UPSC CSE Pre 2004

Mughal Expansion in the Deccan

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

How did the dynasty of Nizam Shahi of Ahmadnagar come to an end?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The expansion of the Mughal Empire into the Deccan was a long, arduous process. Ahmadnagar was the first major Deccan Sultanate to fall completely to Mughal power during the 17th century.

Explanation In 1633–1636, under the reign of Shah Jahan, the Mughals successfully conquered Ahmadnagar. The final Nizam Shahi ruler, Hussain Shah, was captured and sent to life imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort. This marked the total annexation of Ahmadnagar into the Mughal provinces.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: While Malik Ambar (Option D) was a legendary general who resisted the Mughals for years using guerrilla warfare, his death and the subsequent internal instability paved the way for the final conquest.
Logic 2: The official end of the dynasty is recorded as the capture of Hussain Shah and the formal incorporation of the territory into the Mughal Empire.

Active Recall

Question

Who was Malik Ambar and why was he significant?

Answer

He was a powerful prime minister of Ahmadnagar who successfully resisted Mughal expansion for decades using innovative guerrilla tactics and military management.

Core Insight

The fall of Ahmadnagar broke the 'Deccan barrier,' allowing the Mughals to focus their resources on the remaining Sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda.