The period following Aurangzeb’s death is marked by the rise of the Later Mughals. This era, lasting until approximately 1761 CE, is characterized by weakened central authority and the emergence of regional powers. The decline became evident through internal strife and external threats.
War of Succession
Following Aurangzeb’s death, a war of succession erupted among his three sons – Muazzam, Muhammad Kam Baksh, and Muhammad Azam Shah. Muazzam emerged victorious, taking the title of Bahadur Shah I. His reign was marked by attempts to restore stability but ultimately failed to address the empire’s financial woes.
Bahadur Shah I (1707 – 1712 CE)
Bahadur Shah I adopted a liberal policy towards the nobility. He granted territories but worsened the state finances. His reign acknowledged the independence of Marwar and Mewar, yet failed to secure their loyalty. He struggled with the Marathas and faced rebellion from the Sikhs, leading to turmoil in his later years.
Jahandar Shah (1712 – 1713 CE)
Jahandar Shah’s reign was dominated by the powerful noble Zulfiqar Khan. This era saw the nobles become king-makers, with Jahandar as a puppet ruler. Zulfiqar Khan’s policies included abolishing jizya and attempting to stabilise finances. However, his introduction of revenue farming led to further decline.
Farrukh Siyar (1713 – 1719 CE)
Farrukh Siyar, supported by the Saiyyad brothers, took the throne after Jahandar Shah. He attempted to negotiate peace with regional powers but faced internal strife. The Saiyyad brothers’ dominance led to conflicts with Farrukh Siyar, culminating in his assassination in 1719 CE.
Rafi-us-Darajat and Rafi-us-Daula (1719 CE)
The Saiyyad brothers placed Rafi-us-Darajat on the throne, but he died shortly after due to illness. Rafi-us-Daula succeeded him but ruled for a brief period before succumbing to tuberculosis. This instability marked a turbulent phase in Mughal politics.
Muhammad Shah (Rangeela) (1719 – 1748 CE)
Muhammad Shah was known for his love of arts and culture. He dislodged the Saiyyad brothers with help from regional leaders. However, his reign faced challenges, including the devastating invasion by Nadir Shah in 1739, which exposed the empire’s vulnerabilities.
Nadir Shah’s Invasion (1739 CE)
Nadir Shah invaded India following diplomatic tensions with the Mughal court. His forces defeated Muhammad Shah at the Battle of Karnal. Following the victory, Nadir Shah looted Delhi, taking immense wealth and causing widespread destruction, further weakening the Mughal authority.
Ahmad Shah (1748 – 1757 CE)
Ahmad Shah, son of Muhammad Shah, faced multiple invasions from Ahmad Shah Abdali. His reign was marked by territorial losses and internal strife, leading to his eventual blinding and imprisonment by his wazir, Imad-ul-Mulk.
Alamgir II (1754 – 1759 CE)
Alamgir II was elevated to the throne by Imad-ul-Mulk after Ahmad Shah’s deposition. His tenure coincided with the Battle of Plassey, which allowed the British East India Company to gain control over Bengal. Alamgir II’s reign ended with his assassination by his wazir, reflecting the chaos of the period.
Ali Gauhar (Shah Alam II) (1759 – 1806 CE)
Shah Alam II’s reign saw the Mughal Empire reduced to a mere shadow of its former self. He faced conflicts with regional powers and fled to Awadh during a crisis. His return was facilitated by the Marathas, but the empire continued to decline.
Akbar II (1806 – 1837 CE)
Akbar II was the last Mughal emperor to hold nominal power. His reign was marked by British dominance, and he ruled under their protection. His contributions included cultural patronage, but he lacked real authority.
Bahadur Shah II (Zafar) (1837 – 1857 CE)
Bahadur Shah II was the final ruler of the Mughal Empire. An accomplished poet, he participated in the revolt of 1857 against British rule. After the rebellion’s failure, he was exiled to Rangoon, marking the end of the Mughal dynasty.
Causes of Decline
The decline of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to several interrelated factors:
- Orthodox Rule of Aurangzeb: His policies alienated non-Muslim subjects and stretched administrative resources.
- Weak Successors: Successors were often puppets, leading to ineffective governance.
- Role of Nobility: Nobles vied for power, undermining central authority.
- Financial Strain: Continuous wars and invasions depleted the treasury.
- Ineffective Military: A demotivated army and neglect of naval power contributed to vulnerability.
- Emergence of British Power: British colonial ambitions further diminished Mughal influence.
Rise of Regional Powers
As the Mughal authority waned, regional powers emerged. Many provincial governors declared independence. The new states varied in character and longevity, often based on ethnic or sectarian identities.
Categories of Regional States
The regional states can be classified into three main categories:
- States by Former Nobles: These were established by powerful Mughal nobles who maintained ties with the Mughal court. Examples include Bengal, Awadh, and Hyderabad.
- Watan Jagirs: States like those of the Rajputs enjoyed autonomy due to their loyalty to the Mughal Empire.
- Rebellion States: Groups such as the Marathas, Jats, and Sikhs emerged as formidable powers after rebelling against Mughal authority.
