UPSC Prelims 2003 Q123: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
- (a) Ali Mardan Khan introduced the system of revenue farming in Bengal
- (b) Maharaja Ranjit Singh set up modern foundries to manufacture cannons at Lahore
- (c) Sawai Jai Singh of Amber had Euclid’s ‘Elements of Geometry’ translated into Sanskrit
- (d) Sultan Tipu of Mysore gave money for the construction of the idol of Goddess Sarda in the Sringeri temple
Answer: (a) Ali Mardan Khan introduced the system of revenue farming in Bengal
Explanation
Statements on Indian history (NOT correct)
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Ali Mardan Khan introduced revenue farming in Bengal | Not correct — Murshid Quli Khan introduced revenue farming (ijara) |
| b. Ranjit Singh set up modern foundries at Lahore | Correct |
| c. Sawai Jai Singh had Euclid's Elements translated into Sanskrit | Correct |
| d. Tipu gave money for the idol of Goddess Sarda at Sringeri | Correct |
The question asks which statement is NOT correct: it is (a), since revenue farming in Bengal was introduced by Murshid Quli Khan.
Answer: (a) Ali Mardan Khan introduced the system of revenue farming in Bengal.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Murshid Quli Khan, not Ali Mardan Khan, introduced it.
- (b) Incorrect. Ranjit Singh set up foundries for cannon at Lahore.
- (c) Incorrect. Jai Singh had Euclid translated into Sanskrit.
- (d) Incorrect. Tipu patronised the Sringeri temple.
Key point
Murshid Quli Khan: ijara system, Dacca to Murshidabad; Alivardi Khan: succeeded 1740.
Remember
Murshid Quli Khan introduced revenue farming in Bengal.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Ali Mardan Khan, a Persian governor, with ijara.
- Missing that the question asks for the statement that is not correct.
- Mixing up the Nawabs of Bengal in the list.
Exam tip
Ijaradari in Bengal: Murshid Quli Khan (1717-27).
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Jadunath Sarkar — The Fall of the Mughal Empire (Orient Longman)