Eighteenth Century India: Mughal Decline and Rise

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Questions and Answers

What was the significance of Najib-ud-Daula's role as Mir Bakshi of the Mughal Empire under Alamgir II?

  • He negotiated peace treaties with the East India Company, securing Mughal autonomy.
  • He was responsible for the empire's financial stability after repeated invasions.
  • He acted as the 'Supreme Agent' of Ahmad Shah Abdali, essentially representing Abdali's interests in the Mughal court. (correct)
  • He served as the primary military commander against the Marathas.

How did the Maratha's capture of Delhi and Punjab in 1758 contribute to the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761?

  • It led to direct conflict with the East India Company, drawing them into the battle.
  • It caused a civil war within the Mughal Empire, weakening their defenses against external threats.
  • It prompted Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India again to take revenge and reinstate his influence, leading to a confrontation with the Marathas. (correct)
  • Shah Alam II reached out to Ahmad Shah Abdali to remove Maratha influence.

What was the key impact of the Third Battle of Panipat on the Mughal Empire?

  • It solidified the Mughal Empire's control over Northern India, ushering in an era of economic prosperity.
  • While not directly causing the empire's downfall, it significantly weakened Maratha power, who had been acting as protectors of the Mughal throne, indirectly facilitating greater British influence. (correct)
  • It resulted in the complete disintegration of the Mughal Empire, leading to its immediate collapse.
  • It led to a formal alliance between the Mughals and the Marathas against the East India Company.

What action by Akbar Shah II demonstrates the diminishing authority of the Mughal Emperor in the early 19th century?

<p>His decision to bestow the title of 'Raja' upon Ram Mohan Roy and send him to England to petition for a raise in his pension from the British. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event during Bahadur Shah II's reign ultimately led to the end of the Mughal Empire?

<p>The Revolt of 1857, after which he was captured and exiled, marking the formal end of Mughal rule. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bahadur Shah I adopted a 'Pacific Policy' primarily to:

<p>Consolidate power and stabilize the empire after Aurangzeb's reign. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The granting of Sardeshmukhi rights to the Marathas by both Bahadur Shah I and Jahandar Shah indicates what Mughal strategy?

<p>A tactical appeasement to maintain relative peace and stability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The introduction of Ijarah (Revenue Farming) under Jahandar Shah signifies:

<p>A desperate measure to increase revenue, leading to exploitation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The execution of Banda Bahadur during Farrukh Siyar's rule demonstrates:

<p>The Mughals' continued struggle to assert authority against regional powers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Farman of 1717 issued during Farrukh Siyar's reign is historically significant because:

<p>It granted significant trade concessions to the British East India Company. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Muhammad Shah's reign is best characterized by:

<p>Increasing internal strife and the rise of independent states. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali during Muhammad Shah's rule primarily exposed:

<p>The military vulnerability and internal weaknesses of the Mughal Empire. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Battle of Karnal in 1739 was a turning point because:

<p>It led to the plundering of Mughal treasures and loss of territory. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ahmad Shah's surrender of Punjab and Multan to Ahmad Shah Abdali indicates:

<p>The complete collapse of Mughal authority and territorial control. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the actions of the Sayyid brothers impact the Mughal empire during the reigns of Farrukh Siyar and Muhammad Shah?

<p>By weakening the empire through political manipulation and assassinations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Imad-ul-Mulk

New wazir and kingmaker during Ahmad Shah's reign.

Battle of Plassey

A significant battle in 1757 during Alamgir II's reign leading to British dominance.

Third Battle of Panipat

A major battle in 1761 where Abdali defeated the Marathas.

Shah Alam II

Mughal Emperor installed by Marathas; first pensioner of East India Company.

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Bahadur Shah II

Last Mughal ruler, captured after the Revolt of 1857.

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Decline of Mughal Empire

The weakening of the Mughal authority in India during the 18th century.

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Jaziya

A tax on non-Muslims abolished by both Jahandar Shah and Farrukh Siyar.

