Introduction – The Decline of the Mughal Empire

• By the early 18th century, the Mughal Empire began to decline due to weak rulers, internal conflicts, and external invasions.
• Aurangzeb’s long wars drained the empire’s treasury, and after his death in 1707, the empire became unstable.
• Regional governors (subedars) and nobles took advantage of this weakness and declared independence.
• Foreign invasions by Nadir Shah (1739) and Ahmad Shah Abdali (1748–1761) further weakened the empire.

Emergence of New Regional States

As the Mughals lost power, regional kingdoms became independent and established their own rule.

Types of Regional States

The Successor States – Awadh, Hyderabad, and Bengal

These states were ruled by former Mughal governors but later became independent.

1. Awadh

• Founded by Saadat Khan (1722 CE).
• Controlled Lucknow and surrounding areas.
• Became wealthy through trade and agriculture.

2. Hyderabad

• Founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah (1724 CE).
• Controlled Deccan, including parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
• Fought against the Marathas and the British.

3. Bengal

• Murshid Quli Khan (1717 CE) became the independent ruler.
• Controlled Calcutta, Dhaka, and trade routes.
• British East India Company took control after the Battle of Plassey (1757 CE).

The Rise of the Marathas – A Powerful Regional Force

• The Marathas became the strongest power in India after the Mughals.
• Shivaji (1630–1680 CE) laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire by defeating the Mughals in Deccan.
• After Shivaji, the Marathas were ruled by Peshwas (Prime Ministers).

Expansion of the Marathas

• Conquered Delhi in 1757 CE.
• Controlled Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan.
• Used guerrilla warfare tactics to defeat larger armies.

Decline of the Marathas

• Lost to Ahmad Shah Abdali in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
• Later defeated by the British in the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818).

The Sikh Kingdom – Formation of a Strong Military Power

• The Sikhs, under Guru Gobind Singh, transformed into a strong military community.
• After his death (1708 CE), Banda Singh Bahadur led revolts against the Mughals.
• The Sikhs organized themselves into 12 Misls (military groups).

Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Empire

• Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799–1839 CE) united all Sikh groups and formed the Sikh Empire.
• Established a strong army and modernized weapons.
• Controlled Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Afghanistan.

The Rajputs and Jats – Independent Kingdoms in North India

• The Rajputs and Jats fought for independence from the Mughals and established strong kingdoms.

Rajput Kingdoms

• Rulers of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur controlled Rajasthan.
• Built magnificent forts and palaces, like Amer Fort and Mehrangarh Fort.
• Allied with either the Mughals, Marathas, or British for survival.

Jat Kingdoms

• The Jats were farmers who became warriors under Churaman and Suraj Mal.
• Established Bharatpur as their capital.
• Controlled parts of Delhi, Agra, and Mathura.

The Impact of These Political Changes on India

• The 18th century saw a shift from a centralized Mughal empire to multiple independent states.
• European powers (British and French) took advantage of this instability.
• The British started interfering in Indian politics, leading to their eventual rule over India.

Effects of the Decline of Mughals

• New states like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad emerged.
• Marathas and Sikhs created powerful regional empires.
• The British used the political divisions to expand their control.

Conclusion

• The Mughal Empire declined due to weak rulers, wars, and foreign invasions.
• New regional states like Awadh, Hyderabad, and Bengal became independent.
• The Marathas, Sikhs, Rajputs, and Jats formed powerful kingdoms.
• The British and French took advantage of political instability to gain power.
• This period marked the beginning of colonial rule in India.