The correct option is A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Explanation
The chronological understanding of significant political and military events occurring during the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of regional powers like the Sikhs and Marathas in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Event-wise Analysis:
- A. Nadir Shah sacks Delhi (1739): Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia, invaded India during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. He defeated the Mughal army at the Battle of Karnal in February 1739 and subsequently sacked Delhi, carrying away immense wealth, including the Peacock Throne and the Kohinoor diamond.
- B. Third Battle of Panipat (1761): This decisive battle was fought on January 14, 1761, between the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Maratha Empire. The Maratha defeat checked their expansion towards the north and created a power vacuum that facilitated the rise of the British.
- C. Khalsa established (1699): The Khalsa Panth was founded by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, on the day of Baisakhi in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. This event militarized the Sikh community to resist oppression, occurring during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.
- D. Ranjit Singh establishes capital at Lahore (1799): Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured Lahore from the Bhangi Misl in July 1799. He subsequently made Lahore his capital, marking the consolidation of the Sikh Empire in the Punjab region.
Conclusion:
The correct matching sequence is:
A – 3 (1739)
B – 4 (1761)
C – 1 (1699)
D – 2 (1799)
Key Takeaway:
The 18th century in Indian history is defined by the decline of central Mughal authority (post-1707), foreign invasions (Nadir Shah, Abdali), and the simultaneous rise of regional powers (Sikhs, Marathas).