08. Eighteenth-Century Political Formations Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 8 CBSE

Welcome to Eighteenth-Century Political Formations Class 7 chapter 8.

Exam Notes for 7th Class – Chapter 8: Eighteenth-Century Political Formations

Introduction

The Transformative Eighteenth Century

1. The eighteenth century witnessed significant political changes in India.
2. In this chapter, we will delve into the emergence of regional powers and the challenges faced by the declining Mughal Empire.

The Crisis of the Mughal Empire

Factors Leading to the Mughal Decline

1. Emperor Aurangzeb’s Deccan Wars: The Mughal Empire’s resources were drained by Aurangzeb’s prolonged wars in the Deccan.
2. Administrative Breakdown: The efficiency of the imperial administration declined, making it hard for later Mughal emperors to control powerful nobles.
3. Governor Autonomy: Appointed governors (mansabdars) gained extraordinary power over revenue and military administration.
4. Revenue Remission: Remittance of revenue to the capital decreased as provincial governors consolidated their control.
5. Peasant and Zamindari Rebellions: Rebellions, often triggered by mounting taxes, further weakened Mughal authority.

The Invasion of Nadir Shah

Nadir Shah’s Impact on India

1. In 1739, Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded Delhi, causing extensive devastation and looting.
2. Loss of Treasures: The looting included the famous Peacock Throne, symbolizing the Mughal Empire’s decline.
3. Turning Point: Nadir Shah’s invasion exposed the vulnerability of the Mughal Empire to foreign attacks.

The Rise of Regional Powers

Emergence of New Political Entities

1. The eighteenth century saw the emergence of various regional powers.
2. Marathas, Sikhs, Jats, and Rajputs played crucial roles in shaping India’s political landscape.

The Sikhs

The Khalsa and Sikh Sovereignty

1. The Sikhs organized into the Khalsa, a community of Sikhs following a strict code of conduct.
2. Banda Bahadur’s Revolt: Under Banda Bahadur’s leadership, Sikhs declared Sikh sovereignty and established their administration.
3. Military Strength: The well-structured Khalsa effectively resisted both Mughal and Afghan rulers.

The Marathas

Marathas: Challengers of Mughal Rule

1. The Marathas, led by Shivaji and later under the Peshwas, challenged Mughal rule in the Deccan.
2. Military Tactics: They employed mobile military tactics, raiding cities, and engaging Mughal armies effectively.
3. Territorial Expansion: By the 1730s, the Maratha king became the overlord of the entire Deccan peninsula.
4. Taxation for Finance: They imposed taxes like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi to finance their campaigns and administration.

The Jats

Jats: A Rising Force

1. The Jats, led by Churaman and later Suraj Mal, consolidated their power in the region between Delhi and Agra.
2. Economic Prosperity: As prosperous agriculturists, they established trading centers, contributing to economic development.
3. Political Influence: The Jats played a significant role in diversifying India’s political landscape.

Conclusion

A Transformed Political Landscape

1. The eighteenth century witnessed the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of various regional powers.
2. Sikhs, Marathas, Jats, and others contributed to shaping India’s diverse and fragmented political structure.

Keywords and Definitions

Important Keywords for Eighteenth-Century Political Formations Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 8 CBSE.

1. Mansabdars: Nobles appointed as governors with significant political, economic, and military powers over Mughal provinces.
2. Peacock Throne: A famous throne looted by Nadir Shah, symbolizing Mughal decline.
3. Khalsa: A community of Sikhs following a strict code of conduct, playing a pivotal role in regional state-building.
4. Peshwas: Principal ministers who held effective power in the Maratha state.
5. Chauth: A tax representing 25% of land revenue claimed by zamindars.
6. Sardeshmukhi: A tax representing 9-10% of land revenue paid to the head revenue collector.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Important Questions for Eighteenth-Century Political Formations Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 8 CBSE.

Q1: What were the major factors contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire in the eighteenth century?

A1: The decline of the Mughal Empire was influenced by factors like costly Deccan wars, administrative breakdown, power shifts to provincial governors, and peasant and zamindari rebellions.

Q2: How did Nadir Shah’s invasion impact India?

A2: Nadir Shah’s invasion resulted in significant destruction and the looting of valuable treasures, including the Peacock Throne, marking a symbol of Mughal vulnerability.

Q3: What role did the Sikhs play in the eighteenth-century political landscape?

A3: The Sikhs organized into the Khalsa, a community following a strict code of conduct. They played a crucial role in regional state-building and resisted Mughal and Afghan rulers.

Q4: What strategies did the Marathas employ to challenge Mughal rule in the Deccan?

A4: The Marathas employed mobile military tactics, raiding cities, and engaging Mughal armies where their supply lines and reinforcements could be disrupted.

Q5: How did regional powers like the Jats contribute to the diversification of India’s political landscape?

A5: The Jats, as prosperous agriculturists, consolidated power and established trading centers, contributing to the economic development of their regions.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who led the Sikh community during the eighteenth century?
   a. Guru Nanak
   b. Guru Gobind Singh
   c. Guru Tegh Bahadur
   d. Guru Arjan Dev

Answer (MCQ 1): b. Guru Gobind Singh

2. Which tax represented 25% of the land revenue claimed by zamindars?
   a. Chauth
   b. Sardeshmukhi
   c. Ijaradari
   d. Faujdari

Answer (MCQ 2): a. Chauth

3. Who was the Maratha king recognized as the overlord of the entire Deccan peninsula in the 1730s?
   a. Chhatrapati Shivaji
   b. Peshwa Baji Rao I
   c. Chhatrapati Shahu
   d. Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath

Answer (MCQ 3): c. Chhatrapati Shahu

4. What significant symbol of Mughal decline was looted by Nadir Shah during his invasion in 1739?
   a. Peacock Throne
   b. Koh-i-Noor Diamond
   c. Taj Mahal
   d. Red Fort

Answer (MCQ 4): a. Peacock Throne

5. Which regional power was led by Churaman and later by Suraj Mal in the eighteenth century?
   a. Sikhs
   b. Jats
   c. Marathas
   d. Rajputs

Answer (MCQ 5): b. Jats

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