Class 7 - Social Science - History- CBSE
Chapter 8 Eighteenth Century Political Formations
Eighteenth-Century Political Formations summary with NCERT Solution
In the 1700s, India saw big changes in its political structure. The once-powerful Mughal Empire started weakening after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. As a result, many independent kingdoms emerged. The British also started gaining power in India during this time.
Decline of the Mughal Empire
During Aurangzeb’s rule, the Mughal Empire became weak because:
- He spent too much money and resources on wars, especially in the Deccan region.
- Later Mughal rulers were not strong and could not control their nobles and governors.
- Many powerful zamindars (landowners) and local chiefs started revolting.
- Foreign invaders like Nadir Shah (1739) and Ahmad Shah Abdali (1748-1761) attacked and looted India, making the empire even weaker.
- Mughal emperors became puppets in the hands of powerful nobles who controlled them.
Rise of New Kingdoms
Since the Mughal Empire was weak, many regional powers became strong.
1. The Rajputs
- Many Rajput rulers served under the Mughals earlier but later tried to expand their own kingdoms.
- Raja Ajit Singh of Jodhpur and Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur were powerful leaders.
- Rajput rulers built forts and palaces, and Jaipur became a famous city.
- However, their power weakened due to Maratha attacks.
2. The Sikhs
- The Sikhs became strong under Guru Gobind Singh.
- After his death in 1708, the Khalsa (Sikh warriors) fought against the Mughals.
- Banda Bahadur led the Sikhs, but he was later killed in 1716.
- The Sikhs organized themselves into groups called misls, and their combined army was called Dal Khalsa.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh united the Sikhs in 1799 and made Lahore his capital.
3. The Marathas
- Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630-1680) founded the Maratha kingdom.
- His successors expanded the empire under the leadership of Peshwas (prime ministers).
- The Marathas became the most powerful empire in India by the mid-1700s.
- They collected chauth (tax from other rulers) and expanded into Rajasthan, Bengal, Punjab, and South India.
- However, they suffered a major defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) against Ahmad Shah Abdali.
4. The Jats
- The Jats were mainly farmers but became strong rulers.
- Churaman and Suraj Mal led them to power, and Bharatpur became their main kingdom.
- They built forts like Lohagarh Fort and developed trade and agriculture.
The British Start Expanding
By 1765, the British had started gaining control over Indian land, especially in eastern India. Over time, they became the biggest power in India.
Conclusion
The 18th century was a time of change in India. The Mughal Empire became weak, and many new kingdoms became powerful. The Marathas, Sikhs, Rajputs, and Jats all tried to expand their territories. However, constant battles made them weaker, and the British took advantage of this to establish their rule in India.
~~The END~~
Chapter 8 Eighteenth Century Political Formations
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