67th BPSC (Pre) 2022

Mughal and European Relations

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

First Mughal ruler who fought the British:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Long before the British became rulers, they attempted to challenge Mughal authority over trade and taxes using naval blockades. This first clash resulted in a humiliating defeat for the Company.

Explanation Aurangzeb was the first Mughal emperor to engage in an all-out war with the British. This conflict (1686–1690), known as Child's War, was named after Sir Josiah Child. After the British harassed Mughal ships and refused to pay customs, Aurangzeb's forces seized their factories in Bengal and Surat, forcing the Company to beg for mercy.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Jahangir and Shah Jahan had minor skirmishes but never a formal declared war like Aurangzeb.
Logic 2: The British had to pay a heavy fine and apologize to Aurangzeb to regain their trading privileges, proving that the Mughal Empire was still the dominant power in the late 17th century.

Active Recall

Question

What was the outcome of Child's War?

Answer

The British were soundly defeated and had to pay a compensation of 1,50,000 rupees to the Mughal Emperor to resume their trade.

Core Insight

Child's War was a 'reality check' for the British, teaching them that they could not yet challenge the Mughal land empire through naval harassment alone.