Option 1: Irfan Habib is the correct answer. Irfan Habib, a renowned historian, argued that the nature of the Mughal state in India was unique in that it not only served as a protective force for the ruling classes but was also the main source of exploitation. According to Habib, the Mughal state played a central role in extracting resources from the peasantry and other marginalized groups through various means such as taxation and forced labor. This perspective suggests that the Mughal state itself was a tool of exploitation, rather than simply a protector of the exploiting classes.

Option 2: Satish Chandra is not the correct answer. While Satish Chandra is a prominent historian who has made significant contributions to the study of Mughal history, he did not specifically argue that the Mughal state in India was the principal instrument of exploitation.

Option 3: Athar Ali is not the correct answer. Athar Ali, another respected historian, focused on various aspects of Mughal administration and society but did not specifically argue that the Mughal state played a central role in exploitation.

Option 4: J.F. Richards is not the correct answer. J.F. Richards is known for his work on the economic and