1. Aurangzeb's Policies:
- Aurangzeb's religious policies, such as the reimposition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims and the destruction of Hindu temples, alienated many of his subjects.
- His Deccan Policy led to the Maratha uprising, weakening the empire's military and territorial control.
- Harsh suppression policies further increased hatred among the people of India.
2. Weak Successors and Internal Strife:
- After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal Empire faced a series of weak and incompetent rulers.
- Power struggles and conflicts among royal family members weakened the central authority.
3. Rise of Regional Powers:
- Regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, Jats, and Rajputs gained strength and challenged Mughal authority in different parts of India.
- The Mughals lost control of large territories, and their empire became fragmented.
4. Economic Problems:
- The Mughal Empire's economy was heavily dependent on land revenue.
- As the empire expanded, its administrative system became inefficient, and corruption increased, leading to a decline in revenue collection.
5. Administrative Issues:
- The bureaucracy became corrupt and inefficient.
- Mansabdars, who held important military and administrative positions, often abused their power and indulged in corrupt practices.
6. Military Decline:
- The Mughal military, once a formidable force, became weaker due to lack of proper training, discipline, and modernization.
- The empire relied heavily on cavalry and artillery but failed to adapt to changing military strategies and technologies.
7. Foreign Invasions:
- The Mughal Empire faced invasions from external forces such as the Afghans, Persians, and Europeans.
- The invasions further weakened the empire's military and political stability.
8. European Influence and Trade:
- The arrival of European trading companies, like the British East India Company, challenged the Mughal Empire's control over trade and weakened its economic base.
- Europeans gradually gained a foothold in India and started to exert political influence.
The combination of these factors led to the gradual decline of the Mughal Empire, making it vulnerable to external threats and internal revolts.