Q1. Which of the following was NOT one of the autonomous states that emerged after the decline of the Mughal Empire?
- Bengal
- Hyderabad
- Delhi
- Avadh
Correct Option: 3. Delhi.
Explanation: Delhi was the seat of the weakening Mughal Empire. The states like Bengal, Hyderabad, and Avadh became autonomous from Delhi’s control. Delhi itself did not emerge as a new power.
Q2. Who was the founder of the Hyderabad state in the 18th century?
- Saadat Khan
- Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah
- Murshid Quli Khan
- Safdar Jang
Correct Option: 2. Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah.
Explanation: Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah founded Hyderabad in 1724 after leaving the position of Wazir in Delhi. He ruled the Deccan independently, though without formally declaring independence from the Mughal empero
Q3. What was one major economic problem faced by all the 18th-century Indian states?
- Decline in internal trade
- Scarcity of land
- Agricultural surplus
- Deterioration of the peasantry’s condition
Correct Option: 4. Deterioration of the peasantry’s condition.
Explanation: Despite maintaining law and order and encouraging trade, these states could not improve the economic condition of the peasants. Heavy taxation, corrupt revenue systems, and increasing demands from zamindars worsened their situation.
Q4. What administrative reform is Murshid Quli Khan of Bengal especially known for?
- Abolishing land revenue
- Converting jagir lands into khalsa lands
- Banning foreign trade
- Establishing a navy
Correct Option: 4. Converting jagir lands into khalsa lands.
Explanation: Murshid Quli Khan restructured Bengal’s finances by converting jagir (assigned) lands into khalsa (state-controlled) lands, enabling more direct revenue collection by the state.
Q5. Why did the Nawabs of Bengal eventually lose power to the British?
- They supported the French
- They refused to trade with Europeans
- They underestimated the military strength and intentions of the East India Company
- They moved their capital to Lucknow
Correct Option: 3. They underestimated the military strength and intentions of the East India Company.
Explanation: The Nawabs of Bengal, particularly Siraj-ud-Daulah, failed to grasp that the English East India Company was no longer just a trading company — it had transformed into a militarized, colonial force. They continued to treat it like other foreign merchants, expecting them to obey local laws and pay taxes like everyone else.
Battle of Plassey (1757): The Consequence
Siraj-ud-Daulah attempted to assert authority by opposing British fortifications in Calcutta.
The British retaliated under Robert Clive and used military power, diplomatic manipulation, and internal betrayal (notably by Mir Jafar) to defeat Siraj-ud-Daulah.
The battle was short but decisive and marked the beginning of British political control in India.
Key Weaknesses of the Nawabs:
Neglected Military Strength
Example: Murshid Quli Khan had only 2000 cavalry and 4000 infantry — no match for a European-trained army.
Internal Corruption
Even judicial officials (qazis, muftis) took bribes, weakening the administrative structure.
Isolation from Global Events
They were unaware of how European powers had already colonized Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.