In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.

Assertion: Mughal policy constantly aimed to control strategic outposts – notably Kabul and Qandahar
Reason: The region was rich in precious stones and expensive metals.

The Assertion is correct but the Reason is incorrect.

The political and diplomatic relations between the Mughal kings and the neighbouring countries of Iran and Turan hinged on the control of the frontier defined by the Hindukush mountains that separated Afghanistan from the regions of Iran and Central Asia. All conquerors who sought to make their way into the Indian subcontinent had to cross the Hindukush to have access to north India. A constant aim of Mughal policy was to ward off this potential danger by controlling strategic outposts – notably Kabul and Qandahar.