Aurangzeb and Decline

  1. Aurangzeb (1658–1707) ascended the throne after defeating his brothers, including Dara Shikoh, in a bloody succession war.
  2. Aurangzeb adopted a policy of strict Islamic orthodoxy, reintroducing the jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679.
  3. He expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, covering almost the entire Indian subcontinent.
  4. His military campaigns in the Deccan, against the Marathas and other regional powers, drained the empire's resources.
  5. Aurangzeb’s religious policies, including the destruction of temples, alienated large sections of the population.
  6. He fought long and costly wars against the Marathas, led by leaders like Shivaji and later his successors.
  7. Aurangzeb’s administration became increasingly autocratic, sidelining many of the noble families and allies.
  8. The empire’s economy began to decline due to over-taxation and continuous warfare.
  9. The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 marked the beginning of the rapid decline of the Mughal Empire.
  10. After Aurangzeb, the empire faced instability due to weak rulers and succession disputes.
  11. The rise of regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs challenged Mughal authority.
  12. The invasion of Nadir Shah in 1739 resulted in the plunder of Delhi and loss of immense wealth, including the Peacock Throne.
  13. Repeated invasions by Ahmad Shah Durrani weakened the empire further.
  14. The loss of revenue from key regions like Bengal and Gujarat crippled the empire’s finances.
  15. The emergence of the East India Company as a political force marked a turning point in the Mughal decline.
  16. The Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764) consolidated British control over Bengal.
  17. By the late 18th century, the Mughal emperor became a mere figurehead under British protection.
  18. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) weakened the Marathas but did not restore Mughal power.
  19. The Mughal court at Delhi became dependent on British subsidies after the signing of treaties.
  20. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 marked the symbolic end of the Mughal Empire, with the deposition of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
  21. Aurangzeb’s emphasis on Islamic orthodoxy is often contrasted with the more syncretic policies of Akbar.
  22. During Aurangzeb’s reign, there was significant growth in Islamic architecture, including the construction of the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.
  23. The Deccan wars against the Bijapur and Golconda sultanates initially expanded the empire but ultimately overstrained its resources.
  24. Aurangzeb’s strict enforcement of Islamic laws led to social unrest and rebellion in several regions.
  25. The Jat and Sikh uprisings further weakened Mughal control in northern India.
  26. The administrative inefficiency of Aurangzeb’s successors allowed British influence to grow unchecked.
  27. Famine and economic decline during the late Mughal period reduced the empire’s ability to sustain itself.
  28. Regional governors, or subedars, became increasingly independent, leading to fragmentation of the empire.
  29. The Mughal Empire’s decline is often attributed to overexpansion, weak successors, and rising regional powers.
  30. Aurangzeb’s intolerance alienated Hindus, Sikhs, and other communities, disrupting the socio-political harmony established by Akbar.
  31. The eventual absorption of Mughal territories into the British Empire signaled the end of an era in Indian history.
  32. Aurangzeb’s reign, while marked by military success, is also remembered for its cultural and administrative decline.
  33. The weakening of Mughal central authority paved the way for the rise of princely states and foreign dominance.
  34. The Mughals’ inability to modernize their military compared to European powers like the British led to their downfall.
Category
Mughal Empire (1526–1857 CE)
History of India
Aurangzeb ascended the Mughal throne in which year?
Aurangzeb was known for his policy of:
The Mughal ruler who imposed Jizya tax after Akbar abolished it was:
Which region was a major center of rebellion during Aurangzeb’s reign?
The Mughal Empire’s military expansion under Aurangzeb led to:
Aurangzeb’s reign lasted for how many years?
The Maratha ruler who resisted Aurangzeb was:
Aurangzeb’s policy of temple destruction alienated which group?
The Mughal ruler who fought a long war against the Marathas was:
Aurangzeb’s administrative reforms included the compilation of:
The Mughal Empire's decline is generally believed to have started under which emperor?
Which European trading company established its base in India during Aurangzeb's reign?
Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns were against which sultanates?
The successor of Aurangzeb was:
Aurangzeb’s policy towards the Rajputs led to:
The major factor for Aurangzeb’s strained finances was:
The Mughal Empire’s decline post-Aurangzeb was accelerated by:
The Revolt of the Jats during Aurangzeb’s reign was led by:
The Mughal ruler known for his puritanical Islamic practices was:
Aurangzeb’s reign saw the rise of which Sikh Guru’s resistance?
The longest reign among the Mughal emperors was that of:
The Mughal emperor who banned music and dance at the court was:
Aurangzeb’s empire stretched to its greatest extent geographically but faced:
The rebellion of the Sikhs against Aurangzeb was due to:
Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 marked the beginning of:
Aurangzeb imprisoned which of his family members to ascend the throne?
Aurangzeb was referred to as Alamgir, which means:
Aurangzeb’s conquest of Bijapur in 1686 ended the rule of which dynasty?
The Mughal emperor who reversed Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul was:
Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns contributed to the empire's decline due to:
The Battle of Dharmat (1658) was fought between:
The Deccan campaign drained resources due to resistance from:
The Battle of Samugarh secured Aurangzeb’s position as emperor against:
The Jat Revolt during Aurangzeb’s rule was primarily caused by:
The Mughal Empire’s inability to control regional powers post-Aurangzeb is evident in: