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Solution: Daily Problem Practice for 2022 History Optional [Medieval India: Day 20]

Solution: Daily Problem Practice for 2022 History Optional [Medieval India: Day 20]

Q. Briefly mention Mughal’s Deccan policy during various Mughal rulers. [10 Marks]

Ans:

Mughal’s Deccan policy begins with Akbar and continues till Aurangzeb. It can be divided into 4 phases – Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb.

During Akbar (reigned from 1556 to 1605)

There were a number of factors which shaped Akbar’s Deccan policy.
  • Imperial approach of Akbar,
  • commercial and strategic interests of Mughal empire and
  • growing power of Portuguese in the Deccan.
Akbar’s Deccan Policy included
  • Diplomatic missions to successor states of Bahmani kingdom with the aim of making them accept Mughal sovereignty. Between 1576 to 1591, Akbar launched a diplomatic offensive,
  • But when he failed in his objective then, Akbar launched military campaigns.
  • In 1576, Mughal army invaded Khandesh.
  • In 1600, Akbar annexed Ahmedanagar.
During Jahangir (reigned form 1605 to 1627)
  • Jahangir pursued both diplomatic missions and military approach but he failed to annex any significant territory.
  • One major military campaign, Jahangir launched against Nizamshahi kingdom but failed to annex. But, he was able to create pressure on the Deccani states.
During Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658)
  • Both diplomatic offensive and military campaigns continued.
  • Under Shah Jahan, annexation of Nizamshahi (Ahmednagar ) kingdom.
  • More pressure on Adilshahi (Bijapur) and Qutubshahi (Golconda) dynasty.
During Aurangzeb ( reigned from 1658 to 1707)
Phase 1 – ( 1658 to 1680 )
  • Emperor himself not in person but the role of military generals
  • There were mainly 3 concernsMarathas, Qutubshahis and Adilshahis
  • Treaty of Purandhar (1665) between Jai Singh I (Mughal commander) and Shivaji Maharaj.
Phase 2 – (1680 onwards)
  • Emperor Aurangzeb in person leading the charge against Deccani states
  • 3 concerns remained the same
  • Military campaigns led to annexation of Adilshahis (1686) and Qutubshahis (1687)
  • Maratha ruler Sambhaji was executed (1689)

Territorially, Mughal empire reached its peak.

But , problems of Marathas could not be solved till Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 and after his death, Marathas emerged as a major challenge for the later Mughals.

NOTE:

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