UPSC Prelims 2003 Q2: Medieval History – Mughal Empire
The battle of Dharmat was fought between
- (a) Muhammad Gori and Jai Chand
- (b) Babar and the Afghans
- (c) Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh
- (d) Ahmad Shah Durrani and the Marathas
Answer: (c) Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh
Explanation
> Note for students: Dharmat was fought by Dara's generals against the forces of Aurangzeb and Murad, so 'Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh' is the nearest option; choose (c).
Battle of Dharmat, 1658
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | April 1658, near Ujjain |
| Fought between | The forces of Aurangzeb and Murad against the army of Dara Shikoh led by Jaswant Singh and Qasim Khan |
| Result | Aurangzeb won; this opened the war of succession |
The battle of Dharmat (1658) was fought in the war of succession between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh (through Dara's generals), and Aurangzeb won.
Answer: (c) Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Muhammad Ghori fought Jai Chand at Chandawar in 1194.
- (b) Incorrect. Babur fought the Afghans at Panipat and Ghaghra.
- (c) CORRECT. Dharmat was part of Aurangzeb's war against Dara Shikoh.
- (d) Incorrect. Ahmad Shah Abdali fought the Marathas at Panipat in 1761.
Key point
War of succession: Dharmat (1658), Samugarh (1658), Deorai (1659).
Remember
Aurangzeb won at Dharmat in 1658.
Common mistakes
- Placing Dharmat with the Panipat battles.
- Naming only Aurangzeb and Murad as the defeated side.
- Mixing the war of succession battles' order.
Exam tip
Dharmat: Aurangzeb vs Jaswant Singh; Samugarh: vs Dara in person.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- Jadunath Sarkar — History of Aurangzib, Volume I (the war of succession)