Chapter: 02

(Part-1)
What were the Causes and
Consequences of the Decline of the
Mughal Empire

Ms. Nuzhat
Learning Outcomes
 Decline
Causes of the
Mughal
Empire

Internal Externa
Causes l Causes
 Decline Causes of the
Mughal Empire

Internal Indian
Reasons External Reasons

Impact of Ineffectiveness Rise of Invasion Invasion Invasion

Aurangzeb of the Marathas from from from the
policies successors and Sikhs Persia Afghanistan British/ EIC
 Political Policies
 Absence from capital
 Campaigns against non
Muslims

Religious Policies
Impact of
Socio – economic
 Fatwa - e - Alamgiri Aurangzeb's policies
 Re-imposed Jizya
 Banned Satti (Suttee) policies  Discrimination
 High taxes
 Banned singing,
 Extravagance
dancing, drinking &
gambling
 Fixed limit of beard
 Absence of law of
Incapable Rulers Succession

Ineffective
ness
o f th e In-fighting
Weak Administration successors
Vast Empire

Decline of Military
Gap B/W the rulers & the
ruled Rise of Independent Kingdoms

Decline of Nobility
 Internal Reasons of Decline
1. Indefinite law of succession:
The dead Mughal emperor’s sons would fight for power.
Aurangzeb tried preventing this by dividing the empire between his 4 sons. Didn’t work,
Bahadur Shah-I was first emperor. Died. His sons fought. In 10 years, 12 claimed the throne .
These wars cost a lot. Weakening the economy. Many capable soldiers, nobles died.
Left the empire divided and weak.
2. Weak Administration /Vast Empire:
Over 1000’s of miles. Communication and transport was difficult. Months before
news e.g: Rebellions reached the emperor, and he couldn’t react in time.
The Mansabdari system was weak and corrupt, no longer countered this.
Bihar, Deccan, Bengal managed to declare independence at points.
3. Pleasure Seeking Emperors:
Were lazy, incompetent. Unable to control government.
Handed the government over to the mansabdars (Nobles put in charge, system
started by Akbar. These were often corrupt, disloyal and fought for their own interest)
These often corrupt nobles grew in power. Some princes and rulers were
assassinated by courtiers. Such as Farukhsiyar and Alamgir-II
Thus, there was an imbalance of power. Any emperor who would take control could not rule.
 Internal Reasons of Decline
1. The Challenges of The Empire:
It was an empire that was difficult to administrate.
The disputes of succession take a huge toll on the treasury. Aurangzeb tried to defend
from it but failed.
The cost on the wars to stop rebellions like Nadir Shah was heavy.

2. Rebel by Locals:
Since the empire was very large, it became difficult to keep an eye on everyone and stop rebellion from the locals.
The locals who were in power such as the Zamindars (landlords) built their armies.
After the death of Aurangzeb, they grew stronger, denied to make tax payments and accept any new emperor.

3. Rebel by Marathas:
It was considered as the most serious reason for the decline of Mughals.
Aurangzeb failed to defeat Marathas before his death.
Under the leadership of Sivaji, the Marathas power expanded.
In 1737, they defeated the Mughal army outside Delhi and took over Malwa.
In 1760, the even captured Delhi.
They became the most powerful people during the middle of the century.
 External Reasons of Decline
1. Invasion by Afghans & Persians:
Since the Mughal Empire was divided within itself, it became vulnerable
to external invasions.
The first armed invasion was led by Afghans and Persians.
In 1738-1739, under the leadership of Nadir Shah, the Persians launched
an invasion.
The invasion by Persians was nothing more than a successful looting
expedition.
2. Invasion by British:
Finally took control and effectively ended Mughal Rule
were military better equipped. Also employed local sepoys. Had military
experience from their combat against the French, Portuguese.
Won decisive Battles: Plassey, Buxar. Mir Jafar betrayed Indians, helped
British.
Exploited captured lands for a lot of profit.
 Past Paper Questions
Q1. Describe the Jizya tax. [4]
(Q2, O/N 2020)
Q2. Who was Ahmad Shah Durrani? [4]
(Q2, M/J 2019)
Q3. What was suttee? [4]
(Q1a, O/N 2014)
Q4. Describe what the Marathas did. [4]
(Q1a, M/J 2013)
Q5. Explain why the Mughal Empire declined following the death of Aurangzeb. [7]
(Q2b, O/N 2019)
Q6. Why were the Marathas defeated after the decline of the Mughal Empire? [7]
(Q3b, O/N 2018)
Q7. How did the successors of Aurangzeb contribute to the downfall of the Mughal Empire? [7]
(Q1b, O/N 2013)
Q8. Explain why the Mughal Empire declined following the reign of Aurangzeb. [7]
(Q1b, M/J 2012)
Thank
you