Decline of the Mughal Empire Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What key policies of Aurangzeb contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire?

Aurangzeb's reversal of religious tolerance and his expansionist wars created animosity with regional powers and depleted the treasury.

How did the lack of political skill in Aurangzeb influence the Mughal Empire's stability?

Aurangzeb's lack of political skill alienated regional groups and led to a fragmented empire with increased internal conflict.

In what ways did the successors of Aurangzeb contribute to the Empire's decline?

Aurangzeb's successors were incompetent and squandered resources, failing to maintain the empire's grandeur.

What role did the Mughal court politics play in the disintegration of the Empire?

<p>Court politics allowed the nobles to become powerful, often undermining any authority the emperors had.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the war of succession following Aurangzeb's death?

<p>The war of succession highlighted the lack of a clear law of succession, leading to bloody conflicts for power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Aurangzeb's military campaigns impact the economic state of the Mughal Empire?

<p>His military campaigns drained the treasury, making it difficult to pay troops and maintain military strength.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify two systems that supported the military structure of the Mughal Empire during Akbar's reign.

<p>The jagirdari and mansabdari systems were key to supporting the Mughal military structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of disorganized military forces on the Mughal Empire's ability to defend itself?

<p>Disorganized and demoralized military forces made it easier for regional and foreign powers to attack the empire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who established the kingdom of Mysore and who overthrew him?

<p>Chikka Krishna Raj established the kingdom of Mysore, and he was overthrown by Hyder Ali.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant military achievement did Hyder Ali accomplish in 1769?

<p>In 1769, Hyder Ali defeated the British in the First Anglo-Mysore War.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Tipu Sultan known for during his rule in Mysore?

<p>Tipu Sultan was known for modernizing the army and industries in Mysore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Shivaji Maharaj in his quest for Swaraj?

<p>Shivaji was inspired by his spiritual guide, Guru Randas, who emphasized the importance of freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Sambhaji, Shivaji’s son, during Aurangzeb's rule?

<p>Sambhaji was executed by Aurangzeb in 1689.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under which Peshwa did the Maratha power peak, and what did he achieve?

<p>The Maratha power peaked under Balaji Baji Rao, who made the peshwa office hereditary and expanded Maratha control over much of India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Third Battle of Panipat for the Marathas?

<p>The Third Battle of Panipat was significant for the Marathas as they faced a devastating defeat against Ahmad Shah Abdali.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Shivaji escape from prison in Agra?

<p>Shivaji escaped by hiding in a basket meant for distributing sweets to the priests and the poor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'chauth' system established by the Marathas?

<p>The 'chauth' was a land tax where the Marathas demanded a quarter of the total produce from farmers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which regions were included in Shivaji's kingdom at the time of his death?

<p>Shivaji's kingdom included the whole of the Konkan region and extended from southern Gujarat to Ponda, along with parts of the Deccan Plateau.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the key factors that contributed to the weakening of the Mughal Empire?

<p>Foreign invasions, internal conflicts, and a decline in military strength were key factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who invaded India in 1739 and what was the impact of this invasion?

<p>Nadir Shah invaded India in 1739, capturing key territories and treasures, further weakening the Mughal Empire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the jagirdari and mansabdari systems in the Mughal military.

<p>These systems compensated soldiers with land grants instead of cash, linking their military rank to the number of horses and soldiers maintained.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Asaf Jahi dynasty come into power?

<p>Chin Qilich Khan was appointed governor of the Deccan and established the kingdom of Hyderabad in 1724.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Buxar for Awadh?

<p>The Battle of Buxar in 1764 marked a critical defeat for the Nawab of Awadh, leading to increased British control in the region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was Banda Bahadur, and what did he symbolize for the Sikhs?

<p>Banda Bahadur was a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh and symbolized the Sikh resistance against Mughal oppression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Raja Sawai Jai Singh play in the Rajput resistance against the Mughals?

