Question

The successors of Aurangzeb were called the later Mughals. Give reason.

Answer 1

Hint: The Mughal Empire dominated much of India and Pakistan in the 16th and 17th centuries. They helped to solidify Islam in South Asia and spread Muslim and Persian arts and culture, as well as religion. From 1526, the Mughals dominated parts of India, and by 1700, they controlled the majority of the subcontinent.

Complete answer:
The death of Aurangzeb laid the groundwork for the mighty Mughal Emperor's downfall, and it occurred as a result of a protracted succession battle between his three sons- Muazzam also known as Bahadur Shah I , Azam, and Kam Baksh.

They were appointed to various areas for administrative purposes which included Muazzam as the Governor of Kabul, Azam as the Governor of Gujarat, and Kam Baksh as the Governor of Bijapur. This created disagreements among them, as to who would take the throne. After murdering his two brothers and defeating Kam Baksh in the Battle of Jajau, Muazzam succeeded to the throne in 1707. He was the last Mughal who ruled with absolute power.

Following Muazzam's death, a new succession war erupted between his sons, Jahangir Shah, Azim-us Shah, Rafi-us Shah, and Jahan Shah. The diminishing prospects of Mughal rule were hampered by rapid succession as well as succession wars. This resulted in the decline of the mighty Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's assassination. This resulted in the successors of Aurangzeb being called the later Mughals.

Note: Aurangzeb was a skilled military chief whose reign has been lauded, but he has also been portrayed as the most divisive ruler in Indian history. During his rule, the Mughal Empire reached its zenith, reigning over almost the whole Indian subcontinent.