The correct option is Shah Alam II — Blinded
Explanation
The period of the Later Mughals (post-1707) was characterized by the decline of imperial authority and the rise of powerful nobles who acted as "kingmakers." During this era, emperors were frequently puppets in the hands of their Wazirs, leading to depositions, blindings, and assassinations.
Analysis of Options:
- Option (a) is Incorrect: Alamgir II (1754–1759) was not merely blinded; he was assassinated (murdered) by his Wazir, Imad-ul-Mulk.
- Option (b) is Incorrect: Ahmad Shah (1748–1754) was deposed and blinded by Wazir Imad-ul-Mulk, not assassinated. He spent the rest of his life in prison.
- Option (c) is Correct: Shah Alam II (1759–1806) was blinded in 1788 by the Rohilla chief Ghulam Qadir, who had temporarily seized control of Delhi. Despite this, Shah Alam II continued to rule as a pensioner of the Marathas and later the British until his death.
- Option (d) is Incorrect: Farrukh Siyar (1713–1719) did not die of natural causes. He was deposed, blinded, and subsequently strangled to death by the Sayyid Brothers (Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali Khan).
Key Takeaway:
Shah Alam II is the Mughal Emperor historically noted for being blinded by the Afghan chief Ghulam Qadir during the chaotic disintegration of the empire, yet he survived to rule for several more years under Maratha and British protection.