UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient & Medieval India : 8 August 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient & Medieval India : 8 August 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Which of the following statements most accurately describes the function of the Mir Bakhshi in the Mughal central administration? (a) He was the head of the revenue department and formulated the land revenue settlement. (b) He was the head of the imperial household, in charge of workshops and public works. (c) He was the head of the military department, responsible for intelligence gathering and the Mansabdari system. (d) He was the chief judicial officer who appointed judges and managed religious endowments. Correct Solution: C The Mughal central administration was highly organized, with distinct ministries overseeing different functions. The Mir Bakhshi was a pivotal figure, serving as the head of the military department. However, his role was far more comprehensive than just being an army minister. He was not typically the commander-in-chief of the army on the battlefield, a role often held by the emperor himself or a designated high-ranking noble. Instead, the Mir Bakhshi’s office was the nerve center of the military administration. One of his primary duties was the management of the Mansabdari system, the steel frame of the empire. He was responsible for maintaining a register with the names, ranks (mansabs), and salary details of all mansabdars. All appointment orders to mansabs passed through his office. Furthermore, he was in charge of intelligence gathering, receiving reports from news-writers (waqia-navis) and spies from across the provinces and presenting them to the emperor. He also oversaw the recruitment of soldiers and the inspection of horses and equipment maintained by the mansabdars. Option (a) describes the Diwan or Wazir. Option (b) describes the Mir Saman. Option (d) describes the Sadr-us-Sudur. Incorrect Solution: C The Mughal central administration was highly organized, with distinct ministries overseeing different functions. The Mir Bakhshi was a pivotal figure, serving as the head of the military department. However, his role was far more comprehensive than just being an army minister. He was not typically the commander-in-chief of the army on the battlefield, a role often held by the emperor himself or a designated high-ranking noble. Instead, the Mir Bakhshi’s office was the nerve center of the military administration. One of his primary duties was the management of the Mansabdari system, the steel frame of the empire. He was responsible for maintaining a register with the names, ranks (mansabs), and salary details of all mansabdars. All appointment orders to mansabs passed through his office. Furthermore, he was in charge of intelligence gathering, receiving reports from news-writers (waqia-navis) and spies from across the provinces and presenting them to the emperor. He also oversaw the recruitment of soldiers and the inspection of horses and equipment maintained by the mansabdars. Option (a) describes the Diwan or Wazir. Option (b) describes the Mir Saman. Option (d) describes the Sadr-us-Sudur.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the function of the Mir Bakhshi in the Mughal central administration?

• (a) He was the head of the revenue department and formulated the land revenue settlement.

• (b) He was the head of the imperial household, in charge of workshops and public works.

• (c) He was the head of the military department, responsible for intelligence gathering and the Mansabdari system.

• (d) He was the chief judicial officer who appointed judges and managed religious endowments.

Solution: C

• The Mughal central administration was highly organized, with distinct ministries overseeing different functions. The Mir Bakhshi was a pivotal figure, serving as the head of the military department. However, his role was far more comprehensive than just being an army minister. He was not typically the commander-in-chief of the army on the battlefield, a role often held by the emperor himself or a designated high-ranking noble.

• Instead, the Mir Bakhshi’s office was the nerve center of the military administration. One of his primary duties was the management of the Mansabdari system, the steel frame of the empire. He was responsible for maintaining a register with the names, ranks (mansabs), and salary details of all mansabdars. All appointment orders to mansabs passed through his office.

• Furthermore, he was in charge of intelligence gathering, receiving reports from news-writers (waqia-navis) and spies from across the provinces and presenting them to the emperor. He also oversaw the recruitment of soldiers and the inspection of horses and equipment maintained by the mansabdars.

• Option (a) describes the Diwan or Wazir. Option (b) describes the Mir Saman. Option (d) describes the Sadr-us-Sudur.

