Mughal Period Flashcards
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When was the foundation of the Mughal rule in India laid by Babur?
1526
Who was Babur a descendant of?
Timur and Chengiz Khan
Who did Babur defeat in the first battle of Panipat on April 21. 1526?
Ibrahim Lodhi
What did Babur establish after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi?
Mughal dynasty
Who did Babur defeat at Khanwa in 1527?
Rana Sanga of Mewar
In 1528. who did Babur defeat at Chanderi?
Medini Rai of Chanderi
In 1529. who did Babur defeat at Ghaghra?
Muhammad Lodhi (uncle of Ibrahim Lodhi)
When and where did Babur die?
In 1530. he died at Agra.
What is notable about his tomb’s location?
His tomb is at Kabul.
What military system did he adopt to use gunpowder and artillery in India for the first time?
Tughluma and flanking party system
What is the title of his autobiography written by him?
Tuzuk-i-Baburi or Memoirs of Babur translated into English by Madam Beveridge.
What are two anthologies of poems compiled by Abdur Rahim Khanekhana named?
Diwan-i-Rahim and Makhzan-i-Mu’ini (Persian)
Who was Humayun’s father and when did he ascend the throne?
Babur
Who challenged his succession to the throne?
His brothers Kamran. Hindal and Askari along with the Afghans
Which two battles did he fight and lose against Sher Shah?
Chausa (1539) and Kannauj/Bilgram (1540)
Where did he spend 12 years of his life in exile?
Iran
When did he invade India again and defeat his brothers and the Afghans?
1555
How and when did he die?
He died while climbing down the stairs of his library (at Din Panah) in 1556
Where was he buried?
Delhi
Who wrote his biography Humayunnama?
His sister. Gulbadan Begum
Who was Sher Shah and what was his empire called?
He was the son of Hasan Khan and his empire was called the Sur Empire or the Second Afghan Empire
When did he rule?
1540-45
Who were the nine jewels of Akbar and what were their roles?
Birbal (administrator). Abul Fazl (scholar and statesman). Todarmal (Finance Minister. brother of Abul Fazl). Faizi (scholar and statesman. brother of Abul Fazl). Man Singh (Mansabdar. grandson of Bharmal). Jagat Singh Bhagwandas (Mansabdar. son of Bharmal). Tansen (Musician. Mansabdar. grandson of Bharmal). Abul Rahim Khan-I-Khana (Statesman. Hindi poet). Mulla Do Piyaza
Which famous poet also lived during Akbar’s period?
Tulsidas (Ramcharitamanas)
Where was Akbar buried?
Sikandara near Agra
Who was Jahangir’s father and when did he ascend the throne?
Akbar
What were the 12 ordinances that he issued?
A set of laws or regulations that covered various aspects of administration. justice. trade. and social issues
What was Zanjir-i-Adal and where did he establish it?
A chain of justice that he hung at Agra Fort for seekers of royal justice
Who were the two representatives of England that came to Jahangir’s court and what were their roles?
Captain William Hawkins. a representative of East India Company who was given a mansab of 400
Who wrote his memoirs Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri in Persian and where was he buried?
Jahangir. Lahore
Who was Shahjahan’s mother and what was her original name?
Jagat Gosai/Jodha Bai. daughter of Raja Jagat Singh
When and why did his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal die?
In 1631. due to complications during childbirth
What did he build to perpetuate her memory and when?
The Taj Mahal at Agra in 1632-53
Who were the foreign travellers who described Shahjahan’s reign?
French travellers Bernier and Tavernier and the Italian traveller Niccolao Manucci
Who described the famine that occurred during Shahjahan’s time?
Peter Mundi
What is said about Shahjahan’s reign in terms of art. culture and empire?
It is said to have marked the pinnacle of Mughal art. culture and empire
What are some of the magnificent structures built during his reign?
The Red Fort. Jama Masjid and Taj Mahal
Who was the 9th Guru of Sikhs and how did he die?
Guru Teg Bahadur. he was executed by Aurangzeb in 1675 when he refused to embrace Islam
Who was the 10th and last Sikh Guru and what did he organise?
Guru Gobind Singh. he organised his followers into a community of warriors called Khalsa to fight the Muslim tyranny and avenge the killing of his father
How and when did Guru Gobind Singh die?
He was assassinated in 1708 by an Afghan at Nander in Deccan
Who was Banda Bahadur and what was his original name?
He was a trusted disciple of Guru Gobind Singh and continued the war against Mughals. his original name was Lachhman Dev
Who was the original name and title of Bahadur Shah I and when did he rule?
