All questions of Eighteenth Century Political Formations for Class 7 Exam

**Explanation:**

The Peacock Throne was indeed looted by Nadir Shah, making option B the correct answer. Here is a detailed explanation of how and why the Peacock Throne came into Nadir Shah's possession:

**The Peacock Throne:**
The Peacock Throne was a magnificent throne made for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It was adorned with precious gems, including rubies, diamonds, emeralds, and pearls, and was named for the life-sized peacocks that stood behind it, their tails dazzling with gemstones.

**Nadir Shah's Invasion:**
In the early 18th century, Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia (present-day Iran), launched a military campaign to conquer vast territories, including the Mughal Empire in India. He sought to plunder the wealth and treasures of the Mughals, which included the Peacock Throne.

**The Battle of Karnal:**
Nadir Shah's invasion culminated in the Battle of Karnal in 1739. The Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah was defeated, and Nadir Shah's army captured Delhi. The victorious Persian army then went on a rampage, looting and plundering the city.

**Looting of the Peacock Throne:**
During the sacking of Delhi, Nadir Shah's soldiers plundered the Mughal treasury and seized numerous valuable items, including the Peacock Throne. The throne's precious gems and jewels were torn off and carried away, leaving behind only the gold structure.

**Nadir Shah's Return to Persia:**
After the looting, Nadir Shah returned to Persia with his spoils, including the Peacock Throne. The throne was dismantled, and the precious stones were distributed among his soldiers and nobles.

**Fate of the Peacock Throne:**
The fate of the Peacock Throne's individual pieces remains unclear. Some gems were sold or traded, while others were passed down through generations. Over time, the gems from the Peacock Throne became scattered across different collections and private hands.

**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, the Peacock Throne was indeed looted by Nadir Shah during his invasion of the Mughal Empire. The throne, known for its exquisite beauty and valuable gemstones, was dismantled and its precious gems distributed among Nadir Shah's soldiers and nobility. Today, the fate of the Peacock Throne's individual pieces remains a mystery, with its gems scattered across various collections.

C

D

Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor of India, died in 1707. Here's a brief explanation of the events leading up to his death:

Ruling Period: 1658-1707
Aurangzeb ruled India for almost 50 years, from 1658 to 1707. During his reign, he expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent, but also faced several challenges, including rebellions, wars, and economic difficulties.

Health Issues:
In his later years, Aurangzeb suffered from a variety of health problems, including a chronic kidney disease, which caused him great pain and discomfort. Despite his failing health, he continued to rule with an iron fist, refusing to name a successor and maintaining a strict adherence to Islamic law.

Death:
On March 3, 1707, Aurangzeb died at the age of 88 in the city of Ahmadnagar, where he had been stationed during one of his military campaigns. His body was transported to the Mughal capital of Agra, where he was buried in a simple tomb in the courtyard of the Badshahi mosque.

After his death, the Mughal Empire began to decline rapidly, as his successors were unable to maintain the vast territories he had conquered and faced increasing opposition from various groups, including the British East India Company.

Ahmad Shah Abdali was the first emperor of the Durrani Empire. He is considered the founder of the modern state of Afghanistan. He was titled as Padishah-i-Ghazi (Victorious Emperor) and Durr-i-Durrani (Pearl of pearls or Pearl of the age). He is reminded as 'Ahmad Shah Baba' by the Afghans.

Marathas
The Marathas were a formidable force in the Indian subcontinent during the 17th and 18th centuries. They constantly posed a threat to the state of Hyderabad, which was located to the west of Maratha territories. The Marathas, led by powerful leaders like Shivaji and later the Peshwas, were known for their military prowess and expansionist ambitions.

Struggle for Control
The state of Hyderabad found itself in a constant struggle to defend its territory and autonomy against the Marathas. The Marathas frequently launched military campaigns to expand their empire, and Hyderabad was often a target due to its strategic location and resources.

