List of top History Questions on The Mughal Empire asked in CBSE CLASS XII

The imperial karkhanas

Bernier is perhaps the only historian who provides a detailed account of the working of the imperial karkhanas or workshops:

Large halls are seen at many places, called karkhanas or workshops for the artisans. In one hall, embroiderers are busily employed, superintended by a master. In another, you see the goldsmiths; in a third, painters; in a fourth, varnishers in lacquer-work; in a fifth, joiners, turners, tailors and shoe-makers; in a sixth, manufacturers of silk, brocade and fine muslins …

The artisans come every morning to their karkhanas where they remain employed the whole day; and in the evening return to their homes. In this quiet regular manner, their time glides away; no one aspiring for any improvement in the condition of life wherein he happens to be born.

Analyse the relationship between the Mughal empire and its artisans.

The imperial karkhanas

Bernier is perhaps the only historian who provides a detailed account of the working of the imperial karkhanas or workshops:

Large halls are seen at many places, called karkhanas or workshops for the artisans. In one hall, embroiderers are busily employed, superintended by a master. In another, you see the goldsmiths; in a third, painters; in a fourth, varnishers in lacquer-work; in a fifth, joiners, turners, tailors and shoe-makers; in a sixth, manufacturers of silk, brocade and fine muslins …

The artisans come every morning to their karkhanas where they remain employed the whole day; and in the evening return to their homes. In this quiet regular manner, their time glides away; no one aspiring for any improvement in the condition of life wherein he happens to be born.

How did the crafts in the karkhanas reflect the cultural diversity of the Mughal empire?

The imperial karkhanas

Bernier is perhaps the only historian who provides a detailed account of the working of the imperial karkhanas or workshops:

Large halls are seen at many places, called karkhanas or workshops for the artisans. In one hall, embroiderers are busily employed, superintended by a master. In another, you see the goldsmiths; in a third, painters; in a fourth, varnishers in lacquer-work; in a fifth, joiners, turners, tailors and shoe-makers; in a sixth, manufacturers of silk, brocade and fine muslins …

The artisans come every morning to their karkhanas where they remain employed the whole day; and in the evening return to their homes. In this quiet regular manner, their time glides away; no one aspiring for any improvement in the condition of life wherein he happens to be born.

How did Bernier’s description reflect the economic significance of the karkhanas in the Mughal empire?

“Many forest-dwelling communities maintained a significant level of political independence.” Examine the statement in the context of Mughal empire.
“Panchayats played a crucial role in the Mughal rural society.” Justify the statement with suitable arguments.
Which of the following features of ‘Mulk Abadi’ of Ain-i-Akbari helps historians to understand the administrative structure of the Mughal Empire?
Examine how the Mughal Panchayats influenced social and economic policies of the village.
How did the zamindars contribute to the functioning of Mughal governance? Explain.
Which of the following options represents the correct chronological order of Mughal rulers in India?
I. Reign of Aurangzeb
II. Reign of Akbar
III. Reign of Shah Jahan
IV. Reign of Jahangir
If you were researching the economic policies and revenue collection methods of Akbar’s reign, which of the following sections of the Ain-i-Akbari would provide the most relevant information?
In what ways do the challenges of inscriptional evidences restrict our ability to understand the past? Explain with examples.
Imagine if you were tasked with researching the contributions of women in Mughal rural society. How would you analyse their roles in agriculture and society? Explain.
Imagine if you were developing an educational programme on forest life during the Mughal era. What key aspects of the life of forest-dwellers during that time would you explain? Substantiate.
According to Montesquieu, how did the rulers in Asia manage their subjects? Choose the most appropriate option from the following.
Which of the following informations were included in the tables of the sarkars in the Ain-i-Akbari?
I. Grants of revenue in charity
II. Total area measured
III. Number of forts
IV. Biographies of officials
(32.3) Explain Pant’s views on the relationship between democracy and equality.
Mention any one neighbouring state of the Vijayanagara empire.
Examine the ‘Amara-nayaka system’ in the military and administrative structure of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Analyse the role of Krishnadeva Raya as the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Which of the following tribal kingdoms exerted considerable influence and played a significant role in the Mughal Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries?
I. Lohanis in Punjab
II. Ahoms in Assam
III. Koch in Bengal
IV. Kols in Singhbhum

Read the following statements about the Mauryan Empire:
I. The growth of Magadha culminated in the emergence of the Mauryan Empire.
II. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire.
III. Kautilya was the successor of Chandragupta Maurya.
IV. Asoka was the son of Chandragupta Maurya.
Which of the above statements are correct?