An exploration of the decline of the Mughal Empire, examining Aurangzeb's role and the rise of the Marathas under Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Decline of Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire experienced a significant decline after Aurangzeb’s death, due to political instability, administrative failures, and military challenges. Understanding the major causes behind the Mughal decline, including Aurangzeb’s policies, economic and social factors, and corrupt nobility, is essential for students preparing for history exams and competitive exams.
Major Causes Behind the Decline of the Mughal Empire (Post-Aurangzeb)
Political Instability and Factionalism
After Aurangzeb's death, the Mughal court became a scene of factional fighting, and provincial governors acted independently, weakening central authority.
(i) Ambitious provincial governors began asserting autonomy.
(ii) Maratha depredations extended from the Deccan to the Gangetic plains.
(iii) The empire’s weakness was exposed when Nadir Shah imprisoned the Mughal emperor and looted Delhi in 1739.
Aurangzeb’s Policies and Their Impact on Mughal Governance
Aurangzeb’s policies contributed to administrative and political strain in the empire, influencing its rapid decline.
Myth of Shahu’s Conversion
(i) Claims that Shahu was offered the kingdom on condition of converting to Islam are historically unsupported.
(ii) A converted Hindu prince would have lost the right to the kingdom if the offer were genuine.
Historians’ Perspectives on Aurangzeb
(a) Debate exists on whether the empire’s downfall was due to Aurangzeb’s policies or posthumous developments.
(b) Recent analysis considers economic, social, administrative, and intellectual factors prevailing in the country.
(c) International trends during and before his reign also influenced the empire’s trajectory.
Economic and Social Factors Behind Mughal Decline
Economic and social dynamics in medieval India influenced the weakening of the Mughal Empire.
Trade and Handicrafts
(i) Trade and commerce expanded in India during the seventeenth century.
(ii) Handicraft production kept pace with growing demand.
Agriculture and Population
(a) Area under zabti expanded according to official Mughal statistics.
(b) Cultivated land increased due to population growth and administrative policies.
(c) Limited expansion was due to social and partially administrative constraints despite abundant land (~125 million population).
Administrative Failures and Corrupt Nobility
Corruption and mismanagement among the Mughal nobility weakened central governance.
Expansion of Mansabdars
(i) Number of mansabdars rose from 2,069 during Jahangir’s accession in 1605 to 11,456 by the latter half of Aurangzeb’s reign.
Zamindars’ Resistance
(a) Powerful zamindars resisted illegal exactions by nobles.
(b) Crisis in the jagirdari system put nobility under pressure.
Military and Political Failures of Aurangzeb
Strategic and military miscalculations further accelerated the decline of the Mughal Empire.
Maratha Challenge
(i) Aurangzeb misunderstood the Maratha movement and ignored Jai Singh’s advice to ally with Shivaji.
(ii) Failed to resolve the Maratha problem, leaving an ongoing threat.
Overextension of the Empire
(a) Attempts to control the Deccani states and conquer the Marathas overstretched the empire.
(b) Resulted in an empire too large to manage effectively.
Final Thoughts on Aurangzeb’s Role in the Mughal Decline
Aurangzeb’s reign contributed to the rapid decline of the Mughal Empire due to his inability to manage internal and external challenges, adapt to changing socio-economic conditions, and maintain support among key political groups. These events are crucial for students studying Mughal history and exam preparation.
