UPSC Prelims 2001 Q92: Medieval History – Mughal Empire
Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during the
Mughal Period?
- (a) Calicut
- (b) Broach
- (c) Cambay
- (d) Surat
Answer: (d) Surat
Explanation
Port called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) in the Mughal period
| Port | Mughal-era role |
|---|---|
| Surat | Babul Makka / Bab-ul-Mecca — main port for Hajj pilgrims and western trade |
| Cambay (Khambhat) | Older Gujarat port, declining through silting |
| Broach (Bharuch) | Ancient port (Barygaza) on the Narmada |
| Calicut | Malabar spice port; Vasco da Gama landed there in 1498 |
Under the Mughals Surat was the empire's chief western port. Ships carrying pilgrims to Mecca sailed from there, so it was called Babul Makka, the Gate of Mecca. The English set up their first factory in India at Surat (1613).
Answer: (d) Surat.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Calicut was a Malabar port, outside the Mughal empire.
- (b) Incorrect. Broach was an important ancient port but not the Gate of Mecca.
- (c) Incorrect. Cambay was declining in the Mughal period.
- (d) CORRECT. Surat was called Babul Makka.
Key point
Surat was sacked by Shivaji in 1664 and 1670.
Remember
Babul Makka (Gate of Mecca) = Surat, the Mughal port.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Cambay, an older Gujarat port.
- Choosing Calicut because of its Arab trade.
- Not linking Hajj voyages to the Mughal port.
Exam tip
Mughal ports: Surat (west, Hajj), Hooghly (east).
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part II, chapter 'Through the Eyes of Travellers' / Mughal trade
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India, Part II, chapter on economy and trade