Eighteenth Century Political Formations MCQ Class 7

Eighteenth Century Political Formations MCQ. These 100 Multiple Choice Questions will help you score full marks in your Class 7 Social Science (History) exam.

The Crisis of the Mughal Empire (MCQ 1 to 15)

Question 1: What was one of the key reasons for the decline of Mughal power after Aurangzeb’s death?
A. Efficient military administration
B. Long-lasting peace
C. Aurangzeb’s depletion of resources in Deccan wars
D. Strong economic policies

   

Question 2: Which event further weakened the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb’s death?
A. British invasion of Bengal
B. The decline of regional powers
C. Peasant and Zamindari rebellions
D. Portuguese invasion of India

   

Question 3: What did subadars in the Mughal Empire control that gave them immense power?
A. Maritime trade
B. Revenue and military administration
C. Religious institutions
D. Agriculture and taxation

   

Question 4: What was the outcome of Nadir Shah’s invasion of Delhi in 1739?
A. Establishment of a new dynasty
B. Economic boom
C. Massive plundering of wealth
D. Peace treaties with Mughal rulers

   

Question 5: How did the nobles of the Mughal court affect the later emperors?
A. They strengthened the emperor’s authority
B. They engaged in factionalism and weakened the empire
C. They provided strong financial backing to the emperor
D. They united to repel foreign invasions

   

Question 6: Who were the two major noble factions within the Mughal court during the 18th century?
A. Iranis and Turanis
B. Rajputs and Marathas
C. Mughals and Sikhs
D. Jats and British

   

Question 7: Which later Mughal emperor was assassinated during factional struggles at court?
A. Shah Alam II
B. Ahmad Shah
C. Farrukh Siyar
D. Alamgir II

   

Question 8: What was the economic condition of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb’s death?
A. The empire was economically stable
B. It was financially strong due to trade
C. It faced financial bankruptcy and decline in revenue
D. It witnessed rapid industrialization

   

Question 9: What was one significant reason for the failure of Mughal administration during the reign of later Mughal emperors?
A. Efficient governance
B. Strong control of provinces
C. Breakdown of imperial administration
D. Economic growth

   

Question 10: What did Nadir Shah take from Delhi during his invasion in 1739?
A. The Peacock Throne
B. The Koh-i-Noor diamond
C. Land territories
D. Important trade routes

   

Question 11: What factor contributed to the challenges faced by the later Mughal rulers?
A. Peace treaties with the British
B. Rebellions and weakening control over local rulers
C. Stable regional powers
D. Agricultural reforms

   

Question 12: Which of the following describes the condition of Delhi after Nadir Shah’s invasion?
A. Delhi flourished as a trading center
B. The city was left untouched
C. Delhi was plundered and left in ruins
D. The Mughal court gained more power

   

Question 13: What was the impact of peasant and Zamindari rebellions on the Mughal Empire?
A. Strengthening of the Mughal economy
B. Consolidation of Mughal authority
C. Increased financial instability and regional challenges
D. Expansion of Mughal territories

   

Question 14: How did the Mughal Empire’s military resources decline during the reign of later emperors?
A. Due to naval battles
B. Through wars in the Deccan region
C. Peasant revolts drained resources
D. Persian invasions continuously depleted resources

   

Question 15: Who was the Mughal emperor when Nadir Shah invaded India?
A. Bahadur Shah Zafar
B. Farrukh Siyar
C. Shah Alam II
D. Muhammad Shah

   

Emergence of Independent Kingdoms (MCQ 16 to 25)

Question 16: What was one of the key roles played by provincial governors (subadars) in the 18th century?
A. Maintaining diplomatic relations with Europe
B. Strengthening the central Mughal administration
C. Consolidating regional power and authority
D. Leading Mughal armies in overseas conquests

   

Question 17: Which of the following regions was known for its consolidation under powerful provincial rulers in the 18th century?
A. Bengal
B. Punjab
C. Gujarat
D. Delhi

   

Question 18: Who was a significant figure in the consolidation of power in Awadh during the 18th century?
A. Farrukh Siyar
B. Murshid Quli Khan
C. Saadat Khan
D. Guru Gobind Singh

   

Question 19: What did the provincial governors do to consolidate their power in the 18th century?
A. Strengthened ties with European colonial powers
B. Declined all taxation on their lands
C. Took control of revenue collection and military administration
D. Focused on international trade expansion