Solution: C

• Option (a) describes the Diwan or Wazir. Option (b) describes the Mir Saman. Option (d) describes the Sadr-us-Sudur.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Match the administrative terms in List-I with their functions in List-II and the administrative level in List-III. List-I (Term) List-II (Function) List-III (Level) A. Subedar 1. Maintenance of law and order, head of police P. Pargana B. Shiqdar 2. Head of provincial administration, both civil and military Q. Sarkar C. Faujdar 3. Head of general administration and law and order R. Suba D. Kotwal 4. Head of a pargana, combining police and magisterial powers S. Urban Centre Which of the following is the correct match? (a) A-3-R, B-1-P, C-4-Q, D-2-S (b) A-2-R, B-4-P, C-3-Q, D-1-S (c) A-2-Q, B-4-S, C-3-P, D-1-R (d) A-3-P, B-2-R, C-1-S, D-4-Q Correct Solution: B Subedar: The Subedar (or Sipah Salar) was the governor or head of a province, which was called a Suba. He was the emperor’s representative and was responsible for the overall provincial administration, both civil and military. This correctly matches A with 2 and R. Shiqdar: The Shiqdar was an important official at the Pargana (sub-district) level. His role was a precursor to the Mughal system and continued under them, where he was responsible for general administration, law and order, and exercising police and magisterial powers within the pargana. This correctly matches B with 4 and P. Faujdar: The Faujdar was the chief officer of a Sarkar (district). He was responsible for the head of general administration and maintenance of law and order within his jurisdiction, essentially acting as the executive and military head of the district. This correctly matches C with 3 and Q. D. Kotwal: The Kotwal was the chief of police for a large Urban Centre or city. He was responsible for the maintenance of law and order, regulation of markets, and keeping a watch over the city’s population. This correctly matches D with 1 and S. Incorrect Solution: B Subedar: The Subedar (or Sipah Salar) was the governor or head of a province, which was called a Suba. He was the emperor’s representative and was responsible for the overall provincial administration, both civil and military. This correctly matches A with 2 and R. Shiqdar: The Shiqdar was an important official at the Pargana (sub-district) level. His role was a precursor to the Mughal system and continued under them, where he was responsible for general administration, law and order, and exercising police and magisterial powers within the pargana. This correctly matches B with 4 and P. Faujdar: The Faujdar was the chief officer of a Sarkar (district). He was responsible for the head of general administration and maintenance of law and order within his jurisdiction, essentially acting as the executive and military head of the district. This correctly matches C with 3 and Q. D. Kotwal: The Kotwal was the chief of police for a large Urban Centre or city. He was responsible for the maintenance of law and order, regulation of markets, and keeping a watch over the city’s population. This correctly matches D with 1 and S.

#### 2. Question

Match the administrative terms in List-I with their functions in List-II and the administrative level in List-III.

List-I (Term) | List-II (Function) | List-III (Level)

A. Subedar | 1. Maintenance of law and order, head of police | P. Pargana

B. Shiqdar | 2. Head of provincial administration, both civil and military | Q. Sarkar

C. Faujdar | 3. Head of general administration and law and order | R. Suba

D. Kotwal | 4. Head of a pargana, combining police and magisterial powers | S. Urban Centre

Which of the following is the correct match?

• (a) A-3-R, B-1-P, C-4-Q, D-2-S

• (b) A-2-R, B-4-P, C-3-Q, D-1-S

• (c) A-2-Q, B-4-S, C-3-P, D-1-R

• (d) A-3-P, B-2-R, C-1-S, D-4-Q

Solution: B

• Subedar: The Subedar (or Sipah Salar) was the governor or head of a province, which was called a Suba. He was the emperor’s representative and was responsible for the overall provincial administration, both civil and military. This correctly matches A with 2 and R.

• Shiqdar: The Shiqdar was an important official at the Pargana (sub-district) level. His role was a precursor to the Mughal system and continued under them, where he was responsible for general administration, law and order, and exercising police and magisterial powers within the pargana. This correctly matches B with 4 and P.

• Faujdar: The Faujdar was the chief officer of a Sarkar (district). He was responsible for the head of general administration and maintenance of law and order within his jurisdiction, essentially acting as the executive and military head of the district. This correctly matches C with 3 and Q.

