M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014

Decline of the Mughal Empire

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which Mughal emperor is known by the name of 'Rangila'?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The 'Later Mughal' period was characterized by rulers who often prioritized personal interests and artistic pursuits over the hardening administrative and military needs of the empire.

Explanation Muhammad Shah (reigned 1719–1748) was famously called 'Rangila' (The Colorful/Joyous) due to his pleasure-loving nature and deep patronage of music, dance, and poetry. While he presided over a period of artistic flourishing, his reign also saw the devastating invasion of Delhi by Nadir Shah in 1739.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: He ascended the throne with the help of the Sayyid Brothers but eventually managed to eliminate them to assert his own authority.
Logic 2: Despite the 'Rangila' title, he was a major supporter of Islamic education and saw the first translations of the Quran into simple Persian and Urdu.

Active Recall

Question

What major disaster occurred during Muhammad Shah's reign?

Answer

The invasion of Nadir Shah in 1739, which led to a massive massacre in Delhi and the loss of the Peacock Throne and the Kohinoor diamond.

Core Insight

The name 'Rangila' captures the paradox of 18th-century Delhi: a city reaching its cultural zenith while its political foundations were rapidly rotting away.