1.
What was the devshirme system designed to do?
Correct Answer
A. Turn christian boys into Muslim soldiers
Explanation
The devshirme system was designed to turn Christian boys into Muslim soldiers. This system was implemented by the Ottoman Empire, where young Christian boys were taken from their families and converted to Islam. They were then trained and educated to serve in the Ottoman military or bureaucracy. The purpose of this system was to create a loyal and skilled military force and to assimilate the Christian population into the Muslim-dominated society of the empire.
2.
How did Timur the Lame's military activities affect the growth of the Ottoman Empire?
Correct Answer
B. They interrupted its growth
Explanation
Timur the Lame (Tamerlane) significantly disrupted the Ottoman Empire's expansion by defeating Sultan Bayezid I at the Battle of Ankara in 1402. This defeat led to a period of instability and civil war within the Ottoman Empire, known as the Ottoman Interregnum, lasting until 1413. Although the empire eventually recovered and continued to grow, Timur's invasion temporarily halted its expansion and weakened its hold on its territories.
3.
Why did Shah Jahan order the building of the Taj Mahal?
Correct Answer
C. In memory of his wife, Mumtaz, Mahal
Explanation
Shah Jahan ordered the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in the world and is a symbol of love. Shah Jahan wanted to honor his wife's memory and create a grand mausoleum for her. The Taj Mahal is a testament to their love and serves as a lasting memorial for Mumtaz Mahal.
4.
Which of the following was a result of Western influences on the Safavid Empire? (cultural blending)
Correct Answer
B. Carpet weaving became a national industry
Explanation
Western influences on the Safavid Empire led to the development of carpet weaving as a national industry. This can be attributed to the introduction of new techniques and designs by Western traders and merchants, which influenced and transformed the traditional carpet weaving practices of the Safavid Empire. The demand for Persian carpets also increased in Western markets, leading to the establishment of carpet workshops and the growth of this industry within the empire.
5.
What contributed to the quick decline of both the Ottoman and Safavid Empires?
Correct Answer
D. Incompetent leadership
Explanation
The quick decline of both the Ottoman and Safavid Empires can be attributed to incompetent leadership. Incompetent leaders fail to make effective decisions, manage resources, and maintain stability within their empires. This can lead to internal conflicts, economic instability, and a lack of military strength. Without strong and capable leadership, these empires were unable to address the challenges they faced, resulting in their rapid decline.
6.
What change did the Sikhs undergo during the course of the Mughal Empire?
Correct Answer
A. They transformed from a nonviolent group into a militant group
Explanation
During the course of the Mughal Empire, the Sikhs underwent a transformation from a nonviolent group into a militant group. This change can be attributed to the persecution they faced under Mughal rule, which led them to adopt a more aggressive stance in order to defend themselves and their faith. The Sikhs formed military organizations and actively resisted Mughal oppression, ultimately becoming known for their martial skills and warrior spirit. This transformation marked a significant shift in the Sikh community and their approach to dealing with external threats.
7.
What did Mehmed II do after he conquered Constantinople?
Correct Answer
B. He opened the city to new citizens of many religions and backgrounds
Explanation
After conquering Constantinople, Mehmed II opened the city to new citizens of many religions and backgrounds. This suggests that he allowed people from different religious and cultural backgrounds to settle in the city, promoting diversity and inclusivity. This action indicates a more tolerant approach towards different communities and a willingness to embrace diversity in the newly conquered territory.
8.
Which of the following is NOT true about Isma'il?
Correct Answer
C. He promoted religious tolerance in areas conquered by his troops
Explanation
Isma'il did not promote religious tolerance in areas conquered by his troops. This is evident from the fact that he established Shi'a Islam as the Safavid state religion, which suggests a lack of tolerance towards other religious beliefs. Additionally, his conquests were aimed at spreading Shi'a Islam and consolidating power, rather than promoting religious diversity or tolerance.
9.
What did Suleyman the lawgiver support?
Correct Answer
A. Government reform and cultural achievements
Explanation
Suleyman the lawgiver supported government reform and cultural achievements. This can be inferred from his title "the lawgiver" which suggests that he focused on improving the legal system and governance in his empire. Additionally, his reign is known for its cultural flourishing, with advancements in architecture, literature, and arts.
10.
Who ruled India for Jahangir?