D. Kotwal: The Kotwal was the chief of police for a large Urban Centre or city. He was responsible for the maintenance of law and order, regulation of markets, and keeping a watch over the city’s population. This correctly matches D with 1 and S.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question The term Paibaqi in the context of Mughal revenue administration referred to: (a) Land that had been left fallow for more than five years. (b) Revenue from land that was assigned to a Mansabdar in lieu of salary. (c) Land whose revenue was reserved for the imperial treasury and was yet to be assigned as a jagir. (d) A system of crop-sharing where the produce was divided between the state and the peasant. Correct Solution: C The Mughal fiscal system was complex, involving different categories of land and revenue assignments. The term Paibaqi (or Pay-baqi) referred specifically to revenue-yielding lands that were temporarily under the direct administration of the central government because they were not currently assigned to any Mansabdar as a jagir. Essentially, these were lands “awaiting assignment.” When a jagir holder died or was transferred, his jagir would revert to the crown and be classified as paibaqi until it was reassigned to another noble. This pool of land was crucial for the functioning of the Jagirdari system, as it provided the state with the flexibility to grant assignments to new appointees or to adjust the holdings of existing ones. The management of paibaqi lands was a key administrative function. It should not be confused with Khalisa land, whose revenue was permanently reserved for the imperial treasury. While both were under central control, paibaqi was by definition temporary. Option (a) describes Banjar Option (b) refers to a jagir itself. Option (d) describes the Batai or Ghalla-bakhshi system. Incorrect Solution: C The Mughal fiscal system was complex, involving different categories of land and revenue assignments. The term Paibaqi (or Pay-baqi) referred specifically to revenue-yielding lands that were temporarily under the direct administration of the central government because they were not currently assigned to any Mansabdar as a jagir. Essentially, these were lands “awaiting assignment.” When a jagir holder died or was transferred, his jagir would revert to the crown and be classified as paibaqi until it was reassigned to another noble. This pool of land was crucial for the functioning of the Jagirdari system, as it provided the state with the flexibility to grant assignments to new appointees or to adjust the holdings of existing ones. The management of paibaqi lands was a key administrative function. It should not be confused with Khalisa land, whose revenue was permanently reserved for the imperial treasury. While both were under central control, paibaqi was by definition temporary. Option (a) describes Banjar Option (b) refers to a jagir itself. Option (d) describes the Batai or Ghalla-bakhshi system.

#### 3. Question

The term Paibaqi in the context of Mughal revenue administration referred to:

• (a) Land that had been left fallow for more than five years.

• (b) Revenue from land that was assigned to a Mansabdar in lieu of salary.

• (c) Land whose revenue was reserved for the imperial treasury and was yet to be assigned as a jagir.

• (d) A system of crop-sharing where the produce was divided between the state and the peasant.

Solution: C

• The Mughal fiscal system was complex, involving different categories of land and revenue assignments. The term Paibaqi (or Pay-baqi) referred specifically to revenue-yielding lands that were temporarily under the direct administration of the central government because they were not currently assigned to any Mansabdar as a jagir.

• Essentially, these were lands “awaiting assignment.” When a jagir holder died or was transferred, his jagir would revert to the crown and be classified as paibaqi until it was reassigned to another noble. This pool of land was crucial for the functioning of the Jagirdari system, as it provided the state with the flexibility to grant assignments to new appointees or to adjust the holdings of existing ones.

• The management of paibaqi lands was a key administrative function. It should not be confused with Khalisa land, whose revenue was permanently reserved for the imperial treasury. While both were under central control, paibaqi was by definition temporary.

• Option (a) describes Banjar Option (b) refers to a jagir itself. Option (d) describes the Batai or Ghalla-bakhshi system.

Solution: C

• Option (a) describes Banjar Option (b) refers to a jagir itself. Option (d) describes the Batai or Ghalla-bakhshi system.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match List-I with List-II: List-I (Later Mughal Ruler) List-II (Key Event/Characteristic) A. Bahadur Shah I 1. Granted a farman to the British East India Company in 1717 B. Farrukh Siyar 2. Was the nominal head of the Revolt of 1857 C. Bahadur Shah II 3. Adopted a conciliatory policy towards Marathas but failed to fully satisfy them Select the correct answer code: (a) A-1, B-3, C-2 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3 (c) A-3, B-2, C-1 (d) A-3, B-1, C-2 Correct Solution: D Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712): After winning the war of succession, he tried to reverse some of Aurangzeb’s harsh policies. He adopted a conciliatory policy towards the Marathas by releasing Shahu, but he did not grant them the chauth of the Deccan, thus failing to find a lasting solution. This correctly matches with 3. Farrukh Siyar (1713-1719): He ascended the throne with the help of the Sayyid brothers. In 1717, he issued a famous *farman (imperial order) that granted the British East India Company the right to trade in Bengal without paying customs duties, a concession that had far-reaching consequences. This correctly matches with 1. C. Bahadur Shah II ‘Zafar’ (1837-1857): He was the last Mughal emperor. Though a ruler in name only and a pensioner of the British, he was persuaded to become the nominal leader and symbol of unity for the rebels during the great Revolt of 1857. After the revolt was suppressed, he was exiled to Burma. This correctly matches with 2. Incorrect Solution: D Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712): After winning the war of succession, he tried to reverse some of Aurangzeb’s harsh policies. He adopted a conciliatory policy towards the Marathas by releasing Shahu, but he did not grant them the chauth of the Deccan, thus failing to find a lasting solution. This correctly matches with 3. Farrukh Siyar (1713-1719): He ascended the throne with the help of the Sayyid brothers. In 1717, he issued a famous farman (imperial order) that granted the British East India Company the right to trade in Bengal without paying customs duties, a concession that had far-reaching consequences. This correctly matches with 1. C. Bahadur Shah II ‘Zafar’ (1837-1857): He was the last Mughal emperor. Though a ruler in name only and a pensioner of the British, he was persuaded to become the nominal leader and symbol of unity for the rebels during the great Revolt of 1857. After the revolt was suppressed, he was exiled to Burma. This correctly matches with 2*.

