Q. Consider the following pairs of mid-Later Mughal Emperors and their reign-defining foreign invasion or internal challenge:
EmperorReign-Defining Event
1. Muhammad Shah (Rangeela)Witnessed the devastating invasion of Nadir Shah and the sacking of Delhi in 1739 CE.
2. Ahmad ShahDeposed and blinded following the first successful Afghan invasion under Ahmad Shah Abdali (1748-1754 CE).
3. Alamgir IIWas on the throne when the Third Battle of Panipat was fought between the Marathas and the Durrani forces.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Pair 1: Correct. Muhammad Shah (1719–1748 CE) was the emperor when Nadir Shah invaded, leading to the loss of the Peacock Throne, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, and a massive loss of prestige and wealth.
- Pair 2: Correct. Ahmad Shah (1748–1754 CE) reigned during the first series of invasions by Ahmad Shah Abdali and was eventually deposed by his Wazir, Imad-ul-Mulk, and blinded.
- Pair 3: Incorrect. The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in 1761 CE. Alamgir II had already been murdered by his Wazir Imad-ul-Mulk in 1759 CE. His successor, Shah Alam II, was the nominal emperor at the time of the battle.
