Correct option is A
- Khandesh, a region in modern-day Maharashtra, was ruled by the Faruqi dynasty before being incorporated into the Mughal empire.
- Akbar, the Mughal emperor, sought to expand his empire and saw strategic importance in controlling Khandesh, as it lay on the route to the Deccan.
- In 1601, after a prolonged siege, Akbar successfully captured the fortress of Asirgarh, leading to the annexation of Khandesh into the Mughal empire.
- This conquest marked an important step in Akbar's Deccan campaigns and showcased his military strategy and ambition to consolidate his rule across India.
Additional Information:
- The Mughal empire's expansion into Khandesh paved the way for their influence in the Deccan region, which continued under Akbar's successors, especially Jahangir and Aurangzeb.
- The fall of Asirgarh fort symbolized the decline of local dynasties and the growing dominance of the Mughal empire in India.
Other Options:
- 1603: No significant event regarding Khandesh occurred in this year under Mughal rule.
- 1598: This was the year Akbar began planning his Deccan campaign, but Khandesh was not annexed until 1601.
- 1600: While the campaign was underway, the final incorporation of Khandesh into the Mughal empire occurred in 1601, after the fall of Asirgarh fort.