Q20. Under whose reign was the maximum number of Persian books on classical Indian music written?
[2023 – SSC CGL Tier-I, 20 July, Shift 2]
A. Shah Jahan
B. Jahangir
C. Akbar
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: D. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Numerous Persian treatises on Indian classical music were produced during Aurangzeb’s reign. Although he withdrew official patronage from court music, musical scholarship and private patronage continued.
Q19. Consider the following statements regarding music during Aurangzeb’s reign: (A) Faqirullah wrote the musical treatise Rag Darpan; (B) Zeb-un-Nissa patronized music; (C) Naqshbandi abandoned music; (D) Muhammad Azam dealt a deadly blow to music; (E) Tavernier never mentioned music. Which statements are correct?
[2023 – UGC NET History, 28 February, Shift 2]
A. A and B only
B. A, B and C only
C. B, D and E only
D. A, B and E only
Answer: A. A and B only
Explanation: Faqirullah composed Rag Darpan, an important musicological work. Aurangzeb’s daughter Zeb-un-Nissa also supported artistic traditions, demonstrating that music continued beyond formal imperial court patronage.
Q18. Bijapur was annexed by Aurangzeb in which year?
[2022 – SSC CPO Tier-I, 9 November, Shift 3]
A. 1689
B. 1686
C. 1687
D. 1683
Answer: B. 1686
Explanation: The Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur surrendered to Aurangzeb in 1686. Its annexation was a major achievement of Mughal expansion in the Deccan, preceding Golconda’s conquest.
Q17. Match the events during Aurangzeb’s reign with their years: (A) Mughal-Sikh conflict; (B) Jat uprising; (C) Mughal-Rajput conflict; (D) Satnami uprising. Years: (I) 1669; (II) 1672; (III) 1675; (IV) 1679.
[2022 – UGC NET History, 10 October, Shift 2]
A. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
B. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
C. A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
D. A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
Answer: A. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
Explanation: The Jat uprising began in 1669, followed by the Satnami rebellion in 1672. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in 1675, while major Rajput conflict intensified around 1679.
Q16. Which of the following is an example of Mughal architecture constructed under Aurangzeb?
[2022 – SSC MTS, 6 July, Shift 3]
A. Moti Masjid, Delhi
B. Taj Mahal, Agra
C. Jama Masjid, Delhi
D. Qutub Minar, Delhi
Answer: A. Moti Masjid, Delhi
Explanation: Aurangzeb commissioned the Moti Masjid inside Delhi’s Red Fort around 1659–1660. This small white-marble mosque served as his private place of worship within the imperial complex.
Q15. The Badshahi Masjid in Lahore was built by which Mughal ruler?
[2022 – RRB NTPC CBT-II, 17 June, Shift 2]
A. Sher Shah Suri
B. Aurangzeb
C. Humayun
D. Iltutmish
Answer: B. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb commissioned Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque, completed in 1673. Its monumental scale, red sandstone exterior and marble decoration make it an important example of late Mughal architecture.
Q14. Arrange the following events in chronological order: (1) Battle of Deorai; (2) Defeat of Shah Shuja near Banaras; (3) Battle of Samugarh; (4) Victory at Dharmat.
[2022 – UPPSC Combined State Examination, 12 June, GS-I]
A. 2, 4, 3, 1
B. 1, 3, 4, 2
C. 3, 4, 2, 1
D. 4, 2, 1, 3
Answer: A. 2, 4, 3, 1
Explanation: Shah Shuja’s forces were defeated near Banaras in February 1658. Dharmat followed in April, Samugarh in May and Deorai in April 1659, confirming Aurangzeb’s supremacy.
Q13. ‘Nuskha-e-Dilkusha’ is an important historical source for the reign of which Mughal emperor?
[2022 – MPPSC Assistant Professor History, Paper II]
A. Aurangzeb
B. Shah Jahan
C. Jahangir
D. Akbar
Answer: A. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Bhimsen Saxena’s Nuskha-i-Dilkusha describes military operations and conditions during Aurangzeb’s reign, particularly the Deccan wars. It is a valuable contemporary source for Mughal political history.
Q12. Who among the following was defeated by Aurangzeb in the Battle of Deorai?
[2021 – SSC MTS, 20 October, Shift 2; 2020 Examination Cycle]
A. Shah Shuja
B. Dara Shikoh
C. Murad Baksh
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: B. Dara Shikoh
Explanation: Aurangzeb defeated Dara Shikoh at Deorai in April 1659, following his earlier victory at Samugarh. This defeat destroyed Dara’s remaining military challenge to the Mughal throne.
Q11. Arrange the following events during Aurangzeb’s reign chronologically: (a) Jat revolt under Gokula; (b) Execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur; (c) Revolt of Prince Akbar; (d) Jat revolt under Rajaram.
[2021 – RPSC Assistant Professor History, 24 September, Paper I]
A. a, b, c, d
B. b, c, d, a
C. c, d, a, b
D. b, d, a, c
Answer: A. a, b, c, d
Explanation: Gokula’s Jat revolt occurred around 1669, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution in 1675, Prince Akbar’s rebellion in 1681 and Rajaram’s Jat resistance in the mid-1680s.
