Q1. What was the major impact of Nadir Shah’s invasion on the Mughal Empire?
- Encouraged alliances with regional powers
- Exposed the empire’s weakness and ruined its finances
- Strengthened army morale
- Reunified the empire
Correct Option: 2. Exposed the empire’s weakness and ruined its finances
Explanation: The invasion revealed how vulnerable the Mughal Empire had become, causing prestige loss and financial collapse. Nobles became more oppressive, leading to further instability.
Q2. Who repeatedly invaded northern India after Nadir Shah and defeated the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat?
- Ahmad Shah Abdali
- Sher Shah Suri
- Jai Singh of Amber
- Bahadur Shah Zafar
Correct Option: 1. Ahmad Shah Abdali
Explanation: Ahmad Shah Abdali, a general of Nadir Shah, conducted multiple invasions and famously defeated the Marathas in 1761 at Panipat, derailing their northern ambitions.
Q3. Why did the Mughal Empire continue to exist nominally even after it had lost real power?
- As a symbolic center of Indian unity
- Due to British protection
- Since it controlled vast armies
- Because of Maratha support
Correct Option: 1. As a symbolic center of Indian unity
Explanation: Even after losing political control, the Mughal dynasty survived because people still saw it as a symbol of unity and legitimacy. Contenders used the Mughal name to legitimize their own rule.
Q4. What led to Aurangzeb’s failure to establish a stable empire despite its large size?
- Lack of foreign alliances
- Overextension in the Deccan and religious intolerance
- Refusal to use artillery
- Limited communication with Rajputs
Correct Option: 2. Overextension in the Deccan and religious intolerance
Explanation: Aurangzeb’s prolonged Deccan campaigns exhausted resources and his harsh religious policies alienated key groups like the Rajputs and Marathas, destabilizing the empire.
Q5. What social factor contributed to revolts like those of the Satnamis, Jats, and Sikhs during Aurangzeb’s reign?
- Rebellion by zamindars
- Peasant oppression by revenue officials
- Religious freedom movements
- Invasions from Persia
Correct Option: 2. Peasant oppression by revenue officials
Explanation: During the late 17th century, under Aurangzeb’s reign, the Mughal Empire was already showing signs of administrative and economic strain. One of the key reasons for peasant revolts and social unrest was growing exploitation by the empire’s revenue collection system..
-The Mughal revenue officials collected taxes from peasants based on the zamindari system.
-Over time, these officials and local landlords (zamindars) became more corrupt and oppressive.
-When state finances worsened, officials increased revenue demands.
-Peasants were heavily taxed, often beyond their capacity to pay, regardless of crop failure or poverty.
These harsh conditions led to widespread peasant dissatisfaction, triggering localized revolts, particularly by oppressed communities.
1. Satnami Revolt (1672, Haryana region)
The Satnamis were a religious group composed mainly of low-caste artisans and peasants.
They opposed both social discrimination and economic oppression.
A conflict with a Mughal official escalated into a full-scale rebellion.
It was violently suppressed, but it highlighted deep-seated rural grievances.
2. Jat Revolts (late 1600s – early 1700s, around Mathura)
The Jats, largely peasant farmers, rebelled due to high taxation and harassment by revenue collectors.
They fought against Mughal officials, looted government treasuries, and established local control in parts of western UP.
3. Sikh Resistance (late 1600s – early 1700s, Punjab)
Initially a religious community, the Sikhs, under Guru Gobind Singh and later Banda Bahadur, turned militant in response to persecution and economic oppression.
Banda led peasants and lower-caste followers in a series of uprisings against Mughal authority in Punjab.