The Decline of the Mughal Empire

edited by Meena Bhargava

ISBN 10: 0198090560 / ISBN 13: 9780198090564

Published by Oxford University Press, 2014

About this Item

The Mughal Empire is a fascinating mosaic in the history of India. Its power, wealth, territoriality, exquisite and surreal character, and even more so its 'decline', have engaged historians for several decades in a complex, contentious debate. These writings by prominent scholars focus on the various paradigms and assumptions that have shaped the interpretations of this decline. Was the downfall of this once vast and seemingly stable empire a mere deterioration of power over the final few decades, or did the decentralizing tendencies of the empire merely become more apparent and aggressive during these years? The Decline of the Mughal Empire seeks answers to these questions by analysing the various factors that have influenced the collapse. These include areas such as the Mughal administrative structure, the nature of the jagirdari system and the agrarian crisis, the imperial crisis in the Deccan, and the rise of Shivaji and the Marathas. Taking into consideration a wide range of research and new interpretations, the volume also shows how despite the decline of the imperial power at the centre, the economy and polity of the subcontinent as a whole showed resilience. Seller Inventory # 112531

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Decline of the Mughal Empire

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Publication Date: 2014

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: New

Dust Jacket Condition: New

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

The Mughal Empire is a fascinating mosaic in the history of India. The 'decline' of the Mughal Empire, along with its power, wealth, stability, territoriality, and exquisite and surreal character, has engaged historians for several decades in a complex and contentious debate. This volume explores the divergent views and discussions that surround the withering of this empire and focuses on the different paradigms and assumptions that have shaped the interpretations of this decline.

A part of the Debates in Indian History and Society series, this volume tackles questions regarding the Mughal Empire. Was the decline a mere deterioration of power over a period of roughly thirty to fifty years or did the decentralizing tendencies of the empire become more apparent and aggressive during these particular years? Did the decline of the Mughal Empire lead to a 'dark age', or notwithstanding the decline and the political collapse of the centre, did the Indian economy and polity continue to flourish?

This book will be of interest to students, teachers, and scholars of medieval and modern Indian history.

About the Author:

Meena Bhargava is Associate Professor, Department of History, Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi. Among her other publications is Women, Education and Politics.