Later Mughals (1707–1761)

Medieval History

The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 marks the beginning of the “Later Mughal” phase — a period when the empire rapidly lost its political strength, military discipline and financial stability. Between Aurangzeb’s death and the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), India witnessed a sharp rise of regional powers, constant wars of succession, interference of nobles in imperial politics, and repeated foreign invasions. Together, these developments exposed the decline of what once was the strongest empire in the subcontinent.

The Mughal court soon turned into a playground of factions. The emperor’s authority steadily weakened, and nobles—Turani, Irani, Afghan and Hindustani—began controlling decisions for their personal gain. The empire’s vulnerability became clear when Nadir Shah of Iran invaded in 1739, imprisoned the Mughal emperor and plundered Delhi.

Bahadur Shah I (1707–1712):
- Ascended the throne after war of succession.
- Tried conciliation with nobles and regional powers.
- Half‑hearted policies towards Marathas and Sikhs.
- Died during campaign against Banda Bahadur.

Jahandar Shah (1712–1713):
- First puppet ruler controlled by Zulfiqar Khan.
- Abolished jizya, but introduced harmful Ijarah system.
- Court influenced heavily by Lal Kunwar.

Farrukh Siyar (1713–1719):
- Rose to throne with help of Saiyyad Brothers (“kingmakers”).
- Granted major trading privileges to the East India Company (1717).
- Conflict with Saiyyads led to his death.

Rafi‑us‑Darajat (1719):
- Puppet ruler installed by Saiyyads.
- Ruled only a few months.

Rafi‑us‑Daulah / Shah Jahan II (1719):
- Again a short‑lived Saiyyad nominee.

Muhammad Shah Rangeela (1719–1748):
- Removed Saiyyad Brothers with help from Nizam‑ul‑Mulk.
- Allowed emergence of autonomous states: Hyderabad, Awadh, Bengal.
- Faced Nadir Shah’s invasion in 1739; Delhi was plundered and treasury emptied.

Ahmad Shah (1748–1754):
- Repeated invasions by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
- Loss of Punjab and Multan; Marathas took Malwa.

Alamgir II (1754–1759):
- Puppet of Imad‑ul‑Mulk.
- Battle of Plassey (1757) occurred during his reign.
- Murdered by his wazir.

Shah Alam II (1759–1806):
- Empire reduced to symbolic power.
- Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
- Defeated in Battle of Buxar (1764); Treaty of Allahabad gave Diwani rights to British.
- Became first Company pensioner.

Akbar II (1806–1837):
- British controlled Delhi; only nominal authority.
- Gave title “Raja” to Ram Mohan Roy.

Bahadur Shah II / Zafar (1837–1857):
- Last Mughal emperor; renowned poet.
- Symbolic leader during Revolt of 1857.
- Exiled to Rangoon; died 1862.

Causes of Decline:
- Weak successors and court conspiracies.
- Rise of powerful, self‑interested nobles.
- Financial bankruptcy due to wars and loss of revenue.
- Foreign invasions (Nadir Shah, Abdali).
- Decline of Mughal military strength.
- Rise of regional powers.
- Growing dominance of the British East India Company.

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Subject: Medieval History

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