Islamic Studies/Islamiat (Competitive Exams) MCQs
Topic Notes: Islamic Studies/Islamiat (Competitive Exams)
<p>MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.</p>
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
31
The 'Nizam-ul-Mulk', who later founded the independent state of Hyderabad, served as the Wazir of which Mughal emperor?
Answer:
Muhammad Shah
Chin Qilich Khan (Nizam-ul-Mulk) was a veteran of Aurangzeb's reign. Frustrated by the corruption and lethargy of Muhammad Shah's court, he left Delhi in 1724 to establish his own semi-independent rule in the Deccan, signaling the fragmentation of the empire.
32
Which Mughal Emperor is associated with the construction of the 'Jama Masjid' in Delhi?
Answer:
Shah Jahan
Shah Jahan built the Jama Masjid of Delhi between 1644 and 1656. It was the principal mosque of his new capital, Shahjahanabad, and remains one of the largest and most spiritually significant mosques in India.
33
The 'Faujdar' in the Mughal administration was the officer in charge of:
Answer:
A district (Sarkar) for maintaining law and order
The Faujdar was a military officer appointed to a district (Sarkar). His primary duties were to maintain order, suppress rebellions, and assist the revenue officials in collecting taxes if the local zamindars refused to pay.
34
The 'Mughal School of Painting' was greatly developed by the import of two Persian masters, Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd al-Samad, by:
Answer:
Humayun
During his exile in Persia, Humayun was impressed by Safavid art. When he returned to India, he brought these two masters with him, who then established the imperial atelier (Karkhana) that trained local Indian artists and created the distinctive Mughal style.
35
Which of these European powers were the first to establish a permanent presence in India and had early interactions with the Mughals?
Answer:
Portuguese
The Portuguese arrived in 1498 and were already established in Goa when Babur founded the empire. They controlled the sea lanes, and Akbar had significant interactions with Jesuit missionaries sent from Goa to his court.
36
The 'Bakhshi' in the Mughal system was the official responsible for:
Answer:
Military administration and intelligence
The Mir Bakhshi was the head of the military department. He was responsible for inspecting the troops, managing the Mansabdari records, issuing the warrants of appointment, and supervising the state's intelligence network (the news-writers or Waqai-navis).
37
Which Mughal Emperor was known for his 'Justice' through the establishment of a special department for public grievances?
Answer:
Jahangir
While Akbar created the foundation, Jahangir's focus on justice was central to his public image. His 'Chain of Justice' and his frequent personal intervention in legal disputes were intended to project him as the ultimate protector of the weak against the strong.
38
The 'Koh-i-Noor' diamond was famously set into which part of the Peacock Throne?
Answer:
The head of one of the peacocks
The Peacock Throne was named for the two peacocks with fanned-out tails behind the seat. The Koh-i-Noor, along with other massive gems like the Akbar Shah diamond, was set into the structure to symbolize the incomparable wealth of the Mughal sovereign.
39
Who was the 'Chief Sadr' in the Mughal administration?
Answer:
The head of religious endowments and charities
The Sadr-us-Sudur was the highest religious official. He was responsible for distributing imperial charities (Aima or Madad-i-Maash) to mosques, schools, and holy men, and acted as the emperor's advisor on religious matters.
40
The 'War of Succession' between the sons of Shah Jahan occurred while he was still alive but incapacitated in which year?
Answer:
1657
When Shah Jahan fell seriously ill in 1657, a civil war broke out between his four sons: Dara Shikoh, Shuja, Murad, and Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb emerged victorious by 1658, imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort, and executed his rivals.