All questions of The Decline of Mughal Empire and The Rise of Autonomous States for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

1. Shah Alam I (Bahadur Shah I) (reigned 1707–1712)
   • He was the son of Aurangzeb and succeeded him as the Mughal Emperor after his death.
2. Jahandar Shah (reigned 1712–1713)
   • He was the son of Bahadur Shah I. His reign was short-lived, lasting less than a year.
3. Farrukh Siyar (reigned 1713–1719)
   • He was the grandson of Bahadur Shah I and succeeded Jahandar Shah after deposing him.
4. Muhammad Shah (reigned 1719–1748)
   • He was one of the more prominent emperors after Aurangzeb, known for his relatively longer rule during the decline of the Mughal Empire.
5. Ahmad Shah (reigned 1748–1754)
   • He succeeded Muhammad Shah and ruled during the later years of the Mughal Empire's decline.

(Correct Answer:- A)

Ahmad Shah:- (Reign; 1748-1754)---
Alamgir ll:- (Reign; 1754-1759)---
Shah Alam ll:- (Reign; 1759-1806)---
Akbar ll; (Reign; 1806-1837)---
Bahadur Shah; (Reign; 1837-1857).

Muhammad shah

Dislike of Peasants for Ijarah or Revenue Farming

Revenue farming, also known as ijarah, was a system of revenue collection that was encouraged by Zulfiqar Khan during his governance in Bengal. However, this system was disliked by the peasants for various reasons.

Collection by Middlemen

One of the main reasons for the dislike of the peasants for ijarah was the involvement of farmers and middlemen who would collect whatever they could from them. The middlemen were often corrupt and would extract as much revenue as possible from the peasants. This led to an increase in the burden of taxes on the peasants, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihood.

Fixed Rate of Revenue Collection

Another reason for the dislike of the peasants for ijarah was the fixed rate of revenue collection. The peasants were often unable to pay the fixed rate because of poor harvests or natural calamities. This led to the accumulation of arrears, which increased the burden on the peasants.

Semi-Annual Feature

Ijarah was a semi-annual feature, which meant that the peasants had to pay taxes twice a year. This led to a continuous burden on the peasants, who were often unable to pay the taxes. The semi-annual feature also meant that the peasants had to make arrangements for the payment of taxes twice a year, which was a difficult task.

Fragmentation of Land

Ijarah often led to the fragmentation of land, as the revenue collectors would divide the land into smaller plots to increase revenue collection. This led to a decrease in agricultural productivity, as the smaller plots were often not suitable for cultivation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ijarah or revenue farming was disliked by the peasants because of the involvement of corrupt middlemen, the fixed rate of revenue collection, the semi-annual feature, and the fragmentation of land. These factors led to an increase in the burden of taxes on the peasants, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihood.

A

Chronological Order of Conquests of Ranjit Singh:

I. Ludhiana
II. Amritsar
III. Kangra
IV. Lahore

Explanation:

Ranjit Singh was the founder of the Sikh Empire in India. He conquered various territories during his reign. The chronological order of his conquests is as follows:

II. Amritsar: Ranjit Singh captured Amritsar in 1802, which was a significant victory for him. Amritsar is a holy city for the Sikhs, and the capture of the city gave Ranjit Singh a lot of prestige and influence among the Sikh community.

I. Ludhiana: Ranjit Singh captured Ludhiana in 1806. Ludhiana was an important commercial and strategic center, and its capture helped Ranjit Singh expand his territory and consolidate his power.

III. Kangra: Ranjit Singh captured Kangra in 1809. Kangra was a fortified city in the Himalayan foothills, and its capture gave Ranjit Singh control over the region and access to the valuable resources of the area.

IV. Lahore: Ranjit Singh captured Lahore in 1799. Lahore was the capital of the Mughal Empire and was a center of power and culture. The capture of Lahore was a significant victory for Ranjit Singh, and it marked the beginning of his rise to power.

In conclusion, the chronological order of Ranjit Singh's conquests is II, I, III, IV, i.e., Amritsar, Ludhiana, Kangra, and Lahore.

In 1782 Haidar Ali suddenly died amd Tipu became king. In 1783 British took the town of Coimbatore and by January 1784 Tipu retook managalore from British. With neither side in a position to win, the war ended in a stalemate and was concluded by treaty of Mangalore.