Muazzam. Shah Alam I.1707-1712
Who ascended the throne with the help of Zulfikar Khan and abolished Jaziya?
Jahandar Shah.1712-1713
Who ascended the throne with the help of Sayyid brothers and what were their names?
Farrukh Siyar. Abdulla Khan and Hussain Khan. 1713-1719
Who was raided by Nadir Shah in 1738-39 and what did he take away?
Muhammad Shah. Thakhti-Taus (the peacock throne) and Kohinoor diamond.1719-1748
Who marched towards Delhi and what did the Mughals cede to him?
Ahmad Shah Abdali (General of Nadir Shah). Punjab and Multan. 1748-1754
Who did Aurangzeb defeat at Dharmat(1658). Samugarh (1658) and Deorai?
Aurangzeb defeated Dara at Dharmat(1658). Samugarh (1658) and Deorai
What was the title Aurangzeb was crowned with at Delhi?
Aurangzeb was crowned with the title Alamgir
How long did Aurangzeb rule for?
Aurangzeb ruled for 50 years till his death in Feb. 1707 in Ahmadnagar
Who was Shivaji?
Shivaji was the most powerful Maratha king and an arch enemy of Aurangzeb
What did Aurangzeb do when he could not eliminate Shivaji?
Aurangzeb conspired in 1665 with Jai Singh of Amber. a Rajput. to eliminate Shivaji
When did Aurangzeb die and where was he buried?
Aurangzeb died in 1707 and he was buried at Khuldabad (Daulatabad)
What title was Aurangzeb called after his death?
He was called Zinda Pir. the living saint
Who was Alamgir II and what happened during his reign?
Alamgir II was the Mughal emperor from 1754 to 1759. During his reign. Ahmad Shah occupied Delhi and later. Delhi was plundered by Marathas.
Who was Shah Alam II and what was his relation to Delhi?
Shah Alam II was the Mughal emperor from 1759 to 1806. He was so powerless that he could not enter Delhi for 12 years due to the influence of Nazib Khan.
Who was Akbar II and what was his status?
Akbar II was the Mughal emperor from 1806 to 1837. He was a pensioner of the East India Company and had no real authority.
Who was Bahadur Shah II and what role did he play in 1857?
Bahadur Shah II was the last Mughal emperor from 1837 to 1857. He was made the leader of the 1857 revolt against the British. but was defeated and deported to Rangoon (Burma. now Myanmar) in 1858 where he died in 1862.
Who built Humayun’s tomb and what was her relation to Humayun?
Humayun’s tomb was built by his widow Bega Begum (alias Haji Begum).
What is the plan of Panch Mahal and where is it located?
Panch Mahal has the plan of a Buddhist vihara and it is located at Fatehpur Sikri.
What are some of the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri that are Indian in their plan?
The Mariam’s palace. Diwan-i-Aam. Diwan-i-Khas at Fatehpur Sikri are Indian in their plan.
What is the significance of Buland Darwaja and where is it situated?
Buland Darwaja (built after Gujarat victory) formed the main entrance to Fatehpur Sikri and it is a symbol of Akbar’s power and authority.
What is the first Mughal building in pure marble and who built it?
Salim Chisti’s tomb (re-done in marble by Jahangir) is the first Mughal building in pure marble. It was originally built by Akbar.
Who are some of the famous personalities who lived in Fatehpur Sikri?
Some of the famous personalities who lived in Fatehpur Sikri are Birbal. Tansen. Abul Fazl. and Faizi.
Who started the construction of his own tomb at Sikandra and who completed it?
Akbar started the construction of his own tomb at Sikandra and Jahangir completed it.
Who built Moti Masjid in Lahore and where is his mausoleum?
Jahangzeb built Moti Masjid in Lahore and his mausoleum is at Shahdara (Lahore).
What did Jahangir start building in 1637 and what are some of the structures he built there?
Jahangir started building Shahjahanabad in 1637 where he built the Red Fort and Takht-i-Taus (Peacock throne).
What is the only building built by Aurangzeb in the Red Fort?
The only building built by Aurangzeb in the Red Fort is Moti Masjid.
What is the only monument associated with Aurangzeb and who is buried there?
The only monument associated with Aurangzeb is Bibi Ka Makbara which is the tomb of his wife Rabia-ud-daura in Aurangabad.
What is the name of the mosque that Aurangzeb built in Lahore?
The name of the mosque that Aurangzeb built in Lahore is Badshahi Masjid.
Who were the two master painters that Humayun hired?
The two master painters that Humayun hired were Mir Syed Ali and Abdus Samad.
