ICSE – Grade 8 – History – Ch 04 – QA

Case Study 1:
 The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 triggered a rapid decline in the Mughal Empire. His successors were weak, and the empire faced constant wars of succession. Nobles grew powerful and began fighting among themselves. The jagirdari and mansabdari systems collapsed due to corruption and lack of regulation.

Question: Explain how Aurangzeb’s death led to the weakening of the Mughal Empire.
 Answer: Aurangzeb’s death left the empire to weak and inefficient successors who could not maintain central control. This led to succession wars, noble rivalries, and administrative breakdown, weakening the empire’s authority and paving the way for regional kingdoms.

Case Study 2:
 Murshid Quli Khan established Bengal as a prosperous kingdom with Murshidabad as its capital. Despite nominally acknowledging the Mughal emperor, Bengal maintained autonomy and flourished through trade and agriculture.

Question: How did Bengal maintain prosperity and autonomy in the 18th century?
 Answer: Bengal prospered due to fertile land, trade, and efficient governance under Murshid Quli Khan. By acknowledging Mughal authority nominally, it avoided conflict while functioning independently, securing wealth and stability.

Case Study 3:
 The Maratha Empire rose to prominence under the Peshwas, who became the de facto rulers. Balaji Vishwanath strengthened Maratha power, and Baji Rao I expanded it into northern India. However, the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 against Ahmad Shah Abdali resulted in a heavy Maratha defeat.

Question: Discuss the rise and fall of the Maratha power in the 18th century.
 Answer: The Peshwas centralized power, expanded Maratha influence significantly, and built a confederacy. However, the defeat at Panipat curtailed their northern expansion and weakened their dominance, marking a turning point in their decline.

Case Study 4:
 Nadir Shah’s invasion in 1739 devastated Delhi, with immense plunder including the Peacock Throne and Koh-i-Noor diamond. This invasion accelerated the decline of Mughal power and encouraged regional independence.

Question: What impact did Nadir Shah’s invasion have on the Mughal Empire?
 Answer: The invasion caused massive loss of wealth and prestige, weakened imperial authority, and signaled the empire’s vulnerability, which encouraged provinces to assert independence.

Case Study 5:
 The mansabdari system linked military service to land revenue but became corrupt in the 18th century, with many mansabdars collecting revenue without maintaining troops, resulting in military inefficiency.

Question: Explain the mansabdari crisis and its effects on the Mughal military.
 Answer: Corruption and lack of regulation led mansabdars to misuse revenue without maintaining soldiers, causing a decline in military discipline and strength, contributing to the empire’s weakening.

Case Study 6:
 Awadh, founded by Saadat Khan, had Lucknow as its capital. It was known for efficient administration, strong revenue collection, and rich culture.

Question: What factors contributed to Awadh’s prosperity in the 18th century?
 Answer: Effective governance by Saadat Khan, stable revenue systems, and cultural patronage made Awadh a prosperous and well-administered kingdom.

Case Study 7:
 Hyderabad was established by Nizam-ul-Mulk, who maintained independence from the Mughals and developed it into a cultural and trade centre.

Question: How did Hyderabad emerge as an important regional power?
 Answer: Strong leadership, political independence from the Mughals, and focus on trade and culture allowed Hyderabad to become a significant Deccan kingdom.

Case Study 8:
 The Rohillas were Pathan warriors who controlled Rohilkhand and were known for their military prowess under Ali Muhammad Khan.

Question: What role did the Rohillas play in 18th-century Indian politics?
 Answer: They maintained strong military traditions, defended their territory effectively, and influenced regional power balances in northern India.

Case Study 9:
 The Rajput states like Mewar, Marwar, and Jaipur regained autonomy during Mughal decline but often formed alliances with Marathas or Mughals.

Question: How did Rajput rulers navigate the political instability of the 18th century?
 Answer: They reasserted independence and balanced power through alliances, ensuring survival amid competing forces.

Case Study 10:
 The Sikh Empire, initiated by Guru Gobind Singh’s military organisation and expanded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, became a powerful and independent kingdom in Punjab.

Question: What factors contributed to the rise of the Sikh Empire?
 Answer: Strong military organisation, charismatic leadership, and political unity under Ranjit Singh established a powerful Sikh state.

Case Study 11:
 Mysore became a significant power under Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, noted for military innovation and resistance to British advances.

Question: How did Mysore challenge British expansion?
 Answer: Through strong leadership, military reforms, and several Anglo-Mysore Wars, Mysore effectively resisted British control for decades.

Case Study 12:
 The jagirdari crisis arose due to insufficient jagirs for nobles, causing dissatisfaction and weakening imperial control.

Question: Explain the jagirdari crisis and its consequences.
 Answer: Scarcity of jagirs led to noble unrest and decline in loyalty to the emperor, accelerating the fragmentation of central power.

Case Study 13:
 Aurangzeb’s religious policies, especially against Hindus, led to rebellions and strained the empire’s unity.

Question: How did Aurangzeb’s policies affect the Mughal Empire’s stability?
 Answer: Religious intolerance alienated large sections of the population, triggering revolts and weakening imperial cohesion.

Case Study 14:
 Mughal military decline was marked by outdated weapons, poor discipline, and unpaid soldiers deserting.

Question: What were the main causes of Mughal military inefficiency?
 Answer: Corruption, lack of payment, outdated tactics, and weak leadership led to a failing army.

Case Study 15:
 Balaji Baji Rao’s tenure marked the Maratha Empire’s peak before the setback at Panipat.

Question: Describe the significance of Balaji Baji Rao’s reign.
 Answer: Under his leadership, Maratha power reached its greatest extent, controlling large parts of India before suffering defeat.

Case Study 16:
 Foreign invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali devastated the empire and encouraged regional rulers to declare independence.

Question: What was the impact of repeated foreign invasions on Indian politics?
 Answer: They destabilised Mughal control and hastened the rise of independent regional powers.

Case Study 17:
 Nobles increasingly became hereditary rulers of their jagirs, reducing central authority.

Question: How did hereditary nobility affect the Mughal Empire?
 Answer: It caused decentralisation of power, weakening the emperor’s control over distant provinces.

Case Study 18:
 The Maratha confederacy was a system where various regional rulers cooperated under Peshwa leadership.

Question: How did the confederacy system affect Maratha administration?
 Answer: It allowed expansion while preserving local autonomy, strengthening Maratha influence across India.

Case Study 19:
 The Third Battle of Panipat had long-term effects on Maratha power and northern India politics.

Question: Analyze the consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat.
 Answer: The defeat weakened Maratha forces, ended their northern expansion, and created a power vacuum.

Case Study 20:
 The weakening of the Mughal Empire created a political vacuum filled by emerging regional kingdoms like Bengal, Awadh, Hyderabad, and Mysore.

Question: What factors led to the rise of regional kingdoms in the 18th century?
 Answer: Decline of central Mughal authority, weak successors, administrative collapse, and foreign invasions enabled provinces to become independent kingdoms.