History & Civics
Answer
The decline of the Mughal empire was caused by several key factors:
- Weak Successors: After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, his successors lacked administrative skill and were controlled by powerful nobles, leading to the fragmentation of the empire.
- Rivalry Among Nobles: Constant power struggles between different noble groups created political instability and hindered effective governance.
- Weak Administration: The jagirdari and mansabdari systems became ineffective due to the indiscriminate distribution of land, draining the treasury. The central authority weakened, reducing military efficiency.
- Invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali: Foreign invasions, especially by Nadir Shah in 1739 and Ahmad Shah Abdali, devastated the empire, with Nadir Shah looting the Kohinoor Diamond and the Peacock Throne.
- Wars of Succession: Wars for succession drained resources and caused political instability.
- Aurangzeb’s Policies: His religious intolerance and costly military campaigns, especially against the Marathas and Sikhs, weakened both the economy and administration.
Related Questions
Match Column A with Column B.
Column A Column B 1. Charles Metcalfe (a) Tiger of Mysore. 2. Shivaji (b) Treaty of Amritsar. 3. Tipu Sultan (c) founder of the Maratha power. 4. Ranjit Singh (d) united the Sikhs on the west of river Sutlej. State whether the following statements are True or False.
The office of the Peshwas was always hereditary.
In the Third Battle of Panipat, the Marathas fought with the Rajputs and the Jats.
The later Mughal kings were able rulers.
Safdar Jung was the first Nizam of Hyderabad.
Jai Singh built an observatory (Jantar Mantar) at Jaipur.
When and between whom was the Third Battle of Panipat fought? What were its results?
Name the first independent Nawab of Bengal. What were his achievements?