Class 7 History: 18th Century Political Formations

Introduction to the Chapter

• The chapter is "18th Century Political Formations," the final chapter of the Class 7 History book focused on medieval history.
• Class 8 will cover modern or colonial history, making this chapter a link between medieval and modern history.
• The chapter's "soul" is how it connects medieval and modern history, not to be skipped.
• The 18th century refers to the years 1700 to 1799.

The Significance of the Chapter Title

• "18th Century Political Formations" could also be "18th Century Political Transformations" or "Re-formations."
• The 18th century transitioned India from medieval to modern, with indigenous rulers replaced by foreign rulers like the British.
• Unlike previous rulers who integrated into Indian society, the British remained foreign and focused on exploitation.

Comparing Maps

• Two maps are presented: one showing the Mughal Empire's boundaries around 1707 and another showing British-controlled territories in the mid-18th century
• The Mughal Empire at its peak can be compared with what became British controlled territory
• The year 1707 is significant as it marks the death of Aurangzeb, the last powerful Mughal ruler.
• The formal end of the Mughal Empire occurred after the 1857 revolt, when the British removed Bahadur Shah Zafar from power
• The chapter explores how the large Mughal Empire fragmented, giving rise to states like Hyderabad, Lucknow (Awadh), and the Maratha Confederacy

State Formation in the 18th Century

• The chapter covers the emergence of new states following the decline of the Mughal Empire.
• It includes the study of Hyderabad, the Marathas, Lucknow (Awadh), Bengal, the Sikhs, the Jats, and Rajput states ("Watan Jagirs")
• The rise of these new states was related to, and at the expense of, the decline of the previously dominant Mughal Empire

The Rise of British Control

• The first formal battle fought by the British in India was the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
• Victory in this battle marked the beginning of British political power in India.
• The chapter will clarify how Bengal became a British state.

Political Changes of the Time

• Political conditions in 18th century India changed dramatically in a short span.
• New political groups, including the British, emerged.
• The British initially came as traders but recognized a chance to become politically powerful.

Chapter Topics

• Crisis of the Empire and Later Mughals: Decline in power and influence of the later Mughal rulers after Aurangzeb.
• Nadir Shah Sacks Delhi: The invasion and plunder of Delhi by Nadir Shah.
• Emergence of New States: Rise of independent states.
  • Old Mughal Provinces: States formed from former Mughal administrative regions like Hyderabad, Awadh, and Bengal
  • Watan Jagirs of the Rajputs: Rajput territories that gained considerable autonomy.
  • Independent States include the Sikhs, Marathas, and Jats who fought for freedom from Mughal rule.

Causes of the Crisis of the Empire

• The wars of the 17th century depleted Mughal military and financial resources
• The Mughal administration became less efficient, making it difficult to control powerful "mansabdars."
• Governors of provinces ("subedars") began to consolidate their own power and reduce their allegiance to the Mughal Emperor

Peasant and Zamindar Rebellions

• Peasants and Zamindars revolted due to increased taxes.
• Powerful chieftains tried to take advantage of the Mughal Empire's weakness to strengthen their own positions.
• Rebellions were not new, but these rebellions were different because they were underpinned by strong economic resources

The Plunder of India

• Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran, attacked Delhi in 1739, looting vast amounts of treasures.
• This was followed by attacks from Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali between 1748 and 1761
• He invaded 5 separate times

Internal Rivalries

• There was intense competition among different groups of nobles in the Mughal court (Iranians, Turanis, etc)
• Weak rulers became puppets in the hands of one powerful faction or another.
• The worst case was the murder, or blinding, of several Mughal Emperors

Nadir Shah's Sack of Delhi (1739)

• Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran, was also known as the "Napoleon of Persia" and "Second Alexander."
• His invasion of Delhi in 1739 occurred during the rule of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah.
• He attacked because he noted that the Mughal empire had become weak, as well as prosperous, and was thus an easy target

