Day: May 2, 2020

“Indian merchants were no more than peddlers.” Critically comment. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Dutch writer, J. C. van Leur, was pioneer of history writing on Asian trade. He presented ‘Peddlar theory’ by stating that Asian merchants are no more than pedlars. He says that this trade was mainly luxury trade. Danish historian Niels Steensgaard also developed ‘Peddler […]

“The evolution of the Khalsapanth had background of persecution and struggle as well as changing nature of Guruship.” Comment. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Khalsa represents a sect (panth), founded by the last Sikh Guru, Govind Singh in 1699. This sect revolutionised the Sikh Community, gave it a strong moral and military character and prepared a new ground […]

Delineate the relation between agrarian classes during Mughal India. How the disturbance of the tripolar relationship between jagirdar, zamindar and peasant caused the decline of the Mughal Empire in 18th century. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Agriculture being the largest revenue generating enterprise, was most crucial for sustaining the Mughal empire. The effectiveness of its working largely depended […]

Write a short Essay on the development of Literature during Mughal Period.  Ans: The Mughal rule created some semblance of political unity m India. Further, it not only encouraged an integrated internal market and an increase m foreign trade, but also generated an atmosphere of creative intellectual activity. Apart from the Emperors, the Mughal princes […]

Give a brief account of Maratha fiscal and financial system in 18th Century. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: Maratha fiscal and financial system in 18th Century Land revenue: As before in 18th century, since the agriculture was the principle industry in India, land revenue formed the main source of income of the Peshwas. While shivaji preferred a share […]

Q. “The Third Battle of Panipat changed the power equation in India and left backdoor open for the English.” Explain. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: The Third Battle of Panipat, fought on January 14, 1761, between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire led by Ahmad Shah Abdali (also known as Ahmad Shah Durrani), was a watershed moment […]

Many regional kingdoms emerged in wake of decline of Mughals. Present classification of these kingdoms and throw light on their political system. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: After the decline of the Mughals, a number of regional kingdoms arose and they can be broadly grouped into 3 categories:- Successor state – Those states which broke away from the Mughal […]

“18th century India witnessed decline of centralised empire and created a political vacuum.” Critically comment. ©selfstudyhistory.com Ans: In 18th century, almost 200 century old empire of Mughals started weakening and gradually disintegrated. Due to declining of a centralized empire it is generally thought that it created a political vacuum in India which was later filled […]