Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 7 History Civics Chapter 9 Akbar

EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

Question 1: In the Second Battle of Panipat which took place in November 1556, the Mughal army under the leadership of Bairam Khan defeated General Hemu.

Answer: November 1556, Bairam Khan, General Hemu.
This battle was a turning point in history as it firmly re-established the Mughal Empire in India. Bairam Khan acted as the protector and commander for the young Akbar during this critical fight.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the year 1556 as the "starting gate" for Akbar's long reign.
Exam Tip: Mentioning both the month and the year (November 1556) shows you have read the textbook thoroughly.

Question 2: Akbar held regular meetings with his senior officers in the Diwan-i-Khas and he met his subjects in the Diwan-i-Aam.

Answer: Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam.
The Diwan-i-Khas was a private hall for discussing secret state matters with trusted ministers. The Diwan-i-Aam was a public hall where the common people could directly bring their problems to the Emperor.
Teacher's Tip: 'Khas' sounds like 'Khaas' (Special/Private) and 'Aam' means 'Common' (Public).
Exam Tip: Don't confuse the two halls; always associate 'Khas' with officers and 'Aam' with the general public.

Question 3: The Mughal empire was divided into fifteen provinces and subas which were further subdivided into districts or Sarkars.

Answer: fifteen, districts or Sarkars.
Akbar organized his empire efficiently into fifteen administrative units called Subas to manage the land better. These Subas were then broken down into smaller areas called Sarkars for local governance.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a Suba as a modern-day State and a Sarkar as a modern District.
Exam Tip: Remember the specific number "fifteen" as it is a common factual question in history tests.

Question 4: The land revenue system introduced by Akbar was known as the Toda Mai's Bandobast system.

Answer: Toda Mai's Bandobast system.
This system involved measuring the land and calculating taxes based on the average produce of the previous ten years. It brought fairness to the farmers and a steady income to the royal treasury.
Teacher's Tip: The word 'Bandobast' simply means 'arrangement' or 'organization' of taxes.
Exam Tip: Ensure you spell "Bandobast" correctly to secure full marks for this technical term.

Question 5: The minimum age of marriage was raised to fourteen years for girls and sixteen years for boys.

Answer: fourteen, sixteen.
Akbar was a social reformer who tried to stop the practice of child marriage in medieval India. He believed that young people should be physically and mentally ready before starting a family.
Teacher's Tip: Use a 2-year difference (14 for girls, 16 for boys) to remember these numbers easily.
Exam Tip: Clearly state which age belongs to which gender to avoid losing half-marks.

Question 6: Two great poets patronized by Akbar were Faizi and Raja Birbal

Answer: Faizi, Raja Birbal.
Akbar's court was a center of culture where he supported many talented writers and thinkers. Faizi was a master of Persian poetry, while Birbal was famous for his wit and Hindi verse.
Teacher's Tip: Birbal is well-known for his stories, but remember he was officially a poet in the court too.
Exam Tip: Provide the full names "Faizi" and "Raja Birbal" for a complete answer.

B. Match the following :

A
1. Abul Fazl
2. Faizi
3. Tansen
4. Birbal
5. Raja Man Singh
B
(a) Hindustani music
(b) military commander
(c) Persian poet laureate
(d) Akbarnama
(e) Akbar's constant companion
Answer:
1. Abul Fazl - (d) Akbarnama
2. Faizi - (c) Persian poet laureate
3. Tansen - (a) Hindustani music
4. Birbal - (e) Akbar's constant companion
5. Raja Man Singh - (b) military commander

These individuals were the famous "Navratnas" or Nine Jewels of Akbar's court. Each person contributed their unique skill, whether in writing history, composing music, or leading the army.
Teacher's Tip: Match the person to their "Superpower" (Tansen = Singing, Man Singh = Fighting).
Exam Tip: In matching questions, rewriting the pairs as "1 - (d)" and also writing the words is the safest way to score.

C. Choose the correct answer :

Question 1: Akbar was 13/15/17 years old when he was proclaimed emperor.
Answer: Akbar was 13 years old when he was proclaimed emperor.
Akbar was just a young teenager when his father, Humayun, passed away suddenly. Because he was so young, he had to rely on his guardian Bairam Khan to help him rule at first.
Teacher's Tip: Think of how young you are in class 7 or 8—that was Akbar's age when he became king!
Exam Tip: Choose the lowest number (13) if you ever forget his age at accession.

