Question

Read this fictional journal entry by a Hindu citizen of the Mughal Empire:

I have been living in a state of fear since Emperor
Aurangzeb rose to power. Imperial forces have already
destroyed the Hindu temple where I once worshipped with
my father, and every day we hear new rumors about new
taxes being levied against non-Muslims. I have had
enough. I will not accept discrimination because of my
religion. The only choice remaining is to join the rebels
demanding an end to this terrible treatment
Which statement best summarizes the source's main idea?
A. Religious intolerance led non-Muslim citizens to rebel against the
Mughal Empire.
B. The Mughal Empire's leaders violated imperial law by
discriminating against Hindus.
C. Muslims living in the Mughal Empire did not support Emperor
Aurangzeb's intolerant policies.
D. Hindu rebel groups defeated the Mughal Empire and changed its
intolerant policies.

Answer 1

The journal entry best summarized by statement A indicates that religious intolerance under Emperor Aurangzeb led non-Muslim citizens, particularly Hindus, to rebel against the Mughal Empire.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best statement that summarizes the main idea of the fictional journal entry by a Hindu citizen of the Mughal Empire is A. Religious intolerance led non-Muslim citizens to rebel against the Mughal Empire. Emperor Aurangzeb's policies created a discriminatory environment against Hindus, including the destruction of Hindu temples, and the imposition of extra taxes on non-Muslims, which fueled the rebellion against religious intolerance and discrimination.

During Aurangzeb's rule, while some Hindus in administrative roles were exempt from the jizya tax, they were often compensated less than their Muslim counterparts. Aurangzeb's reign marked a period of increased Islamic orthodoxy within the empire, contrasting with the generally more tolerant stance of his predecessors, like Akbar, who promoted religious harmony and abolished the jizya tax.

Aurangzeb's religious policies not only led to tensions with the Hindu majority but also with other religious groups like the Sikhs, further contributing to resistance and the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.