Test: The Decline of Mughal Empire & the Rise of Autonomous States - 2 - UPSC MCQ

It involved farmers and middleman who could collect whatever they could from them.

The correct option is B.
The chronological order of the Later Mughal Emperors:
Bahadur Shah -I - 1643
Jahandar Shah - 1661
Farrukh Siyar - 1683
Muhammad Shah -1702

The correct option is Option A.
Ahmad Shah - (Reign; 1748-1754)
Alamgir ll - (Reign; 1754-1759)
Shah Alam ll - (Reign; 1759-1806)
Akbar lI - (Reign; 1806-1837)
Bahadur Shah II - (Reign; 1837-1857)

The correct option is B
So, Najib was now the de facto ruler of Delhi with Alamgir II as a puppet emperor in his control.

The correct answer is C as Shah Alam II - sixteenth Mughal Emperor who ruled from 1759 to 1806.

The correct option is C.
Shah Alam II was considered the only and rightful emperor, but he wasn't able to return to Delhi until 1772, under the protection of the Maratha general Mahadaji Shinde. He also fought against the British East India Company at the Battle of Buxar.

Shayista Khan was subahdar and a general in the Mughal army. He did not revolt against Aurangzeb because Aurangzeb made him governor of Bengal during his period and he was a maternal uncle of  Aurangzeb.

Explanation: All three statements are correct.

1. Artisans were indeed underprivileged in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were usually part of the lower social classes and faced economic hardships.

2. Rajputs and Marathas were prominent Hindu warrior communities who played significant roles in defending Hindu interests during various periods in Indian history.

3. The Muslim community during Aurangzeb's time was indeed heterogeneous. While Aurangzeb was known for his strict policies and attempts to enforce orthodox Sunni Islam, there were diverse groups within the Muslim community with different beliefs, practices, and cultural backgrounds.

The correct option is B.
In the absence of a fixed rule for succession, the empire was always plagued after the death of a King by a civil war between the princes resulting in loss of life and property and of capable military commanders. After Bahadur Shah's reign came a long list of weak, worthless and luxury-loving Kings.

Major Weakness of the Mughal Nobility during the 18th Century:

• Selfishness of the Nobles: The major weakness of the Mughal nobility during the 18th century was their selfishness and lack of devotion to the state. Instead of working towards the betterment of the empire, many nobles focused on advancing their own interests and wealth.



• Lack of Devotion to the State: The nobles were more concerned with their individual power and influence rather than the stability and prosperity of the Mughal Empire. This lack of dedication to the state weakened the overall governance and administration of the empire.



• Factionalism and Group Conflicts: The nobility was divided into numerous factions and groups that often worked against each other in pursuit of their own agendas. This infighting and lack of unity among the nobles further destabilized the empire.

Overall, the selfishness, lack of devotion to the state, and internal conflicts among the Mughal nobility were the major weaknesses that contributed to the decline of the empire during the 18th century.

The correct answer is A as the incorrect statement about jangirs was that their income has increased.

During the eighteenth century, the Mughal army lacked discipline and fighting morale. Lack of finance made it difficult to maintain a large army. Its soldiers and officers were not paid for months, and, since they were mere mercenaries, they were constantly disaffected and often verged on a mutiny.

• Loss of power: The decline of the Mughal Empire weakened the central authority in India, creating a power vacuum that allowed European colonial powers, particularly the British, to expand their influence.


• British East India Company: The British East India Company took advantage of the weakening Mughal Empire to establish control over various regions of India, eventually leading to British colonial rule.


• Trade and economic exploitation: The British challenge brought about significant changes in India's economy, with the extraction of resources and the imposition of unfair trade practices that further weakened the indigenous economy.


• Political domination: The emergence of the British challenge ultimately led to the subjugation of India under British colonial rule, marking a significant shift in power dynamics in the region.

• Nizam-ul-Mulk's Role: Nizam-ul-Mulk played a significant role in overthrowing the Saiyyid brothers, who were ruling the Mughal Empire at that time.


• Reward: As a reward for his role in the overthrow, Nizam-ul-Mulk was appointed as the viceroy of Deccan.


• Appointing Authority: The appointment was made by Muhammad Shah, who was the Mughal emperor during that period.

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Muhammad Shah. Nizam-ul-Mulk's loyalty and contribution to the overthrow of the Saiyyid brothers led to his appointment as the viceroy of Deccan by Muhammad Shah.

