Question

The Jesuit priest Father Antonio Monserrate, resident at the court of Akbar, noticed: In order to

prevent the great nobles becoming insolent through the unchallenged enjoyment of power, the

King summons them to court and gives them imperious commands, as though they were his

slaves. The obedience to these commands ill suits their exalted rank and dignity.



i. What does Father Monserrate’s observation suggest about the relationship between

the Mughal emperor and his officials? 2

ii. How do you think that the nobility was an important pillar of the Mughal State ? 2

iii. Explain the observation of the Jesuit Priest Father Antonio Monserrate regarding this

relationship.​

Answer 1

Answer:

iii

(a) The most important pillar of the Mughal state was its nobility. Owing to several factors, the Mughal nobility was a heterogenous body composed of diverse ethnic and religious groups. (b) This ensured that no faction became large or powerful enough to challange the authority of the state.