Brief reigns and internal conflicts among later Mughal rulers

After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the Mughal Empire experienced a period of rapid decline marked by brief reigns, internal conflicts, and weakening central authority. The later Mughal rulers struggled to maintain control over their vast empire, which faced challenges from both internal dissensions and external threats.

Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712) #

1. Succession Struggle:

   • Battle of Jajau: Bahadur Shah I, also known as Shah Alam I, ascended the throne after defeating his brothers in the Battle of Jajau. This succession struggle marked the beginning of the instability that plagued the empire.
   • Reconciliation Efforts: He attempted to reconcile with various factions, including the Marathas, Rajputs, and Sikhs, but his reign was too brief to achieve lasting stability.

2. Sikh and Maratha Resistance:

   • Sikh Rebellion: The Sikhs, led by Banda Singh Bahadur, continued their resistance against Mughal authority. Bahadur Shah’s efforts to suppress the Sikh rebellion were only partially successful.
   • Maratha Conflicts: The Marathas, under the leadership of various Peshwas, continued their resistance and expanded their influence in central India.

Jahandar Shah (1712-1713) #

1. Short and Ineffective Reign:
   • Weak Leadership: Jahandar Shah’s reign lasted only a year, characterized by indulgence and incompetence. His dependence on his chief consort, Lal Kunwar, further weakened his position.
   • Overthrown: He was overthrown by his nephew Farrukhsiyar with the help of the powerful Sayyid brothers, marking a brief and ineffective reign.

Farrukhsiyar (1713-1719) #

1. Rise with Sayyid Brothers’ Support:

   • Dependency on Sayyid Brothers: Farrukhsiyar’s ascension was facilitated by the Sayyid brothers, Abdullah Khan and Husain Ali Khan, who became the de facto rulers of the empire.
   • Administrative Reforms: Despite his dependency, Farrukhsiyar implemented some administrative reforms and issued the famous “Farman” granting the British East India Company important trading rights in Bengal.

2. Conflict with Sayyid Brothers:

   • Tensions and Power Struggles: Farrukhsiyar’s attempts to assert his independence from the Sayyid brothers led to tensions and power struggles.
   • Deposition and Death: In 1719, the Sayyid brothers deposed and executed Farrukhsiyar, demonstrating their significant influence over the Mughal throne.

Rafi Ul-Darjat, Rafi Ud-Daulat, and Muhammad Shah (1719-1748) #

1. Rapid Succession:

   • Short Reigns: Rafi Ul-Darjat and Rafi Ud-Daulat, both installed by the Sayyid brothers, had extremely short reigns, each lasting only a few months in 1719. Their brief and ineffective rule highlighted the empire’s instability.

2. Muhammad Shah’s Reign:

   • Longer Reign (1719-1748): Muhammad Shah’s reign was relatively longer, providing some stability. However, his rule was marred by internal strife and external invasions.
   • Nadir Shah’s Invasion: The most significant event during Muhammad Shah’s reign was the invasion by Nadir Shah of Persia in 1739. The sack of Delhi and the looting of the Peacock Throne marked a significant blow to the Mughal prestige and resources.

Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1748-1754) #

1. Incompetence and Weakness:
   • Ineffective Ruler: Ahmad Shah Bahadur’s reign was marked by incompetence and inability to govern effectively. His administration was dominated by court factions and rivalries.
   • Maratha and Afghan Threats: During his reign, the Marathas and the Durrani Afghans, led by Ahmad Shah Durrani, increasingly challenged Mughal authority. Ahmad Shah Durrani’s invasions further weakened the Mughal Empire.

Alamgir II (1754-1759) #

1. Nominal Rule:
   • Controlled by Wazir: Alamgir II was largely a puppet ruler controlled by his wazir, Imad-ul-Mulk. His reign was characterized by internal strife and continued decline of Mughal power.
   • Assassination: Alamgir II was assassinated in 1759, adding to the instability and chaos within the empire.

Shah Jahan III and Shah Alam II (1759-1806) #

1. Shah Jahan III’s Brief Rule:

   • Short-Lived Rule: Shah Jahan III’s reign was brief and inconsequential, further reflecting the diminishing power of the Mughal rulers.

2. Shah Alam II’s Tumultuous Reign:

   • Exile and Return: Shah Alam II faced multiple challenges, including being driven into exile by internal factions. He later regained the throne with Maratha support.
   • Battle of Buxar (1764): The Mughal defeat at the Battle of Buxar by the British East India Company marked a turning point, leading to increased British influence and control over Mughal territories.
   • Symbolic Authority: By the end of Shah Alam II’s reign, the Mughal emperor had become largely a symbolic figurehead, with real power being exercised by regional rulers and the British.

Conclusion #

The later Mughal rulers experienced brief and turbulent reigns marked by internal conflicts, factionalism, and weakening central authority. The rise of powerful regional leaders, coupled with external threats from the Marathas, Sikhs, and foreign invaders like Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Durrani, further fragmented the empire. The increasing influence of the British East India Company also played a significant role in the empire’s decline. By the end of the 18th century, the Mughal Empire had been reduced to a shadow of its former glory, with the Mughal emperor serving as a nominal figurehead under British suzerainty.