In the administrative compendium Ain-i… - NCERT Class 12 History MCQ

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 4: Peasants, Zamindars and the State - Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. 16th - 17th centuries)

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In the administrative compendium Ain-i Akbari, the section known as Sipah-abadi primarily contains which of the following?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Themes in Indian History - 2 · Page 218

Options

ARules for the maintenance of the royal harem.
BDetailed revenue rates for each province.
CBiographical sketches of imperial officials and learned men.
DA collection of Akbar's auspicious sayings.

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Solution

The correct option is Biographical sketches of imperial officials and learned men..

Explanation

The Ain-i Akbari, authored by Abu’l-Fazl, serves as the third volume of the Akbarnama. It is a comprehensive administrative manual detailing the governance, statistics, and culture of the Mughal Empire under Akbar. The work is divided into five books (daftars), each dedicated to a specific aspect of the state.

Detailed Analysis of the Sections:

Book I (Manzil-abadi): This section deals with the imperial household. It contains regulations concerning the royal harem, the imperial wardrobe, the kitchen, the mint, and the maintenance of the royal stables. Therefore, Rules for the maintenance of the royal harem. corresponds to this section.
Book II (Sipah-abadi): This section focuses on the military and civil administration. It details the Mansabdari system, the pay and allowances of the army, and the regulations for the imperial council. Crucially, it includes biographical sketches of imperial officials (mansabdars), learned men, poets, and artists. Therefore, Biographical sketches of imperial officials and learned men. is the correct answer.
Book III (Mulk-abadi): This section is dedicated to the fiscal and revenue administration. It provides detailed revenue rates (dasturs) for each province (suba) and statistical accounts of the empire's geography and economy. Therefore, Detailed revenue rates for each province. corresponds to this section.
Book IV: This volume covers the social, religious, and literary traditions of India, including Hindu philosophy, science, and customs.
Book V: This section contains a collection of Akbar’s moral sentences, auspicious sayings, and rules of wisdom. Therefore, A collection of Akbar's auspicious sayings. corresponds to this section.

Key Takeaway:
The Sipah-abadi is the second book of the Ain-i Akbari, primarily dealing with the military and civil establishment, including the ranks of officials and their biographies.

Your note

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