NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 10 eighteenth-century political formations notes.

Chapter-10: Eighteenth-century political formations

These NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 10 notes explain the major political changes that took place in India during the 18th century. The chapter focuses on the weakening of the Mughal Empire and the emergence of powerful regional states across different parts of the country.

Eighteenth-Century Political Formations discusses how former Mughal provinces like Awadh, Hyderabad and Bengal became independent, while groups such as the Marathas and Sikhs rose as major political powers. It also highlights the role of nobles, merchants, invasions and wars in shaping this period.

This chapter helps students understand how political fragmentation created conditions that later helped the British expand their control in India.

1. Introduction

  • The 18th century was a period of major political change in India.
  • The Mughal Empire began to weaken after years of expansion and conflict.
  • Central authority declined and control from Delhi became weak.
  • Many regional powers started asserting independence.
  • Political unity gave way to fragmentation across regions.

2. Time period covered

  • This period roughly extends from 1707 CE to 1761 CE.
  • It begins with the death of Aurangzeb (1707 CE).
  • Mughal political authority declined steadily after this event.
  • The phase ends with the Third Battle of Panipat (1761 CE).
  • These years witnessed intense power struggles in India.

3. Decline of the Mughal empire

  • Long wars under Aurangzeb, especially in the Deccan, weakened the empire.
  • Continuous warfare drained the treasury and the army.
  • Mughal successors were weak and inefficient rulers.
  • Central administration failed to control distant provinces.
  • Powerful nobles and governors became independent.
  • Mughal governors controlled Diwani and Faujdari with little central control.

4. Emergence of regional states

  • The weakening of Mughal power led to the rise of regional states.
  • Many regions stopped obeying the authority of Delhi.
  • These states controlled revenue and military power locally.
  • Some followed Mughal systems but ruled independently.
  • Regional rulers strengthened their armies and administration.

5. Old Mughal provinces becoming independent

  • Some Mughal provinces gradually became independent states.
  • Awadh was founded by Sa‘adat Khan.
  • Hyderabad was established under Asaf Jah.
  • Bengal came under powerful Nawabs.
  • These states used Mughal administrative systems.
  • They paid little or no revenue to Delhi.

6. States that enjoyed long autonomy

  • Some states had long traditions of autonomy.
  • The Rajputs controlled large areas of Rajasthan.
  • The Jats emerged as a strong regional power.
  • The Sikhs challenged Mughal authority in Punjab.
  • These states built strong military forces.
  • They often resisted Mughal control successfully.

7. New states formed by powerful groups

  • New political powers emerged from powerful social groups.
  • The Marathas became the most influential among them.
  • The Maratha power originated in the Deccan.
  • Poona served as the centre of Maratha power.
  • The Peshwas became the effective leaders of the Marathas.
  • They collected Chauth and Sardeshmukhi as taxes.

8. The Sikhs in the eighteenth century

  • The Sikhs were organised into military groups called misls.
  • Each misl controlled a specific territory.
  • Guru Gobind Singh transformed Sikhs into a strong fighting force.
  • Sikh groups operated independently but shared common goals.
  • The Dal Khalsa acted as the collective body of misls.
  • Sikh power expanded rapidly in Punjab.

9. Role of nobles, merchants and bankers

  • Powerful nobles controlled provinces and local administration.
  • Many nobles acted like independent rulers.
  • Merchants provided financial support to rulers.
  • Bankers played an important role in funding wars and administration.
  • Economic power increased political influence.
  • Wealth became a major source of authority.

10. Invasions and instability

  • Foreign invasions further weakened Indian political systems.
  • Nadir Shah invaded and looted Delhi in 1739 CE.
  • Ahmad Shah Abdali launched repeated invasions.
  • These invasions destroyed wealth and morale.
  • Mughal authority declined further after these attacks.
  • Political instability increased across North India.

11. Third battle of Panipat

  • The Third Battle of Panipat (1761 CE) was a decisive conflict.
  • It was fought between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
  • The Marathas suffered a major defeat.
  • Their defeat created a power vacuum in North India.
  • No single Indian power could dominate after this battle.

12. Entry of the British

  • India was politically fragmented and weak.
  • Indian states lacked unity and coordination.
  • The British had a strong and disciplined army.
  • They possessed superior economic and trading power.
  • Control over trade gave them political advantage.
  • By 1765 CE, the British gained control over Bengal.

13. Important dates and facts

  • 1707 CE marks the death of Aurangzeb.
  • 1739 CE marks the invasion of Nadir Shah.
  • 1761 CE marks the Third Battle of Panipat.
  • 1765 CE marks British control over Bengal.
  • These dates highlight the shift in Indian political power.

14. Important keywords

  • Subadar was a provincial governor under the Mughals.
  • Diwani refers to revenue administration.
  • Faujdari relates to military administration.
  • Nawab was a provincial ruler.
  • Misl was a Sikh military group.
  • Dal Khalsa was the collective body of Sikh misls.
  • Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were Maratha taxes.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 10 is important to learn how the decline of Mughal authority led to the rise of regional powers and political instability in India. The chapter clearly explains the role of wars, administration, regional ambitions and foreign invasions in changing the political landscape.

The ideas discussed in Eighteenth-Century Political Formations help students connect medieval Indian history with the beginning of colonial rule and are highly useful for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

Continue reading NCERT Class 8 History to understand how British colonial rule expanded and transformed India in the modern period.

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FAQs

Q1. Which period is covered in NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 10?
The chapter mainly covers the period from 1707 CE to 1761 CE.

Q2. Why did the Mughal Empire decline in the 18th century?
Due to long wars, weak successors, administrative breakdown and powerful regional governors.

Q3. Who were the Marathas?
The Marathas were a powerful political group from the Deccan led by the Peshwas.

Q4. What was the importance of the Third Battle of Panipat?
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761 CE) weakened the Marathas and created a power vacuum in North India.

Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains political change and the background of British expansion, making it important for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

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