CBSE Class 7 > Class 7 Notes > Social Studies (SST) (Old NCERT) > Unit Test (Solutions): Eighteenth Century Political Formations
Unit Test (Solutions): Eighteenth Century Political Formations
Time Limit: 1 Hour
Total Marks: 30
Attempt all questions.
- Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
- Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
- Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
- Question number 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.
Q1: Which event marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire's decline? (1 Mark)
(a) The Battle of Buxar
(b) Aurangzeb's Deccan Wars
(c) The First Anglo-Mysore War
(d) The Treaty of Allahabad
Ans: (b) Aurangzeb's Deccan Wars
Q2: Which of the following was a major factor in the weakening of the Mughal administration? (1 Mark)
(a) Strong central leadership
(b) Decrease in trade and commerce
(c) Increasing power of subadars
(d) British territorial expansion
Ans: (c) Increasing power of subadars
Q3: Who invaded and looted Delhi in 1739? (1 Mark)
(a) Ahmad Shah Abdali
(b) Guru Gobind Singh
(c) Nadir Shah
(d) Farrukh Siyar
Ans: (c) Nadir Shah
Q4: Fill in the blank: The Sikhs organized themselves into bands known as ________, and later into larger groups called ________. (1 Mark)
Ans: jathas, misls
Q5: Name any two regions that were under the control of the Marathas by the mid-18th century. (1 Mark)
Ans: Malwa and Gujarat
Q6: What were the consequences of the peasant and zamindari rebellions in the 18th century? (2 Marks)
Ans:
- These rebellions weakened the Mughal authority, as local leaders seized economic and political control.
- The rise of independent chieftains further contributed to the decline of centralized rule.
Q7: How did the Rajputs attempt to expand their power in the 18th century? (2 Marks)
Ans:
- Rajput rulers like Ajit Singh of Jodhpur and Jai Singh of Amber sought control over prosperous provinces like Gujarat and Malwa.
- They also tried to extend their territories by capturing neighboring regions under imperial control.
Q8: Explain the significance of the Rakhi System introduced by the Sikhs. (2 Marks)
Ans:
- The Rakhi System was a protection scheme under which cultivators paid 20% of their produce in exchange for military protection.
- It helped strengthen Sikh control over agricultural lands and ensured economic stability.
Q9: Describe the impact of Ahmad Shah Abdali's invasions on the Mughal Empire. (3 Marks)
Ans:
- Ahmad Shah Abdali conducted five invasions from 1748 to 1761, severely weakening Mughal rule.
- His attacks resulted in economic devastation, plundering of wealth, and political instability.
- His invasion in 1761 led to the Third Battle of Panipat, which marked the decline of Maratha influence and further disintegration of the empire.
Q10:What role did the Marathas play in reshaping Indian politics during the 18th century? (3 Marks)
Ans:
- The Marathas emerged as a dominant force, capturing key regions such as Malwa, Gujarat, and parts of Rajasthan.
- They collected taxes (Chauth and Sardeshmukhi) from vast territories, asserting their control.
- Their military campaigns against the Mughals and other rulers redefined power structures in India.
Q11: Discuss the administrative strategies used by the Marathas to strengthen their rule. (3 Marks)
Ans:
- The Marathas established a revenue system based on local conditions, ensuring economic stability.
- Trade and commerce flourished under their rule, boosting economic prosperity in cities like Ujjain and Indore.
- Strong military campaigns helped expand their influence across the Indian subcontinent.
Q12: Explain the challenges faced by the Later Mughals in maintaining control over their empire. (5 Marks)
Ans:
- Administrative Breakdown: Powerful governors (subadars) controlled revenue and military affairs, weakening Mughal authority.
- Rebellions: Peasants and zamindars revolted due to high taxes and economic distress, further destabilizing the empire.
- Foreign Invasions: Nadir Shah's attack in 1739 and Abdali's invasions led to massive economic losses.
- Factionalism in Court: The Mughal court was divided between Iranis and Turanis, leading to political instability.
- Economic Decline: The empire's inability to maintain a steady flow of revenue reduced its military strength and administrative efficiency.
Q13: Analyze the impact of the decline of the Mughal Empire on the rise of regional powers in India. (5 Marks)
Ans:
- Rise of Independent Kingdoms: Provinces like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad became semi-independent under strong regional rulers.
- Expansion of the Marathas and Sikhs: The Marathas extended their control over northern and western India, while the Sikhs established their rule in Punjab.
- Emergence of Rajput States: The Rajputs expanded their territories, gaining autonomy from the declining Mughal authority.
- Economic Shifts: Trade centers flourished in new power centers like Jaipur, Ujjain, and Bharatpur.
- British Entry: The weakening Mughal power allowed the British to gain political control in eastern India by 1765.
The document Unit Test (Solutions): Eighteenth Century Political Formations is a part of the Class 7 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 7 (Old NCERT).
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FAQs on Unit Test (Solutions): Eighteenth Century Political Formations
| 1. What were the main political formations in the eighteenth century? |  |
Ans. The eighteenth century saw the emergence of various political formations, including absolute monarchies, constitutional monarchies, and republics. Key examples include the absolute monarchy of Louis XIV in France, the constitutional monarchy in Britain following the Glorious Revolution, and the rise of republicanism in the American colonies, leading to the establishment of the United States.
| 2. How did the Enlightenment influence political thought in the eighteenth century? | |
Ans. The Enlightenment significantly influenced political thought by promoting ideas of reason, individualism, and liberty. Thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau challenged traditional authority and advocated for social contracts, separation of powers, and civil rights, laying the groundwork for modern democratic principles and revolutions.
| 3. What role did revolutions play in shaping political formations during this period? | |
Ans. Revolutions, such as the American Revolution (1775-1783) and the French Revolution (1789-1799), played a crucial role in reshaping political formations. They challenged existing monarchies and colonial rule, introduced new ideas of governance, and inspired other countries to pursue democratic reforms and independence movements, leading to a wave of political change across Europe and the Americas.
| 4. How did colonialism impact political structures in the eighteenth century? | |
Ans. Colonialism impacted political structures by expanding European powers' influence and control over vast territories. It led to the establishment of colonial administrations that often disregarded indigenous governance systems, creating a complex political landscape marked by exploitation, resistance, and the eventual push for independence in many colonies.
| 5. What were the key characteristics of governance in absolute monarchies during the eighteenth century? | |
Ans. Absolute monarchies in the eighteenth century were characterized by centralized control, where the monarch held supreme authority over the state without legal limitations. Key features included the divine right of kings, a strong bureaucratic structure, the use of military force to maintain order, and limited political participation from the general populace.
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