NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 8 – Eighteenth-Century Political Formations
Nikita Aggarwal26 Mar, 2026
History Class 7 Chapter 8 Overview
This chapter explains how political power changed after the Mughal Empire began to weaken in the early eighteenth century. Instead of one empire controlling a huge territory, many regional powers started building their own authority. The chapter is not only about decline. It is also about new states, new leadership, and new political arrangements.
Students using eighteenth century political formations class 7 NCERT solutions guides should remember one key theme: old structures did not disappear at once. Many new rulers still used Mughal titles, offices, and systems, but they increasingly acted on their own and strengthened regional control.
What changed in this period in eighteenth century?
After Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal Empire faced serious political and financial strain. Provincial governors, military leaders, and local chiefs used this situation to expand their own power. That is why this chapter is full of names of states, rulers, and groups that became important in different regions.
What should students learn from this chapter 8?
Students should understand three things clearly: why the Mughal Empire weakened, how regional states emerged, and how political power was organised differently in places like Awadh, Bengal, Hyderabad, Punjab, and the Maratha region. These ideas form the base of most school questions from the chapter.
Eighteenth Century Political Formations Class 7 Question Answer
Practise these exercises to do well in chapter 8:
Choose the Correct Answer
1. Who established the state of Hyderabad?
a) Murshid Quli Khan
b) Asaf Jah
c) Sa’adat Khan
d) Suraj Mal
Answer: b) Asaf Jah
2. Which term is linked with the Marathas?
a) Misl
b) Chauth
c) Suba
d) Gurmata
Answer: b) Chauth
3. Which group became powerful in Punjab during the eighteenth century?
a) Jats
b) Rajputs
c) Sikhs
d) Ahoms
Answer: c) Sikhs
4. Bharatpur is associated with which regional power?
a) Sikhs
b) Jats
c) Marathas
d) Nawabs of Awadh
Answer: b) Jats
Complete the Statements
1. Aurangzeb spent many years fighting in the __________.
Answer: Deccan
2. The founder of Awadh was __________.
Answer: Burhan-ul-Mulk Sa’adat Khan
3. Sikh political and military groups were known as __________.
Answer: misls
4. The Marathas collected a tax known as __________.
Answer: chauth
Identify the Incorrect Statement
1. Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Sikh Guru.
2. Nadir Shah invaded Bengal.
3. Poona became an important Maratha centre.
4. Asaf Jah founded Hyderabad.
Answer: 2. Nadir Shah invaded Bengal.
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Short Eighteenth Century Political Formations Class 7 Question Answer
Why did regional states grow stronger in the eighteenth century?
Regional states became stronger because Mughal control weakened and provincial rulers started building their own centres of power.
How did the Sikhs organise themselves?
The Sikhs formed military groups called misls and took collective decisions through the dal khalsa.
Why did the Marathas expand beyond the Deccan?
They wanted to increase political influence, gain access to richer territories, and strengthen revenue collection.
How did Asaf Jah make Hyderabad stronger?
He built a stable administration, appointed trusted officials, and ruled with growing independence.
Read More - NCERT Solutions for Class 7 History Chapter 1 Tracing Changes through a Thousand Years
Long Class 7 History Chapter 8 Question Answer
1. How did the weakening of the Mughal Empire lead to the rise of regional states?
The decline of the Mughal Empire created space for many regional powers to grow. As central control became weaker, governors, nobles, and military leaders started acting more independently in their own areas. They began managing revenue, administration, and military matters without depending fully on the Mughal emperor. This change helped states like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad become stronger. The period was not only about imperial decline, but also about the rise of new political centres that shaped regional history in important ways.
2. Explain the role of the Sikhs in the eighteenth century.
During the eighteenth century, the Sikhs emerged as an important political and military force in Punjab. They organised themselves into groups that later became known as misls. These groups worked both as military units and centres of local power. The Sikhs also developed a collective system of decision-making through the dal khalsa and gurmatas. This helped them stay united during difficult times and strengthened their influence in the region. Their rise shows how community organisation and shared leadership could turn a regional group into a major political power.
3. Why did the Marathas become one of the most powerful forces of the eighteenth century?
The Marathas became a major power because of their strong military organisation, mobile warfare, and effective revenue system. They expanded beyond the Deccan and brought many regions under their influence. Their ability to collect taxes such as chauth gave them financial strength, while their leadership helped them respond quickly to political opportunities. Over time, they established themselves as one of the strongest regional formations in India. Their expansion reflected the larger shift in power that took place as Mughal authority declined.
4. Describe the importance of Awadh and Hyderabad in eighteenth-century political history.
Awadh and Hyderabad were among the most significant regional states to emerge during the eighteenth century. In Awadh, Burhan-ul-Mulk Sa’adat Khan strengthened administration and increased control over revenue and governance. In Hyderabad, Asaf Jah built a stable state in the Deccan and gradually ruled with greater independence. Both states continued some Mughal traditions, but they also developed their own centres of authority. Their growth shows how provincial rulers adapted to changing political conditions and built strong regional powers.
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