UPPCS Mains 2011

18th Century Successor States

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Founder of the independent Kingdom of Hyderabad:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept As the Mughal Empire weakened after 1707, powerful provincial governors began carved out independent kingdoms while maintaining a nominal link to the Delhi throne.

Explanation Chin Qilich Khan, better known by his title Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah, founded the independent state of Hyderabad in 1724. He was a leading noble in the Mughal court who became frustrated with the political chaos in Delhi and moved to the Deccan to establish his own rule.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: He defeated the Mughal governor Mubariz Khan at the Battle of Shakr-Kheda (1724) to secure his control over the Deccan.
Logic 2: Although he ruled independently, he never officially declared independence from the Mughal Emperor, continuing to use the Emperor's name on coins.

Active Recall

Question

What title did the Mughal Emperor give Chin Qilich Khan?

Answer

He was given the title 'Asaf Jah' by Emperor Muhammad Shah in 1725, recognizing his authority over the Deccan.

Core Insight

Hyderabad became the most stable and wealthy 'successor state' of the Mughal Empire, preserving much of the Mughal administrative and cultural heritage in the South.