UPPCS (Mains) 2015

Mughal Court Factions

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who was not a member of Noorjahan's Junta?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Historians describe a 'Junta' or a small political clique that exercised supreme power during Jahangir's reign. This group consisted of Nur Jahan's family and allies who managed the administration on behalf of the Emperor.

Explanation Nurjahan's Junta included herself, her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg (Itimad-ud-Daula), her brother Asaf Khan, and Prince Khurram (the future Shah Jahan). Jahangir was the Emperor whose authority they exercised; he was the *source
of their power but not a 'member' of the political clique that influenced him.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Junta was a faction within the court. The Emperor sits above factions, even if he is dominated by one.
Logic 2: This group controlled all appointments and policies until Prince Khurram rebelled and Nurjahan’s interests shifted away from him.

Active Recall

Question

How did Nurjahan exercise her power?

Answer

She issued firmans, had coins minted in her name, and often sat with the Emperor to manage administrative affairs, making her the most powerful woman in Mughal history.

Core Insight

The 'Junta' theory shows how family networks were often more powerful than official bureaucratic structures in the Mughal court.