Given below are two statements, one is Assertion (A) and the other is Reason (R).
(A) Akbar followed Rajput policy as Rajputs were true to their words.
(R) Afghan policy of Akbar was different on account of the circumstances.

Question

Given below are two statements, one is Assertion (A) and the other is Reason (R). 
(A) Akbar followed Rajput policy as Rajputs were true to their words. 
(R) Afghan policy of Akbar was different on account of the circumstances.

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

Akbar’s Rajput policy (Assertion A) was indeed based on recognizing the value of the Rajputs. He understood that forming political, military, and matrimonial alliances with them, rather than treating them as mere adversaries, would secure the stability and longevity of the Mughal Empire. The Rajputs were famed for their loyalty, martial prowess, and integrity—qualities implied by the phrase "true to their words." Therefore, Assertion (A) is a true statement describing a primary factor behind Akbar's successful, inclusive policy. Reason (R) is also a true statement. Akbar's Afghan policy had to be different because the Afghans, led by the remnants of the Sur dynasty (like Sher Shah Suri and his successors), posed the most direct and immediate threat to Mughal authority, having temporarily expelled Humayun. Circumstances dictated that the Afghans be defeated and subdued, unlike the Rajputs, whom Akbar sought to integrate. Since (R) explains Akbar's policy toward a rival group (Afghans) and not the *motive* or *basis* of his policy toward an allied group (Rajputs), it cannot serve as the correct explanation for (A). Hence, (A) is true and (R) is true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

The incorrect option is 2:
Option 2 suggests that (R) correctly explains (A). As established, Akbar’s progressive Rajput policy was driven by his recognition of their loyalty and military strength, not solely by the fact that he had to suppress the rival Afghan elements. The two policies were driven by separate geopolitical factors and objectives.

The incorrect option is 3:
This option claims (R) is false and (A) is true. This is incorrect because, historically, Akbar’s policy towards the Afghans was necessarily different—primarily hostile and suppressive—due to the ongoing conflict stemming from the Afghan challenge to the Mughal throne, making Reason (R) factually correct.

The incorrect option is 4:
This option claims both (A) and (R) are false. This is incorrect. Both statements are factually true in the context of Mughal history. Assertion (A) accurately reflects the basis of Akbar's successful Rajput policy, and Reason (R) accurately notes the different, antagonistic policy required against the Afghans.