Political Changes in the 18th Century CE

(CBSE Class 7 orient Blackswan publications)

1. Decline of Mughal Empire
   • The 18th century saw political changes due to the decline of the Mughal Empire.
   • Aurangzeb’s policies led to conflicts with Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, and Marathas.
   • The treasury was depleted, making administration difficult.
   • Independent provinces emerged, weakening Mughal control.
   • Foreign invasions further weakened the empire.
2. Rise of Autonomous Provinces
   • Many regional states like Bengal, Awadh, Hyderabad, and the Marathas became powerful.
   • These states no longer followed the Mughal Emperor’s rule strictly.
3. British Influence
   • The British East India Company started expanding its influence in India.
   • The political instability helped the British gain control.
   • The 18th century witnessed major political changes in India.
   • The decline of the Mughal Empire was marked by:
     1. The rise of autonomous provinces.
     2. The growth of regional powers.
     3. The establishment of British rule in India.

Causes of the Decline of the Mughal Empire

• Aurangzeb’s policies made enemies of Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, and Marathas.
• Continuous wars and policies led to the depletion of the treasury.
• It became difficult to maintain unity across the empire.
• Mughal rulers were unable to control independent provinces.
• Foreign invasions further weakened the empire. 

Check your memory

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which Mughal emperor’s policies contributed to the empire’s decline?
   a) Akbar
   b) Shah Jahan
   c) Aurangzeb
   d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
   Answer: c) Aurangzeb
2. Which of the following was NOT a reason for the decline of the Mughal Empire?
   a) Weak successors
   b) Rise of independent provinces
   c) European invasions
   d) Aurangzeb’s religious tolerance
   Answer: d) Aurangzeb’s religious tolerance
3. Which of these provinces became independent after the Mughal decline?
   a) Bengal
   b) Awadh
   c) Hyderabad
   d) All of the above
   Answer: d) All of the above
4. Which European power expanded its influence during Mughal decline?
   a) Portuguese
   b) Dutch
   c) British
   d) French
   Answer: c) British
5. Which of the following marked the decline of the Mughal Empire?
   a) Rise of autonomous provinces
   b) Strong central administration
   c) Increase in Mughal military strength
   d) Expansion of the Mughal Empire
   Answer: a) Rise of autonomous provinces
6. Which of the following was NOT a cause of Mughal decline?
   a) Aurangzeb’s policies
   b) Depletion of the treasury
   c) British arrival
   d) Strong Mughal administration
   Answer: d) Strong Mughal administration
7. Which regional states became independent after the Mughal decline?
   a) Bengal
   b) Awadh
   c) Hyderabad
   d) All of the above
   Answer: d) All of the above
8. Who among the following was responsible for making enemies of Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, and Marathas?
   a) Babur
   b) Akbar
   c) Aurangzeb
   d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
   Answer: c) Aurangzeb

Fill in the Blanks

1. The decline of the Mughal Empire began in the ______ century.
   Answer: 18th
2. Aurangzeb’s policies led to conflicts with the ______, ______, and ______.
   Answer: Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, Marathas
3. The rise of independent provinces weakened the control of the ______ Empire.
   Answer: Mughal
4. The ______ East India Company took advantage of political instability in India.
   Answer: British
5. The 18th century witnessed major ______ in India.
   Answer: political changes
6. The decline of the Mughal Empire was marked by the rise of ______ provinces.
   Answer: autonomous
7. Aurangzeb’s policies made enemies of the Rajputs, ______, ______, and Marathas.
   Answer: Jats, Sikhs
8. The depletion of the ______ made it difficult to maintain the empire.
   Answer: treasury
9. The British started establishing their rule in ______ during the 18th century.
   Answer: India

Check your understanding

Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Why did Aurangzeb’s policies lead to the decline of the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: Aurangzeb’s policies created conflicts with Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, and Marathas. His constant wars drained the treasury, weakening the empire’s control over provinces.
2. Which provinces became independent after the decline of the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: Bengal, Awadh, Hyderabad, and the Marathas became independent and no longer strictly followed Mughal authority.
3. How did the British take advantage of Mughal decline?
   Answer: The British East India Company exploited political instability, forming alliances and gradually gaining control over Indian territories.
4. Mention two factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire.
   Answer: Aurangzeb’s policies, which created conflicts with Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, and Marathas, and the depletion of the treasury, which made administration difficult.
5. Which independent states emerged after the decline of the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: Bengal, Awadh, and Hyderabad became independent regional states.
6. How did foreign invasions impact the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: Foreign invasions further weakened the already declining Mughal control, making it difficult to maintain unity in the empire.

