[Topic wise IAS Medieval Indian History Question Bank (1979-2015)]: (12) The Eighteenth Century

Factors for the decline of the Mughal Empire
The regional principalities: Nizam’s Deccan, Bengal, Awadh
Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas
The Maratha fiscal and financial system
Emergence of Afghan Power, Battle of Panipat:1761
State of politics, culture and economy on the eve of the British conquest
———————————

1. How would you like to characterize the eighteenth century in Indian history? [2005, 60m]

2. What are the distinguishing components of the debate on “The Eighteenth Century”? [2008, 60m]

Factors for the decline of the Mughal Empire

1. In which respects did the policies of Aurangzeb contribute to the disintegration of the Mughal Empire? [1979, 60m]

2. Explain with illustrative detail the part played by the following factors in the disintegration of the Mughal Empire:   [1981, 60m]

(a) Aurangzeb’s alleged departure from the policies of his predecessors, [1981, 20m]

(b) Inherent defects of the Mansab and Jagir system. [1981, 20m]

(c) Growth of new political forces in the provinces. [1981, 20m]

3. “The expansion of Mughal Empire in Deccan brought about its decline.” Discuss. [1988, 60m]

The regional principalities: Nizam’s Deccan, Bengal, Awadh

1. Discuss the causes of the rise and growth of regional kingdoms with special reference to Deccan in the 18th century. [2011, 30m]

Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas

1. Why did the Marathas fail in establishing a lasting empire in India? [1981, 20m]

2. How far did Peshwa Bajirao I succeed in establishing Maratha supremacy in the Deccan and political hegemony in the North? [1983, 60m]

2. Write a short answer on: “Structure and role of the Maratha Confederacy.” [1987, 20m]

3. Compare the Peshwas’ bureaucratic management with that of the Imperial Mughal administration. [2015, 10m]

The Maratha fiscal and financial system

1. Write a short essay on: “Chauth and Sardeshmukhi” [2003, 20m]

2. Write a short essay on: “The system of the collection of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi by the Maratha rulers.” [2004, 20m]

3. Write a short answer on: “Chauth and Sardeshmukhi of the Maratha rulers.”  [2007, 20m]

Emergence of Afghan Power, Battle of Panipat: 1761

1. Write a short essay on: “Third Battle of Panipat” [1998, 20m]

2. Write a short essay on: “Consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat.”  [2002, 20m]

3. How was the Afghan nobility responsible for the decline of the Afghan Empire? Discuss. [2012, 30m]

Misc.

1. “The Battle of Plassey that decided the fate of Bengal was won by Clive through intrigues.” Explain. [2014, 15m]