MCQs Based On Modern History – (3)

Correct Option: 3. Bahadur Shah I.
Explanation: Bahadur Shah I, also known as Shah Alam I, was the son of Aurangzeb and succeeded him after a war of succession in 1707.

Correct Option: 1. He adopted a policy of religious tolerance.
Explanation: Bahadur Shah I reversed some of Aurangzeb’s intolerant policies and adopted a more tolerant approach toward Hindus, avoiding temple destruction and conciliating Hindu rulers.

Correct Option: 3. Sikhs
Explanation: Though Bahadur Shah initially tried to make peace with Guru Gobind Singh, after the Guru’s death, the Sikhs under Banda Bahadur revolted, leading to military action.

Correct Option: 4. Reckless grants of jagirs and promotions
Explanation: During Bahadur Shah’s reign, the financial condition of the Mughal Empire deteriorated sharply. A key factor was his reckless distribution of jagirs (land grants) and promotions, which were not backed by sufficient revenue. This drained the royal treasury, which had around 13 crore rupees in 1707, leading to financial instability and weakening of the central administration.
While foreign invasions (like Nadir Shah in 1739 or Ahmad Shah Abdali later) did heavily damage the Mughal economy, they occurred after Bahadur Shah’s reign, not during it.
-Bahadur Shah ruled from 1707 to 1712.
-The major invasions that devastated the economy began after his death, especially under Muhammad Shah.
Thus, foreign invasions were not a significant cause of financial trouble during Bahadur Shah’s reign specifically.
Revenue farming (ijarah) became more common and problematic under later rulers, especially during the time of Zulfiqar Khan and the Saiyid brothers.
-Bahadur Shah’s reign saw some administrative decline, but ijarah was not the dominant issue at that time.
-His problems were more about uncontrolled jagir distribution, not the revenue collection methods.
So, while revenue farming eventually became a serious issue, it wasn’t a primary cause during Bahadur Shah’s short reign.
Expansion of trade routes usually has a positive economic impact, increasing commerce and state revenue.
-During Bahadur Shah’s time, there’s no major evidence of trade route expansion causing financial strain.
-In fact, if trade expanded, it would likely improve finances, not worsen them.
Hence, this option is factually inaccurate in the context of the Mughal Empire’s decline during Bahadur Shah’s reign

Correct Option: 4. Zulfiqar Khan
Explanation: Zulfiqar Khan, Jahandar Shah’s wazir, handled administration due to the emperor’s weakness and indulgence in luxury.