Q. Tobacco cultivation was introduced in the Deccan by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Tobacco smoking reached the Mughal Court because of which one of the following?
(a) The Portuguese missionaries introduced it into the Mughal Court
(b) The Mughal ambassador to Bijapur, Mirza Asad baig introduced it to Akbar
(c) The soldiers of the Deccan spread this among the Mughal nobility
(d) The farmers who took tobacco cultivation introduced this to the Mughal Court
Ans: (c) The soldiers of the Deccan spread this among the Mughal nobility
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) The soldiers of the Deccan spread this among the Mughal nobility.
Tobacco smoking reached the Mughal Court because of the soldiers of the Deccan who spread it among the Mughal nobility. During the 16th century, the Portuguese introduced tobacco cultivation in the Deccan region of India. The soldiers serving in the Deccan, including those from various European countries, were exposed to tobacco and its usage. It is believed that these soldiers brought tobacco smoking to the attention of the Mughal nobility and court. The popularity of tobacco smoking then spread among the Mughal elites, including the emperor and his courtiers. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
