The Mughals emperors after Aurangzeb were unable to arrest the gradual shifting of political and economic authority into the hands of provincial governors, local chieftains, and other groups.

After the reign of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire started to decline rapidly. Several factors contributed to this decline, leading to the weakening of central authority and the rise of regional powers.

Aurangzeb's Policies and their Consequences
1. Religious Intolerance: Aurangzeb's policies of religious intolerance, such as the imposition of Jizya (a tax on non-Muslims) and destruction of Hindu temples, created resentment among the majority Hindu population. This led to rebellions and a loss of support for the Mughal Empire.

2. Military Overextension: Aurangzeb's ambitious military campaigns, particularly in the Deccan region, drained the empire's resources and weakened its military strength. This made it difficult for the Mughals to maintain control over their vast territories.

Weak Successors
1. Lack of Strong Leadership: Aurangzeb's successors were weak and incapable of providing strong leadership. They lacked the military and administrative skills necessary to control the empire effectively.

2. Succession Disputes: Succession disputes among the Mughal princes led to infighting and power struggles within the empire. This further weakened the central authority and allowed regional powers to assert their influence.

Rise of Regional Powers
1. Provincial Governors: The Mughal emperors relied heavily on provincial governors to administer their vast territories. However, these governors gradually started to assert their authority and became more independent, challenging the central authority.

2. Local Chieftains: Local chieftains and zamindars (landowners) also gained power and influence during this period. They often formed alliances with regional powers and resisted Mughal control.

3. Emergence of Marathas and Sikhs: The Marathas and Sikhs emerged as powerful regional forces during this period. They challenged Mughal authority and established their own independent kingdoms in different parts of India.

Economic Factors
1. Decline in Revenue: The Mughal Empire faced economic challenges, including a decline in revenue due to mismanagement, corruption, and the loss of control over trade routes.

2. Rise of Regional Trade: With the decline of the central authority, regional trade flourished. Regional powers controlled trade routes and collected taxes, further eroding the economic authority of the Mughals.

In conclusion, the Mughal emperors after Aurangzeb were unable to arrest the gradual shifting of political and economic authority into the hands of provincial governors, local chieftains, and other groups due to factors such as Aurangzeb's policies, weak successors, the rise of regional powers, and economic challenges. This led to the decline of the Mughal Empire and the fragmentation of political power in India.