   

Question 20: Which region did Murshid Quli Khan establish as a powerful independent kingdom in the early 18th century?
A. Hyderabad
B. Awadh
C. Bengal
D. Rajputana

   

Question 21: Which provincial ruler was responsible for consolidating Hyderabad as a powerful regional kingdom in the 18th century?
A. Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah
B. Murshid Quli Khan
C. Saadat Khan
D. Ahmad Shah Abdali

   

Question 22: What factor contributed to the emergence of independent kingdoms in the 18th century?
A. Mughal emperors’ firm control over their provinces
B. The invasion of British forces
C. The weakening of central Mughal authority
D. Expansion of the silk trade

   

Question 23: What role did the great zamindars play in the formation of independent kingdoms in the 18th century?
A. They weakened regional powers
B. They supported the Mughal emperors’ authority
C. They consolidated their own power and territories
D. They established trade links with Europe

   

Question 24: What was one of the challenges faced by the emerging independent kingdoms in the 18th century?
A. Overexpansion of territories
B. Lack of financial resources
C. Constant threats from European colonial powers
D. Factionalism within the Mughal court

   

Question 25: How did the independent kingdoms contribute to the political landscape of India in the 18th century?
A. They revived the central Mughal authority
B. They established trade routes to Europe
C. They reshaped the subcontinent by breaking away from Mughal control
D. They focused on agricultural reforms

   

Rajput State Formation (MCQ 26 to 35)

Question 26: What was a significant role played by the Rajputs in Mughal politics during the 18th century?
A. They continuously rebelled against Mughal authority
B. They supported Mughal administration as governors of key provinces
C. They established trade routes to Europe
D. They refused to engage with Mughal politics

   

Question 27: Which two Rajput rulers were significant figures in Mughal politics during the 18th century?
A. Ajit Singh of Jodhpur and Sawai Raja Jai Singh of Amber
B. Guru Gobind Singh and Banda Bahadur
C. Churaman and Suraj Mal
D. Baji Rao and Shahu Maharaj

   

Question 28: What was one of the ways the Rajput rulers extended their power during the 18th century?
A. Establishing trade links with Britain
B. Building forts and annexing neighboring territories
C. Supporting peasant revolts
D. Consolidating Mughal authority

   

Question 29: What was the capital founded by Sawai Raja Jai Singh of Amber in the 18th century?
A. Jodhpur
B. Jaipur
C. Agra
D. Udaipur

   

Question 30: Which Rajput ruler held the governorship of Gujarat in the 18th century?
A. Ajit Singh of Jodhpur
B. Sawai Raja Jai Singh of Amber
C. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
D. Suraj Mal

   

Question 31: What external force put pressure on the Rajput states and limited their expansion in the 18th century?
A. The Mughal Empire
B. The British East India Company
C. The Marathas
D. The Jats

   

Question 32: What was a significant architectural contribution of the Rajput rulers during the 18th century?
A. European-style palaces
B. Astronomical observatories and forts
C. Bridges and roadways
D. Trade ships for international commerce

   

Question 33: What was the purpose of the astronomical observatories constructed by Sawai Raja Jai Singh?
A. To study international trade routes
B. To observe celestial bodies
C. To monitor enemy movements
D. To train military officers

   

Question 34: What city was built as a fortified center of Rajput power in the 18th century?
A. Chittorgarh
B. Delhi
C. Hyderabad
D. Panipat

   

Question 35: What was a key factor in the decline of Rajput power during the 18th century?
A. Internal rebellions
B. Mughal military conquests
C. Pressure from Maratha campaigns
D. Alliance with the British

   

Rise of the Sikhs (MCQ 36 to 45)

Question 36: What was a significant event in the formation of the Sikh political community during the 17th century?
A. The founding of Amritsar
B. The institution of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh
C. The execution of Banda Bahadur
D. The unification of the Dal Khalsa

   

Question 37: Who led the Sikh revolt against Mughal authority after the death of Guru Gobind Singh?
A. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
B. Banda Bahadur
C. Ajit Singh
D. Guru Arjan

   

Question 38: What was one of the administrative measures taken by Banda Bahadur during his revolt?
A. Establishment of a new trade route
B. Striking coins in the names of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh
C. Building a new fort
D. Expanding Sikh territories into Bengal

   

