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Pak Studies History IGCSEPDF 17
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•Soldiers were inefficient for the Empire because1st of all they lacked training and secondly,
they were not being paid regularly.
Q: Why was Jizya tax opposed by Hindus in Aurangzeb’s rule? [7]
•Firstly, Jizya tax was abolished by Emperor Akbar more than hundred years prior to its
reimposition.
•So, Hindus who were living happily without paying anything to the govt. did not like an extra
financial burden for which they were previously relieved by Akbar.
•The tax was reintroduced in 1679 by Aurangzeb.
•Hindus protested the tax because they thought it as Aurangzeb’s religious gimmick to
convert Hindus to Islam.
•They either have to pay heavy Jizyā tax, or they have to become Muslims to get relief
because this was not applied to them.
•Some Hindus thought it as Aurangzeb’s political gimmick to control them.
•Hindus either have to come to war against him who had one of the largest armies among
allthe Mughal rulers or they have to come to terms with Aurangzeb.
Q: How did Aurangzeb’s policies impact Mughal rule? [7]
Religious Policies:
He implemented measures favoring Islam over other religions, such as
imposing Jizya (tax on non-Muslims). This policy alienated non-Muslim subjects leading to
widespread discontent and resistance.
Deccan Campaigns: Deccan wars depleted treasury and it also diverted the attention from
other pressing issues. It prolonged conflicts in the South and weakened the central authority.
Financial mismanagement: Due to increased military spending, lack of revenue reforms,
and inadequate revenue collection, empire faced a persistent fiscal crisis which led to
inflation, economic instability, and inability to sustain its vast territorial holdings.
Rebellion and Regional Fragmentation: The Jats, Sikhs, Rajputs, and Marathas among
other
challenged Mughal authority and sought to establish their own independent kingdoms.
Administrative centralization: Aurangzeb’s strong centralization of power and autocratic
rule led to administrative inefficiencies. This approach hindered empire’s ability to respond to
local challenges.
Succession Crisis: Aurangzeb’s long reign and tensions caused by his policies resulted in
a succession crisis after his death. Subsequent Mughal rulers were often weak and
inexperienced.
Reasons for Downfall
There were many factors contributing to the downfall of the Mughal Empire.
Reasons of Mughal Downfall
1. Aurangzeb’s policies
• Intolerant attitude towards non-Muslims thus, imposed Jizya on them which was previously
abolished by the Akbar.
• He destroyed no. of Hindus temples and harsh treatment was meted out with them and
Sikhs. Satti was banned.