Geopolitical Dynamics
The conflict between Hyderabad and the Marathas was part of the broader geopolitical landscape of pre-colonial India. The Marathas sought to establish hegemony over large parts of the subcontinent, while Hyderabad attempted to maintain its independence and sovereignty.

Impact on Hyderabad
The ongoing struggle against the Marathas had significant implications for the state of Hyderabad. It drained resources, weakened the economy, and led to instability within the region. The rulers of Hyderabad had to constantly navigate diplomatic and military challenges to protect their territory.

Legacy of Conflict
The conflict with the Marathas left a lasting impact on the state of Hyderabad. It shaped the political landscape of the region and influenced alliances and rivalries in the years to come. Ultimately, the struggle against the Marathas was a defining feature of Hyderabad's history during this period.

Guru Gobind Singh's Death

Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and the last Sikh Guru. He was born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar. He succeeded his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, as the leader of the Sikhs at the young age of nine. He was a great warrior, poet, philosopher, and spiritual leader who fought against social injustice and tyranny.

Death of Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh died on October 7, 1708, at Nanded, Maharashtra, India. He was assassinated by a Pathan named Jamshed Khan who was sent by the Mughal Governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan. Guru Gobind Singh was staying at Nanded, where he had established a community of followers called the Khalsa Panth. He was attacked by the Pathan while he was resting after a bath in the Godavari River.

Legacy of Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh's death was a great loss to the Sikh community. However, his teachings and legacy continue to inspire millions of people around the world. Some of his contributions are:

- He founded the Khalsa Panth, a community of initiated Sikhs who follow a strict code of conduct and wear the five articles of faith - the kesh (uncut hair), the kara (steel bracelet), the kanga (comb), the kirpan (sword), and the kachehra (shorts).
- He compiled the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, and declared it as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
- He fought against social injustice and tyranny and stood up for the rights of the oppressed.
- He promoted gender equality and encouraged women to take an active role in Sikhism.
- He composed many hymns and poems that are still recited by Sikhs as a form of prayer and meditation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Guru Gobind Singh died on October 7, 1708, at Nanded, Maharashtra, India, at the hands of an assassin sent by the Mughal Governor of Sirhind. However, his teachings and legacy continue to inspire millions of people around the world, and he is remembered as a great warrior, poet, philosopher, and spiritual leader who fought against social injustice and tyranny.

Explanation:

Rajput kings serving under the Mughals:
- Many Rajput kings served under the Mughals with distinction, establishing a complex relationship between the two powers.

Particularly those belonging to Amber and Jodhpur:
- The Rajput kings of Amber (Jaipur) and Jodhpur were notable for their service under the Mughals.
- The rulers of these regions maintained a delicate balance between loyalty to the Mughal Empire and preserving their own autonomy.

Amber (Jaipur):
- The Kachwaha Rajputs of Amber, which later became known as Jaipur, were one of the most prominent Rajput clans to serve under the Mughals.
- Raja Man Singh of Amber was a trusted general and advisor to Emperor Akbar, playing a significant role in Mughal military campaigns.
- The rulers of Jaipur continued to serve the Mughal Empire with distinction, contributing to political stability in the region.

Jodhpur:
- The Rathore Rajputs of Jodhpur also had a history of serving under the Mughals.
- Raja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur was another prominent Rajput ruler who maintained a close relationship with the Mughal court.
- The rulers of Jodhpur strategically aligned themselves with the Mughals while preserving their own regional power.

Conclusion:
- The Rajput kings of Amber (Jaipur) and Jodhpur stood out for their service under the Mughals, showcasing the complexity of relationships between different regional powers in Indian history.

Emergence of States in the Eighteenth Century

The decline of the Mughal Empire in the eighteenth century led to the emergence of various states in different parts of the subcontinent. Among these, states that were under the control of Marathas, Sikhs, and others emerged as significant players.