Question 2: Rana Udai Singh/Jai Mal/Rana Pratap Singh was defeated by the Mughal forces in the Battle of Haldighati.
Answer: Rana Pratap Singh was defeated by the Mughal forces in the Battle of Haldighati.
The Battle of Haldighati in 1576 was a fierce struggle for independence by the Rajputs of Mewar. Although the Mughals won, Rana Pratap never fully surrendered his spirit or his claim to his land.
Teacher's Tip: Haldighati is named after the yellow soil that looks like Turmeric (Haldi).
Exam Tip: Associate Rana Pratap specifically with the word "Haldighati" for quick recall.

Question 3: In 1575 CE, Akbar built the Ibadat Khana in his new capital for discussions on politics/religious/warfare.
Answer: In 1575 CE, Akbar built the Ibadat Khana in his new capital for discussions on religious.
The Ibadat Khana, or House of Worship, was a place where thinkers from all faiths came to talk about God. Akbar used these discussions to understand the common truths shared by all different religions.
Teacher's Tip: 'Ibadat' means prayer or worship, so it has to be about religion.
Exam Tip: Remember the date 1575 CE as the year Akbar started his deep religious exploration.

Question 4: Akbar founded a new religious order which he called Din -i-Ilahi/Mahzar/Sulh-i-kul.
Answer: Akbar founded a new religious order which he called Din- i-Ilahi.
Din-i-Ilahi, meaning "Divine Faith," was a code of conduct based on morality and ethics rather than strict rituals. It aimed to unite all the people of his empire under one spiritual path of peace.
Teacher's Tip: Din-i-Ilahi is like a "Greatest Hits" album of all the best religious ideas.
Exam Tip: Don't confuse "Din-i-Ilahi" (the order) with "Sulh-i-kul" (the policy of universal peace).

Question 5: The court language used in Akbar's court was Turkish/ Persian/Sanskrit.
Answer: The court language used in Akbar's court was Persian.
Although the Mughals were originally of Turkish descent, they adopted Persian culture and language for all official business. Most of the great literature and history of that time was written in Persian.
Teacher's Tip: Persian was the "English" of medieval Asia—the language of the educated and the elite.
Exam Tip: Always pick Persian for the "Official Court Language" of the Mughals.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

Question 1: Akbar assumed absolute power and authority at the age of 21.
Answer: False.
Correct: Akbar assumed absolute power and authority at the age of 18.
By the age of 18, Akbar decided he no longer needed a guardian and took full control from Bairam Khan. This marked the beginning of his independent and very successful period of rule.
Teacher's Tip: 18 is the age of adulthood today, and it was for Akbar too!
Exam Tip: When an answer is False, you must provide the Correct statement to get full marks.

Question 2: Akbar held regular meetings with the senior officers in the Diwan-i-Khas.
Answer: True.
This helped him keep a close watch on administration and receive expert advice from his ministers. Regular communication was the secret to his very successful and organized government.
Teacher's Tip: Think of this as the "Cabinet Meeting" of the Mughal Emperor.
Exam Tip: If the question mentions "senior officers," it is always the Diwan-i-Khas.

Question 3: In each suba, the diwan kept records of the land revenue.
Answer: True.
The Diwan was the provincial minister specifically responsible for finance and taxes. By keeping careful records, the government ensured that they collected exactly what was owed.
Teacher's Tip: Diwan = Data manager for money (D for Diwan, D for Data).
Exam Tip: The Diwan and Subedar worked together but handled different duties (Money vs Military).

Question 4: Din-i-Ilahi was adopted by all the people in Akbar's empire.
Answer: False.
Correct : Din-i-Ilahi was introduced by all the people in Akbar's empire.
Actually, very few people joined the order, and it mostly remained limited to a few close followers like Birbal. Akbar never forced anyone to follow it, as he respected freedom of belief.
Teacher's Tip: Religion cannot be forced if you want "Sulh-i-kul" (Peace).
Exam Tip: The word "all" in a historical statement often makes it "False."

