The Mughals

The Peacock Throne (Takht-i-Taus) was constructed in 1628-1635 during Shah Jahan's reign by master craftsmen from Persia and India. It was adorned with precious stones including the Kohinoor diamond and took seven years to complete. It was not built during the reigns of Babur, Humayun, or Akbar.

Khafi Khan wrote Muntakhab-ul-Lubab secretly during Aurangzeb's reign because the emperor was opposed to historical documentation of his rule. Option A directly states this fact. Khafi Khan feared Aurangzeb's disapproval of recording contemporary history, which is why he wrote his chronicle in hiding.

The Moti Mosque was built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century within Agra Fort, not by Akbar. Akbar commissioned the other buildings listed: Jodhabai Palace, Sultana Mahal (part of Fatehpur Sikri complex), and Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri.

Purana Qila (Old Fort) was built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, not during Akbar's reign. Akbar did build or renovate the other forts listed: Agra Fort, Lahore Fort, and Allahabad Fort. Sher Shah Suri constructed Purana Qila on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha.

The Taj Mahal is said to possess the unique feature of being exactly equal in length and breadth.

Correct Answer: Aurangzeb
Jizya was temporarily abolished by the third Mughal emperor Akbar, in the late 16th century. However, Aurangzeb, the sixth emperor, re-introduced and levied jizya on non-Muslims in the 17th century. 

Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali Khan, known as the Sayyid Brothers, became kingmakers during Farrukh Siyar's reign (1713-1719). They helped him ascend the throne after murdering Jahandar Shah, then dominated his administration through their positions as wazir and mir bakshi respectively. Their control over imperial succession and administration marked a low point in Mughal central authority.

Correct answer is (3). 

Akbar was born on October 15, 1542, at Amarkot (modern-day Umarkot in Sindh, Pakistan) while his father Humayun was in exile following his defeat by Sher Shah Suri. The Hindu ruler Rana Virsal of Amarkot gave refuge to Humayun and provided safe haven for the birth of the future Mughal emperor.

John Surman led the English diplomatic mission to the Mughal court in 1715 that successfully secured the famous farman (imperial decree) from Farrukh Siyar in 1717. This decree granted the East India Company significant trade concessions, exemption from customs duties in Bengal, and established the foundation for British commercial and political dominance in India.

Tulsidas (1532-1623), the great saint-poet and author of Ramcharitmanas, lived during Akbar's reign (1556-1605). His major works were composed in this period, benefiting from the relative peace and religious tolerance of Akbar's rule. The Ramcharitmanas, written in Awadhi, made the Ramayana accessible to common people and remains one of the most revered texts in North Indian Hinduism.

Khurram Shahab-ud-din came to be known as Emperor Shahjahan after succeeding to the throne.

Muhammad Muazzam, the eldest surviving son of Aurangzeb, succeeded him in 1707 and took the title Bahadur Shah I (often called Shah Alam I). Though already over 60 when he ascended, he attempted to reverse some of Aurangzeb's strict policies and reconcile with Rajput states and Marathas. His brief reign marked the beginning of the rapid Mughal decline.