Question

Write a short note on the reasons for the decline of the mughal empire.

Answer 1

Causes of the decline of the Mughal Empire:

Wars of Succession: The Mughals did not follow any law of succession like the law of primogeniture. ...

Aurangzeb's Policies: ...

Weak Successors of Aurangzeb: ...

Empty Treasury: ...

Invasions: ...

Size of the Empire and Challenge from Regional Powers:

Answer 2

Answer:

• The successive rulers after Aurangzeb were weak, unworthy and lacked the character, motivation and commitment to rule the empire strongly.
• Aurangzeb’s policies made enemies of the Rajputs, Sikhs, Jats and the Marathas.
• His frequent wars depleted the treasury.
•  The raids by Nadir Shah, and repeated invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali, resulted in further weakening of the empire.
•  The already weakened empire faced further encroachment by the British and the French. The British and French, who had initially come as traders, took full advantage of the weakening empire and soon became masters of the whole of India.