Let us learn what was the cause for the decline of Mughal empire.

The period of Mughals which began in 1526 with the accession of Babur, ended with the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. When Aurangzeb died, the empire of the Mughals was the largest in India.

The Mughal Empire was known for its extensive territories, military might, and cultural achievements. The decline of the Mughal Empire began with the death of Aurangzeb towards the beginning of the 18th century. Nine Mughal rulers, who succeeded Aurangzeb, called the Later Mughals.

Explore the cause for the decline of mughal empire

� Aurangzeb gave up Akbar�s policy of diplomacy and religious tolerance. He reimposed �Jaziya� (per capita yearly taxation) and the pilgrim tax on non-Muslims and removed them from high posts under the state.
� Aurangzeb�s absence from the North and his failure to subdue the Marathas led to the deterioration in administration and this also led to the decline of the Empire.
� Aurangzeb�s policy of continuous war in the Deccan further weakened the Empire.
� Many emperors neglected even the art of fighting.
� The division of Mughal nobility into three groups (the Iranis, the Turanis and the Hindustanis) also became the cause of the decline of the Mughals due to the struggle for powers among these fractions.
� The political instability in India gave an opportunity to foreigners like Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India.
� A basic cause of the downfall of the Mughal Empire was that it could no longer satisfy the minimum needs of its population.
� The economic condition of the Mughals worsened during the closing years of Aurangzeb�s rule. Agriculture was ruined due to wars, high taxes.
� Aurangzeb�s conflict with some of the Rajput states also had serious consequences on the Mughals Empire.
� The successors of Aurangzeb were incapable of maintaining the integrity of such a vast empire.

Cause for the decline of mughal empire: Questions

1. Who established the Mughal Empire?
a) Humayun
b) Sher Shah
c) Akbar
d) Babur

2. The decline of the Mughal Empire began with the death of which ruler?
a) Sher Shah
b) Humayun
c) Akbar
d) Aurangzeb

3. Which tax was imposed by Aurangzeb on non-Muslims?
a) Khams
b) Kharaj
c) Zakat
d) Jaziya

4. Mughal nobility was divided into how many groups?
a) Four
b) Five
c) Two
d) Three

5. Who was known as the Later Mughals?
a) The rulers who succeeded Akbar
b) The rulers who succeeded Humayan
c) The rulers who succeeded Babur
d) The rulers who succeeded Aurangzeb

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