Loot and Destruction

• Nadir Shah is said to have carried away immense wealth, including gold, jewels, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
• Delhi was devastated, and Shah Jahanabad was turned into ruins after Nadir Shah plundered Old Delhi
• "The city Shahjahanabad was turned to ruin"

Eyewitness Accounts of the Invasion

• Invaders spared no one in the city
• the wealthy had become beggars.
• The city of Shahjahanabad became ruins

Emergence of New States

• Gradual emergence of new states with the decline in Mughal authority

Three Categories of States

• States that were old Mughal provinces such as Awadh, Bengal and Hyderabad.
• States that enjoyed considerable independence under the Mughals as Watan Jagirs.
• States under the control of Marathas, Sikhs, like Jats who were of different sizes and shapes, extracted their independence by fighting the Mughals.

Overview of the Old Mughal Provinces

• Three states, Awadh, Bengal and Hyderabad, formed out of the old Mughal Provinces
• These three states that emerged were founded by high-ranking Mughal nobles.
• However, relations were civil and without hostilities.

Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah

• Asaf Jah founded Hyderabad State in 1724
• He was initially entrusted with a few governships before beginning to consolidate power
• He used internal disputes and conflict between leaders in Delhi to his advantage
• Nizam brought skilled soldiers and administrators from North India and appointed "mansabdars", building a strong military with reference to administration
• Although a servant of the Mughal empire, operated independently without interference

Constant Struggles and Unfulfilled Ambitions

• The state was constantly under the threat of Marathas and Telugu warriors
• Nizam wanted to control the textile-producing areas of Coromandel Coast but was halted by the emerging British

Burhan-ul-Mulk Sa'adat Khan

• Founded Awadh in 1722
• A rich region due to fertile plains and trade with North India and Bengal trading route
• Burhan-ul-Mulk combined offices of subedar, diwani and faujdari in order to fully control the affairs of the province

Decreasing Mughal Influence

• Burhan-ul-Mulk sought to decrease Moghul Influence by installing own office holders, verifying accounts and appointing his own servants

Economic Exploitation

• Zamindars were suppressed and revenue was collected in cash
• Money lenders offered loans to smaller landlords to the point of taking over property
• Hence, bankers were increasingly tied to regional states

Defining Bengal

• Founded by Murshid Quli Khan after being appointed "naib" governor of the province
• Murshid Quli Khan quickly seizes power by transferring Mughal jagirdars, reassessing tax and strictly collecting the taxes on time.

Resistance

• Landlords were often forced to borrow from money lender and mortgages as a result
• Some landlords often lost their land as a whole
• There was a general growth in the connection between the state and bankers.

Bank Influence

• The new state that emerged was not particularly tied to the Mugals
• The authority of this area was handed over to British people

The Three Commonalities

• The first was that Mughals were already highly suspicious of certain government agencies after their rule began
• The offset of collection, relying on lenders for government funds.

Watan Jagirs of the Rajputs

• Rajputs had to abide to terms and agreement with the Mughals to be employed
• In exchange for their allegiance, they were given freedom of choice for some decisions

Gaining of Control

• As Mughal power declined, Rajput leadership was often consolidated
• Rajputs often tried to gain new territory once their empire was consolidated

State Power

• To gain power, they often constructed new trade routes along the border
• Trade was then expanded down the road to better areas for merchant trading

Jat Power

• Consolidated power in Delhi and other locations
• Used traditional architectural styles for things
• As Moghul influence decreased, the Jat grew in size and began gaining ground among their peers

Sikh Resistance

• Sikhs were able to pose resistance to the authority over those who were already there
• This allowed them to gain land and power

Conclusion

• A lot of areas would grow into various forms that came to create culture as we know it

An introduction and overview to 18th Century Political Formations in India. The chapter is the final chapter of the Class 7 History book and acts as a bridge between medieval and modern history. It discusses the transition of power from indigenous to foreign rulers like the British.