Que. Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy was a major factor in Mughal decline. Discuss.

औरंगज़ेब की दक्कन नीति मुगलों के पतन का एक प्रमुख कारण थी। विवेचना कीजिए।

Structure of the Answer

(i) Introduction: Briefly state how Aurangzeb’s “Deccan policy” intended to expand Mughal control but led to significant challenges and weakened the empire.

(ii) Main Body: Analyze the policy’s impacts, including “military overextension,” “economic strain,” “political fragmentation,” and “administrative challenges” leading to Mughal decline.

(iii) Conclusion: Summarize how the Deccan policy drained resources and fragmented the empire, accelerating the “decline of the Mughal dynasty.”

Introduction

Aurangzeb’s “Deccan policy,” focused on conquering Deccan sultanates and suppressing Marathas, strained Mughal resources, destabilized governance, and intensified resistance, ultimately weakening the empire’s foundation. 

Military Overextension and Prolonged Campaigns

(i) Endless Warfare: Continuous conflict with Deccan sultanates and Marathas overstretched Mughal military resources, exhausting soldiers and commanders over two decades.

(ii) High Attrition Rates: Soldiers faced unfamiliar guerrilla tactics in difficult terrain, leading to high attrition and reducing the army’s effectiveness.

(iii) Command Structure Weakening: The depletion of experienced commanders destabilized military leadership, impacting coordination and effectiveness across campaigns.

(iv) Resource Diversion from Northern Provinces: Focus on Deccan warfare left the northern frontiers vulnerable to internal dissent and external incursions.

(v) Empowerment of Marathas: The prolonged conflict unintentionally strengthened Maratha capabilities, laying foundations for future expansion under leaders like Shivaji.

Severe Economic Strain

(i) Financial Drain: Sustained military campaigns severely depleted the Mughal treasury, affecting other critical administrative and military needs.

(ii) Overtaxation for War Efforts: Increased taxes to fund the campaigns sparked resentment among citizens, reducing economic productivity and creating discontent.

(iii) Disruption of Trade Routes: Maratha raids and instability in the Deccan disrupted trade, affecting regional economies and the empire’s income from commerce.

(iv) Neglect of Agricultural Productivity: Warfare in productive areas led to neglect in agriculture, causing lower yields and impacting overall food security and revenue.

(v) Limited Resource Allocation for Development: The economic focus on warfare left little funding for infrastructure and governance, impacting imperial stability.

Political Fragmentation and Decentralization

(i) Rise of Regional Powers: Mughal neglect of northern and central India allowed local powers to assert more autonomy, weakening central control.

(ii) Increased Nobility Autonomy: Extended absence from the core led nobles to gain influence, fostering factionalism within the imperial court.

(iii) Growth of Maratha Confederacy: The Marathas organized into a confederacy, challenging Mughal authority and establishing independent rule.

(iv) Rebellions and Dissent: The prolonged campaigns fueled local resentment, leading to rebellions that challenged Mughal administration in various provinces.

(v) Decreased Control over Provincial Governors: Aurangzeb’s prolonged focus on the Deccan diminished oversight of provincial officials, reducing administrative cohesion.

Administrative and Governance Challenges

(i) Increased Corruption and Mismanagement: Resource drain led to corruption in revenue collection and weakened Mughal governance structure across the empire.

(ii) Neglect of the Empire’s Core Regions: Prolonged focus on the Deccan diverted attention from core regions, leading to a decline in effective governance.

(iii) Displacement of Key Officials: Frequent transfers of officers to the Deccan destabilized local administration in other parts of the empire.

(iv) Lack of Centralized Control: The prolonged absence of centralized oversight allowed autonomous zones to emerge, weakening Mughal authority in peripheral areas.

(v) Challenges to Succession and Authority: Aurangzeb’s obsession with the Deccan hindered effective planning for succession, leaving the empire vulnerable after his death.

Conclusion

Aurangzeb’s “Deccan policy,” intended to solidify control, ultimately weakened the Mughal Empire. The resource drain, prolonged warfare, and administrative neglect contributed to political fragmentation and set the stage for Mughal decline.