The number of Mughal provinces (subahs) during Akbar’s time was 15, which increased to how many during Aurangzeb’s time?
The number of Mughal provinces (subahs) increased from 15 during Akbar’s time to 21 during the height of Aurangzeb’s reign. This increase was due to the incorporation of newly conquered territories, most notably the Deccan sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda, which were annexed in 1686 and 1687, respectively. The correct answer is (C) 21.
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The number of Mughal provinces (subahs) reached 21 during the time of Aurangzeb. Akbar had initially organized the empire into 12 subahs, which later increased to 15. Aurangzeb added the former Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur (1686) and Golconda (1687), along with newly consolidated territories. [Image illustrating the 21 Mughal Subahs under Aurangzeb] This increase reflects the maximum territorial extent of the Mughal Empire achieved under Aurangzeb, although managing these vast, distant territories ultimately proved difficult.