Q40. Which structure in Agra Fort is characterized by its white marble arches and was used by Shah Jahan to view the Taj Mahal?
[2026 – SSC GD Constable, 31 May, Shift 1]
A. Musamman Burj
B. Moti Masjid
C. Nagina Masjid
D. Diwan-i-Khas
Answer: A. Musamman Burj
Explanation: Musamman Burj is an octagonal marble pavilion in Agra Fort. Shah Jahan was confined there after Aurangzeb seized power in 1658 and could view the Taj Mahal.
Q39. Which statement best explains the structural impact of Aurangzeb’s policies on the Mughal Empire?
[2026 – UP PGT History, 9 May]
A. Expansionist campaigns and orthodox measures strained administration, triggered resistance and created fiscal pressure.
B. His reign ensured stability and strengthened imperial integration.
C. Uniform religious policies reduced tensions among communities.
D. Lower military expenditure improved imperial finances.
Answer: A. Expansionist campaigns and orthodox measures strained administration, triggered resistance and created fiscal pressure.
Explanation: Aurangzeb’s prolonged Deccan wars, increasing military expenditure and conflicts with regional powers weakened imperial finances. Administrative overextension and political resistance contributed significantly to the Mughal Empire’s subsequent decline.
Q38. Aurangzeb’s long Deccan campaigns mainly aimed at subduing which political power?
[2026 – SSC GD Constable, 6 May, Shift 1]
A. The Rajputs
B. The Marathas
C. The Afghans
D. The Portuguese
Answer: B. The Marathas
Explanation: Aurangzeb devoted much of his later reign to fighting Maratha resistance. Despite annexing Bijapur and Golconda, continuous warfare against Maratha forces exhausted Mughal military resources and imperial finances.
Q37. In which of the following years did Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb die?
[2026 – SSC GD Constable, 28 April, Shift 1]
A. 1707
B. 1717
C. 1747
D. 1757
Answer: A. 1707
Explanation: Aurangzeb died on 3 March 1707 near Ahmednagar during his prolonged Deccan campaigns. His death initiated a succession struggle and accelerated the fragmentation of centralized Mughal imperial authority.
Q36. Identify the correct chronological order of the following Mughal-Deccan interactions: (a) Annexation of Ahmadnagar by Akbar; (b) Malik Ambar’s resistance; (c) Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns as emperor; (d) Treaty with Bijapur during Shah Jahan’s reign.
[2026 – UPHESC Assistant Professor History, 19 April, Shift 1]
A. d, a, b, c
B. b, a, d, c
C. a, b, d, c
D. a, d, b, c
Answer: C. a, b, d, c
Explanation: Akbar captured Ahmadnagar’s fort in 1600. Malik Ambar subsequently resisted Mughal expansion. Shah Jahan imposed treaties on Deccan states in 1636, while Aurangzeb’s imperial campaigns followed after 1658.
Q35. Which Assamese hero led the Ahom army against the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat during Aurangzeb’s reign?
[2026 – Delhi Police Head Constable, 8 January, Shift 3]
A. Lachit Borphukan
B. Srimanta Sankardeva
C. Sant Tukaram
D. Rani Durgavati
Answer: A. Lachit Borphukan
Explanation: Lachit Borphukan commanded Ahom forces in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. He defeated Mughal forces commanded by Ram Singh I, successfully defending Assam against imperial expansion.
Q34. Which medieval writing records Aurangzeb’s appreciation of Raja Raghunath Roy as an outstanding administrator?
[2026 – UGC NET History, 5 January, Shift 2]
A. Ruqa’at-i-Alamgiri
B. Maqalat-i-Shibli
C. Gulshan-i-Ibrahimi
D. Mirat al-Mamalik
Answer: A. Ruqa’at-i-Alamgiri
Explanation: Ruqa’at-i-Alamgiri is a collection of Aurangzeb’s letters dealing with administrative, political and personal matters. It provides valuable evidence about imperial governance and his assessment of officials.
Q33. Who was the last powerful Mughal emperor before the empire’s decline?
[2026 – Delhi Police Constable, 4 January, Shift 2]
A. Shah Jahan
B. Jahangir
C. Aurangzeb
D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
Answer: C. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb is generally regarded as the last powerful Mughal emperor. Although imperial territory reached its greatest extent during his reign, persistent warfare and regional revolts weakened centralized control.
Q32. What was the imperial title adopted by Aurangzeb?
[2026 – Delhi Police Constable, 3 January, Shift 2]
A. Badshah-i-Hind
B. Shah-in-Shah
C. Alamgir
D. Padshah-i-Ghazi
Answer: C. Alamgir
Explanation: Aurangzeb adopted the imperial title Alamgir, meaning World Conqueror. Following the Mughal succession struggle, he consolidated power in 1658 and formally celebrated his accession in 1659.
Q31. Which Mughal emperor reimposed the Jizya tax on non-Muslim subjects?
