The Rajputs power and fortunes were basically entwined with Mughals Empire. The Rajputs, tough brave and chivalrous were always at feud with each other , their lack of unity lead to their own downfall, starting with Prithviraj Chauhan - Jaichand feud and continuing to Rana Pratap- Mansingh.
Their internal feud were brilliantly exploited by successive invaders( some would say even exploited today by political and religious parties ).
As Humayun (and later Akbar) succeeded in wresting back Delhi for a second time from Sher Shah Suri and Hemu, some of the Rajputs decided to throw in their lot with the Mughals. This was a major political (and military) shift as perhaphs Rajputs were beginning to realize that they by themselves were not in position to create an empire and aligning with Mughals would work to their advantage rather then complete decimation. This worked out well somewhat as the Mughals (particularly Akbar, Shahjahan, Jahangir) became more tolerant of Hinduism and to an extent patronised Indian culture and religion (there were incidences contrary to this for example sack of chittor by Akbar). These Mughals also had rajput Mothers and hence were more tolerant to Himduism and Rajputs in particular. This alliance also worked well for Rajputs militarily as they got access to latest military technology (particularly firearms and cannon ) as up until then Indians were using armour and sword to battle invading armies and were losing as a consequence. Mansingh was first to establish firearm factory in Rajputana (India)with skilled technicians from Afganistan. The flip side was that Mughals used Rajputs to subdue other Rajputs such as Rana Pratap who were opposed to their rule.
This alliance worked well till Aurangzeb came to power and imposed his islamic vision on India. Aurangzeb rein was marked with constant wars and reballian of which India and Rajputs bore the burnt. The failed Mughal caimpaingn in Assam (against Ahom) was directly blamed at Rajput cheiftains inability. Escape of Shivaji from Aurangzeb was also arranged by Rajput and they had to pay further for that. Aurangzeb rein destroyed the power and regard that rajput held in reigning in any earlier attempts to for religious intolerance. It also marked the rise of Marathas and Sikhs as Rajputs did not offer resistance they had earlier in any expansionist attempts or fundamentalist views being imposed by Mughals. Aurangzeb reign of tyranny led to Mughal empire downfall and with it the downfall of Rajputs as well as they kind of lost their sway over masses in protecting the religion and culture. AUrangzeb also sacked many Rajput Kingdoms during his campaign. The rise of sikhs can be partly attributed to Rajputs failing to contain Aurangzebs tyranny and failing to fill the power vacuum left after Aurangzebs death as Mughal empire crumbled.
Aurangzeb, the last prominent Mughal emperor, was not defeated in battle but faced significant resistance during his reign, particularly from regional powers like the Marathas, led by Shivaji and later his successors. The Marathas gradually expanded their influence, leading to the decline of Mughal power. Ultimately, Aurangzeb's policies and the internal strife within the Mughal Empire contributed to its fragmentation after his death in 1707, rather than a single defeat by a particular opponent.
He assasinated his brother, Murad
He was strictly religious, he did not respect the belief of the majority of Hindus and imposed Ziziya tax on Non-muslims, which ignited the revolt against him. He was constantly away from his capital, his policy of heavy taxes put hardship on his people, the Hindus lost trust in him and resented him. he also forbid non-Muslims to be awarded high administrative positions. Aurangzeb did not trust his kith or kin and he kept most of all the power in his hands as a result when he died in (1707) there was no one good enough to take over the throne. Aurangzeb s focus on reducing the threat of rebels and expanding his empire made him unaware of the increasing powers in the west and therefore left the empire in an desperate state after his death.
Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, engaged in several significant battles during his reign. Notably, he fought against the Marathas, with key battles including the Battle of Bijapur (1686) and the prolonged conflicts led by Shivaji and his successors. He also faced resistance from the Rajputs, culminating in the Battle of Dara Shikoh (1659) and various skirmishes throughout his rule. Additionally, Aurangzeb's campaigns in the Deccan aimed to consolidate Mughal power in southern India, leading to intense military engagements against local kingdoms.
