The Decline of the Mughal Empire

Mughal empire declined and disintegrated during the first half of the eighteenth century. In 1803, Delhi was occupied by British army. Mughal emperor was reduced to the status of a mere pensioner of a foreign power.

Causes For The Decline Of The Mughal Empire

1. Large extent of empire
• Auranzeb inherited a large empire and he extended it further. 
• means of communication and the economic and political structure of country not adequate.
• stable centralized administration difficult. 
2. Conflict with Marathas
• Auranzeb suppressed Maratrha demand of regional autonomy.
• drained resources of empire. 
• runied trade and industry of Deccan.
• Failure to subdue Marathas led to deterioration in administration.
• neglect of North West frontier. 
3. Conflict with Rajputs
• Auranzeb change of policy towards Rajputs weakened the empire. 
• wanted to reduce strength of Rajpt Rajas.
4. Satnami, Jat and Sikh Rebellion
• rebellion by Satnami, Jat and Sikh weakened the empire. 
• had popular support of peasants because heavy taxes imposed on them.
5. Auranzeb religious policy
• Auranzeb diverted from earlier secular policy of Mughal empire. 
• imposed jizyah on Hindus. 
• damged stablity of Mughal Empire. 
6. Absence of rule of succession
• civil war between prices for succession.
• loss of military officers, life and property.
• loosened administrative fabric of the empire. 
7. Strong Nobility
• promoted own interest at the expense of Mughal empire.
• carved out own private principalities. e.g Hyderabad 
8. Lack of scientific and technological development
• unable to standup against European challenge.
9. Absence of spirit of political nationalism
• people loyal to persons, tribes, castes and religious sects.
• lacked the notion of  a nation. 
• didn't put united stand against Britishers. 
10. Decline in administrative efficiency
• neglect of law and order in 18th century 
• unruly zamindar openly defied central authority.
• provinces failed to remit provincial revenues to the centre. 
• Mughal army lacked discipline and fighting morale. They were not paid for many months.
11. Foreign invasions
• attacks by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali. 
• drained wealth of empire. 
• ruined trained and industry.
• destroyed military power. 
12. Weak Mughal Kings
• After Auranzeb, weak kings inheritated the Mughal Empire. 
• short sighted in administration.
• couldn't consolidate Mughal Empire, allowed it to decay. 
13. Arrival of Britishers.
• Britishers were technologically, politically, economically and socially advanced when they came to India. 
• Mughal empire not equipped to face British challenge.