Q. Regarding the Scindias of Gwalior dynasty, which rose to prominence in the 18th century, consider the following statements:
1.The dynasty was founded by Ranoji Scindia, who was granted large territories in Malwa by the Peshwa.
2.Mahadji Scindia transformed the Gwalior army into a modern military force by employing French military experts.
3.Mahadji Scindia’s authority extended so far that he was the de facto controller of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II in Delhi, acting as the Vakil-i-Mutlaq (Regent of the Empire).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Ranoji Scindia, a Maratha nobleman, rose under Baji Rao I and established the dynasty’s headquarters at Ujjain (later shifted to Gwalior).
- Statement 2: Correct. Mahadji Scindia was the most powerful Maratha chief post-Panipat. He modernized his army on the European pattern, trained by French officers like de Boigne.
- Statement 3: Correct. Mahadji Scindia re-captured Delhi for the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II in 1772 and was later granted the prestigious title of Vakil-i-Mutlaq (Deputy Regent) by the Emperor in 1784, making him the supreme political and military authority in North India.
