Reasons for the Decline of the Mughal Empire (1707-1857)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the decline of the Mughal Empire, including administrative systems, religious policies, invasions, and the rise of British power.

Aurangzeb Alamgir

Mughal emperor whose strict religious policies and Deccan campaigns weakened the empire, contributing to decline after his death.

War of succession

Infighting among Mughal rulers after Aurangzeb that drained resources and undermined central authority.

Mansabdari system

Akbar's 1570 rank-based system classifying imperial officers (Mansabdars) into 66 grades from 10 to 10,000; civil and military service.

Deccan policy

Aurangzeb’s 25-year campaigns in the Deccan against Bijapur, Golconda, and the Marathas, draining resources and loosening northern control.

Jaziya

Tax on non-Muslims that Aurangzeb reimposed; part of discriminatory taxation and policy against Hindus.

Removal of Hindus from government jobs

Policy by Aurangzeb restricting Hindus from high administrative or executive posts (notably from 1670).

Restrictions on Hindu education

Destruction of Hindu educational institutions and limits on Hindu schooling and religious instruction.

Conversion to Islam

Strategy used to escape taxes and gain easier access to jobs; some prisoners released upon conversion.

Social restrictions on Hindus

Rules limiting Hindu practices, wear, and festivals; restrictions on riding animals and certain social privileges.

Demolition of temples / mosques on temple sites

Policy of demolishing Hindu temples and erecting mosques at temple sites as part of religious policy.

Nadir Shah invasion (1738)

Persian general who invaded Delhi and looted wealth, weakening the Mughal treasury.

Ahmed Shah Abdali invasions (1747-1769)

Afghan invader who attacked India multiple times and destabilized northern India.

Marathas and Panipat (1761)

Rising power threatening the Mughals; defeated at Panipat in 1761, briefly checked Mughal decline.

Rise of British power

British expansion due to superior administration, organization, industry, and military, accelerating Mughal decline.

Subsidiary Alliance

Policy of Lord Wellesley (1798-1805): Indian rulers could not maintain their own armed forces and must rely on British forces; payment required; failure to pay led to territorial loss.

Doctrine of Lapse

Policy under Lord Dalhousie (1848-56) allowing annexation of states without a capable ruler or proper governance.

Paramountcy (Company supremacy)

Warren Hastings’ doctrine asserting British supremacy over Indian rulers; later used to annex states.

Territorial and economic decline

Loss of Deccan, Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa independence; treasury depleted by wars and lavish living; empire reduced to a small area near Delhi.