Mughal Empire Decline

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Questions and Answers

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

Dissatisfaction among the Maratha sardars and continued disorder in the Deccan (correct)

Full restoration of peace and order in the Deccan

Establishment of Mughal authority over the entire Maratha Kingdom

Recognition of Shahu as the rightful Maratha King

What concession did Bahadur Shah grant to the Maratha sardars?

Chauth

Sardeshmukhi of the Deccan (correct)

Control over the entire Maratha Kingdom

Mansab of Malwa and Gujarat

Why did Bahadur Shah take strong measures against the Sikhs?

To crush the Sikh rebellion in the Punjab (correct)

To conciliate the Sikhs and grant them a high mansab

To recognize Guru Gobind Singh as the rightful Sikh leader

To restore peace and order in the Deccan

Who did Bahadur Shah conciliate among the Bundela chiefs?

Chatarsal Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of the Mughal Emperor by 1803?

A mere pensioner of a foreign power Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of Bahadur Shah's failure to grant the Maratha sardars the chauth?

Dissatisfaction among the Maratha sardars and continued disorder Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Aurangzeb's reign on the Mughal Empire?

It weakened the Empire and paved the way for its decline Signup and view all the answers

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

Temporary capture of Lohgarh fort by Bahadur Shah Signup and view all the answers

Who emerged victorious after Aurangzeb's death?

Bahadur Shah Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Bahadur Shah's reign on the field of administration?

Further deterioration in state finances and administration Signup and view all the answers

What was Bahadur Shah's policy towards the Hindu chiefs and rajas?

He adopted a more tolerant attitude Signup and view all the answers

Who did Bahadur Shah join forces with to campaign against Banda Bahadur?

Churaman, the Jat chief Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Bahadur Shah's attempt to gain greater control over the Rajput states?

He faced firanj resistance Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the decline of the Mughal Empire on India?

It revealed the defects and weaknesses of India's medieval social, economic and political structure Signup and view all the answers

What was the characteristic of the Mughal administration at the time of Aurangzeb's death?

It was quite efficient and strong Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the English East India Company's involvement in India?

The Mughal Empire declined and disintegrated Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Decline of the Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire declined and disintegrated during the 18th century, losing power and glory, with its empire shrinking to a few square miles around Delhi.
In 1803, Delhi was occupied by the British army, and the Mughal Emperor was reduced to a mere pensioner of a foreign power.

Aurangzeb's Reign and Legacy

Aurangzeb's long and strong reign (1658-1707) shook the unity and stability of the Empire.
Despite his harmful policies, the Mughal administration was still efficient, and the Mughal army was strong at the time of his death.
The Mughal dynasty still commanded respect in the country after Aurangzeb's death.

Bahadur Shah's Reign

Bahadur Shah emerged victorious after his three sons fought for the throne following Aurangzeb's death.
He was learned, dignified, and able, and followed a policy of compromise and conciliation.
He adopted a more tolerant attitude towards Hindu chiefs and rajas, with no destruction of temples during his reign.
He attempted to gain control over the Rajput states of Amber and Marwar (Jodhpur) but was met with firm resistance.
He made a settlement with the two states, restoring their territories to the Rajas Jai Singh and Ajit Singh.

Relations with the Marathas and Sikhs

Bahadur Shah's policy towards the Maratha sardars was one of half-hearted conciliation, granting them the sardeshmukhi of the Deccan but not the chauth.
He did not recognize Shahu as the rightful Maratha King, leading to continued disorder in the Deccan.
He tried to conciliate the rebellious Sikhs by making peace with Guru Gobind Singh, but they soon raised the banner of revolt again under Banda Bahadur.
Bahadur Shah led a campaign against the rebels, capturing important Sikh strongholds, but they could not be crushed.

Administration and Finances

There was further deterioration in the field of administration during Bahadur Shah's reign.
The position of state finances worsened, leading to a decline in the overall stability of the Empire.