The Rise of Regional Kingdoms and Provinces

1. Decline of Mughal Central Power
   • The later Mughal emperors were weak and unable to control the empire effectively.
   • The empire fragmented into different regions, each governed by local rulers.
2. Formation of Regional Kingdoms
   • By the 18th century, the Mughal Empire had broken into independent provinces.
   • Some of these regions, such as Awadh, Hyderabad, and Bengal, were originally Mughal provinces but later became independent.
   • Rajputs, Marathas, and Sikhs also established their own territories.
3. Invasions and Weakening of the Empire
   • Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia, invaded India in 1739 and looted Delhi, further weakening the Mughal Empire.
   • Ahmad Shah Abdali, an Afghan ruler, attacked India multiple times, worsening instability.
   • Frequent invasions led to the loss of wealth, resources, and power for the Mughals.
4. Awadh as a Regional Power
   • Awadh became independent from Mughal rule.
   • It was ruled by local governors who no longer took orders from the Mughal emperor.

Awadh

• Awadh was a fertile and prosperous region.
• In 1722 CE, the local Zamindars refused to pay taxes, leading to rebellion.
• Saadat Khan, a Mughal official, was appointed as the governor of Awadh.
• He suppressed the rebellion and later made Awadh semi-independent.
• Saadat Khan was succeeded by his son-in-law, Safdar Jung.
• Under their rule, peace and prosperity prevailed in Awadh.

Hyderabad

• Chin Qilich Khan was the Mughal governor of the Deccan.
• He later declared Hyderabad independent and took the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk.
• He and his successors ruled Hyderabad as the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
• Hyderabad became a major cultural and trade center.

Bengal

• Bengal became independent under Murshid Quli Khan.
• He ensured a strong administrative setup.
• After him, his son-in-law Shuja-ud-Daulah ruled Bengal.
• Later, Alivardi Khan took over Bengal and ruled wisely.
• Bengal remained rich and prosperous under these rulers.

The Rajputs

• The Rajputs had strong relations with the Mughals under Akbar.
• Aurangzeb imposed Jizya (a tax on non-Muslims), which weakened ties.
• After Aurangzeb’s death, the Rajputs started ruling independently.

Check your memory

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following was NOT a reason for the rise of regional kingdoms?
   a) Weak Mughal rulers
   b) Strong Mughal military
   c) Foreign invasions
   d) Rise of local leaders
   Answer: b) Strong Mughal military
2. Which regions were originally under the Mughal Empire but later became independent?
   a) Awadh
   b) Hyderabad
   c) Bengal
   d) All of the above
   Answer: d) All of the above
3. Who invaded India in 1739 and plundered Delhi?
   a) Ahmad Shah Abdali
   b) Nadir Shah
   c) Aurangzeb
   d) Shivaji
   Answer: b) Nadir Shah
4. Which of the following groups established independent territories during the 18th century?
   a) Rajputs
   b) Marathas
   c) Sikhs
   d) All of the above
   Answer: d) All of the above
5. Who was an Afghan ruler that repeatedly attacked India?
   a) Babur
   b) Sher Shah Suri
   c) Ahmad Shah Abdali
   d) Tipu Sultan
   Answer: c) Ahmad Shah Abdali

Fill in the Blanks

1. By the 18th century, the Mughal Empire had broken into different ______.
   Answer: regional kingdoms
2. Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia, invaded India in ______ and looted Delhi.
   Answer: 1739
3. Ahmad Shah Abdali was an ______ ruler who attacked India multiple times.
   Answer: Afghan
4. The regions of Awadh, Hyderabad, and Bengal were originally under the ______ Empire.
   Answer: Mughal
5. The frequent invasions led to the loss of ______ and resources for the Mughal Empire.
   Answer: wealth

