Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Bahadur Shah succeeded Aurangzeb to the Mughal throne in a peaceful transition.
2. Aurangzeb's successor reversed many of the earlier policies of Aurangzeb.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 2
Notes: Aurangzeb died in 1707 CE after ruling for almost 50 years. In the Timurid tradition, law of 'primogenitor' was not well established. On Aurangzeb's death, his three sons fought among themselves for the throne. In this war of succession, 65 year old Bahadur Shah emerged victorious. Thus, it was not a peaceful transition. So, statement 1 is incorrect. Bahadur Shah followed a policy of compromise and reconciliation and as such, he reversed many of the earlier policies of Aurangzeb. He was more tolerant to Hindu chiefs and rajas. There was no destruction of temples. He reconciled with Marwar and Amber. He tried reconciliation with Marathas also. So, statement 2 is correct.