Succession traditions of the Mughals: The succession tradition of Mughals was not that of primogeniture. Instead, they followed the Mughal and Timurid custom of coparcenary inheritance. In primogeniture, the eldest son inherits his father's estate. In coparcenary, the inheritance is divided amongst all the sons.

Mughal Tradition of Succession:

The Mughal Empire, which lasted for over three centuries in the Indian subcontinent, had a well-defined tradition of succession. The Mughals had a complex system of determining the heir to the throne, which was influenced by both Islamic and Persian traditions.

1. Patrilineal Succession:
The Mughals followed the principle of patrilineal succession, where the throne passed from father to son. The eldest surviving son of the emperor was usually the designated heir, but in case of his death or incapacity, another son or close male relative was chosen.

2. Akbar's Policy of Sulh-i-Kul:
Emperor Akbar introduced the policy of Sulh-i-Kul, which promoted religious tolerance and harmonious coexistence among different communities. This policy had an impact on the Mughal tradition of succession as it allowed the possibility of a non-Muslim ruler. Akbar himself was succeeded by his son Jahangir, who continued his father's policies.

3. Adoption:
The Mughals also practiced the adoption of heirs, especially when there was no suitable male heir within the immediate family. This practice was influenced by Persian traditions and allowed the emperor to choose a capable successor from among his relatives or trusted nobles.

4. Rivalry and Civil War:
Succession in the Mughal Empire was not always peaceful and often led to rivalries and civil wars among the potential heirs. The struggle for power sometimes resulted in the deposition or assassination of weaker claimants to the throne.

5. Aurangzeb's Strict Islamic Policies:
Emperor Aurangzeb, who ruled during the latter part of the Mughal Empire, introduced stricter Islamic policies and abandoned the policy of religious tolerance. This had an impact on the tradition of succession, as it favored the eldest Muslim son as the rightful heir.

6. Division of Empire:
The Mughal Empire faced significant challenges towards the end of its rule, including regional rebellions and invasions by foreign powers. As a result, the empire started fragmenting, and different regional rulers emerged. Succession became more localized, with each region having its own system of determining the heir.

Overall, the Mughal tradition of succession was influenced by factors such as patrilineal descent, adoption, religious policies, and regional dynamics. While the empire witnessed periods of stability and peaceful succession, it also experienced periods of turmoil and conflict.