UPSC Prelims 2003 Q16: Medieval History – Mughal Empire
How did the Mughal Emperor Jahandar Shah’s reign come to an early end?
- (a) He was deposed by his wazir
- (b) He died due to a slip while climbing down steps
- (c) He was defeated by his nephew in a battle
- (d) He died of sickness due to too much consumption of wine
Answer: (c) He was defeated by his nephew in a battle
Explanation
End of Jahandar Shah's reign
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Defeated by his nephew in a battle | Yes — Farrukhsiyar defeated him near Agra in 1713 |
| Deposed by his wazir | No |
| Slipped while climbing steps | No |
| Died of excess wine | No |
Jahandar Shah was defeated by his nephew Farrukhsiyar at Samugarh near Agra in January 1713 and was then killed.
Answer: (c) He was defeated by his nephew in a battle.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. His wazir Zulfiqar Khan stayed with him.
- (b) Incorrect. Falling on steps is not recorded for him.
- (c) CORRECT. Farrukhsiyar defeated him.
- (d) Incorrect. His wine habits did not end his reign.
Key point
Later Mughals: Bahadur Shah I, Jahandar Shah, Farrukhsiyar, Muhammad Shah.
Remember
Jahandar Shah lost to his nephew Farrukhsiyar in 1713.
Common mistakes
- Mixing the end of Jahandar Shah with Muhammad Shah.
- Forgetting the role of the Sayyid brothers for Farrukhsiyar.
- Taking his drinking habit as the cause.
Exam tip
Farrukhsiyar: made emperor by the Sayyid brothers, 1713.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- William Irvine — Later Mughals, Volume I (1707–1720)