History (18 Century Political Formation)(Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3) Covers the Following Topics

1. Introduction to Eighteenth-Century Political Changes
   • Overview of the political landscape in India after 1707.
   • The reshaping of Mughal boundaries and emergence of regional powers.
2. Crisis of the Mughal Empire and the Later Mughals
   • The decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb’s death (1707).
   • Factors contributing to the crisis: wars in the Deccan, administrative inefficiencies, decline in military strength.
   • Peasant and zamindari rebellions due to mounting taxes.
   • Provincial governors (subadars) consolidating power.
   • Loss of control over revenue and military resources.
3. Invasions and Decline
   • Nadir Shah’s Invasion of Delhi (1739)
     • Impact of the invasion on Delhi and the Mughal treasury.
     • Description of wealth looted and the city’s devastation.
   • Ahmad Shah Abdali’s Invasions
     • Multiple invasions of North India by Abdali (1748-1761).
     • Consequences of these invasions on the weakened Mughal Empire.
4. Rise of Regional Powers
   • The Rajputs
     • Role of Rajput kings such as Raja Ajit Singh of Jodhpur and Sawai Raja Jai Singh of Amber.
     • Rajput influence in Gujarat, Malwa, and Rajasthan.
     • Construction of forts and urban centers like Jaipur.
   • The Sikhs
     • Formation of the Sikh political community and rise of the Khalsa (established by Guru Gobind Singh).
     • Banda Bahadur’s revolt against Mughal authority.
     • The establishment of Sikh sovereignty (1765) and Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule in Punjab (1799).
     • The organization of Sikh misls and the role of the Dal Khalsa.
     • Introduction of the Rakhi system: protection of cultivators in exchange for tax.
   • The Marathas
     • Shivaji’s Rise and Establishment of the Maratha State
       • Shivaji’s use of guerrilla tactics and establishment of an efficient administrative system.
       • Introduction of Chauth (25% land tax) and Sardeshmukhi (9-10% tax).
     • Expansion under the Peshwas
       • Expansion into Malwa, Gujarat, and North India (Delhi, Rajasthan) under Baji Rao I.
       • The Maratha raid on Delhi (1737).
       • Third Battle of Panipat (1761)
         • The decline of Maratha power after their defeat.
       • Development of Maratha trade routes and economic growth in cities like Poona and Ujjain.
   • The Jats
     • Role of Jat leaders like Suraj Mal in consolidating control over territories near Delhi and Agra.
     • Establishment of the kingdom of Bharatpur.
     • Construction of Lohagarh Fort and palaces like Dig.
     • Prosperity of Jat-controlled towns such as Panipat and Ballabhgarh.
5. Administrative Systems and Economic Practices
   • Maratha Administrative Systems
     • Efficient revenue collection (Chauth and Sardeshmukhi) to maintain control over vast territories.
     • Influence of Maratha chiefs like Sindhia, Holkar, and Bhonsle in expanding trade.
     • Economic prosperity in Ujjain, Poona, and other cities due to Maratha influence.
   • Sikh Administrative Systems
     • Establishment of the Rakhi system to protect cultivators in return for tax.
     • Management of Sikh territories through collective decision-making (Gurmatas) by the Dal Khalsa.
6. Impact on Society and Culture
   • Rajput Fortifications and Urban Centers
     • Construction of hilltop forts with urban centers and trading hubs.
     • Temples and astronomical observatories (Jantar Mantar) built by Rajput kings.
   • Sikh Religious and Military Organization
     • The role of religion in consolidating Sikh political power.
     • The establishment of Sikh sovereignty, with economic and cultural impacts on Punjab.
7. Key Battles and Military Campaigns
   • Third Battle of Panipat (1761)
     • Maratha defeat and subsequent decline.
   • Mughal Internal Conflicts
     • Assassination of Mughal emperors (e.g., Farrukh Siyar) by powerful noble factions (Iranis, Turanis).
   • Rajput-Maratha Relations
     • Complex relations between the Rajputs and Marathas, including territorial conflicts and temporary alliances.

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