Question 5: Akbar was illiterate but he had a passion for books.
Answer: True.
Akbar could not read or write himself because he spent his childhood in exile and war. However, he had a massive library and people would read books out loud to him every single day.
Teacher's Tip: This shows you don't need to read to be incredibly smart and wise.
Exam Tip: Use this point to show Akbar's intellectual curiosity despite his lack of schooling.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences :

Question 1: What role did Bairam Khan play when Akbar ascended the throne?
Answer: Bairam Khan managed the affairs of the state on behalf of Akbar.
He served as Akbar's regent and protector, guiding him through military battles and political decisions. He was the one who actually led the Mughal army to victory at the Second Battle of Panipat.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Bairam Khan as Akbar's "Coach" or "Guardian."
Exam Tip: Use the word "Regent" to describe his role for a more professional answer.

Question 2: What is the significance of the Second Battle of Panipat (1556 CE)?
Answer: In the second battle of Panipat, Akbar's army under the leadership of Bairam Khan defeated and skilled Hemu, the general' of Adil Shah who had occupied the city of Delhi. Due to this battle, the Afghan power was crushed and Akbar's throne became safe from enemies.
The victory ensured that the Mughal dynasty would continue to rule India for centuries to come. It ended the immediate threat from the Afghan challengers who wanted to take back Delhi.
Teacher's Tip: Panipat Part 2 = Mughals are back for good!
Exam Tip: Mention that the battle "saved Akbar's throne" to explain its true importance.

Question 3: Why did Akbar embark on a policy of conquest and annexation?
Answer: Akbar embarked on a policy of conquest and annexation. His aim was to bring the entire country under his control.
He believed that a large, unified empire would be more peaceful and easier to protect from foreign invaders. By expanding his borders, he became the supreme power in the Indian subcontinent.
Teacher's Tip: Akbar wanted to be the "King of Kings" over all of India.
Exam Tip: Use the phrase "unification of the country" to describe the motive behind his conquests.

Question 4: Why did Akbar follow a policy of friendship with the Rajput?
Answer: Akbar realized that Delhi and Agra could never be safe until the Rajputs were subdued. He also realized that the friendship and support of the Rajputs would be of great help in strengthening and expanding the Mughal empire.
The Rajputs were very brave warriors, and Akbar knew it was better to have them as allies than as enemies. Their support helped him maintain peace in North India for a very long time.
Teacher's Tip: He turned "Strong Foes" into "Strong Friends" through his clever policy.
Exam Tip: Highlight both "safety" and "expansion" as the two main reasons for this friendship.

Question 5: Why is the memory of Rana Pratap Singh still honoured in Rajasthan?
Answer: People in Rajasthan still honour the memory of Rana Pratap Singh because his whole life he fought for throwing the Mughal's out of their territory.
He is a symbol of immense courage and patriotism because he chose to live in the forests and suffer rather than surrender to Akbar. His legendary horse, Chetak, is also remembered for its loyalty during battle.
Teacher's Tip: Rana Pratap is the "Ultimate Hero" of Rajput pride and independence.
Exam Tip: Use the word "patriotism" or "independence" to describe his lifelong struggle.

Question 6: What do you understand by the term 'mansab'?
Answer: The term 'mansab' means office or rank.
It was a position given to government officials that determined their status and their salary. Every Mansabdar had to maintain a certain number of soldiers for the Mughal army based on this rank.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 'Mansab' like a job title or a military rank in the army.
Exam Tip: Keep your answer short; just the meaning of the word is usually enough for 1 mark.

Question 7: Who had the power to appoint and dismiss the mansabdars?
Answer: The mansabdars were appointed, promoted or dismissed by the emperor.
This ensured that the officials remained loyal only to the Emperor and not to local leaders. By keeping this power, Akbar prevented his nobles from becoming too powerful or independent.
Teacher's Tip: The "Big Boss" (Emperor) makes all the hiring and firing decisions.
Exam Tip: Mention that this control helped the Emperor maintain his "absolute authority."

