Discuss the role of internal and external forces in the decline of the Mughal Empire up to 1712.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the role of internal and external forces in the decline of the Mughal Empire up to 1712. Candidates may choose to focus on internal forces and external forces separately or they may adopt a chronological approach. Candidates may offer equal coverage of internal and external forces, or they may prioritize their discussion of one, but both will be a feature in relation to the decline of the Mughal Empire. Candidates may refer to the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb, administrative weaknesses, lavish spending, religious intolerance and the subsequent unrest, internal rebellions, wars of succession, the Maratha Wars, and threats from the French and British traders. These need not all be covered or covered equally. While other, relevant, factors may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.