Who were the two famous painters at Akbar’s court?
The two famous painters at Akbar’s court were Daswant and Basawan.
When was the French East India Company formed and by whom?
The French East India Company was formed by Colbert under state patronage in 1664.
Where was the first French factory established in India and by whom?
The first French factory was established at Surat by Francois Caron in 1668.
Where did the French power in India revive under Lenoir and Dumas between 1720 and 1742?
The French power in India revived under Lenoir and Dumas between 1720 and 1742 at Mahe in the Malabar. Yamanon in Coromandal and Karikal in Tamil Nadu country.
Who was the French governor in India who started the Anglo-French conflict (Carnatic Wars)?
Dupleix was the French governor in India who started the Anglo-French conflict (Carnatic Wars) in 1742.
What was the outcome of the First Anglo-French war (1746-48) in India?
The outcome of the First Anglo-French war (1746-48) in India was that the French besieged Madras and defeated the Nawab of Carnatic’s army at St. Thome. The war ended with the Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle (1748).
What was the alliance formed by Dupleix in the Second Anglo-French war (1749-54) and who emerged victorious?
The alliance formed by Dupleix in the Second Anglo-French war (1749-54) was with Muzaffar Jung (Hyderabad) and Chanda Sahib (Carnatic/Arcot). Robert Clive emerged victorious for the British.
What was the name of the treaty that ended the Second Anglo-French war and who replaced Dupleix as the French governor?
The name of the treaty that ended the Second Anglo-French war was the Treaty of Pondicherry/Treaty by Godehu (1754). Godehu replaced Dupleix as the French governor.
What was the main achievement of the French Count de Lally in the Third Anglo-French war (1758-63) and how did the war end?
The main achievement of the French Count de Lally in the Third Anglo-French war (1758-63) was that he captured Fort St. David. The war ended with the British victory at Wandiwash and the Treaty of Paris (1763).
What was the cause of the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82) and what was the outcome?
The cause of the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82) was that the British (Hastings) supported the claim of Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) for Peshwaship. which brought them into conflict with the Marathas. The outcome was that the British were defeated and had to sign the humiliating Convention at Wadgaon (1779) and later the Treaty of Salbai (1782). renouncing the cause of Raghoba.
What was the reason for the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-06) and what was the treaty signed?
The reason for the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-06) was that the Maratha Peshwa signed the Subsidiary Alliance Treaty of Bassein (1802) with the British. which angered the other Maratha chiefs. The treaty signed was the Treaty of Deogaon (1803) and the Treaty of Surji Anjangaon (1804). which ceded large parts of Maratha territory to the British.
What was the aim of Lord Hastings in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-18) and what was the result?
The aim of Lord Hastings in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-18) was to proclaim British paramountcy in India and to eliminate the Maratha threat. He moved against the Pindaris. a group of plunderers allied with the Marathas. and violated the sovereignty of the Maratha chiefs. The result was that the Marathas were decisively defeated and lost their independence.
When did the Portuguese East India Company establish its first factory in India and where?
The Portuguese East India Company established its first factory in India in 1500 at Cochin in the Malabar coast.
When did the English East India Company establish its first factory in India and where?
The English East India Company established its first factory in India in 1608 at Surat in the west coast.
When did the Dutch East India Company establish its first factory in India and where?
The Dutch East India Company established its first factory in India in 1605 at Masulipatnam in the east coast.
When did the Danish company sell all their settlements in India and to whom?
The Danish company sold all their settlements in India to the British in 1845.
Who discovered the Cape route from Europe to India and when did he reach Calicut?
Vasco da Gama discovered the Cape route from Europe to India and he reached Calicut on May 17. 1498.
Who was the Hindu ruler of Calicut who received Vasco da Gama and what was his title?
The Hindu ruler of Calicut who received Vasco da Gama was Zamorin. which was a title for the rulers of the Malabar Coast.
Who was the first governor of Portuguese India and what policy did he introduce?
Francisco de Almeida was the first governor of Portuguese India and he introduced ‘the policy of Blue water’. which aimed to control the Indian Ocean trade by destroying the Arab and Indian ships.
Who was the second governor of Portuguese India and what policy did he introduce?
Alfonso d’ Albuquerque was the second governor of Portuguese India and he introduced ‘the policy of Imperialism’. which aimed to establish a Portuguese empire in Asia by conquering strategic locations and spreading Christianity.
What was the name of the city that Albuquerque captured from the ruler of Bijapur and when?
The name of the city that Albuquerque captured from the ruler of Bijapur was Goa and he captured it in 1510.
