SNBP WORLD SCHOOL, RAHATANI
2023-24
Topic – The Creation of Empire
D. Answer the following questions:
1. Why did Babur invade India?
Ans. Babur, the ruler of Kabul was invited by the Afghan noble Daulat Khan Lodi to invade
India. He invaded India by defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. He
invaded India because –
a) He was attracted by the fabulous wealth of India
b) He wanted to regain the lost territories won by Timur.
2. Briefly describe the political conditions of India in 1526 CE.
Ans. At the beginning of the 16th century, India presented a picture of political disunity and
fragmentation. There was a complete absence of central authority and the small kingdoms
were constantly at war with each other. During this time Babur was invited to invade India.
Thus, in the first Battle of Panipat (1526), Babur took the control of India by defeating
Ibrahim Lodi.
3. Who built the Taj Mahal and why?
Ans. Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, was built by Shah Jahan in the loving
memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
4. Give two important features of Mughal administration.
Ans. Important aspects of Mughal administration are as follows:
a) The empire was divided into subas (provinces), each governed by a subedar. The subas
were further divided into sarkars (districts), which were further divided into parganas,
each made up of number of villages.
The emperor was assisted by a number of ministers like Wazir (prime minister), Diwan
(finance minister), Mir Bakshi (military general) and Sadr (in charge of religious affairs)
5. Why do you think Panipat became a common site for many battles?
SNBP WORLD SCHOOL, RAHATANI
2023-24
Ans. Panipat is located in the present-day Haryana, was strategically important because of
its location. It is located in the Indus-Gangetic plains. Any Mughal invaders before entering
Delhi have to cross Panipat. Moreover, due to large plain ground it was convenient for
battle between two huge armies.
E. Answer the following questions in detail:
1. How did Babur establish himself in India?
Ans. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE) and brought the
entire area of Delhi and Agra under his control. Babur then strengthened his position in
Northern India by defeating Rana Sanga, then ruler of Mewar in the Battle of Khanua (1527
CE). He captured a number of forts which included Gwalior and Dholpur. He then captured
Chanderi from Medini Rao of Chanderi in Malwa. Another important military achievement
was in the Battle of Ghagra fought in 1529 CE. Babur inflicted a crushing defeat on the joint
forces of Afghan and the Sultan of Bengal. All these military campaigns helped Babur to
establish Mughal rule in India.
2. How can you say that Sher Shah Suri was the forerunner of Akbar in
administration? In the light of this view, analyse the administrative system of
Akbar.
Ans. Sher Shah Suri introduced a tax collection system, built roads and rest houses. He also
facilitated trade and communication and improved the system of justice. Many of these
measures were continued by Akbar. Akbar followed the policy of land revenue system of Sher
Shah with great precision, he reformed the military system which helped Akbar in the policy
of extension of empire. Like Sher Shah, Akbar also divided his empire into subas, then into
sarkars and then parganas. Akbar also engaged himself in public welfare activities.
3. Identify some measures of Aurangzeb which may have made him unpopular.
a. Ans. His policies had angered Rajputs and made them hostile towards him.
b. After executing the Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, on his refusal to embrace Islam, he became
unpopular among the Sikh community.
c. His policy of raising the land revenue from one-third to half of the total produce created
a lot of problems for the people of his kingdom.
d. He introduced jizyah (tax on non-Muslims).
e. He discontinued the policy of religious tolerance which was started by his greatgrandfather, Akbar.
SNBP WORLD SCHOOL, RAHATANI
2023-24
f. He forced many people to convert to Islam.
g. He banned dance and music during his reign.
4. ‘Humayun was to face many challenges when he became the emperor’. Elaborate
Ans. After becoming emperor, Humayun had to face several problems –
a) Faced problems of control, administration and finances
b) His brothers were dissatisfied with the territories that they had been given and
The kingdom was under threat from all sides – the Rajputs, Bahahdur Shah (the ruler of
Gujarat), and the Afghans (Sher Shah Suri) were preparing to fight Humayun.
5. Describe Akbar’s system of revenue collection.
Ans. Akbar’s land revenue system was the chief source of income to the Mughal empire.
Land revenue included the tax on the produce of the peasantry. The revenue system was
introduced by Akbar’s revenue minister, Raja Todar Mal named Bandobast. A careful survey
for a ten-year period was done focusing on crop yileds, prices and areas cultivated. On the
basis of gathered data tax was fixed on each crop. The state’s share was one-third of the
produce which could be paid either in cash or kind. Loans were extended to the farmers. In
case of any natural calamities, the government remitted the revenue. The system worked
well and the state had an assured supply of revenue.
Identify the given pictures below:
SNBP WORLD SCHOOL, RAHATANI
2023-24
Babur
Humayun
SNBP WORLD SCHOOL, RAHATANI
2023-24
Akbar
Jahangir
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2023-24
Shah Jahan
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Aurangzeb
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Sher Shah Suri