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Kings And Chronicles : The Mughal Courts
Read the following excerpt carefully and answer the questions that follow :
The Accessible Emperor
In the account of his experiences, Monserrate, who was a member of the first Jesuit mission, says : It is hard to exaggerate how accessible he (Akbar) makes himself to all who wish audience of him. For he creates an opportunity almost every day for any of the common people or of the nobles to see him and to converse with him; and he endeavours to show himself pleasant-spoken and affable rather than severe towards all who come to speak with him. It is very remarkable how great an effect this courtesy and affability has in attaching him to the minds of his subjects.
(15.1) Who were Jesuits ? How did they establish their network in India ?
(15.2) How did Monserrate accord his experience about the Akbar ?
(15.3) How had Akbar’s courtesy brought affability for his subjects ? Explain.
15.1. Jesuits were Christian missionaries. They came with the Portuguese traders to the coastal cities of India (Goa). Akbar had invited them for religious debates.
15.2 Monserrate explains his experience about Akbar in the following ways:
i. He is accessible to all who wish to meet him
ii. Describes Akbar as a well liked ruler who gives opportunity to common people and nobles to see him and talk to him.
15.3 Akbar’s courtesy brought affability in the following ways:
i. Akbar was respected by his subjects and Akbar respected all religions.
ii. He occupied himself in interfaith debates at ibadatkhana and was open to new religious ideas and gave freedom to various schools of thought.
iii. He proposed Din-i-ilahi and advocated sulh-i-kul policy and had abolished jiziya and pilgrimage tax.
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Find out more about any one Mughal chronicle. Prepare a report describing the author, and the language, style and content of the text. Describe at
least two visuals used to illustrate the chronicle of your choice, focusing on the symbols used to indicate the power of the emperor.
Prepare a report comparing the present-day system of government with the Mughal court and administration, focusing on ideals of rulership, court rituals, and means of recruitment into the imperial service, highlighting the similarities and differences that you notice.
Why did Akbar abolish the pilgrimage tax? Give two reasons.
Mention the significance of Sijda in the Mughal court.
What was the form of greeting an ambassador was expected to offer while being presented before the Mughal emperor?
Mention the main objective of Akbar behind Jharokc Darshan.
Who is considered as the Great Mughal? Describe his two achievements.
How was Mughal dynasty came to an end in India?
Discuss any two objectives of the chronicles got prepared by the Mughal rulers.
Who were the authors of the Mughal chronicles? On which four points did they concentrate?
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