Check your understanding

Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Why did the Mughal Empire break into regional kingdoms?
   Answer: The Mughal rulers became weak, leading to the rise of independent provinces like Awadh, Hyderabad, and Bengal. Frequent invasions further destabilized the empire.
2. Who invaded India in 1739, and what was its impact?
   Answer: Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia, invaded India in 1739 and plundered Delhi, causing economic and political instability in the Mughal Empire.
3. Which regions became independent after the decline of Mughal control?
   Answer: Awadh, Hyderabad, and Bengal were originally under Mughal rule but later became independent regional powers.
4. How did Ahmad Shah Abdali affect India?
   Answer: Ahmad Shah Abdali, an Afghan ruler, attacked India multiple times, causing destruction and further weakening the Mughal Empire.

Check Your Memory

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who was the Mughal official appointed as the governor of Awadh in 1722 CE?
   a) Murshid Quli Khan
   b) Saadat Khan
   c) Chin Qilich Khan
   d) Alivardi Khan
   Answer: b) Saadat Khan
2. Which of the following regions was ruled by the Asaf Jahi dynasty?
   a) Bengal
   b) Hyderabad
   c) Awadh
   d) Rajputana
   Answer: b) Hyderabad
3. Who made Bengal independent from Mughal control?
   a) Shuja-ud-Daulah
   b) Murshid Quli Khan
   c) Alivardi Khan
   d) Saadat Khan
   Answer: b) Murshid Quli Khan
4. Which tax imposed by Aurangzeb weakened relations with the Rajputs?
   a) Zakat
   b) Jizya
   c) Land revenue tax
   d) Pilgrimage tax
   Answer: b) Jizya
5. Who took the title “Nizam-ul-Mulk” and ruled Hyderabad?
   a) Saadat Khan
   b) Alivardi Khan
   c) Chin Qilich Khan
   d) Shuja-ud-Daulah
   Answer: c) Chin Qilich Khan

Fill in the Blanks

1. Saadat Khan was appointed as the governor of ______ in 1722 CE.
   Answer: Awadh
2. The rulers of Hyderabad were known as the ______ dynasty.
   Answer: Asaf Jahi
3. Murshid Quli Khan was the first independent ruler of ______.
   Answer: Bengal
4. Aurangzeb imposed the ______ tax, which weakened Rajput ties with the Mughals.
   Answer: Jizya
5. Hyderabad became independent under ______, who took the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk.
   Answer: Chin Qilich Khan

Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Who was Saadat Khan, and what role did he play in Awadh?
   Answer: Saadat Khan was a Mughal governor who suppressed a rebellion in Awadh and later made it semi-independent.
2. What was the significance of Chin Qilich Khan in Hyderabad?
   Answer: He declared Hyderabad independent and established the Asaf Jahi dynasty, ruling as Nizam-ul-Mulk.
3. Who was the first independent ruler of Bengal, and what did he do?
   Answer: Murshid Quli Khan was the first independent ruler of Bengal, setting up a strong administrative system.
4. How did the Rajput-Mughal relations change after Aurangzeb?
   Answer: Aurangzeb’s imposition of the Jizya tax strained relations, leading Rajputs to rule independently after his death.

New Power Groups

The Sikhs

• Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century.
• The Sikhs initially had good relations with the Mughals, but conflicts arose over time.
• Guru Arjan Dev was executed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur opposed Mughal oppression and was executed by Aurangzeb.
• His son, Guru Gobind Singh, formed the Khalsa, a military group to resist Mughal rule.
• After Guru Gobind Singh’s death, the Sikhs, under Banda Bahadur, fought against the Mughals.
• The Sikhs established a kingdom extending from the Indus to the Yamuna, with its capital at Lahore.

