Mughal successors after Aurangzeb:
After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the Mughal Empire went through a period of decline characterized by weak and ineffective rulers. The Mughal emperors who succeeded Aurangzeb were unable to maintain the empire's previous glory, and their reigns were marked by internal strife, external invasions, and the increasing influence of regional powers.
Here are the Mughal successors after Aurangzeb:
1. Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712):
Bahadur Shah I, also known as Shah Alam I, succeeded Aurangzeb as the seventh Mughal emperor. His reign faced challenges from the beginning, including the emergence of Sikh and Maratha powers. He ruled for only five years and was captured and executed by the Sayyid brothers in 1712.
2. Jahandar Shah (1712-1713):
Jahandar Shah, the son of Bahadur Shah I, ascended the throne after his father's death. His reign was marked by the influence of the Sayyid brothers, who controlled the administration. However, he was defeated by Farrukhsiyar, a relative, and was later captured, blinded, and killed.
3. Farrukhsiyar (1713-1719):
Farrukhsiyar became the Mughal emperor after defeating Jahandar Shah. His reign faced internal conflicts and external threats, including the rise of the Sikh and Jat powers. He was eventually deposed and executed by the Sayyid brothers in 1719.
4. Rafi ul-Darajat (1719):
Rafi ul-Darajat, the grandson of Bahadur Shah I, briefly became the Mughal emperor in 1719. His reign lasted for a few months, and he died of illness. The Sayyid brothers continued to play a prominent role in the administration.
5. Shah Jahan II (1719):
Shah Jahan II, another grandson of Bahadur Shah I, succeeded Rafi ul-Darajat. His reign was short-lived, and he was also under the influence of the Sayyid brothers. He abdicated the throne after a few months.
6. Muhammad Shah (1719-1748):
Muhammad Shah, also known as Rangila, succeeded Shah Jahan II. His reign witnessed the continuation of internal strife and the rise of regional powers like the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Muhammad Shah's reign marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire.
7. Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1748-1754):
Ahmad Shah Bahadur, the son of Muhammad Shah, became the Mughal emperor. His reign faced challenges from internal factions and external powers. He was eventually deposed and blinded by his wazir, Imad-ul-Mulk.
8. Alamgir II (1760-1806):
Alamgir II, also known as Ali Gauhar, became the Mughal emperor in 1760. His reign was characterized by the Maratha influence and the growing power of the British East India Company. He was murdered in 1806.
The successors of Aurangzeb faced immense challenges, including internal strife, weak leadership, and the encroachment of regional powers. The decline of the Mughal Empire paved the way for the rise of regional kingdoms and the establishment of British dominance in India.