The decline of the Mughal Empire following Aurangzeb's death [7] Flashcards
Why were Aurangzeb’s successors inefficient?
Aurangzeb’s successors were inefficient as they proved to be lazy, corrupt, and luxury-loving and left the state affairs to their courtiers and ministers who were usually selfish.
How was the empire’s defense impacted/effected?
Considering these weak successors became victim to an extraordinary lifestyle. It resulted in the failure in running and defending the huge empire.
Did the empire suffer in any sort of way financially?
State resources were spent on personal comfort resulting in the empire’s suffering from financial inefficiencies.
Who was the Mughal who earned the title “Rangeela” and why did he earn this title?
One of the later Mughals, Muhammad Shah who, because of his colorful lifestyle, was titled “Rangeela” as he could not defend the empire against Nadir Shah Durrani, a persian invader.
[Para 2] Why did Princes often fight for the throne of the dead emperor?
[Para2] There was no law of succession allowing the princes to fight for the throne of the dead emperor.
[Para2] What did these wars of succession lead to?
[Para2] These wars of succession led to a division of the army with various lobbies supporting various princes.
[Para2] Who usually decided Succession?
[Para2] Succession was usually decided by the ability of the individual princes, support and strength they could get from the courtiers and the army.
[Para2] This sort of infighting. Did it impose any sort of loss?
[Para2] This infighting incurred a huge loss to the state exchequer that should have been spent on public welfare schemes and consolidating the empire.
[Para2] Who did Aurangzeb divide the empire among?
[Para2] Auranzeb had divided the empire among his three sons, but they too, ended up fighting with each other.
[Para3] Invasions by who further declined the empire?
[Para3] Invasions by the Persians, Afghans, and Europeans further accelerated the process of decline.
[Para3] Who sacked many cities and when?
[Para3] Nadir Shah Durrani sacked many cities in 1739, and Ahmad Shah Abdali repeatedly attacked India 1748 onwards.
[Para3] Gradually, what happened to fighting wars?
[Para3] Gradually, fighting wars became expensive and the military was stretched and suffered from indeficiency and skills.
[Para3] What became challenging for the military?
[Para3] It became hard to defend a vast empire with an orthodox and outdated weapons and fighting tactics.
[Para3] What gave an advantage to the British?
[Para3] The British, who had been developing their army, fully exploited these weaknesses of a very rich Mughal Empire that they overran with their advanced weapons, warefare and clever strats.
