Mughal Administration: Key Policies and Alliances

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When did the decline of the Mughal Empire begin?

After Aurangzeb's death in 1707

During the reign of Aurangzeb

During the first half of the 18th century (correct)

During the rule of Bahadur Shah

What happened to the Mughal Empire by 1803?

It was reduced to a few square miles around Delhi (correct)

It became stronger than ever before

It expanded to include more territories

It conquered the British array

Who emerged victorious after the death of Aurangzeb?

Aurangzeb's grandson

All three sons together

Bahadur Shah (correct)

A foreign invader

What was Bahadur Shah known for?

Learned, dignified, and able ruler Signup and view all the answers

What change in policy did Bahadur Shah adopt towards Hindu chiefs and rajas?

More tolerant attitude Signup and view all the answers

How did Aurangzeb's death impact the unity of the Mughal Empire?

His three sons fought for the throne, shaking up unity Signup and view all the answers

What was Bahadur Shah's policy towards the Maratha sardars?

Half-hearted conciliation Signup and view all the answers

Why did Bahadur Shah try to make peace with the rebellious Sikhs?

To stabilize his authority in the Punjab Signup and view all the answers

What was Bahadur Shah's approach towards Guru Gobind Singh before the Sikh revolt?

Conciliation Signup and view all the answers

Why did Bahadur Shah's policy towards the Maratha sardars lead to dissatisfaction?

He failed to grant them full satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Bahadur Shah's unsuccessful attempt to garrison Amber and Jodhpur?

Firnj resistance Signup and view all the answers

How did Bahadur Shah approach the problem of rebellious Sikhs after Guru Gobind Singh's death?

He led a campaign against the rebels Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Bahadur Shah's campaign against the Sikh rebels?

Sikhs recovered lost territory Signup and view all the answers

'Bahadur Shah was groping towards a solution of the problems besetting the Empire.' What does this imply?

'Bahadur Shah was struggling to find solutions.' Signup and view all the answers

'A new element entered Mughal politics in this and the succeeding wars of succession.' What is this new element referring to?

'Increased influence of nobles in Mughal politics.' Signup and view all the answers

'Zulfiqar Khan believed it was necessary to establish friendly relations with Rajput rajas and Maratha sardars.' What motivated this belief?

'Strengthening his position and saving the Empire.' Signup and view all the answers

What title was given to Jai Singh of Amber?

Mirza Raja Sawai Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed Governor of Malwa?

Ajit Singh of Marwar Signup and view all the answers

What evil tendency was encouraged by Zulfiqar Khan?

Revenue-farming Signup and view all the answers

How did the Government collect land revenue under Todar Mai's land revenue settlement?

At a fixed rate from peasants Signup and view all the answers

Who defeated Jahandar Shah in January 1713?

Farrukh Siyar Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Emperor's ears get poisoned against Zulfiqar Khan?

Unscrupulous favorites' influence Signup and view all the answers

What did the Saiyid brothers believe was necessary for harmonious rule in India?

Religious tolerance Signup and view all the answers

In what year were the Saiyid brothers overthrown?

1720 Signup and view all the answers

Who was given the office of mir bakshi in Farrukh Siyar's reign?

Husain Ali Khan Baraha Signup and view all the answers

When did the inglorious reign of Jahandar Shah end?

1713 Signup and view all the answers

Why did Nizum-ul-Mulk decide to leave the Emperor and found the state of Hyderabad?

Due to disagreements with the Emperor and other nobles over administrative reforms Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Nizum-ul-Mulk's departure on the Mughal Empire?

It was symbolic of the flight of loyalty and virtue from the Empire Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Nadir Shah's invasion have on the Mughal Empire?

It caused the Empire to lay prostrate Signup and view all the answers

Why was Nadir Shah attracted to India?

For its fabulous wealth and spoils Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the eventual defeat of Delhi against Nadir Shah?

Mutual jealousies, distrust, and disunity among nobles Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the battle that took place at Karnal on 13th February 1739?

The Emperor Muhammad Shah was taken prisoner Signup and view all the answers

How did Nizum-ul-Mulk's departure affect other powerful nobles in India?

They began carving out semi-independent states Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason behind Nadir Shah's massacre of the citizens of Delhi?

Revenge for the defeat of his soldiers Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the reasons for Nadir Shah's invasion of India?

To solve Persia's financial crisis through spoils from India Signup and view all the answers

What did Nadir Shah do after seizing the royal treasury and other royal property in Delhi?

Exempted his own Kingdom from taxation Signup and view all the answers

How did Nadir Shah's invasion impact the Mughal Empire economically?

It caused ruin to imperial finances Signup and view all the answers

What finally led to Nadir Shah deposing the last of the Safavi rulers and becoming the Shah?

Receiving back all seized territory from Russia Signup and view all the answers

What did the loss of Kabul and areas west of the Indus River signify for the Mughal Empire?

Vulnerability to invasions from the North-West Signup and view all the answers

Why did many petty zamindars, rajas, and nawabs raise the banner of rebellion and independence?

In response to the weakening of central authority in India Signup and view all the answers

What caused a temporary paralysis in the central administration of the Mughal Empire?

Nadir Shah's invasion Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the physical break-up of the Mughal Empire according to the text?

Foundation of Hyderabad by Nizum-ul-Mulk Signup and view all the answers

What did Ahmed Shah Abdali do after the weakening of north-western defences of the Mughal Empire?

Attacked and plundered northern India Signup and view all the answers

Why did Shah Alam II declare war upon the English East India Company in 1764?

To regain control over Bengal and Avadh Signup and view all the answers

What led to Shah Alam II living as a pensioner under the East India Company's protection in Allahabad?

Defeat in battles against Marathas Signup and view all the answers

What action did the Saiyid brothers take in regards to the jizyah tax?

They abolished the jizyah tax. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Saiyid brothers handle rebellious elements and save the Empire from administrative disintegration?

By attempting to conciliate and befriend all sections of the nobility. Signup and view all the answers

What event led to a wave of public revulsion against the Saiyid brothers?

The deposition and murder of Farrukh Siyar. Signup and view all the answers

Why did some nobles declare the Saiyid brothers were following anti-Mughal and anti-Islamic policies?

Their liberal policy towards the Hindus and an alliance with Rajput and Maratha chiefs. Signup and view all the answers

How did the financial position of the state deteriorate rapidly during the Saiyid brothers' rule?

Because of rebellious elements refusing to pay land revenue. Signup and view all the answers

Why did a group of nobles conspire against the Saiyid brothers led by Nizam-ul-Mulk and Muhammad Amin Khan?

Because they were jealous of the growing power of the two brothers. Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the end of domination of the Mughal Empire by the Saiyid brothers?

'The assassinations and defeats of both brothers. Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of Muhammad Shah's reign on Mughal prestige?

'Mughal prestige among the people decreased. Signup and view all the answers

What were characteristics of Muhammad Shah that contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire?

'Neglecting state affairs for a life of luxury. Signup and view all the answers