1.1 Death of Aurangzeb (1707)

The death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 is marked as the catalyst that rapidly accelerated the irreversible decline of the Mughal Empire. However, the systemic instability that caused the empire's ultimate collapse was deeply rooted in the policies enacted during his tenure from 1658 to 1707.

Key Factors from Aurangzeb's Reign (1658–1707)

• Religious Intolerance: Aurangzeb's religious intolerance and narrow-minded policies caused widespread anger among other communities. For example, the Rajputs, whom he had initially suppressed, were alienated and later openly battled against Mughal authority.
• Expansionist Campaigns: His continuous expansionist policies created deep political fissures and completely drained the empire of its wealth.
• Economic and Administrative Manipulation: Faced with a severe shortage of jagirs (land grants) for an increasing number of nobles (amirs), Aurangzeb attempted to solve the crisis by showing enhanced income from jagirs strictly on official records. This deceptive tactic deeply antagonized both the nobility and the peasantry.
• Growing Power of Zamindars: The Mughals tried to curb the power of local zamindars, but they were unsuccessful. During Aurangzeb's rule, the power of these zamindars increased, which shifted allegiances, encouraged regional loyalties, and severely weakened central authority.

Immediate Aftermath of His Death (Post-1707)

• Wars of Succession: The moment Aurangzeb died, the empire was plunged into destabilizing and draining wars of succession.
• Incompetent Successors: The throne passed to a series of weak and incompetent rulers who lacked the ability to manage or unite the vast empire.
• Rise of Autonomous States: Sensing the decay of central power, provincial leaders began to break away. Notably, the Nawabs of Bengal asserted their power and autonomy almost immediately after his death.
• Resurgence of the Marathas: The Maratha prince Shahu (Shivaji's grandson), who had been held as a prisoner by Aurangzeb, was released following the emperor's death. This strategic shift drastically altered the political landscape, allowing the Marathas to regroup, assert dominance, and attempt to inherit the imperial mantle.