Assertion (A) : When Nizam ul Mulk arrived in the Deccan as the Viceroy in 1714, he refused to accept Daud Khan’s agreement for the payment of the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi of the Deccan to Shahu.
Reason (R) : Nizam ul Mulk inflicted a couple of defeats on them, and destroyed the small mud forts which they had built in every district and which served as a base of attack or a place of refuge to the Maratha bands.
In the context of the above two statements which of the following is correct ?
Assertion (A) Analysis: Nizam ul Mulk's Viceroyalty
The statement asserts that Nizam ul Mulk, upon arriving as the Viceroy in the Deccan in 1714, rejected the agreement made by Daud Khan concerning the payment of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi to Shahu. Historical context confirms that Nizam ul Mulk Asaf Jah I took charge as Viceroy aiming to consolidate Mughal authority. He was initially inclined to resist or renegotiate the Maratha demands for revenues like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, rather than simply accepting agreements made by his predecessors. This initial stance aligns with the assertion that he refused Daud Khan’s arrangement. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true.
Reason (R) Analysis: Military Actions
This statement claims Nizam ul Mulk inflicted defeats on Maratha bands and destroyed their small forts used as bases. While Nizam ul Mulk was a skilled general, his military successes against the Marathas in the early phase of his viceroyalty (around 1714) were not decisive enough to be described as widespread defeats and destruction of their strongholds as suggested. The Marathas were a powerful force, and Nizam ul Mulk's focus was initially on political consolidation. The description in Reason (R) is an overstatement or misrepresentation of the military situation at that time. Therefore, Reason (R) is false.
Conclusion: Assertion and Reason Validity
Assertion (A) is historically accurate regarding Nizam ul Mulk's initial policy towards Maratha revenue claims. Reason (R) inaccurately portrays his military achievements against the Marathas during that period. Since (A) is true and (R) is false, the correct option identifies this discrepancy.
Important Questions from Marathas
Which Maratha warrior died in the successful defence of the Sinhagad fort fighting against the Mughal army?
The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between _____.
Which of the following Anglo - Maratha wars resulted in merging the Peshwas' territories with the Bombay Presidency?
What were not consequences of this war ?
Which was not one of the reasons for the defeat of the Marathas ?
