With reference to the name Mughal, consider the following statements:
1. It is derived from Mongols.
2. Europeans used this term to describe the Timurid rulers of the Indian sub-continent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

With reference to the name Mughal, consider the following statements:
1. It is derived from Mongols.
2. Europeans used this term to describe the Timurid rulers of the Indian sub-continent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: The word "Mughal" is a Persian adaptation of "Mongol." The Mughals traced their ancestry to both the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan (through their maternal lineage) and Timur (through their paternal lineage). Although the Mughals were of Turco-Mongol origin, they had adopted Persian culture and language.

Statement 2 is correct: The term "Mughal" was primarily used by Europeans to refer to the rulers of the Mughal Empire in India. The Mughals themselves did not commonly use this term; instead, they referred to themselves as Timurids or simply as "Padshahs" (emperors).

Mughal Empire

Origin of the Name Mughal

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E Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to the name Mughal, consider the following statements: 1. It is derived from Mongols. 2. Europeans used this term to describe the Timurid rulers of the Indian sub-continent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2