Who was Nino da Cunha and what did he do as the governor of Portuguese India?
Nino da Cunha was the governor of Portuguese India from 1529 to 1538. He transferred his capital from Cochin to Goa in 1530 and acquired Diu and Bassein in 1534 from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.
Who was Martin Alfonso de Souza and who arrived in India with him?
Martin Alfonso de Souza was the governor of Portuguese India from 1542 to 1545. The famous Jesuit Saint Fransisco Xavier arrived in India with him.
What caused the decline of the Portuguese power in India by the end of the 16th century?
The decline of the Portuguese power in India by the end of the 16th century was caused by their loss of Hugli in 1631 to the Mughals. their rivalry with other European powers. and their oppressive policies towards the natives.
How did Bombay become part of the British territory?
Bombay became part of the British territory in 1661 when the King of Portugal gave it to Charles II of England as dowry when he married the former’s sister.
When and how was the Dutch East India Company formed?
The Dutch East India Company was formed in March 1602 by a charter of the Dutch parliament. It was a joint-stock company with powers to make wars. conclude treaties. acquire territories and build fortresses.
What was the main centre of the Dutch in India until 1690 and which city replaced it?
Pulicat was the main centre of the Dutch in India until 1690. after which Negapatnam replaced it.
What was the name of the battle in which the Dutch conceded to the English in 1759?
The name of the battle in which the Dutch conceded to the English was the Battle of Bedera in 1759.
Who was the first English merchant adventurer to arrive in India in 1599 by overland route?
John Mildenhall was the first English merchant adventurer to arrive in India in 1599 by overland route.
Who was the first English captain to arrive at Jahangir’s court in 1609 and what permission did he seek?
Captain William Hawkins was the first English captain to arrive at Jahangir’s court in 1609 and he sought permission to open a factory at Surat.
Who was the ambassador of James I to Jahangir’s court in 1615 and what permission did he obtain?
Sir Thomas Roe was the ambassador of James I to Jahangir’s court in 1615 and he obtained permission to trade and erect factories in different parts of the empire.
How did the English East India Company acquire Bombay and who was its first governor?
The English East India Company acquired Bombay from Charles II on lease in 1661. Gerald Aungier was its first governor from 1669 to 1677.
Who established the factory at Sutanati (Kolkata) in 1690 and what was the name of the new fortified settlement?
Job Charnock established the factory at Sutanati (Kolkata) in 1690 and the name of the new fortified settlement was Fort William in 1700.
What resolution did the British parliament pass in 1694 regarding trade in the east?
The British parliament passed a resolution in 1694 giving equal rights for all Englishmen to trade in the east.
Who was the first Peshwa and what role did he play in the final victory of Shahu?
Balaji Viswanath was the first Peshwa and he played a crucial role in the final victory of Shahu by winning over almost all the Maratha Sardars to his side.
What agreement did Balaji Viswanath conclude with the Syed Brothers in 1719 and what did it entail?
Balaji Viswanath concluded an agreement with the Syed Brothers. the king makers. in 1719 by which the Mughal emperor Farrukh Siyar recognised Shahu as the king of the Marathas and granted him the right to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from the six provinces of the Deccan.
Who succeeded Balaji Viswanath as the Peshwa and what was his famous quote about the Mughals?
Baji Rao I succeeded Balaji Viswanath as the Peshwa and his famous quote about the Mughals was: ‘Let us strike at the root of the tree and the branches will fall of themselves’.
What treaty did Baji Rao I conclude with the Nizam-ul-Mulk and what did he get from it?
Baji Rao I concluded the treaty of Doraha Sarai with the Nizam-ul-Mulk in 1738 and he got Malwa and Bundelkhand from him.
Who was popularly known as Nana Saheb and what agreement did he make with the Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah?
Balaji Baji Rao was popularly known as Nana Saheb and he made an agreement with the Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah to protect the empire from internal and external enemies like Ahmad Shah Abdali in return for Chauth and Sardeshmukhi.
What was the result of the third battle of Panipat in 1761 and who died in it?
The result of the third battle of Panipat in 1761 was the defeat of the Marathas by Ahmad Shah Abdali and the death of Viswas Rao and Sadashivrao Bhau.
Who was Sambhaji and what did he do in the war of succession?
Sambhaji was the elder son of Shivaji and he defeated Rajaram. the younger son of Shivaji. in the war of succession.
Who succeeded Sambhaji and where did he flee to in 1689?
Rajaram succeeded Sambhaji and he fled from Raigarh to Jinji in 1689 due to a Mughal invasion.
Who was Tarabai and what did she do after Rajaram’s death?
