iv. Causes of Decline of Mughal Empire

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iv. Causes of Decline of Mughal Empire

Responsibility of Aurangzeb	Under Aurangzeb’s rule, the Mughal Empire reached its territorial zenith. But, it expanded beyond the control of the central authority. To control such a vast Empire at the time when means of communication was undeveloped was beyond the capabilities of weak successors of Aurangzeb. Moreover, the religious policies of Aurangzeb created discontent in the Empire. It led to rebellions by the Sikhs, Jats, Bundelas etc. Also, his Rajput policy alienated the Rajputs. His policy of aggressive imperialism against the Deccani states and the Marathas drained the resources of the Empire.
Weak-Successors and Nobles	A centralised rule like that of Mughals needs strong Emperors to control it. But the weak successors of Aurangzeb, who gave importance to luxurious life and ignored the administration, exposed the limitations of the centralised rule. The military too, was ignored. This resulted in rebellions, rise of regional powers and strengthening of powers like the Marathas. It also led to foreign invasions, which plundered the Empire of its resources. The nobles followed the example of their weak Emperors. They either took to luxurious life or carved out independent states for themselves. They also played the role of ‘kingmakers’ in the war of succession by organizing themselves in various factions. This factionalism was so strong that the nobles failed to unite even during foreign invasions.
Military Weaknesses	The organization of the army on the feudal basis had its own limitations. The soldiers held mansabdar as their chief rather than the Emperor. This defect assumed alarming proportion during the later Mughals. Also, the military lacked discipline, cohesion and modern equipment. The Mughal army was unwieldy to manage in wars. The military officials were infamous for changing sides. Due to financial crises, soldiers remained unpaid a number of times. Such military, without coherence and loyalty could not be expected to fight for the Empire.
Financial Crisis	Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign emptied the treasury and ruined the trade and commerce. The wars damaged the standing crops and thus demoralized peasantry gave up agriculture. This further affected land revenue collection. Under the later Mughals, the situation deteriorated further. The independence of regional powers affected imperial revenue. Moreover, the wars of succession, lavish living of the Emperors and the nobles emptied the treasury. The payments in the form of jagirs and foreign invasions also affected resources of the Empire.
Rise of Marathas	Marathas were the most important external cause that brought about the collapse of the Mughal Empire. A policy of Hindu Empire envisaged by the Peshwas could only be realized with the fall of the Mughal Empire. The Maratha ambitions were buttressed by the nature of the Mughal Empire which failed to unite Hindus and Muslims. Many Indian chiefs looked upon the Mughal rulers as foreigners and as enemies of India and of Hindu religion.
Invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmed Shah Abdali	The invasions by Nadir Shah and Abdali exposed the military weakness of the Mughal Empire. They plundered the Empire of its financial resources.
European Companies	The medieval character of the Mughal Empire was challenged by the dynamic and progressive West. In the race of civilizations the Europeans outperformed the Indians.

Impact of the Mughal Rule

Political

Social

Economic

Cultural

– Mughals led to political integration of the country and institutionalisation of the state.

– They secured the north-west frontiers of India and also the European companies from gaining territorial control as long as they were strong.

– Mughal state of affair were largely secular.

– Their rule did not help in the improvement of the women.

– Purdah system spread.

– Nobility increased inequality.

– The caste system dominated, despite the sufi movement.

– The orthodox elements prevented modernisation of education.

– The Indian economy continued to be feudal.

– Silver currency, the roads, sarais, etc. had direct impact on the growth of trade and handicrafts.

– International Trade was poor due to inferior naval strength.

– Agriculture also suffered.

– Innovation was not encouraged hence Science and Technology suffered.

– The Mughals patronised art and architecture.

– They introduced char-bagh style pletra dura, etc.

– Built magnificent structures and mainlt used red sandstone and Marble.

– They patronised paintings which also influenced the regional styles like Rajasthani Style, Pahadi Style, etc.

– Also, many court poets of Mughals were musicians.

[Table: Impact of Mughal Rule]