UPSC Prelims 2021 Q48: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
How three 18th-century states arose
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State | Incorrect | The Nawabs of Arcot (Carnatic) were first appointed by Aurangzeb in the 1690s, before Hyderabad State was founded in 1724; Arcot came out of the Mughal Deccan |
| 2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire | Correct | The Wodeyars were feudatories of Vijayanagara and became independent after its decline following Talikota (1565) |
| 3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani | Incorrect | Ali Muhammad Khan set up Rohilkhand in 1721, during Mughal decline; Durrani first invaded only in 1748 |
The three states at a glance:
| State | Founder | Arose from |
|---|---|---|
| Arcot (Carnatic) | Mughal-appointed Nawabs; Saadatullah Khan made Arcot the seat | Mughal Deccan |
| Hyderabad | Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah (1724) | Mughal Deccan |
| Mysore | Wodeyar dynasty | Vijayanagara Empire |
| Rohilkhand | Ali Muhammad Khan (Rohilla Afghans) | Mughal territory between the Ganga and Kumaon |
Note: the Nizam claimed authority over the Carnatic, so some exam-day keys marked Statement 1 as right.
The accepted answer treats it as wrong.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Arcot arose from the Mughal Deccan, not out of Hyderabad State.
- (b) CORRECT. Only Mysore is rightly described; it emerged out of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- (c) Incorrect. Rohilkhand was founded in 1721, long before Ahmad Shah Durrani's invasions.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; Ali Muhammad Khan, not Durrani's conquests, created Rohilkhand.
Key point
Arcot: Mughal-appointed Nawabs (1690s). Hyderabad: Nizam-ul-Mulk, 1724. Mysore: Wodeyars, out of Vijayanagara. Rohilkhand: Ali Muhammad Khan, 1721.
Remember
Mysore from Vijayanagara; Arcot and Hyderabad both from the Mughal Deccan.
Common mistakes
- Taking the Nizam's claim over the Carnatic to mean Arcot was born out of Hyderabad.
- Linking Rohilkhand to Durrani because both are Afghan.
- Forgetting that Arcot is older than Hyderabad State.
Exam tip
Compare the dates. A state founded earlier cannot emerge out of one founded later: Arcot (1690s) and Hyderabad (1724); Rohilkhand (1721) and Durrani (1748).
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — History of Modern India, Ch 2 (Indian States and Society in the 18th Century)
- Satish Chandra — History of Medieval India, Ch on the Mughal Empire in the 18th century