C

Nizum-ul-Mulk decided to leave the Emperor and his Empire to their fate and to strike out on his own. He relinquished his office in October 1724 and marched south to find the state of Hyderabad in the Deccan. "His departure was symbolic of the flight of loyalty and virtue from the Empire.”

Bahadur shah ( 1707-1712)
jahandar shah (1712-1713)
farrukh siyar (1713-1719)
Muhammad shah (1720-1748)

C

Mughal ruler under the control of wazir Imad-ul-Mulk

Introduction
The Mughal Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in Indian history. The Mughal rulers were known for their military prowess, their patronage of the arts, and their efforts to promote religious tolerance. However, towards the end of the empire, the power of the Mughal rulers began to decline, and they became puppets in the hands of their ministers.

The role of wazir Imad-ul-Mulk
Imad-ul-Mulk was a powerful wazir (minister) of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Alamgir II. He was appointed as the wazir in 1754 and remained in this position until 1757. During his tenure, he exercised tremendous power and influence over the Mughal ruler Alamgir II. In fact, Alamgir II was reduced to a puppet ruler who only acted on the advice of his wazir.

Alamgir II
Alamgir II was the son of Mughal Emperor Jahandar Shah. He became the Mughal Emperor in 1754 after deposing his predecessor Ahmad Shah Bahadur. However, Alamgir II was not a strong ruler and was easily influenced by his ministers, especially Imad-ul-Mulk. Under the influence of Imad-ul-Mulk, Alamgir II made a number of decisions that were detrimental to the interests of the Mughal Empire.

The decline of the Mughal Empire
The decline of the Mughal Empire was caused by a number of factors, including the weakening of central authority, the rise of regional powers, and the increasing influence of European powers. However, one of the key factors that contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire was the puppetry of the Mughal rulers. The Mughal rulers were no longer independent and were controlled by their ministers, who were often corrupt and self-serving.

Conclusion
Imad-ul-Mulk was one of the most powerful ministers of the Mughal Empire and was responsible for reducing the Mughal ruler Alamgir II to a puppet. This puppetry of the Mughal rulers was one of the key factors that contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire. Today, the Mughal Empire is remembered for its architecture, art, and culture, but its decline serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of weak leadership.

B

B)Rajputs and Marathas were the champions of the Hindus. (This statement is incorrect as both Rajputs and Marathas were Hindu dynasties that fought against each other for political power and control, rather than for the protection of Hinduism as a religion.)

• First Anglo-Mysore War: 
• It was fought between 1767-1769 AD.
• Governor: Lord Verelst was the governor during this period.

Background:
Haidar Ali was a soldier who rose to power in the 18th century in the region of Mysore, India. He served as a commander in the army of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled Mysore at that time.

Overthrow of Nanjaraj:
In 1757, Haidar Ali led a successful military campaign against the Wodeyars and their chief minister Nanjaraj. He defeated the Wodeyar army and took control of Mysore, becoming the de facto ruler of the state.

Consolidation of Power:
After establishing his authority, Haidar Ali began to consolidate his power by reforming the administration and the army. He introduced a new system of revenue collection and taxation, which helped to increase the state's income. He also modernized the army by introducing new weapons and tactics.

Expansion of Territory:
Haidar Ali was a skilled military commander and he used his army to expand the territory of Mysore. He conquered several neighboring states and established a vast empire that extended from the Malabar Coast to the Deccan Plateau.

Legacy:
Haidar Ali was one of the most successful rulers of Mysore and his legacy is still remembered today. He was a patron of the arts and literature and he encouraged the development of Kannada language and culture. He also built several monuments and temples, some of which are still standing today.

Mughal Empire Decline

The Mughal Empire was one of the most powerful empires in India, ruling from the early 16th century until the mid-19th century. However, the decline of the Mughal Empire began in the first half of the 18th century.

Causes of Decline

The decline of the Mughal Empire was caused by a number of factors, including:

1. Weak Rulers: The Mughal emperors who ruled during the 18th century were weak and ineffective. They lacked the ability to govern effectively and were easily manipulated by their courtiers.

2. Economic Decline: The Mughal Empire's economy began to decline in the 18th century due to the loss of revenue from the declining agricultural sector and the decline of the textile industry.

3. Political Instability: The Mughal Empire was plagued by political instability during the 18th century. There were frequent rebellions by regional governors and the empire was constantly under threat from external powers.

4. Military Weakness: The Mughal Empire's military strength declined significantly during the 18th century. The empire was unable to defend itself against the growing power of the Maratha Confederacy and other regional powers.

