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Aurangzeb

The document discusses several factors that contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire: 1. The huge size of the empire made it difficult to administer from the center, leaving distant areas vulnerable to rebellion and invasion when authority weakened. 2. Continual fighting of rebellions and invaders drained the empire's resources. Succession disputes after the death of emperors also wasted funds and resources. 3. The military expertise and effectiveness declined as the dynasty grew complacent in their power, weakening their defenses further. 4. Corruption and indulgence among the nobility and later emperors set a poor example and weakened central control over administration. 5. External factors like the

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68 views2 pages

Aurangzeb

The document discusses several factors that contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire: 1. The huge size of the empire made it difficult to administer from the center, leaving distant areas vulnerable to rebellion and invasion when authority weakened. 2. Continual fighting of rebellions and invaders drained the empire's resources. Succession disputes after the death of emperors also wasted funds and resources. 3. The military expertise and effectiveness declined as the dynasty grew complacent in their power, weakening their defenses further. 4. Corruption and indulgence among the nobility and later emperors set a poor example and weakened central control over administration. 5. External factors like the

Uploaded by

zaivrk
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1) "The fighting between the successors of Aurangzeb was the main reason for the decline of

the Mughal Empire." Do you agree or not?

Aurangzeb was a leading factor in the Mughal Empire’s decline. His policies were unfavourable
for the Hindus, which inevitably lead to rebellions. After his death, the unguarded land was open
to invasions and opened up an opportunity for his successors to claim their spot on the throne.

1) ADMINISTRATION:

The huge Empire was very difficult to administer. Decisions were often relayed over thousands
of miles. Obviously, the Emperor could not know exactly what was happening in every part of
the Empire. This is the reason why Aurangzeb started the use of Mansabdars, but many
problems remained when the rebellion broke out it was many months before that the Emperor
could know exactly and take decisive action to end them.

2) MILITARY COSTS:

The Mughal Empire was very huge and within the Empire there was an array of different people
and religion. The Emperors were continually fighting against rebellions; there was always a
pressure on the Empire from the separatist elements. The cost of putting down rebellion and
fighting wars against invaders such as Nadir Shah was enormous.

3) SUCCESSION:

It was often true that huge sums were wasted when an Emperor died there was a succession
dispute. When Shah Jahan fell sick in 1657 all his four sons ended up fighting to succeed
him-even though he had not yet died! It was to avoid costly wars that Aurangzeb decided to
divide the Empire between his three sons but this was not successful and the succession
dispute continued to erode the Empire.

4) DECLINING MILITARY EXPERTISE:

When dynasties are in great power over for long periods it is easy to become complacent and to
imagine the success will continue forever. This happened with the Mughal Empire who let their
army’s expertise decline until it was no longer an effective fighting force. When it became
obvious that the Mughal strength was declining discontented groups with in the Empire were
quick to act.

5) PLEASURE SEEKING:

The wealth created by the Mughals also encouraged the nobility to become pleasure loving and
degenerate. They betrayed the Principles of Islam and instead enjoyed pleasures brought about
by wealth. Nobles often had finest clothes, Jewellary and food. One friend of Akbar is to have
ordered 100 courses at each meal. The Emperors also set a poor example. Fine buildings were
a symbol of power and culture, but some times they were so expensive that they were the
symbol of extravagance.

6) WEAK CONTROL:

The nobility grew highly powerful at the court and some Emperors feel it difficult to control them.
(Some such as Allamgir II was assassinated by powerful courtiers) With the weak control from
the center mansabdari system was not sufficiently supervised administration efficiency declined.
Discontent grew and revenue from tax collection declined.

7) THE ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH:

Since the time of Jehangir the English East India Company (EIC) tried to take advantage of the
wealth to be gained by India. The EIC was a private trading company but behind it was the
Government of the most powerful country in the world. England had been the first country to
experience industrial revolution. Its industries were producing cheap manufactured goods which
were sold all over the world. With the wealth this created the British could afford a military
strength that the Mughals could not match. The weaknesses of the Empire together with the
strength of the British meant that decline of one of the mightiest dynasties in History was
inevitable.

2)Who were the Marathas?

3) Why do you think the policies of Aurangzeb were responsible for the decline of the Mughal
Empire?

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