The Mughal Empire, which reached its peak under Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, began to decline rapidly after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. The decline was caused by weak successors, internal weaknesses in administration, economic crisis, and the rise of regional and foreign powers.
Table of Contents
Causes for the Decline
Weak Successors
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After Aurangzeb, the empire was ruled by inefficient and weak rulers like Bahadur Shah I, Jahandar Shah, Farrukhsiyar, and Muhammad Shah.
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Court intrigues, rivalries, and dependence on nobles weakened central authority.
Degeneration of Nobility and Mansabdari System
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The mansabdari system became corrupt, with nobles focusing on personal gain.
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Nobility was divided into factions (Irani, Turani, Hindustani, Deccani), often fighting among themselves.
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Local zamindars gained power, challenging imperial control.
Economic and Financial Crisis
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Continuous wars of Aurangzeb drained the treasury.
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Heavy taxation burdened peasants, causing frequent revolts.
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Decline in foreign trade due to European competition.
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Costly lifestyle of nobles and emperors further weakened finances.
Military Weakness
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Mughal army lagged behind in modern weaponry and training, compared to Europeans.
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Dependence on outdated cavalry and artillery made them vulnerable.
Religious and Political Policies of Aurangzeb
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Reimposition of jizya tax, destruction of temples, and rigid orthodoxy alienated Hindus.
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His long wars in the Deccan against Marathas, Bijapur, and Golconda exhausted resources.
Rise of Regional Powers
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Emergence of independent kingdoms like the Marathas, Sikhs, Rajputs, Jats, Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad.
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These regional states asserted autonomy and no longer paid allegiance to the Mughal emperor.
Foreign Invasions
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Nadir Shah of Persia (1739) invaded Delhi, looted immense wealth including the Peacock Throne and Kohinoor diamond.
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Ahmad Shah Abdali (1748–1767) repeatedly invaded north India, further weakening the empire.
Growth of European Powers
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The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and especially the British grew stronger in trade and politics.
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The Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764) marked the decisive shift of power to the British.
Key Takeaway
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The decline of the Mughal Empire was due to weak rulers, corruption, economic crisis, foreign invasions, and rise of regional powers.
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By the mid-18th century, the empire was reduced to a symbolic authority in Delhi, with real power shifting to regional states and eventually the British East India Company.
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The fall of the Mughals marked the end of medieval India and the beginning of colonial domination.