Q1. What was one of the key reasons for the administrative breakdown during Muhammad Shah’s reign?
- Emperor’s dependence on corrupt courtiers
- Expansion into Central Asia
- Reforms by Nizam-ul-Mulk
- Loyalty of regional governors
Correct Option: 1. Emperor’s dependence on corrupt courtiers.
Explanation: Muhammad Shah was described as weak and frivolous, indulging in luxury and placing trust in corrupt flatterers rather than capable ministers like Nizam-ul-Mulk. This led to administrative failure.
Q2. Why did Nizam-ul-Mulk leave the Mughal court and found the state of Hyderabad?
- He was dismissed from the post of wazir
- He wanted to join the Marathas
- He was frustrated with court politics and ineffective leadership
- He was offered kingship in Persia
Correct Option: 3. He was frustrated with court politics and ineffective leadership.
Explanation: Nizam-ul-Mulk was disillusioned with Muhammad Shah’s lack of leadership and the factionalism at court. He resigned in 1724 and established Hyderabad, marking the beginning of imperial fragmentation.
Q3. What prompted Nadir Shah’s invasion of India in 1738–39?
- Religious conflict
- Weakness of the Mughal Empire and India’s wealth
- Alliance with the British
- Personal enmity with Muhammad Shah
Correct Option: 2. Weakness of the Mughal Empire and India’s wealth
Explanation: Nadir Shah born into a humble family in Persia (modern-day Iran) — he was of Turkoman origin.
Rise to Power: Started as a shepherd and soldier, but rose through the military ranks due to his brilliance. Eventually became the Shah (king) of Persia in 1736 after overthrowing the Safavid dynasty.
Restored Persian Power: Nadir Shah rebuilt a crumbling Persia by defeating internal rebellions, recapturing lost territories (like Herat and Qandahar), and pushing back the Ottomans and Russians.
Conqueror of Delhi: In 1739, he invaded India, defeated the Mughal army at Karnal, captured Delhi, and looted its vast treasures, including:
💎 The Koh-i-Noor Diamond
🦚 The Peacock Throne
Plundered Wealth: Took away around ₹70 crores worth of treasures, enough to exempt taxes in Persia for three years.
Infamous for Massacre: Ordered a brutal massacre in Delhi after a few of his soldiers were killed by locals — thousands died in a single day.
Q4. What was the outcome of the Battle of Karnal in 1739?
- Crushing defeat of the Mughal army by Nadir Shah
- Mughal victory and revival of strength
- Treaty of peace between Persia and India
- Maratha intervention to save the Mughals
Correct Option: 1. Crushing defeat of the Mughal army by Nadir Shah
Explanation: The Mughal army, weakened by factionalism and poor leadership, suffered a devastating defeat. Muhammad Shah was captured, and Delhi was plundered.
Q5. How much wealth did Nadir Shah reportedly plunder from Delhi?
- 10 crores
- 25 crores
- 70 crores
- 100 crores
Correct Option: 3. 70 crores
Explanation: Nadir Shah’s total plunder from Delhi was estimated at ₹70 crores. He also took symbolic treasures like the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Peacock Throne.