Consider the following statements regarding Mughal relations with other rulers: 1. The Mughals campaigned constantly against rulers who refused to accept their authority. 2. Once a ruler was defeated, the Mughals usually humiliated them to ensure future loyalty. 3. The Rajputs were the only group that consistently refused to join the Mughal service. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation The Mughal Empire maintained its dominance through a combination of military conquest and diplomatic alliances. Their policy towards other rulers was characterized by a careful balance of assertion of authority and assimilation of local elites into the imperial framework. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The Mughals campaigned constantly against rulers who refused to accept their authority. Military expansion was a core activity of the empire, and campaigns were launched regularly against the Afghans, Rajputs, Deccan Sultanates, and other regional powers to enforce suzerainty. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: A distinctive feature of Mughal diplomacy, particularly established during Akbar's reign, was that they did not usually humiliate defeated rulers. Instead, defeated rulers were often treated with honor, restored to their kingdoms as vassals, and enrolled in the Mughal service (Mansabdari system). Their lands were often assigned back to them as watan jagirs. This policy of "defeat but not humiliate" was crucial in turning former enemies into loyal allies. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Rajputs were not the only group to refuse service; in fact, many Rajput rulers (like those of Amber and Marwar) were among the first and most prominent to join the Mughal service. While the Sisodias of Mewar resisted for a long time, they eventually entered a treaty during Jahangir's reign. Conversely, other groups, such as the Ahoms in the northeast or certain Afghan clans, offered stiff resistance at various times. Therefore, characterizing Rajputs as a group that "consistently refused" is historically inaccurate. Key Takeaway The success of the Mughal Empire relied on a unique diplomatic mechanism where defeated rulers were assimilated into the imperial administration with honor, ensuring their loyalty and stability within the empire.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 4: The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding Mughal relations with other rulers:

The Mughals campaigned constantly against rulers who refused to accept their authority.
Once a ruler was defeated, the Mughals usually humiliated them to ensure future loyalty.
The Rajputs were the only group that consistently refused to join the Mughal service.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The Mughal Empire maintained its dominance through a combination of military conquest and diplomatic alliances. Their policy towards other rulers was characterized by a careful balance of assertion of authority and assimilation of local elites into the imperial framework.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Mughals campaigned constantly against rulers who refused to accept their authority. Military expansion was a core activity of the empire, and campaigns were launched regularly against the Afghans, Rajputs, Deccan Sultanates, and other regional powers to enforce suzerainty.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: A distinctive feature of Mughal diplomacy, particularly established during Akbar's reign, was that they did not usually humiliate defeated rulers. Instead, defeated rulers were often treated with honor, restored to their kingdoms as vassals, and enrolled in the Mughal service (Mansabdari system). Their lands were often assigned back to them as watan jagirs. This policy of "defeat but not humiliate" was crucial in turning former enemies into loyal allies.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Rajputs were not the only group to refuse service; in fact, many Rajput rulers (like those of Amber and Marwar) were among the first and most prominent to join the Mughal service. While the Sisodias of Mewar resisted for a long time, they eventually entered a treaty during Jahangir's reign. Conversely, other groups, such as the Ahoms in the northeast or certain Afghan clans, offered stiff resistance at various times. Therefore, characterizing Rajputs as a group that "consistently refused" is historically inaccurate.

Key Takeaway

The success of the Mughal Empire relied on a unique diplomatic mechanism where defeated rulers were assimilated into the imperial administration with honor, ensuring their loyalty and stability within the empire.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

With reference to the lineage of the Mughals, consider the following statements: 1. From their mother’s side, they were descendants of the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan. 2. From their father’s side, they were the successors of the Uzbeg ruler Shaibani Khan. 3. The Mughals took pride in their Timurid ancestry rather than their Mongol descent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Mughal traditions of succession: 1. The Mughals strictly followed the rule of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited the father's estate. 2. They adopted the Timurid custom of coparcenary inheritance. 3. The inheritance was divided amongst all the sons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the military technology used in the sixteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. Cannons were an important addition to warfare during this period. 2. Babur relied solely on archers and did not use gunpowder technology in the first battle of Panipat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the early career of the first Mughal emperor, Babur: 1. He succeeded to the throne of Ferghana in 1494 when he was only 12 years old. 2. He was forced to leave his ancestral throne due to the invasion of the Uzbegs. 3. He seized Kabul in 1504 before capturing Delhi in 1526. 4. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat to establish control over Agra and Delhi. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

With reference to the matrimonial alliances of the Mughals, consider the following statements: 1. The mother of Jahangir was a Kachhwaha princess, daughter of the Rajput ruler of Amber. 2. The mother of Shah Jahan was a Persian princess from the Safavid court. 3. These marriages were often the result of political alliances. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 4: The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 7 History chapters

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Mughals campaigned constantly against rulers who refused to accept their authority. Military expansion was a core activity of the empire, and campaigns were launched regularly against the Afghans, Rajputs, Deccan Sultanates, and other regional powers to enforce suzerainty.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: A distinctive feature of Mughal diplomacy, particularly established during Akbar's reign, was that they did not usually humiliate defeated rulers. Instead, defeated rulers were often treated with honor, restored to their kingdoms as vassals, and enrolled in the Mughal service (Mansabdari system). Their lands were often assigned back to them as watan jagirs. This policy of "defeat but not humiliate" was crucial in turning former enemies into loyal allies.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Rajputs were not the only group to refuse service; in fact, many Rajput rulers (like those of Amber and Marwar) were among the first and most prominent to join the Mughal service. While the Sisodias of Mewar resisted for a long time, they eventually entered a treaty during Jahangir's reign. Conversely, other groups, such as the Ahoms in the northeast or certain Afghan clans, offered stiff resistance at various times. Therefore, characterizing Rajputs as a group that "consistently refused" is historically inaccurate.