The Mughal Emperor who issued a firman to the English East-India Company in 1717 to trade freely in Bengal was Farrukh Siyar. Here's why:

Background:
• The English East-India Company was founded in 1600 and had established itself as a major trading power in India by the early 18th century.
• The Mughal Empire was in decline and struggling to maintain control over its territories, including Bengal.
• The English East-India Company had been granted trading rights in India by various Mughal emperors, but these permissions were often subject to change and revocation.

Farrukh Siyar's Reign:
• Farrukh Siyar became the Mughal emperor in 1713 after a power struggle with his brothers.
• He faced several challenges during his reign, including rebellions by provincial governors and the rise of powerful nobles.
• In 1717, Farrukh Siyar issued a firman to the English East-India Company allowing them to trade freely in Bengal, which was a major center of trade and commerce at the time.

Significance:
• The firman was a significant development for the English East-India Company as it gave them a secure foothold in Bengal and allowed them to expand their operations.
• It also signaled the weakening of the Mughal Empire and its inability to control its territories effectively.
• The firman was later challenged by other regional powers, including the Nawab of Bengal, leading to conflicts and eventually the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

In conclusion, Farrukh Siyar's firman to the English East-India Company in 1717 was a significant development in the history of British colonialism in India, and it marked the beginning of a long and controversial relationship between the two powers.

C is the right Answer