Q. Which of the following factors correctly identify the structural weaknesses that contributed to the decline and disintegration of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century?
1.The rise of the Marathas and Rajputs to high Mansabdari ranks resulted in the dilution of the Turani and Irani power groups, leading to factional conflicts.
2.The financial and administrative burdens resulting from Aurangzeb’s extended and costly Deccan campaigns.
3.The rise of new Regional States whose provincial governors, though nominally subject to Delhi, treated their subas as hereditary kingdoms.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. The dilution of power was due to the inclusion of Deccanis and Marathas who were viewed with suspicion by the established Irani and Turani nobles, leading to factionalism and the Jagirdari Crisis. Rajputs were already incorporated and generally loyal until Aurangzeb’s interference in Marwar.
- Statement 2: Correct. The draining of the treasury and manpower during the 27-year Deccan war (1681–1707) left the empire financially bankrupt and militarily exhausted.
- Statement 3: Correct. States like Hyderabad (Nizam-ul-Mulk) and Bengal (Murshid Quli Khan) became virtually independent as their governors consolidated local power and transmitted only a symbolic portion of the revenue to Delhi.
