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Questions and Answers
What event marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire?
What was a consequence of the provincial governors and nobles asserting their independence?
Who challenged Mughal authority in the Deccan region?
What was a factor in the economic decline of the Mughal Empire?
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What was a social factor that contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire?
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What marked the end of the Mughal Empire?
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Study Notes
Causes of Decline of the Mughal Empire
Weakened Central Authority
- The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire
- Succession wars and palace intrigues weakened the central authority
- Provincial governors and nobles began to assert their independence
Regionalism and Provincial Autonomy
- Provincial governors and nobles established their own autonomous governments
- They began to collect taxes, mint coins, and maintain their own armies
- This led to the fragmentation of the empire and the rise of regional kingdoms
Maratha Threat
- The Marathas, a Hindu confederacy, challenged Mughal authority in the Deccan region
- They launched a series of attacks on Mughal territories, weakening the empire's defenses
- The Marathas eventually captured Delhi in 1756, marking the beginning of the end of the Mughal Empire
British Colonialism
- The British East India Company established a foothold in India in the early 18th century
- They exploited the weaknesses of the Mughal Empire, gradually expanding their territory and influence
- The British eventually defeated the Mughal Empire in 1857, marking the end of the empire
Economic Decline
- Over-centralization and mismanagement of the economy led to a decline in trade and commerce
- The Mughal Empire's revenue system, based on the jagirdari system, became inefficient and corrupt
- The empire's economy was further weakened by the decline of the silk road and the rise of European trade
Social and Cultural Factors
- The Mughal Empire's rigid social hierarchy and caste system limited social mobility and innovation
- The empire's cultural and intellectual stagnation led to a decline in artistic and scientific achievements
- The empire's failure to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to external challenges further accelerated its decline
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Description
Explore the various factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire, including weakened central authority, regionalism, and external threats from the Marathas and British. Learn about the economic, social, and cultural factors that contributed to its downfall. Discover the key events and circumstances that marked the end of the empire.