Q30. Which two kingdoms in the Deccan were conquered by Aurangzeb?
[2025 – DSSSB Jail Warder, 24 November, Memory-Based Paper]
A. Bidar and Bijapur
B. Bijapur and Golconda
C. Golconda and Ahmednagar
D. Ahmednagar and Bijapur
Answer: B. Bijapur and Golconda
Explanation: Aurangzeb annexed the Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur in 1686 and the Qutb Shahi kingdom of Golconda in 1687. These conquests significantly expanded Mughal territory in southern India.
Q29. The Battle of Samugarh was fought between Aurangzeb and which Mughal prince?
[2025 – SSC Stenographer, 7 August, Shift 1]
A. Jahangir
B. Murad Baksh
C. Shah Jahan
D. Dara Shikoh
Answer: D. Dara Shikoh
Explanation: The Battle of Samugarh was fought on 29 May 1658 near Agra. Aurangzeb and Murad Baksh defeated Dara Shikoh, decisively changing the outcome of Shah Jahan’s succession struggle.
Q28. Which of the following architectural monuments was constructed under Aurangzeb’s patronage?
[2025 – RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I, 17 June, Shift 3]
A. Bibi Ka Maqbara
B. Qutub Minar
C. Taj Mahal
D. Humayun’s Tomb
Answer: A. Bibi Ka Maqbara
Explanation: Bibi Ka Maqbara in present-day Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar commemorates Aurangzeb’s wife, Dilras Banu Begum. Built during his reign with involvement of Prince Azam Shah, it resembles the Taj Mahal.
Q27. In which year was the state of Golconda finally annexed into the Mughal Empire?
[2024 – SSC MTS, 11 November, Shift 2]
A. 1697
B. 1687
C. 1685
D. 1690
Answer: B. 1687
Explanation: Aurangzeb annexed Golconda in 1687 after a prolonged siege. The conquest ended the Qutb Shahi dynasty and expanded Mughal authority over an economically significant Deccan kingdom.
Q26. Which Mughal emperor discontinued the official department of history writing as an austerity measure?
[2024 – RPSC Assistant Professor History, 12 September, Paper I]
A. Aurangzeb
B. Shah Jahan
C. Akbar
D. Jahangir
Answer: A. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb restricted official court historiography after the early years of his reign. Nevertheless, chroniclers continued recording events, producing important works such as Maasir-i-Alamgiri.
Q25. Who among the following helped Durgadas Rathore against Aurangzeb?
[2024 – RPSC Assistant Professor History, 12 September, Paper I]
A. Ranchor Singh
B. Tahir Khan
C. Bahadur Shah
D. Indra Singh
Answer: A. Ranchor Singh
Explanation: Ranchor Singh supported Durgadas Rathore’s resistance to Mughal interference in Marwar. Durgadas defended the succession rights of Ajit Singh after Maharaja Jaswant Singh’s death in 1678.
Q24. Which Mughal emperor is associated with the historical expression ‘Deccan Ulcer’?
[2024 – WBPSC Food SI, 16 March, Shift 2]
A. Akbar
B. Babur
C. Aurangzeb
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: C. Aurangzeb
Explanation: The expression Deccan Ulcer describes the damaging consequences of Aurangzeb’s prolonged southern campaigns. Constant military commitments consumed enormous resources and contributed to the weakening of Mughal power.
Q23. Which Mughal emperor was known as ‘Zinda Pir’?
[2023 – Delhi Police Constable, 23 November, Shift 3]
A. Babur
B. Aurangzeb
C. Humayun
D. Akbar
Answer: B. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb was called Zinda Pir, meaning Living Saint, because of his reputation for personal austerity and religious observance. The title reflected his public image as a pious ruler.
Q22. Which Mughal emperor resided at the Shahi Kila in Burhanpur while serving as a governor in the Deccan?
[2023 – MP Police Constable, 25 August, Shift 2]
A. Alamgir II
B. Aurangzeb
C. Jahangir
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: B. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Before becoming emperor, Aurangzeb served as a Mughal governor in the Deccan under Shah Jahan. Burhanpur was an important military and administrative centre during his early career.
Q21. An additional rank called ‘Mashrut’ was introduced into the Mughal Mansabdari system by which ruler?
[2023 – SSC CHSL, 11 August, Shift 1, Memory-Based]
A. Akbar
B. Shah Jahan
C. Aurangzeb
D. Jahangir
Answer: C. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb introduced Mashrut, or conditional rank, within the Mansabdari system. It allowed temporary increases in cavalry obligations without permanently changing a noble’s substantive personal rank.