#### 4. Question

Match List-I with List-II:

List-I (Later Mughal Ruler) | List-II (Key Event/Characteristic)

A. Bahadur Shah I | 1. Granted a farman to the British East India Company in 1717

B. Farrukh Siyar | 2. Was the nominal head of the Revolt of 1857

C. Bahadur Shah II | 3. Adopted a conciliatory policy towards Marathas but failed to fully satisfy them

Select the correct answer code:

• (a) A-1, B-3, C-2

• (b) A-1, B-2, C-3

• (c) A-3, B-2, C-1

• (d) A-3, B-1, C-2

Solution: D

• Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712): After winning the war of succession, he tried to reverse some of Aurangzeb’s harsh policies. He adopted a conciliatory policy towards the Marathas by releasing Shahu, but he did not grant them the chauth of the Deccan, thus failing to find a lasting solution. This correctly matches with 3.

• Farrukh Siyar (1713-1719): He ascended the throne with the help of the Sayyid brothers. In 1717, he issued a famous *farman (imperial order) that granted the British East India Company the right to trade in Bengal without paying customs duties, a concession that had far-reaching consequences. This correctly matches with 1*.

C. Bahadur Shah II ‘Zafar’ (1837-1857): He was the last Mughal emperor. Though a ruler in name only and a pensioner of the British, he was persuaded to become the nominal leader and symbol of unity for the rebels during the great Revolt of 1857. After the revolt was suppressed, he was exiled to Burma. This correctly matches with 2.

Solution: D

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the Mughal Navy, known as Nawara, consider the following statements: It was primarily a blue-water navy designed to project power across the Indian Ocean and challenge European fleets in open-sea combat. Emperor Akbar was the first Mughal ruler to establish a structured naval department after the conquests of Gujarat and Bengal. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Mughal navy, or Nawara, was fundamentally a coastal and riverine force, not a “blue-water” navy capable of projecting power far into the open ocean. Their emphasis was on controlling ports, estuaries, and river systems. Statement 2 is correct. While earlier rulers like Babur used flotillas of boats for river campaigns, it was Emperor Akbar who is credited with founding a structured naval department. After his conquests of the coastal provinces of Gujarat and Bengal in the late 16th century, he gained access to the sea and recognized the need for an organized fleet. He established a naval administration with clear objectives, including combat, transport, and the protection of commerce. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Mughal navy, or Nawara, was fundamentally a coastal and riverine force, not a “blue-water” navy capable of projecting power far into the open ocean. Their emphasis was on controlling ports, estuaries, and river systems. Statement 2 is correct. While earlier rulers like Babur used flotillas of boats for river campaigns, it was Emperor Akbar who is credited with founding a structured naval department. After his conquests of the coastal provinces of Gujarat and Bengal in the late 16th century, he gained access to the sea and recognized the need for an organized fleet. He established a naval administration with clear objectives, including combat, transport, and the protection of commerce.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the Mughal Navy, known as Nawara, consider the following statements:

• It was primarily a blue-water navy designed to project power across the Indian Ocean and challenge European fleets in open-sea combat.

• Emperor Akbar was the first Mughal ruler to establish a structured naval department after the conquests of Gujarat and Bengal.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Mughal navy, or Nawara, was fundamentally a coastal and riverine force, not a “blue-water” navy capable of projecting power far into the open ocean. Their emphasis was on controlling ports, estuaries, and river systems.

• Statement 2 is correct. While earlier rulers like Babur used flotillas of boats for river campaigns, it was Emperor Akbar who is credited with founding a structured naval department. After his conquests of the coastal provinces of Gujarat and Bengal in the late 16th century, he gained access to the sea and recognized the need for an organized fleet. He established a naval administration with clear objectives, including combat, transport, and the protection of commerce.

Solution: B

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