2004 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies
Question 25: History and Culture
How did the dynasty of Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar come to an end?
aAhmadnagar was annexed into Mughal empire and Husain Shah was consigned to life imprisonment
bMughal troops destroyed Daulatabad fort and killed Nizam-ul-Mulk of Ahmadnagar
cFateh Khan usurped the throne from Nizam-ul-Mulk
dMalik Ambar was defeated in a battle with Mughals in 1631 and the entire royal family was killed by the Mughal troops
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Shah Jahan's forces ended the Nizam Shahi dynasty: the Mughals annexed Ahmadnagar into the empire about 1633, and the last Nizam Shah, Husain Shah, was captured and imprisoned for life in Gwalior fort. Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian regent who had held the Mughals back for years, had died in 1626, so he could not have been defeated in 1631.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Correct: Ahmadnagar was annexed and Husain Shah was imprisoned for life.
- (b) No Mughal destruction of Daulatabad and killing of the Nizam-ul-Mulk is recorded.
- (c) Fateh Khan was a minister who held power for a time; he did not end the dynasty.
- (d) Malik Ambar died in 1626, before the date given.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.