UPSC Prelims 2015 Q41: Medieval History – Mughal Empire
Consider the following : The arrival of Babur into India led to the
1. Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
2. Introduction of the arch and dome in the region's architecture
3. Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
What did the arrival of Babur lead to?
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent | Incorrect | Gunpowder was known before Babur; he made field artillery effective in battle |
| 2. Introduction of the arch and dome in the region's architecture | Incorrect | The Turks brought the arch and dome in the Delhi Sultanate period, from the 13th century |
| 3. Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region | Correct | Babur was a descendant of Timur; the Mughals were a Timurid house |
Babur at a glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Descent | Timur on his father's side; Chengiz Khan on his mother's |
| First Battle of Panipat | 1526, defeated Ibrahim Lodi |
| Battle of Khanwa | 1527, defeated Rana Sanga |
| Memoirs | Baburnama (Tuzuk-i-Baburi), in Turki |
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Neither gunpowder nor the arch and dome came with Babur.
- (b) CORRECT. Babur's arrival led to the establishment of the Timurid dynasty.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; gunpowder was already known in the subcontinent.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false; both came before Babur.
Key point
Babur (1526): founded the Timurid (Mughal) dynasty; used artillery well but did not introduce gunpowder; arch and dome came with the Delhi Sultans.
Remember
Babur = Timurid dynasty, Panipat 1526.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Babur with the first gunpowder in India.
- Forgetting that the Qutb complex already had true arches and domes.
- Not knowing that the Mughals called themselves Timurids.
Exam tip
Babur brought a dynasty, not a technology.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — History of Medieval India (Struggle for Empire in North India: Babur)
- NCERT Class VII — Our Pasts II (The Mughal Empire)