Discuss the role of internal factors in the decline of the Mughal Empire up to 1712.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the role of internal factors in the decline of the Mughal Empire up to 1712. Candidates may refer to inadequate leadership, internal rebellions, weak succession plans, drain of the treasury and infighting among the nobility. Many ambitious provincial governors like Nizam-ul-Mulk and Ali Vardi Khan declared themselves independent. Aurangzeb’s policies of religious persecution led to revolts by the Jats, Marathas, Sikhs and Rajputs. Aurangzeb’s Deccan Policy drained the finances. While other relevant factors, for example the arrival of the British and the military growth of the Sikhs, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.