Question

What were the causes
for the decline Surat towards the end of the 17th century ​

Answer 1

Answer:

Towards the end of the 17th century, Surat began to decline as the trade capital because of many reasons like the decline of the Mughal Empire and resulting in the loss of markets and productivity, control over the sea routes by the Portuguese and competition from Bombay (present day Mumbai) as the East India Company.

Answer 2

Answer:

Decline:

Surat began to decline towards the end of the 17th century, when the Maratha leader Shivaji ransacked it in 1664 CE. The Mughal empire lost control over its markets and productivity. Sensing the weakness of the Mughal power, the English shifted their headquarters to Cambay. Surat was finally taken over by the British in 1759.