New Political Formations in the Eighteenth Century-Part-III

 New Political Formations in the Eighteenth Century Exercise Questions and Answers

Part-III

I. Answer the following questions briefly: 

    1. Write a short note on Nadir Shah's invasions.

Ans: Nadir Shah of Persia, attracted by the wealth of India invaded India in 1739 and carried away a lot of wealth including the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Peacock Throne. The plunder was of Rupees 70 crores. This damaged and exposed the weakness of the Mughals. 

    2. What were the common features of the independent states in the 18th Century?

Ans: The common features of the independent states in the 18th century were that during the first half of the 18th century, many significant developments took place in the subcontinent. The boundaries of the Mughal Empire were reshaped by the emergence of a number of independent kingdoms. In major parts of eastern India, another power, the British had successfully gained control by 1765. Within a short span of time the political scenario in the 18th century India changed quite dramatically.

    3. Write a short note on Mysore during this period.

Ans: Mysore became very powerful and was only nominally a part of the Mughal empire. Haider Ali, an officer in the Mysore army overthrew the ruling dynasty in 1761 and made it into a great power. The administrative set-up was similar to that of Mughals. Haider's army were trained in the modern techniques of warfare. However, he had to fight wars against the Marathas, Nizams, and the British. He was succeeded by Tipu Sultan in 1782. 

    4. When and between whom did the Third Battle of Panipat take place? What were the main consequences?

Ans: Third Battle of Panipat was fought between Ahmed Shah Abdali and the Marathas in 1761. 

    The consequences of the Battle were of immense importance. The Marathas were defeated completely by Abdali, which meant that their chance of seizing power from the Mughals was lost forever. This also gave the English East India Company a chance to consolidate it's power by eliminating the Marathas.

    5. Explain the various reasons which led to the fall of the Marathas.

Ans: The various reasons which led to the fall of the Marathas are: 

    1. The expanse of their empire a reason. They expanded their territories without administering these areas well and consolidating their power.

    2. Absense of a strong central authority to coordinate the empire.

    3. Mutual rivalries and conflicts between the Maratha sardars. Marathas suffered from disunity and strife.