Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 28

Which of these are the common features of the old Mughal provinces(Awadh, Bengal & Hyderabad

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the economic and administrative practices of the Mughal provinces.

Correct Answer: D) Only (A) & (B).

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century, was divided into several provinces, each with its own administrative and economic practices. Among these provinces, Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad were significant and shared certain common features that distinguished them from the central Mughal administration.

One of the common features among these provinces was their emerging relationship with bankers. As the Mughal Empire expanded and the economy became more complex, the provinces began to rely more heavily on bankers and financiers for managing their finances. This relationship with bankers was a significant aspect of the economic practices in these provinces, as it allowed them to manage their revenues and expenditures more effectively.

Another common feature was the difference in tax collection methods compared to the central Mughal administration. The central Mughal administration had a standardized system of tax collection, but the provinces often adapted this system to suit their local conditions. For example, in Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, the tax collection methods were often more localized and tailored to the specific economic conditions of the region. This allowed the provinces to collect taxes more efficiently and to better manage their resources.

However, it is important to note that the military strength of these provinces was not a common feature. While all provinces had military forces, the strength and organization of these forces varied significantly. Some provinces had stronger military forces than others, but this was not a consistent feature across all the provinces.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the common features of the old Mughal provinces (Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad) include their emerging relationships with bankers and differences in tax collection methods compared to the central Mughal administration. These features reflect the economic and administrative practices that were common among these provinces and distinguish them from the central Mughal administration.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is partially correct. The old Mughal provinces, including Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, did have emerging relationships with bankers, which was a significant feature of their economic practices. However, this alone does not encompass all the common features.
  • Option B: This option is also partially correct. The tax collection methods in these provinces differed from the central Mughal administration, reflecting local adaptations and practices. This is another important common feature.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. While these provinces did have military forces, there is no evidence to suggest that they all had stronger military forces compared to other Mughal provinces. This feature is not a common one among Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad.
  • Option D: This option is correct. The common features of the old Mughal provinces (Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad) include their emerging relationships with bankers and differences in tax collection methods compared to the central Mughal administration. These two features are significant and accurately reflect the commonalities among these provinces.

Mnemonic: BAM: Bankers, Administration, Military

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