What significant change occurred in the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707?

The Mughal Empire began to decline, losing its previous stability and territory, ultimately resulting in diminished power by the early 18th century.

Bahadur Shah's rule is characterized by a departure from the policies of ___ and a more tolerant approach towards ___ .

Aurangzeb; Hindu chiefs and temples

True or False: Bahadur Shah's attempts to assert control over Rajput states were completely successful.

False; his attempts faced resistance and led to settlements that did not concede demands for privileges and offices.

Fill in the blank: The Mughal Empire's military strength remained formidable until the death of ___ .

Aurangzeb

What was the nature of Bahadur Shah's approach towards the Maratha chiefs during his reign?

His approach was characterized by half-hearted conciliation, which resulted in limited success and highlighted his indecisiveness.

True or False: The Mughal Empire maintained its vast territories and power throughout the 18th century under Bahadur Shah's leadership.

False; the empire experienced a gradual decline in territory and power during this period.

Fill in the blank: The decline of the Mughal Empire was influenced by weaknesses in India's medieval ___, ___, and ___ structures.

Social; economic; political

Bahadur Shah's attempts to appease the Marathas were successful. True or False?

False. Bahadur Shah's attempts fell short as he did not fully satisfy their demands, leading to continued dissatisfaction among the Maratha sardars.

The refusal to recognize Shahu as the rightful Maratha king contributed to ___ in the Deccan region.

Internal conflict

What actions did Bahadur Shah take in response to the Sikh rebellion under Banda Bahadur?

He initially attempted to pacify the Sikhs by making peace with Guru Gobind Singh and granting him a high rank, but after Guru Gobind Singh's death, he took direct military action.

Bahadur Shah's granting of jagirs and promotions had a positive effect on the state finances. True or False?

False. His reckless grants worsened state finances and depleted the royal treasury.

After Bahadur Shah's death, Jahandar Shah relied on powerful nobles to govern, such as ___ who sought to reverse previous policies.

Zulfiqar Khan

Bahadur Shah's efforts to secure loyalty from regional chiefs like Chhatarsal were ultimately ___ in stabilizing the empire.

Insufficient

What significant tax did Zulfiqar Khan abolish to strengthen his position after Bahadur Shah's death?

The jizyah tax

Fill in the blank: The continued decline of the Mughal Empire was influenced by ___ strife, financial mismanagement, and shifts in political alliances.

Internal

Zulfiqar Khan's introduction of revenue farming primarily led to increased ___ of peasants.

Oppression

True or False: The Saiyid brothers supported Farrukh Siyar's rule without any power struggles.

False; the Saiyid brothers engaged in a power struggle with Farrukh Siyar throughout his reign.

Farrukh Siyar was characterized by his ___, ___, and susceptibility to worthless favourites.

Cowardice, cruelty

The Saiyid brothers effectively controlled the Mughal Empire through their dominance over ___ emperors until 1720.

Puppet

Fill in the blank: The power struggle between Farrukh Siyar and the Saiyid brothers highlighted the ongoing ___ within the Mughal Empire.

Turmoil

What was the impact of the Saiyid brothers' consolidation of power on the autonomy of the Mughal Empire?

It significantly reduced the stability and autonomy of the Mughal Empire as they restricted the personal liberty of successive puppet emperors.

The Saiyid brothers implemented religious tolerance by abolishing the ___ tax and the ___ tax to foster cooperation between Hindu and Muslim nobles.

Jizyah; pilgrim

True or False: The Saiyid brothers were successful in fully stabilizing the Mughal Empire during their rule.

False; they faced constant political rivalry and conspiracies that hindered their effectiveness.

What were the main challenges faced by the Saiyid brothers in their administration?

Administrative disintegration, financial strain from faltering revenue collection, and internal dissent.

Fill in the blank: The downfall of the Saiyid brothers was marked by the assassination of Husain Ali Khan in ___ and the defeat of Abdullah Khan near ___.

1720; Agra

True or False: The Saiyid brothers are remembered as 'kingmakers' due to their significant role in shaping the leadership of the Mughal Empire.

True

What was the primary strategy used by the Saiyid brothers to build alliances with regional powers?

They formed alliances by granting significant concessions in exchange for military support.

Muhammad Shah's reign marked the beginning of the decline of which empire?

The Mughal Empire.

Fill in the blank: Muhammad Shah's leadership was characterized by ___ and ___, which led to challenges in governance.

Weak-mindedness and frivolity.

True or False: Nizam-ul-Mulk remained loyal to Muhammad Shah throughout his reign.

False. Nizam-ul-Mulk became disillusioned with Muhammad Shah's leadership and pursued his own ambitions.