Class VII – History
Chapter: 8- Eighteenth Century Political Formations
Notes: Do this work in History notebook only.
1. Timeline
• 1707 – Death of Aurangzeb → Beginning of decline of Mughal central authority
• Early 1700s – Rise of regional powers (Awadh, Bengal, Hyderabad)
• 1720–1740 – Emergence of autonomous states under Mughal governors
• Mid-1700s – Growth of new powers like Marathas, Sikhs, Jats
• 1761 – Third Battle of Panipat weakens Maratha power
• Late 1700s – British East India Company strengthens political control
2. Key Terms
1. Subadari
→ A province of the Mughal Empire governed by a Subadar.
2. Mansabdar
→ A Mughal officer responsible for military and civil duties.
3. Regional State
→ A state that became politically independent while accepting Mughal authority in
name.
4. Confederacy
→ A group of states or leaders united for a common purpose (e.g., Marathas).
3. Long Answer type Questions
Q1. Explain the reasons for the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th
century.
Ans.
The Mughal Empire declined due to several reasons. After Aurangzeb’s death, weak successors
failed to control the vast empire. There were constant wars of succession which weakened
administration and finances. Powerful nobles and governors became independent. Heavy
taxation, peasant revolts, and invasions by foreign rulers further reduced Mughal authority. All
these factors led to the fragmentation of the empire.
Q2. How did regional states emerge from the Mughal Empire?
Ans.
Regional states emerged when Mughal governors (Subadars) stopped obeying the central
authority. They collected taxes, maintained armies, and administered justice independently while
still claiming loyalty to the Mughal emperor. States like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad became
strong due to stable administration and efficient revenue systems.
Q3. Describe the rise of the Marathas as a major political power.
Ans.
The Marathas rose under the leadership of Shivaji and later expanded under the Peshwas. They
built a strong army and administrative system. Through conquest and alliances, they controlled
large parts of India. Their confederacy included powerful chiefs like Scindias and Holkars.
Though weakened after the Third Battle of Panipat, they remained influential.
Q4. Who were the Sikhs and how did they establish political power?
Ans.
The Sikhs organised themselves into military groups called misls. These misls united under
strong leadership to resist Mughal oppression. Over time, they captured territory in Punjab.
Later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh united them and established a powerful Sikh kingdom.
Q5. How did the political situation of the 18th century help the British?
Ans.
The weakening of Indian powers created political instability. Indian rulers fought among
themselves and often sought British help. The British used diplomacy, military power, and
alliances to expand their control. This period laid the foundation for British colonial rule in India.
4. HOTS Questions (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
Q1. Why did regional rulers claim loyalty to the Mughal emperor despite being
independent?
Ans.
Claiming loyalty gave legitimacy to their rule and helped maintain stability. The Mughal
emperor was still seen as a symbolic authority, which helped rulers gain acceptance from nobles
and people.
Q2. How did internal conflicts among Indian powers benefit the British East
India Company?
Ans.
Internal conflicts weakened Indian states militarily and economically. The British took advantage
by supporting one ruler against another, gaining political influence and territorial control without
direct conquest.
5. Mind Map (Flowchart Form)
Decline of Mughal Empire
↓
Weak Successors & Wars
↓
Rise of Powerful Nobles
↓
Emergence of Regional States
(Awadh, Bengal, Hyderabad)
↓
Rise of New Powers
(Marathas, Sikhs, Jats)
↓
Political Instability
↓
British East India Company Expansion