Class sst

 

1. What do you mean by the Later Mughals? Name any two Later Mughals and their periods of reign.

Later Mughals refers to the Mughal emperors who ruled after the death of in 1707.
During this period, the Mughal Empire became weak and many regional powers became independent.

Any two Later Mughals:

• — Reign: 1707–1712
• — Reign: 1719–1748

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2. Name the offices held by Sa’adat Khan.

(also known as Burhan-ul-Mulk) held the following offices:

• Subedar (Governor) of Awadh
• He was also appointed as the Nawab of Awadh
• Held high mansab (rank) in the Mughal administration

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3. Analyse the importance of merchants and bankers in the 18th century AD.

In the 18th century, merchants and bankers played a very important role:

• They financed trade and industry.
• They gave loans to rulers and nobles.
• They helped in revenue collection.
• Big banking houses like the Jagat Seths influenced politics.
• They supported regional kingdoms financially.

Thus, merchants and bankers became powerful economic and political figures during this period.

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4. Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji? Who ruled on behalf of the Marathas in the 18th century AD?

was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. He was a brave warrior and established an independent Maratha kingdom in the 17th century.

In the 18th century, the Maratha Empire was ruled mainly by the Peshwas (prime ministers) on behalf of the Maratha king. The most important among them was , who strengthened Maratha power.

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1. Discuss the main causes for the decline of the Mughal Empire

The decline of the Mughal Empire began after the death of in 1707. The main causes were:

• Weak successors: Later rulers were inefficient and could not control the vast empire.
• War of succession: Frequent fights among princes weakened central authority.
• Jagirdari crisis: Shortage of jagirs led to corruption and discontent among nobles.
• Financial crisis: Continuous wars exhausted the treasury.
• Rise of regional powers: Marathas, Sikhs, Jats and others asserted independence.
• Foreign invasions: Invasions of (1739) and weakened the empire further.

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2. Analyse the policies adopted by Asaf Jah to strengthen his position

(Nizam-ul-Mulk) founded the Hyderabad state. To strengthen his position:

• He established independent control over the Deccan.
• He reduced Mughal interference in administration.
• He appointed loyal officials to key posts.
• He controlled revenue collection effectively.
• Though he acknowledged the Mughal emperor in name, he ruled independently in practice.

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3. The Nawabs of Awadh and Bengal tried to do away with the Jagirdari system. Give reasons.

The Nawabs of Awadh and Bengal wanted to end the Jagirdari system because:

• Jagirdars were often disloyal and corrupt.
• Revenue collection was inefficient under jagirdars.
• Nawabs wanted direct control over land revenue.
• It helped them strengthen their independent authority.

Thus, removing jagirdars increased central control and financial stability.

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4. How were the Sikhs organised in the 18th century AD?

In the 18th century, the Sikhs were organised into groups called Misls.

• There were about 12 Misls.
• Each misl was led by a chief.
• They were united by their common religion and military spirit.
• Later, these misls were united under , who founded a strong Sikh kingdom.

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5. The Marathas wanted to expand beyond the Deccan. Give reasons.

The Marathas expanded beyond the Deccan because:

• They wanted to collect chauth and sardeshmukhi (taxes).
• They aimed to fill the power vacuum created by Mughal weakness.
• They wanted political dominance in North India.
• Strong leadership of the Peshwas encouraged expansion.

Thus, economic ambition and political opportunity motivated Maratha expansion.

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