Question

Explain how the states of the 18th century where divided into three overlapping groups.

Answer 1

During the 18th century, the Mughal Empire gradually fragmented into a number of independent regional states. These states can be broadly divided into three overlapping groups: States that were old Mughal provinces: These included Awadh, Bengal andHyderabad.

Answer 2

(a) States that were old Mughal provinces like Awadh, Bengal and Hyderabad.

• States that had enjoyed considerable independence under the Mughals as watan jagirs.These included several Rajput principalities.

• The group included states under the control of Marathas, Sikhs and others like the Jats.