It's rigid ways and its inability to change,
Aurangzeb, the last prominent Mughal emperor, was not defeated in battle but faced significant resistance during his reign, particularly from regional powers like the Marathas, led by Shivaji and later his successors. The Marathas gradually expanded their influence, leading to the decline of Mughal power. Ultimately, Aurangzeb's policies and the internal strife within the Mughal Empire contributed to its fragmentation after his death in 1707, rather than a single defeat by a particular opponent.
After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, many Mughal governors (subadars) and big zamindars began their asserting their authority and establishing regional kingdoms. With the emergence of powerful regional kingdoms in various parts of India. Delhi was no longer the centre of power. After 1750s the British power started to emerge in India.
They were both related to their decline and fall from power .
He assasinated his brother, Murad
The decline of the Rajput kingdoms began in the late 16th century, particularly after the Mughal Empire, under Akbar, expanded its influence in northern India. The defeat of the Rajputs in battles such as the Battle of Haldighati in 1576 marked a significant turning point. Over time, internal divisions, external pressures from the Mughals, and later the emergence of British colonial power further contributed to their decline, culminating in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Aurangzeb at the zenith of his power
Aurangzeb is often referred to as the last powerful Mughal ruler because he expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, ruling over a vast and diverse realm at its peak. His reign (1658-1707) marked a significant consolidation of power, but also witnessed increased religious intolerance and military campaigns that strained resources. Following his death, the empire faced rapid decline due to internal strife, succession disputes, and external pressures, leading to the eventual fragmentation of Mughal authority. Thus, while he exemplified the Mughal dynasty's strength, his era also foreshadowed its decline.
Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor from 1658 to 1707, is often seen as a controversial figure. While he successfully expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent and implemented significant administrative reforms, his policies, particularly his religious intolerance and heavy taxation, alienated many of his subjects. This discontent contributed to the weakening of the empire after his death, leading to increased regional autonomy and the eventual decline of Mughal power. Thus, his success is viewed as a double-edged sword, achieving territorial expansion but sowing the seeds of future instability.
Emperor Aurangzeb, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1658 to 1707, is known for expanding the empire to its greatest territorial extent, incorporating regions in the Deccan and southern India. He implemented strict Islamic policies, reintroducing the jizya tax on non-Muslims and promoting a more orthodox interpretation of Islam, which led to tensions with various religious communities. His reign also saw a focus on consolidating power and increasing revenue through military campaigns and administration, but these efforts ultimately contributed to the empire's decline after his death. Aurangzeb's rule is often characterized by a blend of military ambition and religious rigidity, shaping the historical narrative of the Mughal Empire.
Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, died in 1707, and there is no definitive evidence that he was killed; rather, he is believed to have died of natural causes, possibly from a combination of illness and the effects of his rigorous lifestyle. Some historical accounts suggest that he suffered from ailments like fever and an infection. His death marked the end of a significant era in Mughal history, leading to a decline in the empire's power and influence.
The Mughal's didn't follow any laws of succession. each time a ruler died, a war of succession started between the brothers for the throne. this weakened the mughal Empire, especially after Aurangzeb's death. the nobles by sitting with one contender or the other, increased there power. Aurangzeb failed to realize that the vast mughal empire depended on the willing support of the people. he lost the support of the rajputs who had acted as pillars of support, but Aurangzeb's policies turned them to bitter faces. the wars with the rajputs had drained the resources of the mughal empire. Aurangzeb's long wars in the south had further drained the treasure of the mughal empire. the invasions of Nadir shah and Ahmed shah Abdali resulted in further drainage of their wealth. these invasions of Nadir shah shook the stability of the empire. the mughal empire had become too large to be controlled by any ruler from one center for example Delhi. nearby provinces become independent. the rise of independent states led to the decline of mughal empire.
The son of Aurangzeb who sought the help of the Marathas against his father was Prince Akbar. Discontented with Aurangzeb's rule and policies, Akbar allied with the Marathas, led by Shivaji's successors, in a bid to challenge his father's authority. This alliance was part of a broader struggle for power within the Mughal Empire during Aurangzeb's reign.