Decline of Mughal Empire

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No empire in history is survived forever. The Mughal Empire of India was no exception. It declined for various reasons. The following were the main causes of its decline. The Vastness of the Empire: The Mughal Empire is growing in size from the time of Akbar. Zahiruddin Babur found the Mughal Empire in 1526 AD. It expands to its full glory under Akbar in the second half of the 16th Century. However, the causes of the Decline of the Mughal Empire started from the period of 1707 AD onwards when Aurangzeb took over as the Mughal Emperor. Most historians have blamed Aurangzeb solely responsible for the decline of the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb's military campaigns against Bijapur and Golconda and against the Marathas were also another reason that contributes to the decline of the Mughal empire. The victory of the British in the Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar ended the long reign of the Mughals. This valuable book is an effort to describe Mughal Empire and its decline in India. Students and all interested in History learning will find the book important in their study.

Prakash Ayyar is Lecturer in the Department of History, Sundarwati Mahila College, T.M.B.U., Bhagalpur. His several research papers have been published in reputed journals. He has also attended many national seminars.

No empire in history is survived forever. The Mughal Empire of India was no exception. It declined for various reasons. The following were the main causes of its decline. The Vastness of the Empire: The Mughal Empire is growing in size from the time of Akbar. Zahiruddin Babur found the Mughal Empire in 1526 AD. It expands to its full glory under Akbar in the second half of the 16th Century. However, the causes of the Decline of the Mughal Empire started from the period of 1707 AD onwards when Aurangzeb took over as the Mughal Emperor. Most historians have blamed Aurangzeb solely responsible for the decline of the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb's military campaigns against Bijapur and Golconda and against the Marathas were also another reason that contributes to the decline of the Mughal empire. Aurangzeb's long absence from Northern India led to many provincial governors declaring themselves independent from the control of the Mughals. As a result, it obstructs the smooth function of the state government. Weak Successors were other causes of the Decline of the Mughal Empire. Unfortunately, all the Mughal Emperors who succeeded in the throne after Aurangzeb were weak and incapable. They were incapable to meet challenges. Bahadur Shah, I (1707-1712) lacked the quality and personality of a leader to maintain the empire's former glory. He wants to appease all sections of the society by simply granting unnecessary titles and rewards at the expense of the state treasury. Jahandar Shah (1712-1713) was equally an incapable ruler as Bahadur Shah. While Farrukhsiyar (1713-1719) did not have the stature to rule such a massive empire. Muhammad Shah's reign (1719-1748) though it was pretty long, however, he did not contribute to the development of the empire. Besides, the emperor himself was an addict to the pleasure of the Harem (a place where the female members of a royal family live) and other enjoyments of life. These addictions divert his attention from the state's policies. The next successors inline, i.e. Alamgir II and Shah Alam II also did not contribute to the development of the empire. Besides, they were under the control of the Marathas and the British. Thus, the absence of strong successors after Aurangzeb was indeed a very important factor that contributes towards the causes of the Decline of the Mughal Empire. Shah Alam II was the last Mughal emperor and the British took over. Diwani's rights (Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa) which Shah Alam II gave to the British triggers the end of the Mughal Empire and the British became real rulers and India was annexed to the British Empire.

Apart from the role played by the Mughal Emperors, the action and personalities of the nobles also contributed towards the causes of the Decline of the Mughal Empire. Their characters have destroyed the empire to a large extent. Subsequently, most of them became corrupt and led a lavish lifestyle at the expense of the state treasury. The existing families of the nobles began to fill the important posts in the government. As a result, it stops more capable individuals to fill such posts. A large number of energetic and capable officials, along with brave military commanders came into prominence during the 18th Century. However, most of the nobles use their positions to promote their own selfish interests. Besides, if their interest is not met, conflict takes place they fought amongst themselves. Other Causes of the Decline of the Mughal Empire is the Jagirdari system. It is a land assessment or a system of land grants. One of the major causes of the growing selfishness and disunity among the nobles was the scarcity of Jagirs and the reduced income that the nobles received from the jagirs as a result of their scarcity. The main reason was that the number of nobles and their expenditure was rising up and there was no enough land for these nobles. As a result, more than one noble was assigned a jagir. The scarcity of Jagirs had some serious consequences. After the death of Muhammad Shah in 1748 AD, the imperial power weakened further with the establishment of several hereditary kingdoms in the provinces of the Mughal India. With the growing weakness of the center, these kingdoms began to proclaim their independence from the Mughal rule. Except for Punjab independent kingdom also known as a regional power was formed by the middle of the 18th Century. Thereafter, the British entered into another battle, with the then of Nawab of Bengal, Mir Qasim. The victory of the British in the Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar ended the long reign of the Mughals.

This valuable book is an effort to describe Mughal Empire and its decline in India. Students and all interested in History learning will find the book important in their study.

**Contents and Sample Pages**