What is the name of the award given to meritorious men in the Mughal Court in the form of a robe of honour that was once worn by the Emperor?
Khilat
Understanding Mughal Court Awards and Honours
In the Mughal court, the Emperor bestowed various honours upon deserving individuals to acknowledge their merit, loyalty, and service. These awards often took the form of valuable items, including garments, jewels, or even titles and positions. One significant award was a robe of honour, symbolizing the Emperor's favour and trust.
Identifying the Mughal Robe of Honour: Khilat
The question asks for the name of a specific award given in the Mughal court: a robe of honour, sometimes one previously worn by the Emperor, bestowed upon meritorious men. This description precisely matches the historical term Khilat.
- Khilat was a robe of honour presented by the Mughal Emperor to nobles, officials, and others as a mark of distinction and favour.
- It signified the recipient's loyalty and the Emperor's satisfaction with their service.
- The most prestigious form of Khilat, known as Sarapa, literally meaning 'head to foot', included a full set of clothing, sometimes even jewels and a sword.
- Often, the fabric of the Khilat was very rich, and in special cases, it might even be a garment that the Emperor himself had recently worn, adding immense symbolic value.
Let's look at the other options to understand why they are not the correct answer:
- Patka: A Patka was typically a type of sash or girdle worn around the waist, often made of fine cloth and sometimes embroidered or jeweled. While valuable, it was not the primary term for the complete robe of honour.
- Padma murassa: This term translates to 'jeweled lotus'. It was a type of jeweled ornament, possibly a medallion or badge, given as an award, but not a robe of honour.
- Sarapa: As mentioned earlier, Sarapa was a specific, comprehensive type of Khilat, representing a complete head-to-foot ensemble. While related to the robe of honour, Khilat is the more general and direct term for the award described. The question asks for the name of the award given in the form of a robe of honour, which is Khilat.
Therefore, the award given in the Mughal Court in the form of a robe of honour, representing the Emperor's favour, is known as Khilat.
Detailed Analysis of Mughal Court Awards
The practice of giving robes of honour was a significant aspect of courtly life in many empires, including the Mughal Empire. It was a visible symbol of status and the relationship between the ruler and the recipient. Receiving a Khilat elevated the recipient's standing and often came with other benefits or recognitions.
Understanding these terms helps in appreciating the intricacies of the Mughal administrative and social structure.
| Term | Description | Relevance to Question |
|---|---|---|
| Khilat | Robe of honour given by the Emperor, often signifying favour and merit. Could be a garment the Emperor had worn. | Directly matches the description in the question. |
| Sarapa | A complete set of garments (head to foot), a form of high-value Khilat. | A specific type of Khilat, but not the general term for the robe of honour. |
| Patka | A sash or girdle, often decorative or jeweled. | Not a robe of honour. |
| Padma murassa | A jeweled lotus ornament or medallion. | Not a robe of honour. |
Revision Table: Key Mughal Terms
| Mughal Term | Meaning/Significance |
|---|---|
| Khilat | Robe of honour, symbol of Emperor's favour |
| Sarapa | Complete Khilat ensemble (head to foot) |
| Patka | Sash or girdle |
| Padma murassa | Jeweled lotus ornament |
Additional Information on Mughal Honours
Apart from garments and jewels, Mughal Emperors also bestowed titles (like Khan, Bahadur), Mansabs (military and civil ranks), and Jagirs (land grants) as forms of honour and reward. The bestowal ceremony itself was often formal and public, further enhancing the status of the recipient.
The giving of Khilat was particularly significant as it involved a direct exchange of a personal item (or a garment similar to one worn by the Emperor), symbolizing a close connection and trust between the ruler and his subject. It was a powerful tool for maintaining loyalty and hierarchy within the court.
Important Questions from Mughal empire
Which of the following statements about Lachit Borphukan is/are correct?
1. He was a General of the Ahom Force.
2. He is known for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat.
3. Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is given to the best cadet at the National Defence Academy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which one of the following is the correct meaning of ziyarat?
Which one among the following statements about the Mansabdari system is correct?
Whose administration became a model that was followed by Akbar when he consolidated the Mughal Empire?
_________ has been called the "architect king" as during his reign, the world witnessed a unique development of arts and culture of the Mughal Empire.
