UPSC Prelims 2004 Q25: Medieval History – Regional Kingdoms & Frontier States
How did the dynasty of Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar come to an end?
- (a) Ahmadnagar was annexed into Mughal empire and Husain Shah was consigned to life imprisonment
- (b) Mughal troops destroyed Daulatabad fort and killed Nizam - ul - Mulk of Ahmadnagar
- (c) Fateh Khan usurped the throne from Nizam - ul - Mulk
- (d) Malik Ambar was defeated in a battle with Mughals in 1631 and the entire royal family was killed by the Mughal troops
Answer: (a) Ahmadnagar was annexed into Mughal empire and Husain Shah was consigned to life imprisonment
Explanation
End of the Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmadnagar
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Ahmadnagar annexed by the Mughals; Husain Shah imprisoned for life | Correct — 1633 under Shah Jahan |
| Daulatabad fort destroyed and Nizam-ul-Mulk killed | Not what happened |
| Fateh Khan usurped the throne | He was Malik Ambar's son, who briefly held power |
| Malik Ambar defeated in 1631 | Malik Ambar died in 1626 |
The Nizam Shahi dynasty ended when the Mughals annexed Ahmadnagar in 1633 and sent the young king Husain Shah to life imprisonment at Gwalior.
Answer: (a) Ahmadnagar was annexed into Mughal empire and Husain Shah was consigned to life imprisonment.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Ahmadnagar was annexed and Husain Shah imprisoned.
- (b) Incorrect. The fort was not destroyed with the king killed.
- (c) Incorrect. Fateh Khan's usurpation preceded the Mughal annexation.
- (d) Incorrect. Malik Ambar had died in 1626.
Key point
Ahmadnagar: Malik Ambar (died 1626), annexed by Shah Jahan 1633.
Remember
Ahmadnagar was annexed by the Mughals in 1633.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Malik Ambar ended the dynasty.
- Believing the royal family was killed.
- Mixing Ahmadnagar's fall with Bijapur's (1686).
Exam tip
Deccan sultanates: Ahmadnagar 1633, Bijapur 1686, Golconda 1687.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Malik Ambar