History of India from C. 1707 to 1950 | BHIC - 134 |English Medium

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History of India from c. 1707 to 1950

The period from c. 1707 to 1950 covers the transformation of India from the declining Mughal Empire to a modern democratic republic. It includes the rise of regional powers, the expansion of British rule, the growth of nationalism, the struggle for independence, Partition, and the establishment of the Constitution of India.

1. Decline of the Mughal Empire after 1707

The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 marked a major turning point. The Mughal Empire remained powerful for some time, but its central authority gradually weakened.

The main reasons for Mughal decline included:

• Wars of succession among princes.
• Weakness of later Mughal rulers.
• Growing independence of provincial governors.
• Financial and administrative difficulties.
• Continuous warfare, particularly in the Deccan.
• Rise of regional and local powers.

Bahadur Shah I (1707–1712) tried to maintain imperial unity, but the empire continued to fragment.

The invasions of Nadir Shah in 1739 and Ahmad Shah Abdali further weakened Mughal authority. Delhi was increasingly unable to control distant provinces.