• Position: Wazir

Nizam-ul-Mulk held the position of Wazir in the Mughal Empire from 1722 to 1724. The Wazir was a high-ranking official in the Mughal administration, responsible for managing the imperial court and assisting the emperor in governing the empire. Nizam-ul-Mulk's appointment as Wazir was significant as it gave him considerable power and influence within the empire. During his tenure as Wazir, Nizam-ul-Mulk implemented various administrative reforms and played a key role in stabilizing the Mughal Empire. His appointment as Wazir marked a period of relative stability and prosperity in the empire.

• Subahs of the Mughal Deccan: The Mughal Empire was divided into several provinces known as subahs, and the Deccan region was one of them.



• The Carnatic Subah: The Carnatic was one of the subahs of the Mughal Deccan, which was a significant administrative division during the Mughal rule.



• Authority: The Carnatic subah came under the authority of a specific ruler or administrator who was appointed to govern the region.



• The Nizam of Hyderabad: In the case of the Carnatic, the subah was under the authority of the Nizam of Hyderabad, who was a powerful ruler in the Deccan region.



• Role of the Nizam: The Nizam of Hyderabad played a crucial role in governing the Carnatic subah and ensuring its administration and stability.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B: The Nizam of Hyderabad, who had authority over the Carnatic subah in the Mughal Deccan.

Answer:

c) Excessive appointment of jagirdars leading to a shortage of paibaqi land.

Explanation:

The Jagirdari Crisis during the later years of Aurangzeb's reign was primarily caused by the excessive appointment of jagirdars. The number of jagirdars had increased significantly, leading to a shortage of paibaqi land (land reserved for future assignments). As a result, the Empire struggled to assign jagirs to new mansabdars. This shortage weakened the vital relationship between the Emperor and the nobility, as jagirdars were responsible for collecting land revenue. The increased number of mansabdars, coupled with insufficient resources, especially after the Deccan wars, led to a reduction in the expected income for jagirdars and triggered the overall economic and administrative crisis that contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire.

• Background: Bengal was a province of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent.


• Murshid Quli Khan: He was appointed as the Nawab of Bengal by the Mughal Emperor in 1717.


• Assertion of Independence: Murshid Quli Khan was the first ruler of Bengal to assert independence from the Mughal Empire.


• Consolidation of Power: He strengthened his position by centralizing authority, reorganizing the revenue system, and establishing a strong administrative structure.


• Succession: After Murshid Quli Khan's death, his grandson Alivardi Khan succeeded him as the Nawab of Bengal.


• Legacy: Murshid Quli Khan's assertiveness and administrative reforms laid the foundation for future independent rulers of Bengal.

• Topic: Independence of Bengal after Aurangzeb's death


• Options: Alivardi Khan, Murshid Quli Khan, Shuja-ud-din, None of these


• Correct Answer: Murshid Quli Khan

• After Aurangzeb's death: Following the demise of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire faced a period of decline and fragmentation.


• Bengal's Independence: Bengal soon became functionally independent under a local viceroyalty.


• Key Viceroy: The key figure who played a significant role in establishing Bengal's independence was Murshid Quli Khan.


• Role of Murshid Quli Khan: Murshid Quli Khan was appointed as the Diwan of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa by the Mughal Emperor, but he effectively governed Bengal as an independent viceroy.


• Consolidation of Power: Murshid Quli Khan consolidated his power in Bengal and laid the foundation for an independent state that would later become the Bengal Subah of the Mughal Empire.

• Therefore, the correct answer is Murshid Quli Khan, who played a pivotal role in establishing Bengal's independence after Aurangzeb's death.

• Murshid Quli Khan


• Shuja-ud-din


• Haidar Jang


• Alivardi Khan

The correct chronological order of Bengal rulers is IV, II, III, I.

Murshid Quli Khan was the first ruler, followed by Shuja-ud-din, then Haidar Jang, and finally Alivardi Khan.

• Murshid Quli Khan was made Governor of Bengal in 1717 by the Mughal emperor, Farrukh Siyar.

• Farrukh Siyar, the Mughal emperor, appointed Murshid Quli Khan as the Governor of Bengal in 1717.


• Murshid Quli Khan was a capable administrator and played a significant role in stabilizing the region of Bengal during his tenure.


• He introduced several administrative reforms and policies that helped in the economic development of Bengal.


