Explore the multifaceted reasons behind the decline of the Mughal Empire, including shifting allegiances, the jagirdari crisis, regional aspirations, and economic and administrative problems. Understand how internal and external factors contributed to the fall of one of India's greatest empires.
Causes of Decline of the Mughal Empire: Internal and External Factors
The decline of the Mughal Empire remains one of the most debated topics in Indian history. Scholars attribute its fall to both internal weaknesses and external challenges. From the reign of Aurangzeb (d.1707) to the subsequent rule of weak monarchs, the empire’s political unity, economic base, and military might gradually disintegrated, paving the way for regional powers and European traders to dominate India.
Causes of Decline of the Mughal Empire: Internal and External Factors
Scholarly perspectives on Mughal decline
(i) Some historians adopt a Mughal-centric view, identifying structural flaws and imperial mismanagement as key causes.
(ii) Others stress the region-based perspective, highlighting turmoil in provinces and resistance movements.
(iii) The consensus is that both imperial weaknesses and regional aspirations collectively contributed to decline.
The beginning of disintegration under Aurangzeb
(i) The decline initiated during Aurangzeb’s reign but accelerated after his death in 1707.
(ii) Though Mughal authority faced challenges from Sikhs, Marathas, and Rajputs, none could decisively overthrow the empire at that stage.
(iii) Had Aurangzeb’s successors been strong rulers, the empire’s collapse might have been delayed.
Shifting Allegiance of Zamindars and Power Struggles
Role of Zamindars in Revenue Collection
(i) Zamindars were hereditary landholders with privileges, known as rais, rajas, thakurs, khuts, deshmukhs.
(ii) They assisted in revenue collection and maintained armed retainers for local administration.
(iii) Despite Mughal efforts to directly control peasants, zamindars retained influence.
Strengthening of Zamindars in Aurangzeb’s Era
(i) Their power grew considerably during Aurangzeb’s reign.
(ii) Regional loyalties flourished as zamindars allied with nobles to carve independent territories.
(iii) This shift undermined imperial unity and hastened disintegration.
Jagirdari Crisis and Rivalry Among Nobility
Composition of Mughal Nobility
(i) Nobles held jagirs, mansabs, or positions as subahdars.
(ii) Included Rajput rulers, mansabdars, and high officials.
(iii) Their dominance led historians to describe Mughal rule as essentially "rule of the nobility."
Internal Rivalries within the Nobility
(i) Despite Akbar’s system, nobles remained divided along religion, homeland, and tribal loyalties.
(ii) Their rivalries, jealousy, and constant power struggles weakened central authority.
(iii) This erosion of unity accelerated the decline of the Mughal Empire.
Rise of Regional Aspirations and the Challenge to Mughal Power
Resistance from Jats, Sikhs, and Marathas
(i) During Aurangzeb’s rule, groups like Jats, Sikhs, and Marathas openly defied Mughal authority.
(ii) They aimed to establish their own kingdoms, shaping the political map of their regions.
(iii) Prolonged resistance drained the empire’s strength.
Rajput and Maratha Challenges
(i) Harsh policies of Aurangzeb and Bahadur Shah I alienated the Rajputs, driving them into conflict.
(ii) Later reconciliation attempts failed due to broken trust.
(iii) The Marathas expanded ambitions from Maharashtra to legalizing chauth and sardeshmukhi collections across India.
(iv) By 1740, Marathas spread their authority over Gujarat, Malwa, and Bundelkhand.
Economic and Administrative Problems Weakening the Empire
Jagir Shortage and Bejagiri Crisis
(i) Increasing amirs and mansabs strained jagir allocations.
(ii) Aurangzeb inflated revenue records to compensate for shortage.
(iii) This forced amirs to exploit peasants, worsening discontent.
Financial Strain due to Wars and Extravagance
(i) Costly wars, court luxuries, and declining khalisa land drained treasury.
(ii) State expenditure far exceeded income, weakening financial stability.
Stagnant Economy and European Competition
(i) Lack of technological innovation kept the economy stagnant.
(ii) Flourishing trade failed to strengthen imperial finances.
(iii) Growing presence of European traders in coastal India undercut Mughal commerce.
Administrative Overstretch and Weak Centralization
(i) Vast territorial expanse became unmanageable under weak rulers.
(ii) Centralized administration proved ineffective in handling regional crises.