Question 39: What was the fate of Banda Bahadur after his rebellion against the Mughal Empire?
A. He became the ruler of Punjab
B. He was exiled
C. He was captured and executed in 1716
D. He joined the Mughal court

   

Question 40: What was the Dal Khalsa?
A. A new province established by the Mughals
B. The combined forces of the Sikh misls
C. A Sikh religious group
D. A Mughal administrative unit

   

Question 41: How did the Sikh misls function under the Dal Khalsa?
A. They acted independently and met only for religious purposes
B. They operated as individual armies and met to take collective decisions
C. They were dissolved by the British
D. They became part of the Mughal Empire

   

Question 42: What system was introduced by the Sikhs to offer protection to cultivators in exchange for a tax?
A. Chauth
B. Sardeshmukhi
C. Rakhi
D. Zamindari

   

Question 43: What belief did Guru Gobind Singh instill in the Khalsa regarding their future?
A. They were destined to trade with Europeans
B. They would rule (raj karega khalsa)
C. They would become part of the Mughal Empire
D. They would establish diplomatic relations with the British

   

Question 44: Who was responsible for unifying the Sikh misls and establishing a strong Sikh state in the late 18th century?
A. Banda Bahadur
B. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
C. Guru Gobind Singh
D. Ajit Singh

   

Question 45: Which of the following territories was part of the Sikh state under Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
A. Bengal and Orissa
B. Delhi and Agra
C. The Indus to the Jamuna
D. The Deccan Peninsula

   

The Maratha Empire (MCQ 46 to 65)

Question 46: Who was the founder of the Maratha kingdom?
A. Peshwa Baji Rao
B. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
C. Shivaji
D. Shahu Maharaj

   

Question 47: What was a key factor in the military success of the Marathas against the Mughals?
A. Strong naval power
B. Guerrilla warfare tactics
C. Alliance with the British
D. Superior firearms

   

Question 48: Under whose leadership did the Maratha state expand significantly after Shivaji’s death?
A. Peshwa Baji Rao I
B. Shahu Maharaj
C. Sambhaji
D. Balaji Vishwanath

   

Question 49: What was the capital of the Maratha kingdom during the 18th century?
A. Delhi
B. Hyderabad
C. Poona
D. Surat

   

Question 50: What was the administrative system introduced by the Marathas for revenue collection?
A. Diwani and Faujdari
B. Zamindari
C. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
D. Mansabdari

   

Question 51: What significant event weakened the Maratha power in 1761?
A. The British invasion
B. The Third Battle of Panipat
C. The assassination of Shivaji
D. The alliance with the Mughals

   

Question 52: Which Maratha leader is credited with expanding the Maratha kingdom beyond the Vindhyas?
A. Sambhaji
B. Shahu Maharaj
C. Peshwa Baji Rao I
D. Balaji Vishwanath

   

Question 53: What was a significant outcome of the Maratha raids on Delhi in 1737?
A. The Mughal Empire regained power
B. The Marathas were defeated
C. The Marathas expanded their influence in northern India
D. The British intervened in Indian politics

   

Question 54: Which territories were under the control of Maratha sardars like Sindhia, Gaekwad, and Bhonsle?
A. Awadh and Bengal
B. Punjab and Rajputana
C. Gwalior, Baroda, and Nagpur
D. Mysore and Hyderabad

   

Question 55: What role did the Marathas play in the Deccan region during the 18th century?
A. They allied with the Mughal Empire
B. They established maritime trade routes
C. They dominated the region and levied Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
D. They withdrew from the region due to British influence

   

Question 56: What administrative measure helped the Maratha Empire grow in strength during the 18th century?
A. British support
B. Effective taxation and military organization
C. Alliance with the Mughals
D. Expansion of maritime trade

   

Question 57: What made the Maratha military system unique compared to other regional powers of the time?
A. Their use of firearms
B. Their focus on naval warfare
C. Their ability to bypass fortified areas and raid key cities
D. Their reliance on European mercenaries

   

Question 58: What was the effect of the Third Battle of Panipat on the Marathas?
A. Strengthened their control over northern India
B. Led to a temporary decline in their power
C. Expanded their influence into Bengal
D. Strengthened their alliance with the British

   

Question 59: What was the impact of Maratha campaigns on cities like Ujjain and Indore?
A. They became centers of Mughal authority
B. They declined due to constant warfare
C. They flourished and became prosperous commercial centers
D. They were abandoned

   

