Test: Eighteenth Century Political Formations - UPSC MCQ

Answer:
When Aurangzeb died:
- Aurangzeb died in the year 1707.
- This marked the end of his reign as the sixth Mughal emperor of India.
- Aurangzeb ruled for a period of 49 years, from 1658 until his death in 1707.
- He was known for his strict policies and expansion of the Mughal Empire.
- Aurangzeb's death had significant implications for the future of the Mughal Empire and the political landscape of India.
Explanation:
- Aurangzeb's death occurred in the year 1707.
- The four options provided are A: 1707, B: 1697, C: 1698, and D: 1717.
- Among these options, option A (1707) is the correct answer.
- Option B (1697), option C (1698), and option D (1717) are incorrect.
- It is important to note that Aurangzeb's death in 1707 marked the end of his long and controversial reign as the Mughal emperor.
- He was succeeded by his son Bahadur Shah I, but the empire declined rapidly after Aurangzeb's death.
- This event had significant consequences for the Mughal Empire and the subsequent history of India.

The Mughal Empire started facing a lot of crises towards the end of the 17th century. The following were responsible for the same: Aurangzeb's Exploits in Deccan: He had caused depletion of the military and financial resources of his empire by fighting a long war in the Deccan.

Decline of the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb:

• Introduction: The Mughal Empire, which reached its peak under the reign of Akbar, started declining in power during the rule of Aurangzeb.


• Religious Policies: Aurangzeb's strict and conservative religious policies created discontent among the non-Muslim population, leading to revolts and uprisings.


• Expansion and Overextension: Aurangzeb's relentless military campaigns and attempts to expand the empire led to overextension of resources and strained the administration.


• Depletion of Treasury: The continuous warfare and construction of mosques and religious institutions resulted in a significant depletion of the treasury.


• Rebellions and Revolts: The empire faced numerous rebellions and revolts from various regions and provinces, weakening the central authority.


• Economic Decline: The constant warfare and high taxes imposed by Aurangzeb led to economic decline and increased poverty among the population.


• Succession Issues: After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the empire faced succession struggles and power struggles among his sons, further weakening the empire.


• External Threats: The Mughal Empire also faced external threats from regional powers like the Marathas and the British, which further contributed to its decline.


• Conclusion: The decline of the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb was a result of a combination of factors, including religious policies, overextension, economic decline, rebellions, and external threats. This marked the end of the empire's golden era and paved the way for the emergence of regional powers in India.

Between 1720 and 1761, the Maratha empire expanded. It gradually chipped away at the authority of the Mughal Empire. Malwa and Gujarat were seized from the Mughals by the 1720s. By the 1730s, the Maratha king was recognised as the overlord of the entire Deccan peninsula. He possessed the right to levy chauth and sardeshmukhi in the entire region. Sardeshmukhi was the 9-10 per cent of the land revenue paid to the head revenue collector in the Deccan.

The correct option is B.
Powerful mansabdars and nobles: The later Mughal emperors found it increasingly difficult to keep a check on their powerful mansabdars. Nobles appointed as governors often controlled the offices of revenue and also the military administration.

Murshid Quli Khan was nawab of Bengal.
Explanation:
Murshid Quli Khan was a prominent figure in the history of Bengal. He served as the nawab (governor) of Bengal during the early 18th century. Here is a detailed explanation of his rule and contributions:
1. Background:
- Murshid Quli Khan was born in 1665 in Persia (present-day Iran).
- In 1700, he migrated to India and joined the service of the Mughal Empire.
2. Nawab of Bengal:
- In 1717, Murshid Quli Khan was appointed as the diwan (revenue collector) of Bengal by the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar.
- He effectively managed the revenue administration of Bengal and improved its financial condition.
- In 1727, he was granted the title of "Nawab" by the Mughal Emperor, making him the de facto ruler of Bengal.
3. Administrative Reforms:
- Murshid Quli Khan implemented various administrative reforms during his rule.
- He established a strong revenue collection system and introduced new land revenue policies.
- He encouraged trade and commerce, attracting merchants and traders to Bengal.
- He also promoted agriculture by constructing canals and improving irrigation facilities.
4. Development:
- Under Murshid Quli Khan's rule, Bengal witnessed significant development.
- He constructed many buildings, including the famous Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka.
- He also patronized art, literature, and culture, contributing to the growth of Bengal's intellectual and artistic heritage.
5. Legacy:
- Murshid Quli Khan's rule marked a period of stability and prosperity in Bengal.
- His administrative reforms and efficient governance laid the foundation for future nawabs and the British East India Company's rule in Bengal.
In conclusion, Murshid Quli Khan served as the nawab of Bengal and played a crucial role in the development and administration of the region during the 18th century.

Who controlled the offices of revenue and military administration?

• Answer: C. Governors

Detailed

The offices of revenue and military administration were controlled by the governors. Here is a detailed explanation:

• Local people: Local people did not have control over the offices of revenue and military administration.


• Britishers: While the Britishers had control over many aspects of colonial administration, including political, economic, and legal systems, they did not directly control the offices of revenue and military administration. These offices were primarily managed by the colonial governors who were appointed by the British government.


• Governors: The colonial governors held significant power and authority in the colonies. They were responsible for overseeing various administrative functions, including the management of revenue and military affairs. They were appointed by the British government and served as the representatives of the crown.


• King: Although the king held ultimate authority over the colonies as the head of state, he did not directly control the day-to-day operations of the offices of revenue and military administration. The king's power was exercised through the colonial governors.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Governors.

The Mughal emperors after Aurangzeb were unable to arrest the gradual shifting of political and economic authority into the hands of provincial governors, local chieftains and other groups.

Ahmad Shah Abdali was the ruler of Afghanistan.

The original throne was subsequently captured and taken as a war trophy in 1739 by the Persian emperor Nadir Shah, and has been lost since