Q1. How did foreign invasions (like those by Nadir Shah) affect the Mughal Empire?
- Strengthened their trade relations
- Led to peace treaties with Europe
- Drained wealth and ruined military power
- Improved their weaponry
Correct Option: 3. Drained wealth and ruined military power.
Explanation: Invasions by Nadir Shah and Abdali devastated North India, looted wealth, and crippled the already weak military and economy.
Q2. What was a major social cause for the empire’s downfall?
- Spread of literacy among peasants
- Absence of political nationalism
- Rise of the middle class
- Growth of democratic values
Correct Option: 2. Absence of political nationalism
Explanation: People felt loyalty to caste, religion, or region—not to the idea of India. This absence of unity hindered collective defense of the empire
Q3. What effect did the shortage of jagirs have on the Mughal administration?
- Nobles gave up their positions
- It led to wars with Europe
- Nobles exploited peasants more and weakened the army
- It increased agricultural output
Correct Option: 3. Nobles exploited peasants more and weakened the army
Explanation: To make up for lower income, nobles taxed peasants heavily, seized crown lands, and reduced troop maintenance.
Q4. Which class suffered the most due to the Mughal Empire’s decline?
- Peasants and artisans
- Zamindars
- British traders
- Nobles
Correct Option: 1. Peasants and artisans
Explanation: These groups bore the brunt of oppressive taxation, exploitation, and economic instability, often turning to rebellion or banditry.
Q5. What ultimately gave the final blow to the Mughal Empire?
- The arrival of printing technology
- Reform movements by nobles
- British conquest and colonization
- The spread of democracy
Correct Option: 3. British conquest and colonization
Explanation: After internal collapse and invasions, the British filled the power vacuum, eventually dissolving the Mughal system and replacing it with colonial rule.