Question

Which of the following Mughal Emperors introduced educational reforms?
1. Jahangir
2. Shahjahan
3. Humayun
4. Akbar

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Akbar

The correct answer is Akbar.

• Akbar:
  • Akbar’s position was dangerous when he succeeded his father Humayun as Delhi was seized by the Afghans.
  • In 1556, in the second battle of Panipat, Akabar defeated Hemu and the army of Hemu fled which made the victory of Mughals was decisive.
  • During the first 5 years of Akbar’s reign, Bairam Khan acted as his regent.
  • Akbar introduced educational reforms.
  • Later, Akbar removed Bairam Khan and sent him to Mecca but Bairam Khan was killed by an Afghan on his way.
  • The military conquests of Akbar were extensive.

• Jahangir:
  • Jahangir was the eldest son of Akbar.
  • But the lack of primogeniture among the Mughals meant a tussle for the throne was bound to happen.
  • He revolted for power while his father was engaged in the Deccan in 1599.
  • But Akbar returned to Agra and the rebellion was suppressed.
  • With the support of his stepmothers, he rose to power on Akbar’s death.
• Shahjahan:
  • Shah Jahan was an able military commander.
  • While still a prince, he was able to obtain the submission of the Rajput state of Mewar which Akbar had not been able to defeat.
  • Mewar then became a vassal of the Mughal Empire.
  • On becoming the emperor, Shah Jahan executed many of his former rivals including his own brother Shahryar, imprisoned many more, and consolidated his power.
  • The Mughal rules of succession do not follow primogeniture, i.e., the eldest son succeeding the father; there is always a fight for power by brothers in the Mughal courts upon the death of a ruler.
• Humayun:
  • Humayun was the eldest son of Babur.
  • Humayun means “fortune” but he remained the most unfortunate ruler of the Mughal Empire.
  • Six months after his succession, Humayun besieged the fortress of Kalinjar in Bundelkhand, gained a decisive victory over Afghans at Douhrua, and drove out Sultan Mahmood Lodhi from Jaunpur, and even defeated Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.
  • His victories, however, were short-lived due to the weakness of his character.
  • Humayun had three brothers, Kamran, Askari and Hindal.
  • Humayun divided the empire among his brothers but this proved to be a great blunder on his part.
  • Kamran was given Kabul and Kandahar.