The Marathas

• The Marathas ruled parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• They became a powerful force against the Mughal Empire.
• Shivaji was born in 1627 CE.
• His father, Shahji Bhonsle, was a Mughal officer, but Shivaji grew up influenced by Maratha traditions.
• He was trained in military skills and inspired by heroic tales.
• Shivaji captured Konkan and laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire.

Check your memory

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who founded Sikhism in the 15th century?
   a) Guru Gobind Singh
   b) Guru Tegh Bahadur
   c) Guru Nanak
   d) Banda Bahadur
   Answer: c) Guru Nanak
2. Which Mughal emperor executed Guru Arjan Dev?
   a) Babur
   b) Akbar
   c) Jahangir
   d) Aurangzeb
   Answer: c) Jahangir
3. Who established the Khalsa to resist Mughal rule?
   a) Guru Arjan Dev
   b) Guru Gobind Singh
   c) Banda Bahadur
   d) Guru Tegh Bahadur
   Answer: b) Guru Gobind Singh
4. Where was the Sikh kingdom’s capital under Banda Bahadur?
   a) Amritsar
   b) Lahore
   c) Delhi
   d) Agra
   Answer: b) Lahore
5. Which region was NOT ruled by the Marathas?
   a) Maharashtra
   b) Karnataka
   c) Andhra Pradesh
   d) Bengal
   Answer: d) Bengal
6. Who laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire?
   a) Shahji Bhonsle
   b) Shivaji
   c) Peshwa Bajirao
   d) Sambhaji
   Answer: b) Shivaji

Fill in the Blanks

1. Sikhism was founded by ______ in the 15th century.
   Answer: Guru Nanak
2. Guru Arjan Dev was executed by Mughal Emperor ______.
   Answer: Jahangir
3. Guru Gobind Singh established the ______ to resist Mughal rule.
   Answer: Khalsa
4. The Sikh kingdom under Banda Bahadur had its capital at ______.
   Answer: Lahore
5. Shivaji was born in ______ CE.
   Answer: 1627
6. Shivaji captured ______ and laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire.
   Answer: Konkan

Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Who was Guru Gobind Singh, and what did he establish?
   Answer: Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th Sikh Guru. He established the Khalsa, a military group to resist Mughal rule.
2. Which Mughal emperor executed Guru Arjan Dev, and why?
   Answer: Mughal Emperor Jahangir executed Guru Arjan Dev because he supported Jahangir’s rebel son, Khusrau.
3. Who was Banda Bahadur, and what was his role in Sikh history?
   Answer: Banda Bahadur was a Sikh leader who led military campaigns against the Mughals and established a Sikh kingdom with Lahore as its capital.
4. Which regions were ruled by the Marathas?
   Answer: The Marathas ruled parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
5. How did Shivaji contribute to the rise of the Maratha Empire?
   Answer: Shivaji captured Konkan and laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire through military conquests and strategic planning.

The Marathas – Administration and Expansion

Guerilla Warfare

• Shivaji used guerrilla warfare to attack enemies by taking advantage of the hilly terrain.
• His naval force protected the Konkan coast from Mughal and Portuguese attacks.
• In 1664 CE, Shivaji attacked Surat, a key Mughal port, disrupting trade and weakening the Mughal economy.

Shivaji’s Administration

• Shivaji set up a well-organized government.
• His kingdom was divided into Swarajya (self-rule) and Mughal territory under Maratha control.
• Officers were appointed to collect Chauth (one-fourth of land revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (additional revenue tax).
• Ashtapradhan was a council of eight ministers assisting in governance.

Military Organization

• Shivaji’s army was well-trained and disciplined.
• His soldiers were known for their bravery and loyalty.
• Strict rules were followed in warfare, ensuring civilian safety.

