Which of the following 18th century state is not considered as "Inheritor State" ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, Kerala, is the correct answer because it is not considered an "Inheritor State" of the 18th century in the context of Indian history. The term "Inheritor State" typically refers to states that emerged as successors to the Mughal Empire, maintaining some form of continuity with the administrative and political structures of the Mughal period. These states were often founded by former Mughal officials or military leaders who established their own rule while retaining certain Mughal traditions and governance styles.

1. **Awadh**: Awadh, also known as Oudh, was one of the prominent "Inheritor States" of the Mughal Empire. It was established by Saadat Ali Khan, a former Mughal governor, who declared independence while maintaining the administrative framework of the Mughals. Awadh played a significant role in the politics of northern India during the 18th century and is considered an inheritor due to its direct lineage from Mughal governance.

2. **Hyderabad**: Hyderabad was another significant "Inheritor State" founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah, a former Mughal noble. The Nizam established Hyderabad as an independent state while preserving many aspects of Mughal administration and culture. Hyderabad's rulers were known for their allegiance to the Mughal emperor, even as they operated independently, thus qualifying it as an inheritor state.

3. **Bengal**: Bengal, under the leadership of Murshid Quli Khan, became an autonomous region while still acknowledging the nominal authority of the Mughal emperor. The Nawabs of Bengal maintained the Mughal administrative system and were considered successors to the Mughal legacy, making Bengal an "Inheritor State."

In contrast, **Kerala** does not fit the criteria of an "Inheritor State" because it was not directly linked to the Mughal Empire's administrative or political structures. Kerala's history in the 18th century was characterized by the presence of various small kingdoms and principalities, such as Travancore and Cochin, which were not successors to the Mughal Empire. These regions had their own distinct cultural and political identities, separate from the Mughal influence that defined the inheritor states. Therefore, Kerala is correctly identified as not being an "Inheritor State."