📘 Class 7 History – Chapter 10
Eighteenth-Century Political Formations
NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers

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Q1. Why did the Mughal Empire decline in the 18th century?

The Mughal Empire declined due to:

• Weak rulers after Aurangzeb
• Continuous wars and invasions
• Poor administration
• Financial difficulties

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Q2. How did regional states emerge after the decline of the Mughal Empire?

Regional states emerged because:

• Mughal governors became independent
• They controlled revenue and armies
• They ruled in the name of the Mughal emperor at first
• Later, they declared full independence

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Q3. Write a short note on the state of Hyderabad.

The state of Hyderabad was founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah.

• He was a Mughal governor in the Deccan
• He became independent from the Mughal Empire
• He introduced efficient administration

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Q4. Describe the administration of Awadh.

Awadh was founded by Saadat Khan.

• He improved the revenue system
• He strengthened the army
• Awadh became economically prosperous

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Q5. How did Bengal become a powerful regional state?

Bengal became powerful under Murshid Quli Khan.

• He was the Diwan of Bengal
• He improved revenue collection
• Trade and agriculture flourished

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Q6. Who were the Marathas? How did they rise to power?

The Marathas were a powerful regional group.

• They followed the system of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
• The Peshwas became powerful leaders
• They expanded their influence across India

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Q7. How did the Sikhs organise themselves?

The Sikhs organised themselves into groups called misls.

• Each misl was controlled by a chief
• They later united under Maharaja Ranjit Singh
• They formed a strong Sikh kingdom

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Q8. What were the weaknesses of the regional states?

The weaknesses of regional states were:

• Internal conflicts
• Lack of unity
• Inability to resist British power

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📌 Exam Tip:
Remember founders and key features of Hyderabad, Awadh, and Bengal. Write answers in points to score full marks.

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