Q1. What was a major reason that peasants began leaving their land during the decline of the Mughal Empire?
- Oppressive taxation and exploitation
- Natural disasters
- Lack of interest in farming
- Frequent foreign invasions
Correct Option: 1. Oppressive taxation and exploitation
Explanation: Excessive demands by jagirdars and revenue farmers made life intolerable for peasants, causing many to abandon their lands or join rebel bands.
Q2. Why did the Mughal nobility’s character deteriorate during the 18th century?
- Influence of Western culture
- Decline in moral values only
- Selfishness, lack of public service, and factionalism
- Spread of religious conversion
Correct Option: 3. Selfishness, lack of public service, and factionalism
Explanation: Many nobles focused on personal gain rather than loyalty to the empire, forming cliques, and undermining unity and administration.
Q3. Why couldn’t Indian powers replace the Mughal Empire with a united system after its fall?
- They lacked advanced weapons
- They feared the British
- They were all destroyed in wars
- They were too focused on regional power and lacked national vision
Correct Option: 4. They were too focused on regional power and lacked national vision
Explanation: Indian powers like the Marathas or Rajputs lacked the concept of political nationalism and focused only on local or tribal interests.
Q4. Which economic sector in India showed stagnation during the 18th century despite some earlier advancements?
- Agriculture
- Industry and trade
- Mining
- Banking
Correct Option: 2. Industry and trade
Explanation: Although Indian industry had high-quality output, there was no scientific or technological advancement, and trade was limited due to poor infrastructure.
Q5. Which of the following was not a direct cause of Mughal administrative breakdown?
- Corruption and bribery
- Strong public support for the empire
- Lawlessness and rebellions
- Financial bankruptcy
Correct Option: 2. Strong public support for the empire
Explanation: There was little public identification with the empire. Peasants and zamindars had no stake in it and often opposed central authority.