Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003

Mughal Territorial Founding

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The empire of Babur included- 1. The area of Kabul 2. The area of Punjab 3. The area of modern Uttar Pradesh 4. The area of modern Rajasthan

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Babur’s empire was a transitionary state, bridging his Central Asian territories with the newly conquered plains of North India. It was geographically focused on the river valleys of the North.

Explanation Babur's empire spanned from Kabul (his base in Afghanistan) through the Punjab (secured at Panipat) to the Indo-Gangetic plains of modern Uttar Pradesh (secured at Khanwa and Ghaghra). However, he did not establish permanent administrative control over Rajasthan, which remained under the autonomous Rajput clans despite their defeat at Khanwa.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct as they represent the core belt of Babur’s four-year rule.
Logic 2: Rajasthan was a zone of conflict rather than an integrated part of Babur’s Mughal province system during his short reign (1526–1530).

Active Recall

Question

What was the capital of Babur's Indian territories?

Answer

Agra served as his primary capital in India, while he maintained Kabul as his secondary imperial seat.

Core Insight

Babur's empire was a 'Linear Empire'—it followed the strategic road from the Afghan mountains to the fertile plains of the Ganga.