Was the Succession Struggle the Most Critical Factor in the Breakup of the Mughal Empire?

The in-fighting among Aurangzeb's successors was indeed a significant factor in the breakup of the Mughal Empire, but it was not the only reason. This article delves into the complex factors that contributed to the decline and eventual fragmentation of one of the greatest empires of its time.

Succession Struggles

After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, a series of weak rulers followed, leading to intense power struggles among his descendants. These infighting events, such as the Battle of Samugarh between Dara Shikoh and the combined forces of Aurangzeb and Murad Baksh, weakened central authority and made it difficult to maintain control over the vast empire. The Mughal system of succession, while intended to ensure the most capable ruler ascended, inadvertently created instability and conflict.

Administrative Decay

The Mughal administrative system suffered from corruption and inefficiency. As central power weakened, local governors (nawabs) began to assert independence, further fragmenting the empire. Nawabs like Nawab Muazzam and others started to make their own decisions and bypass imperial control, weakening the centralized governance that was vital for the empire's stability.

Economic Decline

The Mughal Empire faced significant economic challenges, including heavy taxation and declining trade. This economic strain contributed to unrest and dissatisfaction among various groups, including peasants and local rulers. Economic instability led to a decrease in revenue, making it harder for the central authority to maintain its hold on the empire. Heavy taxation and trade restrictions imposed by Aurangzeb's policies, particularly his intolerance towards non-Muslims and the imposition of the jizya tax, alienated large segments of the population.

Religious Tensions

Aurangzeb's policies, including his policies of religious intolerance and the jizya tax, alienated large segments of the population. This led to rebellions and weakened the empire's cohesion. For instance, numerous uprisings challenged the Mughal authority across the empire, particularly in regions with significant non-Muslim populations.

External Threats

The Mughal Empire also faced external pressures from emerging powers such as the Marathas, Sikhs, and later the British. These groups capitalised on the Mughal decline, further eroding the empire's power. Additionally, colonial encroachment, particularly by the British East India Company, intensified during the mid-18th century. European powers took advantage of the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire to expand their influence in India.

Conclusion

While the succession struggle played a crucial role in the disintegration of the Mughal Empire, it was part of a larger context of administrative decline, economic difficulties, religious tensions, and external pressures. The empire's decline was multifaceted, and no single factor alone can be attributed to its eventual fragmentation and collapse.