The 18th century was a turning point in Indian history. The once powerful Mughal Empire began to decline, and several regional kingdoms rose to power. At the same time, European trading companies, especially the British and French, increased their influence in India. This chapter explores the political, social, and economic conditions of India during this crucial period and how it set the stage for British colonial rule.

✅ Causes of Decline:
1. Weak Successors of Aurangzeb:
- After Aurangzeb died in 1707, the Mughal emperors were weak and inefficient.
- They were often puppets controlled by powerful nobles or governors.
2. Mughal Nobility's Internal Rivalries:
- Nobles fought among themselves for power.
- This weakened central authority and led to chaos.
3. Large Empire and Communication Problems:
- The empire was too large to govern efficiently.
- Communication and administration were difficult.
4. Economic Decline:
- The empire spent more than it earned.
- Frequent wars drained the treasury.
5. Peasant Revolts and Local Uprisings:
- Heavy taxation led to revolts.
- Zamindars and peasants rebelled, making governance harder.
6. Invasions:
- Nadir Shah (1739) looted Delhi and took the famous Peacock Throne and Koh-i-Noor.
- Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded multiple times, weakening the empire further.

As the Mughal power declined, powerful regional rulers established independent kingdoms.
🔹 Hyderabad:
• Founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah in 1724.
• Though officially a Mughal governor, he ruled independently.
• Became a major center of culture and trade.
🔹 Awadh (Oudh):
• Founded by Saadat Khan.
• Awadh became rich due to agriculture and trade.
• The Nawabs ruled with little interference from Delhi.
🔹 Bengal:
• Murshid Quli Khan became the first Nawab of Bengal.
• Bengal was economically strong but politically weak.
• Its wealth attracted European traders.
🔹 The Marathas:
• Rose to power under Shivaji and expanded rapidly.
• Formed a confederacy under the Peshwas.
• Controlled large parts of India before being defeated by the British in the 3rd Anglo-Maratha War (1818).
🔹 The Sikhs:
• United by Guru Gobind Singh and later Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
• Ranjit Singh formed a powerful Sikh kingdom in Punjab.
🔹 The Jats:
• Originally peasants, they established control over regions in north India, especially around Bharatpur.
🔹 Rajputs:
• Maintained their independence in Rajasthan.
• Sometimes allied with the Mughals or the British.

From the 16th century, European traders started coming to India for trade, but by the 18th century, they began interfering in Indian politics.
🔸 Portuguese:
• First to arrive, in 1498 (Vasco da Gama).
• Established bases like Goa, Daman, and Diu.
• Their influence declined by the 18th century.
🔸 Dutch:
• Set up trading posts along the eastern coast.
• Focused more on the Spice Islands (Indonesia) than India.
🔸 French (French East India Company):
• Major settlements: Pondicherry, Chandernagore.
• Competed with the British for control.
• Defeated in the Carnatic Wars and lost political influence.
🔸 British (British East India Company):
• Arrived in 1600.
• Set up trading posts in Surat, Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta.
• Gradually increased their military and political power.
• Defeated Indian rulers and rivals like the French.

⚔️ Anglo-French Rivalry in India (Carnatic Wars)
1. First Carnatic War (1746–48): British and French fought as part of the European War of Austrian Succession.
2. Second Carnatic War (1749–54): French supported Chanda Sahib, British supported Muhammad Ali. British won.
3. Third Carnatic War (1756–63): Final war, British defeated the French completely. Result: The British emerged as the dominant European power in India.

• Political fragmentation due to decline of Mughal authority.
• Rise of regional powers created both opportunities and conflicts.
• European powers took advantage of Indian divisions.
• The British gradually took control through trade, diplomacy, and military might.
• India moved towards colonial rule, setting the stage for the British Empire in India.