Question 8: Mention any one tax abolished by Akbar as a part of his policy of religious tolerance.
Answer: Akbar abolished the jaziya (poll) tax and the pilgrim tax.
The Jaziya was a special tax that non-Muslims had to pay, and the Pilgrim tax was charged on Hindus visiting holy places. Removing these taxes made his Hindu subjects feel equal and respected in the empire.
Teacher's Tip: Think of these as "Unfair Taxes" that Akbar wiped away to make people happy.
Exam Tip: If you mention both taxes, you are more likely to get full marks even if only one is asked.

Question 9: What power did Akbar gain through the Mahzar?
Answer: Akbar issued a declaration called Mahzar, which gave him the power to choose between different interpretations of Islamic law.
This made the Emperor the final authority in religious disputes, reducing the power of the orthodox religious leaders (Ulemas). It allowed him to make laws that were more suitable for a diverse country like India.
Teacher's Tip: The Mahzar was Akbar's "Final Word" in any religious argument.
Exam Tip: Define the Mahzar as the "Infallibility Decree" to show deeper understanding.

Question 10: Why did Akbar encourage the study of secular subjects?
Answer: Akbar encourage the study of secular subjects like Mathematics, Agriculture, Logic, History and Astronomy to increase the knowledge of people and to promote religious harmony.
He believed that practical education would help improve the lives of his people and the efficiency of the state. These subjects were common to all religions and helped people think more logically and scientifically.
Teacher's Tip: Secular subjects are like "School Subjects" (Maths/Science) that aren't about any one religion.
Exam Tip: List at least three subjects (e.g., Maths, History, Astronomy) for a better score.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1: Why was Akbar's position unstable and insecure when he ascended the throne of Delhi?
Answer: Akbar's position was unstable and insecure, when he ascended the throne of Delhi because his empire was surrounded by enemies on all the sides. Adil Shah who was the nephew of Sher Shah was determined to capture Delhi and re-establish the Afghan rule. Even the Rajputs were waiting for suitable opportunity to throw the Mughals out of India.
He was very young, and his treasury was nearly empty after years of war and exile. His own relatives and generals were also sometimes untrustworthy, making his grip on power very fragile.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Akbar as a "Child King" in a room full of "Angry Giants."
Exam Tip: Mention "Adil Shah" and "Rajputs" as the two main groups of enemies.

Question 2: Rana Udai Singh of Mewar rejected Akbar's offer of friendship and refused to submit to him. In this context, discuss : (a) Subjugation of Rana Udai Singh (b) Conflict with Rana Pratap Singh
Answer: (a) The Rana of Mewar was considered to be the head of the Rajput clans. He refused to submit to Akbar and rejected his proposal of a matrimonial alliance. Akbar marched against Chittor, the capital city of Mewar. Udai Singh escaped to the hills, leaving the defence of Chittor to Jai Mai, the commander of the Rajput forces. For 4 months, the Mughal army tried in vain to capture the fort of Chittor. Resistance collapsed when Jai Mai was killed. All the Rajput women performed jauhar. The heroic Rajputs rushed out in a desperate bid to destroy the enemy. They perished fighting. The capture of Chittor was followed by the fall of Ranthambore. By 1570 CE, practically all the Rajput princes had accepted Akbar as their overlord.
(b) The Rajputs of Mewar, however, refused to submit. Having lost Chittor, their capital city, they rallied around Rana Pratap, the valiant son of Udai Singh. After his escape to the hills, Udai Singh had built a new capital called Udaipur. After Udai Singh's death, Rana Pratap carried on the struggle against the Mughals. With a great deal of difficulty, Rana Pratap organized and army and clashed with the Mughal forces in the Battle of Haldighati 1576 CE. The Mughal forces were led by the Rajput chief, Raja Man Singh of Amber. The Rajputs were outnumbered and defeated by the Mughal army. Rana Pratap took shelter in a mountain fortress and continued his efforts to recover Chittor. He was able to recover parts of his territories before his death, but not Chittor.
Mewar became the only major kingdom that stood up to Akbar for decades, showing incredible bravery and honor. This long conflict proved that while Akbar was powerful, the spirit of the Rajputs was nearly unbreakable.
Teacher's Tip: Subjugation (part a) means 'bringing under control' and Conflict (part b) means 'fighting'.
Exam Tip: Remember the specific battle name "Haldighati" and the year "1576" for part (b).

