1. Mahesh Das, popularly known as Birbal, received the title “Raja Birbal” from Emperor Akbar because of his exceptional wit, intelligence and loyalty. He was one of the Navratnas, the nine jewels of Akbar’s court. Though remembered mainly for humorous tales, Birbal actually held important administratiRead more

    Mahesh Das, popularly known as Birbal, received the title “Raja Birbal” from Emperor Akbar because of his exceptional wit, intelligence and loyalty. He was one of the Navratnas, the nine jewels of Akbar’s court. Though remembered mainly for humorous tales, Birbal actually held important administrative positions and participated in military campaigns. Akbar valued him not only for entertainment but for sound advice, diplomatic skills and his ability to resolve complex matters through reasoning. His rise from an ordinary Brahmin background to a royal confidant reflects Akbar’s merit-based inclusiveness and appreciation of talent, making Birbal a legendary figure in Mughal history.

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  2. Tuzuk-i-Baburi or the Baburnama is the autobiography of Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. Written in the Chagatai Turkish language, it provides a vivid account of his early struggles in Fergana, military campaigns, political experiences, personal emotions and impressions of India. He records geogRead more

    Tuzuk-i-Baburi or the Baburnama is the autobiography of Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. Written in the Chagatai Turkish language, it provides a vivid account of his early struggles in Fergana, military campaigns, political experiences, personal emotions and impressions of India. He records geography, flora, fauna, people and culture with remarkable clarity. The text reflects his personality—frank, reflective, curious and sensitive to nature. Later, it was translated into Persian during Akbar’s reign. Unlike court-sponsored glorified works, the Baburnama is authentic and personal, making it one of the most important autobiographies in Asian history.

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  3. Babur was the first to introduce the Persian Timurid concept of Charbagh gardens in India, incorporating flowing water, canals, fountains, symmetry and shaded spaces. Being deeply fond of nature, he expressed in the Baburnama his disappointment with India’s natural landscape and thus sought to recreRead more

    Babur was the first to introduce the Persian Timurid concept of Charbagh gardens in India, incorporating flowing water, canals, fountains, symmetry and shaded spaces. Being deeply fond of nature, he expressed in the Baburnama his disappointment with India’s natural landscape and thus sought to recreate Central Asian-style gardens. His gardens in Agra, Kabul and other regions used water as a central design element, symbolizing paradise in Islamic tradition. This tradition later flourished under Mughal rulers like Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, but its foundation was firmly laid by Babur, making him the pioneer of Mughal garden culture.

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  4. Nadir Shah’s 1739 invasion targeted major Mughal centers such as Lahore, where he first entered India; Karnal, where he defeated the Mughal army; and Delhi, where he carried out a brutal massacre and seized enormous treasure, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond and Peacock Throne. His campaign was swifRead more

    Nadir Shah’s 1739 invasion targeted major Mughal centers such as Lahore, where he first entered India; Karnal, where he defeated the Mughal army; and Delhi, where he carried out a brutal massacre and seized enormous treasure, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond and Peacock Throne. His campaign was swift, destructive and strategically focused on regions that posed direct political and financial value. Kannauj, once important in early medieval India, had lost much of its significance by this time. Consequently, Nadir Shah never marched toward or attacked Kannauj, making it the correct answer.

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  5. Bairam Khan served as Akbar’s guardian and regent during his early years. When Humayun died in 1556, Akbar was only thirteen. Bairam Khan assumed responsibility for protecting him, managing the empire and leading military campaigns. His greatest achievement was defeating Hemu in the Second Battle ofRead more

    Bairam Khan served as Akbar’s guardian and regent during his early years. When Humayun died in 1556, Akbar was only thirteen. Bairam Khan assumed responsibility for protecting him, managing the empire and leading military campaigns. His greatest achievement was defeating Hemu in the Second Battle of Panipat, ensuring Akbar’s secure accession. He controlled political affairs, suppressed rebellions and strengthened central authority. His loyalty and capable administration provided the stable foundation on which Akbar later built his vast empire. Only after Akbar matured did he relieve Bairam Khan of his regency, marking the end of his guardianship.

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