Shah Alam II

Quick Facts: Who was Shah Alam II?

Subject:

Shah Alam II

Known for:

Seventeenth Mughal Emperor whose reign spanned the decline of Mughal power.

Born:

1728-06-25

Died:

1806-11-19

Century / Era:

1728s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Shah Alam II (Persian: شاه عالم دوم, Persian pronunciation: [ʃɑːh ʔɑː.ˈlam]; 25 June 1728 – 19 November 1806), also known by his birth name Ali Gohar, or Ali Gauhar, was the seventeenth Mughal emperor and the son of Alamgir II. The reign of Shah Alam saw a number of invasions, the first and foremost by Ahmed Shah Abdali in 1761, which led to the third battle of Panipat between the Maratha Empire and the Afghans under Abdali.

Career & Major Achievements

The invading forces of Abdali then drove out the Marathas led by Sadashivrao Bhau, deposed Shah Jahan III, the puppet Mughal emperor of Imad-ul-Mulk, and installed Shah Alam II as the rightful emperor (1760 – 1772). Despite his rightful claims to the throne, Shah Alam II was unable to return to Delhi until 1772, under the protection of Mahadaji Scindia of Gwalior.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He fought against the East India Company at the Battle of Buxar (1764), and was forced to grant the British the rights to collect taxes in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. During his reign the Mughal authority saw a brief revival in northern India under the capable general Mirza Najaf Khan, but after his death in 1782, the Mughal power collapsed for one last time.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1728 (1728-06-25): Birth of Shah Alam II — Seventeenth Mughal Emperor whose reign spanned the decline of Mughal power.
2. 1760: 1760 Milestone — The invading forces of Abdali then drove out the Marathas led by Sadashivrao Bhau, deposed Shah Jahan III, the puppet Mughal emperor of Imad-ul-Mulk, and installed Shah Alam II as the rightful emperor (1760 – 1772).
3. 1761: 1761 Milestone — The reign of Shah Alam saw a number of invasions, the first and foremost by Ahmed Shah Abdali in 1761, which led to the third battle of Panipat between the Maratha Empire and the Afghans under Abdali.
4. 1764: 1764 Milestone — He fought against the East India Company at the Battle of Buxar (1764), and was forced to grant the British the rights to collect taxes in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
5. 1772: 1772 Milestone — Despite his rightful claims to the throne, Shah Alam II was unable to return to Delhi until 1772, under the protection of Mahadaji Scindia of Gwalior.
6. 1782: 1782 Milestone — During his reign the Mughal authority saw a brief revival in northern India under the capable general Mirza Najaf Khan, but after his death in 1782, the Mughal power collapsed for one last time.
7. 1806 (1806-11-19): Passing & Historical Legacy — Shah Alam II passed away on 1806-11-19, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Shah Alam II

True or False: “True or false: Shah Alam II was able to prevent the East India Company from gaining significant tax-collecting rights in Bengal after the Battle of Buxar.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The claim is false; at the Battle of Buxar (1764), Shah Alam II was forced to grant the British the rights to collect taxes in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Shah Alam II