Question 3: Discuss the power and position of the emperor in the central administration.
Answer: 1. The emperor was an extremely powerful figure. His decisions on all matter - military, political, administrative and judicial-were final. His word was law. He was the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the supreme 'judge on all matters of justice.
2. He was assisted by a team of ministers and officials. The appointment, promotion and dismissal of all officials,including commanders of the army, was the sole right of the emperor. The success of this system depended largely on the personality of the emperor and his wisdom to choose the right person for the right job.
Akbar was the center of everything in the Mughal government, like the sun in the solar system. Even though he had ministers to help him, nothing could happen without his final approval.
Teacher's Tip: Use the phrase "The word of the King is the Law" to summarize his power.
Exam Tip: Mention that the Emperor was the head of ALL branches: Military, Law, and Politics.

Question 4: Who assisted the emperor in the administration of the empire? What were their responsibilities and functions?
Answer: The emperor was assisted by a team of ministers and officials for proper administration of the empire. Their names and functions are as follows :
1. Wazir Dewan : He was the head of the revenue department.
2. Mir Bakshi : He was the head of the military department and the paymaster of all mansabdars.
3. The Qazi : He was the chief judge.
4. Chief Sadr : He was the supervisor of the royal household.
5. Vakil : He was the head of the advisory board.
This team worked like a modern cabinet of ministers, where each person looked after a specific department. This division of work allowed a massive empire to be governed efficiently from the capital.
Teacher's Tip: Mir Bakshi is like the "Defense Minister" and Wazir is like the "Finance Minister."
Exam Tip: Write these as a numbered list with the official title and function side-by-side.

Question 5: Explain any any five main features of the mansabdari system introduced by Akbar.
Answer: Under this system, every official was given a rank or a mansab. The rank depended on the nature and importance of the job. The lowest rank was that of an officer in charge of ten horsemen, while the highest mansab was that of an officer maintaining 7,000 horseman. The mansab's were given salary in accordance with their rank. They were usually paid in the form of jagirs.
This system combined civil and military roles into one single ranking structure for all officers. It allowed Akbar to maintain a huge army without having all the soldiers living in one place.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a 'Mansab' as a "Military Grade" (like General or Captain) for all government workers.
Exam Tip: Mention that the highest ranks (like 7,000) were usually reserved for royal family members.

Question 6: What measures did Akbar adopt to reorganize and strengthen the army?
Answer: 1. Every official in the imperial service was given a rank or a mansab. The rank depended on the nature and importance of the job. The lowest rank was that of an officer in charge of ten horsemen, while the highest mansab was that of an officer maintaining 7,000 horseman. The higher mansabs were reserved for the members of the royal family.
2. The mansabdars were appointed, promoted or dismissed by the emperor.
3. They were given a salary in accordance with their rank. Later, they began to be paid in the form of jagirs. They were entitled to a fixed amount of revenue from the jagir as salaiy for themselves and their troops.
4. A mansab or rank was not hereditary. After the death of the mansabdar, the jagir reverted to the king, who granted it to someone else.
5. The mansabdars did not have any authority or responsibility of administering the jagir.
6. The system of branding horses and maintaining a descriptive roll of the soldiers was adopted by Akbar.
7. Akbar also maintained a standing army. The cavalry was the most important branch of the Mughal army. The troops were mainly supplied by the mansabdars. The emperor also directly recruited and maintained a battalion of loyal and trusted soldiers. He maintained a corps of royal bodyguards and armed palace guards, a large number of war elephants and a well-organized artillery.
Akbar's army was a mix of troops provided by nobles and soldiers paid directly by him, making it very large and stable. Using technology like artillery and war elephants made the Mughal force nearly unstoppable in battle.
Teacher's Tip: 'Dagh' (branding horses) and 'Chehra' (soldier descriptions) prevented cheating in the army.
Exam Tip: Use the term "non-hereditary" to explain why the Emperor had so much control over his nobles.