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Farrukh Siyar

Mughal Emperor (1713-1719) known for religious tolerance and his ultimate assassination by nobles.

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Muhammad Shah

Known as 'Rangeela', he was a frivolous Mughal ruler (1719-1748) who allowed powerful nobles to establish autonomy.

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Nadir Shah

Persian invader who defeated the Mughals at the 1739 Battle of Karnal and looted Mughal treasures.

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Semi Independent States

Regions like Hyderabad and Bengal that gained autonomy during Muhammad Shah's reign due to weak Mughal control.

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Maratha Expansion

The northward territorial growth of Maratha power during the reign of Muhammad Shah.

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Ahmad Shah

Mughal Emperor (1748-1754) whose incompetence led to invasions by Ahmad Shah Abdali.

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Battle of Karnal

The decisive battle in 1739 where Nadir Shah defeated the Mughal forces, capturing Muhammad Shah.

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Study Notes

Eighteenth Century India: Decline and Rise

  • Mughal Empire experienced a significant decline in the first half of the 18th century, followed by the rise of autonomous states and, ultimately, British supremacy.

Decline of the Mughal Empire (First Half of 18th Century)

  • Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712): Ruled with a prime minister, Zulfiqar Khan. Recognized Marwar and Mewar's autonomy, allowed Shahu to return to Maratha lands, and granted Sardesmukhi rights in the Deccan. A revolt by Sikhs led by Banda Bahadur was put down by Bahadur Shah.
  • Jahandar Shah (1712-1713): First puppet ruler, abolished Jaziya tax, encouraged a pacifying approach. Further granted Sardesmukhi rights to the Marathas. Introduced revenue farming (Ijarah). Killed by Farrukhsiyar.
  • Farrukh Siyar (1713-1719): Came to power with Sayyid Brothers' help. Practiced religious tolerance (abolished Jaziya). Executed Banda Bahadur. Issued the Farman of 1717. Killed by a conspiracy involving Sayyid Brothers and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath (first Mughal emperor killed by his nobles).
  • Muhammad Shah (1719-1748): Placed on the throne by the Sayyids, later killed them and allied with Nizam ul Mulk. Known as "Rangeela" for his weak rule. Powerful nobles established semi-independent states (Hyderabad, Bengal, Awadh). Marathas expanded north. Nadir Shah invaded and defeated Mughals at Karnal (1739), looting the treasury. Nadir Shah controlled Mughal territories west of the Indus. Ahmad Shah Abdali also invaded.

Rise of Autonomous States (Middle Decades of 18th Century)

  • Powerful nobles carved semi-independent states: Hyderabad, Bengal, Awadh.
  • Marathas expanded northward.
  • Invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali further weakened Mughal power.

Rise of British Supremacy (Second Half of 18th Century)

  • Ahmad Shah (1748-1754): Incompetent ruler, left affairs to Udham Bai, surrendered Punjab and Multan to Abdali. Imad-ul-Mulk became the new wazir. Successive weak rulers followed Ahmad's reign until 1757
  • Alamgir II (1754-1759): Abdali invaded and plundered India in 1757 and 1759. Najib-ud-Daula appointed Mir Bakshi, but expelled by Marathas. Marathas took Punjab. Imad-ul-Mulk killed Alamgir II and installed Shah Jahan III.
  • Shah Alam II (1760-1806): Became Mughal Emperor with Maratha support. Reign included the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) and Battle of Buxar (1764). First Mughal Emperor to become an East India Company pensioner.
  • Akbar Shah II (1806-1837): Given the title of "Raja" to Ram Mohan Roy. East India Company stopped acknowledging Mughal Emperor as a subject in 1835 and discontinued issuing coins in the Emperor's name.
  • Bahadur Shah II (1837-1857): Last Mughal ruler. Reign included the 1857 Revolt. Captured and deported to Rangoon, marking the end of the Mughal Empire.

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