Q1. What administrative reform was introduced by Zulfiqar Khan that negatively affected peasants?
- Abolition of jagirs
- Promotion of trade guilds
- Use of revenue farming (ijarah)
- Introduction of a standing army
Correct Option: 3. Use of revenue farming (ijarah).
Explanation: Zulfiqar Khan attempted to improve state finances by introducing revenue farming (ijarah) — a system where private individuals or contractors paid a fixed sum to the Mughal government for the right to collect land revenue in a particular area.
These contractors then collected as much as they could from the peasants, often through harsh or exploitative means, to maximize their profits.
This bypassed traditional, regulated land revenue systems (like the one under Akbar and Todar Mal), leading to:
-Increased oppression of peasants
-Instability in the countryside
-Decline in agricultural output and rural discontent
Q2. Who helped Farrukh Siyar ascend the Mughal throne in 1713?
- Churaman Jat
- Ajit Singh
- Zulfiqar Khan
- Saiyid Brothers
Correct Option: 4. Saiyid Brothers.
Explanation: The Saiyid brothers, Abdullah Khan and Husain Ali Khan, were instrumental in defeating Jahandar Shah and placing Farrukh Siyar on the throne.
Q3. Why were the Saiyid brothers called “King Makers”?
- They defeated the British
- They ruled the Deccan
- They raised and deposed emperors at will
- They conquered Rajputana
Correct Option: 3. They raised and deposed emperors at will .
Explanation: Between 1713 and 1720, the Saiyid brothers controlled the Mughal throne, appointing and removing emperors as they saw fit, hence earning the title “King Makers.”
Q4. What policy did the Saiyid brothers pursue to stabilize the empire?
- Religious tolerance and alliance with Hindu rulers
- Absolute monarchy
- Religious persecution
- Isolation from regional powers
Correct Option: 1. Religious tolerance and alliance with Hindu rulers .
Explanation: The Saiyid brothers allied with Marathas, Rajputs, and Jats, and abolished jizyah and pilgrim taxes to promote harmony in a diverse empire.
Q5. What led to the downfall of the Saiyid brothers in 1720?
- Invasion by the British
- Conspiracy by rival nobles and the Emperor
- Economic prosperity
- Rebellion by peasants
Correct Option: 2. Conspiracy by rival nobles and the Emperor.
Explanation: The Saiyid brothers were viewed with suspicion for killing Farrukh Siyar and aligning with non-Muslim rulers. Conservative nobles and Emperor Muhammad Shah plotted against them, leading to their assassination and defeat.