Mughal Empire and Rajput Politics Quiz

The Mughal Empire experienced significant changes in its territory and power during the early 18th century, with a number of independent kingdoms emerging and the British gaining control over substantial areas in eastern India.

The Mughal Empire's decline began during the late 17th century, marked by various challenges. This decline continued into the early 18th century.

Emperor Aurangzeb's reign, which sought expansion and religious uniformity, ultimately weakened the Mughal Empire's resources and stability.

The emergence of independent kingdoms, including those in Bengal, Hyderabad, and Awadh, marked significant shifts in the subcontinent's political landscape during the early 18th century.

The British East India Company increasingly expanded its influence and territory in eastern India during the 18th century, culminating in the acquisition of major chunks of territory by 1765.

The third battle of Panipat in 1761 marked a turning point in the subcontinent's political landscape, affecting the power dynamics between the Marathas and the Afghan-led Durrani Empire.

The period between Aurangzeb's death in 1707 and the third battle of Panipat in 1761 witnessed a period of intense political change in India, characterized by shifting power dynamics and the emergence of new political entities.

The emergence of these new political entities, including the British, had a significant impact on the subcontinent's power dynamics, shaping the course of history in India for centuries to come.

The Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb faced a decline in its power, with provincial governors, local chiefs, and other groups gaining more control.

Even though farmers had good harvests, the Mughal emperors lacked the funds to pay their armies and maintain order, highlighting the empire's financial crisis.

The rulers were powerless and impoverished due to the lack of resources and control over their territories.

The Mughal Empire was so weak that even local officials were largely independent and in control of their areas.

The Mughal Empire's inability to pay its army, coupled with the loss of control over the countryside, resulted in the weakening of its military strength.

Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran, invaded Delhi in 1739 and looted vast amounts of wealth, further weakening the Mughal Empire.

Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler, invaded north India five times between 1748 and 1761, contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire.

The invasion of Delhi by Nadir Shah resulted in immense devastation and highlighted the vulnerability of the Mughal Empire.

Mughal emperors Farrukh Siyar and Alamgir II were assassinated, while Ahmad Shah and Shah Alam II were blinded by their nobles.

The decline of the Mughal empire led to the rise of influential governors (Subadars) and powerful landowners (Zamindars) in regions like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad.

Many Rajput kings, particularly those from Amber and Jodhpur, served under the Mughals and were granted considerable autonomy in their territories.

In the 18th century, Rajput rulers sought to expand their influence beyond their traditional territories, like in Gujarat and Malwa.

Rana Pratap, the ruler of Mewar, defied Mughal authority, refusing to submit to the Mughals.

Important Rajput families, like those from Jodhpur and Amber, claimed control over wealthy provinces like Gujarat and Malwa.

Ajit Singh of Jodhpur was the governor of Gujarat, and Jai Singh of Amber held the governorship of Malwa.

These offices were renewed by Emperor Jahandar Shah in 1713.

Rajputs were rulers of many kingdoms in India during the Mughal period. They built strong forts on hills as their centres of power, often housing urban centres, palaces, temples, trading centres, and water harvesting structures.

The fort of Chittorgarh was a significant stronghold for the Rajputs. It is famous for its many water bodies, including ponds, wells, and stepwells, crucial for providing water to its inhabitants.

Raja Jai Singh, ruler of Jaipur, was an influential figure who served as the governor of Agra and Malwa, wielding considerable power and wealth. His influence extended across a wide area, from Delhi to the Narmada River.

After conquering Nagaur, Jodhpur expanded its territory by taking over nearby areas of influence.

Amber, another kingdom, similarly expanded its power by taking over significant regions of Bundi.

Jai Singh founded the city of Jaipur, a new capital, in 1722. He also became responsible for overseeing the Agra region as its Subadar.

Maratha campaigns had significant impact on Rajput expansion. They faced pressure and their expansion was restricted.

The Mughal Emperor tried to gain control over Mewar by sending envoys, but the Rana refused.

Shivaji Maharaj, a Maratha king, challenged the Mughal Empire in the 17th century, creating a strong and independent kingdom with the support of warrior families and peasant-pastoralists.

A highly mobile group of peasant-pastoralists (farmers and herders) who formed the backbone of Shivaji's army.

The Chitpavan Brahmanas were a prominent family of Brahmins who served as Peshwas (chief ministers) to Shivaji's successors, wielding significant power in the Maratha state.

A system of collecting revenue that contributed to the Maratha kingdom's strength.

The Marathas, under the leadership of the Peshwas, developed a successful military strategy that involved bypassing fortified Mughal areas and raiding cities, disrupting supply lines and reinforcements.

The Maratha empire expanded significantly between 1720 and 1761, gradually weakening the Mughal Empire's grip on territories like Malwa and Gujarat.

Poona became the capital of the Maratha kingdom, symbolizing the growing power and influence of the Maratha state.

The Maratha state was characterized by an efficient administrative system, a strong military organization, and a unique revenue collection method, all contributing to its success and expansion.

A type of revenue collection system in the Maratha Empire where the Marathas claimed 25% of the land revenue collected by zamindars.

A type of revenue collection system used by the Maratha Empire where they collected 9-10% of the land revenue as a head tax for the right to collect revenue in a particular territory.

The Maratha campaigns into Malwa in the 1720s did not negatively impact the growth and prosperity of the cities in the region. Instead, cities like Ujjain under Sindhia's patronage and Indore under Holkar's flourished.

The silk produced in the Chanderi region, under Maratha control, found a new market in Poona, the Maratha capital, as new trade routes emerged within Maratha territories.

The city of Burhanpur, previously active in the Agra-Surat trade, expanded its trade network under Maratha rule to include Poona and Nagpur in the south, and Lucknow and Allahabad in the east.

The Jats consolidated their power in the late 17th and 18th centuries, acquiring control over territories west of Delhi by the 1680s, eventually dominating the region between Delhi and Agra.

The Jat power peaked under Suraj Mal, who consolidated Jat control over territories during the late 17th and 18th centuries.

The Jats, like other emerging states, solidified their power during the late 17th and 18th centuries, a period marked by political transformations across the subcontinent.