The Decline of the Mughal Empire Post-Aurangzeb: Key Factors and Implications

Following the death of the 6th Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, the once formidable Mughal Empire began to crumble at an alarming rate. This rapid decline has been a subject of extensive scholarly inquiry, with several key factors identified as the primary causes. This article explores these factors and their implications for the empire in the early 18th century.

The Rapid Decline of the Mughal Empire

Let’s compare the state of the Mughal Empire in 1707, the year of Aurangzeb's death, to its condition 20 years later in 1727.

As illustrated in the images, the Mughals were still a dominant force in 1707, while by 1727, the Marathas had emerged as a dominant power. This stark change underscores the rapidity of the empire's decline.

Key Factors Contributing to the Decline

Aurangzeb’s Intolerant Policies

Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by harsh policies that alienated significant parts of his empire’s populace. Notably, he imposed the Jizyah tax on non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, disrupting the social and religious harmony that had been a hallmark of the Mughal Empire. Hindu and Sikh populations, forming over 80% of the empire’s population, were particularly affected. This policy caused widespread discontent among non-Muslims, leading to a loss of trust in the Mughal state. After Aurangzeb’s death, this lack of trust contributed significantly to the rapid decline of the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century.

Economic Decline and Overextension

Aurangzeb’s reign was characterized by prolonged warfare, which drained the Mughal Empire’s coffers. His aggressive expansionist policies further overextended the empire, making it economically unsustainable. The saying E E OR ECONOMY EMPIRE aptly summarizes the critical importance of the empire's economic stability to its longevity. The continued warfare and subsequent economic instability made the Mughal Empire vulnerable to internal rebellions and external challenges.

Wars with the Marathas

Aurangzeb’s military campaigns also involved prolonged conflicts with the Marathas and the Deccan Sultanates, spanning 27 years from 1680 to 1707. Additionally, he faced a series of wars against the British, including the Child’s War from 1686 to 1690. These continuous wars further drained the empire's resources and weakened its defenses, making it more susceptible to the rise of other powers, such as the Marathas.

Incompetent Rulers

Following Aurangzeb’s death, the empire faced a succession of ineffective rulers. His sons, who had been left to manage such a vast and complex administration, were either suited or, in some cases, nearing their twilight years, making them less capable of effectively governing the empire. Lack of a skilled and capable leadership structure exacerbates the challenges posed by the aforementioned factors, leading to further instability and decline.

Implications and Conclusion

The decline of the Mughal Empire during the early 18th century was precipitated by a combination of internal and external factors. Aurangzeb’s intolerant policies, the economic and military overextension of the empire, continuous wars, and the absence of competent leadership are all crucial elements contributing to the empire's rapid disintegration. This historical period serves as a warning about the fragility of empires and the importance of maintaining social, economic, and military balance.