Factors Responsible for Decline of Mughal Empire - Causes & UPSC Analysis

Factors Responsible for Decline of Mughal Empire

Aurangzeb Responsibility

Aurangzeb was responsible for the decline of Mughal empire to a large extend. Even though by the time of his death the empire was vast, he was unable to consolidate his newly conquered territories. The Deccan Campaign Significantly Contributed towards decline of Mughal Empire. These campaigns started around 1680 and continued till his death in 1707. Aurangzeb personally led this campaign. His obsession to conquer the Deccan weakened the administration of the Mughal Empire and was disastrous for the Mughal treasury. Aurangzeb also criticized for his intolerant religious policies which marked a significant departure from the policy of tolerant like Akbar. Aurangzeb failed to realize that the stability of vast Mughal Empire depend upon the Support of the people. His religious orthodoxy and his policy towards Hindus damage the stability of the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya in 1679. He destroyed temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi Temple and Keshav Rai Temple (Mathura). He forced non-Muslims to convert leading to rebellion which led to execution of the 9^th Sikh Guru - Guru Tej Bahadur in 1675. He also adopted Harsh policy towards Rajput's which led to the revolt of the Rajput Kingdom of Mewar and Marwar. Aurangzeb death led to Mughal throne needed a successor who had exceptional ability to re-established the peace and order but unfortunately who sat on throne lack administrative skills and military abilities need to maintain control over a large empire.  

Later Mughal Ruler's

Later Mughal ruler's refers to a series of weak and inefficient Mughal emperor's who ruled after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 leading to gradual decline of once mighty empire. These rulers are:-

1. Md. Azam Shah:- Immediate successor of Aurangzeb who ruled form March to June 1707. He defeated and killed in the battle with his elder Brother Mirza Muhammad Mu'azzam (Bahadur Shah I).
2. Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712):- Also known as Shan Alam I, because of his policy of compromised and appeasement he has been called Shah-I-Bekhabar by Khafi Khan the author of book Muntakhab-al-Lubab.
3. Jahandar Shah (1712-1713):- He came on the throne with the support of his Nobel Zulfikar Ali Khan who was the leader of Irani party of the Mughal Nobility. Zulfikar Ali Khan was appointed as Waizr-e-Azam. The king remain a puppet of Zulfikar Ali Khan. Jahandar Shah encourage Ijaradari system and abloished Jizya. His mistress, Lal Kunwar imitated the style of Nur Jahah. He was killed by Sayyid Brothers (Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali Khan Barha).
4. Farrukhsiyar (1713-1719):- He got the throne with the support of Sayyid Brothers who came to be acknowledge as king makers. During his rule Sayyid Brothers sign treaty with Marathas the Right's to collect chauth and Sardeshmukhi from the Mughal territories in the Deccan. He was blinded and dethroned by Sayyid Brothers who placed Rafi-ud-Darjat followed Rafi-ud-Daulah (Shah Jahan-II) and finally Md. shah.
5. Md . Shah (1719-1748):- His regime witness the rise of independent Kingdom of Hyderabad, Bengal, Awadh and Jats. He was a great patron of performing arts. He was fond of dancing. He practiced Kathak. He has been called Rangella by Khafi Khan. During his rule Nadir Shah also known as Napoleon of Persia invaded and defeated Mughal forces in the Battle of Karnal (Feb 1739). He looted Peacock throne and Kohinoor diamond and took them to Persia.
6. Ahmed Shah Bahadur (1748-1754):- During his regime the real control went into the hands of Javed Khan- a handsome eunuch of youthful age and robust personality. His regime witness the first invasion of Ahmed Shah Abdali who invaded India 8 times during the period of 1748 to 1767. He was removed from the throne by his wazir, Imad-ul-Mulk.
7. Alamgir II (1754-1759):- His regime witness the Battle of Plassey, 1757. The actual command of the kingdom during Alamgir II rule was in the hands of Imad-ul-Mulk. Later the emperor was murdered by Imad-ul-Mulk and placed Mirza Muhi-ul-Millat on throne who took the title of Shah Jahan III and ruled from 1759 to 1760.
8. Shah Alam II (1760-1806):- His real name was Ali Gauhar. His regime witness the 3rd Battle of Panipat, 1761 and Battle of Buxar, 1764. In 1788 he was blinded by one of his nobles, Gulam Kalir  who declared Bidar Bakht Md. shah as new ruler who rule by the name of Shah Jahan IV from July 1788 to October 1788. Shah Jahan IV soon dethroned  by other nobles of court and reinstated Shah Alam II. It was under the rule of Shah Alam II that the British Forces under the command of Lord Lake captured Delhi in 1803. Shah Alam II was a great poet who wrote by the pen name Aftab.
9. Akbar II (1806-1837):- His real name was Jawan Bakht. Hewas allowed to keep the title of Badshah only as curtsey by English East India Compnay. His authority remain confined only in Red Fort of Delhi. He gave the title Raja to Ram Mohan Roy.
10. Bahadur Shah II (1837-1862):- The last Mughal Emperor. He died as British pensioner in Rangoor (Burma). Hewas declared as Shahenshah-e-Hindustan by sepoys who revolted against British company in 1857. He was a poet of great merit, who wrote poems by the pen name Zaffar.

Administrative Inefficiency

The local administration which have been effective under strong rulers became increasingly corrupt and inefficient. The revenue collection system deteriorated leading to financial instability. The Mughal Governors known as subedars became increasingly autonomous often acting in their own interest rather then interest of empire.    

Economic Crisis

The continuous war and battle since the time of Aurangzeb drain the empire treasury. The cost of maintaining large army and bureaucracy became unsustainable. Agriculture productivity decline due to neglect and over exploitation which further aggravated the crisis.

Military Reasons

The Mughal military by the time of decline Mughal army became outdated and less effective. Their traditional methods and weapons didn't match effectively with emerging powers like Marathas and Britishers. Their inability to established a strong navy allow the European power particularly British to establish their dominance over India.

Foreign Invasion

The Mughal Empire face several invasion from foreign powers. Nadir Shah's invasion of 1739 was devastating as it led to significant lose of wealth and weaken the empire. Subsequent invasion of Ahmed-Shah-Abdali continued to destabilize the Mughal Empire.

European Expansion

The European trading companies particularly the British East India Company bought a new challenge. European power use their superior military strategy and diplomatic alliances to establish control over the Indian territories.

Mansabdari and Jagirdari System

Mansabdari and Jagirdari System were the backbone of Mughal administration and played a crucial role in the rise and expansion of Empire. These System eventually became major reason for decline in 18^th century. During the regime of Aurangzeb the number of Mansabdhar increase without the adequate incre`ase in the availability of  Jagirs. After Aurangzeb the weak successors failed to control the powerful Mansabdhars