Who among the following was the founder of the Avadh Kingdom in the 18th century?
- A.Murshid Quli Khan
- B.Saadat Khan
- C.Alivardi Khan
- D.Sarfaraz Khan
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, Saadat Khan. Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk was appointed governor of Avadh by the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah in 1722 and made it a virtually independent state.
Saadat Khan, a Persian noble from Nishapur, brought the zamindars of Avadh under control, reorganised the revenue system and made the governorship hereditary in his family. He died in 1739, the year Nadir Shah invaded Delhi. His nephew and son-in-law Safdar Jang succeeded him, followed by Shuja-ud-Daula, who fought at Buxar in 1764. The capital moved from Faizabad to Lucknow under Asaf-ud-Daula in 1775, and the British annexed Avadh in 1856, deposing Wajid Ali Shah.
A is wrong because Murshid Quli Khan founded the independent state of Bengal. C is wrong because Alivardi Khan was a later Nawab of Bengal, who seized power in 1740. D is wrong because Sarfaraz Khan was the Nawab of Bengal whom Alivardi Khan overthrew.
Exam tip: Avadh, Saadat Khan; Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan; Hyderabad, Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah; all broke away from the Mughals in the 1720s.
Practice Questions
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- B.The ally was free to enter into agreements with other rulers or engage in warfare.
- C.In the territory of the ally, a British armed contingent would be stationed.
- D.The ally would have to provide resources for the maintenance of the British armed contingent.
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- C.They followed a tolerant religious policy.
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Read the full explanation →Who was the author of the Gwalior Prashasti of Mihira Bhoja ?
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