Question

Which one of the following indicates the correct chronological order of the Later Mughal emperors?
A. Bahadur Shah I, Farrukh Siyar, Jahandar Shah, Muhammad Shah
B. Farrukh Siyar, Bahadur Shah I, Jahandar Shah, Muhammad Shah
C. Bahadur Shah I, Jahandar Shah, Farrukh Siyar, Muhammad Shah
D. Jahandar Shah, Bahadur Shah I, Muhammad Shah, Farrukh Siyar

Answer 1

Hint: The fight for succession began after the death of Aurangzeb. Think about the last Mughal with any semblance of real power who had a stringent policy with the Sikhs but was appeasing the Rajputs. Three surviving sons, Muazzam, Muhammad Azam and Muhammad Kam Bhaksh began quarrelling, unveiling a power struggle.

Complete answer: Bahadur Shah (1643-1712) was also known as Shah Alam (originally named Muazzam). He had hoped to dethrone his father, Aurangzeb and was imprisoned multiple times for it. He ruled briefly from 1707 till his demise. He was faced with multiple rebellions and sparked religious controversy but did have a territorial triumph by annexing Amber and Jodhpur.
Farrukhsiyar (1683-1719) was deposed by his own brothers due to his tendency to scheme constantly. His reign featured the primacy of the Sayyid brothers (Syed Abdullah Khan and Syed Husain Ali Khan Barha). He was seen as an attractive albeit weak ruler.
Jahandar Shah (1661-1713) ruled for a year between the reigns of Bahadur Shah and Farrukhsiyar. He was not respected.
Muhammad Shah (1702-1748) patronized the arts. He was 17 when he ascended the throne, thanks to the Sayyid brothers.
Therefore, Option C is correct.

Note: 1707-1857 AD; by the time the century ended, the vast Mughal Empire had been reduced to the expanses of Delhi. These Sunni rulers had been cornered by various groups; the Jats, the Sikhs, the Afghans, the ruler of Awadh and the Marathas.