Later Mughal Kings (1707–1857)

After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal Empire declined. Successors were weak and dependent on nobles, regional powers, and later the British. Despite political instability, arts and culture flourished.

Key Features

• Weak emperors with short reigns; succession disputes frequent.
• Influence of nobles, Sayyid Brothers, Marathas, and Europeans.
• Decline of central authority, finances, and military.
• Arts, music, and literature patronage continued.
• Gradual territorial losses to Marathas, Sikhs, and British.

Causes of Decline

• Court intrigues and factionalism.
• Weak leadership and short reigns.
• Financial strain and lavish spending.
• External invasions and regional uprisings.
• Rise of European trading companies, especially the British.

Bahadur Shah I (1707–1712)

Personal Life: Son of Aurangzeb, moderate in religion.
Administration: Tried to restore order, reconciled with Rajputs and Marathas.
Achievements/Failures: Reduced harsh policies, temporarily stabilized empire; Could not control powerful nobles; short reign.

Jahandar Shah (1712–1713)

Personal Life: Indulgent lifestyle; influenced by wife Lal Kunwar.
Administration: Weak; nobles dominated politics.
Achievements/Failures: None due to very short reign; Overthrown by nephew Farrukhsiyar.

Farrukhsiyar (1713–1719)

Personal Life: Grandson of Bahadur Shah I.
Administration: Dependent on Sayyid Brothers.
Achievements/Failures: Initially restored some court order; Puppet of Sayyid Brothers; assassinated in palace intrigue.

Bahadur Shah II “Zafar” (1837–1857)

Personal Life: Last Mughal emperor; Sufi poet.
Administration: Figurehead under British; no real control.
Achievements/Failures: Symbolic leader of 1857 revolt; Urdu poet; Defeated by British; exiled to Rangoon; end of Mughal Empire.

Summary

Later Mughal emperors were mostly weak figureheads. Real power rested with nobles, regional rulers, or the British East India Company. Frequent court intrigues, external invasions, financial strain, and territorial losses accelerated decline. Arts, music, and culture flourished despite political instability.