History of the Later Mughal Emperors

Jahandar Shah and the Rise of the Sayyid Brothers

Jahandar Shah ruled for a brief period between $1712$ and $1713$. Due to his perceived incompetence and behavior, he was historically referred to by the epithet "Lampat Murkh" (the Foolish). His reign was followed by the rise of Farrukhsiyar, who occupied the throne from $1713$ to $1719$. Farrukhsiyar did not attain power independently; he was elevated to the position of ruler with the significant assistance of the powerful Sayyid Brothers, namely Abdullah Khan and Hussain Ali.

The Reign of Farrukhsiyar and the EIC Magna Carta

Farrukhsiyar's tenure was marked by a lack of personal courage, leading historians to describe him as the "Ghrinit Kayar" (Despicable Coward) of the Mughal dynasty. One of the most historically significant events of his reign occurred in $1715$, when a diplomatic mission (Shishtamandal) led by John Surman arrived in India from the British. This mission eventually reached Farrukhsiyar's court in $1717$. At the time of their arrival, Farrukhsiyar was suffering from a life-threatening illness. Dr. Hamilton, a member of the mission, successfully treated the Emperor. In gratitude for his recovery, Farrukhsiyar granted the British the rights to trade anywhere in India and recognized the validity of English currency. This official declaration is famously referred to as the "Magna Carta of the East India Company."

In $1719$, the Sayyid Brothers, seeking to consolidate their power, collaborated with Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath to remove Farrukhsiyar from the throne. They subsequently blinded him and put him to death. This act further demonstrated the king-making power the Sayyid Brothers wielded at the time.

Short-Term Successors: Rafi-ud-Darajat and Rafi-ud-Daula

Following the death of Farrukhsiyar, Rafi-ud-Darajat was placed on the throne, ruling from February $28$ to June $6$, $1719$. His reign is noted for being the shortest among all Mughal rulers. He was succeeded by Rafi-ud-Daula, who ruled from June $6$ to September $17$, $1719$. The Sayyid Brothers installed him under the title Shah Jahan II ($\text{Shah Jahan-II}$). Rafi-ud-Daula was reportedly an opium addict.

The Reign of Muhammad Shah Rangeela

Muhammad Shah ruled from $1719$ to $1748$. He eventually turned against the Sayyid Brothers and, with the assistance of Nizam-ul-Mulk, orchestrated their downfall. On October $9$, $1720$, a Turani soldier named Haider Beg assassinated Hussain Ali Khan. By $1724$, Nizam-ul-Mulk was appointed as the Wazir. Muhammad Shah was known for his extreme interest in beautiful women and a lifestyle characterized by leisure, which earned him the nickname "Rangeela Badshah" (The Colorful Emperor). Despite his lifestyle, he was a composer and created many "Khayals" (a form of musical composition).

During his reign, internal fragmentation of the empire accelerated. In $1725$, Chin Qilich Khan adopted the title Nizam-ul-Mulk and established an independent state in Hyderabad. It is noted that the Turanis founded Hyderabad, while the Iranis were responsible for the establishment of Awadh. Maratha influence also reached its peak during this period as Peshwa Baji Rao I launched an attack on Delhi in $1737$.

The Invasion of Nadir Shah and the Battle of Karnal

In $1739$, the Iranian (Persian) Emperor Nadir Shah invaded Delhi. During this time, Muhammad Shah was the ruling monarch. Nadir Shah, often referred to as the "Napoleon of Iran," defeated the Mughal forces at the Battle of Karnal. Upon his departure, Nadir Shah took a massive amount of wealth back to Persia, including approximately $70$ Crore rupees, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, and the famous Takht-e-Taus (Peacock Throne) commissioned by Shah Jahan. Muhammad Shah remains historically significant as the last Mughal emperor to sit upon the Peacock Throne.

Successors of Muhammad Shah and the Battle of Plassey

Ahmad Shah ruled from $1748$ to $1754$. He was considered an incompetent ruler who delegated all administrative responsibilities to Udham Bai, who was granted the title of "Qibla-e-Alam." He was followed by Alamgir II ($1754-1759$), who was the son of Jahandar Shah. A pivotal moment in Indian history, the Battle of Plassey, occurred in $1757$ during the reign of Alamgir II.

The Decline Under Shah Alam II and Foreign Attacks

Shah Jahan III ($1759-1760$), also known as Muhi-ul-Millat, had a very brief reign before being ousted by Maratha intervention. He was succeeded by Shah Alam II ($1759-1806$). His reign witnessed two decisive conflicts: the Third Battle of Panipat in $1761$, where Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas, and the Battle of Buxar in $1764$. Ahmad Shah Abdali, whose real name was Ahmad Khan, is recorded to have invaded India a total of $8$ times.

Following the Battle of Buxar, the Treaty of Allahabad ($1765$) placed Shah Alam II under the protection of the East India Company in Allahabad. To satisfy the treaty conditions, he issued a Farman granting the Diwani (revenue collection rights) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the Company. In $1772$, Marathas brought him back to Delhi, where he remained until $1803$, at which point the British captured Delhi. Shah Alam II was eventually murdered by Ghulam Qadir Khan in $1806$.

The Final Mughal Emperors: Akbar II and Bahadur Shah Zafar

Akbar II ruled from $1806$ to $1837$. He is notably responsible for bestowing the title of "Raja" upon Ram Mohan Roy. By $1835$, under his reign, the East India Company ceased to acknowledge itself as a subject of the Mughal ruler and stopped issuing coins in the Mughal Emperor's name.

Bahadur Shah II, also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar, ruled from $1837$ to $1857$ and was the final Mughal Emperor. For his participation in the Indian Rebellion (Revolution) of $1857$, he was captured by the British and exiled to Rangoon. During his life in Delhi, the famous poet Mirza Ghalib resided in the city. Bahadur Shah Zafar is also credited with the construction of the Heera Mahal within the Red Fort in Delhi. Additionally, the Hayat Baksh Bagh is located within the Red Fort in Delhi.