Question 60: What was a significant reason for other Indian rulers not supporting the Marathas during the Third Battle of Panipat?
A. Religious differences
B. Maratha interference in their internal affairs
C. Hostility created by earlier Maratha military campaigns
D. Support for the British

   

Question 61: What was the primary source of revenue for the Marathas in the 18th century?
A. Agriculture
B. Maritime trade
C. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi levies
D. Gold mining

   

Question 62: Who among the following was a key figure in the expansion of Maratha territories in the northern region?
A. Ajit Singh
B. Shahu Maharaj
C. Peshwa Baji Rao I
D. Guru Gobind Singh

   

Question 63: What was a major cause of the decline of the Maratha Empire after the Third Battle of Panipat?
A. British intervention
B. Loss of key trade routes
C. Lack of financial resources
D. Hostility from other Indian rulers

   

Question 64: What was one of the administrative systems used by the Marathas to consolidate their power?
A. The Diwani system
B. The Rakhi system
C. The Mansabdari system
D. The Sardeshmukhi system

   

Question 65: Who was the leader of the Marathas during the Third Battle of Panipat?
A. Shahu Maharaj
B. Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao
C. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
D. Guru Gobind Singh

   

The Jats and Their Kingdoms (MCQ 66 to 75)

Question 66: Who was the leader responsible for the emergence of the Jat state in the late 17th century?
A. Churaman
B. Banda Bahadur
C. Suraj Mal
D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh

   

Question 67: Under which leader did the Jat state of Bharatpur emerge as a strong kingdom?
A. Churaman
B. Suraj Mal
C. Ajit Singh
D. Sawai Raja Jai Singh

   

Question 68: What was one of the significant architectural achievements of the Jat rulers in Bharatpur?
A. Construction of the Red Fort
B. Building of Lohagarh Fort
C. Construction of Jaipur Observatory
D. Expansion of the Taj Mahal

   

Question 69: Which region did the Jat rulers dominate during the late 17th and 18th centuries?
A. The region between Delhi and Agra
B. The Deccan Peninsula
C. The Punjab region
D. Bengal and Orissa

   

Question 70: How did Suraj Mal strengthen the Jat kingdom?
A. By forming alliances with the British
B. By expanding the Jat state and consolidating power
C. By leading revolts against the Rajputs
D. By establishing maritime trade routes

   

Question 71: During the sacking of Delhi by Nadir Shah, where did many notables take refuge?
A. Hyderabad
B. Jaipur
C. Bharatpur
D. Agra

   

Question 72: What was the purpose of the garden palaces built by the Jats at Dig?
A. They were royal residences that combined Mughal and Rajput architectural styles
B. They served as military barracks
C. They were centers for religious gatherings
D. They were constructed for trade negotiations with Europeans

   

Question 73: What was a key defensive structure built by the Jat rulers?
A. The Jantar Mantar
B. Lohagarh Fort
C. The Golden Temple
D. Mehrangarh Fort

   

Question 74: Under whose leadership did the Jat state reach its zenith during the 18th century?
A. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
B. Suraj Mal
C. Churaman
D. Sawai Raja Jai Singh

   

Question 75: What was the geographical extent of Suraj Mal’s kingdom?
A. Southern India and Bengal
B. Eastern Rajasthan, southern Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi
C. The entire Deccan Peninsula
D. The Punjab and Kashmir

   

Impact of European Colonialism (MCQ 76 to 85)

Question 76: By which year had the British successfully grabbed major territories in eastern India?
A. 1707
B. 1720
C. 1765
D. 1780

   

Question 77: What was one of the ways European powers influenced Indian state formations in the 18th century?
A. By forming alliances with Mughal emperors
B. By controlling Indian trade routes
C. By engaging in territorial expansion and political interference
D. By encouraging Indian rulers to focus on agriculture

   

Question 78: What role did the British East India Company play in Indian politics during the mid-18th century?
A. It maintained a neutral stance
B. It encouraged trade and agriculture
C. It began interfering in Indian politics and expanded its territorial control
D. It supported local Indian rulers in military campaigns

   

Question 79: Which European power was involved in territorial expansion in India during the 18th century?
A. Portuguese
B. British
C. French
D. Dutch

   

Question 80: What was a significant effect of European colonial expansion on Indian states?
A. Strengthened Mughal power
B. Encouraged alliances among Indian rulers
C. Weakened the authority of many Indian regional powers
D. Led to the rise of new Indian empires

