The major cause of the Mughal Empire's decline in the 1700s can be attributed to a combination of factors:
Weak Succession: The Mughal Empire witnessed a series of weak rulers who were incapable of maintaining effective governance and control. The decline of strong leadership led to internal power struggles, political instability, and factionalism within the empire.
Economic Challenges: The Mughal Empire faced economic challenges such as inflation, fiscal mismanagement, and the decline of trade. The empire's revenues were affected by corruption, inefficient tax collection systems, and increased military expenses. This resulted in economic instability and weakened the empire's financial resources.
Regional Rebellions: Various regions within the Mughal Empire started to assert their autonomy and rebel against imperial authority. Regional rulers and local elites began to challenge the central authority, further fragmenting the empire and contributing to its decline.
External Invasions: The Mughal Empire faced external invasions and military threats from neighboring powers. The rise of regional powers such as the Marathas, Sikhs, and the expansionist ambitions of the British East India Company posed significant challenges to the empire's territorial integrity and control.
Religious and Social Factors: Religious tensions and conflicts also played a role in the decline of the Mughal Empire. The empire was characterized by a diverse religious landscape, with a Muslim ruling elite presiding over a predominantly Hindu population. Religious policies and tensions led to unrest and alienation among different religious communities, further destabilizing the empire.
Overall, a combination of weak leadership, economic challenges, regional rebellions, external invasions, and religious and social tensions contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 1700s.