Q. The power of the Rajput states was significantly weakened in the 18th century due to internal strife. Consider the following pairs related to these conflicts:
Internal ConflictKey Cause or Feature
1. Contests for IzzatRivalry among major houses (e.g., Jaipur, Jodhpur) for prestigious appointments (Subahdari) from the Mughal Emperor.
2. Succession WarsDirect intervention and manipulation by the Marathas in the dynastic disputes of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
3. Ijaradari SystemThe widespread practice of revenue farming that bankrupted the Rajput states, forcing them to borrow from Maratha chiefs.
How many of the above rows correctly describe the cause or feature?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Row 1: Correct. The major Rajput states constantly competed for status, including the title of Sawai and the governorships (Subahdari) of major Mughal provinces like Agra and Malwa, which heightened mutual animosity.
- Row 2: Correct. The most devastating factor was the involvement of the Marathas. By taking large sums of money to support rival claimants (e.g., Ishwari Singh vs. Madho Singh in Jaipur), the Marathas drained the Rajput economy and military strength.
- Row 3: Correct. The increasing reliance on Ijaradari (revenue farming) meant that a fixed sum was paid to the state, often at the expense of local administration and peasant welfare, leading to short-term gains but long-term economic instability and fiscal crisis.