   

Question 81: What led to the rise of European colonialism in India during the 18th century?
A. Decline of Mughal power and internal conflicts among Indian states
B. Unity among Indian regional powers
C. Decline of European interests in Asia
D. The rise of Maratha dominance

   

Question 82: What was a key strategy used by the British to expand their territorial control in India during the 18th century?
A. Military alliances with the Marathas
B. Direct control of Indian kings
C. Diplomatic pressure and military intervention
D. Support of Mughal emperors

   

Question 83: What was the significance of the Battle of Plassey (1757) in British colonial expansion?
A. It marked the beginning of British decline in India
B. It was a key victory that laid the foundation for British rule in India
C. It was a military defeat for the British
D. It led to the formation of alliances with the Mughals

   

Question 84: By the mid-18th century, what was the British strategy in Indian politics?
A. Supporting Indian independence
B. Maintaining neutrality in Indian conflicts
C. Intervening in local politics to establish control
D. Forming alliances with local farmers

   

Question 85: What was the impact of British territorial expansion on Indian rulers?
A. They gained more power
B. They consolidated their rule
C. They often lost authority and territory
D. They formed alliances with other European powers

   

Socio-Economic Conditions (MCQ 86 to 100)

Question 86: What was a significant source of income for the Marathas in the 18th century?
A. Maritime trade
B. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi taxes
C. Land reforms
D. Taxation on British goods

   

Question 87: What was the main occupation in India during the 18th century?
A. Manufacturing
B. Agriculture
C. Maritime trade
D. Mining

   

Question 88: How did merchants and bankers influence Indian politics in the 18th century?
A. By forming alliances with European powers
B. By controlling the taxation system
C. By providing financial support to regional rulers
D. By opposing British expansion

   

Question 89: What was the primary reason for the peasant revolts in the 18th century?
A. Trade restrictions
B. Heavy taxation and economic pressure
C. Expansion of British rule
D. Religious differences

   

Question 90: What system allowed the Marathas to collect taxes in regions they did not directly control?
A. Zamindari
B. Diwani
C. Chauth
D. Mansabdari

   

Question 91: What was a key feature of the Indian economy during the 18th century?
A. Focus on maritime trade
B. Agricultural dominance and rural-based economy
C. Industrialization
D. Foreign investment in infrastructure

   

Question 92: What role did the zamindars play in the Indian economy during the 18th century?
A. They controlled foreign trade
B. They collected taxes and controlled land
C. They led military campaigns
D. They managed Indian industry

   

Question 93: How did the British East India Company affect Indian trade during the 18th century?
A. It encouraged free trade
B. It monopolized Indian trade routes
C. It helped Indian merchants expand overseas
D. It reduced its influence on trade

   

Question 94: What impact did British expansion have on Indian agricultural practices in the 18th century?
A. It introduced modern farming techniques
B. It increased taxes and economic pressure on farmers
C. It helped Indian farmers gain better prices
D. It encouraged small-scale farming

   

Question 95: Which system allowed local chieftains to collect revenue in the Deccan region under the Maratha Empire?
A. Diwani
B. Mansabdari
C. Sardeshmukhi
D. Zamindari

   

Question 96: What was one of the major crops produced in India during the 18th century?
A. Cotton
B. Wheat
C. Sugar
D. Indigo

   

Question 97: What was the economic relationship between Indian rulers and merchants during the 18th century?
A. Merchants opposed regional rulers
B. Merchants supported rulers financially
C. Merchants engaged in foreign trade exclusively
D. Merchants focused on religious affairs

   

Question 98: What was the role of bankers in the 18th century Indian economy?
A. They led military forces
B. They provided credit to farmers and rulers
C. They controlled the maritime trade
D. They issued currency

   

Question 99: How did the Marathas encourage trade during the 18th century?
A. By forming alliances with European powers
B. By expanding their territory into northern India
C. By reviving trade routes and providing security
D. By controlling maritime ports

   

Question 100: What was one consequence of British colonialism on the Indian economy by the late 18th century?
A. Rapid industrial growth
B. Decrease in local industry and increased dependence on British goods
C. Expansion of Indian trade
D. Strengthening of Indian rulers

   

Most Asked Important Questions on Eighteenth Century Political Formations:

Read Also: Nutrition in Animals Class 7 MCQs – Best 100