Causes of Domestic Opposition
- Religious Intolerance
- Under Aurangzeb, strict enforcement of Sharia law and reintroduction of the jizya tax angered non-Muslims.
- Regional Resentment
- Local rulers (e.g., Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs) opposed the growing power of the centralized Mughal state.
- Economic Pressures
- High taxation and the decline of agricultural productivity caused peasant revolts in many provinces.
- Succession Conflicts
- Frequent wars of succession weakened stability, as Mughal princes fought for the throne instead of ensuring governance.
- Administrative Corruption
- The mansabdari system became inefficient; officials kept tax revenues and ignored imperial orders.
Definition
Mansabdari System
- Administrative and military ranking system defining officers’ pay and responsibilities.
Definition
Jizya Tax
- A tax on non-Muslims under Islamic law, abolished by Akbar.
The Maratha Revolt (17th Century)
Origins
- The Marathas, led by Shivaji, opposed Mughal control in western India.
- Resented high taxes and interference in local administration.
- Aimed to create a Hindu kingdom free from Mughal domination.
- The conflict began during Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns, which drained imperial resources.
- The rugged terrain of the Western Ghats made Mughal conquest difficult.
Impact
- Prolonged war exhausted the Mughal treasury and army.
- Weakened Mughal authority in southern India.
- Encouraged regional independence movements in other provinces.
- Exposed Aurangzeb’s failure to maintain balance between faith and politics.
- Marked the start of imperial decentralization.
Nature and Spread of Opposition
- Peasant Uprisings
- Harsh land revenue demands sparked revolts in Bengal, Punjab, and Gujarat.
- Noble Rebellions
- Discontented Mansabdars (nobles) sought more autonomy as the central government lost power.
- Ethnic and Regional Revolts
- Rebellions by the Jats, Satnamis, and Afghans reflected deep local anger.
