Overview
This lecture covers the political and social landscape of India in the 18th century, focusing on the decline of the Mughal Empire, the rise of regional kingdoms, and the Marathas.
Decline of the Mughal Empire
- The Mughal Empire weakened after Aurangzeb's death in 1707, leading to rapid decline.
- Rulers after Aurangzeb are known as the "Later Mughals."
- Invasions by Nadir Shah (1739) and Ahmed Shah Abdali devastated the empire.
- Rivalries among nobles (Taurnis, Iranis, Hindustanis) led to political instability.
- The jagirdari system (land grant system for nobles) and mansabdari system (military ranking system) faced crises due to corruption and inefficiency.
- Weak military administration and outdated technology reduced the empire's defense capabilities.
- Wars of succession followed each emperor's death, causing instability and loss of resources.
- Aurangzeb’s policies and constant warfare drained empire resources.
- A series of weak successors allowed nobles and governors to seize power.
Rise of Regional Kingdoms
- Bengal: Murshid Quli Khan ruled independently, made Murshidabad capital, and improved administration; British gained control after Battles of Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764).
- Awadh: Saadat Khan, appointed governor in 1722, established independent rule and reformed administration.
- Hyderabad: Chin Qilich Khan (Nizam-ul-Mulk) made Hyderabad independent in 1724 and continued mansabdari practices.
- Rohilkhand: Rohilla Afghans established control over Moradabad and Bareilly regions.
- Bharatpur: Jat chiefs, like Suraj Mal, founded an independent kingdom but declined after his death.
- Rajput States: Became independent after Aurangzeb; Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber founded Jaipur and encouraged learning and astronomy.
- Sikhs: Organized into 12 misls (confederacies), united under Maharaja Ranjit Singh to establish Punjab as a powerful kingdom.
- Mysore: Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan modernized the army, promoted trade, and resisted British control.
The Marathas
- Originated as minor chiefs, became dominant under Shivaji and later the Peshwas.
- Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720): Strengthened Maratha power and gained rights to collect taxes in the Deccan.
- Baji Rao I (1720–1740): Expanded territory and defeated major rivals.
- Balaji Baji Rao (1740–1761): Maratha expansion reached its peak but ended after defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
- Internal divisions, poor administration, and failure to modernize contributed to their decline.
- The British East India Company benefited from Maratha weakness after Panipat.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Later Mughals — Mughal emperors after Aurangzeb.
- Jagirdari — System of land grants in return for service.
- Mansabdari — Mughal military and administrative ranking system.
- Nawab — Ruler of a province under the Mughals.
- Misls — Sikh political confederacies.
- Peshwa — Prime Minister and leader of the Maratha Empire.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review major battles: Plassey (1757), Buxar (1764), Panipat (1761).
- Prepare notes on each regional kingdom's rise and administration.
- Study definitions of key terms.