States under Marathas
- The Marathas, under leaders like Shivaji and later Peshwas, established their dominance in parts of western and central India.
- They were able to control vast territories and assert their authority over regions that were once part of the Mughal Empire.
- Maratha power reached its peak in the 18th century, with the empire extending from Attock in the north to Thanjavur in the south.

States under Sikhs
- In Punjab, the Sikhs organized themselves into a powerful political and military force.
- They established their own ruling class and were able to challenge the Mughal authority in the region.
- The emergence of the Sikh Misls and the eventual consolidation under Maharaja Ranjit Singh marked a significant shift in power dynamics in the region.

States under Others
- Apart from the Marathas and Sikhs, various other states also emerged during this period.
- Rajput principalities, for example, maintained their autonomy and power in different parts of the subcontinent.
- These states played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of 18th-century India.

In conclusion, states that were under the control of Marathas, Sikhs, and others emerged as significant players in different parts of the subcontinent as the authority of the Mughal emperors declined during the eighteenth century.

Introduction:
The organisation of the Sikhs into a political community during the seventeenth century played a crucial role in regional state-building in Punjab. This development paved the way for the emergence of the Sikh Empire in the 18th century under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Sikhs, under the guidance of their Gurus, established a strong socio-political structure that helped in the consolidation of power and territorial expansion in the region.

Key Points:

1. Foundation of Sikhism: Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev in the 15th century. He preached equality, social justice, and the rejection of caste-based discrimination. The Sikh community grew under the guidance of ten successive Gurus who played significant roles in shaping its identity and values.

2. Military and Political Organization: The Sikhs faced persecution and oppression from the Mughal Empire, which led to the militarization of their community. They formed military bands, known as jathas, for self-defense and protection of their faith. These jathas were organized into larger groups called misls, which were led by influential leaders known as sardars.

3. Panths and Khalsa: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, further strengthened the Sikh community by establishing the Khalsa in 1699. The Khalsa was a brotherhood of initiated Sikhs who were committed to upholding the values of Sikhism. This created a sense of unity and identity among the Sikhs, forming the basis for their political organization.

4. Resistance against Mughal Rule: The Sikhs actively resisted Mughal rule and launched numerous guerilla attacks on Mughal officials and armies. They established their own centers of power and began to control territories in Punjab. The Sikhs were able to exploit the weakness of the declining Mughal Empire and gradually expanded their influence.

5. Sikh Confederacy: The misls gradually came together under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who unified the Sikh territories and established a strong central authority. He modernized the Sikh army, introduced administrative reforms, and extended the Sikh Empire's control over a vast region, including parts of present-day Punjab, Pakistan, and Kashmir.

6. Regional State-Building: The organization of the Sikhs into a political community during the seventeenth century laid the foundations for regional state-building in Punjab. The Sikhs created a strong military force, established their own administrative systems, and developed a sense of collective identity. They successfully challenged the authority of the Mughals and other regional powers, ultimately leading to the emergence of the Sikh Empire.

Conclusion:
The organization of the Sikhs into a political community during the seventeenth century was a significant development that contributed to regional state-building in Punjab. Through their military prowess, social unity, and resistance against Mughal rule, the Sikhs were able to establish their own power centers and eventually form the Sikh Empire. This historical process highlights the importance of community organization and collective action in shaping the political landscape of a region.

Jaipur - The New Capital of Sawai Raja Jai Singh
Jaipur was founded by Sawai Raja Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer in 1727. Let's explore some key points about why he decided to establish Jaipur as his new capital:

Geographical Location
- Jaipur was strategically located in a region that offered more security and protection compared to Amer, the previous capital.
- The new location was more easily accessible and had better connectivity to other regions.

Urban Planning and Architecture
- Sawai Jai Singh was a visionary ruler who wanted to create a well-planned city with a focus on architecture and infrastructure.
- He employed the services of skilled architects and town planners to design Jaipur according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra.

