CBSE Class 7 Social Science: Chapter 10 – Eighteenth-Century Political Formations NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This chapter delves into the significant political transformations that occurred in India during the eighteenth century, a period following the decline of the Mughal Empire. The NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science, Chapter 10, "Eighteenth-Century Political Formations," provide comprehensive explanations and answers to the textbook questions. Students will learn about the emergence of powerful regional states like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, and understand the roles of key figures such as Murshid Quli Khan, Sa'adat Khan, and Asaf Jah. The solutions also cover the organization of groups like the Sikhs and Marathas, and the impact of external invasions. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the complex political landscape of the era, understand the challenges faced by rulers, and analyze the transition from Mughal dominance to regional autonomy. They serve as an excellent resource for exam preparation, offering clear and concise answers to reinforce learning.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 7
Subject	Social Science
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 10 – Eighteenth-Century Political Formations

Chapter summary

Chapter 10, "Eighteenth-Century Political Formations," focuses on the period after the decline of the Mughal Empire. The NCERT Solutions explain the rise of independent regional states, the policies of their rulers, and the challenges they faced. It covers the formation of states like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, the Maratha expansion, and the organization of the Sikhs. The solutions address key concepts like the roles of nobles, revenue systems, and the impact of invasions, providing a clear understanding of the political landscape of 18th-century India.

Learning outcomes

Understand the political context of India in the eighteenth century.
Identify the major regional states that emerged after the Mughal decline.
Explain the policies and strategies adopted by rulers of new states.
Describe the organization and expansion of the Marathas and Sikhs.
Analyze the impact of invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Differentiate between the roles of various officials and revenue farmers.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Decline of the Mughal Empire
Emergence of Regional States
Awadh
Bengal
Hyderabad
Marathas
Sikhs
Revenue Systems (Jagirdari, Ijaradari)
Officials (Subadar, Faujdar, Umara)
Invasions (Nadir Shah)
Political Formations
Eighteenth Century India

Important topics

Emergence of Regional States (Awadh, Bengal, Hyderabad)
Maratha Expansion and Organization
Sikh Organization and Resistance
Policies of New Rulers
Role of Nobles and Officials
Impact of Mughal Decline

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Questions and Solutions

1. Match the following

Match the following terms with their correct descriptions:

subadar

faujdar

ijaradar

misl

chauth

kunbis

umara

Solution: The correct matches are:

subadar - provincial governor

faujdar - a Mughal military commander

ijaradar - a revenue farmer

misl - A band of Sikh warriors

chauth – tax levied by the Marathas

kunbis - Maratha peasant warriors

umara - a high noble

2. Fill in the blanks:

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

Aurangzeb fought a protracted war in the ......
Umara and jagirdars constituted powerful sections of the Mughal ......
Asaf Jah founded the Hyderabad state in .....
The founder of the Awadh state was .....

Solution: The completed sentences are:

Aurangzeb fought a protracted war in the Deccan.
Umara and jagirdars constituted powerful sections of the Mughal administration.
Asaf Jah founded the Hyderabad state in 1724.
The founder of the Awadh state was Burhan-ul-Mulk Sa'adat Khan.

3. State whether true or false:

Determine whether the following statements are true or false:

Nadir Shah invaded Bengal.
Sawai Raja Jai Singh was the ruler of Indore.
Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs.
Poona became the capital of the Marathas in the eighteenth century.

Solution: The truthfulness of the statements is as follows:

Nadir Shah invaded Bengal. - False (Nadir Shah invaded North India, specifically Delhi, not Bengal.)
Sawai Raja Jai Singh was the ruler of Indore. - False (Sawai Raja Jai Singh was the ruler of Amber, known for founding Jaipur.)
Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. - True
Poona became the capital of the Marathas in the eighteenth century. - True

4. What were the offices held by Sa'adat Khan?

What were the official positions held by Sa'adat Khan?

Solution: Sa'adat Khan held the combined offices of subadari (provincial governorship), diwani (revenue administration), and faujdari (military command) in the province of Awadh. Essentially, he was responsible for managing all the political, financial, and military affairs of the region, consolidating his power significantly.

5. Why did the Nawab of Awadh and Bengal try to do away with the jagirdari system?

Explain the reasons why the Nawabs of Awadh and Bengal sought to abolish the jagirdari system.

Solution: The Nawabs of Awadh and Bengal attempted to dismantle the jagirdari system primarily to reduce the influence and authority of the Mughal Empire within their own territories. By taking control of jagirs and managing them directly, they aimed to assert their independence and consolidate their power, weakening the traditional Mughal administrative structure that relied on jagirdars.

6. How were the Sikhs organised in the eighteenth century?

Describe the organizational structure of the Sikhs during the eighteenth century.

Solution: During the 17th century, the Sikhs began organizing themselves into a distinct political community. This process intensified in the 18th century. After the institution of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and his subsequent death in 1708, the Khalsa, under leaders like Banda Bahadur, revolted against Mughal rule. Although Banda Bahadur was eventually captured and executed, the Sikhs continued to organize. In the 18th century, they formed numerous autonomous bands known as 'jathas'. These jathas later consolidated into larger, well-knit groups called 'misl's. This strong organizational structure enabled them to effectively resist the authority of the Mughal governors and later, the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali, who had seized control of Punjab and Sirhind.

7. Why did the Marathas want to expand beyond the Deccan?

What were the motivations behind the Marathas' desire to expand their territory beyond the Deccan region?

