PPT: The Decline of Mughal Empire and The Rise of Autonomous States | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


The Decline of the 
Mughal Empire
Page 2


The Decline of the 
Mughal Empire
Introduction: From Glory to Decline
The Fall from Power
The Mughal Empire, once formidable 
and admired, experienced a gradual 
decline in the first half of the 18th 
century. By 1803, the empire had 
dwindled to a small territory around 
Delhi, ultimately falling under British 
occupation.
Historical Significance
Understanding the reasons behind 
this decline sheds light on the 
weaknesses of India's medieval 
social, economic, and political 
structures, revealing how a mighty 
empire became vulnerable to both 
internal fractures and external 
threats.
Timeline of Collapse
From Aurangzeb's death in 1707 to 
British occupation in 1803, the 
empire went through a series of 
crises, including succession wars, 
rebellions, and foreign invasions that 
progressively weakened imperial 
authority.
Page 3


The Decline of the 
Mughal Empire
Introduction: From Glory to Decline
The Fall from Power
The Mughal Empire, once formidable 
and admired, experienced a gradual 
decline in the first half of the 18th 
century. By 1803, the empire had 
dwindled to a small territory around 
Delhi, ultimately falling under British 
occupation.
Historical Significance
Understanding the reasons behind 
this decline sheds light on the 
weaknesses of India's medieval 
social, economic, and political 
structures, revealing how a mighty 
empire became vulnerable to both 
internal fractures and external 
threats.
Timeline of Collapse
From Aurangzeb's death in 1707 to 
British occupation in 1803, the 
empire went through a series of 
crises, including succession wars, 
rebellions, and foreign invasions that 
progressively weakened imperial 
authority.
Early Stability Under 
Aurangzeb
1
Strong Centralized Rule
Under Aurangzeb's long and 
forceful reign, the empire 
maintained stability despite 
underlying issues beginning to 
emerge. His strong administrative 
control and military campaigns 
expanded Mughal territory to its 
greatest extent.
2
Efficient Administration
Despite controversial religious 
policies, the Mughal 
administration remained 
remarkably efficient during this 
period. Provincial governors, tax 
collectors, and military 
commanders maintained 
effective control throughout the 
vast empire.
3
Formidable Military
The military strength of the empire remained formidable until Aurangzeb's 
death in 1707. Throughout his territories, respect for the Mughal dynasty 
persisted, with local rulers acknowledging imperial supremacy.
Page 4


The Decline of the 
Mughal Empire
Introduction: From Glory to Decline
The Fall from Power
The Mughal Empire, once formidable 
and admired, experienced a gradual 
decline in the first half of the 18th 
century. By 1803, the empire had 
dwindled to a small territory around 
Delhi, ultimately falling under British 
occupation.
Historical Significance
Understanding the reasons behind 
this decline sheds light on the 
weaknesses of India's medieval 
social, economic, and political 
structures, revealing how a mighty 
empire became vulnerable to both 
internal fractures and external 
threats.
Timeline of Collapse
From Aurangzeb's death in 1707 to 
British occupation in 1803, the 
empire went through a series of 
crises, including succession wars, 
rebellions, and foreign invasions that 
progressively weakened imperial 
authority.
Early Stability Under 
Aurangzeb
1
Strong Centralized Rule
Under Aurangzeb's long and 
forceful reign, the empire 
maintained stability despite 
underlying issues beginning to 
emerge. His strong administrative 
control and military campaigns 
expanded Mughal territory to its 
greatest extent.
2
Efficient Administration
Despite controversial religious 
policies, the Mughal 
administration remained 
remarkably efficient during this 
period. Provincial governors, tax 
collectors, and military 
commanders maintained 
effective control throughout the 
vast empire.
3
Formidable Military
The military strength of the empire remained formidable until Aurangzeb's 
death in 1707. Throughout his territories, respect for the Mughal dynasty 
persisted, with local rulers acknowledging imperial supremacy.
Bahadur Shah's Rule
1
Succession Victory
Emerging victorious after his father's death, Bahadur Shah pursued a policy 
of compromise and conciliation, attempting to heal divisions created 
during Aurangzeb's reign through more tolerant approaches.
2
Rajput Relations
Initial attempts to assert control over Rajput states like Amber and Marwar 
faced resistance, leading to eventual settlements but not without 
repercussions. While states were restored to their rulers, demands for 
certain privileges remained unmet.
3
Maratha Challenges
Bahadur Shah's approach towards Maratha chiefs was characterized by 
half-hearted conciliation. Efforts to reconcile with the Marathas achieved 
limited success, indicating a lack of decisiveness in dealing with this 
powerful faction.
Page 5


The Decline of the 
Mughal Empire
Introduction: From Glory to Decline
The Fall from Power
The Mughal Empire, once formidable 
and admired, experienced a gradual 
decline in the first half of the 18th 
century. By 1803, the empire had 
dwindled to a small territory around 
Delhi, ultimately falling under British 
occupation.
Historical Significance
Understanding the reasons behind 
this decline sheds light on the 
weaknesses of India's medieval 
social, economic, and political 
structures, revealing how a mighty 
empire became vulnerable to both 
internal fractures and external 
threats.
Timeline of Collapse
From Aurangzeb's death in 1707 to 
British occupation in 1803, the 
empire went through a series of 
crises, including succession wars, 
rebellions, and foreign invasions that 
progressively weakened imperial 
authority.
Early Stability Under 
Aurangzeb
1
Strong Centralized Rule
Under Aurangzeb's long and 
forceful reign, the empire 
maintained stability despite 
underlying issues beginning to 
emerge. His strong administrative 
control and military campaigns 
expanded Mughal territory to its 
greatest extent.
2
Efficient Administration
Despite controversial religious 
policies, the Mughal 
administration remained 
remarkably efficient during this 
period. Provincial governors, tax 
collectors, and military 
commanders maintained 
effective control throughout the 
vast empire.
3
Formidable Military
The military strength of the empire remained formidable until Aurangzeb's 
death in 1707. Throughout his territories, respect for the Mughal dynasty 
persisted, with local rulers acknowledging imperial supremacy.
Bahadur Shah's Rule
1
Succession Victory
Emerging victorious after his father's death, Bahadur Shah pursued a policy 
of compromise and conciliation, attempting to heal divisions created 
during Aurangzeb's reign through more tolerant approaches.
2
Rajput Relations
Initial attempts to assert control over Rajput states like Amber and Marwar 
faced resistance, leading to eventual settlements but not without 
repercussions. While states were restored to their rulers, demands for 
certain privileges remained unmet.
3
Maratha Challenges
Bahadur Shah's approach towards Maratha chiefs was characterized by 
half-hearted conciliation. Efforts to reconcile with the Marathas achieved 
limited success, indicating a lack of decisiveness in dealing with this 
powerful faction.
Further Developments in the Decline of the Mughal 
Empire
Maratha Conflicts
Bahadur Shah's partial appeasement 
of Marathas proved ineffective. His 
refusal to grant chauth or recognize 
Shahu as legitimate ruler 
perpetuated instability in the 
Deccan.
Sikh Rebellion
Despite initial peace with Guru 
Gobind Singh, Sikh rebellion erupted 
under Banda Bahadur after the 
Guru's death. Imperial forces briefly 
captured Sikh strongholds, but these 
territories were quickly reclaimed.
Financial Mismanagement
Seeking loyalty through excessive 
grants to regional chiefs like 
Chhatarsal and Churaman Jat, 
Bahadur Shah depleted the treasury 
with reckless jagir distributions and 
promotions before his death in 1712.