<p>Raja Sawai Jai Singh, a notable Rajput ruler, declared independence and founded the city of Jaipur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the conditions that led to the establishment of the Rohilkhand kingdom.

<p>The Rohillas carved out the kingdom of Rohilkhand from Moradabad and surrounding areas amidst the weakening Mughal control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Carnatic come under British control?

<p>The British annexed the Carnatic after the 13th nawab died without an heir in 1765.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cultural contributions did the nizams of Hyderabad make?

<p>The nizams of Hyderabad contributed significantly to art, culture, and cuisine in the region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurred in Bengal during the Mughal decline?

<p>Bengal became prosperous and was targeted by the British, culminating in the Battle of Plassey in 1757.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the legacy of Jantar Mantar built by Maharaja Sawai Singh.

<p>Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory known for its precise scientific instruments, reflecting advancements in science during his reign.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did the Sikhs face during the Mughal Empire's decline?

<p>The Sikhs faced oppression and were driven to resist Mughal power, culminating in the formation of a strong Sikh empire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the invasions by Ahmad Shah Abdali affect the Punjab region?

<p>Ahmad Shah Abdali's invasions significantly weakened Mughal authority and helped catalyze Sikh resistance in Punjab.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Decline of the Mughal Empire

  • The Mughal Empire weakened significantly post-Aurangzeb's death in 1707.
  • Aurangzeb's lack of political skill and reversal of religious tolerance alienated regional powers like the Rajputs, Marathas, and Sikhs.
  • Continuous military campaigns drained the treasury, leading to army demoralization due to delayed payments.
  • Successors to Aurangzeb exhibited incompetence, squandering wealth and exacerbating court conflicts over succession.
  • Key rulers included Aurangzeb, Bahadur Shah, Jahandar Shah, Farrukhsiyar, Muhammad Shah, and Bahadur Shah Zafar (last Mughal emperor).

Military and External Challenges

  • The jagirdari and mansabdari systems, developed by Akbar, faltered under neglect.
  • Mughal military was inferior compared to foreign invaders, resulting in vulnerability.
  • Nadir Shah of Persia invaded in 1739, causing significant loss and weaken the empire's grip on India.
  • The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 saw Ahmad Shah Abdali defeat the Marathas, further destabilizing the Mughals.
  • European powers exploited internal disarray in India to establish control.

Emergence of Independent Regional States

  • Fragmentation led to the rise of regional kingdoms, including Hyderabad, Awadh, Bengal, Punjab, and various Rajput states.

Regional Kingdom Highlights

  • Hyderabad: Established by Nizam-ul-Mulk in 1724, known for art and culture while remaining nominally loyal to the Mughals.
  • Awadh: Governed by Saadat Khan; notable for Urdu poetry and music; fell to British control post-Battle of Buxar in 1764.
  • Bengal: Under Murshid Quli Khan's leadership, saw prosperity and was first targeted by British forces after the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
  • Punjab: Sikhs, initially opposed to Mughal rule, established a powerful Sikh empire under Ranjit Singh in the 18th century.

Notable Figures and Events

  • Shivaji Maharaj: Maratha leader born in 1627, emphasized swaraj (freedom); expanded territory significantly before his death in 1680.
  • Peshwas: Balaji Vishwanath and his successors became dominant figures in Maratha governance, especially under Baji Rao I.
  • Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Decisive defeat for the Marathas against Ahmad Shah Abdali, leading to British ascendancy in India.

Cultural Contributions

  • Maharaja Sawai Singh: Promoted science through Jantar Mantar observatories; significant contributions to astronomy and geometry remain influential today.
  • Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan: Established the Mysore Kingdom, expanding military power and defense against British forces.

Conclusion

  • The 18th century in India marked a transition from Mughal dominance to regional powers establishing semi-independent states, paving the way for eventual British colonial rule.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's death. This quiz covers key events, military challenges, and significant rulers during this transformative period in Indian history. Discover how internal strife and external invasions shaped the fate of the empire.

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