R.A.S./R.T.S. Pre 1993

Secular Rulers of Medieval India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Ruler of Kashmir who was also known as 'Akbar of Kashmir' was-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Long before Akbar ruled in Delhi, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin of Kashmir implemented identical policies of pluralism, religious freedom, and cultural patronage, earning him the comparison to the great Mughal.

Explanation Zain-ul-Abidin (reigned 1420–1470) is famously known as the 'Akbar of Kashmir' (and 'Bud Shah' or Great King). He abolished the Jizya tax on Hindus, prohibited cow slaughter, and invited scholars to translate the Mahabharata into Persian, mirroring Akbar's later reforms in almost every detail.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: He was a skilled administrator who stabilized the Kashmiri economy by regulating prices and alleviating peasant taxes.
Logic 2: He also promoted Kashmiri crafts like shawl-making and musket-making, making the valley a prosperous center of industry.

Active Recall

Question

What was the title 'Bud Shah'?

Answer

It was a Kashmiri term meaning 'The Great King,' used by his subjects out of deep affection for his just rule.

Core Insight

Zain-ul-Abidin proves that the 'Indian Model' of secular kingship had regional roots that predated the Mughal Empire.