Question

Why was Bahadur Shah I known as the Shah-i-bekhabar?

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Write about how Bahadur Shah I was not an efficient ruler.
• Explain his appeasement policies towards other rulers, that earned him the title.

Solution: After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, a war of succession broke out which was won by Prince Muazzam, who ascended the throne, and assumed the name of Bahadur Shah I.

He earned the nickname ‘Shah-i-bekhabar’, meaning ‘the headless king’ because of the following conciliatory policies adopted by him:

• He confirmed the Rajputs in their states and granted them more autonomy.
• In order to please the Marathas, Shahu, the grandson of Shivaji, who was held captive by Aurangzeb, was released and offered a high position in his administration. The Marathas were further granted the right to collect taxes from the Deccan region.
• Guru Gobind Singh was awarded a high mansab to make peace with the Sikhs.
• He also established peace with the Bundela chief, Chhatrasal and the Jat chief, Churaman.

It was because of these conciliatory policies adopted by him that he earned the title ‘Shah-i-bekhabar’.