Correct Answer
D. Nur Jahan
Explanation
Nur Jahan ruled India for Jahangir. She was the twentieth and last wife of Emperor Jahangir and held significant power during his reign. Nur Jahan was known for her intelligence, political astuteness, and strong personality. She played a crucial role in the administration and decision-making of the Mughal Empire, making her the de facto ruler of India during Jahangir's reign.
11.
How were ghazis and janissaries similar?
Correct Answer
B. They were warriors
Explanation
Ghazis and Janissaries were similar because they were both warriors. Both groups were known for their military prowess and were involved in combat and warfare. The term "ghazi" refers to Muslim warriors who fought against non-Muslims, particularly during the early Islamic conquests. Janissaries, on the other hand, were elite infantry units in the Ottoman Empire who were recruited from Christian children and converted to Islam. Despite their different origins, both groups were united by their role as warriors and their dedication to fighting for their respective causes.
12.
Which of the following did NOT adopt a policy of religious tolerance?
Correct Answer
D. Isma'il
Explanation
Isma'il did not adopt a policy of religious tolerance. This can be inferred from historical records which show that Isma'il, the founder of the Safavid Empire in Persia, was a staunch Shia Muslim who forcefully converted the majority Sunni population to Shia Islam. He implemented strict religious policies, persecuting and killing those who did not convert to his brand of Islam. This indicates a lack of religious tolerance on his part.
13.
Why did Mughal rulers turn against the Sikhs in India?
Correct Answer
C. The Sikh's protected Jahangir's rebellious son, so the Mughals killed their leader
Explanation
The Mughal rulers turned against the Sikhs in India because the Sikhs had protected Jahangir's rebellious son. As a result, the Mughals killed the leader of the Sikhs.
14.
Which of the following led to the cultural blending on the Ottoman Empire?
Correct Answer
B. Pursuits of religious converts, trade and conquest
Explanation
The cultural blending in the Ottoman Empire was a result of pursuits of religious converts, trade, and conquest. The Ottoman Empire actively sought to convert people to Islam, which led to the blending of different religious and cultural practices. Trade played a significant role in connecting different regions and facilitating the exchange of ideas and cultural elements. Additionally, the empire expanded through conquest, which brought diverse populations under its rule and further contributed to cultural blending.
15.
Which Mughal ruler was most like Shah Abbas in his views on cultural blending?
Correct Answer
A. Akbar
Explanation
Akbar was the Mughal ruler who was most like Shah Abbas in his views on cultural blending. Akbar believed in promoting cultural harmony and tolerance, and he actively encouraged the blending of different cultures and religions in his empire. He established a policy of religious tolerance, abolished discriminatory taxes, and even married women from different religions to promote unity. Similarly, Shah Abbas of Persia also promoted cultural blending and religious tolerance, making him the ruler most similar to Akbar in this regard.
16.
Why did Shah Jahan ignore his people's needs?
Correct Answer
B. He was more interested in architecture and his wife
Explanation
Shah Jahan ignored his people's needs because he was more interested in architecture and his wife. This suggests that he prioritized his personal interests and desires over the well-being and welfare of his people.
17.
What did Isma'is do that enraged the Ottomans?
Correct Answer
A. He captured Sunni slaves to train as warrior
Explanation
Isma'il's action of capturing Sunni slaves to train as warriors would have enraged the Ottomans because it goes against their religious and political interests. The Ottomans were a Sunni Muslim empire, and Isma'il's actions would have been seen as a direct challenge to their authority and influence. Additionally, using captured slaves to train as warriors would have been perceived as a threat to the stability and security of the Ottoman Empire.
18.
What language meaning "from the soldier's camp," was an example of cultural blending during the Mughal empire?
Correct Answer
C. Urdu
Explanation
Urdu is the correct answer because it is a language that originated during the Mughal empire and is an example of cultural blending. Urdu developed as a result of the interaction between Persian, Arabic, and local languages spoken in the soldier's camps of the Mughal army. It became the official language of the Mughal court and was widely used in literature, poetry, and administration.
19.
What did Suleyman the Lawgiver and Akbar have in common?
Correct Answer
A. Architecture, the arts, and literature flourished under their rule
Explanation
Suleyman the Lawgiver and Akbar had architecture, the arts, and literature flourishing under their rule. This suggests that both rulers were patrons of the arts and supported cultural development in their respective empires. This support for the arts may have led to the creation of magnificent architectural structures, the promotion of various art forms, and the flourishing of literature during their reigns.
20.
Which of the following was NOT true of Aurangzeb?
Correct Answer
C. He built the greatest monument of the Mughal era