Feb 19, 2024, 09:04 PM IST
The Mughal Empire ruled over a large part of the Indian subcontinent from 1526 to 1857. The empire was established by Babur.
The Mughal Empire had 21 emperors, including Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. The empire's decline began with the death of Aurangzeb in 1707.
The downfall of the Mughal Empire in India can be attributed to a combination of internal and external factors. Here are six key reasons that contributed to its decline:
The Mughal Empire's decline was exacerbated by weak succession policies, where emperors were often succeeded by incompetent or inexperienced rulers. This led to power struggles, internal conflicts, and instability, weakening the Empire's central authority and cohesion.
The Mughal Empire experienced an economic decline, marked by a dwindling revenue base due to administrative corruption, excessive taxation, and weak governance. The resulting economic hardship weakened the Empire's ability to maintain its military and administrative infrastructure.
The Maratha Confederacy in western India and the Sikh Confederacy in the Punjab region mounted significant resistance against Mughal rule. Their military campaigns and strategic alliances challenged Mughal authority and territorial control.
The British East India Company's gradual expansion in India posed a significant threat to the Mughal Empire. The British secured trade privileges and territorial gains, gradually undermining Mughal authority and contributing to the Empire's decline.
The Mughal Empire's military faced challenges from European powers like the British and French, who possessed superior military technology and organizational structures. The Empire's failure to modernize and adapt its military contributed to its inability to defend its territory effectively.
The Mughal Empire's religious and cultural policies also contributed to its downfall. The imposition of the jizya (a tax on non-Muslims) and suppression of Hindu rituals and practices led to religious tensions and rebellions, weakening the Empire's internal stability.