What led to the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century?

The Mughal Empire's decline in the 18th century was primarily due to internal political instability and external invasions.

The Mughal Empire, which had been a dominant power in the Indian subcontinent, began to decline in the 18th century due to a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, the empire was plagued by political instability, weak rulers, and corruption. The later Mughal emperors lacked the political acumen and military prowess of their predecessors, which led to a decline in central authority and the rise of regional powers. The empire was also riddled with corruption, with officials often embezzling state funds. This weakened the empire's financial base, making it difficult to maintain the large armies necessary for the empire's defence and expansion.

Externally, the empire faced invasions from the Persians and Afghans, which further weakened it. The Persian ruler Nadir Shah's invasion in 1739 was particularly devastating. He sacked Delhi, the Mughal capital, and carried away immense wealth, including the famed Peacock Throne. This not only weakened the Mughal Empire financially but also damaged its prestige. The Afghan invasions led by Ahmad Shah Abdali were also a significant blow to the empire.

The empire's decline was further hastened by the rise of the British East India Company. The company, which had initially come to India for trade, gradually started interfering in the political affairs of the country. It exploited the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire to establish its own rule. The Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the company defeated the Nawab of Bengal, marked the beginning of British political supremacy in India.

In conclusion, the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century was a result of a combination of internal political instability, corruption, weak rulers, external invasions, and the rise of the British East India Company.