Understanding the Agra Subadari Appointment in 1722

The question asks about the personality who was granted the subadari of Agra in the year 1722. To answer this, we need to look into the administrative appointments made by the Mughal Emperors during that period, specifically around 1722. The term 'subadari' refers to the governorship of a 'subah', which was a major province in the Mughal Empire.

The Role of a Subadar in Mughal Administration

A Subadar, also known as a Nazim, was the head of the provincial administration. They were responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring the collection of revenue, and generally governing the province on behalf of the Emperor. The appointment to a subadari, especially of important provinces like Agra, was a significant position given to trusted nobles or influential regional rulers.

Context of 1722 in Mughal History

The year 1722 falls during the reign of Emperor Muhammad Shah, often known as Muhammad Shah 'Rangila'. This period is characterized by the gradual decline of central Mughal authority and the rise of regional powers. Emperors often relied on powerful nobles and Rajput rulers for stability and administration.

Analyzing the Options for Agra Subadari 1722

Let's examine the given options in the context of who might have been appointed the subadar of Agra around 1722:

• Sawai Raja Jai Singh: Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber (later Jaipur) was a prominent Rajput ruler and a key figure in Mughal politics during the reigns of Bahadur Shah I, Jahandar Shah, Farrukhsiyar, and Muhammad Shah. He held important administrative and military positions and was often appointed to governorships. He was known for his intellectual pursuits, including astronomy and city planning (Jaipur).
• Sawai Raja Jagat Singh: While also a Rajput ruler, Jagat Singh II was the younger brother of Sawai Jai Singh II and became the ruler of Udaipur (Mewar) much later. He was not typically involved in holding major Mughal governorships like Agra during this period in the same way as Sawai Jai Singh.
• Jahandar Shah: Jahandar Shah was a Mughal Emperor who reigned briefly in 1712-1713, well before 1722. He was not in a position to be appointed as a subadar in 1722 as he was no longer the emperor.
• Shahjahan: Shahjahan was a major Mughal Emperor who reigned from 1628 to 1658. This period is significantly earlier than 1722. He was not alive, let alone being appointed as a subadar, in 1722.

Identifying the Subadar of Agra in 1722

Historical records indicate that Emperor Muhammad Shah appointed Sawai Raja Jai Singh to the important position of the subadari of Agra in 1722. This appointment highlights the strategic importance of Agra and the trust placed in influential rulers like Sawai Jai Singh during the declining phase of the Mughal Empire.

Summary of Candidates and the Agra Subadari

Based on historical evidence, Sawai Raja Jai Singh was indeed the personality given the subadari of Agra in 1722.

Revision Table: Mughal Administration Terms

Additional Information: Sawai Jai Singh II and Agra

Sawai Raja Jai Singh II was one of the most notable figures of his time. Besides his administrative roles, he was a keen astronomer, building observatories (Jantar Mantar) in various cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi. His appointment as subadar of Agra in 1722 placed him in charge of a historically and strategically important province, located near the imperial capital Delhi. His career reflects the complex relationship between the declining Mughal state and powerful regional leaders who sometimes acted as Mughal officials and at other times asserted greater autonomy.