To whom was Kangra bestowed as Jagir by Mughal emperor Akbar?
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation:
Mughal Emperor Akbar bestowed the territory of Kangra (Nagarkot) as a Jagir upon his favorite courtier and Navratna, Raja Birbal, in 1572-73 AD. This was done to assert Mughal authority over the hill state.
📚 Additional Info: Akbar & Kangra
1. The Grant of Jagir (1572 AD)
- To suppress the revolt of the hill rajas, Akbar appointed Khan Jahan Hussain Quli Khan as the Governor of Punjab.
- He captured the Kotla fort and was besieging the Kangra Fort when news of a rebellion by Ibrahim Hussain Mirza forced him to leave.
- Subsequently, Akbar formally granted the Kangra territory as a Jagir to Raja Birbal to ensure loyal oversight.
2. Raja Bidhi Chand (The Contemporary Ruler)
- The ruler of Kangra at this time was Raja Bidhi Chand (son of Jai Chand).
- When Birbal came to take possession of his Jagir (accompanied by Zain Khan Koka), Bidhi Chand opposed them initially but eventually compromised.
- In 1582, Bidhi Chand essentially bought his peace by accepting Mughal suzerainty and leaving his son, Trilok Chand, as a hostage at the Mughal court.
3. Confusion Alert: Akbar vs. Jahangir
- Akbar: He tried multiple times (including a siege in 1572 and another expedition in 1582) but never successfully captured the Kangra Fort itself. He only established dominance over the region.
- Jahangir: It was Akbar’s son, Jahangir, who finally captured the impregnable Kangra Fort in 1620 AD.
4. Todar Mal’s Role
- Akbar deputed Raja Todar Mal to measure the land in the hill states. Todar Mal annexed 66 villages from the valley (Rihlu, Chari, Pathyar, etc.) into the imperial demesne to maintain the royal kitchen.