Past Paper / Model Questions

• The British East India Company controlled the subcontinent after the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. Discuss British tactics and strategies for that.
• The disintegration phase of the Mughal Empire was the outcome of the British East India Company's conspiracy game. Do you agree with this statement?

Overview

• The century following 1765–1858 was a period of serious crisis for the Muslim community, facing a two-pronged attack: militant Hindu nationalist movements on one side, and continued British assault against Muslim supremacy on the other.

1. Later Mughals — Decline After Aurangzeb

• During Aurangzeb's lifetime, victories in the south expanded the Mughal Empire to more than 1.25 million sq. miles, ruling 150+ million subjects (~1/4 of the world's population), with a combined GDP of over $90 billion.
• After Aurangzeb's death (1707), succession chaos began — five emperors ruled within five years of his death, each betrayed by those closest to them.
• Later Mughal Rulers — full timeline

Key rulers and turning points

• Azam Shah (1707–1712): captured the throne, assumed title Bahadur Shah I.
• Jahandar Shah (1712–1713): succeeded his father Azam Shah; killed in 1713.
• Farrukhsiyar (1713–1719): re-established Mughal authority with support of the Saiyid brothers. ⚠️ Signed an agreement with the British East India Company and issued an imperial decree called Farman — this sealed the future of India into British takeover. In 1717, granted 38 villages near Calcutta to the British in recognition of their contribution to trade.
• Muhammad Shah / "Rangila Shah" (1719–1748): ruled ~30 years; captured throne with Sayyid brothers' help, later got rid of them with Asaf Jah I's help. Delhi became a hotbed of political contention. Fought long war with Marathas — lost Deccan and Malwa. Nadir Shah invaded Delhi during his rule (1739) — last emperor to possess effective control over the empire.
• Alamgir II (1754–1759): raised to throne by Imad-ul-Mulk after deposing Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1754). Inexperienced, weak ruler — all real power vested in his Wazir, Ghazi-ud-Din Imad-ul-Mulk. In 1756, Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded again, captured Delhi, plundered Mathura. Marathas grew more powerful (peak of Maratha expansion) in collaboration with Imad-ul-Mulk. Alamgir II was murdered by Imad-ul-Mulk and the Marathas.
• Shah Alam II (1760–1806): son of Alamgir II; became emperor of a crumbling empire ranging from Delhi to Palam. Faced invasions from Ahmad Shah Abdali; unable to return to Delhi until 1772, under protection of Maratha general Mahadaji Shinde. Fought against the British East India Company at the Battle of Buxar (23 October 1764); after defeat, forced to accept Clive as Chancellor. By mid-18th century, Marathas had won Mughal provinces from Deccan to Bengal.
• Akbar Shah II (1806–1837): succeeded 1806, ruled until 1837 with little de facto power due to increasing British control via the East India Company. In 1835, the East India Company began issuing its own coins in India.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar II (1837–1857): last emperor of the Mughal dynasty. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, he supported the freedom fighters; the British exiled him to Rangoon, Burma, where he died in obscurity in 1862, aged 82. His two sons and a grandson were shot dead by the British. The Mughal dynasty officially came to an end.

📘 Do you know — Sayyid Brothers: Syed Hassan Ali Khan Barha and Syed Abdullah Khan Barha (also called Syed Hussain Ali Khan Barha) were powerful Mughal Army Generals in the early 18th century — the "king makers" of the later Mughal period (1713–1720).