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Date November 2021 Marks available 15 Reference code 21N.3op3.HL.TZ0.8
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of Asia and Oceania) Time zone TZ0
Command term To what extent Question number 8 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 4: The rise and fall of the Mughal Empire (1526–1712)

To what extent were Akbar’s social policies the most significant achievement of his rule?

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that Akbar’s social policies were the most significant achievement of his rule. Candidates may refer to Akbar’s non-discriminatory policy towards religious groups, including the removal of the jizya and other taxes. Scholars from many faiths were invited to the court. Many high-ranking officials in his court were non-Muslims. All subjects including women were treated equally. Art and literature were patronized and Sanskrit scientific works were translated into Persian. However, his creation of a new religion, Din-i-Ilahi, came under criticism. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example Akbar’s political and economic policies, which helped unify the empire, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 3: History of Asia and Oceania » 4: The rise and fall of the Mughal Empire (1526–1712) » Significance of individual rulers for the Mughal Empire: Akbar, Shah Jahan I and Aurangzeb
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 3: History of Asia and Oceania » 4: The rise and fall of the Mughal Empire (1526–1712)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 3: History of Asia and Oceania
HL options: first exams 2017

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