a) Name one feature of Akbar’s administration.
b) Give one example of how Jahangir supported art during his reign.
c) Give one example of how Aurangzeb showed his religious piety.
Level
GCSE
Year Examined
2020
Topic
Mughal Empire
👑Complete Model Essay
a) Name one feature of Akbar’s administration.
b) Give one example of how Jahangir supported art during his reign.
c) Give one example of how Aurangzeb showed his religious piety.
Mughal India
a) Feature of Akbar's Administration:
One key feature of Akbar's administration was the mansabdar system. This system organized officials, both military and civil, into ranks called mansabs. Each mansabdar had a specific number of troops they were responsible for and a corresponding amount of land (jagir) granted to them as income. This system ensured efficient revenue collection, military organization, and loyalty to the emperor.
b) Jahangir's Support of Art:
Jahangir was a great patron of the arts, particularly miniature painting. He established royal ateliers where skilled artists created exquisite miniature portraits of himself, his court, and scenes from daily life. These paintings were known for their vibrant colours, intricate details, and realistic depictions.
c) Aurangzeb's Religious Piety:
Aurangzeb's deep religious piety was evident in his decision to ban music from his court. Considering music to be un-Islamic and a distraction from religious devotion, he forbade musical performances in his presence. This act reflected his strict interpretation of Islam and his commitment to living a pious life.
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GCSE Essay Outline: Mughal Empire
Question 1: Features of Mughal Administration, Art Patronage, and Religious Piety
a) Feature of Akbar's Administration: Mansabdari System
- Briefly describe the Mansabdari system: a hierarchical system of ranking officials in the Mughal Empire.
- Mention the key aspects: ranks (zat and sawar), land grants (jagirs), and military obligations.
- Explain how this system helped Akbar centralize power and maintain control over a vast empire.
b) Jahangir's Support for Art: Patronage of Miniature Painting
- State Jahangir's passion for art, particularly miniature painting.
- Give a specific example: the patronage of artists like Ustad Mansur, known for his realistic depictions of animals and plants.
- Explain how Jahangir's support led to the flourishing of Mughal miniature painting, characterized by vibrant colors, intricate details, and realistic portraits.
c) Aurangzeb's Religious Piety: Reintroduction of Jizya Tax
- Define Jizya: a tax levied on non-Muslim subjects in Islamic states.
- Explain how Aurangzeb's decision to reintroduce the jizya tax, after Akbar had abolished it, reflected his strict interpretation of Islam.
- Briefly discuss the implications of this policy, such as increased religious tensions and financial burdens on non-Muslims.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
1(a)
Likely valid responses include: Empire divided into provinces; provinces ruled by a governor, revenue collector and military commander; runners used for communication; carrier pigeons; four ministers (finance, army, justice and royal household); mansabdars (including ranks and land); civil service, collected taxes
1(b)
Likely valid responses include: painting; miniatures; portraits
1(c)
Likely valid responses include: read theology; encouraged calligraphy rather than painting human form; made his own copies of the Qur’an; memorised Qur’an in full, new coins didn’t have verses from the Qur’an; appointed new official (muhtasib); ended custom of appearing at jharokha window;
Any other historically valid response is acceptable and should be credited.