MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Examine the elements that contributed to the Mughal Empire’s downfall and the creation of its Indian successor states.
GS I – Modern Indian History
Introduction:
- One of the most powerful and significant empires in Indian history, the Mughal Empire ruled from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. It peaked under Akbar’s rule and then started to decline, giving rise to a number of successor states in various regions of the country.
Factors Contributing to the Mughal Empire’s decline:
Financial Elements:
- Agricultural Crisis: The Mughal Empire experienced a drop in agricultural output and rural prosperity as a result of causes such as exorbitant land income demands that caused agricultural stagnation.
- income System: As the jagirdari and zamindari systems became more burdensome, peasant unrest and a drop in income collection for the empire resulted.
- Decline in Trade and Commerce: The rise of European powers like the British, Dutch, and Portuguese undermined the Mughal Empire’s grip over important trade routes, which resulted in a drop in trade earnings.
- Drain of Wealth: The opulent lives of the nobles, the expense of sustaining a sizable army, and the export of precious metals for commerce with European countries all contributed to the empire’s financial decline.
Administrative Elements:
- Weak Successors: Following Aurangzeb’s reign, there was a downturn in the calibre of leadership, which left the empire’s rulers weak and incapable of preserving its cohesion.
- Decentralisation of Power: The Mughal Emperor’s central power was weakened as the administrative structure of the empire grew more decentralised and provincial governors were granted greater autonomy.
Political Aspects:
- Regional Rebellions: The empire began to fall apart as a result of several provinces, including the Deccan, Bengal, and Awadh, claiming their independence and resisting Mughal rule.
- External Invasions: The Mughal Empire was invaded by foreign nations, such as the kings of Afghanistan and Persia, who took advantage of the empire’s weakness to enlarge their own lands.
Cultural and Social Aspects:
- Religious intolerance: Aurangzeb alienated a sizable portion of the populace and caused internal unrest with his policies, which included placing restrictions on non-Muslims and persecuting other religions.
- Social Heterogeneity: The Mughal Empire had a heterogeneous society with a complicated social structure. The inability to incorporate various castes and communities resulted in social instability and disintegration.
The formation of successor states:
A rise in Marathas:
- Under the guidance of Shivaji and subsequently Peshwas, the Marathas became a powerful force in western India.
- Their ability to use guerilla warfare techniques and robust administrative frameworks allowed them to subvert Mughal rule.
- The Marathas solidified their rule over a sizable portion of modern-day Maharashtra and the neighbouring areas.
Growth of Sikh Authority:
- The Sikh Misls established their dominance in Punjab by taking advantage of the Mughal Empire’s decline.
- The Sikhs established the groundwork for the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh by organising themselves into military confederacies and demarcating territory under the leadership of charismatic commanders such as Banda Singh Bahadur.
Growth of Regional Powers:
- In the post-Mughal era, a number of regional powers, such as the Nawabs of Bengal, Awadh, and Hyderabad, became significant figures.
- These regional powers asserted their independence and grew their sphere of influence by taking advantage of the Mughal fall.
- For example, the Nawabs of Bengal emerged as a formidable political and economic force, upending the Mughal suzerainty.
Colonial Intrusions from Europe:
- Additionally, the fall of the Mughal Empire made it possible for European colonial powers to take control of some areas of India.
- In order to increase its power and finally establish British colonial dominance over the Indian subcontinent, the British East India Company, in particular, took advantage of the political disintegration and economic instability.
- The Mughal Empire’s fall was a complicated process driven by socioreligious, military, administrative, and economic elements. The trajectory of Indian history was shaped for generations to come by the opportunity this decline gave different successor nations and European powers to claim sovereignty over different parts of India
Q2. Discuss how the Indus Valley Civilization influenced ancient India’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.
GS I – Modern Indian History
Introduction:
- One of the earliest urban civilizations in ancient India was the Indus Valley Civilization, sometimes referred to as the Harappan Civilization. It was at its height in the Indus River basin, which included sections of modern-day Afghanistan and Iran, as well as Pakistan and northwest India. The civilization, which spanned roughly 3300–1300 BCE, had a significant impact on the social, cultural, and economic landscape of ancient India.
Cultural Importance:
Planning for the City:
- The IVC was home to well constructed towns with well-planned streets, sophisticated water management systems, and drainage systems, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
- Such planning established standards for India’s later urban communities.
- The existence of the Indus script points to a sophisticated communication system.
- It highlights the advancements in language and writing of the civilization, even though its decipherment is still tricky.
Artwork and Relics:
- Artefacts that portray animals, human figures, and complex patterns, such as seals, figurines, and ceramics, reveal a rich artistic past.
- The aesthetic sensibility and depth of the civilization are reflected in its artistic legacy.
Rituals and Religion:
- Archaeological discoveries point to a belief system based on deities, rituals, and ceremonial locations.
- It is possible that the presence of fire altars and figurines, like Mother Goddess and Pashupati Seals, indicates religious rituals and provides insights into the spirituality of ancient India.
Economic Importance:
Networks of Trade:
- The discovery of goods like ceramics, metals, and beads indicates that the IVC had extensive trade links with regions such as Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. Economic growth and cross-cultural interactions were made possible by this trade.
Farming Methods:
- There is evidence of wheat, barley, and cotton cultivation on the lush plains of the Indus River, indicating the support of agriculture.
- The economic stability of the civilization was bolstered by the efficient agricultural production made possible by sophisticated irrigation systems.
Craftsmanship and Industry:
- Textile, metal, and pottery production all demonstrate expert craftsmanship.
- Specialized industries like bead-making and metallurgy flourished, showcasing the civilization’s economic diversity and technological prowess.
Normative Weights and Measurements:
- Discoveries of standardized weights and measures suggest a regulated system of trade and commerce.
- Such uniformity indicates a well-organized economic structure, facilitating commercial activities within and beyond the civilization’s borders.
Social Significance:
Urban Society:
- The presence of planned cities suggests a structured urban society with governance systems, public infrastructure, and social hierarchies.
- This organized urban life fostered a sense of community and civic responsibility among the inhabitants.
Gender Roles:
- Artifacts depict gender-specific roles, with depictions of male and female figurines engaged in various activities.
- While men were associated with hunting and warfare, women were likely involved in domestic chores and craft production, reflecting societal norms of the time.
Burial Practices:
- Burial sites reveal insights into social stratification, with variations in burial practices indicating differences in social status.
- The presence of grave goods suggests belief in an afterlife and societal distinctions based on wealth and status.
- The Indus Valley Civilization stands as a testament to the ingenuity and achievements of ancient Indian civilization. Its cultural, economic, and social significance transcends time, shaping the trajectory of Indian history and influencing subsequent developments in the subcontinent.
