Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The mid-eighteenth century in India witnessed a dramatic shift from the relative political unity fostered under the Mughal Empire to a state of pronounced fragmentation. While the Mughal Empire hadn’t entirely collapsed, its authority had severely weakened following Aurangzeb’s death in 1707. This decline created a power vacuum, leading to the assertion of regional ambitions and the rise of independent or semi-independent entities. The spectre of a fragmented polity wasn’t merely a consequence of internal strife but was also fueled by increasing external pressures, particularly from European trading companies seeking to establish their dominance. This period laid the groundwork for the eventual British consolidation of power.
Decline of Mughal Authority
The reign of Aurangzeb (1658-1707) was marked by prolonged warfare and religious policies that alienated sections of the population. This led to rebellions – Maratha, Jat, Sikh – which drained the Mughal treasury and manpower. Successors after Aurangzeb were weak and ineffective, unable to control ambitious nobles and governors. The Jagirdari Crisis, where the number of Jagirdars (feudal lords) exceeded the availability of Jagirs (land grants), further weakened central control, leading to infighting and administrative chaos.
Rise of Regional Powers
The weakening of Mughal authority allowed regional powers to assert their independence:
- Marathas: Under the Peshwas, the Marathas expanded their influence across much of India, challenging Mughal authority and establishing a confederacy of semi-independent states. Their raids and demands for Chauth (one-third of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (ten percent of revenue) further destabilized the Mughal Empire.
- Sikhs: The Sikhs, under leaders like Banda Bahadur, established a political entity in Punjab, constantly clashing with the Mughals.
- Bengal: Murshid Quli Khan, the Subahdar of Bengal, established a virtually independent state, reducing Mughal influence to a nominal level.
- Awadh: Saadat Ali Khan established an autonomous Awadh, also paying only nominal allegiance to the Mughals.
- Hyderabad: Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah founded the independent state of Hyderabad in 1724.
External Pressures & European Intrusion
The political fragmentation of India coincided with the increasing presence and influence of European powers, primarily the British, French, and Dutch. These companies initially came for trade but soon began to exploit the political instability to their advantage.
The British East India Company, in particular, skillfully exploited rivalries between Indian rulers, providing military assistance to one side in exchange for concessions. The Battle of Plassey (1757), a pivotal event, demonstrated the Company’s ability to manipulate Indian politics and establish a foothold in Bengal. The French also engaged in similar power plays, leading to a series of Anglo-French conflicts (Carnatic Wars) that further destabilized the region.
Political Alliances and Conflicts
The fragmented nature of the Indian polity led to a complex web of alliances and conflicts. Regional powers often allied with or against each other, and with the European powers, based on shifting political calculations. This constant state of warfare and intrigue prevented the emergence of a unified front against external threats and further weakened the overall political structure.
| Power | Area of Influence (Mid-18th Century) | Relationship with Mughals |
|---|---|---|
| Marathas | Maharashtra, Malwa, Gujarat, parts of Central India | Challengers to Mughal authority, demanding Chauth & Sardeshmukhi |
| Sikhs | Punjab | Frequent conflicts with Mughals |
| Bengal | Bengal, Bihar, Orissa | Nominal allegiance, effectively independent |
| Hyderabad | Deccan Plateau | Independent Nizamate |
| British East India Company | Coastal regions, expanding influence | Initially traders, increasingly involved in political affairs |
Conclusion
By the mid-eighteenth century, India was undeniably beset by a fragmented polity. The decline of the Mughal Empire, the rise of ambitious regional powers, and the opportunistic intervention of European companies created a volatile and unstable political landscape. This fragmentation not only weakened India’s ability to resist external domination but also paved the way for the eventual establishment of British colonial rule. The period serves as a crucial lesson in the importance of strong central authority and the dangers of internal divisions in the face of external pressures.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.