British Occupation of Delhi

The decline of the Mughal Empire was so severe that the British army was able to occupy Delhi in 1803. This marked the beginning of British rule in India, which lasted until India gained independence in 1947.

The British initially entered India as traders, but soon began to expand their influence through military conquest. The occupation of Delhi was a major milestone in the British conquest of India, as it gave them control over the Mughal capital and symbol of power.

The British continued to expand their control over India, gradually taking over more and more territory until they became the dominant power in the subcontinent. The decline of the Mughal Empire was a key factor in the British conquest of India, as it weakened the existing power structures and allowed the British to expand their influence.

Carnatic was the region along the eastern ghats,between krishna and kaveri river.. In mid 18th century colonisation of east Indian company was at its peak. There was also a conflict going on between French and east indian company at that time in carnatic region.. As u can see the ruler of carnatic region at that time was Muhammad Ali who preferred English instead of French. He was bound to do so as his kingdom was under a huge debt....

's territories to the British.

V. Agreement to maintain friendly relations between the two sides.

VI. Release of all prisoners of war on both sides.

VII. Pledge to not form alliances with any other European powers without the consent of the British.

VIII. Agreement to open up trade and commerce between Mysore and the British East India Company.

IX. Recognition of the British as the supreme power in South India.

X. Acceptance of the terms of the Treaty of Mangalore (1784) between Mysore and the British.

Overall, the Treaty of Seringapatam marked the end of the Anglo-Mysore Wars and solidified British control over South India.

Arrangement of Bengal Rulers Chronologically

Introduction:
Bengal has witnessed several rulers who have significantly contributed to the history of the region. In this question, we are required to arrange the following four rulers of Bengal chronologically: Alivardi Khan, Shuja-ud-din, Haidar Jang, and Murshid Quli Khan.

Chronological Arrangement:
The correct chronological arrangement of the Bengal rulers is as follows:

IV. Murshid Quli Khan: He was the first Nawab of Bengal and served from 1717 to 1727. He was a competent administrator and was successful in consolidating the Mughal rule in Bengal.

II. Shuja-ud-din: He was the second Nawab of Bengal and served from 1727 to 1739. He continued the policies of Murshid Quli Khan and was able to maintain peace and stability in Bengal.

III. Haidar Jang: He was the third Nawab of Bengal and served from 1739 to 1740. He was appointed by the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah and was successful in suppressing a rebellion in Bihar.

I. Alivardi Khan: He was the fourth Nawab of Bengal and served from 1740 to 1756. He was a competent military leader and was able to repel several invasions by the Marathas and the Afghans. He also initiated several reforms in the administration of Bengal.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct chronological arrangement of the Bengal rulers is IV, II, III, I, which corresponds to Murshid Quli Khan, Shuja-ud-din, Haidar Jang, and Alivardi Khan, respectively.

Mahe

Alivardi Khan did not permit the English and the French to fortify their factories in Calcutta and Chandernagar.

Reasons for Alivardi Khan's decision:

1. Fear of European dominance: Alivardi Khan was apprehensive that allowing the English and the French to fortify their factories would give them an upper hand in Bengal. He did not want to grant them any privileges that could lead to their dominance.

2. Previous experiences: Alivardi Khan had witnessed the Dutch and the Portuguese using their fortified factories to interfere in local politics and engage in smuggling activities. He did not want to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors.

3. Strong military: Alivardi Khan had a strong military and did not feel the need to rely on the Europeans for protection. He believed that he could defend Bengal on his own.

Implications of Alivardi Khan's decision:

1. Limited European influence: Alivardi Khan's decision prevented the English and the French from expanding their influence in Bengal. This limited their ability to acquire resources and trade freely.

2. Tense relations: The English and the French were unhappy with Alivardi Khan's decision and it strained their relations with the Bengal Nawab. This tension would eventually lead to conflicts and battles for control of Bengal.

3. Increased importance of diplomacy: With limited military options, the English and the French had to rely on diplomacy to maintain their presence in Bengal. This led to the establishment of alliances and the use of political influence to achieve their objectives.

In conclusion, Alivardi Khan's decision not to permit the English and the French to fortify their factories in Calcutta and Chandernagar was driven by his fear of European dominance and his strong military. This decision had significant implications for the relationship between Bengal and the Europeans, as well as the methods used by the Europeans to maintain their presence in Bengal.

