Which of the following does NOT reflect a flaw of Shah Jahan’s rule of the empire? A. Increased taxes on the people to pay for wars they did not want to be in
B. Ignored famines
C. Constructed opulent buildings at the expense of the people
D. Increased trade within the empire

The correct answer is D: Increased trade within the empire.

Increased trade within the Mughal empire does not reflect a flaw in Shah Jahan’s rule.

The period of Shah Jahan's reign was characterised by a period of cultural glory. Most notable for his architectural achievements some of his feats included the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Red Fort and the Shah Jahan mosque which were often and were considered opulent and constructed at the expense of the people of India.

The famine of 1630 however, led to the death of over two million people and saw villages completely destroyed. And while free kitchens were set up by the emperor, they were not just enough to stave off the raging famine and as such was considered as one of the flaws of his reign.

In addition, there were series of war efforts ongoing at the time that had put a strain on the earnings of the people through taxations - wars they did not want to partake in. Families were largely ignored; however, positive ties with the Ottoman empire saw great gains in trade within and without the empire making India a rich centre of craft, architecture and art where some of the world's best craftsmen, architects and artists resided.  

To learn more about Shah Jahan and the Mughal empire see: