Question

how did akbar the great work to expand the mughal empire?
a. he used military force to spread islam and invaded areas that refused to change religions.
b. he formed alliances with european nations and took control of territory held by the ottoman empire.
c. he used diplomacy to win over conquered leaders and allowed them to become mughal officials.
d. he absorbed territory from the allied safavid empire, which was beginning to collapse.

Explanation:

Akbar the Great was known for his policy of diplomacy and inclusion. He won over conquered leaders and allowed them to become Mughal officials, which helped in expanding and consolidating the Mughal Empire. Option A is incorrect as Akbar was more inclusive and not just focused on spreading Islam by force. Option B is wrong as he did not form alliances with European nations in the way described. Option D is incorrect as the absorption of territory from the Safavid Empire was not a major way he expanded (and the Safavid Empire was not in a state of collapse in the main phase of Akbar's expansion in the way described here).

Answer:

C. He used diplomacy to win over conquered leaders and allowed them to become Mughal officials.