Question

Answer the following question briefly:

Briefly explain the negative aspects of Shah Jahan’s reign that eventually led to the decline of the Mughal empire.

Answer 1

The policy of religious tolerance and friendship with the Rajputs was continued by Shah Jahan. Behind the glamour and the glitter of Shah Jahan’s reign, however, lurked some disturbing shadows.

1. Shah Jahan’s military expeditions to Central Asia and Kandahar and the extravagant building projects drained the royal treasury.
2. To improve the country’s financial resources, heavier taxes were imposed on the peasantry.
3.  According to Bernier, the French traveller, many villages were mined and left desolate. This setback to agriculture became a major cause of the decline of the Mughal empire.
4.  The failure of military campaigns during this period was an indication of the decline of the military might of the Mughals.
5. The administrative machinery had grown in size but corruption had crept in.