Question 7: Explain the important features of the land revenue system introduced by Todar Mai.
Answer: Todar Mai introduced a land revenue system known as Todar Mai's Bandobast.
1. Land was surveyed and measured with a bamboo jarib joined together with iron rings instead of the hemp rope used earlier.
2. The land was grouped into four categories depending on whether it was regularly or occasionally cultivated. It was classified further into good, middling and bad categories.
3. The average produce and the average price over the past 10 years were calculated. The revenue was calculated on the basis of these averages. One third of the average produce was the king's share. It could be paid in cash or kind, though cash was preferred.
4. The revenue officers were instructed to treat the peasants well.
5. Loans which could be paid back in easy instalments were advanced to the peasants to buy seeds, cattle and implements.
This was the most advanced tax system of its time because it considered the quality of the soil and the weather. By helping farmers with loans, Akbar ensured that they stayed on their land and continued to produce food for the empire.
Teacher's Tip: The 'Jarib' was like a medieval measuring tape that didn't stretch when it got wet.
Exam Tip: Use the number "1/3" (one-third) for the king's share of the crops.

Question 8: What policies did Akbar follow to transform the Islamic state into a secular one and unite the diverse races in the country into a single nation based on equality?
Answer: Akbar took following steps to transform the Islamic state into a secular one and unite the diverse races in the country into a single nation based on equality :
1. He abolished the Jaziya tax which was imposed by earlier Muslim rulers on all non-Muslim subjects and pilgrim tax imposed on Hindus visiting places of pilgrimage.
2. He allowed Hindus to build temples, celebrate festivals and worship freely. He even allowed his Hindu wives to celebrate festivals like Holi and Diwali.
3. He gave high posts to talented and competent Hindus in his court, examples are : Todar Mal, Birbal and Raja Bhagwan Das.
4. He married Rajput princesses and allowed them freedom of worship.
5. He granted land to all persons irrespective of their religious faith
Akbar realized that to rule a country with so many religions, he had to treat everyone fairly and equally. This policy of tolerance, called Sulh-i-kul, made him the most beloved emperor in Indian history.
Teacher's Tip: "Sulh-i-kul" means "Universal Peace" with everyone.
Exam Tip: Naming specific Hindu officers like "Todar Mal" or "Birbal" strengthens your answer.

Question 9: Briefly explain the features and objectives of the Din- i-Ilahi?
Answer: Akbar formed a new religious order which was called Din- i-Ilahi or divine faith. The main features of this religion were belief in one God and recognition of the emperor as God's representative on earth. Din-i-Ilahi was more like a code of conduct and there was no sacred books, no priestly classes, no places of worship and no rituals in it.
The main objective of establishing it was to provide a religious order which would be acceptable to the Hindu, Muslims and other communities and to promote universal brotherhood and national unity.
Din-i-Ilahi wasn't meant to replace Islam or Hinduism, but to take the best parts of all religions and put them together. It emphasized good behavior, like being kind and honest, over complicated ceremonies.
Teacher's Tip: It was more of a "Moral Guidebook" than a new religion with temples.
Exam Tip: Mention that it had "no rituals and no sacred books" to distinguish it from other religions.

Question 10: Mention the important features of Akbar's Rajput policy. Why did he adopt this policy and what were its results?
Answer: Akbar realized that the support of the Rajputs was necessary to build a powerful empire. For this he adopted the following policy :
1. Akbar treated the Rajputs with honour and equality and won their respect and loyalty.
2. He married Rajput princesses to strengthen his ties with Rajputs.
3. He appointed Rajputs on High posts in his court to win their friendship, loyalty and cooperation.
4. He abolished the Jaziya and pilgrim tax levied on Hindus.
5. Akbar did not annexed the kingdoms of the Rajput rulers but only asked them to recognize him as their overlord and pay him regular tribute. The result of adopting this policy was that Akbar won the loyalty and support of the Rajputs, Who formed the backbone of a strong and stable empire.
This policy was brilliant because it turned his fiercest enemies into his most loyal protectors. The Rajput generals led the Mughal armies to many of their greatest victories across India.
Teacher's Tip: He used "Friendship instead of Force" whenever possible.
Exam Tip: Mention that Rajputs became the "backbone" of the empire for full marks.

Question 11: Mention any two important social reforms introduced by Akbar?
Answer: Akbar introduced a number of social reforms to rid Indian society from some cruel practices like :
1. He abolished the sati pratha and legalized remarriage of widows.
2. He discouraged child marriage. He raised the minimum age of marriage of girls to fourteen years and of boys to sixteen years.
Akbar was far ahead of his time in wanting to improve the status of women and protect children. These reforms were intended to make the society more humane and just for everyone.
Teacher's Tip: Focus on the "Two S's" - Sati and Small-age marriage.
Exam Tip: Using the word "legalized" for widow remarriage shows a good grasp of legal history.

