Question

Answer the following question briefly:

Explain the factors responsible for the decline of the Mughal empire.

Answer 1

The factors responsible for the decline of the Mughal empire are:

1. Aurangzeb’s Faulty Policies: Aurangzeb followed an orthodox religious policy. He reimposed Jazia and pilgrimage tax. Thus, he antagonised not only the Hindus but also the Muslims. He also made enemies of communities like the Jats, Sikhs and the Marathas.
2. Aurangzeb’s Deccan Policy: The conquests of Bijapur and Golconda made the empire too big to be administered efficiently. Moreover, Aurangzeb’s long stay in the Deccan (almost 25 years) neglected the administration of his empire in the North. His absence also helped the rise of the Maratha power.
3. Weak Successors: Aurangzeb’s successors were incompetent and weak, and they could not suppress the revolts or control the nobles. They become too ambitious and independent. Eventually, the governors of the Deccan, Awadh, and Bengal declared themselves as independent rulers.
4. Empty Treasury: Aurangzeb maintained a large standing army. But his long wars in the Deccan caused a big drain on the state treasury. Thus, after the death of Aurangzeb (AD 1707), the treasury became empty and the later Mughal rulers were unable to pay the soldiers and officers and meet their expenses.