Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Medieval India: Kings and Chronicles

Question:

Read the passage and answer the question:

The forms of salutation to the ruler indicated the person’s status in the hierarchy: deeper prostration represented higher status. The highest form of submission was sijda or complete prostration. Under Shah Jahan, these rituals were replaced with chahar taslim and zaminbos (kissing the ground). The protocols governing diplomatic envoys at the Mughal court were equally explicit. An ambassador presented to the Mughal emperor was expected to offer an acceptable form of greeting – either by bowing deeply or kissing the ground, or else to follow the Persian custom of clasping one’s hands in front of the chest. Thomas Roe, the English envoy of James I, simply bowed before Jahangir according to European custom and further shocked the court by demanding a chair.

According to the protocols governing diplomatic envoys at the Mughal court, which of the following greeting was expected to be performed by the 'ambassador'?

A- Bowing deeply in front of the emperor.
B- Kissing the ground.
C- Kissing the forehead of the emperor.
D- Clasping the hand in front of the chest.
E- Kiss the hands of the emperor.

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

Options:

A, D or E

A, B or D

B, C or D

C, D or E

Correct Answer:

A, B or D

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 2 - A, B or D

A- Bowing deeply in front of the emperor.
B- Kissing the ground.
C- Kissing the forehead of the emperor.
D- Clasping the hand in front of the chest.
E- Kiss the hands of the emperor.

As per the passage:

The protocols governing diplomatic envoys at the Mughal court were equally explicit. An ambassador presented to the Mughal emperor was expected to offer an acceptable form of greeting – either by bowing deeply or kissing the ground, or else to follow the Persian custom of clasping one’s hands in front of the chest. Thomas Roe, the English envoy of James I, simply bowed before Jahangir according to European custom and further shocked the court by demanding a chair.