AKBAR – COMPLETE EXERCISE SOLUTIONS

History | Questions and Answers | Easy Language

1. Choose the Correct Answer

a) When was the Battle of Haldighati fought?
Answer: 1576 CE

b) The meaning of Sulh-i-Kul is ______.
Answer: Universal peace

c) Where did Akbar establish his new capital?
Answer: Fatehpur Sikri

d) The land revenue during Akbar's period was ______ of the average produce.
Answer: One-third

e) Assertion and Reason:
Answer: (iii) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Answer in One Word

a) Hall of prayer set up by Akbar – Ibadat Khana

b) A famous musician in Akbar's court – Tansen

c) Abul Fazl's biography of Akbar – Akbarnama

d) A famous Persian poet of Akbar's court – Faizi

e) The literary work by Tulsidas – Ramcharitmanas

3. Write Short Notes

a) Conquest of Gujarat
Akbar conquered Gujarat in 1572–1573 CE. This victory gave the Mughals control over important trade routes and ports. Gujarat helped increase the wealth of the Mughal Empire.

b) Council of Ministers under Akbar
Akbar had important ministers to help him govern the empire. The main ministers included the Wazir (finance), Mir Bakshi (military), Sadr-us-Sudur (religious affairs) and Qazi (justice).

c) Social Reforms under Akbar
Akbar introduced several social reforms. He discouraged child marriage, supported widow remarriage and took steps against the practice of sati. He also abolished the pilgrimage tax and the jizya tax.

d) Ibadat Khana
Akbar built the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 CE. It was a place where religious scholars discussed their beliefs. Akbar encouraged respect and understanding among different religions.

e) Music under Akbar
Music flourished during Akbar's reign. Tansen was the most famous musician in his court. Akbar encouraged singers and musicians, making music an important part of Mughal culture.

4. Answer the Following Questions Briefly

a) What was the contribution of Bairam Khan in Akbar's life?
Bairam Khan was Akbar's guardian and chief adviser when Akbar became king at a young age. He helped Akbar strengthen his rule and win the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556.

b) What was the extent of Akbar's empire in 1605 CE?
By 1605 CE, Akbar's empire included much of northern and central India, Gujarat, Bengal, Bihar, parts of the Deccan and territories in the northwest.

c) Mention a few features of centralised administration under Akbar.

  • The emperor was the supreme authority.
  • Ministers helped him manage the empire.
  • The empire was divided into provinces and districts.
  • Officials managed the army, revenue and justice.

d) Briefly explain Akbar's conflict with the rulers of Mewar.
Akbar wanted the rulers of Mewar to accept Mughal authority. Maharana Pratap resisted him. The Battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 CE between Maharana Pratap's forces and the Mughal army.

e) In which ways did the revenue administration support the peasants?
Land was measured, and revenue was assessed according to the land and its production. Farmers could pay revenue in cash or kind. The system aimed to make tax collection more organised.

f) What was Akbar's contribution in the field of architecture?
Akbar built many impressive buildings, including Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza and Agra Fort. His architecture combined Indian and Persian styles.

5. Answer the Following Questions in Detail

a) Describe Akbar's relationship with the Rajputs.

Akbar followed a friendly policy towards many Rajput rulers.

  • He formed marriage alliances with some Rajput royal families.
  • He gave many Rajput rulers important positions in his administration and army.
  • He respected their customs and allowed them to follow their religion.
  • Raja Man Singh was an important Rajput general in Akbar's army.
  • However, some rulers, especially Maharana Pratap of Mewar, resisted Mughal rule.

This policy helped Akbar strengthen and expand his empire.

b) What are the key features of the mansabdari system?

Akbar introduced the mansabdari system to organise the administration and army.

  • Every officer was given a rank called a mansab.
  • The rank decided the officer's status and salary.
  • Mansabdars performed administrative and military duties.
  • They were required to maintain soldiers according to their rank.
  • Their ranks and duties could be changed by the emperor.
  • The system helped Akbar control his officials and army.

c) Discuss in detail Akbar's religious policy.

Akbar followed a policy of religious tolerance.

  • He respected people of different religions.
  • He abolished the pilgrimage tax in 1563 and the jizya tax in 1564.
  • He built the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri for religious discussions.
  • He followed the idea of Sulh-i-Kul, meaning universal peace.
  • He introduced Din-i-Ilahi in 1582 as a small ethical and spiritual order.
  • He encouraged peace and understanding among different communities.

His religious policy helped promote unity in the empire.

d) What were the names of the land revenue systems under Akbar? Explain their features.

The main land revenue arrangements included the Zabti system, Dahsala system and Batai system.

1. Zabti System:
Land was measured, and revenue was fixed according to its area and productivity.

2. Dahsala System:
Introduced under the supervision of Raja Todar Mal, it used the average prices and produce of the previous ten years to calculate revenue rates.

3. Batai System:
The actual crop was divided between the state and the cultivator according to the agreed share.

These systems aimed to organise revenue collection and make assessment more systematic.

e) How was the provincial and district administration structured under Akbar?

Akbar divided his empire into provinces called Subas.

  • Suba: Governed by a Subadar, who maintained law and order.
  • Diwan: Managed revenue and financial matters.
  • Bakshi: Looked after military matters.
  • Sarkar: A district-level administrative unit.
  • Faujdar: Maintained law and order in important areas.
  • Amalguzar: Collected land revenue.
  • Pargana: A smaller unit containing several villages.
  • Village: The village headman and local officials managed village affairs.

This system helped Akbar govern his large empire efficiently.

6. Picture Study

a) Identify the ruler.
Answer: Akbar

b) Name two of his innovations in the field of administration.

  1. Mansabdari system
  2. Dahsala land revenue system

c) Mention two social reforms introduced by him.

  1. He discouraged child marriage.
  2. He took steps against the practice of sati.

7. Map Skill

Mark and label the following places on an outline map of India:

  1. Fatehpur Sikri: Uttar Pradesh
  2. Panipat: Haryana
  3. Malwa: Mainly western Madhya Pradesh
  4. Gondwana: A historical region covering parts of central India
  5. Khandesh: Northwestern Maharashtra

8. Time to Think

Question: Critically reflect upon the value of Din-i-Ilahi and its relevance in today's world.

Answer:
Din-i-Ilahi reflected Akbar's desire for peace, tolerance and respect among religions. Although it was followed by very few people, its underlying values remain important today. People should respect different beliefs, avoid religious discrimination and live peacefully with one another. These values can help build a united and harmonious society.

Thank You!

Keep Learning | Keep Practising | Keep Growing