Fresh Revenue Settlement in 1723 by Saadat Khan

Saadat Khan was the first Nawab of Awadh (1722-1739) appointed by the Mughal Emperor. He was a capable administrator and took several measures to improve the economic condition of Awadh. One such measure was the fresh revenue settlement carried out in 1723.

Reasons for the Revenue Settlement

The revenue settlement was necessary because of the following reasons:

1. The existing revenue system was outdated and ineffective.

2. The revenue collection process was corrupt and inefficient.

3. The revenue rates were arbitrary and unjust.

4. The revenue administration was weak and ineffective.

Features of the Revenue Settlement

The fresh revenue settlement carried out by Saadat Khan had the following features:

1. The revenue rates were fixed based on the nature of the land and the crops grown.

2. The revenue collection process was streamlined and made more efficient.

3. The revenue administration was reorganized and made more accountable.

4. The revenue settlements were made for a period of ten years.

Impact of the Revenue Settlement

The revenue settlement carried out by Saadat Khan had the following impacts:

1. It brought about a significant increase in revenue collection.

2. It improved the economic condition of Awadh.

3. It reduced corruption in the revenue administration.

4. It provided stability and certainty to the revenue system.

Conclusion

The fresh revenue settlement carried out by Saadat Khan in 1723 was a significant reform in the revenue system of Awadh. It brought about several positive changes and improved the economic condition of the region.

Answer is B

A. Muhammad Shah

MughalEmpire after the death of Aurangzeb, Bengal became an independent viceroyalty for all practical purposes under Murshid Quli Khan who justified the confidence reposed in him by the efficient management, which raised Bengal to the highest degree of prosperity.

Bahadur Shah, the Mughal emperor, attempted to appease the rebellious Sikhs by making peace with their leader, Guru Gobind Singh. The following are the reasons and details of this conciliatory attempt:

Reasons for Conciliation:

1. The Mughal empire was facing a crisis due to the resistance of the Sikhs, who were challenging their authority and posing a threat to their rule.

2. Bahadur Shah realized that the use of force alone could not subdue the Sikhs, and that he needed to adopt a conciliatory approach to win their hearts and minds.

Details of Conciliation:

1. Bahadur Shah sent a message to Guru Gobind Singh, expressing his desire for peace and offering to meet with him.

2. Guru Gobind Singh agreed to the meeting and traveled to Agra to meet with the emperor.

3. Bahadur Shah received the Guru with great respect and offered him a high rank (mansab) in his court, along with other honors and rewards.

4. The emperor also promised to grant the Sikhs some concessions, such as exemption from certain taxes and the right to retain their weapons.

5. The meeting between Bahadur Shah and Guru Gobind Singh was successful, and it led to a temporary truce between the Mughals and the Sikhs.

Importance of Conciliation:

1. The conciliatory approach adopted by Bahadur Shah was significant as it showed his willingness to engage in a dialogue with the Sikhs and address their grievances.

2. It demonstrated that the Mughals were willing to make concessions and accommodate the Sikhs' demands, which helped to reduce tensions between the two communities.

3. The meeting between Bahadur Shah and Guru Gobind Singh was a significant step towards building trust and promoting reconciliation between the Mughals and the Sikhs.

Title: Bahadur Shah's Attempt to Gain Control over the Rajput State of Amber

Introduction:
Muazzam, who took the title of Bahadur Shah, was a Mughal emperor who attempted to gain control over the Rajput state of Amber. In his pursuit, he sought to replace Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber, with his younger brother. Among the given options, the correct answer is option 'C', Vijay Singh. Let's explore the details behind this answer.

Background:
During the 17th century, the Mughal Empire faced numerous challenges, including the expansionist policies of various Rajput states. The Rajput rulers, including Jai Singh of Amber, were known for their valor and military prowess. This posed a threat to the Mughal Empire's authority over the region.

Attempt to Replace Jai Singh:
Bahadur Shah, also known as Muazzam, aimed to weaken the Rajput states by replacing their powerful rulers with individuals who would be more loyal to the Mughal Empire. In his pursuit to gain control over the Rajput state of Amber, Bahadur Shah sought to replace Jai Singh with his younger brother, Vijay Singh.

Vijay Singh as a Puppet Ruler:
By installing Vijay Singh as the ruler of Amber, Bahadur Shah hoped to have a more compliant and submissive ruler who would serve the interests of the Mughal Empire. Vijay Singh, being the younger brother of Jai Singh, was chosen as a potential puppet ruler who could be easily manipulated by Bahadur Shah.

