authority from Akbar to Aurangzeb. Focus on the influence of Persian ideas of kingship in the construction of Mughal royalty. [UPSC- 2026] Ans: Mughal imperial authority was built not only through conquest and administration but also through an ideology of kingship. Much of that ideology came from […]