Explanations:The question pertains to the historical context of Indian states during the Mughal period. The Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century, had a complex relationship with various regional states. Some of these states maintained a degree of independence and had formal relations with the Mughals, while others were more directly under Mughal control.
Awadh (also known as Oudh) and Bengal were two such states that had a unique relationship with the Mughal Empire. Awadh, located in the northern part of India, was a powerful state that emerged in the 18th century. It was ruled by the Nawabs of Awadh, who were granted autonomy by the Mughal Emperor in exchange for loyalty and tribute. The Nawabs of Awadh maintained formal relations with the Mughal court, often sending representatives to the Mughal capital and participating in Mughal politics.
Bengal, located in the eastern part of India, was another significant state that had formal relations with the Mughals. The Nawabs of Bengal, who ruled the region, were also granted autonomy by the Mughal Emperor. They maintained a formal relationship with the Mughal court, paying tribute and sometimes sending representatives to the Mughal capital. However, the Nawabs of Bengal also had a degree of independence, which allowed them to pursue their own policies and interests.
The other options provided in the question do not fit the criteria of having formal relations with the Mughals as a single state. The Rajputs were a group of warrior clans who had varying degrees of autonomy and relations with the Mughals, but they were not a unified state. The Sikhs and Jats were powerful groups that emerged later and had complex relations with the Mughals, but they did not form a single state with formal relations during the Mughal period. The Marathas, another powerful group, also had a complex relationship with the Mughals, but they did not form a single state with formal relations during the Mughal period.
Therefore, the correct answer is C) Awadh [Oudh], Bengal, as these were the states that maintained a degree of independence and had formal relations with the Mughal Empire.