“Aurangzeb alone was to blame for the weakened state of the Mughal Empire in 1707’. How far do you agree?
Level
GCSE
Year Examined
2020
Topic
Mughal Empire
👑Complete Model Essay
“Aurangzeb alone was to blame for the weakened state of the Mughal Empire in 1707’. How far do you agree?
Aurangzeb's Role in the Weakening of the Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire, once a formidable force across the Indian subcontinent, faced a period of decline in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. While Aurangzeb's reign (1658-1707) coincided with this decline, attributing sole blame to him presents an incomplete picture. While his policies undoubtedly contributed to the empire's weakened state, other long-standing issues and external pressures played a significant role.
Aurangzeb's Policies and Their Consequences
Aurangzeb's deeply religious and austere approach to governance had profound consequences for the empire. He reversed Akbar's policy of religious tolerance, reimposing the jizya tax on non-Muslims. This alienated many within the empire, particularly the powerful Marathas, who waged a relentless guerrilla war against Mughal rule. The Deccan campaigns, aimed at subduing these rebellious forces, drained the Mughal treasury and army, weakening the empire's defenses elsewhere.
Furthermore, Aurangzeb's early focus on consolidating power in the north allowed the Marathas to gain a foothold in the Deccan. By the time he turned his attention southward, the Marathas had established a strong base, making them a formidable enemy. This highlights the unintended consequences of Aurangzeb's policies, exacerbating existing tensions and ultimately contributing to the empire's decline.
Pre-existing Issues and External Pressures
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the long-term factors that predated Aurangzeb's reign and set the stage for decline. The mansabdar system, while effective under strong rulers like Akbar, became increasingly corrupt and inefficient over time. This led to a decline in the quality of Mughal administration and military leadership, weakening the empire from within.
Moreover, the Mughal Empire faced growing economic and military challenges from European trading companies, particularly the British East India Company. The Mughals' lack of interest in developing their navy and modernizing their army left them vulnerable to European encroachment. This, coupled with growing peasant unrest and economic instability caused by factors like inflation, further weakened the empire's foundations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Aurangzeb's policies, particularly his religious intolerance and costly Deccan campaigns, significantly contributed to the Mughal Empire's decline, it is an oversimplification to place sole blame on him. Pre-existing weaknesses within the Mughal system, combined with external pressures from European powers, created a perfect storm that Aurangzeb's reign could not weather. The fall of the Mughal Empire was a complex process, driven by a confluence of long-term factors and the short-term consequences of Aurangzeb's decisions.
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Introduction
Brief overview of the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb and its weakened state by 1707. Briefly state your stance on the question - do you agree or disagree that Aurangzeb was solely responsible? Mention you will be exploring other factors contributing to the decline.
Arguments Supporting Aurangzeb's Responsibility
Religious Policies and Conflicts
Discuss Aurangzeb's strict religious policies and their impact:
⭐Reintroduction of Jizya and its alienation of non-Muslims, particularly Hindus.
⭐Destruction of temples and suppression of other faiths, leading to resentment and rebellions.
⭐Focus on expanding the empire through religious wars, like the prolonged conflict with the Marathas, which drained resources and fuelled instability.
Deccan Campaigns and their Impact
Analyze the consequences of Aurangzeb's prolonged Deccan campaigns:
⭐Massive financial drain on the empire due to constant warfare.
⭐Neglect of northern territories, allowing for the rise of regional powers and instability.
⭐Weakening of the Mughal army through continuous fighting and heavy losses.
Arguments Against Solely Blaming Aurangzeb
Existing Issues within the Mughal System
Highlight the inherent weaknesses within the Mughal system that Aurangzeb inherited:
⭐Mansabdar System: Explain its susceptibility to corruption and how it created internal conflicts and inefficiency.
⭐Peasant Unrest: Discuss the growing discontent among the peasantry due to heavy taxation and exploitation, which predated Aurangzeb’s rule.
External Factors and Challenges
Examine the external pressures faced by the Mughal Empire:
⭐Rise of European Trading Companies: Discuss the growing influence and encroachment of European powers, particularly the British East India Company, which challenged Mughal authority.
⭐Technological Gap: Explain how the Mughals fell behind in technological advancements, particularly in shipbuilding and naval power, which weakened their position against European rivals.
Succession Crisis
Explain how the Mughal tradition of contested successions contributed to instability:
⭐Aurangzeb's own rise to power through conflict and imprisonment of his father set a precedent for future struggles.
⭐This recurring pattern weakened the empire and distracted from addressing other pressing issues.
Conclusion
Provide a balanced summary of your findings. Reiterate your stance on whether Aurangzeb was solely to blame for the weakened state of the Mughal Empire in 1707. Acknowledge that while his policies and decisions played a significant role, pre-existing issues and external pressures were also contributing factors to the empire’s decline.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Reaching the Highest Marks
It is possible to reach the highest marks either by agreeing or disagreeing or anywhere between, providing the response matches the level description BUT to achieve the highest two levels answers must consider both that the weakened state of the empire was a result of his policies and also that there were other factors contributing to it.
Answers are most likely to show understanding of the second order concepts of causation and consequence and change over time but reward appropriate understanding of any other second order concept.
Grounds for Agreeing
The impact of his religious piety (e.g. ongoing conflict with Marathas and the significance of this; reintroduction of the jizya and its consequences)
The Deccan campaigns and their significance
Concentrating on the north in the early years of his reign which allowed the Maratha raids to capture several Mughal fortresses
Grounds for Disagreeing
Succession crisis
The mansabdar system (introduced by Akbar) was easily corrupted which led to unrest
Peasant unrest
Growing presence and influence of European traders
Mughal lack of interest in developing technology/navy etc which limited their power and wealth