“External factors were the main cause of the decline of the Mughal Empire.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to external invasions and wars with rival states under the rule of Aurangzeb, in particular the Maratha Wars. They may also balance external factors against the internal problems created by religious tension; lavish spending; increasing financial problems, which caused dissent; wars of succession and weak leadership after the death of Aurangzeb. Candidates may also consider the impact of increased European presence in the region on the power and prestige of the Mughal empire. While other relevant factors, for example, the rise of new religious and political ideas may be discussed, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.

The question required candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that external factors were the main cause of the decline of the Mughal Empire. Responses tended to rather descriptive and lacked discussion of why these factors led to the Mughal’s decline.