Nigel Smith Solved Book Questions - Section 1 - History (O-Level Pakistan Studies 2059)

Read the chapter-by-chapter solved book questions of "Pakistan: History, Culture and Government" by Nigel Smith, for History (O-Level Pakistan Studies 2059).

Section 1

Chapter 1: The Decline of the Mughal Empire.

Q1a- Who did Aurangzeb have to overcome in order to become emperor? [4]

Shah Jahan (the father of Aurangzeb) favoured Dara as his successor. As there was no law of succession among the Mughals, The strongest contender came to the throne. Shah Shuja and Murad ( Aurangzeb's brothers) were too weak to rule. Now only Dara stood was left. In general, Aurangzeb had to overcome Dara in order to become emperor.

Q2 What were Aurangzeb's main achievements? [7]

One of Aurangzeb's achievements was that he successfully built a large army. This enabled him to expand his military presence along the boundaries of the empire. 

Another major achievement was that he was able to conquer the Eastern region.

Aurangzeb fought a long war against the Marathas who had risen up in Central India. It was a struggle for Aurangzeb to keep up with them as they were really powerful. Aurangzeb fought a long war with them and under the rule of Aurangzeb, most of it was resolved.

Q3 Why did people dislike the Jizya tax? [4]

Jizya, like Zakaat, was a form of tax implemented on the non-Muslims. It was severely disliked by the non-Muslims as they had to to pay money to the government out of their own savings. Jizya was abolished by the Mughal ruler Akbar in 16th century but was re-introduced by Aurangzeb in 17th century, who already focused on bringing Islam into the lives of people which offended the non-Muslims.

Q4a: In what ways was Mughal rule successful? [7]

For over two centuries the Mughals had brought most of India under one roof. Muslim values had prevailed in a land where the majority were Hindus. Under the Mughals, literature, art and architecture flourished. Their system of government and administration ensured peace and stability. At the peak of the Mughal power, India was far more advanced than Europe. Muslims, being the rulers of the country, neither interfered in others' religions nor forced them to convert to Islam.

Q4b: How secure was the empire in 1707? [4]

The empire was facing alot of difficulties as it was the beggining of the break-up of the Mughal rule. India reverted to being a collection of small kingdoms and some even took independence. Following the death of Aurangzeb, tensions and problems grew.

Q5: How did others benefit from the decline of the Mughals? [4]

Due to the decline of Mughals, the country was divided thus no real power was there. Through this, Others benefited. They took a great benefit from the decline of mughal empire. They took all the wealth, jewels, spices and gold. The portugese, Dutch and French has established trading posts in India. ( TO BE NOTED THAT, this was before the arrival of EIC)/

Long Questions:

Q1: Why was Aurangzeb blamed for the downfall of the Mughal Empire? [10]

Firstly, During his rule, Aurangzeb fought many battles, For example, he fought against the Marathas for over 25 years. A lot of money was required to carry out for such conquests and due to this the Mughal treasury was drained. Therefore, during his rule there were not funds to run the government in the future, he was blamed for the downfall of the Mughal empire.

Secondly, he spent a lot of money on art and architecture. For example, he built the Grand Pearl Mosque in Delhi for his own private prayers. This needless thing further drained the treasury.

Lastly, Aurangzeb was seen as a ruler intolerant to other religions. For example, he introduced the Jizya Tax, tax imposed on the Non-Muslims. This created resentment in the hearts of the Non-Muslims for the -ruler. Thus losing the support of the Non-Muslims.

Therefore, he is blamed for the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Q2: Why did the empire decline after the death of Aurangzeb? [10]

Firstly, Aurangzeb's successors were incompetent and could not rule the empire as efficiently as their successors. Because of the personal interests of those successors the empire could not be administered properly leading to the empires collapse.

Secondly, there no rule of succession. Because of this, Aurangzeb's son and other courtiers started fighting against one another to acquire the throne. In these battles, many skilled soldiers and commanders were killed. This left the weaker army for the empire to defend itself against the invaders and external powers, leading to declination of the empire.

Lastly, external powers, like Nadir Shah, Sher Shah Suri and the British, were very strong. For example, the British were powerful in terms of weaponry due to the industrial revolution in the west. Because of these strengths the foreign powers were able to overthrow the empire.

Q3: Why did Europeans get involved in the Sub-continent? [7]

India had certain raw materials that the rest of the world did not have and desired to have it, including spices,cotton and sugar.

The British had a great regard for the raw materials, since they had recently undergone the Industrial revolution and wished to expand their industries.

The Middle-eastern countries had tax on Europeans and the Byzantine Empire was now under the ottomans who sought cheaper routes.

They avoided land routes in the middle east, since trading via sea was cheaper, more effective and gave economy of scale.

British went to India since other lands (e.g Africa) were already under Portuguese control. They also fought again the French here.

The Influence of Islam

Shah Wali Ullahs Reform movement

Why were Muslims worried after Aurangzeb's death?

The Mughal empire started to decline after Aurangzebs death which lead to constant chaos among the muslims. After his death, The muslims felt helpless and threatned.