Reasoning behind Choosing Vijay Singh:
Among the given options, Vijay Singh is the most likely choice for Bahadur Shah to replace Jai Singh. It is important to note that the other options, namely Partap Singh, Ajit Singh, and Sangram Singh, do not hold historical significance in relation to the attempted control over the Rajput state of Amber. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C', Vijay Singh.

Conclusion:
In his attempt to gain control over the Rajput state of Amber, Bahadur Shah, also known as Muazzam, tried to replace Jai Singh with his younger brother, Vijay Singh. By installing Vijay Singh as the ruler, Bahadur Shah aimed to have a more compliant and easily manipulated leader who would serve the interests of the Mughal Empire.

Background:
The Mughal Empire was a powerful empire that ruled over the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 18th century. During its peak, it was known for its administrative efficiency and centralized governance. The empire was divided into several provinces, each of which was headed by a governor or viceroy appointed by the emperor.

Nizam-ul-Mulk:
Nizam-ul-Mulk, whose real name was Asaf Jah, was a prominent Persian nobleman and administrator who served in the Mughal Empire during the early 18th century. He hailed from a noble Persian family and had a distinguished career in the Mughal court.

Appointment as Wazir:
During the years 1722 to 1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk held the appointment of Wazir in the Mughal Empire. The position of Wazir, also known as the Prime Minister or Chief Minister, was one of the most important administrative positions in the empire. The Wazir was responsible for overseeing the governance of the empire, advising the emperor on matters of state, and managing the bureaucracy.

Roles and Responsibilities:
As the Wazir, Nizam-ul-Mulk had several important roles and responsibilities. These included:

1. Administrative Duties: Nizam-ul-Mulk was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the empire. He supervised the various departments and offices of the government, ensuring efficient functioning and coordination.

2. Policy Formulation: He played a crucial role in formulating and implementing policies for the empire. This included matters related to taxation, justice, trade, and defense.

3. Advisor to the Emperor: Nizam-ul-Mulk served as a trusted advisor to the Mughal Emperor. He provided counsel on important matters, such as diplomatic relations, military campaigns, and succession.

4. Bureaucratic Reforms: Nizam-ul-Mulk implemented various reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Mughal bureaucracy. He introduced measures to curb corruption, streamline administrative procedures, and enhance revenue collection.

Contributions and Legacy:
Nizam-ul-Mulk's tenure as Wazir was marked by significant contributions to the Mughal Empire. His administrative reforms helped stabilize the empire and improve governance. He also played a crucial role in strengthening Mughal control over the Deccan region, which was a key area of contention at the time.

Furthermore, Nizam-ul-Mulk's appointment as Wazir was a testament to his skills, experience, and influence in the Mughal court. It demonstrated his standing as a trusted advisor and capable administrator.

In conclusion, Nizam-ul-Mulk held the appointment of Wazir in the Mughal Empire from 1722 to 1724. As Wazir, he had important administrative responsibilities, served as an advisor to the emperor, and implemented significant reforms. His tenure as Wazir contributed to the stability and strength of the Mughal Empire during a critical period.

Haidar Ali was a prominent military commander and ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in South India during the 18th century. He started his career as a petty officer in the Mysore army.

Details of Haidar Ali's career:

- Haidar Ali was born in 1722 in a village near Mysore. He joined the army of the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled Mysore at the time, as a teenager.
- Haidar Ali quickly rose through the ranks of the army due to his military skill and bravery. He was promoted to the position of commander of the cavalry.
- In 1759, Haidar Ali took advantage of a power vacuum in Mysore and seized control of the kingdom. He became the de facto ruler of Mysore, although he did not formally take the title of king.
- Haidar Ali embarked on a series of military campaigns to expand the territory of Mysore. He fought against the British East India Company, the Marathas, and other regional powers.
- Haidar Ali's military innovations, including the use of rocket artillery and cavalry charges, made him a formidable opponent. He also implemented administrative reforms in Mysore, such as the creation of a centralized revenue system and the promotion of agriculture and trade.
- Haidar Ali died in 1782 and was succeeded by his son Tipu Sultan, who continued his father's policies of military expansion and modernization.

In conclusion, Haidar Ali began his career as a petty officer in the Mysore army and rose to become a powerful ruler of the kingdom. His military skill and administrative reforms made him one of the most important figures in South Indian history.