Question 12: Give an account of Akbar's cultural achievements with reference to : (a) Literature (b) Architecture
Answer: (a) Abul Fazl was Akbar's court historian. He wrote the Akbarnama, which is an excellent historical work in Persian.Hindi was also used in the Mughal court. Raja Birbal was made the Hindi Kavi Raj or poet laureate in Akbar's court. The Ramacharitamanas was written by Tulsidas, the greatest Hindi author in those tunes.
(b) Initially, the style of architecture was Persian, for instance. Humayun's Tomb. However, with the passage of time. Akbar's architectural style became more and more Indian. Inspired by the palaces of Hindu rajas. Akbar's later buildings reflect Rajput traditions. Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar's new capital city, contains many interesting Rajput-style buildings made of sandstone. It is referred to as a dream in stone. Among the many fine buildings are the Diwan-i-Khas. Panch Mahal. Jodha Bai's Palace and the Buland Darwaza.
Akbar created a unique "Indo-Persian" culture that blended the best of Central Asia and India. This is visible in his books and his buildings, which are still some of the most famous tourist attractions in India today.
Teacher's Tip: Fatehpur Sikri is known as a "Dream in Stone" because of its beauty.
Exam Tip: For part (a), mention "Abul Fazl" and for part (b), mention "Fatehpur Sikri."

G Picture study :

The picture depicts a Mughal emperor holding discussions on religious matters in the Ibadat Khana.

Question 1: Identify the emperor.
Answer: Akbar.
Akbar was the only Mughal ruler who showed such deep and open curiosity about all different religions. This painting represents his quest for knowledge and universal truth.
Teacher's Tip: If you see a king talking to monks and priests, it's almost always Akbar.
Exam Tip: Provide the full name "Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar" if you want to be extra precise.

Question 2: Which religious communities participated in the discussions?
Answer: Muslim clerics, Hindu scholars. Buddhist and Jain monks. Parsi priests. Christian missionaries, etc. assembled in the Ibadat Khanna.
This diverse group shows that Akbar wanted to hear every perspective before making his own spiritual decisions. It was probably the first "inter-faith" conference held in Indian history.
Teacher's Tip: Think of it as a "Global Religion Party" where everyone was invited to talk.
Exam Tip: List at least four different communities (e.g., Hindus, Buddhists, Parsis, Christians) to show variety.

Question 3: Why did the emperor organize these assemblies?
Answer: The Emperor organize these assemblies to explain the principles and teachings of all the religion.
He wanted to find out if there was one single truth that all religions agreed upon. These meetings eventually led him to create his own moral path, the Din-i-Ilahi.
Teacher's Tip: He was looking for the "Common Ground" between all people.
Exam Tip: Focus on the "pursuit of truth" as the main reason for these meetings.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1: Why did Akbar introduce the policy of establishing matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs?
Answer: Having understood the advantages of a friendly relationship with the Rajputs to acquire more power and kingdoms, he introduced the policy of establishing matrimonial alliances with them.
Marriage was a way to make these powerful warriors part of the royal Mughal family, ensuring their permanent loyalty. It was a diplomatic tool used to create peace and unity without fighting constant wars.
Teacher's Tip: Matrimonial alliances = "Marriage for Peace."
Exam Tip: Use the word "diplomacy" to describe why he chose marriage over war.

Question 2: Why did Akbar conquer Gujarat and Bengal?
Answer:
- Gujarat : Akbar conquered Gujarat because it was a rich province with fertile cotton fields, flourishing seaports and good trade market.
- Bengal : He also set his eyes on Bengal because it was also one of the most fertile and richest provinces in India. It had also good trade links with other countries.
Gujarat and Bengal were the "Gold Mines" of India because of their busy ports and foreign trade. Controlling them meant that Akbar had enough money to run his massive empire and pay his huge army.
Teacher's Tip: Use "Ports and Profits" to remember why he wanted Gujarat and Bengal.
Exam Tip: Label each province separately and mention "trade" for both to get full marks.

