Later Mughals (1707–1857 CE)

9. Later Mughals (1707–1857 CE)

Definition & Introduction

The term “Later Mughals” refers to the Mughal emperors who ruled after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 CE until the formal end of the empire in 1857 CE. This period was marked by rapid political decline, loss of territories, rise of regional powers, and increasing European influence in India.

Causes of Decline After Aurangzeb

Overextension of the empire due to constant warfare.
Weak and inexperienced rulers.
Court intrigues and factionalism.
Rise of powerful regional states (Marathas, Sikhs, Jats, Nawabs of Bengal, Awadh, Hyderabad).
Growing interference and control by European trading companies, especially the British East India Company.

Successors of Aurangzeb

1. Bahadur Shah I (1707–1712 CE)

Also known as Shah Alam I.
Tried to reconcile with Rajputs, Marathas, and Sikhs.
Limited success in reasserting imperial authority.

2. Jahandar Shah (1712–1713 CE)

Came to power with help of noble Zulfiqar Khan.
Short reign; known for luxurious lifestyle and political weakness.
Defeated and killed by Farrukhsiyar.

3. Farrukhsiyar (1713–1719 CE)

Came to power with help of the Sayyid Brothers ("Kingmakers").
Granted trade concessions to British East India Company in 1717 CE.
Deposed and killed by the Sayyid Brothers.

4. Muhammad Shah (1719–1748 CE)

Long reign but weak governance.
Nadir Shah’s invasion in 1739 CE — looted Delhi; took the Peacock Throne and Koh-i-Noor diamond.
Loss of Kabul and Punjab to foreign invasions.

5. Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1748–1754 CE)

Ineffective ruler; court intrigues and Afghan attacks weakened empire.
Lost control over Punjab to Ahmad Shah Abdali.

6. Alamgir II (1754–1759 CE)

Puppet ruler under Wazir Imad-ul-Mulk.
Killed in political conspiracy.

7. Shah Alam II (1759–1806 CE)

Defeated by British at the Battle of Buxar (1764 CE).
Treaty of Allahabad (1765 CE) — granted Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to British.
Empire reduced to nominal control around Delhi.

8. Akbar Shah II (1806–1837 CE)

British became de facto rulers; emperor reduced to a pensioner.
During his reign, the title “Emperor of Delhi” became symbolic.

9. Bahadur Shah II (Bahadur Shah Zafar) (1837–1857 CE)

Last Mughal emperor.
Figurehead leader during Revolt of 1857.
Captured by British, exiled to Rangoon (Myanmar).
Mughal Empire formally ended in 1858 CE.

Bihar Relevance

Bihar came under British control after the Battle of Buxar (1764 CE) during Shah Alam II’s reign.
Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa transferred to the British East India Company (Treaty of Allahabad, 1765 CE).
Patna became a key British administrative and commercial centre.

Cultural Decline

Loss of royal patronage for art, literature, and architecture.
Mughal court became dependent on British pensions.
Regional courts became new centres of cultural activity.

Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)

1857 Revolt memorial projects highlight Bahadur Shah Zafar’s role.
Bihar museums hosting exhibitions on the Battle of Buxar and British annexation.

PYQs (BPSC)

📝 PYQ (BPSC 2016): Who was the Mughal emperor during the Battle of Buxar? → Shah Alam II
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2014): Who was the last Mughal emperor? → Bahadur Shah II (Zafar)

Expected MCQs

📝 Which Mughal ruler granted Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the British? → Shah Alam II
📝 Who invaded Delhi in 1739 CE? → Nadir Shah
📝 Where was Bahadur Shah Zafar exiled after 1857? → Rangoon

Quick Revision Points

1707–1857 CE: Period of decline and fragmentation.
1764: Battle of Buxar — Bihar under British control.
1739: Nadir Shah invasion — looting of Delhi.
Last Mughal: Bahadur Shah Zafar; exiled after 1857 Revolt.

One-Page Rapid Revision Summary

The Later Mughal period witnessed the disintegration of central authority, with emperors reduced to symbolic rulers under British dominance. Bihar’s fate was sealed after the Battle of Buxar, when Diwani rights were handed to the East India Company. The Mughal court’s cultural and political influence dwindled until the final blow came in 1857, ending more than three centuries of Mughal rule.