Short & Long Questions: New Political Formations in the 18th Century CE | Window on the Word Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What were some of the major causes of the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century?
Ans: The decline of the Mughal Empire was caused by factors such as weak administration, succession conflicts, depletion of the treasury, and frequent wars.

Q2: Who was the last Mughal ruler, and what happened to him?
Ans: The last Mughal ruler was Bahadur Shah II. He was overthrown by the British and exiled to Myanmar after the Great Rebellion of 1857.

Q3: Who declared himself the nawab of Bengal in 1717 CE, and what changes did he make to the region?
Ans: Murshid Quli Khan declared himself the nawab of Bengal. He shifted the capital to Murshidabad and took control of the revenue administration.

Q4: Which British company was granted the right to trade in Bengal without paying taxes in 1717?
Ans: The British East India Company was granted this right by the Mughal emperor.

Q5: What were the main contributions of Saadat Khan in Awadh?
Ans: Saadat Khan suppressed revolts, stabilized finances, and made the nawabship hereditary in Awadh.

Q6: Who established the kingdom of Hyderabad, and what title was conferred upon him by the Mughal emperor?
Ans: Qamaruddin Chin Qilich Khan established the kingdom of Hyderabad and was conferred the title of Nizamul Mulk Asaf Jah by the Mughal emperor.

Q7: Who was known as the 'Tiger of Mysore,' and what was his role in Mysorean history?
Ans: Tipu Sultan was known as the 'Tiger of Mysore.' He fiercely resisted British rule in India and allied with the French during his rule.

Q8: What did the Khalsa movement aim to achieve, and who started it?
Ans: The Khalsa movement aimed to transform the Sikhs into a military sect. It was started by Guru Gobind Singh.

Q9: Who were the Jats, and who founded the fortress of Bharatpur?
Ans: The Jats were an agricultural community. Badan Singh founded the fortress of Bharatpur.

Q10: Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire, and what did he aspire to establish?
Ans: Shivaji Bhonsle founded the Maratha Empire and aspired to establish 'Hindavi Swarajya' or Hindu self-rule.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the key factors that led to the rapid decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century. 
Ans: The decline of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to several factors. The vastness of the empire made it challenging to govern efficiently. Weak administration, succession conflicts, and financial instability further weakened the empire. Aurangzeb's intolerant religious policies and frequent wars drained the treasury, and foreign invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali inflicted significant damage. The defeat at the Battle of Buxar and British interference further contributed to its downfall.

Q2: Describe the rise and contributions of Saadat Khan in Awadh. 
Ans: Saadat Khan was appointed as the governor of Awadh in 1722 CE. He established the capital at Faizabad and suppressed local revolts, bringing financial stability to the region. Under his rule, the nawabship became hereditary, leading to a period of prosperity in Awadh.

Q3: Discuss the emergence of the kingdom of Hyderabad and the contributions of Qamaruddin Chin Qilich Khan. 
Ans: Qamaruddin Chin Qilich Khan established the kingdom of Hyderabad in 1724 CE and was conferred the title of Nizamul Mulk Asaf Jah by the Mughal emperor. Taking advantage of turmoil and internal conflicts, he ruled independently while maintaining respect for the Mughals. Despite challenges, the rule of the Nizams saw cultural and economic growth in Hyderabad.

Q4: Explain the significance of the Khalsa movement and its impact on Sikh history. 
Ans: The Khalsa movement, initiated by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 CE, aimed to transform the Sikhs into a disciplined military community. It combined spiritual, political, and military duties. The Khalsa played a crucial role in resisting Mughal oppression and later, uniting as a formidable state under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Q5: Describe the rise and expansion of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji and the subsequent role of the peshwas. 
Ans: Shivaji Bhonsle, born in 1627 CE, founded the Maratha Empire with the vision of establishing 'Hindavi Swarajya' or Hindu self-rule. Through guerrilla warfare and successful assaults, he expanded Maratha territory. After his death, the administrative responsibilities gradually shifted to the peshwas, who significantly expanded the Maratha kingdom through conquests, including regions like Malwa, Gujarat, and Delhi.