The Peshwas

• After Shivaji’s death, the Maratha Empire was ruled by his son Sambhaji, but later the Peshwas (Prime Ministers) became powerful rulers.
• Balaji Vishwanath strengthened Maratha power in the Deccan.
• Baji Rao I (1720-1740 CE) expanded Maratha influence in northern India.
• Balaji Baji Rao was defeated in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761 CE) by the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali, which weakened Maratha power.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What type of military strategy did Shivaji use?
   a) Open battlefield warfare
   b) Naval battles
   c) Guerrilla warfare
   d) Trench warfare
   Answer: c) Guerrilla warfare
2. Which city did Shivaji attack in 1664 CE to weaken Mughal trade?
   a) Delhi
   b) Surat
   c) Hyderabad
   d) Pune
   Answer: b) Surat
3. What was the council of eight ministers in Shivaji’s administration called?
   a) Peshwa
   b) Ashtapradhan
   c) Mansabdari
   d) Chauth
   Answer: b) Ashtapradhan
4. Who became the first powerful Peshwa of the Marathas?
   a) Baji Rao I
   b) Balaji Vishwanath
   c) Sambhaji
   d) Ahmad Shah Abdali
   Answer: b) Balaji Vishwanath
5. Which battle led to the decline of the Maratha Empire in 1761 CE?
   a) Battle of Plassey
   b) Battle of Panipat
   c) Battle of Buxar
   d) Battle of Haldighati
   Answer: b) Battle of Panipat

Fill in the Blanks

1. Shivaji’s military strategy was called ______ warfare.
   Answer: Guerrilla
2. Shivaji attacked ______ in 1664 CE, a key Mughal port city.
   Answer: Surat
3. The tax collected by Marathas, amounting to one-fourth of land revenue, was called ______.
   Answer: Chauth
4. The council of eight ministers that helped Shivaji govern was called ______.
   Answer: Ashtapradhan
5. The Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali in the ______ in 1761 CE.
   Answer: Third Battle of Panipat

Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. What was Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare strategy?
   Answer: Shivaji used surprise attacks, quick movements, and took advantage of hilly terrain to defeat stronger enemies.
2. Why did Shivaji attack Surat in 1664 CE?
   Answer: Surat was a major Mughal trade port, and attacking it weakened Mughal economic power.
3. What were Chauth and Sardeshmukhi?
   Answer: Chauth was a tax of one-fourth of land revenue collected by the Marathas, while Sardeshmukhi was an additional revenue tax.
4. Who were the Peshwas, and what was their role?
   Answer: The Peshwas were Prime Ministers of the Marathas, who later became the real rulers of the empire after Shivaji’s successors.
5. What happened in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761?
   Answer: The Marathas, led by Balaji Baji Rao, were defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali, leading to the decline of Maratha power.

Later Developments and the End of the Medieval Period

The Jats

• The Jats lived in the Mathura-Agra region and initially lived under Mughal rule.
• They revolted against Aurangzeb’s heavy taxes and persecution.
• In 1660 CE, the Jat leader Gokula led a revolt but was crushed by the Mughals.
• In 1685 CE, Surajmal succeeded in establishing the Kingdom of Bharatpur.
• Though Surajmal challenged Mughal power, his kingdom did not grow significantly.

The Satnamis

• The Satnamis were a Hindu sect living in the same region as the Jats.
• They revolted against Aurangzeb’s rule in 1672 CE but were suppressed.
• In 1704 CE, they again revolted under Churaman, but the Mughal forces defeated them.

The End of the Medieval Period

• By 1705 CE, Mughal control over Bharat was weak.
• Though Mughal emperors continued ruling in name, their actual power was gone.
• The British started expanding their influence, marking the transition from medieval to modern history.
• The Mughal era officially ended in 1857 when the British removed the last emperor.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which region was inhabited by the Jats?
   a) Punjab
   b) Mathura-Agra
   c) Hyderabad
   d) Bengal
   Answer: b) Mathura-Agra
2. Who led the Jat revolt against Aurangzeb in 1660 CE?
   a) Churaman
   b) Surajmal
   c) Gokula
   d) Banda Bahadur
   Answer: c) Gokula
3. Which Jat leader established the Kingdom of Bharatpur?
   a) Gokula
   b) Surajmal
   c) Churaman
   d) Shivaji
   Answer: b) Surajmal
4. Who led the Satnami revolt in 1704 CE?
   a) Banda Bahadur
   b) Surajmal
   c) Churaman
   d) Nadir Shah
   Answer: c) Churaman
5. When did the Mughal Empire officially come to an end?
   a) 1705 CE
   b) 1761 CE
   c) 1857 CE
   d) 1947 CE
   Answer: c) 1857 CE

