Mughal Empire Decline

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