Which of the following is true of the Mughal Empire?
a. It created a new religion that synthesized Islam and Christianity.
b. It formed as a result of Chinese exploration in the Indian Ocean.
c. It established unified control over most of the Indian peninsula.
d. It showed no tolerance for Hindu subjects and expelled them.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is c. It established unified control over most of the Indian peninsula.
Explanation:
The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur in 1526, was one of the most significant and long-lasting empires in Indian history. Its reign lasted from the early 16th century until the mid-19th century, and during this period, the Mughals controlled a large part of the Indian subcontinent, including most of modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan.
Under the leadership of emperors such as Akbar the Great (reigned 1556–1605), the Mughal Empire achieved remarkable territorial expansion and consolidated power over much of the Indian subcontinent. By the end of Akbar’s rule, the empire controlled a vast and diverse region, unifying it under one central government. This territorial unity was achieved through military conquests, strategic alliances, and the establishment of a centralized bureaucracy.
The Mughals are known for their significant contributions to Indian culture, architecture, and governance, including the construction of iconic structures such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. They also introduced reforms in administration, taxation, and military organization, which helped maintain control over the vast empire.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- a. It created a new religion that synthesized Islam and Christianity: This is incorrect. The Mughal emperor Akbar attempted to create a syncretic religion called Din-i Ilahi, which combined elements of various religious traditions, but it did not synthesize Islam and Christianity specifically.
- b. It formed as a result of Chinese exploration in the Indian Ocean: This is also incorrect. The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, who invaded India from Central Asia, not as a result of Chinese exploration.
- d. It showed no tolerance for Hindu subjects and expelled them: This statement is false. The Mughal Empire, particularly under Akbar, is known for its religious tolerance. Akbar abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and promoted policies of religious tolerance, encouraging dialogue between different faiths.