Q. Which of the following Mughal emperors spent a greater part of his reign to overthrow the Deccan Kingdoms?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shahjahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Ans: (d) Aurangzeb
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) Aurangzeb.
Among the given options, Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor, spent a significant part of his reign attempting to overthrow the Deccan Kingdoms. Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign was one of the major military campaigns undertaken during his rule.
After ascending to the Mughal throne in 1658, Aurangzeb faced resistance from various Deccan Kingdoms, particularly the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda and the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. He aimed to bring these kingdoms under Mughal control and extend his authority in the Deccan region.
Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign lasted for several years, from the late 1650s to the early 1680s. He waged numerous battles and military campaigns against the Deccan Kingdoms, eventually succeeding in conquering Golconda and Bijapur and incorporating them into the Mughal Empire.
The other options mentioned—Akbar, Jahangir, and Shahjahan—did not focus extensively on overthrowing the Deccan Kingdoms during their reigns. While they undertook various military campaigns and expansion efforts, their priorities and engagements were not primarily centered around the Deccan region to the extent that Aurangzeb’s were.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Aurangzeb.