Tarabai was the mother of Rajaram’s minor son Shivaji II and she continued the struggle with Mughals under her guardianship.
Who was Shahu and what did he do in the battle of Khed?
Shahu was the son of Sambhaji and he defeated Tarabai’s army in the battle of Khed and occupied Satara.
When and where was Shivaji born and who were his parents and religious teacher?
Shivaji was born at Shivneri Fort in 1627. His father was Shahji Bhonsle and his mother was Jija Bai. His religious teacher was Samrath Ramdas.
What did Shivaji inherit from his father in 1637 and what did he do after the death of his guardian in 1647?
Shivaji inherited the Jagir of Poona from his father in 1637 and he assumed full charge of his Jagir after the death of his guardian. Dadji Kondadev. in 1647.
Who was Afzal Khan and what happened to him in 1659?
Afzal Khan was a general of Adil Shah. the ruler of Bijapur. who was deputed to punish Shivaji. He was killed by Shivaji in 1659.
Who was Shaista Khan and what did Shivaji do to him in 1663?
Shaista Khan was the governor of Deccan appointed by Aurangzeb to put down the rising power of Shivaji. Shivaji made a bold attack on Shaista Khan in 1663 and cut off his fingers.
What did Shivaji plunder in 1664 and 1665?
Shivaji plundered Surat in 1664 and Ahmadnagar in 1665.
Who was Raja Jai Singh of Amber and what treaty did he make with Shivaji in 1665?
Raja Jai Singh of Amber was a general of Aurangzeb who was appointed to put down Shivaji in 1665. He made a treaty with Shivaji called the treaty of Purandhar. by which Shivaji ceded some forts to the Mughals and agreed to serve as a vassal of Aurangzeb.
Who defeated Humayun in the battle of Chausa and what title did he assume?
Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the battle of Chausa and assumed the title Sher Shah as emperor.
What coin did Sher Shah issue and what did he fix?
Sher Shah issued the coin called Rupia and fixed standard weights and measures all over the empire.
What did Sher Shah do to improve communications and what was the name of the highway he built?
Sher Shah improved communications by building several highways. He built the Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road). that runs from Calcutta to Peshawar.
Where did Sher Shah build Purana Quila and where was he buried?
Sher Shah built Purana Quila at Delhi and he was buried in Sasaram.
Who succeeded Sher Shah and who succeeded him?
Sher Shah was succeeded by Islam Shah (1545-54) and Islam Shah was succeeded by Muhammad Adil Shah (1554-55).
Who was Akbar and where did he ascend the throne?
Akbar was the eldest son of Humayun and he ascended the throne under the title of Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar Badshah Ghazi at the young age of 14 at Kalanaur. Punjab.
What was the name of the battle that ended the Mughal-Afghan contest for the throne of Delhi and who fought in it?
The name of the battle that ended the Mughal-Afghan contest for the throne of Delhi was the Second Battle of Panipat (5 Nov.. 1556) and it was fought between Hemu (the Hindu General of Muhammad Adil Shah) and Bairam Khan (the regent of Akbar).
When did Akbar end the regency of Bairam Khan and assume the reins of power of the kingdom?
Akbar ended the regency of Bairam Khan in 1560 and at the age of 18 assumed the reins of power of the kingdom.
When and where was the Battle of Haldighati fought and who were the opponents?
The Battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 at Haldighati. a mountain pass in Rajasthan. The opponents were Rana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal army led by Man Singh of Amer.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Haldighati and what did Rana Pratap do afterwards?
The outcome of the Battle of Haldighati was that Rana Pratap was defeated but he did not submit and continued the struggle against the Mughals.
What was the name of the new religion that Akbar proclaimed in 1581 and what was its basis?
The name of the new religion that Akbar proclaimed in 1581 was Din-i-Ilahi. which means ‘Divine Faith’. Its basis was a synthesis of values taken from several religions like Hinduism. Islam. Jainism and Christianity.
What did Din-i-Ilahi not recognize and who was the only Hindu who followed it?
Din-i-Ilahi did not recognize the prophet or any scripture as the final authority. Birbal was the only Hindu who followed this new religion.
What were some of the forts that Akbar built and where were they located?
Some of the forts that Akbar built were Fatehpur Sikri. Agra Fort. Lahore Fort and Allahabad Fort. They were located near Agra. in Punjab and in Uttar Pradesh. respectively.
What was the name of the place where Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri and what was its significance?
The name of the place where Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri was Sikri. which was the village of the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti. It was significant because Akbar visited the saint to seek his blessings for a son and later named his son Salim after him.
