How and Why Did the Mughal Empire Fall? (Video)
The Mughal Empire, once a formidable force, met its demise through a series of internal and external challenges. Originating from the Barlas tribe, the Mughals blended Mongolian roots with Persian and Turkish influences. Their military conquests stretched across vast territories, fostering a rich cultural legacy. However, internal strife and a lack of technological prowess plagued the empire. Aurangzeb's rule, marked by religious fervor and military pursuits, strained the empire. As the last strong ruler, he couldn't prevent its gradual decline. Succession disputes further weakened the Mughals, leading to puppet rulers manipulated by influential figures like the Sayyid brothers. The empire's fragmentation accelerated, culminating in battles with the Maratha Confederacy and encroachment by the British East India Company.
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Muhammad Shah, a weak leader with a passion for the arts, couldn't halt the empire's decline. The Marathas besieged Delhi, reducing the once-mighty empire to a fraction of its former self. Ultimately, the British solidified its demise in 1857, putting the last emperor, Bahadur Shah II, on trial and banishing him, along with destroying significant cultural sites. Despite its fall, the Mughal Empire's impact on India's social, economic, and cultural landscape endures. The stark divide between nobility and commoners influenced Indian society. The Mughals' contributions to art and architecture, exemplified by the iconic Taj Mahal, remain an indelible part of India's heritage, showcasing a legacy that transcends the empire's historical endpoint.
Top image: Red Fort is a historic fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site at Delhi, which served as the residence of the Mughal Empire. Source: anjali04/Adobe Stock