Fill in the Blanks

1. The Jats lived in the ______ region.
   Answer: Mathura-Agra
2. In 1660 CE, ______ led the first Jat revolt against Aurangzeb.
   Answer: Gokula
3. The Kingdom of Bharatpur was established by ______ in 1685 CE.
   Answer: Surajmal
4. The Satnamis were a ______ sect that revolted against Mughal rule.
   Answer: Hindu
5. The Mughal Empire officially ended in ______ when the British removed the last emperor.
   Answer: 1857

Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Who were the Jats, and why did they revolt?
   Answer: The Jats lived in the Mathura-Agra region and revolted against Aurangzeb due to heavy taxation and religious persecution.
2. Who was Surajmal, and what did he achieve?
   Answer: Surajmal was a Jat leader who established the Kingdom of Bharatpur in 1685 CE, challenging Mughal authority.
3. What was the significance of the Satnamis?
   Answer: The Satnamis were a Hindu sect that revolted against Mughal rule in 1672 CE and again in 1704 CE under Churaman but were suppressed.
4. When did the medieval period of Indian history end?
   Answer: The medieval period ended around 1705 CE when Mughal power declined, and the British started expanding their influence.
5. How did the British mark the end of the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: The British officially ended the Mughal Empire in 1857 when they removed the last Mughal emperor.

Summary of the Chapter

• Political Changes in the 18th Century CE:
  • The decline of the Mughal Empire led to the rise of regional powers and the establishment of the British Empire in India.
• Causes of the Decline of the Mughal Empire:
  • Weak successors after Aurangzeb.
  • Continuous wars drained the treasury.
  • Emergence of independent provinces weakened Mughal control.
• Rise of Regional Powers:
  • Provinces like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad became independent.
  • New powerful groups like the Rajputs, Sikhs, Marathas, Jats, and Satnamis emerged.

Answers to Exercises

1. Who am I?
2. I repeatedly attacked India from 1748 CE.
   Answer: Ahmad Shah Abdali
3. I was the Nawab Wazir of Awadh.
   Answer: Saadat Khan
4. I established the independent kingdom of Hyderabad.
   Answer: Chin Qilich Khan (Nizam-ul-Mulk)
5. Murshid Quli Khan was my father-in-law.
   Answer: Shuja-ud-Daulah
6. My son’s Chhatrapati was Shivaji Maharaj.
   Answer: Shahji Bhonsle
7. Write True or False. If False, Correct the Statements.
8. The Marathas took up arms to defend the Rajputs, the Marathas, and the Sikhs.
   The Marathas took up arms to establish their own empire.
9. The Sayyid Brothers established the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
   The Asaf Jahi dynasty was established by Chin Qilich Khan.
10. Banda Bahadur reorganized the land revenue system.
11. Chauth was one-fourth of the land revenue that peasants paid to the Marathas to ensure that they would not raid their lands.
12. Bharatpur was the kingdom of the Satnamis.
    Bharatpur was the kingdom of the Jats under Surajmal.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who was the Nawab Wazir of Awadh?
   a) Murshid Quli Khan
   b) Saadat Khan
   c) Chin Qilich Khan
   d) Banda Bahadur
   Answer: b) Saadat Khan
2. Which Mughal ruler’s policies led to the decline of the empire?
   a) Akbar
   b) Aurangzeb
   c) Babur
   d) Jahangir
   Answer: b) Aurangzeb
3. Who established the independent kingdom of Hyderabad?
   a) Murshid Quli Khan
   b) Banda Bahadur
   c) Chin Qilich Khan
   d) Surajmal
   Answer: c) Chin Qilich Khan
4. Which of the following was NOT an independent regional power in the 18th century?
   a) Bengal
   b) Awadh
   c) Marathas
   d) Mughal Empire
   Answer: d) Mughal Empire
5. Who led the Sikh military resistance against the Mughals?
   a) Guru Nanak
   b) Guru Arjan Dev
   c) Guru Gobind Singh
   d) Surajmal
   Answer: c) Guru Gobind Singh

