Discuss any two reasons that led to the downfall of the Mughal Empire.
Weak Successors after Aurangzeb
After Emperor Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the later Mughal rulers were weak and incapable. They spent more time in luxury instead of governing. This weakened the central authority of the Empire.
Corruption and Weak Administration
The Mughal administration became corrupt and inefficient. Officials cared more about personal wealth than serving the people, which created disorder and instability in the empire.
Who was Zahir-ud-Din Babur and what was Babur’s major ambition?
Zahir-ud-Din Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent. He was a descendant of Timur on his father’s side and Changez Khan on his mother’s side. In 1526, he defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat and established Mughal rule in India.
Babur’s major ambition was to build a strong and stable empire in India. He wanted to extend his rule over a large territory and set up a dynasty that would bring order, wealth, and lasting power to the region.
Why was the Battle of Panipat fought?
The Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Zahir-ud-Din Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi, the Sultan of Delhi. It was fought because Babur wanted to establish his rule in India, while Ibrahim Lodhi wanted to keep control over the Delhi Sultanate.
How was Babur able to win the First Battle of Panipat?
Babur was able to win the battle because:
He used modern weapons like guns and cannons, which the Lodhi army did not have.
His army was well-trained and disciplined, while Ibrahim Lodhi’s army was large but poorly organized.
Babur used clever battlefield strategy (placing carts in rows to protect his soldiers and attack effectively).
Who was the founder of Mughal Dynasty?
Zahir-ud-Din Babur was the founder of the Mughal Dynasty in 1526 after winning the First Battle of Panipat.
Who were the Mughals?
The Mughals were Muslims of Central Asian origin who settled in India and established a powerful empire.
Who were the descendants of Mughals?
The Mughals were descendants of Timur (from father’s side) and Changez Khan (from mother’s side).
Why was Babur desperate to rule the Subcontinent?
Babur lost his small kingdom in Central Asia, so he wanted to find new lands. The subcontinent was rich, fertile, and politically weak, so he was eager to conquer it.
