About the Topic:The turbulent transition of 18th-century India is a high-yield focus area for competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services (Prelims), UPPSC, BPSC, RPSC, CDS, and NDA. Following the decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the subcontinent witnessed a dramatic political fragmentation. This era saw the emergence of three distinct categories of states: Successor States (like Bengal under Murshid Quli Khan, Awadh under Saadat Khan, and Hyderabad under Nizam-ul-Mulk), Independent States (such as Mysore under Haidar Ali and the Rajput principalities), and New States/Warrior States (including the Maratha Confederacy, the Sikh Misls under Ranjit Singh, and the Jats). This comprehensive practice module bridges the gap between basic textbooks and analytical application. The questions are structured around complex, statement-based evaluation methods—testing your clarity on crucial treaties, land revenue systems (like Ijarah), the administrative mechanics of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, and the geopolitical alignments that ultimately paved the way for British paramountcy. Every objective question is paired with a clear, fact-checked breakdown that explains not just the correct option, but also why the distractors are incorrect. Regular engagement with this question bank will help you internalize tricky timelines, avoid common examiner traps, and build authentic confidence for your exam day.
Which of the following opposed British in India vigorously?
Correct Answer:
(A) Maratha
Marathas opposed British vigorously in India. Maratha were suppressed after three Anglo-Maratha Wars. On ruins of Mughal Empire, Maratha laid down their foundation and British also took advantage of these circumstances. British lost first Anglo-Maratha war badly and this war ended with the Treaty of Salbai. Lord Wellesley trapped Peshwa in the cage of Subsidiary Alliance in 1802. Lord Hastings installed British supremacy after the devastation of remnant strength of Marathas in 1818.
Ques: 2
The kingdom of Ranjit Singh included –
Correct Answer:
(D)
Srinagar
Ranjit Singh was born on 13 November, 1780 in the home of Maha Singh, the chief of Shukerchakia Misl. On 25th April 1809, the treaty of Amritsar took place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and British. The terms of the treaty prevented Singh from any further territorial expansion south of the Sutlej but on the other hand, as Cunningham said, Ranjit Singh occupied authority to spread kingdom in the West. He annexed Multan (1818), Kashmir (1819) and Peshawar (1834). Thus, among given options, Kashmir was included in the kingdom of Ranjit Singh.
Ques: 3
Capital of Kingdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was:
Correct Answer:
(C) Lahore
Zamanshah invaded Punjab in 1798. While returning, his canons had fallen in the Chenab river. Ranjit Singh returned them safely to Lahore. Hence, Zamanshah permitted him to occupy Lahore. In July 1799, he seized Lahore and declared capital. He captured Amritsar from Bhangi Misl in 1805. After that, he established Lahore as the political capital of Punjab and Amritsar as the religious capital of Punjab.
Ques: 4
At which place did Raja Ranjit Singh set up the Adalati-Ala?
Correct Answer:
(B) Lahore
Maharaja Ranjit Singh set up the Adalat-i-Ala at Lahore which heard appeals from the district and provincial courts.
Ques: 5
Ranjeet Singh got famous Kohinoor diamond from-
Correct Answer:
(A) Shah Shuja
Punjab was part the of Ahmad Shah Abdali’s territory, but in 1773 after his death, most of the area of his empire was occupied by Sikh misls leaving Multan, Kashmir and some other smaller regions. Ranjit Singh got the opportunity to consolidate his empire as Afghans were engaged in internal fights. In 1800 AD, Shah Shuja (the grandson of Ahmad Shah Abdali) sat on the throne of Kabul but Shah Mahmud (brother of Shah Shuja) along with powerful Barekzay chieftain Fateh Khan and Dost Muhammad dethroned him and occupied Kashmir and Peshawar. On that occasion, Shah Shuja asked Ranjeet Singh for help and presented him Kohinoor.
Ques: 6
Who among the following has said, ‘God intended me to look upon all religions with one eye, that is why he took away the light from the other’?
Correct Answer:
(A) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
The above-statement was made by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh was born on 13 Nov. 1780 at Gujranwala. When he was only 12 years old, his father Maha Singh died. A council of regency governed administration from 1792 to 1797 which included his mother, mother-in-Law and Diwan Lakhpat Rai. He assumed the powers directly in 1797. Ranjit Singh annexed Lahore (1799), Amritsar (1805) and Faridkot, Maler, Kotla and Ambala (1808).
Ques: 7
The successor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was :
Correct Answer:
(B) Khadag Singh
Khadag Singh ascended the throne after the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839. He was an addict of opium. Consequently, a period of turbulence and anarchy inseparable from a series of disputed successions started. Two factions Dogra Brothers (Dhyan Singh, Gulab Singh, and Suchet Singh) and Sandhanwalia Sardars (Chait Singh, Atar Singh, Lahna Singh and nephew Ajeet Singh) emerged for succession and created chaos in Punjab.
Ques: 8
Who was last King of Sikh empire?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Duleep Singh
Maharaja Duleep Singh was the last king of Sikh empire. He reigned from 1843 to 1849.
Ques: 9
Which one of the following statements is correct about Dalip Singh, the ex-Maharaja of Punjab?
Correct Answer:
(A) He died in Paris on 23 October, 1893
Former King of Punjab, Maharaja Duleep Singh died in Paris (France) on 23 October, 1893. Remaining all statements are false. He accepted Christianity, visited Russia and was cremated in London.
Ques: 10
Who emerged victorious in the first Anglo-Mysore War (1766-69)?
Correct Answer:
(B) Haider Ali
First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-69) was fought between British and Haider Ali. He fought bravely and captured Mangalore in 1768 and reached Madras in 1769 where English in helplessness had to sign the “Treaty of Madras’ in April 1769 on the conditions of Haider Ali.
Ques: 11
Who among the following established a modern armory in Dindigal Mysore in 1755?
Correct Answer:
(B) Haider Ali
In 1742, Mysore army under Venkata Raya's leadership conquered Dindigul. In 1755, Mysore king sent Haider Ali to Dindigul to handle the situation. Haider Ali occupied Dindigul & converted this fort into sepohy post. Later on, he became the ruler of Mysore. In 1777, Haider Ali appointed Purshana Mir Saheb as governor of Dindigul.
Ques: 12
Tipu Sultan set up his capital at –
Correct Answer:
(A) Srirangapatna
Tipu Sultan set up his Capital at Srirangapatna and was the founder member of ‘Jacobin Club’ and also planted “the tree of liberty” as a symbol of the alliance between France and Mysore in Srirangapatna. He sent his delegates for maintaining fruitful relations with contemporary foreign states and getting help against the British. He established embassies in foreign countries on the modern line. “Tipu Sultan established embassies in Egypt, France, and Turkey on modern lines”.
Ques: 13
Tipu Sultan defeated the British Army in 1780 at –
Correct Answer:
(B) Pollilur
Siege of Arcot was done in 1780 by Hyder Ali. After that, a British Army led by Co. William Baillie was defeated at Pollilur. Hyder Ali was defeated at Porto Nova, Pollilur, and Sellingpur between July 1781 to September 1781.
Ques: 14
Englishmen made the Treaty of Srirangpatnam with–
Correct Answer:
(C) Tipu Sultan
Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-92) ended with the Treaty of Srirangapatnam (1792). It was signed by Tipu Sultan and Cornwallis. According to the treaty, Half of the territories of Tipu were snatched away from him and divided among Marathas, British, and Nizam. Tipu had to pay Rs. 3 crores as war indemnity to British as his two sons were kept hostage.