What practice was key to the success of the Mughals in ruling over India?

a.
Moderate taxes and public spending

B. High taxation and public spending

C. An emphasis on peaceful relations between states

D. Low taxation and a reliance on self-initiative

http://library.thinkquest.org/C006203/cgi-bin/stories.cgi?article=economy&section=history/mughals&frame=parent

To determine the practice that was key to the success of the Mughals in ruling over India, we can analyze each option and see which aligns with historical evidence.

A. Moderate taxes and public spending: This option suggests that the Mughals achieved success by implementing reasonable taxation rates and wisely utilizing the collected funds for public welfare. While it is true that the Mughals were known for their elaborate patronage of the arts and public infrastructure development, their taxation policies varied over time and were not always moderate.

B. High taxation and public spending: This option suggests that the Mughals' success was a result of imposing high taxes on the population and using the revenue for public expenditure. While it is true that the Mughals did impose taxes, particularly land revenue, the level of taxation varied among emperors and regions throughout Mughal history. Moreover, imposing consistently high taxation alone would not guarantee success in ruling over India.

C. An emphasis on peaceful relations between states: This option suggests that the Mughals' success was rooted in their focus on maintaining peaceful relations with other states. While it is true that the Mughals employed various diplomatic strategies to establish and maintain alliances, the success of their rule cannot be attributed solely to peaceful relations. Conflict and military conquest were also significant aspects of Mughal rule.

D. Low taxation and a reliance on self-initiative: This option suggests that the Mughals' success was based on implementing low taxation policies and encouraging self-initiative among the population. While it is true that the Mughals sought to minimize excessive burdens on the population through policies like revenue reforms, the idea of relying solely on self-initiative does not align with the centralized nature of Mughal governance.

In conclusion, none of the options provided fully captures the practice that was key to the success of the Mughals in ruling over India. The success of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to a combination of factors, including effective administration, military prowess, diplomacy, patronage of arts and culture, and economic policies.