Solution: The Marathas sought to expand beyond the Deccan primarily to diminish the influence of the weakening Mughal Empire and to secure their own political and economic dominance. By the 1720s, they had successfully captured territories like Malwa and Gujarat from the Mughals. By the 1730s, their power had grown to such an extent that the Maratha king was recognized as the supreme overlord of the entire Deccan peninsula, marking a significant shift in regional power dynamics.

8. What were the policies adopted by Asaf Jah to strengthen his position?

What measures did Asaf Jah implement to consolidate his authority and strengthen his position as the ruler of the Deccan?

Solution: After establishing himself as the de facto ruler of the Deccan, Asaf Jah adopted several key policies to solidify his power. He actively recruited skilled soldiers and administrators from northern India, attracting them with new opportunities in the southern region. He also continued the practice of appointing mansabdars and granting them jagirs, ensuring loyalty and administrative efficiency. Crucially, Asaf Jah ruled with considerable independence, making decisions without significant Mughal interference. The Mughal emperor's role was largely reduced to formally confirming the decisions already made by Asaf Jah, highlighting the shift in power.

9. Do you think merchants and bankers today have the kind of influence they had in the eighteenth century?

Compare the influence of merchants and bankers in the present day with their influence during the eighteenth century.

Solution: The influence of merchants and bankers today differs significantly from the eighteenth century. In the 18th century, merchants often held considerable sway, providing loans at high interest rates. While bankers also played a role, the landscape was different. Today, with increased financial literacy and the proliferation of formal banking institutions, people often prefer banks that offer loans and financial assistance at more regulated and often cheaper rates, sometimes with subsidies. Banks also provide a wider range of financial products and services for various purposes. Consequently, while merchants remain important, the organized banking sector and its diverse offerings arguably give bankers a different, and in many ways, a more systemic and widespread influence in the modern economy compared to the eighteenth century.

10. Did any of the Kingdoms mentioned in this chapter develop in your state? If so, in what ways do you think life in the state would have been different in the eighteenth century from what it is in the twenty-first century?

Consider if any of the kingdoms discussed in this chapter were located in your state. If so, reflect on how life might have differed in the eighteenth century compared to the twenty-first century.

Solution: This question requires a personal response based on the student's location. For example, if a student lives in Delhi, as mentioned in the source, none of the specific kingdoms like Awadh, Bengal, or Hyderabad developed directly within that immediate region during the eighteenth century in the way described. However, Delhi was still a significant political center, albeit one experiencing the decline of Mughal power. Students living in regions that were part of or influenced by Awadh, Bengal, Hyderabad, the Maratha Confederacy, or Sikh territories would need to research their local history. They should consult with their history teacher to understand the specific political formations and societal conditions of their region in the 18th century and compare them with contemporary life, considering aspects like governance, economy, social structure, and daily routines.

11. Find out more about the architecture and culture associated with the new courts of any of the following Awadh, Bengal or Hyderabad.

Research and gather information about the distinct architecture and cultural practices associated with the courts of Awadh, Bengal, or Hyderabad during the eighteenth century.

Solution: This is a self-study question designed for students to explore the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the period. To answer this, students would need to conduct research using historical texts, art history resources, and potentially visit relevant sites or museums. For example:

Awadh (Lucknow): Known for its Indo-Islamic architecture, including the Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza. The court was a center for Urdu poetry, music (like Kathak), and refined cuisine.

Bengal (Murshidabad/Dhaka): Developed a distinct architectural style influenced by local traditions and Mughal elements. The court patronized Bengali literature, music, and crafts.

Hyderabad: Founded by Asaf Jah, Hyderabad developed its own unique Indo-Persian culture and architecture, blending Deccan and Mughal styles. The Charminar is an iconic example, and the court was known for its patronage of arts, literature, and scholarship.

Students are encouraged to delve deeper into specific examples of buildings, art forms, literature, and courtly life to understand the cultural synthesis that occurred in these regional centers.

Common mistakes

Confusing the roles of different officials like Subadar, Faujdar, and Ijaradar.
Misidentifying the founders or rulers of specific states.
Incorrectly recalling the dates or sequence of historical events.
Confusing the tax levied by the Marathas (Chauth) with other forms of revenue.

Revision tips

Create a timeline of major political events and the rise of new states in the 18th century.
Make flashcards for key terms, rulers, and their associated regions.
Compare and contrast the strategies used by different rulers to consolidate power.
Focus on understanding the reasons behind the decline of Mughal authority and the rise of regional powers.
Practice matching terms with their definitions to reinforce vocabulary.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Who was the founder of the Hyderabad state in the eighteenth century?

Q2. What was the 'chauth' during the eighteenth century?

Q3. Which of the following was NOT an office held by Sa'adat Khan in Awadh?

Q4. How were the Sikhs organized in the eighteenth century for resistance?

Q5. The protracted war fought by Aurangzeb was primarily in which region?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the Chapter 10 NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science?

These solutions focus on the political transformations in India during the eighteenth century, including the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of new regional states like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad.

Who were some of the key figures discussed in relation to the new political formations?

Key figures include Murshid Quli Khan (Bengal), Sa'adat Khan (Awadh), and Asaf Jah (Hyderabad), along with leaders of the Marathas and Sikhs.

How do these solutions help students prepare for exams?

The solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to textbook questions, helping students understand complex concepts, revise key historical events, and practice answering questions accurately.

What is the significance of the term 'Chauth' mentioned in the chapter?

'Chauth' refers to a tax levied by the Marathas, typically one-fourth of the revenue, on territories they influenced or controlled outside their core regions.

What does the chapter explain about the organization of the Sikhs in the 18th century?

The chapter explains that the Sikhs organized themselves into bands called 'jathas' and later 'misl's, which allowed them to effectively resist Mughal authority and establish their own political presence.

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