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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1998
Mughal Empire
Question No. 88Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q88. The loss of Qandhar was a big blow to the Mughal empire from the viewpoint of:

The loss of Qandhar was a big blow to the Mughal empire from the viewpoint of:

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 1998 • Medieval History

Correct Answer: Option (D) — Strategic stronghold

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Qandahar (Kandahar) was a vital strategic stronghold and fortress gateway situated at the crossroads of overland trade and military routes connecting India, Persia, and Central Asia. Its permanent loss to the Safavids in 1649 compromised the Mughal defensive bastion on the northwest frontier.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Fortresses on the northwest passes (like Kabul and Kandahar) functioned fundamentally as strategic military strongholds guarding against Persian invasion.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1998 (Q88)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicMedieval History → Mughal Empire
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Strategic stronghold

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2002 • Q8083% Match

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1998 • Q8780% Match

Assertion (A): During the reign of Shahjahan, Dara Sikoh was sent on expedition to Balkh, Badakhshan and Qandahar. Reason (R): The expedition sent by Shahjahan

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1998 Q88

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1998 GS Paper I Question 88 (Medieval History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1998 Medieval History (Mughal Empire) question is Option (D): "Strategic stronghold". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1998 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Medieval History" and micro-topic "Mughal Empire". You can explore all repeated questions from Mughal Empire in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Mughal Empire UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Fortresses on the northwest passes (like Kabul and Kandahar) functioned fundamentally as strategic military strongholds guarding against Persian invasion.

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Previous QuestionAssertion (A): During the reign of Shahjahan, Dara Sikoh was sent on expedition to Balkh, Badakhshan and Qandahar. Reason (R): The expedition sent by Shahjahan to the Middle-East was a marvelous success.
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