• Under his leadership, Bengal prospered and became one of the wealthiest provinces in the Mughal Empire.


• His governance was characterized by efficient revenue administration, infrastructure development, and promotion of trade and commerce.


• Overall, Murshid Quli Khan's tenure as Governor of Bengal was marked by peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Murshid Quli Khan was made Diwan of Bengal by Aurangzeb and  Governor of Bengal in 1717, soon became its ruler in true sense.

Though virtually independent, Murshid and his successors sent revenue to Mughal emperor regularly.

The only three major uprisings during his rule were: first by Sitaram Ray, Udai Narayan and Ghulam Muhammad, and then by Shujat Khan, and finally by Najat Khan.

• Shuja-ud-din: Not the correct answer, as he was not the ruler who made Hindu zamindars and mahajans revenue farmers in Bengal.


• Alivardi Khan: Not the correct answer, as he was a ruler of Bengal but did not implement the policy mentioned in the question.


• Murshid Quli Khan: Correct answer. He made Hindu zamindars and mahajans revenue farmers, establishing a new landed aristocracy in Bengal.


• Shujat Khan: Not the correct answer, as he was not the ruler associated with the mentioned policy.

Therefore, the ruler of Bengal who made Hindu zamindars and mahajans revenue farmers, laying the foundations of a new landed aristocracy in Bengal, is Murshid Quli Khan.

• Policy towards the English and French: Alivardi Khan did not permit the English and French to fortify their factories in Calcutta and Chandernagar during his rule in Bengal.


• Reasoning behind the decision: Alivardi Khan was wary of the growing influence and power of the European trading companies in Bengal. He wanted to maintain control over the region and prevent any potential threats to his authority.


• Strategic move: By restricting the fortification of the factories, Alivardi Khan aimed to limit the ability of the English and French to establish a strong military presence in the region, thereby safeguarding his own position as the ruler of Bengal.


• Impact: This policy decision had significant implications for the European trading companies operating in Bengal, as it constrained their ability to expand their military capabilities and exert greater control over the region.

• Alivardi Khan: Alivardi Khan was the ruler of Bengal who had to cede Orissa to the Marathas.

• Alivardi Khan ceded Orissa to the Marathas due to the continuous pressure and attacks from the Marathas on Bengal.


• The Marathas were expanding their territories and posed a significant threat to Bengal under Alivardi Khan's rule.


• To avoid further conflicts and losses, Alivardi Khan decided to cede Orissa to the Marathas.

• By ceding Orissa to the Marathas, Alivardi Khan lost control over a significant territory, affecting Bengal's power and influence in the region.


• It also weakened Alivardi Khan's position as a ruler and made Bengal more vulnerable to external threats.


• The cession of Orissa to the Marathas had long-term consequences for Bengal's political stability and territorial integrity.

The correct answer is D as none of the given options are true about bengal nawabs.
 

• Founding of the autonomous kingdom of Avadh:




• Avadh was founded by Saadat Khan, who was a Persian adventurer and nobleman.




• Background of Saadat Khan:




• He was appointed as the governor of Avadh by the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah in 1722.


• Under his rule, Avadh became an autonomous kingdom with its own administration and revenue system.




• Contributions of Saadat Khan:




• He established a stable and prosperous state in Avadh, known for its cultural and architectural achievements.


• He also strengthened the military and diplomatic ties of Avadh with other neighboring kingdoms.




• Legacy of Saadat Khan:




• His descendants ruled Avadh for several generations, contributing to the growth and development of the region.


• Avadh remained an important center of art, literature, and music under their rule.

• Safdar Jang: “The Avadh chiefs–were capable of creating a disturbance in the twinkling of an eye and were more dangerous than the Marathas of the Deccan.”

• Fresh Revenue Settlement: The fresh revenue settlement mentioned in the question was carried out in 1723.


• Relevant Historical Context: During this time, the Mughal Empire in India was facing challenges from various regional powers and internal dissensions.


• Role of Saadat Khan: Saadat Khan was a prominent figure during this period and served as the Nawab of Awadh.


• Revenue Settlement by Saadat Khan: Saadat Khan was known for his administrative reforms, including revenue settlements, to improve the economic stability of the region.


• Impact of Revenue Settlement: The revenue settlement carried out by Saadat Khan in 1723 helped in stabilizing the economic conditions and ensuring a steady flow of revenue for the region.