Aurangzeb and Decline

Aurangzeb (1658–1707) ascended the throne after defeating his brothers, including Dara Shikoh, in a bloody succession war.
Aurangzeb adopted a policy of strict Islamic orthodoxy, reintroducing the jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679.
He expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, covering almost the entire Indian subcontinent.
His military campaigns in the Deccan, against the Marathas and other regional powers, drained the empire's resources.
Aurangzeb’s religious policies, including the destruction of temples, alienated large sections of the population.
He fought long and costly wars against the Marathas, led by leaders like Shivaji and later his successors.
Aurangzeb’s administration became increasingly autocratic, sidelining many of the noble families and allies.
The empire’s economy began to decline due to over-taxation and continuous warfare.
The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 marked the beginning of the rapid decline of the Mughal Empire.
After Aurangzeb, the empire faced instability due to weak rulers and succession disputes.
The rise of regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs challenged Mughal authority.
The invasion of Nadir Shah in 1739 resulted in the plunder of Delhi and loss of immense wealth, including the Peacock Throne.
Repeated invasions by Ahmad Shah Durrani weakened the empire further.
The loss of revenue from key regions like Bengal and Gujarat crippled the empire’s finances.
The emergence of the East India Company as a political force marked a turning point in the Mughal decline.
The Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764) consolidated British control over Bengal.
By the late 18th century, the Mughal emperor became a mere figurehead under British protection.
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) weakened the Marathas but did not restore Mughal power.
The Mughal court at Delhi became dependent on British subsidies after the signing of treaties.
The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 marked the symbolic end of the Mughal Empire, with the deposition of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Aurangzeb’s emphasis on Islamic orthodoxy is often contrasted with the more syncretic policies of Akbar.
During Aurangzeb’s reign, there was significant growth in Islamic architecture, including the construction of the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.
The Deccan wars against the Bijapur and Golconda sultanates initially expanded the empire but ultimately overstrained its resources.
Aurangzeb’s strict enforcement of Islamic laws led to social unrest and rebellion in several regions.
The Jat and Sikh uprisings further weakened Mughal control in northern India.
The administrative inefficiency of Aurangzeb’s successors allowed British influence to grow unchecked.
Famine and economic decline during the late Mughal period reduced the empire’s ability to sustain itself.
Regional governors, or subedars, became increasingly independent, leading to fragmentation of the empire.
The Mughal Empire’s decline is often attributed to overexpansion, weak successors, and rising regional powers.
Aurangzeb’s intolerance alienated Hindus, Sikhs, and other communities, disrupting the socio-political harmony established by Akbar.
The eventual absorption of Mughal territories into the British Empire signaled the end of an era in Indian history.
Aurangzeb’s reign, while marked by military success, is also remembered for its cultural and administrative decline.
The weakening of Mughal central authority paved the way for the rise of princely states and foreign dominance.
The Mughals’ inability to modernize their military compared to European powers like the British led to their downfall.