Fill in the Blanks

1. The decline of the ______ Empire led to the rise of regional powers.
   Answer: Mughal
2. The Sayyid Brothers were known as the ______ of the Mughal Empire.
   Answer: Kingmakers
3. The Asaf Jahi dynasty was established in ______ by Chin Qilich Khan.
   Answer: Hyderabad
4. The Nawab Wazir of Awadh was ______.
   Answer: Saadat Khan
5. Chauth was a tax collected by the ______ from the peasants.
   Answer: Marathas

Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. What were the main reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: Weak successors, continuous wars draining the treasury, and the rise of independent provinces weakened the Mughal Empire.
2. Who established the independent kingdom of Hyderabad?
   Answer: Chin Qilich Khan, also known as Nizam-ul-Mulk, established the Asaf Jahi dynasty in Hyderabad.
3. What was Chauth, and why was it collected?
   Answer: Chauth was one-fourth of the land revenue collected by the Marathas from peasants to prevent raids.
4. Who was Banda Bahadur, and what was his contribution?
   Answer: Banda Bahadur was a Sikh military leader who reorganized the land revenue system and fought against the Mughals.
5. Which independent states emerged after the decline of the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: Awadh, Bengal, Hyderabad, and the Marathas emerged as independent states.

Exercise question answers

III. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. This person established a semi-independent state in Awadh:
   a) Saadat Khan
   b) Saadatullah
   c) Shuja-ud-Daulah
   Answer: a) Saadat Khan
2. Under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Kingdom extended from:
   a) The Yamuna to the Narmada
   b) The rivers Sutlej to Chenab
   c) The rivers Indus to Chenab
   Answer: c) The rivers Indus to Chenab
3. The Mughal Empire began to crumble after Aurangzeb. Choose the reason:
   a) The Mughals were out of touch with reality and incapable of holding power.
   b) The empire became too large to be controlled by powerful nobles.
   c) Aurangzeb spent too many years fighting in the Deccan.
   d) All of the above.
   Answer: d) All of the above.
4. The Maratha rule was equipped to protect itself from attacks through guerrilla warfare. Which of the following was the correct explanation for its success?
   a) The hilly terrain of Raigad helped them.
   b) Their powerful navy controlled the coastline.
   c) The Mughal army was weak and disorganized.
   d) The Marathas had alliances with the Portuguese.
   Answer: a) The hilly terrain of Raigad helped them.
5. Assertion-Reason Questions
6. Assertion (A): Neither the Sikhs nor the Rajput kingdoms helped the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat.
   Reason (R): The Marathas received the right to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from Aurangzeb but in Rajasthan and other places.
   • Answer: A is true, but R is false.
   • Explanation: The Marathas faced the battle alone, but the reason given does not justify why the Sikhs and Rajputs did not help them.
7. Assertion (A): The Mughal Empire had weak rulers after Aurangzeb.
   Reason (R): The Mughal dynasty had no clear rules of succession.
   • Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   • Explanation: The absence of a clear succession policy led to conflicts and instability.

