The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 3

 The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 3

The legacy of the Mugal Empire

Following Aurangzeb's reign, the Mughal Empire experienced a gradual decline marked by weak successors and internal strife. Successive emperors lacked the military prowess and administrative acumen of their predecessors, leading to a fragmentation of central authority. This fragmentation created power vacuums that regional rulers and foreign invaders exploited, contributing to the empire's disintegration.

    The Emperor Alamgir on horseback - Cleveland Museum of Art

The post-Aurangzeb Mughal rulers, while inheriting a vast and diverse empire, struggled to maintain control over their territories. They resorted to heavy-handed tactics, including statist violence, to suppress dissent and maintain order. This reliance on coercion alienated local elites and fueled resentment among the populace, further destabilizing the empire.

The decline of the Mughal Empire was exacerbated by economic mismanagement and fiscal instability. The extravagant lifestyles of the rulers, coupled with inefficient taxation systems and rampant corruption, drained the empire's coffers and undermined its economic foundations. As a result, the empire faced recurring financial crises, weakening its ability to govern effectively.

The post-Aurangzeb period also witnessed the rise of powerful regional kingdoms and the emergence of new political dynamics. Provincial governors and local chieftains asserted greater autonomy, challenging the authority of the Mughal central government. This decentralization of power fragmented the empire along regional lines, eroding its unity and cohesion.

The decline of the Mughal Empire had far-reaching consequences for the Indian subcontinent. It paved the way for the ascendancy of regional powers, such as the Marathas, Sikhs, and later, the British East India Company. These external forces exploited the empire's weakness to expand their own influence, ultimately leading to British colonization and the end of Mughal rule.

The legacy of Mughal rule is complex and multifaceted. While the empire's cultural and architectural achievements are widely celebrated, its legacy of authoritarianism and coercion cannot be overlooked. The use of statist violence to suppress dissent and maintain control left a lasting impact on the socio- political landscape of India, shaping the course of its history for centuries to come.

In hindsight, it is evident that the rule of post-Aurangzeb Mughal emperors was problematic and, in many ways, a net negative for the Indian subcontinent. Their inability to adapt to changing geopolitical realities and their reliance on authoritarian tactics hastened the empire's decline and paved the way for foreign domination. It should be appreciated that Aurangzeb did create a sprawling empire. However, the forces of scientific and other education were already at work in other countries prior to the end of his reign. The lessons learned from the Mughal experience underscore the importance of the development of innovation, effective governance, small sized government, inclusive policies, and respect for human rights in maintaining the stability and prosperity of a diverse and multiethnic society.