[2026 – Delhi Police Constable, 2 January, Shift 2]
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: D. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb restored Jizya in 1679, reversing Akbar’s abolition of the tax in 1564. Its reimposition reflected imperial religious policy and became a politically contentious measure.
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.
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.
Q10. Which of the following statements about Aurangzeb is incorrect?
[2021 – RRB NTPC CBT-I, 24 July, Shift 1]
A. His death preceded the weakening of Mughal authority in the eighteenth century.
B. He was the second son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
C. He was also known as Alamgir.
D. He defeated Dara Shikoh and confined Shah Jahan in Agra Fort.
Answer: B. He was the second son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Explanation: Aurangzeb was the third son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, after Dara Shikoh and Shah Shuja. His victory in the succession struggle enabled his accession.
Q9. François Bernier served as a physician to which Mughal prince, Aurangzeb’s rival in the succession struggle?
[2021 – UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 7 February]
A. Prince Murad
B. Princess Jahanara
C. Emperor Shah Jahan
D. Prince Dara Shikoh
Answer: D. Prince Dara Shikoh
Explanation: François Bernier was a French physician and traveller associated with Dara Shikoh and subsequently the Mughal court. His Travels in the Mughal Empire records significant contemporary observations.
Q8. With reference to Indian history, consider these statements: (1) The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State; (2) Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire; (3) Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed from territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani. Which are correct?
[2021 – UPSC CSE Prelims, General Studies Paper I]
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 3 only
Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation: Only the Mysore statement is correct. The Carnatic administration at Arcot developed under Mughal expansion during Aurangzeb’s reign, while Rohilkhand’s formation was unrelated to Durrani territorial conquest.
Q7. Who ruled Golconda when Aurangzeb captured its fort in 1687?
[2020 – UPPSC Civil Services Prelims, GS-I]
A. Abul Hasan Qutb Shah
B. Sikandar Adil Shah
C. Ali Adil Shah II
D. Shaista Khan
Answer: A. Abul Hasan Qutb Shah
Explanation: Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, popularly known as Tana Shah, was Golconda’s final Qutb Shahi ruler. Aurangzeb captured the kingdom in 1687, ending its independent sovereignty.
Q6. When Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya in 1679, which ruler of Mewar opposed him?
[2020 – RSMSSB Junior Engineer, Civil Degree]
A. Rana Pratap II
B. Rana Raj Singh
C. Rana Udai Singh
D. Rana Amar Singh I
Answer: B. Rana Raj Singh
Explanation: Maharana Raj Singh I ruled Mewar from 1652 to 1680. He opposed several policies of Aurangzeb, including Jizya, and supported the Rathore succession cause in Marwar.
Q5. At the time of Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal Empire consisted of how many Subahs?
[2019 – SSC Stenographer, 7 February, Shift 1]
A. 21
B. 17
C. 20
D. 14
Answer: A. 21
Explanation: By 1707, the Mughal Empire was conventionally counted as comprising 21 Subahs, or provinces. Aurangzeb’s Deccan conquests expanded provincial administration but also increased governing difficulties.
Q4. Which Mughal emperor adopted the title ‘Alamgir’?
[2018 – RRB Group D, 26 September, Shift 3]
A. Aurangzeb
B. Akbar
C. Jahangir
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: A. Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb adopted Alamgir as his imperial title. It means World Conqueror and reflected his claims to sovereignty, later reinforced by extensive military campaigns and territorial expansion.
Q3. Consider the statements: Statement I: Mughal painting reached its climax during Jahangir’s reign. Statement II: Aurangzeb’s court was adorned by some of the best-known artists of the Mughal school. Choose the correct answer.
[2018 – UPSC NDA General Ability Test, Paper II]
A. Both statements are true, and II explains I.
B. Both statements are true, but II does not explain I.
C. Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
D. Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.
Answer: C. Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
Explanation: Mughal painting flourished under Jahangir, who encouraged portraiture and naturalistic studies. Aurangzeb reduced imperial painting patronage, prompting many artists to seek employment at regional courts.
Q2. The Satnami rebellion took place during the reign of which Mughal emperor?
[2017 – WBCS Preliminary Examination]
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: D. Aurangzeb
Explanation: The Satnami uprising occurred near Narnaul in 1672 during Aurangzeb’s reign. The movement involved peasants and artisans whose confrontation with Mughal officials escalated into armed resistance.
Q1. Which of the following works was authored by Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb’s elder brother and rival?
[2017 – Chhattisgarh PSC Civil Services, Paper I]
A. Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
B. Kitab-ul-Hind
C. Tahqiq-i-Hind
D. Majma-ul-Bahrain
E. Sirr-i-Akbar
Answer: D. Majma-ul-Bahrain
Explanation: Dara Shikoh authored Majma-ul-Bahrain, exploring philosophical similarities between Hindu and Islamic mysticism. His intellectual interests distinguished him from Aurangzeb during their struggle for Mughal succession.