GS PrelimsHistory (Medieval India)Mughals1998

In the given map, the shaded part represents Akbar's empire at a certain juncture: 'A' stands for an independent country and 'B' marks the site of a city. Which one of the following alternatives gives all correct information?

A

Akbar in 1557: (A) Golkunda (B) Lahore

B

Akbar in 1557: (A) Khandesh (B) Multan

C

Akbar in 1605: (A) Gondwana (B) Multan

D

Akbar in 1605: (A) Gondwana (B) Lahore

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. The question asks to interpret a map showing Akbar's empire at a certain point, identifying an independent country ('A') and a city ('B'). 2. Option (D) places the time as 1605, near the end of Akbar's reign. At this time, Akbar's empire was vast. 3. 'A' is identified as Gondwana. While parts of Gondwana were subjugated earlier, large tracts remained autonomous or independent feudatories outside direct Mughal administration. 4. 'B' is identified as Lahore. Lahore was a major provincial capital and strategically important city within Akbar's empire, located in the northwest, consistent with typical map representations. 5. Other options are less likely: 1557 was too early for the depicted extent. Golkunda was further south and remained independent until later. Khandesh was annexed earlier. Multan is another plausible city, but the combination Gondwana/Lahore for 1605 fits the historical context well.
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