PPT: India on the Eve of British Conquest | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


India on the Eve 
of British 
Conquest
Page 2


India on the Eve 
of British 
Conquest
The Decline of a Great 
Empire
1
Aurangzeb's Legacy
The Mughal Empire 
declined significantly in 
the early eighteenth 
century. Aurangzeb's 
reign (1658-1707) 
marked the beginning of 
this decline, as his 
policies undermined the 
empire's stability.
2
Wars of Succession
Aurangzeb's death 
accelerated the decline 
through bitter 
succession wars and 
weak monarchs who 
failed to maintain 
imperial unity.
3
Ineffective Leadership
Muhammad Shah's lengthy rule (1719-1748) brought no 
revival to imperial fortunes, as his incompetence further 
weakened the struggling empire.
Page 3


India on the Eve 
of British 
Conquest
The Decline of a Great 
Empire
1
Aurangzeb's Legacy
The Mughal Empire 
declined significantly in 
the early eighteenth 
century. Aurangzeb's 
reign (1658-1707) 
marked the beginning of 
this decline, as his 
policies undermined the 
empire's stability.
2
Wars of Succession
Aurangzeb's death 
accelerated the decline 
through bitter 
succession wars and 
weak monarchs who 
failed to maintain 
imperial unity.
3
Ineffective Leadership
Muhammad Shah's lengthy rule (1719-1748) brought no 
revival to imperial fortunes, as his incompetence further 
weakened the struggling empire.
External Challenges to Mughal 
Power
Neglected Borders
The northwestern borders 
were neglected by later 
Mughals, leaving these 
regions vulnerable to 
foreign invasions.
Nadir Shah's Invasion 
(1738-39)
Persian emperor Nadir 
Shah defeated the Mughal 
army at Karnal and looted 
Delhi, taking the Peacock 
Throne, Kohinoor diamond, 
and approximately 70 
crore rupees in treasures.
Abdali's Multiple Invasions (1748-1767)
Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India repeatedly, capturing 
Delhi by 1757 and controlling the Mughal emperor through 
appointed agents. His forces later defeated the Marathas at 
the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
Page 4


India on the Eve 
of British 
Conquest
The Decline of a Great 
Empire
1
Aurangzeb's Legacy
The Mughal Empire 
declined significantly in 
the early eighteenth 
century. Aurangzeb's 
reign (1658-1707) 
marked the beginning of 
this decline, as his 
policies undermined the 
empire's stability.
2
Wars of Succession
Aurangzeb's death 
accelerated the decline 
through bitter 
succession wars and 
weak monarchs who 
failed to maintain 
imperial unity.
3
Ineffective Leadership
Muhammad Shah's lengthy rule (1719-1748) brought no 
revival to imperial fortunes, as his incompetence further 
weakened the struggling empire.
External Challenges to Mughal 
Power
Neglected Borders
The northwestern borders 
were neglected by later 
Mughals, leaving these 
regions vulnerable to 
foreign invasions.
Nadir Shah's Invasion 
(1738-39)
Persian emperor Nadir 
Shah defeated the Mughal 
army at Karnal and looted 
Delhi, taking the Peacock 
Throne, Kohinoor diamond, 
and approximately 70 
crore rupees in treasures.
Abdali's Multiple Invasions (1748-1767)
Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India repeatedly, capturing 
Delhi by 1757 and controlling the Mughal emperor through 
appointed agents. His forces later defeated the Marathas at 
the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
Panipat: Battlefield of Empires
1
First Battle (1526)
Babur defeated 
Ibrahim Lodi, ending 
the Delhi Sultanate 
and establishing the 
Mughal Empire. 
Superior tactics and 
artillery proved 
decisive.
2
Second Battle (1556)
Akbar defeated 
Hemu, securing 
Mughal rule in India. 
Despite Hemu's 
initial advantage, the 
Mughals ultimately 
prevailed.
3
Third Battle (1761)
Ahmad Shah Abdali 
defeated the 
Marathas, ending 
their ambitions to 
control India. 
Massive casualties 
shifted the balance 
of power.
Page 5


India on the Eve 
of British 
Conquest
The Decline of a Great 
Empire
1
Aurangzeb's Legacy
The Mughal Empire 
declined significantly in 
the early eighteenth 
century. Aurangzeb's 
reign (1658-1707) 
marked the beginning of 
this decline, as his 
policies undermined the 
empire's stability.
2
Wars of Succession
Aurangzeb's death 
accelerated the decline 
through bitter 
succession wars and 
weak monarchs who 
failed to maintain 
imperial unity.
3
Ineffective Leadership
Muhammad Shah's lengthy rule (1719-1748) brought no 
revival to imperial fortunes, as his incompetence further 
weakened the struggling empire.
External Challenges to Mughal 
Power
Neglected Borders
The northwestern borders 
were neglected by later 
Mughals, leaving these 
regions vulnerable to 
foreign invasions.
Nadir Shah's Invasion 
(1738-39)
Persian emperor Nadir 
Shah defeated the Mughal 
army at Karnal and looted 
Delhi, taking the Peacock 
Throne, Kohinoor diamond, 
and approximately 70 
crore rupees in treasures.
Abdali's Multiple Invasions (1748-1767)
Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India repeatedly, capturing 
Delhi by 1757 and controlling the Mughal emperor through 
appointed agents. His forces later defeated the Marathas at 
the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
Panipat: Battlefield of Empires
1
First Battle (1526)
Babur defeated 
Ibrahim Lodi, ending 
the Delhi Sultanate 
and establishing the 
Mughal Empire. 
Superior tactics and 
artillery proved 
decisive.
2
Second Battle (1556)
Akbar defeated 
Hemu, securing 
Mughal rule in India. 
Despite Hemu's 
initial advantage, the 
Mughals ultimately 
prevailed.
3
Third Battle (1761)
Ahmad Shah Abdali 
defeated the 
Marathas, ending 
their ambitions to 
control India. 
Massive casualties 
shifted the balance 
of power.
Why Many Empire-shaking Battles at 
Panipat?
Gateway to Delhi
Located between the 
Ganga and Indus plains 
along the Yamuna 
River, Panipat provided 
strategic access to 
Delhi. Northern 
invaders coming 
through the Khyber 
Pass found it an ideal 
route to control the 
capital.
Tactical Advantages
The flat terrain 
facilitated cavalry 
movements crucial for 
warfare of the era. Its 
proximity to Delhi 
enabled efficient 
transport of troops, 
weapons, and 
provisions.
Logistical Benefits
Panipat became a key 
stop after Sher Shah 
Suri built the Grand 
Trunk Road (1540-
1545). Short monsoons 
and access to skilled 
local artisans for war 
materials enhanced its 
strategic value.