1. Short Answer Questions

1. Who was Nadir Shah? Name two things he looted when he attacked India.
   Answer: Nadir Shah was the ruler of Persia who invaded India in 1739. He looted the Peacock Throne and the Kohinoor Diamond from Delhi.
2. Why were the Sayyid Brothers known as “Kingmakers”?
   Answer: The Sayyid Brothers, Abdullah Khan and Husain Ali Khan, were called “Kingmakers” because they controlled the Mughal throne by appointing and removing emperors at their will.
3. What were the major causes of the semi-independent regions stopping allegiance to the Mughal Emperor?
   Answer: The major causes were:
   • Weak successors after Aurangzeb.
   • Heavy taxation and declining economy.
   • Continuous wars draining Mughal resources.
   • Rise of powerful regional rulers like the Marathas, Rajputs, and Sikhs.
4. Who was Chin Qilich Khan? Name the dynasty and the kingdom he established.
   Answer: Chin Qilich Khan was a Mughal governor who declared independence and founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty in Hyderabad.
5. Who were the Peshwas?
   Answer: The Peshwas were Prime Ministers of the Maratha Empire who became the real rulers after Shivaji’s successors. Famous Peshwas included Balaji Vishwanath and Baji Rao I.
6. What was the significance of the Third Battle of Panipat? What was the outcome?
   Answer:
   • Significance: The battle took place in 1761 between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali (Afghan ruler). It was one of the largest battles in Indian history.
   • Outcome: The Marathas were defeated, leading to a decline in their power and the rise of the British influence in India.
7. Who were the main figures in the rebellion of the Jats?
   Answer:
   • Gokula (1660 CE) led the first revolt but was suppressed by the Mughals.
   • Surajmal (1685 CE) successfully established the Kingdom of Bharatpur.

Detailed Answers

1. In what ways do you think Aurangzeb was responsible for the decline of the Mughal Empire?
   Answer: Aurangzeb’s policies played a major role in the decline of the Mughal Empire:
   • His religious intolerance, including the imposition of Jizya tax on non-Muslims, led to revolts by the Rajputs, Jats, Marathas, and Sikhs.
   • His Deccan campaigns lasted for decades, exhausting the Mughal treasury.
   • Weak administrative policies and lack of proper succession planning weakened the empire.
   • His harsh treatment of regional rulers led to the rise of independent states like Bengal, Awadh, and Hyderabad.
2. What made it difficult for the Mughals to rule over such a vast empire?
   Answer:
   • The empire was too large to be effectively controlled.
   • Weak successors after Aurangzeb were unable to manage administration.
   • Wars and constant rebellions weakened the central authority.
   • Corrupt and inefficient governors ruled different provinces, leading to their independence.
   • The British and other European traders started interfering in Indian politics.
3. What independent states emerged? Give two instances of Mughal governors establishing independent rule.
   Answer:
   • The Mughal Empire saw the rise of independent regional states such as:
     • Awadh under Saadat Khan
     • Hyderabad under Chin Qilich Khan (Nizam-ul-Mulk)
   • Other significant independent states were Bengal, the Marathas, and the Rajputs.
4. Describe how the Sikhs rose to power.
   Answer:
   • The Sikhs initially had peaceful relations with the Mughals, but conflicts began after Guru Arjan Dev’s execution by Jahangir.
   • Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa, a warrior group to resist Mughal oppression.
   • After Guru Gobind Singh’s death, Banda Bahadur led the Sikhs in military campaigns.
   • The Sikh kingdom expanded under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, extending from the Indus to the Chenab River.
5. Who were the Marathas? What inspired Shivaji to fight for his kingdom?
   Answer:
   • The Marathas were a warrior group from Maharashtra who became powerful after the decline of the Mughals.
   • Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was inspired by:
     • The harsh Mughal rule, which oppressed regional rulers.
     • His mother Jijabai, who taught him about Hindu warrior traditions.
     • The geography of the Deccan, which was suitable for guerrilla warfare.
     • His desire for Swarajya (self-rule).

Picture-Based Questions

1. Identify the person shown here.
   Answer: The person in the picture is Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia.
2. Where did he come from, and why did he attack India?
   Answer:
   • Nadir Shah came from Persia (modern-day Iran).
   • He attacked India in 1739 CE to loot wealth and resources from the declining Mughal Empire.
3. What did he loot, and how did it impact the Mughal Empire?
   Answer:
   • He looted the Peacock Throne and Kohinoor Diamond from Delhi.
   • His invasion further weakened the Mughal Empire, leading to economic collapse and political instability.
4. Would you consider this attack a cause that would lead to the end of the Mughal Empire? Justify your answer.
   Answer:
   • Yes, Nadir Shah’s invasion significantly weakened the empire.
   • It exposed the Mughal military’s weakness, encouraging future invasions by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
   • The loss of wealth made it difficult for Mughal rulers to maintain power.
   • It accelerated the rise of independent regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and British.