Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 77

Who became the successor to his father Akbar II?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of the Mughal emperors.

Correct Answer: C) Bahadur Shah Zafar.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Mughal dynasty was a significant ruling dynasty in India that spanned from the 16th to the 19th century. The dynasty was founded by Babur in 1526 and lasted until the British deposed the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, in 1857. The Mughal emperors were known for their architectural achievements, such as the Taj Mahal, and their influence on Indian culture and politics.

Akbar II, also known as Akbar Shah II, was the Mughal emperor from 1806 to 1837. He was the son of Shah Alam II and succeeded his father to the throne. Akbar II's reign was marked by the decline of Mughal power, as the British East India Company gradually increased its control over India. Despite his efforts to maintain the Mughal empire, Akbar II was unable to prevent the erosion of Mughal authority.

Bahadur Shah Zafar, the correct answer, was the son of Akbar II and succeeded him as the Mughal emperor in 1837. Bahadur Shah Zafar's reign was short-lived and marked by the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny. The rebellion was a significant uprising against British rule in India, and although it was ultimately unsuccessful, it led to the dissolution of the Mughal empire. Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured by the British and exiled to Rangoon (now Yangon, Myanmar), where he died in 1862.

Understanding the succession in the Mughal dynasty is crucial for comprehending the political and historical context of 19th-century India. The Mughal emperors played a significant role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the subcontinent, and their succession provides insight into the dynamics of power and the eventual decline of the Mughal empire under British colonial rule.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Aurangzeb was a Mughal emperor, but he ruled much earlier, from 1658 to 1707, and was not the successor to Akbar II.
  • Option B: Jahangir was another Mughal emperor who ruled from 1605 to 1627, long before Akbar II. He was not the successor to Akbar II.
  • Option C: Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor, and he succeeded his father, Akbar II, in 1837. This is the correct answer.
  • Option D: Krishnadevaraya was a Vijayanagara emperor, not a Mughal emperor, and he ruled in the early 16th century, long before Akbar II.

Mnemonic: A to B: Akbar II to Bahadur Shah Zafar

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 77 – Practice all questions