Question

What were the causes of the downfall of Bairam Khan?
(A) He was haughty and dictator
(B) He was Shia and partial with the followers of Shia religion
(C) Akbar had become matured and wanted to rule himself
(D) Above all causes are right

Answer 1

Hint: Bairam Khan played an important role in Humayun’s rehabilitation of Delhi’s throne. He gives services as the mentor and tutor of Akbar are admirable. Bairam Khan led the affairs of the state between 1556 to 1560 when Akbar was a minor. He was a major commander of the Mughal emperor.

Complete answer:
If Akbar could defeat Hemu during the 2nd battle of Panipat (1556) and capture the throne of Delhi and Agra that was possible because of Bairam Khan. The declination of Bairam Khan began in the year 1560. In the intervening period, Akbar had become a major king. Bairam Khan desired to become a king not only in name but in reality also. Akbar discharged Bairam Khan of his duties. Akbar gave him a jagir for his maintenance. He stood against Akbar but was defeated. Akbar forgave him and asked to proceed to Mecca with dignity. But unfortunately, he was murdered on the way by Afghan.

The main cause of the downfall of Bairam Khan was that-
(1) He was so unpopular with the Muslim nobility.
(2) A major part of Mughal nobles followed Sunni faith but Bairam Khan was a Shia.
(3) He was showing partiality to some nobles.
(4) Conspiracy (cabal) of royal households against Bairam Khan.
(5) Bairam Khan stands against the king Akbar.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note:
Bairam Khan was a very important military commander-in-chief of the Mughal army. Humayun reputed him by saying Khan-i-Khanan, which means “King of Kings”. Bairam Khan was also called “Beg” but later became ‘Kha’ or khan. Bairam Khan died on January 31, 1561.