Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements with reference to Bairam Khan:
Akbar gave the title of Khan-i-Khana to Bairam Khan.
This title was not given at the time of appointment of Bairam Khan as Vazir of Empire.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Only 1
Only 2
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
At the time of Humayun's death, Akbar was about 13 years old. Bairam Khan was then Akbar's guardian and one of the most trusted Mughal military commanders.
After Humayun's death, Akbar was crowned at Kalanaur in Punjab on 14 February 1556 CE. Since Akbar was still a minor, Bairam Khan managed the administration during the early years of his reign as his Regent.
Statement 1 is correct. During the early reign of Akbar, Bairam Khan received the title Khan-i-Khanan and became the Wakil of the Empire. This position gave him enormous influence over the central administration and military affairs.
One of Bairam Khan's most important military achievements was the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 CE. In this battle, the Mughal army defeated Hemu, helping to stabilise Akbar's authority in northern India.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The available account associates Bairam Khan's appointment as Wakil of the Empire with his possession of the title Khan-i-Khanan. Therefore, it is not correct to state that the title was not given at the time of his appointment.
Here, Wakil is historically a more precise designation than the word ‘Vazir’ used in the statement. Bairam Khan served as Akbar's Regent and principal controller of affairs from 1556 to 1560 CE.
In 1560 CE, Akbar decided to assume direct control of the government and removed Bairam Khan from his position. Bairam Khan later set out for a pilgrimage to Mecca but was assassinated in Gujarat.