Decline of the Mughal Empire
Decline of the Mughal Empire: Later Mughals (Post-Aurangzeb Emperors & Key Developments): Bahadur Shah I (Shah Alam I) (1707-1712): Accession: War of succession against brothers Azam Shah and Kam Bakhsh. Policies: Known for a policy of compromise and conciliation ("Shah-i-Bekhabar" - Khafi Khan's term, possibly reflecting indecisiveness or deliberate policy). Tried to reverse some of Aurangzeb's harsher policies. Rajput Relations: Attempted reconciliation with Amber (Jai Singh) and Marwar (Ajit Singh), but faced resistance. Eventually reached uneasy settlements. Maratha Relations: Granted Sardeshmukhi but not Chauth over the Deccan to Shahu (released from Mughal captivity). This ambiguity kept Maratha internal conflicts alive (Shahu vs. Tarabai) but didn't fully satisfy Maratha demands. Sikh Relations: Initially conciliatory, but took strong action against Banda Bahadur's uprising in Punjab, recapturing Lohgarh. Died before Banda could be fully suppressed. Finan…