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The foundation of the independent kingdom of Awadh in the 18th century was laid by:
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Answer: Option B — Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk
Detailed Solution
The foundation of the independent kingdom of Awadh was laid by Saadat Khan (Mir Muhammad Amin), who was given the title "Burhan-ul-Mulk", and was appointed the governor (subadar) of Awadh in 1722.
About Saadat Khan:
- He was a Persian (Shia) noble from Nishapur, who came to India and entered Mughal service.
- He was appointed the governor of Awadh by the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah in 1722.
- He gradually made himself independent of the Mughal emperor in practice.
NCERT on Awadh:
- NCERT notes that Burhan-ul-Mulk Saadat Khan was appointed subadar of Awadh in 1722, and founded a state which was one of the most important states to emerge out of the break-up of the Mughal empire.
- It notes that Awadh was a prosperous region, controlling the rich alluvial Ganga plain and the main trade route between north India and Bengal.
- Burhan-ul-Mulk also held the combined offices of subadari, diwani and faujdari, which gave him control over the political, financial and military affairs of the province.
- He tried to decrease the number of office holders (jagirdars) appointed by the Mughals, and reduced the size of jagirs.
- He seized a number of zamindaris, and appointed his own loyal servants to vacant positions.
- He relied on revenue farmers (ijaradars) for revenue collection, and took support from bankers.
His death:
He was involved in the events of Nadir Shah's invasion of 1739; he is said to have encouraged Nadir Shah to demand more money from Delhi, and died soon after, in 1739 (possibly by suicide).
His successors (the Nawabs of Awadh):
- Safdar Jang (his nephew and son-in-law): also served as the Mughal Wazir; his tomb is in Delhi.
- Shuja-ud-Daula: fought at Buxar (1764).
- Asaf-ud-Daula: a great builder.
- Wajid Ali Shah: the last Nawab; Awadh was later annexed by the British.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Safdar Jang, Shuja-ud-Daula and Asaf-ud-Daula were later Nawabs.
Quick tip
Remember: Awadh founded by Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk (subadar from 1722; NCERT); successors Safdar Jang, Shuja-ud-Daula, Asaf-ud-Daula; last Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
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Mughal Empire — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Mughal Empire, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur in 1526 and reached its height under Akbar. This topic covers the Mughal emperors from Babur to Aurangzeb and the later Mughals, the Sur interlude under Sher Shah Suri, Mughal administration (the mansabdari and jagirdari systems), revenue systems, architecture, painting and literature. Common questions ask about important battles (Panipat, Khanwa, Haldighati), Akbar's policies such as Din-i-Ilahi and the abolition of the jizya, Sher Shah's reforms such as the rupiya coin and the Grand Trunk Road, and the builders of famous monuments. For example, Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort in Delhi. Practise the Mughal Empire questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.