The question asks to identify the century during which the Deccan states began actively recruiting Marathas. This requires historical knowledge about the political landscape of the Deccan region and the rise of Maratha influence.
B) 16th. During the 16th century, the Deccan Sultanates recognized the military and administrative potential of the Marathas and began to systematically incorporate them into their services, offering them jagirs (land grants) and high positions. This was a deliberate policy to strengthen their states against rivals and the growing Mughal threat.
The question asks to identify the kingdom from which Ibrahim Adil Shah ascended the throne in 1555. This requires knowledge of medieval Indian history, specifically the Deccan Sultanates.
Correct Option: D) Ibrahim Adil Shah I was the Sultan of Bijapur who ruled from 1534 to 1558. He ascended the throne in 1534, and was ruling in 1555. The Adil Shahi dynasty was one of the five Deccan Sultanates that emerged after the breakup of the Bahmani Sultanate.
The question asks to identify the rulers who accorded the title of Peshwa to Kankoji Narsi. This requires knowledge of the early history of the Peshwa title and its origins in the Deccan Sultanates.
C) Ahmadnagar — The title of Peshwa was first accorded to Kankoji Narsi by the rulers of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. This historical fact is crucial for understanding the evolution of the Peshwa institution.
The question asks to identify which Sultanate's decline led to Sufi saints and job seekers migrating to the Bahmani court. This requires knowledge of medieval Indian history, specifically the relationship between the major Sultanates and the Bahmani kingdom.
A) Delhi — The decline of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly during the 14th and early 15th centuries, created political instability and economic distress in North India. This prompted many Sufi saints, scholars, and individuals seeking employment or patronage to migrate to the more stable and flourishing regional kingdoms, including the Bahmani Sultanate in the Deccan, which offered opportunities and support.
The question asks about the region whose politics the Mughals would inevitably get involved in after conquering Malwa and Gujarat. This requires an understanding of the geographical proximity and strategic importance of these regions during the Mughal era.
After conquering Malwa and Gujarat, the Mughal Empire's southern frontier directly bordered the Deccan region. The Deccan states were rich and strategically important, and their proximity made Mughal involvement in their politics inevitable for security, trade, and further imperial expansion.
The question asks for the specific year when a Mughal army invaded Khandesh and forced its rulers to submit. This requires knowledge of significant events during the Mughal period, particularly Akbar's reign and his expansionist policies.
D) 1567 — In 1567, during the reign of Emperor Akbar, a Mughal army successfully invaded Khandesh, forcing its ruler, Miran Muhammad Shah II, to accept Mughal suzerainty and pay tribute. This event was a significant step in Akbar's Deccan policy.