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

mcqeasy

Within the structure of Abul Fazl’s Ain-i Akbari, which area of Mughal governance is addressed in the section known as Mulk-abadi?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe military and civil administration.
BThe imperial household.
CThe religious traditions of the people.
DThe fiscal side of the empire and revenue rates.

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is The fiscal side of the empire and revenue rates.

Explanation

The Ain-i Akbari, authored by Abul Fazl, constitutes the third volume of the larger Akbarnama. It serves as an administrative manual and a statistical gazetteer of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar. The work is structured into five distinct books (daftars), each addressing specific aspects of governance and society.

Detailed Analys

First Book (Manzil-abadi): Deals with the imperial household, including the maintenance of the harem, the royal wardrobe, and the manufacturing departments (karkhanas).
Second Book (Sipah-abadi): Focuses on the military and civil administration, detailing the ranks of officials (Mansabdars), the army, and the allowances of servants.
Third Book (Mulk-abadi): This is the section in question. It deals with the fiscal side of the empire. It contains regulations regarding the judicial and executive departments, land revenue rates, and the "Account of the Twelve Subahs" (provinces), providing rich statistical data on crops, yields, and revenue assessments.
Fourth Book: Describes the social conditions, literary activities, philosophy, science, and religious traditions of the people of India (including Hindu philosophy).
Fifth Book: Contains the moral sayings of Akbar and a brief autobiography of the author, Abul Fazl.

Key Takeaway:
The Mulk-abadi is primarily concerned with the financial and revenue administration of the Mughal Empire, offering a detailed statistical account of the provinces (subahs) and their agrarian systems.

Your note

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Correct Option

The correct option is The fiscal side of the empire and revenue rates.

Explanation

Detailed Analys

First Book (Manzil-abadi): Deals with the imperial household, including the maintenance of the harem, the royal wardrobe, and the manufacturing departments (karkhanas).
Second Book (Sipah-abadi): Focuses on the military and civil administration, detailing the ranks of officials (Mansabdars), the army, and the allowances of servants.
Third Book (Mulk-abadi): This is the section in question. It deals with the fiscal side of the empire. It contains regulations regarding the judicial and executive departments, land revenue rates, and the "Account of the Twelve Subahs" (provinces), providing rich statistical data on crops, yields, and revenue assessments.
Fourth Book: Describes the social conditions, literary activities, philosophy, science, and religious traditions of the people of India (including Hindu philosophy).
Fifth Book: Contains the moral sayings of Akbar and a brief autobiography of the author, Abul Fazl.