Cultural Significance
- Jaipur was designed as per the principles of Vedic architecture, incorporating elements of Hindu, Mughal, and Western architecture.
- The city's layout, with its wide streets, beautiful gardens, and grand palaces, reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Legacy of Sawai Jai Singh
- Sawai Jai Singh's vision and leadership in establishing Jaipur as his capital left a lasting legacy in Indian history.
- Jaipur became known as the Pink City due to the color of its buildings, a tradition that continues to this day.
In conclusion, Sawai Raja Jai Singh's decision to establish Jaipur as his new capital was a testament to his foresight, cultural appreciation, and commitment to creating a city that would stand the test of time.

Answer:

Background:
During the Mughal Empire, several regions in India experienced a gradual decline in central authority and the rise of regional powers. One such region was Bengal, which broke away from Mughal control under the leadership of Murshid Quli Khan.

Murshid Quli Khan and his Appointment:
1. Murshid Quli Khan was a powerful regional figure who served as the diwan, or revenue minister, of Bengal under the Mughal Empire.
2. Recognizing his administrative abilities, Emperor Aurangzeb appointed him as the naib, or deputy, to the governor of the province.
3. This appointment gave Murshid Quli Khan significant power and autonomy in ruling Bengal.

Bengal's Breakaway from Mughal Control:
1. Under Murshid Quli Khan's leadership, Bengal gradually started asserting its independence from Mughal control.
2. He implemented various administrative and economic reforms that strengthened Bengal's position.
3. Murshid Quli Khan focused on efficient revenue collection, agricultural development, and trade promotion.
4. He encouraged local industries and trade, which boosted the economy of Bengal.
5. His policies also aimed at reducing corruption and improving governance.
6. Over time, Murshid Quli Khan consolidated his power and established a strong administrative system in Bengal.

Consequences of Bengal's Breakaway:
1. Bengal's breakaway from Mughal control had significant consequences for the region.
2. It marked the beginning of an independent Bengal Subah (province) that lasted until the British East India Company took control in the 18th century.
3. The success of Murshid Quli Khan's administration in Bengal set an example for other regions to challenge Mughal authority.
4. It also paved the way for the establishment of regional powers and the decline of the Mughal Empire in India.
5. Bengal's economic prosperity under Murshid Quli Khan attracted the attention of European powers, particularly the British, who eventually became dominant in the region.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Bengal broke away from Mughal control under the leadership of Murshid Quli Khan, who was appointed as the naib, or deputy, to the governor of the province. His administrative reforms and focus on economic development helped establish Bengal as an independent and prosperous region, setting the stage for the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of regional powers in India.

The correct answer is option 'C' - Governors.

Explanation:
During the colonial period, the administration of revenue and military affairs in the British territories was primarily controlled by the British Governors.

1. British Colonization:
- The British established their rule in various parts of the world through colonization, including India.
- They established the East India Company in India and gradually expanded their control over different regions.

2. Administrative Structure:
- The British set up an administrative structure to govern their territories.
- At the top of the administrative hierarchy were the Governors who were appointed by the British Crown.
- The Governors acted as the highest authority in the respective regions.

3. Offices of Revenue and Military Administration:
- The offices of revenue and military administration were crucial for the British colonial rule.
- These offices were responsible for collecting revenue from the local population and maintaining military forces to ensure control and security.

4. Control by Governors:
- The Governors held significant power and control over the offices of revenue and military administration.
- They appointed and supervised the officials who worked in these departments.
- The Governors had the authority to make decisions regarding revenue collection, taxation, and allocation of resources.
- They also had control over the military forces and could deploy them as per the requirements.

5. Local People:
- While the local people had some involvement in the revenue administration, such as village-level revenue collection, the overall control and decision-making authority rested with the British Governors.
- The local people had limited power and were subject to the rules and regulations imposed by the British authorities.

In conclusion, during the colonial period, the offices of revenue and military administration in British territories were controlled by the Governors who were appointed by the British Crown. The Governors held significant power and authority in these departments, making decisions related to revenue collection and military affairs. The local people had limited involvement in these administrative offices, with the ultimate control resting with the British Governors.