QUIZ 1

REASONS BEHIND THE DOWNFALL OF MUSLIM RULE IN SUBCONTINENT

The fall of Mughal Empire was the end of the Muslim rule in the sub continent.
This was a severe blow to the culture and history of Muslim India. Why this
degradation took place is no mystery. The reasons for their downfall were as
under

No Law of Succession: There was no law of succession among the Muslim rulers

of the subcontinent. During the period of Delhi sultanate and Mughal era, the
transfer of power was not peaceful except a few. During the last years of Shah
Jehan a war of succession broke out among his sons and its consequences were
disastrous for the complexion of the entire society. Likewise on the death of
Aurangzeb the war was again fought among his kin, which divided the Muslim
elite. These wars of succession were also responsible for the decline of the
Mughal and Muslim Empire.

Lack of Military Efficiency: Military efficiency was the hallmark of the Muslim rule
in India. The military, with which the earlier strong rulers carried on the conquest
and extended the empire, had now become demoralized and inefficient. There
was lack o discipline, cohesion, patriotism, and ignorance with the modern
military warfare in the army. The military was also divided amongst religious,
linguistic and ethnic basis.

Deterioration of Ruler's Character: Deterioration of character was another

phenomenal contributor to the downfall. The king and sultans like Altutmash.
Balban, Alaodin Khilji. Muhammad Tughluq, Sikandar Lodhi, Babar, Akbar and
Aurangzeb, were competent, handworker and intelligent people, who were well
aware, of the art of smooth sailing of the government. The remaining rulers were
neither competent nor had the highest values of the character. The courtiers and
the noble of Mughal rulers of 17th and 18th century were not men of characters
and divided on ethnic and linguistic basis.
Segmentation on the Basis of Religion: Akbar’s religious dogmas resulted in
weakening the hold of Muslims on government offices. The’ Muslim segment of
the society alienated itself from the art and craft of the Mughal Empire.
Moreover, this resulted in the rise of orthodoxy under the Aurangzeb who
alienated the Hindu segment of the empire.

Rise of Marathas: The rise of the Marathas resulted in a period of anarchy and

chaos. Aurangzeb’s death was a signal for Marathas to enhance their authority
over the government, which resulted in administrative disorder. There was a
great resentment amongst the Muslim masses against the Marathas particularly;
but the emperors were too weak to meet the challenge.

Ignorance Towards Sea Power: The Muslim rulers particularly the Mughals

neglected the importance of the sea power. They lacked the vision and sagacity to
understand the challenges posed by the European sea power. 8. Administrative
chaos resulted in economic downfall. The revenue taxes were enhanced and
there was no uniformity in the tax policy during the later Mughal emperors.
Economic instability thus undermined the stability of the empire.

Attacks of Invaders: The attacks of Nadir Shah and Ahmed Shah were a fatal blow
to the Mughal authority and resulted in the rise of the regional powers and
deterioration n the central authority. Deccan, Orissa, Oudh, Bengal Bihar, etc., all
declared their independence. Unfortunately, the Muslim rulers neglected the
importance of educational institutions. When Europe was being illuminated with
renaissance movement, establishing universities, hospitals and welfare
institutions, our rulers were indulged in making gardens, palaces and palace
intrigues.