Question 3: What was the position of the emperor in the administrative set-up?
Answer: The emperor enjoyed extreme powers. His decisions on all matters like military, political, administrative and judicial were final. His word was law. He was the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the supreme judge on all matter of justice.
The entire empire revolved around the person of the Emperor, who was the ultimate boss. However, Akbar was wise enough to listen to his advisors before making these final decisions.
Teacher's Tip: He was the "Supreme Judge, Supreme Soldier, and Supreme Lawmaker."
Exam Tip: Use the term "Absolute Monarch" to describe his position.

Question 4: How was a uniform system of administration maintained throughout the empire?
Answer: The big empire was divided into fifteen provinces or subas. A governor or subedar was in charge of each province. The subedar had control over both military and civil affairs. The provinces were subdivided into districts or Sarkars, which were further subdivided into smaller units of administration called parganas. Each of these units had a team of government officials to manage all the affairs and the villages were managed by the village panchayats.
This hierarchical system meant that the laws made in Delhi reached all the way to the smallest village. It provided a clear chain of command and made the government very organized and stable.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the chain: Emperor → Subedar → Sarkar official → Village elders.
Exam Tip: List the divisions: Suba, Sarkar, Pargana, and Village in order.

Question 5: What happened to a mansabdar's jagir after his death?
Answer: The mansabdari system was not hereditary. After the death of the mansabdar his jagir came back to the king, who granted it to someone else.
This rule ensured that the power and wealth of a noble didn't stay in one family for generations, which kept the emperor in total control. It meant that every official had to work hard to earn their own position rather than just inheriting it from their father.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a "jagir" like a company car—you only get to keep it while you are working for the boss.
Exam Tip: Use the term "non-hereditary" to describe why the land went back to the emperor.

Question 6: Discuss Akbar's revenue system with reference to : 1. Survey and assessment of land 2. Revenue calculation 3. Relief measures
Answer: 1. Survey and assessment of land : The land was surveyed and measured with a bamboo jarib joined together with iron rings. The land was grouped into four categories depending on whether it was regularly or occasionally cultivated. It was further classified into good, middle and bad categories.
2. Revenue calculation : Revenue was calculated on the basis of average produce and average price of the past ten years. One third of the average produce was the king's share.
3. Relief measures : Many relief measures were adopted by the state like loans were granted to peasants which could be paid back in easy instalments and if the crops failed due to drought or flood the state even granted remission of revenue.
This detailed system was designed to be as fair as possible so that farmers were not overcharged for poor land. By calculating taxes over a ten-year period, the government ensured that one bad year didn't ruin the farmer's entire life.
Teacher's Tip: Use the acronym "S-C-R" (Survey, Calculation, Relief) to remember the three pillars of this system.
Exam Tip: Mentioning the "one-third" share for the king is essential for getting the full marks for the calculation part.

Question 7: How did the revenue system benefit the state and the farmers?
Answer: The revenue system benefited both the state and the farmers. This system provided the state with a fixed and steady source of income whereas to farmers it helped in many ways like the farmers were able to get loan on easy instalments for buying seeds, cattle and implements. The calculation of revenue was also based on the type of land i.e. good, bad or middle. If the crops of the farmers failed due to drought or flood the revenue was also remitted by the state.
The state could plan its budget better because it knew exactly how much money it would receive each year. Farmers felt safe because they knew they would get help from the king if natural disasters destroyed their crops.
Teacher's Tip: Think of it as a "fair deal" where both sides helped each other stay strong.
Exam Tip: When discussing benefits, always divide your points into what the "State" got and what the "Farmer" got.

Question 8: Why did Akbar build the Ibadat Khana?
Answer: Akbar built Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri for discussions on religious matters. Scholars, philosophers, priests, missionaries and religious leaders were invited here to hold discussions. These Dignities assembled in the Ibadat Khana and explained the principles and teachings of their respective religions.
Akbar was deeply curious about God and wanted to find the common truths that all different faiths shared. These meetings helped him promote peace and understanding throughout his diverse empire.
Teacher's Tip: 'Ibadat' means worship and 'Khana' means house—so it's simply the "House of Worship."
Exam Tip: Be sure to mention that it was located in his capital city, "Fatehpur Sikri."