Question

Which Mughal emperor was a good veena player?
A. Aurangzeb
B. Akbar
C. Jahangir
D. Shahjahan

Answer 1

Hint: The veena is a string instrument which is found in the Indian subcontinent. The north indian design is used in Hindustani classical music while the south indian design is used in carnatic classical music. Many Mughal emperors cultivated some form of interest or other.

Complete Step by Step answer: Aurangazeb, the Mughal emperor who was an excellent veena player. However he had banned music because it was a waste of money. Aurangzeb was a religious bigot. He imposed the Shariya and Jizya taxes on the non Muslims which made him incapable of ruling an empire which had a mixed population.
Looking at the options:
Option ‘A’: Aurangzeb was a talented veena player and hence this is the correct answer.
Option ‘B’: Akbar was a patron of art, culture and literature. Therefore this is not the correct answer.
Option ‘C’: Jahangir was fond of paintings. Therefore this is not the correct answer.
Option ‘D’: Shah Jahan left a legacy of structures like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. This is not the correct answer.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

 Note: The veenas are classified according to their designs. They are called Rudra Veena, Saraswati veena, Vichitra Veena etc. It is a very respected instrument and is seen in the hands of goddess saraswati who is the goddess of art,knowledge and learning. Aurangzeb is one of the most powerful and wealthiest rulers in history. But because of his religious fanaticism and oppression of the Hindus, he is also widely hated. It is believed that he killed millions of Hindus and forced them to convert into Islam.