[Solved] Muhammad Shah 'Rangila': The Pleasure-Loving Emperor

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

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

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What major disaster occurred during Muhammad Shah's reign?"

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.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Sayyid Brothers 4 Nadir Shah 6 Peacock Throne 3

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