Source-Based Questions with Answers

Source-Based Questions with Answers

Chapter 9: Kings and Chronicles – The Mughal Courts

(CBSE Class 12 | NCERT Aligned)

Source 1: On Court Histories

Source:
“The Mughal emperors appointed learned scholars to write detailed accounts of their reigns, which were preserved as official records.”

Q1. Who wrote these official records?
Answer: These records were written by court historians appointed by the emperor.

Q2. Why were such records preserved?
Answer: They were preserved to record and glorify the emperor’s reign.

Source 2: On the Purpose of Chronicles

Source:
“These histories were meant to present the emperor as a powerful, just, and divinely guided ruler.”

Q3. How was the emperor portrayed in Mughal chronicles?
Answer: The emperor was portrayed as powerful, just, and divinely sanctioned.

Q4. What does this portrayal reveal about Mughal ideology?
Answer: It reveals that Mughal ideology emphasised sacred and absolute kingship.

Source 3: On Language of the Court

Source:
“Persian was used for writing histories as it was considered the language of culture and refinement.”

Q5. Which language was used for Mughal chronicles?
Answer: Persian was used for Mughal chronicles.

Q6. Why was Persian preferred for history writing?
Answer: It was regarded as a refined language suited to elite culture.

Source 4: On Akbarnama

Source:
“The Akbarnama presents a detailed account of the reign of Akbar and the administrative system of the empire.”

Q7. Who authored the Akbarnama?
Answer: The Akbarnama was written by Abul Fazl.

Q8. Name the Mughal emperor whose reign is described in the Akbarnama.
Answer: The reign of Akbar is described.

Source 5: On Ain-i-Akbari

Source:
“The Ain-i-Akbari contains information about administration, revenue, and social life.”

Q9. What type of information does the Ain-i-Akbari provide?
Answer: It provides administrative, economic, and social information.

Q10. Why is the Ain-i-Akbari important for historians?
Answer: It helps historians understand Mughal governance and administration.

Source 6: On Imperial Ideology

Source:
“The emperor was regarded as the centre of political authority and the guardian of justice.”

Q11. What role was assigned to the emperor in Mughal ideology?
Answer: The emperor was seen as the supreme authority and dispenser of justice.

Q12. How did this idea strengthen Mughal rule?
Answer: It legitimised the emperor’s absolute power.

Source 7: On Sulh-i-Kul

Source:
“The policy of Sulh-i-Kul promoted tolerance and harmony among different religious communities.”

Q13. What does Sulh-i-Kul mean?
Answer: Sulh-i-Kul means universal peace and tolerance.

Q14. Why was Sulh-i-Kul important for the Mughal Empire?
Answer: It helped maintain unity in a religiously diverse empire.

Source 8: On Administration

Source:
“Mughal chronicles described the administration as orderly and efficient under the direct control of the emperor.”

Q15. How was Mughal administration presented in chronicles?
Answer: It was presented as efficient and well-organised.

Q16. Why did chronicles emphasise administrative efficiency?
Answer: To project the emperor as a capable and successful ruler.

Source 9: On Bias in Chronicles

Source:
“Victories were celebrated in detail, while failures were often ignored or minimised.”

Q17. What limitation of Mughal chronicles is shown here?
Answer: The chronicles were biased and selective.

Q18. Why were failures minimised in these accounts?
Answer: To protect and glorify imperial authority.

Source 10: On History Writing and Power

Source:
“History writing under the Mughals was closely linked to imperial power and patronage.”

Q19. How was history writing connected with power?
Answer: Rulers controlled historical narratives through patronage.

Q20. Why must historians read Mughal chronicles critically?
Answer: Because they reflect the viewpoint of the ruling elite.