Background:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last emperor of the Mughal dynasty in India.
- The Mughal Empire was a powerful empire that ruled over the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century.
Decision by Governor-General Canning:
- In 1856, Governor-General Canning made the decision that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal king.
- This decision was made in the context of the growing influence of the British East India Company and their desire to consolidate their control over India.
- The Mughal Empire had already been weakened and reduced to a figurehead role by this time, with the British holding the real power.
Reasons for the Decision:
- The British saw Bahadur Shah Zafar as a symbol of resistance and a potential rallying point for anti-British sentiment.
- By declaring him as the last Mughal king, the British aimed to further diminish his influence and prevent any potential uprisings or challenges to their rule.
- This decision also served to symbolically mark the end of the Mughal Empire and assert British dominance in India.
Impact of the Decision:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Burma (now Myanmar) after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which was also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence.
- The rebellion was a major uprising against British rule in India, and Bahadur Shah Zafar was seen as a figurehead for the rebellion.
- The British captured Delhi, deposed Bahadur Shah Zafar, and exiled him, effectively bringing an end to the Mughal dynasty.
Conclusion:
- Governor-General Canning's decision in 1856 to declare Bahadur Shah Zafar as the last Mughal king was true.
- This decision was made in the context of British efforts to consolidate their control over India and prevent any challenges to their rule.

In 1856, Governor-General Canning decided that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal king.

Explanation:
Governor-General Canning's decision in 1856 to declare Bahadur Shah Zafar as the last Mughal king is true. This decision marked the end of the Mughal Empire, which had been a prominent force in the Indian subcontinent for centuries.

The Decline of the Mughal Empire:
The decline of the Mughal Empire began in the 18th century due to a combination of factors such as weak successors, political instability, and invasions by foreign powers. By the mid-19th century, the empire had lost much of its power and influence.

Role of Bahadur Shah Zafar:
Bahadur Shah Zafar, also known as Zafar II, ascended the throne in 1837 during a time of great political turmoil. He was the last ruler of the Mughal dynasty and faced significant challenges during his reign. His authority was limited to the city of Delhi, and he had little control over the rest of the empire.

The Revolt of 1857:
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion or the First War of Independence, marked a major turning point in Indian history. It was a widespread uprising against British rule that began in Meerut and quickly spread throughout northern and central India.

British Response:
In response to the revolt, the British forces led a brutal military campaign to suppress the rebellion. After the recapture of Delhi in September 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured and exiled to Burma (present-day Myanmar) along with his family.

Governor-General Canning's Decision:
Governor-General Canning, in a symbolic move to assert British control and consolidate their power, decided that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal king. This decision effectively ended the Mughal Empire and marked the beginning of direct British rule over India.

Aftermath:
With the exile of Bahadur Shah Zafar and the end of the Mughal Empire, the British Raj was firmly established in India. The power and authority of the Mughals were extinguished, and India came under the direct control of the British Crown.

Overall, Governor-General Canning's decision in 1856 to declare Bahadur Shah Zafar as the last Mughal king was a significant event in Indian history. It marked the end of the Mughal Empire and the beginning of British rule in India.